Insights and Answers

by Rachel Rowlson, CCSW, LMFT, CHT

Dear Rachel: How is it that none of you "intuitives" knew that the World Trade Center and other sites were going to be attacked? If you did know, why didn't you warn the victims and the authorities? (The above questions came from people who have called and/or written to me since the September 11 attack. If they want to know, I am sure there are others who are asking the same questions. So I have decided to answer all in this column to the best of my ability.)

Dear Readers: I understand your anger. I feel it too. Everyone in the world was hurt by the September 11^th attacks, and we are all grieving the loss of the world we used to know. Anger and blame are two of the most powerful and necessary stages of grief. But anger is not a primary emotion. It is a reaction to feelings of helplessness, pain and fear. Anger can be a positive reaction that motivates us to act for self-preservation and to help others. Blame is much less useful. Blame is a way of ducking responsibility. Let's spend our time helping and healing instead.

Please understand that there is a big difference between being intuitive and being "all-knowing." Many people-not just those who consider themselves intuitive-all over the world received disturbing messages in the months before the 9/11 attacks. The message of the coming events was "picked up" or "read" by almost everyone. An opportunity for a paradigm shift of this magnitude comes with considerable energy, force, and forewarning. Some had predicted this event years before. Check Native American prophecies, websites of several English and European psychics, predictions of Ruth Montgomery, and others.

In the months before the attacks many people began reporting "feeling out of sorts," some dreamed of nuclear explosions and others saw buildings explode. One friend of mine dreamed she was forced to push a button that would cause worldwide destruction. The only choice was how the destruction would occur. This was a common dream all over the world. In June I received the message that "a catastrophic event would soon happen-one that would be felt everywhere on Earth." I was not given more specific information except to be told over and over again "it is important to remember not to move into hate."

The important question is not why didn't we know, or even, why didn't we tell? Those who were able did both. And the question is not, why could we not stop this event? The important questions is-what now? How will you find a way to help? How will you find a way to keep moving forward no matter what happens next?

What causes us pain also creates opportunity. Right now, we have the opportunity to move past concepts of separateness, ethnicity and hatred. This war cannot be won on the battlefield or in the caves of Afghanistan. This war can be won only in our own hearts and souls. All peoples of the world have been put on notice to shift to a new paradigm or to never feel safe again. Very often during meditation, I have been reminded that the world of duality is a myth. Our Earth Mother is a teacher of paradox. Yin/Yang, Earth/Sky, Day/Night are not opposites, just parts of the whole. To win this war, we must begin to think about inclusion and connection, not about differences.

Begin with yourself. As each of us creates a personal paradigm shift, we affect the whole. Instead of focusing anger on your enemies or those you feel did not give you fair warning, discover how you can transform your fear into love and your pain into compassion. Begin at home. As a marriage and family therapist, I have noticed lately that fear of the unknown and anger at the terrorists has caused pain within families. Parents are more short-tempered; children have more trouble controlling their behavior. We are all more cranky.

I shared the above question with some friends. Drew Becker channeled an American Indian Chief with a White Eagle Feather. Here is what the Chief had to say:

"Can you predict falling in love? Sudden loss? Can you predict the tear elicited by beauty, the wonder in a child's eye? Only the broad stroke is visible in the future. Only enough to prepare you for shifts in yourself. Reach into your opened heart and discover the contents. Think of the power of a spontaneous smile. Touch someone deeply and walk on the wire, treasure the moment. Be ecstatic in your toils."

I send love to each of you.

Rachel Rowlson integrates 20 years experience as a psychotherapist with a lifetime of training in metaphysical concepts and healing modalities in her work as a healer and intuitive counselor as well as in her writing and workshops. Send questions to 109 Breakers Place, Cary, NC 27511. They will only be answered in this column and may take several months to be printed.