The Joy Of Giving Presence

By Jennifer Elizabeth Masters

The holidays can be a beautiful time to connect with loved ones, share laughter and our presence. To many, the holidays can be extremely stressful - even depressing. The holidays reveal to us what is amiss in our lives, showing us what we need to focus on. 

I remember Christmases past when I tried desperately to make everyone around me happy. I fussed over gifts and wrapping. I caused myself stress looking for the "perfect" gift for each of my loved ones. There was always someone that wished for something other than what I chose for them. 

My oldest son was the most difficult to please. I would wait in anticipation for his facial expression when he opened his gifts. I was often depressed after the gifts were opened, even though we were all together. My focus was on the gifts, rather than the

presence. I was not in the present. I tried to make others happy. It was an impossible task, one that I have gratefully let go of. It is not our responsibility to "make" anyone happy. The only one we are truly responsible for is us. 

Being Happy With Who We Are 

It is interesting that in the act of becoming, there is a letting go involved. Allowing ourselves to be really seen by our loved ones, offers a transparent version of ourselves, without subterfuge, barriers or phoniness. Offering others our vulnerability allows them to get close, revealing our authentic presence. 

We have to let go of people pleasing. We have to let go of trying to be perfect, or to find the perfect gift. There will always be someone that will be disappointed with what we have given, or how we have given it. We can't be ourselves when we focus on others happiness or comfort all the time. We cannot be happy with us, when we make others' happiness our responsibility. We cannot be happy with us when we are constantly trying to please others. We cannot be happy with our lives when we refuse to let others see our true self. 

Everything will line up perfectly when knowing and living the truth becomes more important than looking good. ~Alan Cohen

What Is Authenticity, Really?

When you are authentic, you are you all of the time. There is no other way for you to be, but completely you. You are not one way around one group of friends and another around those in the office. You are the same at home with your neighbors as you are on a

plane, in a supermarket or in a beauty salon. There is no effort involved remembering what you have been or acted like with whom. The only way you can show up anywhere is by being truly you, rather than a version of what you want to show the world. When we can be vulnerable and real with ourselves and others we become truly present, sharing our presence with the world and those we love.

The authentic self is the soul made visible. ~Sarah Ban Breathnach

How Do We Feel When We Are NOT Authentic?

When we are inauthentic we feel out of sync with our values, preferences and abilities. We might feel uncomfortable in our own skin, because we strive to be something that we are not. The need for everything to be perfect may pervade our lives, which is exhausting. We often try to run away from who we truly are, which leads to avoidance in other areas of our lives. We avoid being vulnerable because we don't want others to see our soft chewy tootsie roll center. When we avoid situations we cannot possibly be present fully. We are not sharing our authentic presence.

It Takes Guts - But It Is So Worth It!

Being authentic liberates us from trying to be perfect, or something we are not. Stepping out into the void of the virtual unknown is required. We need to face our inner demons. We need to know and understand ourselves to be authentic. Often the very thing we are afraid to let go of is who we think we need to be versus, who we truly are. Letting go of our concern about what others think of us is freeing. Liberating is the goal, letting go of control  is the way. 

Authenticity requires us to accept all of ourselves, rather than just the best or smartest parts. Being authentic is embracing our humanity. It is a recognition that we are all human.

What About Our Mistakes?

We have all made choices and decisions that didn't turn out the way we hoped. All of those experiences are part of who we are. Whether it was a relationship or marriage that didn't last, an education we don't use, our experiences teach us more about ourselves. Looking at our experiences without judgment and recrimination is required. We begin to recognize that our past does not have to equal our future.  Our past offered us lessons and gifts that help us make better choices through our personal inner discovery. Our self observation and inner journey is on-going. It never ends. We constantly morph and change with each new day. That is the wonderful thing about change. We can allow ourselves infinite possibilities each and every day.

Acceptance of our imperfection is the cornerstone of being totally real with ourselves. With the acceptance of all of you, comes the recognition of your talents, abilities and gifts. Rather than being fake, shallow or a card-board one dimensional being, you see the multi-faceted beauty of the genuine you. Acceptance allows happiness to flow in, where control was previously. 

Running Away

We can run, but we can't hide. We always show up wherever we are. We cannot run from the chaos of our lives anymore than we can run away from ourselves or choices. 

Sex and Authenticity

Orgasms and pleasure can allude you when you are inauthentic. Faking orgasm is inauthentic. It is not being true to yourself or your partner. If you fake orgasm, you also fake other areas of your life. Get real, be honest and let go of inauthenticity. (Read my book)

3 Steps To Living Authentically with Presence

1. Evaluate what you truly care about. What are the most important things in your life? Align yourself with those criteria. Don't allow others to pull you off your center. Sometimes we base our lives and beliefs on what our parents believed. When we really examine these core beliefs, are they truly ours? 
2. Let go of judgment. Often we judge things that are different than ourselves or that we don't understand. Judgement is a rigid way of thinking. Looking at others and especially ourselves without the magnifying glass of harsh criticism will allow us and others to be human and imperfect. We will stop running away from ourselves and being more present when we become more accepting.
3. Pay attention to the way your body feels. When you are in alignment with your core beliefs you can feel it. Your body feels good, comfortable and grounded. Your body will never lie to you. It will however let you know when you are out of alignment. Paying attention to people or events that don't concern you can often cause you to feel stressed, or out of alignment. Notice when you get upset. Are you upset with someone else's actions or your judgment of them? Ask,  "is this really my concern? Do I need to take this on?" You have the power to change the way you react to situations and how you feel. How you think about things causes your reactions. Always come back to your inner being. How do I feel? What is making me feel this way? Can I process this differently? How can I change the way I feel about this? How can I go with the flow of life instead of trying to make things happen a certain way. 

The Heart Connection

When you are authentic you connect deeply with other people. People feel the truth of who you are. They see it in your eyes. Being authentic changes your interactions from superficial to deep and meaningful connections. You let go of what others think of you. You stop taking everything so personally. People will remember you for being genuine. Not everyone is ready to be authentic or vulnerable. It can make some very nervous and uncomfortable. Accepting the fact that we will never be perfect can be challenging for some. Being authentic and offering your presence to another is the biggest gift of all. You connect heart-to-heart. Love is what joins us together. In the presence of love, there is no fear. True love is all about acceptance. We cannot have real love when we don't love and/or accept ourselves the way we are. Being true to yourself will bring you lasting happiness that striving for perfection or people pleasing never will. 

You Hold The Key

You are already worthy. You are already loveable. We all just want to be loved and accepted. The first person we have to learn to love and accept is us. Remember to give yourself permission to be imperfect. We are human after all, by definition, we are that. You already have everything that you need inside of you. You are whole, perfect, loving, kind, harmonious and beautiful. Enjoy the gift of giving your presence. 

Jennifer Elizabeth Masters is an inspirational author,  empowering those struggling with the issues of being human. Above all else, she is authentic, real, honest and Divinely connected. She empowers, encourages and assists those committed to a life of happiness and harmony to unearth those issues that don't serve and may even cause dis-ease. She is the creator of the Love Yourself Fearlessly 6-week course. However, she believes true change does not happen overnight, but with daily effort, putting one foot in front of the other each day. Sometimes we need to have someone help us see the light in us, or the light at the end of the tunnel. Either way, Jennifer is a spiritual pathfinder. Rather than following her, she encourages you to find your own path. She will shine the light of awareness so that you can find your way.

Jennifer often works with superhuman women to help the thoughts that created cancer issues, self esteem, sexual abuse, or challenges of family, relationships and success. Her own struggle and challenges in life have led her to help others heal the situations or struggles that she experienced and healed. We are constantly changing and morphing. What is true for us today, may not be true for us tomorrow. Jennifer is wonderful for helping you uncover your gifts, talents and beauty. She allows you to see the humanity that is you. With self acceptance, self love and understanding anything is possible!

Spirit Messages

Messages From The Other Side?

Rich Resuta and Ariel, January 2012, on top of Flagstaff Mountain, Boulder, Colorado

Being Psychic You See The Good and The Bad

As an intuitive healer, sensing and feeling what is going on with a client is powerful and makes healing much faster because I can get to the root of the issue in minutes rather than months. When it comes to loved ones, even ex-husbands, it can give one insight into things you may wish you did not know. When Rich Resuta asked me last May, "Was the infection cleared up with the antibiotics for his abscessed tooth?" I had to tell him it had traveled to his heart and may even cause his death. That was tough. When I asked for my gift of sight to come in completely, I was told, "You know you will see everything, not just the positive." I had to agree that I understood that was the case. I did an Akashic Record reading on March 25, 2012 where The Ascended Masters told me that Rich would not be around much longer.

Some of you already know that I predicted Rich's death in May, he died in his sleep on the night of July 4th, 2012. This has been devastating to Ariel and she has grown a lot since that day. 

Rich, Ariel's 16th birthday Scott Carpenter Park, CO 2012

Rich had been a runner since High School. His knowledge of fitness, with a degree in Physical Education and the fact that he taught PE in Georgia for two years made him a great coach for all of our children. As a step-father to Adam and David, he encouraged them to run, which they did in High School. Even Ariel ran cross country for Milton, High as well as Girl's On The Run in middle school. Adam and David both ran the Peachtree with Rich several times, Ariel once. Adam even went on to run the Half Marathon in Atlanta on Thanksgiving Day in 1999.

Father's Day has been looming large on the horizon as the next first that Ariel has to experience without the physical presence of her father. I was very aware of Father's Day coming up and was wondering what I could do to make it any easier for her. Saturday, June 1st, I got guidance to take Ariel to breakfast, even though I had deadlines to meet and work to do. My guides told me she needed me and my undivided attention - away from my home office. When she came into my office, to tell me about her latest dream sequence, I said, "Hold that thought, we'll go out for breakfast and you can tell me then." By the time she was showered, dressed and we were out the door, it was more like lunchtime. I commented on Ariel's choice of clothing, a 17-year-old marathon t-shirt of her late father's. She shrugged meaning, "It was what I was told to wear." We live daily by following our intuitive guidance. Our lives flow so much more beautifully when we do. We both have paid the price dearly with pain, suffering and backward motion when we do not.

Rich Resuta, David Gates, Jennifer, Ariel and Gunner in Alpharetta, Georgia

I asked where she wanted to eat and Ariel said, Chili's. Chili's had been a long-standing favorite of her's for her father-daughter Sundays. For the past three years, Rich would pick Ariel up and take her out to lunch and they spent the afternoon talking while they ate, taking their conversation into Rich's truck, usually parked in front of our house for hours while they sat and talked together. It is what Ariel misses most about her father's passing. It was an opportunity for Ariel to talk about her friends, who she had a crush on and what was going on in school. Rich was always attentive and gave her his best guidance on each situation, whether Ariel agreed or not. Rich was very self disciplined and helped Ariel with a lot of life's events. 

When they drove to the restaurant Rich played music and Ariel encouraged her father to sing along with her to their favorite songs. One in particular was called, The Center of Attention, by an artist called Guster. I had never heard this song before. Ariel uploaded it to her phone after her father's transition (apparent death) and we listened to it often on long road trips between Colorado and Georgia, or during our move to California. It always reminded Ariel of her father. It was like a direct link to her Dad. 

When we sat in our booth at Chili's Saturday, June 1st, in Lancaster, California hungrily awaiting our order to be delivered we were both taken by complete surprise by the song that suddenly began to play. Yes, it was Guster, The Center of Attention. Ariel and I immediate looked at each other and burst into tears. We could feel his presence. Ariel was sitting across the table from me wearing her father's marathon shirt a week after the Boulder Boulder where Adam, my oldest sone experienced Rich's presence. 

You could say, "Well that was a coincidence." To the nay sayers, I will tell you that almost every night while I work doing energy clearings in my office that Rich shows up energetically, knocks once on my closet door. I always ask, "Who is there?" They typical response is in Rich's dry and sarcastic tone, "Who else?" Or, "Who did you expect?" I know what Rich's energy feels like. He was present on top of Flagstaff Mountain, in Boulder when we did his ceremony. I could hear him say to me, "Bye Jennifer !"

Adam and Ariel - Milton C.C. 2011

In his typical taunting voice he always used when he said my name. Personalities come across the ethers. Their voice remains the same, as does their energy. I am a medium. Spirits talk to me. I hear the voices of St. Germain, Archangel Michael and others on a daily basis. When you sense energy blueprints, you come to recognize people just by their energy rather than their physical presence. 

Adam and David Gates

Rich has shown up for both of my sons at different times, since his apparent physical death. When Adam ran the Boulder, Boulder Memorial weekend he told me "Rich came in at mile 1." Rich was a runner and ran the Peachtree Road Race 26 years in a row. The only one he missed was this past one (July 4, 2012, the day he (died). 

When David built a changing table this spring for his best friend,

David Gates

he asked Rich to help him. He felt his presence and was able to create a beautiful piece of furniture with little knowledge and expertise.

David and Ashley Gates 2010

David said, he could not have built it without Rich.

I use brackets here, because every time I use the word death, or died in reference to him or my friends, Diana Davis or JoAnne Butler who also transitioned within weeks of each other they all say, "WE ARE NOT DEAD!" The difference is that they are not in physical form. They are still very much alive. They think, they feel and they experience. Just like we do in a physical body. Rich has such a sense of humor he even showed up in my dream one night, having explicit oral sex with me! It was not a dream, it was very real. I had to make it very clear this was not okay. It never happened again. Rich laughed about it afterward. He thought it was funny. So I know first hand that Spirits can do a lot of things, like play music when they want to get your attention. They can also come into your dreams if they choose to get a message to you. Rich remained hopeful that we would be intimate that last year when he visited us in Boulder, Co. I was not interested in going there, hence his visit to me in my dream after his transition.

Rich, David and Adam - Ariel's choral concert

Ariel looking like Rich in his shirt at Chili's

    

I had two miraculous music encounters with Rich's spirit twice in 2012, where he played music which sent me a very clear message. The link above regarding Rich's death explains the first experience I had. In September, 2012, I had to drive to Williston, North Dakota to pick up Rich's truck, which was now Ariel's and the rest of his belongings. Ariel is the sole heir. The only way to get his belongings was to take a plane and a bus to get there and drive his truck back to Colorado. On the way back, I hesitated to get in his truck and drive in Rich's energy for 12 hours. His energy was all over the truck, in the glove box, the console, everywhere I looked. When I finally got on the road, I plugged in my phone and listened to downloaded music till it began to crackle. Strange that it did so, as the music was on my phone and not coming over radio waves. I was forced to push the button on the radio to stop the noisy static being emitted. 

I heard Rich's voice as I began to push buttons say, "Remember the year Ariel was born?" Of course I did, "It was 1996, May 21st to be exact." As I pushed the button the static stopped and music began to play. It was Lighning Crashes, by Live. This music was playing all over the airwaves the year Ariel was born. It is the story of life and death. Women having babies, abortions, and old mother dying. It was very poignant and emotional for me.  The next song that played was Stupid Girl by Garbage. I knew that RIch always thought I was stupid for divorcing him, feeling that marriage should be till death.

Ariel, Mojave Desert, CA 2012 in her Dad's truck

There were 7 other songs that played and  sent me a very clear message of what he was thinking about and wanted me to know. Each song that played told me a story and gave me a message. There is no doubt in my mind that Rich caused these songs to play and caused my phone to crackle so that I had to turn on the radio. When the announcer came on the air, I was blown away even further, "We're playing music from 1996, all weekend!" What are the chances that the pushing of buttons I was unfamiliar with to preset stations would land me on the very one that was playing songs from the year of our daughter's birth? 10,000 to one? No more like 1,000,000 to one. Proving miracles happen every day and spirits can communicate with us if we are awake enough to notice.We became friends in the last years of his life, and spent time together in Boulder when he visited Ariel while working in North Dakota. We often went to my favorite pie place, The Walnut Cafe and had breakfast together while Ariel slept in. 

Rich was instrumental in giving me the courage to start my landscaping business in Atlanta, Georgia in 2001. He was a home builder and hired me to landscape a high end residential home for a famous infertility specialist in Buckhead. My company, For Heaven Scapes, Ltd

Adam and David Gates, Jennifer and Ariel

was opened in 2001 and was closed in September 2011 when Ariel and I moved to Boulder, Colorado. Giving credit where credit is due, had it not been for his encouragement, I know I would never have taken the leap from Master Gardener to landscape professional. I also give Rich credit for helping to end my pity party of victimization. Our marriage was tumultuous; a soul mate relationship. Not the idyllic kind you hear about in books. It was difficult, challenging and life altering. He gave me the gift of Ariel at 41. Soul mate relationships are all about making monumental changes in one's life. That he did. All of my kids worked for For Heaven Scapes at different times. This company provided me the impetus to continue to be entrepreneurial, rather than return to corporate America. Working in the dirt, creating beautiful landscapes for my clients was my passion for over 10 years. It gave me great joy and grounded me, teaching me many lessons about the earth and how everything is alive. I experienced the consciousness of trees and plants during this time for the first time. I came to the understanding that God consciousness is in every rock, tree, blade of grass and every flower. When you look back to see who it was that gave you the impetus to move you beyond your small self, it is time to take note and be Grateful. I am grateful to Rich Resuta and all the lessons he gave me, big and small. They shattered what I thought was reality and moved me to a higher plane of existence. He continues to make comments to me about our daughter, Ariel. In Albuquerque, New Mexico he strongly commented about me letter Ariel and Tessa

Ariel Resuta and Tessa

out without any known curfew. On his insistence I called Ariel and had them return to our hotel room. Ariel was relieved as Tessa was on the verge of getting them into some trouble that could have been dangerous. 

Life is a journey of experiences. Learning how to live from the High Self to get the most out of life and live joyously is what I help women do. Experience life from the extraordinary. Contact me for a 20 minute coaching call to see if working with me is in your highest and best interest. If you are reading this, there is no accident. Visit Jennifer's website

I am open to hearing your questions and comments on this subject, because I know a lot of people have questions about what happens after death. I have had quite a lot of first hand experience with loved ones leaving this plane, and one who died in my presence (John Armbruster read my book, Odyssey Victim to Victory for the details of this amazing experience). Visit Jennifer Elizabeth Master's website