Love, like everything else, is a vibration or energy.  And so is prayer, which is a topic I want to focus on this month. I’m often asked, “Do our DPs hear us, and do they hear our prayers?”  The answer is yes, absolutely!  Indeed, prayer can be used to create healing vibrations that transform our own lives and assist our beloved DPs on the Other Side as well. Also, thru prayer, we can prepare ourselves to receive our DPs’ transmissions, by letting them know of our love for them, and showing that we want to hear from them.  Never think that your prayers are not felt or heard-they most certainly are!

One of the most respected members of his field has shown time and time again how prayer can have a very positive effect.  Of course, I’m talking about Dr. Masaru Emoto, of whom I’ve written about before.  His philosophy is that with the power of prayer, all of us can be conduits in healing the planet.  He demonstrated the validity of that message in July of 1999, at a ceremony offering prayers to Lake Biwa, which had been extremely polluted.  About 350 people gathered and participated.  A month later, an article came out in the newspaper saying that this was the first year they didn’t receive hundreds of phones calls complaining about the foul smell from the lake!

In a recent article from the magazine “Pure Inspiration,” there was an interview with Dr. Emoto which focused on his discoveries regarding the power of prayer, and especially his observations about the power of water.  As I recently took a walked along the beach, I couldn’t help thinking about Dr. Emoto’s philosophy in relation to the greatness of the ocean. The ocean does, without question, take your breath away with its magnificent beauty and power.  More about Dr. Emoto’s theories can be found in his books, “The Hidden Messages in Water,” “The True Power of Water,” and “The Secret Life of Water.”

When thinking about the power of prayer with respect to water, I am reminded that throughout history, most indigenous cultures have had a deep respect for Nature.  They also had ways of giving back, ways to say “Thank you,” to show their gratitude for what our Higher Source and Mother Earth have given us.  Native Americans and other indigenous cultures have always believed that Nature is divine, and have always demonstrated a deep respect for that which we are only part of.  Indigenous cultures engage in many celebrations as a way to communicate with the Spirit of Mother Earth.  A form of prayer, if you will, and in the big picture, a demonstration of Love.

As you enjoy your Valentines Day and all of this February 2012, remember to send thoughts of Love to all who are near and dear to you, whether here in the physical, or on the Other side.  Feel free to include a message to Mother Earth and add an extra dash for those who could use just a smile, thought, or a phone call.  And meanwhile, remember, your DP’s can hear your prayers sent on their behalf, for energy is everywhere and everything!

Love of course encompasses many things; love or passion that drives one to create, protect what we love or care for. This of course is just a few ways, but not to drift away from the love I want to convey here is, the love that continues after physical death.  Or more the spirit/energy that continues after death.

The big question or fear or whatever else comes into question when we are faced personally by the loss of someone we love or our own mortality. That force that will effect everyone on earth, there is as they say “no escape”. The one thought that most do not want to think about until it hits them personally.

The truth of the matter is; we don’t die.  Yes, we shed our physical bodies, and yes, the thought of not being able to hug or talk in the way we once did with that person will be forever gone on this plane or dimension.  But, that does not mean contact, or connecting is done, just not the way we know it to be without our physical bodies.  And it is our job to understand that difference or the way that that communication can continue for us. Of course, this is assuming we care enough or have the faith to believe that door is possible. Love will  keep that door open to the many possibilities.  I speak about many of them in my books, but your way will be just that, your way.

I can tell you there are deaths one never gets over and children are one of them. I’ve dealt with so many mothers, fathers, grandparents that go through these losses, and I have to say I am always amazed how some, without question continue those connections even after years of their children’s passing.  Of course there are others whose grief can never let that door open, for them I always feel so sad for I know without question, that their children so much want them to know they are near.

I will tell you, there are no rules, or set ways that connection will happen, but I can tell you it will if you but listen. There will be unlimited possibilities. They will come to you in the ways that they know are the ways that you will know it’s them.  However, you are the only one that can take the big leap of faith.

You will find many books out there now where a parent will write about the loss of their child.  Some will be quite simply, how communication happens and how by listening it opens a whole new world.  People whom you think would never write such a book, writes one.

There is such one of these books that just came out recently, Kayak Morning: Reflections on Love, Grief, and Small Boats by Roger Rosenblatt.  It’s a beautiful and poignant story of the loss of his daughter and how his daughter returns to him on his kayak.  He listens in the way he knows best, it is in the quiet of his kayak that he continues to know the way for him.

And he quite literally listens, and knows she will always be with him.

In 2012, we are beginning a new 5-year cycle. 2012 is a universal “5 year” (2+0+1+2 = 5) – a year of energy, change, travel and passion. A year of connecting with people in a social way and igniting one’s dreams into action. Hurray!

Five has a vibrant and active influence and hopefully we will find our lives to be more fluid and fun! With 5 as an energy vibration, we will have an increased sense of lightness and enthusiasm for changing what no longer suits us. A key question for any 5 year is, “What is your passion and how can you achieve it?” Ask yourself, what steps can you take today to seek what you love and what is important to you? Yes, 2012 should be a time to really making something happen. So…how will you do it? The lesson for many will be discipline…with so much to do, how will you commit to that one thing that can really make a difference?

This, of course, is just my 5 year two-cents in general. For how 2012 will impact you personally, consider checking with the numerologist or astrologer of your choice. Of course, I often have numerologists and astrologers do guest spots on my radio show. This month, for example, I’m having the astrologer Bill Attribe on January 9. Check him out here http://astrologerbillattride.typepad.com/astrologer-bill-attride/ ! Bill is a very well known astrologer who has been doing this work for over 30 years. Tune in and enjoy!

Along with continuing my radio show, this year I also will be traveling internationally and speaking at some wonderful conferences, including: “The Afterlife Conference” in March and the “Edgar Cayce’s A.R.E. Conference” in November, both of which are in Virginia Beach. As always, visit my website — http://www.suzanenorthrop.com — to see if I’ll be coming to your neck of the woods. Other areas I plan to visit include: Mexico, Florida, California, Chez Republic, Canada, Tucson, Portland, Seattle and, as always, many parts of New England.

Of course, I am well aware that for many of us, January can be a very difficult month, as we crash from the holidays with raised expectations and have to face the pressures of our New Year’s resolutions. I know this experience can be even more intense if this is your first full year following the loss of a loved one. Especially if you are in that situation, rather than putting undo pressure on yourself, why not give yourself an after-year gift of doing something you’ve wanted to do that is fun? Take a water painting class, for example. Or, if you are feeling adventurous, learn how to snow board. Or . . . go sledding or tobogganing. Whatever! Even if it’s your 50th, 60th, 70th, 80th or 90th etc. year on the planet, you might just surprise yourself by seeing how much fun a new adventure can be. I’ve recently read that surfing for the 50′s folks is on the rise. That should appeal to those of you in warmer climates, or to those who can get away to the warmer areas! In any case, whatever you decide, make it simple. Often, less is more. To avoid frustration, set goals that are truly reachable, and then go for it!

I think we can all agree that one good thing about the end of the holiday season is the end (for now) of all the TV advertisements for gifts that most of us don’t need or have the money for. If you received money as a holiday gift this year, consider doing something personal, like getting a massage or a pedicure, or visit your favorite medium and touch base!

Given all the talk about the end of the Mayan Calendar, we will all be interested in seeing how things actually play out in 2012. Meanwhile, let’s not worry about it but instead focus on living life to the fullest, and remembering to play a little, or even a lot! We are meant to experience joy!

Here’s to another year of connecting, sharing, and meeting many of you for the first (or thirty-first!) time. Sending my best wishes of love and peace to all of you!

Like being with family and friends. This is especially important with children nowadays since they are so distracted by video, audio, and electronic gadgetry, to the point where nothing seems to hold their interest outside of their high-tech toys. I just recently read an article in one of those Nature magazines that focus on endangered species. It was written by a photographer who travels all over to the greatest natural parks and wildlife preserves. He shared in the article that while flying on a plane recently, he sat next to a young obese boy who was about ten years old. On the plane, the boy immediately took to playing with his electronic toy. What struck the photographer was that even while they were flying over the Grand Canyon — one of the most spectacular sights in the world — not once did the boy want to lift his head from his game to look out the window to see this awe-inspiring natural site. The photographer went on to share that for him, the greatest memories were those when he was with his father camping, fishing, and taking walks up the mountainside — enjoying Nature to its fullest. These memories more than anything else remained the strongest in his mind. Unfortunately, boys like that are now themselves an endangered species.

Remember the scenes of our families gathering during the holidays? I bet most of us can remember those connections even more than the presents we received. For matters of the heart are always with us. They truly never leave. Those special moments of connection stay with us we pass through life, forever sealed in our memories.

An elderly woman working in Utah told a story of when she was a child during the Great Depression. She said it was one of the most fun times of her life! Friends gathered to play games constantly. They shared meals, laughed, took walks on the beach (she was from California), had sunset parties, and generally cherished every moment. That’s how these folks survived the Depression. To be sure, they took to heart that message from FDR: “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” And they could always remember how special those times of sharing were while they chose to have fun despite their situational environment.

With all this as backdrop, there are some simple but meaningful things I’d like you to consider assigning yourself to do during the holidays — to give back and say thanks:

1. Hug those you love and those who need love. Thank them for being in your life.
2. Stop DOING and just BE at least once every day. Create and then touch the magic.
3. Purchase candles to burn throughout the month to celebrate your loved ones in spirit.
4. Plan and carry out random act of kindness, perhaps one that was dear to a loved one in spirit.
5. Visit friends. Invite those who could use a meal over for dinner. Connect with as many as possible!
6. Decorate your house in a way that reflects your beliefs. Remember, angels don’t have to just go on the top of the tree — they can go on a mantle or table with flowers or photos.

Take a moment . . . cherish it . . . respect it . . . and keep it close to your heart. The special moments will remain in your heart, and in the hearts of those you love, forever.

Speaking of children, I was reminded that on Sunday, December 11th at 7 PM during each time zone around the globe, the Compassionate Friends has its “Worldwide Candle Lighting”. The Lighting unites families and friends as they light candles for one hour to honor and remember children who passed over at any age, from any cause. As candles are lit at 7 PM local time, hundreds of thousands of people commemorate and honor children, creating light around the world for 24 hours. For more information, visit their website: www.compassionatefriends.org.

I continue to be honored and thankful as we all should for all those who give those extra being there moments, the welcome hugs and a good ear to listen when we need it most. It is most honestly what truly gives each of our lives what is deeply meaningful. In all honesty, isn’t that what the holidays are all about? Respect and caring for those who need the extra moment to know someone is there, even in a hurry . . . just an ear to listen so we can share all our feelings around deep losses. That, my friends, is truly what this season is about, and is the reason why I felt the importance of just being there – because knowing that you are not alone is truly a Godsend.

So if you are like me and feel so very blessed in your life, make that extra effort to call a friend over the holidays, or even invite them for tea or cocoa.  If someone has lost someone this year, it will mean even more so,  As we know this time of year brings all those losses to the foreground.  And don’t forget those that have loss their 4 legged companions as well. For many this is their family, and don’t ever think those losses are not equally devastating because they are.

It is always the little things in life that are the most precious, and you have no idea what a smile can do or helping someone across the street.  It maybe the most loving act they have receive that day.  Some where I read: Do unto others as you would want them to do to you.

Enjoy, take in those moments for it tis the season to be jolly and thankful.

It was equally special to meet so many of you at my Cromwell Ct. event as well. It’s been a wonderful fall, getting to meet many of you for first time and reconnect with those I haven’t seen in years. I want to thank Danny and Zack from K92 bringing me back to Roanoke for another Hope for the Holidays. It was always my honor to bring laughter, hope and love to those who attended.  EVeryone went out of their way to give me that southern hospitality.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I – like many of you, I’m sure – can’t believe that Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Here is another chance to give to those that simply need a place to feel loved, and to feed the soul as well as the body. After all, that really is what “thanks-giving” is: reaching out for those that want to share and spend time with loved ones, or those that don’t have loved ones or even a place to go. I remember years ago on Thanksgiving, a friend of mine put together as many meals as her car would hold, and went to all the places in the city where people were homeless, to give them one unbelievable meal.

I couldn’t help feeling the sense of family while I was in Southern California. Firstly, it is November – not only the time of the Thanksgiving holiday, but also the month that both of my uncles passed over, as well as my beloved grandmother. For my mother, this is always a difficult month. The other reason why this sense was so strong for me is that my grandmother lived in San Diego, a city that continues to have a strong place in my heart, even after many years.

The first time I went to San Diego was when I was five years old. My grandmother had four children (which was very common in that generation) and raised them on the farm, and her wish was to have one in the hospital! To say she was/is strong would be quite an understatement. After leaving my grandfather – also quite difficult in those days – she saw an ad in the local newspaper from a woman who was looking for a companion to go across the country with her to California. My grandmother read the ad, and as they say, the rest is history! She lived the rest of her life in San Diego, a place she absolutely loved. Not long after, my uncles followed, leaving only my mother back east, essentially in the same small town she was raised in.

Spending two weeks in Southern California and feeling my grandmother’s presence, with wonderful memories, was very heartwarming to me. She not only was someone I truly admired, but in some ways, I hope that some of her qualities – being a strong, independent, good woman – were passed down to me.

Now, I know that holidays can bring up wonderful thoughts, and some not so wonderful ones . . . however, it is a great time to make connections with those here and on the Other Side. So, enjoy the people with whom you want to share this special time, and be thankful for the many blessings we all have. It’s not so out of our realm to set a place at the table for your DP’s – they don’t take up much room and, well, with them there’s lots of leftovers! For me, and for most of us, I would say without question when you use some family recipes or dishes that are meaningful to your DPs, or just include your them in your thoughts during this thankful holiday, they will be there in spirit with you. All this just adds to the time spent together with family and friends. Again, it really is a time to give thanks for all your blessings, and send out prayers for those who could use a loving touch.

Warmly,

Suzane

There were several years after speaking at NYU that I hadn’t lectured at any science or psychology venues. When I was asked to be part of the HBO documentary “Life after Life” with Linda Ellerby productions company Lucky Duck. A note, later on it was discovered she was doing this documentary to expose mediums as frauds. So doing this documentary was huge, since it was working with the pioneering studies of Dr. Gary Schwartz. After the documentary the studies were published, “The Afterlife Experiments” which inspired his work to take on a whole new meaning, which of course, came with much controversy and criticism. To his credit, a scientist with much integrity kept the studies going for he knew the importance of his work. I can personally attest to it since wherever I travel people still, from all over the country, come up to me and say how they loved the documentary and the book that followed, “The Afterlife Experiments”. A great read for all you who may be on the fence about “Life after Death” or survival of our consciousness.

So here I am at the conference, the most way out speaker since Dr. Schwartz, and he’s a scientist, talking about what I do best, dead people, or rather we don’t die. Here I am probably the only speaker, and on top of it, the keynote speaker, that doesn’t have a Phd. Md. or MSW next to my credentials.

After I tell them to leave their left brains at the door, what I know to be the most important truth on earth, regardless of all their credentials, is everyone in that room had in one way or another been touched by the death of a loved one. And everyone would equally experience their own death, and as a psychologist it’s not a far stretch that some issues of death have crept into their own work.

Don’t get me wrong, it helped that I have lots of doctors and science folks who endorse my work and many people knew of me because of Dr. Gary Schwartz but it was that personal powerful touch of passing on the messages of love from their loved ones that ultimately touches the heart. The entire conference was a buzz for the rest of the weekend which often happens when the dead people show up and shake up a room!, To say I was well received just doesn’t even come close to how many lives were touched. Once again love, the most powerful significant force in the world wins out. And the other best part is we are in a wonderful period where so many talented, and brilliant scientists are doing what they do best, discover and share, just like Einstein and Edison, to change the world for the positive. Edisons’ quote was “it’s not wrong, we just haven’t got it right yet”. So we welcome these new pioneers of science, to do what they do best from the Gregg Bradens’ to the Gary Schwartzs’ that bridge the importance of spirituality and science.

We are nonetheless, wherever we live, affected mentally by where we are physically.  Everything contributes to our state of mind and helps determine how we are able to “go with flow.”

All part of the rhyme and reason. Everyone knows this, a time and a season, but those who are daily stewards, our caretakers of the earth, they know all too well the first hand effects created by the change of seasons. We are now ready for our Harvest, yes, it tis the season to think about reaping what you sow.

I just recently saw the 1979 Peter Sellers movie “Being There,” which somehow got into my Netflix batch.  Being an avid gardener, it was so easy for me to relate to the movie’s theme.  Ah yes, the importance of gardens, and the rhythm of the seasons.

In the movie, “Chance the [simple] Gardner ” is mistakenly believed to be “Chauncy [the aristocratic] Gardiner.”   Although he had never been out in the world, living his life as a gardener, Chance is forced into society after his employer crosses over.  How Chance impacts those who come into contact (including Shirley MacLaine as “Eve”) is quite intriguing, as Chance’s views of life as a gardener convey so much to the sophisticated people he meets. More than an interesting movie, it really tells us how we live our life through seasons, whether we are a gardener or not.

While watching the movie, I reflected on how the weather and seasons play into things.  As I write, I’m harvesting my tomatoes, a little late because of too much rain in Northeast.  I know that once I’ve laid the foundation, which is crucial, there is only so much I can do.  Nature assumes control.  Of course, I do weed the garden and try to keep the critters out. And I naturally contribute lots of love and nurturing.  But I can’t make the sun shine or the rain fall.  That is up to Nature.  Still…I’m helping and the connection to Nature creates in me a marvelous state of mind/body and soul. Gardening truly teaches one to be in the moment here on Earth, and to love life to its fullest—which is a beneficial way to be because we never know what’s around the corner.

Living my life as a medium where I know that daily at any moment life can change for any of us who loses someone.

I know this so significantly with my work to be true, and then there are those moments that I experience it personally. While visiting my mother this summer, I got to share some special moments with a dear friend—Bonnie, my sister’s best friend in fact—while in her garden.  There was a lot of talk of purple basil.  She’s Italian and I knew her grandfather who came from Italy and never spoke much English.  He passed along to Bonnie his love of gardening and green thumb.

When we were together, I didn’t know it would be my last time seeing Bonnie “in the body”—in her garden, so appropriate, when she passed just one month after our time walking thru her greenhouse.  She gave me some purple basil, plus loads of mints and other plants I’d never even heard of.

As Bonnie was the last matriarch of her family, her passing was a major blow.  I’ve known the family my whole life and although they don’t share my blood, they are family in every other way. Her passing for me was very personal, and a reminder of how important it is for each and every one of us to live every moment to its fullest, as best we can, and let everyone whom we love know how we feel about them.  That’s a state of mind we should all strive for and it is truly one of the most important ways to be—Be here in the now and love each moment.

As I sit writing this letter to you, I am pausing to snack on some of the best tomatoes I’ve ever tasted, right from out of my own garden.  And, as a special touch, I added some of Bonnie’s wonderful purple basil.  Along with a sip of wine thinking, “I raise my glass to you, Bonnie, because in this moment, we’re enjoying garden delights together, a truly beautiful welcoming to Autumn.

Most certainly, with being a “medium”, many of these conversations naturally are about loved one who have “passed over”. Death, without question is probably one, if not the most, of people’s deepest fears and pains.

I was just recently sitting around with a group of people. Some of them I have known for awhile, others I just met. Within this group were several couples. One of the couples that were there I hadn’t seen for some time and had actually only met her husband once.

We started talking, and yes, once again the subject turned to my profession. One of the women there has a very successful private practice as a Therapist. It was particularly important to her to know more about my work.  She was very interested in how my work as a medium was reflected in ways of her own practice.

As we continued the conversation, I started sharing what was the significant theme in my book: Everything Happens for a Reason.  My reason, beside the obvious of writing this book, was that I had over the years become aware that with every passing or death, what we deal with typically has a theme.  For example, how the inter-dynamics of a family changes when a sibling passes or if it’s an instance where a parent passes while we are young.

All of a sudden, one of the women’s husbands’, who up until that point, had been silent, blurted out how his father ‘s death had completely changed the direction of his life. He most likely would have been successful as a ball player if his father hadn’t died. It seemed that the man who had taken his father’s place as a Coach couldn’t quite understand the way he played.  He punched him in the nose, was kicked off the team and spent next several years following another path. That was forty years ago.  He spoke as if it had happened to him yesterday.

The next day before I left several of the woman that were there went out to lunch.  The women who’s husband had lost his father said point blank to me after 36 years of marriage she had never heard her husband share this intimate detail of his father. I said, in my work it’s happens all the time. It’s that moment when something is said, where another resonates with the conversation, that they are able to share their deepest, most intimate feelings that they have kept inside.

She thanked me. It is a reoccurring theme in my work, we just have to be in the moment to listen.  It was then that she said, she almost opened her mouth, and knew that if she did, the moment of her husband sharing his story would be lost.

They are one of those couples that truly love each other, and here she, the therapist, was hearing this after 36 years of marriage. So, yes listening is truly an Art, and one that can open up and reveal the most intimate details of one’s life that we never knew.