Lately, my mind has been generating images of bridges as I consider the pandemic[1] we are in.
The virus has created ‘bridges’ of opportunity between people, things, ideas and even worlds.
The virus has caused bridgeable physical divisions through physical distancing; and bridgeable spiritual divisions through the ether—the airwaves.
The point of a bridge is that it can either be crossed, or not. The space—depicted by what the bridge spans, whether physical space or mental/etheric space—represents the divisions generated by the virus. There are many such divisions and the virus appears to crystallize them acting like a kind of magnifying glass that enlarges our defects, our weaknesses.
Although it is easier to see and lament the physical divisions that ensue from the virus, spiritual divisions are harder to see, yet equally real.
Bridges act as facilitators that offer opportunities to ‘cross over’ and unite. They also act as separators.[2] And they can be dangerous, too, because you can fall off a bridge and get hurt and even die.[3]
To prematurely cross a bridge of physical distancing at this writing could, potentially, lead to death by catching the virus. Wisdom and discernment, therefore, are in order before crossing such a bridge. A certain amount of preparation is called for (i.e., wearing a mask and washing our hands), although sometimes, no matter how much we prepare, the consequences of crossing a bridge that we are not meant to, not ready to, or should never cross could be deadly.
The pandemic, therefore, presents us with choices within our quarantine. Having been involuntarily thrust into a kind of ‘survival mode,’ we consciously debate in an ongoing fashion what action is essential versus what is merely desirable.
Do I call that person or not?
Do I write a blog post or do I food shop?
Do I spend time with myself or get busy with an activity?
The questions will vary from person to person, as will the answers, though essential human needs remain the same.
As we journey through ‘Pandemic Land,’ it is important to remember that the ‘bridges’ we encounter on a daily basis also connect the known to the unknown.[4] We do not know what the consequences of crossing a particular bridge may be. We are not sure what is on the other side.
Risk
Life is risky and life in Pandemic Land particularly so. Nevertheless, without risk there is no gain. Remaining in lockdown minimizes risk; but without pushing forward—step by careful step with the utmost precaution—we shall never leave home. Without recognizing favourable opportunities, we will never venture out. Without allowing ourselves to feel the unseen spiritual forces of protection working toward the greater good, we will fall into paralysing fear.
The pandemic has forced most of us back into a psychosocial ‘womb’—a cozy and comfortable environment that feels risk free. But we need to emerge to see the cues.
Clarity
Good decisions can only be made when we are thinking clearly, when our minds are free and clear like a sunny day. Walking across a bridge may involve a balancing act. This is because some bridges, like the Sword Bridge, are narrower and more precarious than others.[5]
Commitment
When we perceive that an opportunity has been afforded us to safely cross a bridge, then we must courageously commit to doing so.
What bridges are you facing during the pandemic? What moves should you be making?
Let’s ‘Take it to the Next Level,’ book your appointment today,
Luba
Bibliography
Badescu, Sanda. From One Shore to Another: Reflections on the Symbolism of the Bridge. Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2009.
Notes
[1] I refer to the COVID-19 pandemic declared as such by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020.
[2] Badescu, From One Shore to Another, 2.
[3] Badescu, 2-3.
[4] Badescu, 3.
[5] Badescu, 2–3.
We are all languishing right now because of the global lockdown.
We can’t go outside unless it’s essential—needs or services—and find ourselves at home, perhaps wondering what to do.
Although Take it to the Next Level is about people reaching up and striving to attain higher ground in life, so to speak, the situation is such that the Next Level seems to be coming to us!
Who would have predicted some of these strange, positive and unexpected outcomes of the novel coronavirus: the atmosphere becoming cleaner, waterways becoming clearer, and animals emerging while people stay inside, waiting for the ‘corona tide’ to wash over.
Today, I finished Module 8—Deep Introspection—for my upcoming book, Take it to the Next Level, How to Rise in Life.
This book will be a go-to resource for my clients, as well as others seeking more information, more details as to how to get there.
We’re living in very strange times indeed. Instead of making us stop and question whether we should take things higher, move up in life, we ought to be seeing the turn of events as a unique opportunity for personal growth and transformation.
The novel coronavirus—a wimpy little thing that dies when wiped down properly—is powerfully sweeping our planet. It is transforming the way we think, do business, communicate, teach, learn and live. We cannot help but react as it mercilessly kills thousands, and spares thousands.
I’ve heard it said that the reason for such strong emotional reactions to this virus, which is the sixth in a series of corona viruses, is spiritual. There’s a spiritual element to this. Some are falling into fear and despair, whereas others are strengthened by their faith in our Creator and can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
It’s easy to forget that this is Holy Week for Christians and that yesterday was the first day of Passover. Can a wimpy little virus overshadow such great feasts? I should hardly think so.
Lately, to distract myself—and distraction is good since we all need to take a break from deep introspection which I describe in Module 8—I’ve been watching YouTube battles of super heroes. My favorite one is Superman versus Hulk – The Fight (Part IV). This spectacular video was viewed 157,609,421 times to date.
In many ways, the violent scenes depict a struggle between two primordial, archetypal forces vying for predominance. Which will win? Which will overcome?
The old biblical story of David and Goliath is analogous.
David—who would become king and replace a corrupted Saul—in spite of his small, physical stature compared to the giant Goliath, easily obtained victory. He didn’t do it alone, though, he had supernatural inspiration and backing. David famously said to Goliath, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel whom you have defied.” (1 Samuel 17:45)
If we are to understand the times we live in, it is imperative that we look back.
David defeated Goliath with faith, and we can defeat coronavirus in the same way.
Let’s take it to the Next Level, book your appointment today,
Luba
Follow Take it to the Next Level on Facebook here.
We can’t help but read about the coronavirus. It’s all over the news.
It was recently declared to be a pandemic—which means ‘sustained and continuous transmission of the disease.’[i]
The virus is spreading, but should it spread fear, too?
There are two types of fear: healthy fear that prompts fight or flight and saves us from very real and impending danger, and unhealthy fear, a pathological, unhelpful, nagging kind of anxiety that does nothing but feed into negativity.
You may experience this as an empty feeling that grips your abdomen or courses through you in waves of fear, or worse, panic. You may wonder, Am I going to die?
In no way does the latter type of fear help us Take it to the Next Level. On the contrary, it brings us down levels. Take it to the Next Level is about moving up in levels, not down!
Don’t misunderstand. I advocate taking precautionary measures against coronavirus, but please don’t add fear to the list. Fear is optional.
You may wonder, How can I take my life to the Next Level when there’s coronavirus?
Perhaps you should consider Next Level moves precisely because of the coronavirus.
For example, I decided to fly with Air France this summer. I made my reservation and purchased the tickets. Coronavirus will not stop me from traveling to Paris.[ii] Coronavirus will not limit my freedom—physical or psychological.
Whatever the origin of coronavirus, it seems to be provoking disproportionate reactions that adversely affect the way we see the world and live our lives. It appears to be reinforcing fear in those who place more of an emphasis on the temporal nature of life versus those who focus on that which is eternal and permanent.
But what if we turn the tables on the coronavirus. What if, instead of succumbing to the fear or panic that this pandemic appears to be spreading, we see coronavirus as an impetus to do those things we’ve always been meaning to do?
I mentioned earlier that I will not allow coronavirus to limit me physically or psychologically. Psychology is key in how we respond to coronavirus and other negatives.
Thankfully, the opposite of fear is hope. Hope for deliverance. Hope for a bright future. Hope for a vaccine which some are actively working on[iii] and which may come out in a few weeks. Hope for the beautiful days ahead that God has given us.
Where do you lean? On fear or on hope?
Let’s take it to the Next Level, book your appointment today,
Luba
[i] Ignacio López-Goñi, ‘Coronavirus: Ten reasons why you ought not to panic,’ accessed online on March 11, 2020, The Conversation, https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-ten-reasons-why-you-ought-not-to-panic-132941?utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR3NhCpnqy0m6xv_H_uBO0KDIt1WrBZqJl74jCSxGRAkxd5OT1teqC0s0N8.
[ii] I admit that I am powerless over the decisions of others to restrict flights between nations.
[iii] Lauren Neergaard, ‘Behind the scenes, scientists prep for COVID-19 vaccine test,’ AP, accessed online on March 12, 2020, https://apnews.com/6744922daee56af18aef0c10de394740.
Life is hard.
It is the courage to carry on, however, that matters.
In the face of obstacles, disappointments and hardship, it’s important to keep the faith and remember that we’re not alone in this story.
Our Creator is always by our side, ready to help us at any given moment. Isn’t that a wonderful thought?
There is an expectation, though, that we reach out, make some effort. It doesn’t happen magically. There is an element of co-creative participation that reveals itself in our efforts to ‘get out of our shell.’ We are full participants in the enterprise of our own ‘rescue.’
When I returned to Toronto after having spent a decade in Bulgaria, I was stunned by how many people suffered in the midst of wealth. In the midst of great material wealth, I noticed that people were ‘spiritually atrophied,’ living in their personal, isolated wastelands, hungering for human contact.
I saw more spiritual poverty than I’d ever seen in Bulgaria.
It doesn’t have to be this way
I don’t shy away from saying that the entire purpose of Luba Rascheff Consultancy is to help people leave that ‘wasteland’ and enter into a completely new arena of hope and joy. Taking it to the Next Level is ultimately about personal transformation.
Next Level joy is happy, fulfilled.
Next Level hope means that what you need already exists in the Creator’s storehouses and all you have to do is ask.
We fail to realize that it’s already been mapped out and that in the midst of our pain and despair lies the answer.
The gold is not at the other end of the rainbow, it’s here, right in front of our eyes. Can you see it?
A different way of seeing
In order to see the beauty that surrounds us, there has to be a change. Yet this change can only come when we courageously step away from that which drags us down and energetically drains us and move forward into our new ‘home.’
Home is Where the Heart Is
I’m using home as a metaphor to describe inner psychological processes. I’m talking about feeling at home psychologically.
Our new home is different from the old. It’s not a dark, damp basement. It’s elevated and spacious with large windows through which sunlight streams in. The sun is so bright that it makes us laugh, squint our eyes and shade them with our hand!
This home is different. The furniture almost seems ‘alive’ and whatever we touch ‘speaks’ words of joy and positivity to us. The very atmosphere of our Next Level home is conducive to helping us develop and grow our God-given potential to the level it was always meant to be.
Where can I buy such a home, Luba? You may be wondering.
You can’t. It’s not for sale. You won’t find it on RE/MAX.
The home I refer to is one that you carry with you. The home I’m talking about is inside of you. This home is the Next Level you.
Let’s Take it to the Next Level, book your appointment today.
Luba
Healthy self-esteem is vital to moving forward well in life.
Losing a job or retiring can trigger feelings of doubt, insecurity as well as a dip in self-esteem. You may wonder, Am I still valuable and worthwhile?
Did you know, however, that categories, jobs or titles do not make us who we are? We are much more than that!
It’s been said that we are great spiritual beings having a physical experience. It’s also been said that this life is a testing ground for the next—the ultimate Next Level.
So what does that mean to me, Luba?, you may wonder.
Viewing life as a glass half full instead of half empty means that losses are stepping stones to new, better opportunities.
When we really hope for something that doesn’t happen right away or doesn’t happen at all, or lose something to which we’ve ascribed much meaning, we may feel sad, despondent and even begin to despair. But the truth is that this non-gain or loss happened in order for something more fitting and much better to fill the gap.
In many ways, life is like a playground. Some people will play with you, and others won’t. Some will bully you, and some will offer unexpected gifts. Sometimes, the game itself changes midstream. Adaptability works much better than rigidity, in any case.
Figuring out how and what we want to play means doing the inner, spiritual work. Figuring out who we really are and what we really want out of life.
We need to change the definitions and terms that society uses to define us. Instead of saying ‘unemployed,’ we should say ‘free to pursue dreams.’ Instead of saying ‘retired,’ we should say ‘ready for new adventures.’
We are more than outward physical, observable signs of success.
Time is the most important commodity that God gives us, and how we use it vital in aspiring to our goals.
Have you asked yourself, Who am I really?, What do I really want? and What should I focus on now?
These self-identification questions are key to determining next steps, steps that will take you to the next level.
It’s important not to go through life blindly but to walk gently with sensitivity. Take time to smell the roses! If you run, you will miss seeing the surrounding beauty. If you hurry, you won’t taste the richness of life.
Each of us is unique, as is our life destiny. No two people are created alike. Do not compare yourself with others because your path is unique.
5 Questions That Will Help You Decide What’s Next
Let’s Take it to the Next Level, book your appointment today.
Luba
Our hearts know much.
They inform us about what makes us happy, and what doesn’t.
They speak to us regarding what we are versus what we could be.
The ancient Maya believed that the heart could ‘think’ and, contrary to the brain, was the sacred center of our being. You can read an article I wrote about this in Arianna Huffington’s Thrive Global called ‘The Power of a Grateful Heart.’
In a materialistic society, the temptation to fill the empty ‘hole’ in our hearts with ‘stuff,’ material goods, is strong.
The hole represents the dissatisfaction I refer to in the introduction to Take it to the Next Level. It’s the hole or emptiness—even in the midst of great material wealth—that, if it could speak, would say, ‘I feel really empty right now. I seem to have it all, yet I just don’t understand why I feel so depleted.’
The main image I chose for this article is a tunnel lined with hearts. The tunnel represents movement toward the center of your being; the hearts represent loving thoughts, feelings and attitudes; and the lights at the top are pointers to what is good and true. At the end of the tunnel is the center of your being.
The title of this blog post, the heart of the matter, implies that at the center of the matter is the heart. This can also be phrased as, at the heart of all material ‘stuff’ is the heart because without the heart, matter is mere emptiness.
Black Friday, Boxing Day
We are bombarded with advertisements that promise fulfillment. We are falsely led to believe that shopping is the panacea to loneliness and isolation. ‘The more things you own,’ the voice seems to say, ‘the happier you’ll be.’ But the truth of the matter is that buying stuff isn’t going to fill the hole. You’ll only start to feel better when you decide to talk about your feelings in order to know yourself better—the person you’re with 24 hours/day—and drop the pretenses.
Pretenses are the sum of those things, attitudes and facades that, together, make up the fake self that you present to the world.
The reason that we present a false self to others is because we deeply doubt that people will like us for who we really are. This is pathological thinking—or faulty schemas—that needs correction. That’s because the core of our being is, according to the Maya, filled with compassion, love and beauty. (Source: ‘The Power of a Grateful Heart’)
The truth is that the Creator equipped you with everything you need to be content and complete. That which you seek is within you, within the core of your being, the core of your being itself.
When you’re able to tap into the compassion, love and beauty that are the core of your being, you’ll be able to feel the same in the world around you. When you’re able to do this is when you’ll fill the emptiness on the inside. Doing so fundamentally has to do with finding real meaning in your life. Is your life meaningful? Have you discovered the true purpose of your life?
If you ever hope to rise in life, to move up in levels, you will need to drop the mask. You’ll need to cut out everything that is phony in your life.
Real Talk
I can only help you if you are willing to allow yourself to be helped. If you are able to admit that the life you’re living—although quite high by worldly standards—is an empty shell.
In a world where we like to hear sweet and lovely, ‘honey’ words of comfort, what I say in this piece surely sounds harsh and bitter to your ears.
Wealth is a perspective; growth is a direction; and non-manufactured contentment and satisfaction are the aim of taking it to the next level.
Let’s Take it to the Next Level, book your appointment today,
Luba
I had the pleasure of having a wonderful lunch this week with Lisa McDonald, of ‘Living Fearlessly’ with Lisa McDonald fame, at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto. As a former radio guest, it was thrilling to meet Lisa in person. A beautiful, sunny day, the atmosphere was ripe for sharing ideas, autographing each other’s books and having a great time!
When you’re in the company of like-minded, high-energy people, you feel a positive ‘surge’ and there’s that inner knowing that you were meant to meet and that there’s a higher purpose. The purpose may not have crystalized yet—it may be unclear, unformed, nebulous even—but you know on a deeper level that you are in the company of a kindred spirit whose thought patterns match yours and who wants the good of humanity, just like you do.
An essential part of taking it to the next level is dropping old, draining associations and forming new, energizing and empowering ones.
‘How can I tell whether I’m supposed to be around someone or not, Luba?’ you may wonder. The answer is energy. If you feel like you’re giving and giving and that the people you’re frequenting are draining you, you’re hanging with the wrong crowd.
During our lunch, Lisa McDonald said to me, ‘Frequency is very precise. If you turn the radio dial a little bit this way or a little that way, you’re no longer attuned. You miss the message.’ As a radio host, Lisa knows this well. I think that her statement can be applied to the people we associate with. Different energetic vibrations clash whereas similar frequencies jibe, so to speak.
If you want to Take it to the Next Level, stop forcing yourself to unnecessarily endure certain environments, situations or people that clash with your values and energetic signature. You may be in these circles because you think (falsely) that society or your family expects this of you. In the final analysis, life is short and at the end of the day, no one will remember the efforts that you falsely poured your heart and soul into. By the power that is invested in me as your Life Coach, I decree that you are free from this forever!
How do you feel after having heard this from me? Do you feel liberated? I hope so! Take a moment to breath and say to yourself, ‘I am free.’ (Repeat.)
Dropping old, negative associations and forming new, positive ones is inherently freeing. The rush of freedom that you will feel from doing so, the peace that will surround you and enable you to enhance your creativity like never before, is life altering.
Lisa and I spoke about how she is now guarding her energy more preciously than ever. I concurred and encourage you, dear Reader, to start doing the same. Every step you take down the wrong path is a waste of your precious energy—time, talent and focus.
If you stick to the energy frequency that is uniquely yours and walk down Destiny’s Path, you are undoubtedly taking it to the Next Level. You’re walking down your Yellow Brick Road!
The 5 Red Flags that you’re associating with the wrong people
Book your appointment today by clicking on the Contact tab of the menu bar.
Let’s Take it to the Next Level,
Luba
The title of the book I’m writing is Take it to the Next Level: How to Rise in Life.
What does the subtitle of the book mean? What does it mean to rise in life?
I believe that rising has to do with overcoming difficulties, obstacles or challenges whether they be physical, mental, psychological or emotional.
There never seems to be a dearth of such impediments. Like a garden that is filled with both beautiful flowers and weeds, we need to take the time to uproot all of those elements, ‘weeds,’ that are both unnecessary and hinder that which needs to ‘bloom’ in our lives.
This kind of work doesn’t come easily. It doesn’t happen overnight either.
If you’ve ever gardened, you’ll recognize that some weeds are tougher, more embedded in the soil than others. Rooting them out involves not only possessing the right tools but being willing to expend quite a bit of effort—toil and sweat even! In the case of gardening, nothing happens without getting our hands dirty, even if we’re wearing gloves.
But isn’t the effort worth it? Isn’t it wonderful to look at a garden with its neatly arranged, wide variety of flowers and perhaps fruits and vegetables? Doesn’t it make us feel good knowing that such beauty is the result of our hard work?
As in the metaphor of the garden, it takes time to ‘clear one’s mind’ and this endeavor could be described as a refining process. By ‘weeding,’ ‘clearing,’ mulling over, considering, understanding, properly dealing with—respecting even—those pernicious and unpalatable impediments—thoughts, beliefs, behaviors or people—that stand in the way of our heart’s desires, we advance along Destiny’s Path.
Destiny’s Path is the path you and I were always meant to walk on, but invariably either got or continue to get sidetracked from. This path was and is always there, and the idea is to wrench ourselves free from forces—internal or external—that are —consciously or subconsciously—trying to keep us from walking on it.
Destiny’s Path is the smooth path. It’s the path that carries us forward in an almost effortless way. It is the path that has our name written all over it. It’s like the Yellow Brick Road from the Wizard of Oz. It is distinct and unmistakably belongs to us.
As we ‘jump fences,’ so to speak, we’re advancing toward our destination, our goal: and we’re either getting back onto Destiny’s Path or moving along on it. We could have one goal, or more than one. It is typically a series of micro-goals, what Arianna Huffington terms micro-steps, that leads to one bigger, macro goal. The all-encompassing dream: that which exists at the end of Destiny’s Path.
A hurdle will primarily teach us what we like or don’t like; who we are or are not. Some obstacles will be tougher than others and may even seem insurmountable. They aren’t. Forward movement eventually transforms them into paper tigers.
It is in the process of ‘clearing hurdles’ that we rise in life. To clear a ‘hurdle’ means to fully understand it. This has to do with learning the lesson that a hurdle teaches.
That’s because psychological processes take place in the process of going through, moving through, clearing those aspects of our life that are preventing us from rising.
It’s in the ‘jumping and clearing’ that we cut through whatever acts as an obstacle to our advancement on Destiny’s Path.
Before we can ‘rise’ above the ‘muck and mire,’ we need to clear it. We need to listen to what life is telling us; recognize or see things for what they are; and roll up our sleeves and get creative. These are the three principles whose first letters respectively stand for LRC, short for Luba Rascheff Consultancy.
LRC is the process that I, Luba Rascheff, use to help you help yourself.
Book your appointment today by clicking on the Contact tab of the menu bar and let’s Take it to the Next Level together,
Luba
Book writing is not new to me.
I’ve independently authored and published numerous eBooks and Books: some under a pen name, and most recently 101 Gold Nuggets of Advice and its companion book under my real name, Luba Rascheff.
At the moment, I’m simultaneously working on two books. One is about dementia—a topic that both impacts and frightens many, and something I deal with on a daily basis as a chaplain—and the other pertains to this piece. My interest in dementia is tied to my role of Director on the Board of Directors of a dementia initiative and small, cozy, assisted-living home in Toronto, Ontario that can accommodate up to five women with mild cognitive impairment. (You can read more here.)
Writing is something that naturally flows for me which is why I decided to come up with a primer by the same name for what it means to Take it to the Next Level, the core of my business, Luba Rascheff Consultancy.
The book comprises a series of easy-to-understand modules. I completed Module 5 today; have more to write; and am allowing the muse to guide me.
Take it to the Next Level, the book, has a spiritual component which courses through it, as in all of my writing. In this case, I attempt to blend spirituality with practicality so as to ‘weave’ a blueprint of how to move to higher spiritual levels and rise in life in the context of the complex age in which we find ourselves.
Although the book merges my own religious faith tradition—Christianity and its associated Trinitarian belief system—with rising in life, the concept of Take it to the Next Level can be followed by anyone, regardless of their religious tradition or spiritual views. The purpose of the book is to act as a reference, a guide, to moving up spiritually—to higher and higher levels—in life.
Writing comes easily to me because I had the privilege to live for a little over one decade in Bulgaria. It was during this time, in a completely foreign environment, that I had the privilege to write.
Writing means taking pen to paper and writing until your ink runs dry, or mercilessly tapping on a keyboard until it needs replacement. That’s because there’s a physical effort involved in writing.
I remember writing one particular book with the TV blaring, dogs barking and people coming in and out of the house! Writing happens in circumstances that are often not ideal.
I am excited about writing Take it to the Next Level: How to Rise in Life because I believe that this book, which draws on my own knowledge, experience and beliefs, will help readers help themselves.
In the end, the only person who can Take it to the Next Level is YOU, dear reader. My book can act as a guide; consultative conversations can mirror your assumptive world(s); and following this blog will, hopefully, be encouraging. The real ‘moves,’ however, from level to level, can only be yours.
The fact that you’re reading this blog post means that you’re looking for something. You’ve landed here because you’re searching.
For those of us who earnestly search, the truth will emerge.
For those of us who seek with all our hearts, answers will come.
Let’s Take it to the Next Level,
Luba
You must be logged in to post a comment.