The Question
When a person is raped or sexually abused they often go into shock. They may not even be aware they are in shock. When asked afterwards about the events, many such traumatized individuals speak of being in a dreamlike state and having ‘out of body’ experiences. How is it then that these individuals can even function afterwards? As validation of such behavior, I wish to speak from my own personal experiences, whereby you can draw your own conclusions.
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Validation – An Example of Going Into Shock
At last, he left me there in the yard—exposed, counting, and crying. “One, two, three, four, five, six…”

I counted to fifty, and as I was doing so, my weeping became more intense. Instinctively, I had put my hands back over my eyes as soon as he ordered me to be quiet. His warning had frightened me further, as if that were possible. I was laying flat on my back, almost utterly naked, and counting. But the only thought going through my mind at that moment was the all-encompassing terror for my sister. Was he out there now, looking for her? Oh my God! Help her! Save her! I had to get dressed as fast as I could to warn her. I counted as quickly as possible, so I could leave. I had at last reached the end, “…forty-seven, forty-eight, forty-nine, fifty!”

Jumping up, I began the search for my clothes, all the while crying. To my surprise, they were not resting right next to me. By a large cluster of Pampas grass to my left, I found my red shorts and underwear. My panties were halfway inside my shorts. My absent tennis shoe seemed to have disappeared. I had to look hard for it and was close to abandoning the search, when I noticed it wedged in the bottom leaves of the Pampas grass he had been inspecting when the whole incident began.

I quickly started to put on my clothes. My shorts and panties were much like a lid from a sardine can, peeled back with a key. I had to unroll them in order to dress again. I was bawling by that point and shaking so hard that it was difficult to stand and dress. I felt faint, and nearly fell over as I slipped on my tennis shoe without even bothering to untie it.

For a moment, I was so disoriented I did not even realize that I was already wearing my blouse, and I began to search for it. All I could see was my exposed chest. It finally dawned on me that I was wearing the shredded piece of fabric, with the buttons torn off. I had no other choice but to hold the front closed with my hands.

As I staggered back out onto Hawthorne Street, the sun was just starting to rise. Before I moved any further, I surveyed the area to see if my attacker was anywhere in sight. I concluded he was gone and took off running in the direction of Bowser Street.

“Mary, are you there? Help! I need you! Mary, where are you?” There was no answer.

In a split second, my mind went wild. Oh no! He has her!

I was not even thinking rationally. I lost control of my faculties. I immediately raced in the direction of Lemmon Avenue, in the hopes that I would stumble onto Mary. Maybe he did not get her. I prayed, PLEASE GOD, SAVE MY SISTER FROM THAT MAN!

As I reached Lemmon Avenue, I saw that she was not in sight. I knew that if that man had not taken her, she surely would have made it to this point already. After all, the sun was almost completely up. I was all alone, standing on the corner of Hawthorne and Lemmon Avenues, bawling and screaming her name at the top of my lungs. 

I turned and headed in the direction of our house, thinking I needed to get back home; it was only a couple of blocks away. Running down the middle of Lemmon Avenue, screaming for Mary, I held my blouse tight about my chest, sobbing buckets. I was completely unaware of my surroundings. With every step I took, I became more hysterical.

“Mary! Mary! Oh my God, where are you? Help! Help me, somebody!”

Unexpectedly, a police cruiser pulled up beside me and abruptly stopped. As the policeman rolled down his window, I immediately froze on the spot. I was unaware of the few passing cars, slowing to gawk. 

“What is going on here? Are you OK?”

The officer’s voice sounded dreamlike. I was in shock. For the next several hours, I responded to every question in a trancelike state. I answered, but from where the answers came, only God knew.  

The Spirit Within Directs You
As can be seen from the above account, after being a rape victim I was totally disoriented. However, I somehow managed to try to protect my sister and race home to safety. How was I able to do this?

Most of you would agree that each of us is not only made up of a physical body, but also a spiritual soul. The physical body can die, but the spirit lives on forever. The job of the mind is to protect the body at all costs.

Most of us do not pay much attention to the spirit of God that resides within us, but instead focus on the rumblings of our mind. However, whenever you someone or something traumatizes you, the physical body is severely distressed and may not function properly. Nevertheless, the spirit is always present and takes control when the mind and body shuts down. Therefore, you always have spiritual direction. So, even though you do not know what direction you are going, the spirit knows and guides you back to safety.

A Universal Month gives everyone the dominant general trends for the coming calendar month. The calendar month for March 2010 is a 6 Universal Month in numerology. With this in mind, what can a person expect for the month of March 2010?

All numbers exert vibrations from both sides of our world, both light and dark. Therefore, in any Universal Month and Year you can expect to see both constructive and destructive influences. Since we all have choice, people can bring forward whatever traits they wish. Some people will be more influenced by the constructive aspects, while others will be prone to the destructive impressions. However, it is more likely that each of us will feel the effects of each, both constructive and destructive. Now, let us look at the influences for March 2010, which is a 6 Universal Month in a 3 Universal Year.

In a 6 Universal Month, a person can expect a strong sense of responsibility, especially where it pertains to home and family. Coupled with the 3 Universal Year for 2010, one may have very accurate insights and impressions concerning family and friends. In addition, one’s creativity and optimism may be highlighted in all family affairs. In other words, a person will likely want to spend more time with their loved ones, possibly doing fun things like going on vacation or just celebrating life.

With this aspect, there is a nurturing disposition and sympathy for others. During this time, any relationships will be the focus, especially those relating to ‘one’s family.’ Because of this, one may spend more time in helping others. For instance, a child, parent, sibling or close friend considered ‘family’ may need more attention during this month. It is also a time where there is a tendency to commit deeply to love. Do not be surprised if you get married during this month.

This strong sense of responsibility can also manifest itself in any community-oriented, humanitarian cause as one can have more sympathy for and wants to render service to others. Because of this, you may feel as if your workload has increased.

Please note that there is a need for balance during this month. Looking at the destructive aspects, one must guard against dominating friends and family, being outspoken, stubborn, obstinate, and self-righteous. It is a month to make sure one is nurturing, not downright meddling into other people’s affairs, especially loved ones. If you are not careful, instead of marriage, you may be heading for separation and divorce.

It is wise to remember that this month there is a push to commit to your genuine feelings towards others. Therefore, if your relationships are strong, you may ride this month on a ‘high.’ However, if your relationships are troubled, there will likely be confrontations. It is for this reason that many times, a 6 Universal Month is fraught with emotions. This is a month where the universe is working to help you refine your relationships. So although this time could be hard and painful emotionally, the end result can be very enlightening and liberating.

Legal Disclaimer

Cindy L. Herb has used her best efforts in preparing these predictions and any accompanying materials and therefore, makes no representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the above predictions. The information contained herein is strictly for entertainment purposes. Therefore, if you wish to apply the concepts from this information, you are taking full responsibility for your actions.

Every effort has been made to represent these predictions and their potential accurately. However, there is no guarantee about you or your life using this material.

Cindy L. Herb disclaims any warranties (express or implied) for any purpose and shall in no event be held liable to any party for any direct, indirect, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of this material, which is provided ‘as is’, and without warranties.

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How many of you have wonderful feelings of unconditional love when someone judged you or whenever you judged another? A good way to gauge the answer is by your reaction to it. From my own observations, whenever someone judged me, I became angry or upset. I noticed it most when someone would say to me, “You should do so and so.”
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Take ’should’ out of your vocabulary.
A shaman and spiritual teacher named Charles Crooks once told me, “Take the word ’should’ out of your vocabulary because it implies you know better than someone else, suggesting you are superior, and this is judgment.” Whenever someone tells you that you ’should’ do something is there resistance? Why do you think that could be? Might the answer lie in the knowledge that by allowing another to be superior to you actually makes you feel inferior? Is this not a state of domination? Therefore, would you agree that judgment causes you to turn away from the light within?

Symbol of law is neutral and equally balanced.
A set of scales is often associated in a court of law, where a judge presides. In fact, the Scales of Justice are perhaps the most ancient symbol associated with law, symbolizing impartial deliberation. The scales ‘weigh’ two sides in a legal dispute, but are shown equally balanced. Therefore, their image intends to represent an unbiased opinion.

Court of law judge has authority to rule; others do not.
A judge in a court of law ultimately gives rulings on what is considered ‘right’ or ‘wrong’, either meriting reward or punishment. However, society has given him this authority. We, as individuals, do not have this authority. Could it be that we have assumed this power whenever we give advice in the form of ‘you should?’

Allow others the right to reject advice.
If someone judges by use of the word ’should’, and it invokes feelings of resistance in the form of anger, defense or discomfort, then something may be amiss. Do you suppose another approach is appropriate? Might you allow people the right to reject what you have to present? If so, ’should’ does not work. Since it is the purpose of a judge to weigh both sides so that they are equally balanced, can you, likewise, apply the same principle to yourself?

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Many of us suffer from pain, either physical or emotional. Usually, we define pain as anything that causes hurt, aching, soreness, or tenderness. Essentially, we associate it with something that is not pleasing. However, what exactly is pain? Furthermore, is there a way to successfully overcome it?

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True Definition of Pain
You may not know the original derivation of the word pain, but it comes from the Greek word poine. If you look up the word in the dictionary, it will state the word is derived from the Latin word poena. However, Latin or Roman mythology consistently borrowed terms from Greece. The words poine and poena literally mean:

• pain (bodily or mental suffering);
• punishment (to inflict a penalty for an offense);
• retribution (just or suitable return for evil deeds);
• recompense (to repay or make up for);
• vengeance (infliction of pain or loss on another in return for injury or offense); or
• penalty (punishment for a crime or offense).

You may be surprised to learn that the Greek goddess of revenge, Poini, was sent to punish mortals who angered the gods. She was sent to inflict punishment, retribution, vengeance and a penalty for the crime of murder or manslaughter. It is a crime of offense.

Inequality
To offend someone, you must feel you have wronged or displeased either another or yourself. However, to have done so, you must believe you are not equal to them. In other words, a condition has been set up where you place yourself or another person either in an inferior position, or above in a superior role. This effectively is a state of judgment. Therefore, could you concede that you may subconsciously associate pain or suffering due to a feeling of unworthiness because you feel either inferior or superior?

Reason for Current Thought Patterns
However, why would you not feel equal to anyone else? Could it be that parents, teachers, and structured religions have unknowingly taught you such? In addition, how could they? Consider your spiritual training. How many of you have been told that God is everywhere, yet you must be saved to be in His presence. If God were everywhere, would it not stand to reason that He is also within you? Furthermore, if that is the case, why must you be saved to be with Him, as He is already within?

What is the answer?
What is the answer to overcoming pain and suffering? Only by considering yourself equal can this be accomplished. Instead of thinking, you are outside of God, and therefore, separate and unworthy, try an alternative approach. A spiritual teacher named Charles Crooks has often expressed the following, “You are part of the whole and not separate.” Reflecting on this statement, it offers a way to eradicate feelings of wrongdoing and fault, whereby you are worthy because you are not separate. Furthermore, when you feel you are worthy, pain and suffering can be dissolved.

Law of Attraction

Many of you wish to manifest something more constructive in your life, such as finding joy through love or gaining financial independence. The Law of Attraction, made popular by Rhonda Byrne’s book, The Secret, defines this law as simply focusing all your energy and thought on your desired wish, and soon the universe will deliver your wish to you.

More Clarification Needed

Quantum physics supports this premise, validating that your thoughts do define your world. However, despite the simplicity of the idea, you may be one of many people who still have trouble manifesting their most desired wants. What is an effective solution to this dilemma? Could it be the definition of ‘soon‘ needs more clarification?

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Human Brain Operation – Time it Takes to Form a Habit

The human brain is a highly complex organ that is the great director of all the other physical bodily functions. The brain uses electrical impulses to send messages to other parts of the body, allowing it to operate effectively. These electrical impulses form an elaborate web of interconnecting electromagnetic neurons and neuropeptides.

According to Wikipedia, “A neuron is an excitable cell in the nervous system that processes and transmits information by electrochemical signaling. Neuropeptides are small protein-like molecules used by neurons to communicate with each other.” In other words, they are signaling molecules, “involved in particular brain functions, like analgesia, reward, food intake, learning and memory.”

As time goes by, these circuits of neuropathways and neuroconnectors trace memories. Researchers, like Dr. Maxwell Maltz, have shown that it takes 21 days, or three weeks to make a stable memory connection. Therefore, the brain’s neuropathways and neuroconnectors must be repeatedly, consistently, and without interruption, flooded with the same signal for 21 straight days in order to make a change. In other words, it takes three weeks to form a habit.

Spiritual Connection to the Whole Universe

The Law of Attraction supports the idea that you can manifest everything you request. It is a spiritual connection. The statement, “We are all part of the whole, and not separate” is a quote by a spiritual advisor named Charles Crooks. He further states, “Being that all things are part of the whole and no thing is separate, and ourselves being part of the whole, there is no possible way anything realized is outside, including the light of angels and/or the Creator.” Reflecting on these statements with regard to the brain’s activity, might you ascertain that the brain is not just conducting a physical activity, but also, is part of a larger cosmos of the universe where everything is connected?  

Effective Solution – Try Law Daily for At Least 3 Weeks Without Missing a Day

There is a basic process to the Law of Attraction: perceive and live by that which you wish to bring forward, and know that already waiting patiently within is what you perceive. However, how long does it take before you realize (and receive) that which is within? The timing of realization and receipt of those things that you wish to bring forward under the Law of Attraction can be variable. However, the ability to change a habit has been found to follow a 21-day cycle. The Law of Attraction may function in that frame of time. Since you are part of the whole, and not separate, might it be that you can apply the same 21-day formula for forming a habit to manifesting your wants under the Law of Attraction?

Many of us choose to live by certain attributes of love, understanding, compassion, honor, honesty and humility. However, some people regard these attributes as good while others choose to call them constructive. Is there a difference, and if so, what is it? It may be beneficial to understand the glossary terminology in order to realize your spiritual being more completely. In that regard, I would like to offer the following information for your perusal:

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Good

• Word is derived from the Old English word god, and includes the following meanings:
  • virtuous (worthy);
  • desirable (to want something you currently do not have);
  • favorable (approving or partiality);
  • pleasant (agreeable);
  • valid (legitimate or powerful);
  • suitable (appropriate, proper, right, correct);
  • efficient (not wasteful);
  • considerable (substantial); or
  • sufficiently great (distinguished or notable).
  • Webster’s dictionary definition  provides the following additional definitions:
    • commendable;
    • right;
    • proper; or
    • evidence of guilt.

Constructive

• Word is derived from the Latin word constuere, and includes the following meanings:
  • to heap (crowd, assemble);
  • bring (bring forth, produce, present, offer);
  • collect (pull together);
  • gather together;
  • build;
  • fabricate (manufacture, produce, put together or craft); or
  • erect (to elevate or set upright).
  • Webster’s dictionary definition provides the following additional definitions:
    • to devise (to develop, consider, form, plan, or arrange in the mind);
    • compile; or
    • invent (to discover or create).

While it does appear that both the words good and constructive are the same, and society has used these words interchangeably, looking at the original derivation of the words can give another perspective. Specifically, if you ponder the individual meanings of each word carefully, you can definitely discern a distinct difference between the two.

Good – A Position of Inequality

Beginning with the first bullet in the above good description list, it is possible to see a pattern. Would you agree to be virtuous or worthy, you must believe you are not the same as another? In other words, you feel you are either superior or inferior. From my perspective, as I look at each of the remaining definitions of good, I can discern that all of them describe acts from the position of superiority or inferiority to another. Do you agree?

From a spiritual standpoint, each meaning for the word good will apply if you feel you are separate from God. Thinking you are separate, you can assume you are inferior. Furthermore, if you think you are separate, then God is outside of you, and not within. Each individual meaning of the word good validates this premise.

Constructive – A More Neutral Approach

However, focusing on the individual definitions for the word constructive, a different picture emerges. Each of them is a representation of an action by a person who has taken a neutral approach to spirituality. A spiritual teacher named Charles Crooks has often stated, “You are part of the whole and not separate.” Under these terms, you are neutral. You can be neither inferior nor superior. Furthermore, when you are part of the whole, everything, including the light of God is within you.

Although doing good can be constructive, which word do you think is more beneficial to your spiritual growth? The choice is yours. Do you want to consider yourself outside the light of God, allowing a regard for yourself as either inferior or superior? On the other hand, does a more neutral approach to spirituality appear to be resonating with you?

I know that I am not outside the light of God. I work within that light, bringing forth the constructive attributes of love, understanding, compassion, honor, honesty and humility, in the pursuit of defining my character more fully. Therefore, I choose to use the word constructive, instead of good. Based on this new understanding, what do you choose?

How many of you have had to deal with difficult people in their lives? Perhaps you have even questioned why you went through hard events in your life. Most of us consider that such events are bad luck. However, I would like to offer an alternative approach to understanding obstacles.
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To keep your physical body in shape, what have you found most beneficial? Do you work out with weights? The resistance of the weight causes your muscles to build, making you more fit, does it not? In addition, have you discovered the process to be hard and painful? The catchphrase, “No pain, no gain” is an exercise motto that describes the process of working out and experiencing muscle aches repeatedly in order to gain muscle.

Many instances may exist in our society where children are hurt because of the lack of parental protection or control. Why does this happen and is there an effective way to stop it?
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The Premise
Many instances may exist in our society where children are hurt because of the lack of parental protection or control. Often, it seems obvious to us, as rape victims and sexual abuse survivors, that with more parental involvement that those tragic events may have been avoided completely. We may ask, “Why didn’t my parent or guardian protect me?” The answer may lie in the fact that a pattern of abuse can follow from generation to generation, affecting our parent’s actions. Furthermore, how does one stop the cycle?

My Personal Experience
“What’s going on here? Are you OK? Why are you out here by yourself?”

“I was throwing my paper route with my sister, but a man asked me to help him find his cat. And, oh my God, he got me!” My crying intensified for a moment. “Now he is going to try and get my sister. I have to warn her!”

“Where were your parents? Don’t they go out with you when you throw papers?”

I never liked going out alone on Sunday morning, but I never thought it was wrong of my parents to let us go by ourselves. I figured they would not let us do anything that could possibly harm us. They had to love us enough to protect us. Now it seemed this officer was questioning their judgment.

I sheepishly answered, “No, they are home asleep.” I was relieved to see we were stopping, which meant the probing questions would stop.

As soon as the police could, however, they asked my mom to explain. “Ma’am, can you tell us why Mary and Cindy were out throwing papers by themselves so early in the morning?”

My mom’s defenses shot up quickly. “Those two little boogers, they always left the house on their own, without waking us. I work hard and sleep soundly. I did not hear them go out. My husband and I told them before to get us up, but they never did. I never thought anything like this could happen.”

My mom’s mind was racing. The thought of a man raping her child brought forward ugly memories from her past. She fought to hold back her tears. She would not permit herself to shed a single drop. Her paternal grandfather had always fondled her whenever he got the chance. As far as my mom knew, he also ‘messed with’ one of her two older sisters, but that sister was ornery and much braver than my mom had been. The sister was better at fending him off.

My mom had never told anyone about her encounters as a small child with her paternal grandfather, not even her parents or her husband. When shown pictures of him, she just commented, “I never liked going to his house.”

I found out the ugly truth when, as an adult, I confronted her about my rape and her lack of parental protection. She broke down, confiding in me that she, too, had experience with inappropriate sexual behavior. My mother relayed the story of her grandfather and his escapades. She said she was only about five or six when the first incident with him happened. I asked her why she did not tell her parents. Her answer: “I was too ashamed.” Her thinking directly influenced the rest of her actions on the day of my rape.

Too Ashamed
As shown in my own personal account, my mom had experience of inappropriate sexual behavior that was unbeknownst to me as a child. She never discussed it because she ‘was ashamed.’ But why would she be ashamed? She did nothing wrong. She, like me, was just a child when her ghastly experience occurred.

To feel ashamed, one must consider his or her self unworthy. The very definition of shame validates this, as Webster’s dictionary uses the word ‘degrade’ to characterize the word. Therefore, to feel shame and guilt, one must feel inferior. However, where might you get the concept that you are either inferior or superior to someone else?

The Key
How many of you think that God lives in heaven? Do you think that heaven is outside of you? Consider the idea that the spirit of God is everywhere. If the spirit of God is everywhere, doesn’t that include you and me?

Believing that God is outside of you can result in feelings of inferiority or superiority. Why?  If you believe you are separate from the spirit, you are also allowing a belief that you can be separate from others. Considering the statement from a spiritual teacher named Charles Crooks, “We are all part of the whole and not separate” can offer a more beneficial way to look at our connection to the spirit, and to others. Only when you realize that you are part of the whole spirit of God, and therefore, part of others can you comprehend that you are not separate and therefore, inferiority is not possible.

Stop the Shame
Might this be a valid way to stop the cycle of abuse? Stop the shame and you can stop the cycle. If parents are not ashamed, it is more likely that they will take appropriate actions to protect their children. Furthermore, each parent that protects a child may be stopping one more cycle of abuse. Is this not worth a try?