About Minda
With a life full of such a myriad of experiences as I have had, it is not easy to know how to share even a glimpse of my amazing journey. I will try to find some ways to tell about myself, so you may see if you find some bridges that connect you to me or me to you.
What stands out is the ongoing quest for an understanding of what this world is all about, and how to make sense of it. Since I was a teenager I have been exploring, always seeking what lay underneath the surface veneer.
Where is the love? Where is true connection?
Connection
I vividly remember in high school meeting a circle of friends where I first experienced relationships that felt . . . real! "Oh, this is what the words friendship and love mean!" Walking the crowded halls, I could pick out these friends from afar - their faces radiated with a bright inner light.
For me this has always been the inner pull, to see this divine light and feel this depth of soul connection. I looked and listened within through meditation, writing and music, and I looked outside, through joining with people.
Like many women, I have had a lifetime of listening and talking, helping people find that inner flame and fan it, helping them clarify and move towards their dreams, even as I began to find these myself.
Music and Movement
I have sought to express the depth and poetry that I love through music in my travels with my violin. In the world of classical music, I trained at the University of Wisconsin and played in orchestras and chamber music ensembles for many years; in the world of North Indian classical music, I studied in California with Ali Akbar Khan, a musician who seemed to channel directly from the divine; in the world of East European klezmer music, I have played with the Bagg Street Klezmer Band for the past 18 years and counting; in the world of alternative music I have composed and played with my violin partner Norman Nawrocki and our band DaZoque!, for 18 years; and more recently I am playing new expressive music, both solo and with Jeanne White Eagle and others.
Using movement, through mime and theatrical expression, my work included two years in Paris, training with the mime master, Etienne Decroux. I then taught and performed for 13 years, first with Mime Omnibus in Montreal, then with Carte Blanche Mime Theatre, which I founded with my husband Harle Thomas. Through our company, as performers, educators, directors and facilitators, we taught thousands of students and teachers to capture the poetry of life and strengthen inner values.
Words, Healing and Family
My love for the written word has played an ongoing role in my life. As an editor I have helped others to write and express their ideas through non-fiction and scholarly articles, and taught students how to befriend words and enhance communication.
The healing arts have been part of my life in two ways: on the physical level, I applied alternative approaches such as nutrition, exercise, homeopathy, flower essences and Reiki to help friends and family. On the emotional level, I focused on healing myself and others through meditation and spiritual practices, listening, talking, coaching, facilitating, and growing through circles, mastermind co-creative groups, and conferences.
And steadfast behind all of these explorations is my family, which has been central to my life. I've been married since the early 1980s to a remarkable man and have two amazing young-adult children.
Channeling
Throughout this entire lifetime, the strands of inner listening and outer communication have been main themes, as has been the ever-present longing for connection with Spirit. And the day 20 years ago when a friend brought me to a woman who channeled a personal message of divine guidance was the blessed day when I realized that this type of direct contact was indeed possible!
I felt the love and energy pouring in! Such a huge wave of relief - how this soothed my soul! I was so grateful for this channel's gift! At the time I never dared to think it possible, but the idea was secretly born: If only I could help others the way I had been helped! What greater gift was there than to be part of this soul healing?
I began to experiment with channeling for myself and I discovered that those who so desire can develop the intuitive self and the ability to receive guidance directly. Yes! I too could channel! I rarely shared this side of myself with others as I focused more on artistic expression and business.
Listening and Coaching
But wonder of wonders, in recent years I have come to listen to my own inner call and allowed my focus to shift. My longing to live more and more authentically brought me to express who I really am. I became a Certified Life Coach, and a Certified Life Purpose and Career Coach, through the Life Purpose Institute. I began using my ability to listen and to hear people's soul calling in a conscious way. In fact, I coined the term Professional ListenerSM to express my coaching approach and the importance of this facet of communication. Through this listening and coaching since 2007, I have engaged in the blessing of helping others to live their dreams. And this has allowed my own inner nature the space to blossom.
Sharing
In early 2009, through a process of reflection with my beloved sister, Julie, I realized I was ready to bring channeling to the forefront. I felt that now was the time to share this gift. I started actively channeling for clients along with my coaching work. Such joy and fulfillment! It is my dream come true, to be able to offer this amazing guidance to those who wish to receive it.
It is my intention to exchange with the Universe as a channel and an intuitive, sharing guidance and support to fellow travelers who are moving towards greater light and joy in their lives. If something in the words of my story resonates with your own intentions, your own quest, perhaps you will feel you were called here for a reason and we have something to share on this journey.
I sincerely look forward to co-creating with you, bringing in the new energy with you, helping you direct the stream of love consciously through you . . . as you grow and expand into your greater self!
Together in Spirit and love,
Minda Bernstein
1.17.2010
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Minda as president of her local Toastmasters Club
The Bagg Street Klezmer Band, with Minda on violin, has been popular in Montreal's arts scene since 1992
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About Julie
I am so happy to share with you my secret prize: my sister Minda. Minda the Listener - caring and kindhearted, Minda the disarming - always part-cheerful and part-thought provoking. Minda the non-judgmental questioner - the spiritual mirror, the truth sayer. And Minda the channel.
We've shared not only our childhood but many of our skills, creative endeavors, and noticeable personality traits. Most of all, we've shared our respective spiritual quests, which in early 2009 came together fortuitously during a series of soul-searching conversations.
I am an artist, an ECK Spiritual Aide, and writer of Julie's Spiritual Space, a blog on creative spiritual exercises. But in this case, I was a listener. As Minda explored her mission and how to share it with others, out popped this hidden door to a secret passageway. A passageway that has led to our working together closely ever since.
She revealed that she was a channel. I was the first in line.
What came out filled me with awe and tears of relief and delight, and many golden, woven messages that deeply and richly turned my pain into joy. I had no doubt this was the real thing, and I think you'll get that feeling as well as you read along on our blog and other offerings filled with gems for you from the guides.
My paintings are my work with Spirit from the heart of love. May they offer you the fresh, alive kiss of beauty to enjoy as I do so very vividly.
Yours,
Julie
Julie Bernstein Engelmann
9.26.2009
Indiana, Pennsylvania, USA
Julie's artist site: www.julieengelmann.com
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Julie teaches Abstract Acrylic Painting through Community
University Studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Best of Show, Julie stands with other award winners. Photo by Joy Fairbanks
Life is a spiritual exercise |
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