Articles

Medium Glenn Bryant with Denise Cardona, owner of StarDreams

A BRITISH MEDIUM…AT LARGE

By Cindy Grogan

 What’s it like being able to talk with the dead?  What are some of the biggest misconceptions people make about mediums?  And can they REALLY pick a winning lottery number?  Recently, we had the chance to talk with British medium Glenn Bryant when he visited The Star Dreams in Park Ridge, New Jersey during a trip to the U.S.   He shared his experience of what its like working with the spirit world.

 Glenn’s journey began during martial arts training; deep meditation led him to start receiving “messages” which he didn’t understand, until a local medium explained that he was tuning into the spirit world.  His background in banking led him to approach this new phenomenon with similar methodical precision; Glenn began studying at the College of Psychic Studies in London, as well as the world-famous Arthur Findlay College in Stansted, UK [considered the Harvard of spiritualist studies].  He credits teachers Donna Stewart, Val Williams and Billy Cook for helping him open his channel to the spirit world.  Soon after his training began, he began giving messages at public services around Britain.  He has since built a steady clientele for private readings and continues to do more public demonstrations.

 Q:         What’s the difference between a psychic reading and one with a medium?

GB:         A psychic reading uses the energy of the person or object they’re working with.  They pick up history, emotions, thoughts – and give appropriate guidance.  A medium, on the other hand, makes an actual connection with someone in the spirit world and relays messages.

 Q:         What are some of the biggest misconceptions about mediums?

GB:         That we can tell the future….or answer all the questions of life.   The dead didn’t have all the answers while they were alive – why should they now?!

 Also, there are no guarantees.  We have “off” days just like anyone else.  We can’t ring up a specific person – the spirits who come through pick me, versus me picking them.   I believe the sitter gets the message they need to hear – not necessarily what they want.  For example, I’m a single man:  I may not be the appropriate person to deliver a message to a mother who has lost a child – but another medium might be.   In that regard, spirit calls the shots.

 Q:         What do you say to non-believers?

GB:         They’re entitled to their own opinions; I don’t mind, because my own experience of spirit has been so real.   I think the most frustrating thing for me is this whole idea of spirit contact being spooky and scary.  I want to take away that “mystical clothing” if you will.  It’s natural, normal and open to everyone.

 Q:         OK, so if spirit contact is available to everyone, how does it work?

GB:         Setting a positive, loving environment is key.  You want to put the day to day stuff out of your mind and take some time to be quiet and still.  Regular meditation is helpful for training yourself to slow down.  Also, ask your loved ones in spirit to reach out with a sign or a message.  Asking them to connect is a leap of faith, so have some courage!

 Q:         Assuming someone would rather come to a medium to talk to their loved ones, how can they get the most from their session?

GB:         First, its important to arrive on time.  Being rushed never helps.  And there are no guarantees; you can send up a thought to invite a certain loved one to connect, but try to keep an open mind and heart.  As I said earlier, you get the message you need.

 Q:         How often should someone get a reading?

GB:         I think 6 month intervals are ideal.  It’s not really useful to ask spirit their advice on every little thing – like what color socks to wear!  Take some responsibility for your own life.

Q:         What do you see as the difference between the US and the UK in mediumship?

GB:         I think the UK emphasizes more formal training and demanding evidence, evidence, evidence of life after death. We also have the Spiritualist National Union, which is recognized as a religion.  That’s not so prevalent in America. However, I believe that Americans are much more open to a wider variety of spiritual experience, which I’ve found refreshing.

Q:         Thanks, Glenn.  We look forward to having you with us in the states again, soon!

GB:         Pleasure.  Thank you.

VISIT YOUR INNER SPA FOR TOTAL RELAXATION
by
Linda Zeidler, RN

I’m just like you, with a job, family, friends-- and all the things that happen in daily life.: the washing machine overflowing, the new roof that must go on before winter and maybe the most terrifying of all, the unexpected illness that strikes you or a loved one.

But when any of that happens, there’s a solution: we can go to our inner “Spa” and return ourselves to balance. My choice for making this happen is Reiki, a tool that uses Universal Life Force energies to help anyone regain their natural sense of well-being and more effectively deal with any kind of stress or illness.

Reiki is an ancient Japanese technique of natural healing. As a nurse, my experience has taught me that if we are relaxed, we are better able to heal. Our bodies have the ability to self-correct any imbalance and Reiki can help you facilitate that process right from the first treatment.

When you first meet with a Reiki practitioner, they’ll discuss the issues you’re dealing with, explain how the session will go and what to expect. They’ll ask you to set your intention for the session [or what you’d like the outcome to be] and she/he will do the same.

You’ll lie on the treatment table fully clothed. As the healing energies are channelled through the Reiki Master’s hands, you may feel heat, cold, tingling. You may see colors, smell flowers or have a “knowing” about something in your life. Or you may feel nothing at all, but rest assured, you’re still receiving powerful healing from Source.

Many of my clients fall asleep within a few minutes of starting the session. Those that don’t tell me they’ve never felt so relaxed -- and relaxation is the first step in the miracle of healing.

Reiki can do no harm; there are no unpleasant side-effects. Reiki energy is “smart energy:” it knows exactly what you need, how much and where you need it.
I use Reiki daily and have had incredible positive changes take place in my life as a result. And it couldn’t be simpler: I set my intention and then, leave it alone. I have faith and trust that my request has been heard and the healing has begun.

Reiki is a simple,, yet powerful, form of self-care in a crazy world, so go to your inner “Spa” often and reap the rewards on all levels of your being. Relax -- it’s good for you!


 
                                        TALK TO THE ANIMALS…YOU’LL BE SURPRISED!
                                                                                by
                                                                        Cindy Grogan


It’s not exactly what Eddie Murphy did in “Dr. Doolittle” – but yes, its possible to talk to animals. As an Animal Communicator, I use my psychic skills to connect with our four-legged (or no-legged) friends – then relay the information to their humans. I work with both animals who are still alive and those who’ve crossed into spirit. Besides the unconditional love and humor they share, I’ve been struck by the untamed spirit that each animal brings to a session. Even the most docile housecat is still linked to the wild essence of the Earth. These encounters remind me of the powerful connection between all forms of life. And with the current planetary crisis, that message is more vital than ever.

Like any psychic work, Animal Communication requires opening your personal energy channels. Yes, we ALL have this ability. Like an animal, we just need to start using more of our “gut level” senses and less of our intellect. In the intuitive realm, information may come in pictures, feelings or words – or a combination of all three. It’s up to you to determine what they mean. I find that my first impressions are usually the most accurate, and I’ve proven this by logging my “critter conversations” and checking back later.

One of the most important lessons Animal Communication has taught me is to respect their unique place in the universe. We assume that, as humans, we’re superior to those lower down the food chain. But I’ve found that I can’t just start demanding they talk to me. Instead, I need to relax, quiet my ego and wait until they feel comfortable. I mean, imagine if a total stranger came barging into your living room and started trying to get you to reveal details about a personal issue? You’d probably want to run and hide, just like a shy kittycat.

And when the animals talk? Well, time after time, I’ve been reminded that animal spirits are profoundly wise – something the Native Americans have known for eons. Their conversations are simple, direct, without all the hoo-ha we humans wrap ourselves in.

My cat Pyewacket frequently tells me to “lighten up” during the day – then does something silly to make me laugh. A horse calmly told me to assure her nervous owner that she fully intended to win a race she was entered in – despite never having won before -- then went on to do it (sorry, I won’t be holding court at the OTB anytime soon). A dog who had passed on when her owner was suddenly called into work told me she purposely wanted it that way, because she knew that, if “Mom” had stayed with her, she would have had a much harder time leaving. Letting her owner know that alleviated a huge burden of guilt.

Remembering the elegant simplicity of animal behavior helps us get beyond ourselves and reconnect with the essentials of this home we all share. Whether its your dog or the birds at the backyard feeder, why not expand your idea of being “environmentally conscious” – and talk to an animal today? I guarantee they’ll surprise—and delight you!

Here are some simple steps to Animal Communication:

1) Quiet your mind. If you don’t already meditate, learn to do so. You need a “clear palate” to receive any intuitive information. Focus on just breathing, letting random thoughts simply pass by. The goal is to not have a completely blank mind (physically impossible), just one that’s not preoccupied with car pools, grocery lists and work stuff.

2) Approach your animal when they’re relaxed. Sit with them quietly, focusing on your breathing and imagining your energies drawing closer together. Even if they’re not physically close by (like a wild bird or a feral cat), imagine your energies meeting.

3) When you feel relaxed and ready, ask your animal a simple question. The answer may come quickly, as an image, a feeling or a single word. Trust what you get – doubting yourself is the quickest way to shut down the link. It’s helpful when you’re starting out to keep a notebook of your ‘conversations’ as a way to verify any info you get from the animal.

If you find yourself getting frustrated, settle down and breathe again. Learning to trust your instincts takes time and patience, but it’s a skill that will serve you well, not just with animals, but in everyday life. Stick with it!

Cindy Grogan is a writer and psychic/medium/ Animal Communicator. She can be reached via Star Dreams in Park Ridge 201-505-1444.