Dr Judith Orloff's Blog

Dear Dr. Orloff,

I don't normally happen upon a story where a psychiatrist is not only open and authentic but who also had a "Grandpop." That's what I called mine. I'm also from the Philly area - grew up in Collingswood, NJ and have a private practice in Bryn Mawr, PA just across the Ben Franklin.

My intuition has been my companion since the 7th grade when my father died. I respect it and live by it. I'm so delighted to have found you tonight through an intuitive road to wholeness thanks to a mutual FB friend.

I look forward to reading your book. God bless your work and your mission.

Mary Jane Hurley Brant, M.S., CGP

I had a quiet, but wonderful experience of tip #5: "to practice anonymous acts of service whenever you are feeling unhappy or in a bad mood." It was the day after Christmas; my two boys were age 5 and 2, and I was feeling blue and useless; wrapped in an endless cycle of diapers, cleaning, laundry, dishes, etc. So we went for a neighborhood walk with a "slight" heaviness in my heart, wishing for the days when I was a "working" social worker; contributing in a more "meaningful" way. An elderly man walked toward us, a bit disheveled which made me wonder if he was homeless. He stopped and asked me if he could have some of our water, which was in the stroller cup holder. "Well, er..um"...I said quietly,"that's my son's water..." But in almost the same moment, I remembered that Jesus had once said, "Whatever you do to the least of these, that you do unto me," (Matthew ch. 25) So I offered him the water, and listened to the little voice inside of me to ask how he was. He said he was very tired, reached in his pocket and pulled out a 3x5 card containing his name and some phone numbers to call in case he got "lost." Bing! The bell rang and I realized he had memory problems (good thing I specialized in serving the elderly in my social work training -- duh!) So I called the first number and it was the man's pastor and friend. He was thrilled that the man had been "found" and informed me that a group from his church were praying for him within the last 2-3 hours in which he had walked away from his home. So I brought him to my house, gave him some more to drink, and drove him home to a very grateful caregiver. The obvious lesson is as you said, Dr. Orloff, to reach outside of ourselves in small ways and make a practice of it. It was a moment of purpose which I almost missed had I not talked to myself in a a positive way and been willing to step outside of myself.

I wish I'd had a book like this while growing up. As a child, I had strong intuitive experiences but was punished for them, told constantly I was a liar, or possessed, or doing something bad. I was threatened, punished and mocked by my family, even after time and again what I said came true. I learned to hide my reality from others. The gifts receded during high school and college but came back very strongly when I began meditation practices in my early 20's. I was totally unprepared for it and the therapists I consulted were convinced I was having some kind of breakdown. It was only by following my intuition and stopping meditation for a few years that I was able to understand what was happening, and I am gradually learning through trial and error how to control my gifts so that they don't overwhelm me. They can. I wish there was some place to go or person near me to consult for training as you had at UCLA. Thank you for a great book. It was reassuring to know that others have the same experiences and it can be a 'normal' part of one's life, whatever life holds for you!

I developed my second sight, after my son Stephen, at the age of 18 transitioned to the spiritual realm. I have been told this was a kundalini awakening. All my chakras (energy centers) opened. I healed, because I embraced the unknown and surrendered. I am multi-dimentional, and use my aura to see into other dimensions. I feel and see subtle energy. I know my son continues. This has been a blessing, and a gift from God. I wrote a mini book, titled Angel 54 A Mother's Sacred Journey from Grief to Healing, available on Amazon. It is my hope to help others, embrace and know this ability we all have. This saved me.
Many Blessings