Dear Louise

Louise L. Hay is a metaphysical teacher and the best-selling author of numerous books, including You Can Heal Your Life, Empowering Women, and I Can Do It®. For the past 25 years, she has assisted millions of people in discovering and using the full potential of their own creative powers for personal growth and self-healing. Louise's works have been translated into 29 different languages in 35 countries throughout the world.

Dear Louise,

I have a deep feeling that my presence on Earth has a greater meaning than acquiring material things, Nevertheless, I'm pursuing prosperity, which includes love, family life, great spiritual life, health, happiness, and financial freedom. Although I'm only 32, I feel like I'm living a deeper life than people I know, including my own husband and friends. How can I ask God for guidance, and perhaps meet a guide that would share my vision of life?

- M.F., Sydney, Australia

Dear M.F.

That's true for all of us, yet there’s nothing wrong with the best creature comforts we can manifest. We've come to this planet equipped with enormous powers and abilities. It's up to us to learn the laws of the Universe and to connect with the Source of all Intelligence, which many people call God.

It seems that you're already doing this. Your request for guidance has already been heard. Now it's up to you to open your consciousness and allow this energy and guidance to come forth. You can do this in meditation by simply saying, “I am open and receptive to the next step on my spiritual pathway.” Also, ask for more understanding each day. And in the morning ask that, for this day, you see all your earthly experience through spiritual eyes and spiritual understanding.

Remember that your friends could be living an even deeper spiritual life than you. We never know, and it's never good to assume anything. One of your best friends could be the very guide you're looking for. All of us have the capacity for deep spiritual understanding.

Dear Louise,

I have a great life. I love my job, my wife, and my kids, but sometimes a wave of depression will come over me for no reason and I can't seem to shake it. Do you have any advice for me? Thank you for all you do.

- A.G., Los Angeles

Dear A.G.

I too have the occasional wave of depression come over me. It happens less and less as time goes by. In my case, I know that I've touched back into an old childhood memory of pain and abandonment. So I talk to my inner child, reminding it that those days are over. I, the adult, will never allow any of those things to happen again. I tell this child how much I love it and then ask, “How can I make you happy?”

So don't try to shake the depression. Realize that your inner child needs love and reassurance right now. Give it all the love and comfort that you can, and the depression will fade away by itself. Also, look in the mirror and say, “I love you, I really love you.” It works wonders.

Dear Louise,

Over the past three months, I've had injuries to my right arm and fingers. First I smashed two fingers in the car door. A week later, I slipped and really injured my wrist and forearm. After finally healing from the arm injury, I injured my thumb while reaching into my purse. A sharp object poked under my nail and is now infected and excruciating. I realize that there must be a specific lesson here that I'm not getting... maybe slowing down, not making so many commitments?

- B.A., Boulder, Colorado

Dear B.A.,

What man really upset you around three months ago? The right side of the body is the masculine side, so it's either your father, or some other authoritative figure, and although you'd like to smash them, you feel unable to do anything about the situation. Perhaps it's a boss. You're still holding on to the anger, and you’re injuring yourself because of the guilt you're carrying.

This sort of thing happens all the time. I would suggest that you scream in your car, with the windows up and the music playing. Scream out all the anger and fury that you're holding in. Or beat some pillows at home. When that's all through and the crying is over, go to the mirror and say to this person, “I forgive you. I bless you with love. I release. I set you free and I am free.” You’ll be amazed at how quickly you will heal and the accidents will stop.

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If you would like Louise to answer your letter in this publication, please send it to: Dear Louise Column, c/o Hay House, Inc., P.O. Box 5100, Carlsbad, CA 92018-5100 (letters used in this column may be edited for length and clarity).