My mother was a delicate pretty woman who played the flute and was quietly artistic. She married a dark haired handsome man, a seeker of thrills who would be my father.

To a pigtailed elementary school mystic back in the 50's, spirituality was pretty flavorless and conservative in general, at least in my neighborhood, and completely absent in my chaotic home. Yet I was deeply aware of benevolent energy which was protective and truthful. It was always with me, in the distance yet nearby. It drew closer when I was in danger.

On June 17th, a white man opened fire in the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C. (“Emanuel AME”) killing nine people including a pastor/state senator during an ordinary Wednesday Bible study. Something about this got me to thinking. In fact, I can't stop thinking about it. But not for obvious reasons.

How empowering is it to know that there are effective and simple ways to elevate the energy of your environment - whenever you want to? No need to hire a swami, a rabbi, priest, shaman or medicine man because you can do this yourself.