Spiritual Guide | Inspirational Speaker | Lorraine Cohen

I’ve been noticing the difference between desperate action and inspired action as I have been flowing more with the Power of Grace.

In the past when my faith and trust was shakier, many of the choices I made were from desperation. I can usually tell when I begin to feel the grip of desperation kicking in.

I start feeling stress and tension in my body, my mind begins to scramble for options and solutions to a situation I feel fear and struggle with, and confusion increases.

I have come to know that any action I take in this state ends poorly.

Desperation is rooted in fear and is driven by the mind/ego in an effort to create a desired change.

Desperation is the ego’s attempt to control, manage, or avoid something that is perceived as bad and is anticipated to be an experience of suffering.

Action taken in desperation creates resistance and results in suffering.

Can you think of an experience when that was true for you?

Inspired action comes from within.

Intuitive nudges, subtle repetitive thoughts, sensations, a deep sense of knowing and trust, things that feel Divinely guided and peacefull in your heart, even if the action is uncomfortable. I often feel excitement, joy, love, gratitude.. when inspiration comes through.

The feeling can be visceral and energizing. Actions have a flow and ease because there is no resistance.

The key is to surrender any attachment to what happens, trusting that the outcome will serve you in the highest and best way.

What to do when you feel desperate?

Take NO action. Desperate and impulsive action can bring lots of regrets!

Stop. Breathe. Bring your attention to the present moment and being fully in your body.

Desperation is focused on the future. Come back to NOW.

Reconnect with The Divine with whatever practices help you to create sacred space with the God of your understanding - meditate, journal, take a walk in nature, pray, contemplation….

For every problem there is a spiritual solution.

Desperate action edges God out (ego).

Turning inward to commune with God invites that reconnection with your most powerfull ally who loves you madly. Pay attention to the thoughts that pop into your mind as you meditate, journal, pray…. Notice the synchronicities and messages that come to you and through you.

Listen for your guidance and follow what you feel called to do or be.

And no matter what actions you take - either desperate or inspired, the experience will offer healing and growth opportunities.

Nothing is wasted. There are no real mistakes.

And you never walk alone!

You are loved!

Have a great day

Love and blessings,
Lorraine

A few years ago a dear friend gave me Cheryl Richardson’s book, “The Unmistakeable Touch of Grace.”

She writes, “Grace comes from the Latin word gratia, meaning favor, charm or thanks. Grace is seen as a creative force- an act of exceptional kindness and goodness. It’s the recognition that everything is connected and sacred. The more in touch we are with this natural abundance of life, the less we need.”

She also believes that grace is a kind of spiritual intelligence, a form of energy that comes from the Divine Source and that as we connect and trust this Higher Power to lead us, the more we step into alignment with a larger vision for our lives. We begin to recognize the signs, symbols, and messages that lead us to our highest good.

It’s easy to recognize the Divine hand of Grace when things work out the way you want.

For example: You envisioned something you wanted, prayed about it, practiced working with The Law of Attraction and if it flowed the way you hoped, you were happy. You might even say Grace was at work to bring you what you wished for.

Have you ever had one of those moments or days or where everything seemed to come together with ease? It felt magical, didn’t it?

Grace can come in many forms like having all the traffic lights  turn green when you had to get somewhere at a certain time, receiving help just when you needed it, an uncomfortable conversation goes better than you expected,  and attracting business opportunities without a lot of effort.

Who doesn’t love it when things go the way we like? We feel thankful and often credit The Divine for the blessing.

When life seems to take a turn and brings you challenges and pain, do you see the hand of Grace then?

Prior to reading Cheryl’s book, I never thought much about what it meant to live “in Grace.” I knew that when times felt difficult I wanted ease and relief. And when life felt rich and flowing, I was grateful and happy.

I realized how powerfull it is to be able to feel ease and flow no matter what is happening; to not be dependent on something happening “out there” to feel good “in here.”

That’s what Grace is really about. Grace has an energy of peace and calm that is filled with faith, trust, love, courage…that is rooted in your relationship with God.

Last year during my breast cancer experience, I lived with the hand of Divine Grace. It was an amazing period of defining moments to walk through what could have been a terrifying experience effortlessly…without any fear or burdens. My bond with God grew stronger and I felt liberated from a ton of emotional drama without even trying. I had made a shift in consciousness…and I began to understand what Divine Grace really is - a gift of freedom from suffering and struggle.

Now, when I get caught up in my fears and worries, I know how to walk through my drama and bring Grace with me.

You might be experiencing fear, money worries, health issues, relationship conflicts, and business challenges. It may be difficult when life feels hard to see Grace in operation and yet, it is always there.

Would you like to have more Grace and love in your life?

Your mind and ego won’t get you there. As long as your mind is trying to direct, control, and manage your life, you will stay in struggle and fear.

Grace comes when you let go of resisting whatever is happening, wanted or unwanted Often what we grasp so tightly in fear is exactly the thing that is blocking what you most desire. Grace also comes when you have done all you can and fully release any problem into the hands of the Divine and trust that all will be handled.

It’s much easier to write and talk about than it is to practice surrender. Once you begin to surrender using practices that deepen your connection to the Divine, your perspective on life transforms. When your perspective transforms, your life transforms.

That’s why noticing the blessings and hand of Grace is so important. That is the evidence that builds trust between you and God.

Grace is something you RECEIVE. It is not something you MAKE happen.

A current life challenge and difficulty might be an answer to your prayer; an opportunity for grace to lead you to a joyful, prosperous, and meaningfull life.

• A job loss might be the pathway to do the work that brings greater vitality and aliveness to your life.
• A financial challenge might be Divinely designed to help you develop trust and bring you closer to God
• A relationship conflict might help you to find your voice, develop greater compassion and love, or invite you to forgive.
• A health condition may be a gift to help you heal unresolved grief, guilt, or unforgiveness..

Have you had experiences that you thought were “bad” that turned out to be blessings in disguise?

Take a look at your life.

What do you resist, struggle with and fight against?

What would happen if you surrendered your resistance and invited Grace to lead you with faith, trust and courage?

Want to consciously live in the spirit of Divine Grace?

Learning the art of surrendering, deepening your bond with God, opening your heart and expanding your mindset are some of the keys to dance with Grace.

That’s why I created the Pathways to Awakening program which is a series of 4-week mini courses designed as deepening journeys to help you release the past and open to greater joy and prosperity while fulfilling you Divine destiny.

The next  four week journey focuses on Divine Grace beginning Wednesday, April 17. Take advantage of the early tuition through April 12 and choose from two payments options.

PLUS, I am gifting one 30-minute private session with me to three folks.

>> Learn more

TRUST your intuition to register. That’s Divine Grace speaking to you. It would be an honor to help you expand your relationship with Grace.

Love and blessings,

Lorraine

PS: If you have questions and need help deciding if this program is right for you, email me to set up time for us to have a little chat.

Each year I write a Thank You Letter to God dated one year in advance and I share it with my spiritual mastermind group.

We typically write the letters in January, share them in the group, and discuss how close we came to actualizing what we prewrote at the end of the year.

We have found these letters to be powerfull practices to bring our our vision for the year into clarity.

The letter becomes a declaration to the Universe and a guide for desires, decisions, and intentions to manifest though inspired action during the year.

I’ve witnessed many transformations in the letters I have written over the years. Earlier ones have been focused on material gain and too ambitious; more aligned with my head and ego rather than my heart.

When looking more deeply at your desires, I have found that a dream needs to be realistic enough for the ego to believe it is possible and big enough to excitedly stretch you out of your comfort zone to step into your greater potential.

To prepare for writing your letter, take time to create sacred space to be still and quiet. Contemplate what you truly want and why, so what you are  thanking God comes from your heart truth.

Take your time in bringing your words together. No need to rush. Invite your ego, mind, and soul to express. what is deeply desired and feel into those desires so they reflect your heart and not what you think you should want or what others want for you.

Once written, print it out. Read it out loud. slowly, allowing your emotions to reflect your words. Feel gratitude to the Divine for responding to your prayers in ways that enrich your life. Rest in that gratitude, trusting that all you desire, need, and want will come to you in the highest and best way.

Share your letter with trusted friends to hold the vision for you.

Keep the letter visible. You might read it out loud each day to strengthen your decison and intention. Use it as a map to guide your choices and actions throughout the year and be open to flow with  your inner guidance to lead you forward.

Have fun creating it!

Blessings,

Lorraine

Ready for the last key?

Commit to daily self-care and spiritual practices.

Meditation, inspirational reading, walks in nature, stillness, and journaling are some ways to feel connected to that Divine spark within you. Daily practices and rituals that nourish your body, mind and soul connects you to your soul purpose and the collective Oneness.

Cultivating faith, trust, and courage in the face of fear, challenges and uncertainty deepens our faith that we are indeed supported by the Universe.

Taking care of your body is an important element to your inner foundation. When we feel “fed” we can show up for the people, responsibilities and situations that we most care about with our best SELF. When we are depleted, over-extended, hungry, lonely, or angry, life becomes more burdensome.

Negative self-talk, self-sabotage, and fears increase when you are not nurturing yourself.

To check when you might be out of balance or in need of some self-care pronto, here are some common signals: taking things too personally, beating yourself up, irritability, over-reacting, resentment, anger, overwhelm, confusion, distracted, stressed, or tense.

Ask yourself, “What do I need right now? What is my body asking for? What have I been ignoring?“ Then DO IT!

Notice your thoughts and feelings without judging, censoring or trying to get rid of them so you don’t stuff them down inside. Then, make a conscious decision to suspend giving your money concerns any more energy by choosing to place your attention elsewhere.

Make a commitment to stop talking about, thinking about and worrying about money. Start with an hour, a day or a week. You might be happily surprised at how much energy and flow opens when you stand strong in love, faith, trust and courage!

God is the true SOURCE of your supply and the greatest ally in your life!

Make your relationship with God a daily priority. Have ongoing conversations with God and share your heart like you would speak to a loving, and trusted friend who wants your life to be rich and joyfull.

Make God your business partner and your life partner.

Praise God for answered prayers and trust that whatever form they take is to ultimately make your life amazing.

Cultivate an abundance attitude of appreciation.

Every minute, every hour and every day you choose what you will create and manifest, consciously or unconsciously! That is The Law of Attraction.

And most importantly!!!! Commit to doing your inner work to identify, heal, and transform what is unresolved from your past that still has a painful negative charge

Rather than asking the Divine to get rid of things you don’t like or fear, ask instead for the courage and strength to walk through the experience.

Whatever you don’t know how to do or be - God does. Ask to be taught, shown and guided… and be open to the form this learning takes to bring you closer to who you really are as a child of Light.

Get help where you need it and remember to send your prayers to the Universe. Help comes when asked for. You are not meant to travel through this life alone!

And if FEAR is controlling your life, join me for 4-week mini journey into COURAGE beginning May 29. Take advantage of the early tuition through May 22. The program is a game-changer to transcend your money story and life struggles to live a more joyfull, prosperous and soul-guided life. Learn more and reserve your seat!

PS - If you missed the other six keys written over the past week, take a few minutes to read them. They might be exactly what you need to remember right now!

Two days ago I shared the third key, “Adopt an attitude of gratitude.” I said even though we are reminded about feeling genuine gratitude and the powerfull impact it has on our heart and outer reality, when we get caught up in fear and negativity, gratitude flies out the window!

I also wrote that gratitude is a powerfull magnet to attract good into your life when your thankfulness is genuine. Heartfelt appreciation radiates love, which is our natural state of being.

Every person and life situation is in service to your individual evolution and the expansion of the planet.

Every desirable or undesirable experience offers a healing and growth opportunity.

Here are three more keys to invite greater prosperity and peace:

Breathe. Breathe, Breathe. 

Worrying about the future, imagining the worse case scenarios, or past upsets repeating can generate a downwards spiral  into pain,  Slow deliberate breathes can discharge fear reactions by bringing you back into the present moment.

Breathing also opens the gateway to reconnect with The Divine/God/Source within.

Practice conscious breathing throughout your day. Make this a habit to stop, be still, and focus on deliberate breathing for several minutes. You might find you feel more focused, present, grounded, connected to your SELF, and peacefull.

Shift your inner and outer language.

Your inner thoughts, self-talk, the words you are thinking and saying to others are either constrictive or expansive. You can feel this in your body because your thoughts, beliefs, and feeling are interconnected.

Do your words and thoughts reflect the abundant reality you wish to create? Pay attention to what you are thinking and what is coming out of your mouth. Are you lapsing back into your lack and scarcity story? 

The Universe in listening!

Be of service to others.

I’ve written about this many times. Give what you most want to receive in your life because it brings you joy rather than for the purpose of getting something back in return. I’m a believer that we are all collectively connected and part of the ONE God/Divine/Creator of All That Is. In giving to others we also receive.

Look for ways to be of help to others in whatever way you can that feel right and true for you. Share your love, your wisdom, your time, your energy, your connections – whatever you feel called to offer another that will enhance their life positively. What goes around…

One more key to go!

Love and blessings,

Lorraine

In the first two keys I talked about the importance of letting go rehasing and telling the lack and scarcity stpry in your mind and in your conversations

I invited you to recognize the many forms of abundance in your life to expand your definition and perspective of wealth.

This next key is probably one you hear about quite often. It is also one that is easy to forget especially when we get caught up in fear-based thinking.

Adopt an attitude of gratitude.

Each morning I begin my day writing seven things I’m gratefull for. Sometimes I even write things in advance of them happening!

Periodically I write 100 things I’m gratefull for which invites me to dig deep to recognize all the big and small blessings that are easy to overlook like having hot water, food in the refrigerator, laughter, a sunny day…I find that after I reach 100 which takes about 15 minutes I can still add more. Try this out for yourself!

Gratitude is a powerfull magnet to attract good into your life when your thankfulness is genuine. Heartfelt appreciation radiates love, which is our natural state of being.

If you have difficulty feeling deep gratitude, as I do sometimes, pick up the book by Rhonda Byrne called, “The Magic”. I just received this book for my birthday and I am excited to deepen my own embodiment of gratitude.

Every person and life situation is in service to your individual evolution and the expansion of the planet.

Every desirable or undesirable experience offers a healing and growth opportunity. You can either flow with Life or fight against it. The choice is up to you.

Focus on all that is right in your world rather than all that is wrong.  Rest into the energies of appreciation so it fills you up and then take a look at your life.

What do you see?

The next keys are coming in two days!

Love and blessings,

Lorraine

How often do you wonder and ask “why” something is happening or has already happened?

The cause for things happening can have multiple reasons and asking why is your mind/ego’s need to make sense because confusion and uncertainty can feel unsafe, unpredictable, and painful. 

Answers give relief.

We ask why to understand and to regain control so we will know what to DO.

We ask why because we often look at life circumstances as problems or “bad” things. 
 
When we do things we regret, feel shame about, or beat ourselves up for, we wonder, “Why did I do that? Or “Why didn’t I do….???

We want to know so we can fix things or fix ourselves so that the next time we will do things differently and not repeat the past.

How often have you gained insight into what causes you to do or feel something and you keep wondering why that pattern is still alive within you?

We want Life to make sense.

Guess what?

It doesn’t.

At least not in ALL the ways we are accustomed to thinking and understanding.

Seeking to understand yourself with the curiosity of a child opens pathways for growth and inner healing.  Why? can be a great starting point that can rapidly become a “stuck point”.

I’ve been sharing part of my own healing journey with you all for quite some time. I’ve shared the financial hardship I created that impacted on my business and my personal life from 2009 - 2011 that has profoundly transformed me and my whole life. 

Asking why I created that situation, why it was happening and the many others whys I could have asked would have only inflated the upset I already felt towards myself, God, and LIFE!

Instead I focused on the learning edges of my circumstances and asked different questions such as:

1. How is this situation serving me to grow and heal?

2. What is this situation challenging me to do or be that I have resisted?

3. What qualities might be cultivated from this experience?

4. What do I need to let go of?

5. What is the gift and blessing in this experience that I can also share with the world?

Looking at mySelf and my life situation from a higher perspective strengthened my courage, faith, and trust AND brought me closer to God.

My life is filled with abundance, love, and Grace. It always has been.

So is yours…

When you look at all that is happening as healing and growth opportunities, life takes on a deeper meaning.
 
And  if you have done a lot of inner work and see familiar patterns still alive within you, it is because each time we expand into the next level of our expression, stuff held more deeply within ourselves rises to the surface to be acknowledged, felt, accepted, and released.

And some of what you might be processing through you may be part of your service to the world to heal pain for others who cannot do that for themselves. Remember that we are all ONE.

Your own inner healing, heals the world.

I believe that all things happen for a reason. Every prayer is always answered and help comes in the forms that serve us in the highest way to grow and “wake up” to who we are.

Letting go of the need to know invites faith and trust to grow.

Today, be open to see the perfection of your life. Let go of any whys you might be struggling with and be open to opportunities for deeper faith and trust.

Tune your eyes to recognize some of the hidden gifts and blessings you might be overlooking and say, “Thank you”.

And remember to keep talking to God who loves you dearly!!!

Love and blessings,

Lorraine

PS –Join me on May 15 & 17 for two FREE calls: Awakening To Love: Revealing Your Courageous Heart In An Insane World. Register here

In the first key I said, “Dump your lack and scarcity story.”  Resist the urge and tendency to focus your attention on what is missing from your life. Dwelling on what you are longing for that you see as absent, gives life to lack and scarcity.

Each of these steps can be done in any order!

Here is the second key:

Look for the evidence of abundance.

I see many people getting stuck on the idea that abundance, prosperity, or wealth is limited to manifesting money. If you have that mindset you are missing out in receiving so much more abundance into your life.

Abundance comes in many forms - gifts, blessings, miracles including money even if it is a penny on the ground, that makes life rich and joyfull.

Look at the people and situation that enRICH your life. Keep your mind and heart open to recognize and celebrate all the ways the Universe shows up in answer to your prayers. Whatever the size of your bank account is, you are richer than you might realize.

Imagine what you might manifest when you view life through the eyes of abundance!

Bless all the abundance that flows and say, “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”.

Cultivating faith, trust, and courage in the face of fear, challenges and uncertainty deepens our faith that we are indeed supported by the Universe in co-creatorship and that all of our desires, wants and needs are supplied by an unlimited Source.

Key three is coming in two days!

Love and blessings,

Lorraine

“You are perfectly aligned to get the results you get.”~ Dr. Stephen Covey

In a conversation yesterday I was reminded of how powerfull our ego is to influence what we create and manifest in our life.

With all the changes and energy shifts happening, money concerns and all sorts or fears are running high.

The three elements in manifestation are thoughts, words, and actions.

Everything that exists is energy, constantly creating and bringing to you whatever is a vibrational match. Whatever you put your attention on expands. If your attention is focused on lack and scarcity, you will attract more lack and scarcity, even if you spend time during the day saying or writing affirmations, visualizing, or using vision boards.

Every thought, feeling, belief, and action has manifesting energy: the power to create what you desire or more of what is undesired depending on the amount of attention and emotional charge invested. The more attention and energy you give to your thoughts and feelings, the faster you manifest.

For example, if you desire to have more money and abundance and you focus five or ten minutes a day affirming it, visualizing it, and feeling it and then spend ten hours fearfull, worried and concerned about how you are going to pay the bills, focusing on worse case scenarios, and how much struggle you have in your life, the vibrational match to what you will  attract is more lack and more struggle.

Here  is the first of seven critical keys to consciously shift money fears and poverty consciousness:

Dump your lack and scarcity story. Resist the urge and tendency to focus your attention on what is missing from your life. Dwelling on what you are longing for that you see as absent, gives life to lack and scarcity.

From the Universe’s perspective of abundance, you have everything you need so when your message back is “I want it. I don’t have it.” The vibrational match to your desire becomes more lack and scarcity. Fears are created from ego and focus on the “what ifs” in the future.

Each time you find yourself slipping into fearfull thoughts of worry, stop, and breathe deeply a few times to bring your attention back to the present. Ask yourself, “In THIS moment, do I have everything I need?” If the answer is yes, breathe again. Be still and quiet. Then ask inside, “What is mine to do right now? Who am I to be TODAY?”

Listen to the small voice whispering inside or an idea that pops into your head that feels soul directed. The key is to ALLOW the guidance to come to you rather than reaching and pushing inside for answers.

One of my dear friends says that when money fears begin to bubble up, step back and recall times when things in life and business were going well. Recall that feeling of prosperity, and any other abundant feelings like peace, confidence, joy.., when you felt more financially flush and supported by Life. Sink into that feeling and let it fill you up.

What steps did you take to create those situations of prosperity that you could duplicate now?

What are some things you can do today to attract money into your life quickly?

Pay attention to jumping into things from desperation and fear. Tune into your guidance for direction and inspired action to manifest more of what you desire.

The next step is coming in two days!

Love and blessings

Lorraine

This morning I reread one of Neale Donald Walsh’s notes:

“On this day of your life, I believe God wants you to know …that your trust has not been misplaced.   Listen to your Self today. You have been telling yourself something very important for days now. Today, listen more closely. And heed. Trust the still small voice within. Your soul is gently leading you to your next step.”

I have been talking about how powerfull this time of “homecoming” is to bring us into greater harmony with our soul and The Divine presence within during this historical shift in consciousness.

I have also been talking about the vital importance of creating quiet space to tune into your guidance for direction before jumping into action that might be energized by desperation rather than inspiration such as a business idea.

Several months ago I appointed God to be my business partner and my CEO. (Yes, you can do that). I know that whatever ideas I come up with will pale in comparison to what God can imagine for me. And who better to partner with than God, a power that has created EVERYTHING that exists, right?

Is it always easy to distinguish the difference between your ego and soul voice.

Not always

Even though my intuitive skills are highly developed, there have been times when I thought I was following Divine guidance and later realized my action was fueled by fear. Did you know that excitement and fear can feel the same? Opportunities for forgiveness!

It takes practice to discern each voice. Body sensations are one way I can tell what voice is speaking.

Do I feel tense, constricted?

Is my breath shallow and my stomach tight?

Do I sense a giant NO inside?

Or do I feel a sense of inner peace, excitement and expansive?

Do I feel a deep inner knowing that YES is the right answer even if I feel uncomfortable to take that next step?

There are moments when I seek guidance and nothing comes through. It is quiet in my mind and my body.

What to do then?

I focus on what brings me joy, peace, fun.. and I let God handle things. (I’m getting much better at surrendering!)

Like today. I have been listening for guidance and I know it’s something I love and want … but I am not feeling a nudge to take action. Doesn’t seem like the right time, yet. Instead, I am paying attention to where I have the most juice and passion like writing this post.

It takes faith and trust that you are being guided towards something that is for your best and highest good that will ultimately make your life joyfull and prosperous. This is true no matter what the outcome especially if what you think will happen…doesn’t.

God sees the bigger picture.

And it takes guts to take that leap of faith without guarantees or evidence your ego wants to grab onto for assurance that you will be ok. That’s where trust comes in.

Ya see, the good that can flow into your life is not dependent on your hard work or intense efforts. You are either flowing with the river of life or against the current.

The key to dancing with the Universe NOW is to develop a deep communion with God and allow your Sacred Self to be the guiding force in your life NOT your mind/your ego. And whatever you feel called to do or be, to take that action and use the strategies, systems, teams, circle of support…. to assist you in moving your inspired actions forward.

Whatever you do today or in the days to come, commit to take time for quiet and inner silence.  Ask, “What is mine to do or be today? How can I be of the greatest service to humanity? Or what is one action I can take today to allow money to steadily flow into my life?”

Engage in ongoing conversations with God as you would a dear, trusted friend. This Presence loves you madly and wants your life to be joyfull.

Appreciate all the gifts and blessings that enrich your life NOW and be sure to thank God for all you have.

This is a powerfull time of Awakening!!! We are all coming HOME.

The best is yet to come!

Guess who wanted me to write this to you to day….

Love and blessings,

Lorraine

PS: Enjoy this video about Awakening