2006

A recent glance at a calendar reminded me that I have been writing, speaking and teaching Channeling for over fifteen years. A short trip down memory lane proved too inviting to resist and before long I was traveling very quickly through time, dimension and experience. As with most things some memories seemed sweeter than others, and what I had thought was an insurmountable challenge now offered a different, more complete perspective. Hindsight is indeed 20/20! As far back as I can remember I wanted to channel. I wanted it from the time I was eleven in much the same way that a child longs for a puppy - as if it was the only thing that could complete me. My desire never wavered and I eventually made the necessary connections on both the spiritual and physical planes.

Channeling, also called mediumship, is the ability to translate expanded thoughts, highly attuned feelings, sensory perceptions, and visual images into guidance and information. It is a method of receiving and exchanging energy between the physical and the non-physical. Channeling is a cooperative system of communication designed to benefit, assist, heal and enlighten. It blends the infinite intelligence of the universe with the needs and desires of humanity. Clairaudience, clairvoyance and clairsentience are also forms of channeling (clear hearing, clear seeing and clear sensing or knowing, respectively). Everyone has the ability to channel to a certain degree. We send and receive messages all of the time even when we are not consciously aware of doing so. Even our intuition, which we often take for granted, is a form of channeling and anyone with a sincere desire to be a channel can develop the ability to do so.

Trance channeling, as the name suggests, is a method in which a state of hypnotic semi-unconsciousness inspires communication. A trance channel rarely remembers anything that takes place during the event. Edgar Cayce was known as 'the sleeping prophet' for this very reason. A medium that does not wish to maintain a conscious streaming connection with Spirit may opt for this method. Every form of channeling provides certain benefits and trance channels I have known report a state of otherworldly ecstasy unlike any other.

As a conscious channel I am an observer of the process. I remain detached from the experience itself, but somewhat aware of the process from somewhere in the background. This method employs my body as a temporary vessel of knowledge and healing, and because energy does not discriminate, I also benefit from the experience. Conscious channels do not surrender the authority or ownership of their body and most are in true partnership and trust with the energies they bring forth.

After a few years I became a full-body channel, which allows Spirit the full mobility my body. This method calls for an even greater degree of trust in both the process and the partnership. Full-body channeling surrenders the use and control of one's body to Spirit, but never its ownership. Interestingly, while I am sometimes clumsy Spirit is not, and I have discovered a sense of grace and ease during channeling that I have not enjoyed in other more physical activities, this is because Spirit does not hold density; it displaces it.

I am often asked how much of the channeling experience I retain and I am sorry to say, very little. I am left with a dyslexic, but pleasant memory of what transpired. Certain words or subjects stand out more than others, but even these fade after a few minutes or a few hours. True channeling takes place at deep levels of awareness that exist beyond our reasoning mind. As this is exactly what we want, you won't find me complaining about what I can't remember. I am also asked whether channeling makes me tired. This is a common misconception as it is assumed that the process depletes energy, but for the most part the opposite is true. The experience is expansive and stimulating, because it takes place beyond the boundaries of human limitation.

Like many mediums, I am able to channel a variety of teachers and guides, but I have developed a deep resonance and abiding relationship with Mother Earth/Gaia, the sentience of our planet. Most channels do the same with specific beings or energies with which they have made significant past life or current agreements. These bonds are often quite profound and some agreements span many lifetimes. I hope that you have already had an opportunity to experience channeling, and if you haven't I hope that you will have one soon. Here are a few suggestions that may be useful the next time an opportunity presents itself:

It is important to feel comfortable and at ease with channeling as this will set the tone for your experience. A simple willingness to expand your awareness is all that is required on your part. While uncertainty can slow or interfere with the process, it is more likely that your higher awareness will step in to smooth the way. Share any desires or expectations you may have with your channel/medium prior to your session, as each dimension and density offers a different perspective. Channeling is a subjective art/science and like all expressions of good will it is subject to interpretation. Its exactness lies in the ability of the channel to accurately relay the totality of the sensory experience, and of the Spirit Teacher to make the experience as seamless as possible.

Approach every channeling experience with an open heart and an open mind. Set an intention to receive the highest and best that Spirit can offer. Ask that specific and pertinent messages continue to flow into your awareness even after the session has ended. If the opportunity presents itself, ask clear and concise questions. If you do not understand the guidance that is offered, ask for further clarification. Understand that there are some things you must discover for yourself and that in some instances a satisfying answer may not be revealed until you have taken the next necessary step. Allow yourself to receive the many benefits that channeling offers including a revitalization in health and well-being, specific guidance, unique discoveries, a sense of peace, and answers to your issues and concerns.

Be open to receive wisdom and positive reinforcement at all times and from all sources, not only during your channeling session. Give full credit to the subtle indirect nuances of life as well as the synchronicities that present themselves moment by moment. Recognize that guidance will shelter you from indecision, but will not remove the decision process altogether. Ultimately, your life is your own. Allow each experience to be independent of all others. Channeling is not a quick fix for solving problems or resolving life's disappointments, but it can offer simple, uncomplicated and unrestrictive answers to life's questions. Never forget that you are one with All That Is/Creator/Source; you are entitled to all of the wonders of the seen and unseen worlds.

Fifteen years ago I was still learning to trust what Spirit offered, and while I have come very far in this regard, our partnership with Spirit is eternal, always offering us opportunities to go farther and deeper than we did the day or the year before. I remember hanging on Spirit's every word and needing to find confirmation in the synchronicities of my daily activities. I remember demanding physical proof of the sometimes-outrageous visions and experiences of the inner planes. I also remember being disappointed when my demands were lovingly ignored. I have long since ceased to demand anything of Spirit and many years of experience have taught me that nothing is too outrageous. Back then I wasn't sure of Spirit's consistent presence in my life and I wondered if each experience might be my last. While this is no longer the case I am still amazed by the channeling process and marvel at the guidance and love that continues to be offered to us by Spirit.

Copyright © 2006 Pepper Lewis, The Peaceful Planet