Amy, it seems like things are really heating up in the world today. Everywhere you turn people are angry, frightened or stressed-out.

I think that this is because we are all going through an evolutionary growth period. Change is difficult and sometimes we cling to what is familiar even if it is dysfunctional. When we go through a shift in consciousness, everything that is in need of healing shows up to be addressed. If we ignore the problems, they will become more prevalent and painful until we work through them.

What would you recommend for people who are so stressed out?

I would encourage everyone to face their issues head on. Many times, medications and addictions cover up symptoms instead of addressing the root causes of problems. When we acknowledge what isn’t working in our lives and take steps to change, we feel better instantly. Daily prayer, meditation and re-education are essential. I would recommend the books, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle and Manifest Your Destiny by Wayne Dyer. My book, Real Steps To Enlightenment, is also a useful tool for people who are ready to master challenges and live with awareness.

What are your sources of inspiration?

I enjoy getting out into nature and allowing the energy of the earth, plants, wind and water to lift me up. Books have also been great sources of information and inspiration for me. The Course In Miracles is a life changing text that includes exercises for moving past old conditioning and embracing the truth of who we are. I have found CIM study groups to be useful in understanding the concepts and incorporating them into my daily activities.

We are getting into the busiest and most stressful time of the year. Sometimes we forget to slow down and enjoy our families and the holidays. How do you handle holiday stress?

I think that the most productive thing we can do is to “be in the moment.” During the holidays, a person can expend excess energy worrying about their long list of errands and commitments. This energy would be better spent focusing on whatever is positive in each situation. We always have choices. If you do not like an activity such as gift shopping in a crowded mall, then change what you think about it or change what you are doing. Eliminate the word “should” from your vocabulary.

Personally, I have really let go of the need to be a perfectionist and that has reduced my stress levels. I don’t even pretend to be able to rival “Martha Stewart's” standards for homemaking and entertaining. Throughout the year, I try to create a lifestyle that allows time for rest and nurturing activities. By making myself a priority, I am better able to handle my other responsibilities.

Peace is a big issue these days. Yet more often I see people getting worked-up about current events. Is being angry over what’s going on helpful?

Definitely not. Sending out negative emotions will only fuel the fires of discord on the planet. Our emotions and actions affect everyone else. If you would like to see current events improve, send out peace and love to those who are engaged in combat or treating others unjustly.

What would you recommend to someone who wanted to actually promote peace?

The first step is to understand that we are all connected. What we do to others, we do to ourselves. We can recognize that there are no “enemies”, just connections in need of healing. When people make poor choices and cause harm, they are only doing so because they have forgotten who they are – perfect spiritual beings, made in the image and likeness of God. They are acting from a place of fear and illusion. We can extend love to these people because love’s high vibration can transmute any darkness and reveal the light within them.

Do you know of any groups actively working toward peace and making a difference in the world?

I am currently studying with James Twyman’s Seminary of Spiritual Peacemaking. The teachings focus on creating peace within ourselves and extending that energy out into the world. If you visit the website, www.emissaryoflight.com, you can listen to some audio recordings on the subject of peace.

What inspires peace in you?

I find peace by going within, not looking outside of myself. I am at peace because I put my attention on peace. It is always present. Sometimes we don’t notice it, but it is always there. In any problematic situation I can say to myself, “I choose peace instead of this.” I am at peace when I remember that I am not alone – Spirit is always supporting me.

Do you have any parting inspirations for our readers?

I realize that everybody has different opinions about what is true in the spiritual realms. I encourage people to test out different ideas such as the ones in my book. I love the exploration of metaphysics because my spirituality is based on first hand experiences and not rules and dogma. When people tap into their own higher guidance, they will find an limited source of inspiration!

Amy Garcia is an author, healer and peace advocate. Visit her websites at www.AmyGarcia.org and www.SpiritualAwarenessNetwork.org for more information about her ministry.