CELEBRATE YOUR LIFE

NOVEMBER 2004
DOUBLETREE PARADISE VALLEY RESORT
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA

I'm sure many of you have heard of the Celebrate Your Life Conferences that are produced by Mishka Productions.
http://mishkaproductions.com/celebrate-your-life-2008-phoenix/index.php .  In 2004, I had been on a Spiritual Journey for a couple of years and in November had been recently divorced after a long marriage. I was looking forward to inspiration, healing and guidance as I continued my journey on my own for the first time in my adult life.  My sister-in-law, Diane (California Dreamer and fellow SFPNN Featured Author) and I had planned a trip to Scottsdale to see the many well known authors, spiritual teachers and motivational speakers at this Conference.   We both knew we were in for a wonderful, enlightening weekend with many unexpected surprises and learning experiences.

A few days before we left, Diane told me that I would need to think of a " spirit name" for myself because we had planned to take a class by Sonia Choquette and Sonia always asked her class to name their Spirit.  The following sequences of events were so profound for me that I wrote them in my journal and had forgotten what had transpired until I started writing this story.  It still leaves me shaking my head.

I was driving to work one morning thinking of possible Spirit names.  I was going past a lake that was on my route every morning and I witnessed the sun coming up over the lake.  It was beautiful and made me smile.  So, I thought about the word "sunrise" and how I could incorporate that into my Spirit Name and decided that "SUNBURST" sounded like a good name.  

As we arrived at the Doubletree in Scottsdale the next weekend, I noticed the hotel next door was called "The Sunburst".  I shouted to Diane that I had my confirmation!  I was definitely excited about my new name.  That afternoon we went to the pool to relax after our travel and to have a drink. I looked at the Special Drink Menu on the table and one of the Special Drinks was called a "Sunburst".  I was dumbfounded, but then again, knew this was not a coincidence.  I picked up a souvenir before I left for home - a  "sunburst"  wind chime.  It hangs in my dining room as a reminder of that amazing weekend.

The Doubletree is a wonderful hotel and resort.  The grounds are well manicured and cared for and the fauna is tropical and colorful.  The waterfalls and fountains were calming and enjoyable.  The sunsets and colorful sky shows were unmatched!

The weekend is powerful.  An event with inspiring workshops and endless possibilities to enrich your life and nourish your soul.  Many people are rejuvenated, inspired, enlightened, healed, find joy, hope, understanding and patience, and find they can release any doubt and fear they came with. If the opportunity to attend a Celebrate Your Life or I Can Do It Conference (by Hay House) presents itself, I encourage you to attend.  The money spent is well worth everything you take home with you which lasts for a long time after the Conference is over. Diane and I compared our "high on life" attitudes many months later. 

We had developed a natural high and buzz that was difficult to describe to people who were not on the same path.  We were inspired beyond our expectations.   Everyone was on the same journey and it was so much fun to be with like-minded people who understood each other.  We were all there for the same reasons. We were exposed to high energy people who radiated love and hope. We all embrace living a Spiritual Life and believe we are never out of touch with those who have passed on. One of the repeating jokes at the conference was that many speakers would ask, “How many of you are considered the weird one in your family?”  And everyone would raise their hands. 

Below are pictures and a short bio (from the author's own websites) that Diane and I had the privilege to meet and attend their workshops.

"Alan Cohen, M.A., is the author of 22 popular inspirational books and CD's, including the best-selling The Dragon Doesn't Live Here Anymore, the award-winning A Deep Breath of Life, and the classic Are You as Happy as Your Dog?  He is a contributing writer for the New York Times #1 bestselling series Chicken Soup for the Soul, and his books have been translated into 23 foreign languages. Alan is a respected keynoter and seminar leader for professional meetings in the fields of personal growth, professional motivation, spiritual inspiration, holistic health, human relations, and achievement of work/life balance."

Alan's workshop was  "Living Juicy - Passion as a Spiritual Path,"  and focused on the importance of owning and revealing our authentic selves in order to be able to live life to the fullest and manifest all of the experiences we desire.  Part of the the workshop description in the brochure was, "the purpose of life is to find true joy and live as if your life depended on it."     He loves to extract spiritual lessons from the practical experiences of daily living, and find beauty in the mundane. It was a very informative session and I took away from it some important lessons, insight and guidance.

"Doreen Virtue is a spiritual doctor of psychology and a fourth-generation metaphysician who works with the angelic, elemental, and ascended-master realms in her writings and workshops. She has devoted her lifework to teaching us all how to clearly hear the messages from our angels. “When you work with angels, you can lean upon their light to help you heal at miraculous rates and in amazing ways. The angels can help us heal physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially.”

I absolutely loved Doreen's manner of speaking. She is calm, collected and peaceful. Her very being radiates love and compassion. Her energy is so loving and peaceful, that I could listen to her for hours. Her workshop was "Messages From Your Angels and the Spirit World."  She described the Archangels and what we can ask of each one to guide and help us.  When I listen to her on my tapes and cds she brings tranquility and serenity to the present moment.  You can't help but relax. 
And ......  she speaks about my favorite subject - Angels!

"James Van Praagh's unique paranormal experiences during the past twenty-five years have been recorded in his best-selling books Talking To Heaven, Reaching To Heaven, and Healing Grief. His fourth book, published by Simon and Schuster, is the proclaimed Heaven and Earth - Making the Psychic Connection. In September 2003, teens were introduced to Looking Beyond: A Teen's Guide to the Spiritual World. In November of that same year his book Meditations with James Van Praagh brought a new awareness to the meditation experience."

This picture was actually taken in the bar area of the hotel.  James arrived and sat with Diane and I for a few minutes.  He was so personable, friendly, and engaging. He has piercing blue eyes and a keen sense of humor.   He was actually the Keynote Speaker on Saturday night addressing the topic  "Communicating with the Spirit World."  He was very funny.  He came out and immediately made fun of his short stature.  ("I'll sit down now...or did you think I was already sitting down?").

"John Holland is one of the top psychic mediums and spiritual teachers in the USA. He’s been lecturing, demonstrating, and giving psychic readings for private clients for over 16 years. Born knowing, as a natural gifted intuitive, he studied metaphysics all his life, spending over two intensive years in England, training and working with some of the top psychic mediums. He received confirmation of his special psychic abilities after a near-fatal accident when he was 30 years old, when his unique skills were amplified and brought to the surface."

John was one of my favorite speakers and workshops.  I was familiar with his work and couldn't wait to see him in person.  For his workshop, "Contacting the Other Side," he explained how mediums work  and delivered with a mix of humor, enthusiasm and charisma.  He then did readings for some audience members.  I thoroughly enjoyed being in his presence and wished I had signed up for another one of his workshops.  Maybe it was his Boston accent that captivated me!

"Transforming the face of psychiatry, Dr. Judith Orloff, an assistant clinical professor of Psychiatry at UCLA, asserts that we are keepers of an innate intuitive intelligence so perceptive that it can tell us how to emotionally and physically heal. Yet intuition and spirituality are the very aspects of our wisdom usually disenfranchised from traditional health care.  Dr. Orloff blends intuition with her traditional medical skills to enhance patient care "

Dr. Orloff is very sweet and has a contagious laugh.  She presented her workshop, "The Power of Intuition and Positive Energy To Heal," with passion, enthusiasm and a demeanor that you couldn't help but love and admire. It's been four years since we saw her, but I can still remember her talking about "energy vampires," and how to protect our own positive energy.  These are people who steal our energy without us realizing it - complainers, whiners, the guilt-stricken, drama queens, constant talkers, blamers and the self centered.  Just politely walk away, even though many people find that difficult to do.

"Sonia Choquette is a unique and extraordinary spiritual teacher, intuitive guide and masterful catalyst whose special gift is to energetically activate the highest vibration and free the authentic Spirit in everyone she meets. She releases people from the restriction and fear of the ego and guides them through the portals to joy, wholeness, and personal empowerment in every area of their life."

Sonia is so vibrant and energetic!  Her wide smile and sparkling eyes light up the room. She worked hard on opening up our Sixth Sense and elevating our vibration through music, dance and singing as she presented her workshop,  "Trust Your Vibes."  Mark Stanton Welch, was the musician with her (in the picture on the right). He played uplifting and easy to sing along music throughout the workshop.  I also have quite a few of his cds.  I still, to this day, say out loud her affirmation, "I live a Charmed Life, No Apologies!".

"Steven Halpern is an award-winning composer, recording artist and producer whose healing music has helped millions worldwide to experience the blessings and benefits of deep relaxation and inner peace. "

Steven Halpern was  playing the background music for the Keynote Speakers each evening.  Diane and I bought his set of cds and split them.  They are incredibly soothing and relaxing.

"Suze Orman has been called "a force in the world of personal finance" and a "one-woman financial advice powerhouse" by USA Today. A two-time Emmy Award-winning television host, New York Times mega bestselling author, magazine and online columnist, writer/producer, and one of the top motivational speakers in the world today, Suze is undeniably America's most recognized expert on personal finance."

Suze Orman has a booming voice and grabbed my attention from the get go. She was the Keynote Speaker for the opening on Friday night with her workshop, "Now What Do I Do?"  She is witty and very knowledgeable in her field and offers easy to understand and practical financial advice. Her mantra -- People first; then Money; then Things.

"Wayne W. Dyer, Ph.D., is an internationally renowned author and speaker in the field of self-development. He’s the author of 30 books, has created many audio programs and videos, and has appeared on thousands of television and radio shows. His books Manifest Your Destiny, Wisdom of the Ages, There’s a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem, and the New York Times bestsellers 10 Secrets for Success and Inner Peace, The Power of Intention, and Inspiration and now Change Your Thoughts—Change Your Life have all been featured as National Public Television specials."

Wayne Dyer is an exceptional speaker.  Peace, love, compassion and gratitude emanate from his speeches.  He had me captivated throughout his two hour speech as the Keynote Speaker to end the Conference on Sunday evening discussing "The Power Of Intention".  He gave sound advice and easy to follow guidelines to create an abundant life.  Intention is not something we do, but is an energy that we are all a part of.  If you don't like the way your life is at present, you must notice and take responsibility for your part in the creation of it. Quit complaining about what doesn't work for you or what you don't like about your life and instead, choose your thoughts based on what you want in your life.

 Do yourself a favor and pick up a book or tape by him.  You will be inspired.

Years later, I am still buying books and listening to podcasts and tapes on subjects that I learned at this Conference that are the foundation for living an abundant, charmed, positive, loving, spiritual, joyous, blessed life that is intended for all of us, if we just know how to create it for ourselves.

The only journey is the one within. -- Rainer Maria Rilke

© Patty