October came and went in a flash. November always sneaks up on me! Because my attention was elsewhere (preparing for the sacred days of Oct. 31st through Nov. 2nd), along with celebrating the arrival of my latest book, Dream Medicine, there was not one single blog posted in October. But here I am, back at it again.

The release of my latest book, Dream Medicine, was notable. Like the Fall season release of Extraordinary Dreams, I had expected the hard copies of Dream Medicine to arrive closer to Winter, however, copies of Dream Medicine were found in a box on my front porch on the evening of Oct. 28th – a wonderful surprise. No matter the year, the last week of October will always be a sensitive time. Here’s why. Two years ago during that very same week, I spent a few days setting up a large six foot altar dedicated to deceased family for the Nevada County Annual Altar Show. While in the middle of constructing it, I spoke with a doctor on my cell phone who revealed a breast cancer diagnosis. The timing was striking. As I offered thanks and prayers to my deceased loved ones, I stood there alone, wondering in silence whether I would be joining them sooner rather than later.

After taking that call, I moved more slowly for the rest of the evening, continuing to build my family altar while keeping to myself and making minimal contact with others in the room. That entire evening was very dream-like. For the rest of that evening I existed in a space like never before. The following days were spent in meditation for the most part, listening deeply.

The next two years were an adventure into ‘the medical underworld’ as one physician friend referred to it. From day one, I chose to heal through the path of alternative medicine – a huge part of that being dedicated to tracking and responding to the wisdom of my nocturnal dreams (and later, shamanic journeys). Dream Medicine reveals much of my internal process of mind-body-spirit healing over a span of almost two years. Page 62 contains a lucid dream recollection that was so powerful for me that I ended up creating a four-foot by four-foot painting of the experience. Here it is, with me standing by holding up copies of Dream Medicine:

I remain contemplative and in wonderment. The timely arrival of this book – a finished piece of soulful work – manifests as a reminder that no matter what happens, I will be okay. Even through uncertainty and what appears as tragedy, the human spirit can light up and soar. Every year, that very last week of October will be a time for gratitude, for affirming life and acknowledging how fragile life is, and recognizing how at any moment, one can cross the veil never to return to the physical. While I am here, I will make the most of it. I will thrive.

Dream Medicine is endorsed by my teachers, colleagues, and mentors, Stanley Krippner, Clare Johnson and Robert Moss. To each of them and my holistic treatment team, I am oh so grateful. If you would like to order a copy of Dream Medicine – hot-off-the-press, you may do so here: https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/dream-medicine/

Thank you for reading my blog,

Kim