Life, Dreams and Support Counseling

Have you ever had a dream that seemed to clarify the meaning to events happening in your life at that time? A dream that clarified life's meaning itself? Maybe an "earth shaking thought" that gave direction, meaning and/or purpose to you and your life? Maybe it's just perspective and clarity you're looking for.

Here is an experience or dreamtime from a journal (individual whom shared will remain anonymous):

"...I slept most of the night pretty good with some small typical dreams that rehashed the day's events. Then I did have this one weird, but powerful dream though-it was one where I had to keep defending people-similar to in a court but in the spiritual realm against those who still insist on ruling by darkness and fear-while the true reality is by the light and compassion, the way Christ taught. It is a pretty intense sensation, which kind of reminds me of how things can get in a real courtroom. The shame was that those that were still attached to the darkness and "fear" ruling ways (or controlling others by fear) didn't really care that they too could benefit magnificently or that they were causing great harm to those of the young and innocent (including those they proclaimed to love dearly)-all they really cared about was being "right" and "winning." The irony is the "judgment" system that was set up was by them-they were the ones doing all the judging of everything and everyone else-yet, no one was judging them-except themselves. They judged themselves out of their own fear and blamed others for it-saying others were judging them-thus, they were saying, "let us judge them before they get to us." Again, a time to recognize that there is nothing to fear, but fear itself. People can really cause themselves a great deal of harm getting caught up in self-created fear and disillusionment. It's amazing how much one can really see, when the "light" is turned on. Even as I am dreaming, I am realizing the true concept behind fear and how it is often self-created..."

Granted not all dreams and not everyone's dreams have that kind of clarity. What if you could gain clarity with someone else's assistance? Maybe it isn't just looking at your dreams, but is also about looking at your inner thoughts, ideas, your lifestyle and how you interact with others around you and your environment, as well as your attitude and perspective in life. This seems like a lot of information to sort through, and you don't have to do it alone. That is what Support Counseling is all about.

So, what is a Support Counselor, you may ask? A Support Counselor is much like having a "Life Coach" or "Religious Counselor," Confidante, Mentor and Friend. Similar to a Health and Wellness Consultant aiding the roadmap for life's journey, with support counseling there is the process of self-discovery that teaches individuals to identify what brings meaning and purpose to their lives. One seeks areas for growth and charts the course to personal fulfillment. Rather than focusing on problem solving, spiritual care is emphasized in the midst of pain and chaos of daily life.

What else does support counseling provide or what issues explored during a session, are assisted? In essence, spiritual care, life coaching, mentoring, support counseling, talking to a trusted confidante will pave the way to inner peace. With the high level of stress, anxiety and all events that are taking place in today's society, every human being deserves encouragement and support. If you are faced with an arduous life transition, spiritual care and support will empower you to endure. If you are confronted with a sense of loss, spiritual counsel will offer you direction. By calming the unpredictable waves of life, support, counseling, a personal mentor and confidante helps individuals understand their emotions, cope with difficulties, make decisions and find contentment in each moment. Transitioning in life such as improving your business, changing careers, understanding stages in life or changes in family events, etc are all times when any individual or family deserves compassion, care and time to speak and be heard.

Rather than focusing on problem solving, spiritual or support counseling emphasizes the presence of spirit amidst the pain and chaos of daily life. Personal concerns, hopes and dreams will be explored in relationship to God or a Higher Power. Using their own life experiences, clients will discover how spirituality can help them to be healed, to be empowered and to celebrate their own lives.

What role does support counseling play in the Health and Healing journey? Individuals learn to reflect on how spirituality affects their lives in the present and future. Throughout treatment, each person should be respected and honored for their unique beliefs and religious affiliations. Whether one-on-one or in a group setting, spiritual/support counseling/life coaching is considered in a confidential, non-judgmental environment where all experiences and questions are accepted and considered. Individual spiritual care may take the form of spiritual direction, a means of opening the mind and heart to a higher power in order to develop a growing awareness, of and attentiveness to, what is sacred in every life. This would include the power of prayer. Prayer is good medicine.

What could I share with you now as a foundation or starting point? Breath. Learn to take deep breathes from the diaphragm. Three deep cleansing breathes, filling the lungs to full capacity (in through the nose) and hold for the count of three. Then exhale through the mouth (pushing the abdomen in) and expelling every last drop of stale air. Do this exercise first thing in the morning to prepare for the day, in the middle of the day to de-stress and clear the mind and at the end of your day to relax. The exercise helps rid the body of toxins, get's fresh oxygen to the body and brain. Two vital ingredients the body needs to help us function physiologically and (believe it or not) will assist us psychologically is oxygen and water. So remember to drink plenty of water, daily. The next will be what everyone one is accustom to hearing also; exercise, proper rest and eating healthy according to what your body type needs. These are our foundation and part of our cycle of living. If one is out of "balance," then our whole being is out of balance. Which also means we must remember that we are physical, mental, emotional and spiritual beings-not just one or two of the above. So if only one or two of these are being attended to, and not all four states of being, then we will feel and become "out of balance"-thus, creating in ourselves "dis-ease."

Life can be approached with any pathway you design. The choice is always in your hands, and the support is made available with whichever path one chooses. Many blessings on your life journey!