Author: Lauri Ann Lumby

Is the Bible Even Relevant?

/ Lauri Ann Lumby / Leave a comment

My short answer to this inquiry is no, and yes. The no is quite simple. The yes a little more complicated.

First the Nos

  • Scripture is no longer relevant (if it ever was) as a tool of manipulation or to exert power or control over another. In fact, in either form, scripture is not only dangerous, but can become a weapon (as we have witnessed throughout history – even recent history) when in the hands of the wrong person(s).
  • Scripture is not a book of science. Neither is it a book of history as we understand that today.
  • The Bible is not a book of civil law.  Neither is it a guide for upholding nor enforcing law.
  • The Bible is not a manual for gender or relationship ideals or norms.  Only the ill-informed would approach it in that way.

There are likely more no’s but we’ll let these suffice for now.

Now For the Yeses

  • Yes, scripture is relevant as a collection of literature gathered over a period of time related to a specific tribe of people with their own beliefs, cultural practices, and history.
  • Yes, scripture is relevant as a collection of literary genres, gathered over centuries from the oral traditions of a specific tribe of people living in a specific geographic location within history.  None of these writings were meant to be taken as literal and include – myth, poetry, songs, reflective pseudo-history (some things actually happened), tribal laws, erotica, liturgy, letters, and apocalyptic writings and gospels (genres unto themselves).
  • Yes, scripture is relevant as a field of scholarship, especially when said-scholarship contains and includes both canonical (those writings that reflected the dogma of an already established institution), and non-canonical (those that did not).
  • Yes, scripture is relevant as a field of study when one considers historical and cultural context, the literary genre in use, the author, and their audience.
  • Yes, scripture is relevant when examining the theological evolution of a specific tribe of people.
  • Yes, scripture is relevant in studying the reflections of a specific group within that tribe who believed they had found their messiah and the way in which this belief informed their relationship with their tribe and how they attempted to make their way beyond their tribe.

Finally, and this yes is my favorite and THE reason why I consult scripture everyday as part of my daily practice, and why I have included scripture as part of many of my training programs:

Once we pierce through the doctrine and the patriarchy’s fear-based presentation of scripture, it becomes a profoundly relevant tool through which we can access our own inner truth, tune into the voice of our own inner authority, find guidance, healing, knowledge, understanding, wisdom and comfort for our daily lives – all of which help us to remember that we are Love.

Overcoming Obstacles with Authentic Freedom transcends centuries of dogma to reveal the powerful and life-changing message at the heart of Jesus’ teachings and the universal truths at the core of every religion. Built upon the compelling integration of Eastern Energy Medicine and the 2000-year-old tradition of Christian, contemplative spiritual practices, this course revels a dynamic and unifying path of spiritual transformation that speaks to people of all traditions and beliefs.

Learn more HERE

A Change in Direction

/ Lauri Ann Lumby / 2 Comments

In the summer of 1994, I had an experience that forever changed the course of my life. I had been languishing, feeling frustrated, unfulfilled, and out of place in my fifth corporate job in almost as many years. I knew that I was not in the right career path and that corporate work just wasn’t for me. I had been begging and pleading the universe for support in finding my true path – the path of my soul, and that which would lead to a sense of meaning and fulfillment and which might help to serve the betterment of our world.

The answer came in a startling and unexpected way. While attending mass one Sunday, the pastor, in his homily said, “If there’s something you want to do and you haven’t done it yet, get off your ass and do it now.” I felt his words like a lightening bolt through my entire body as I saw a red brick fly through the air and hit me in the head. Perhaps this was the answer – or at least the invitation. I scheduled an appointment with my pastor and thus began the beginning of the path that would lead me to where I am today.

What began as ministry formation through the Catholic Church led to training as a spiritual director, which then led me on the path of Reiki healing. I secured a paid position with the Church, eventually leaving the corporate world behind.

This, however, was just the beginning. I worked in the Church for ten years, and during that time, applied ancient knowledge and practice into what became a nine-month curriculum in human psycho-spiritual development. Through this training, participants began to discover their unique gifts and how they were being called to use these gifts in the world for the sake of their own fulfillment and in service to the betterment of the world. I saw the results of this training first in myself, and then in those I guided. This was meaningful and fulfilling work and I knew I was on to something.

Then Reiki happened. Suffice it to say that hierarchy and the movement of the Holy Spirit collided. Eventually I had to make a choice between my Church and the calling that God had given me.  I chose God.

This choosing took place over many years with lots of bargaining and excruciating grief, but since 2008 I have been free of institutional constraints and have been leading individuals and groups on the journey of their own psycho-spiritual development using the curriculum that has its roots in my time in Church ministry, but which has unfolded in a way to speak to and meet the needs of a universal audience. Since then, I have published ten books, created over thirty courses geared toward supporting participants in their own journey of self-actualization, and led hundreds on that journey.

I do this work because I have seen the benefits in my own life and in the life of my clients and students. When we take the time to uncover our unique giftedness, discern how we are called to share the gifts in the world, and then move through the inner obstacles to living out of those gifts, we experience a sense of meaning and fulfillment in our lives which leads us to a deep state of inner contentment and joy. While attending graduate school, I learned that the word for this acquired knowledge and experience is self-actualization.  I also learned, and have seen for myself, that self-actualized humans naturally and effortlessly work from their own unique gifts in support of their own fulfillment and for the betterment of the world. Self-actualization in one benefits our world in exponential ways.  It has therefore become my mission to support the betterment of our world by supporting self-actualization one person at a time.

A Life of Meaning and Fulfillment

Soul School with Lauri Ann Lumby is a one-of-a-kind education platform that provides the resources and tools to support you in becoming self-actualized so that you might enjoy the meaningful and fulfilling life of your dreams.

  • Embodied learning
  • Where knowledge meets practice
  • Combining education, spirituality, and psychology
  • Applying ancient wisdom
  • The marriage of scholarship and mysticism
  • Rooted in empowerment
Learn more HERE

Register Now!

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I am humbled and honored to be presenting on Mary Magdalene, October 13, 2022 for the Healer’s Playgroup. This event is open to the public, learn more and register HERE.

MARY MAGDALENE AND HER SECRET TEACHINGS FOR HUMAN TRANSFORMATION: RECLAIMING THE ORIGINAL STORY – 10/13/22 6:30PM TO 8:30PM CENTRAL TIME $35.00

ABOUT THE CLASS:

Participants will be guided by Lauri Ann Lumby (author of Song of the Beloved – the Gospel According to Mary Magdalene), in the reclamation of Mary Magdalene as the embodiment of Divine Love and the one ordained to fulfill the work Jesus began of freeing people of the inner blocks to knowing that Love. Participants will have an opportunity to learn the very protocol used by Jesus and continued by Mary in their shared mission of Love.

  • Reclaiming the original story of Mary, called Magdalene.
  • Exploring the process of initiation that Mary completed and healed her of “seven demons.”
  • Discovering how Mary earned the title of Magdalene.
  • Understanding Mary’s initiation process in the context of modern psychology.
  • Applying this process in our own lives and in our work with our clients through the Authentic Freedom™ protocol and other methods of inner transformation.

Please bring paper and a pen / tablet to take notes.

Learn more and register HERE!

Special Live Mary Magdalene Event

/ Lauri Ann Lumby / Leave a comment

I am humbled and honored to be presenting on Mary Magdalene, October 13, 2022 for the Healer’s Playgroup. This event is open to the public, learn more and register HERE.

MARY MAGDALENE AND HER SECRET TEACHINGS FOR HUMAN TRANSFORMATION: RECLAIMING THE ORIGINAL STORY – 10/13/22 6:30PM TO 8:30PM CENTRAL TIME $35.00

ABOUT THE CLASS:

Participants will be guided by Lauri Ann Lumby (author of Song of the Beloved – the Gospel According to Mary Magdalene), in the reclamation of Mary Magdalene as the embodiment of Divine Love and the one ordained to fulfill the work Jesus began of freeing people of the inner blocks to knowing that Love. Participants will have an opportunity to learn the very protocol used by Jesus and continued by Mary in their shared mission of Love.

  • Reclaiming the original story of Mary, called Magdalene.
  • Exploring the process of initiation that Mary completed and healed her of “seven demons.”
  • Discovering how Mary earned the title of Magdalene.
  • Understanding Mary’s initiation process in the context of modern psychology.
  • Applying this process in our own lives and in our work with our clients through the Authentic Freedom™ protocol and other methods of inner transformation.

Please bring paper and a pen / tablet to take notes.

Learn more and register HERE!

The Call of the Bean Sidhe

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In a far-off land

‘neath a hill of grass and stone

lives the Bean Sidhe.

Cloaked in rags

Dreaded silver locks

Tattoos of woad telling stories of her life

Her face a skull

One clear eye seeing without

The cloudy one seeing within

Her skeletal finger pointing out the eternal

Her life will never end

With her knowing eyes she’s seen it all

Nothing you could say would surprise

Nothing you do could shock

She sees only Truth

A mirror for those who dare –

who can endure her eternal screaming.

A witness to all of humanity’s sorrow

and a voice for all who weep for humanity’s doom –

They’ve no one to blame but themselves.

I am She and She is me.

art and poetry copyright Lauri Ann Lumby

What Are Your Soul Gifts?

Online course

13 lessons done at your own pace

Created and Facilitated by Lauri Ann Lumby

Learn more HERE

Now Offering Distance Reiki

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I am a Reiki Master Practitioner and have been sharing Reiki since 1999.  I am now accepting clients for distance Reiki sessions.  Distance Reiki works no differently than Reiki done face-to-face and can even be experienced more deeply. I offers a variety of ways in which you can receive Reiki.

  • 30 minute sessions
  • 60 minute sessions
  • 90 minute sessions enhanced with in-depth processing work

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a “hands-on” technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. Reiki helps to restore balance and flow to the life-force within us that governs our spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical well-being. When this energy is released from restrictions and brought into proper balance and flow, we are more likely to feel relaxed and the body’s own innate healing abilities are utilized for healing.

What does Reiki feel like?

While the patient is seated or lying down and fully clothed, the practitioner’s hands are placed along energy centers and pathways on the head, neck, chest, abdomen, legs, and feet. During the treatment the patient may feel sensations of warmth, coolness or gentle tingling, or just deep relaxation as their own life-force energy is activated, unblocked, and balance is restored. Reiki can also be done via distance as energy is not restricted by time or space.

What are the benefits?

Reiki can treat the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of our being. Reiki can reduce depression and anxiety, relieve stress, accelerate recovery from illness and injury, decrease pain, release blocked emotions, aid in removal of toxins from the body and provide a greater sense of well-being.

Book Your Distance Reiki Session NOW!

Lauri earned her master’s degree in Transpersonal Psychology from Sofia/ITP University, is a trained Spiritual Director in the Ignatian traditioned and has certificates in Adult Education and Psycho-Spiritual Development. Lauri is a Reiki Master Practitioner in both the Usui and Karuna traditions and is an ordained interfaith minister.  Lauri has also studied and been trained in shamanic practices under the tutelage of Dr. Stephen Schmitz.

Boneyard Poet

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Boneyard Poet

I am the Boneyard Poet

always singing them goodbye.

To the empires always crumbling

right before my eyes.

In Church and School you’ve heard me

keening lullabyes

‘neath windows of forefathers’ vision

of beautiful spacious skies.

Standing as dark witness

and catalyst of change,

herald’s trumpet blowing

“It’s time to rearrange.”

Upending the corporate ladder –

ceilings becoming floors.

Shuttering all the windows

and locking every door.

Branding each “Momento Mori”

While singing their goodbye

“We’re better off without you,”

The Boneyard Poets cry!

copyright Lauri Ann Lumby

Lauri Ann Lumby is the author of 10 books, including four volumes of poetry. Lauri’s books are all available in paperback and Kindle, and two are available on Audible.

Visit Lauri’s Bookstore HERE

Now Offering TAROT

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I am honored and excited to now be offering Gnostic Tarot as one of my client services. I have been a student of TAROT (meaning wheel or law of life) for over thirty years.  From its roots in Jewish mysticism (Kabbalah), the Emerald Tablet, and Egyptian Gnosticism, to its evolution in medieval mystical societies to its modern-day use in Jungian Psychology as a useful archetype for the hero’s journey, I have found a universal application for TAROT wisdom as a personal guide, and as a tool for others in their Soul’s transformational journey. For me, TAROT has become part of my daily practice, and now I want to share it with you.

Gnostic TAROT guidance helps you in finding insights and support for where you are in the current stage of your Soul’s evolution, along with keys to answering the deepest questions of your heart. Employing my deep intuitive gifts and my knowledge and experience with the journey of human development, Gnostic TAROT guidance with me is more than just a reading. Through this work you will find inspiration, guidance, comfort, support, and even healing.  Additionally, you will be given effective tools for deepening the insights gained from each session.

30 and 60 minute sessions

BOOK YOUR SESSION NOW!

Devils and Doorways

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This morning in my meditation, I pulled the “Devil” card.  While some might cringe at the sight of the “devil,” this is actually one of my favorite cards (second only to Death), as it represents EMERGENCE. Specifically, emergence out of and from a time of difficulty, struggle, challenge, and yes, temptation. The Devil card represents the successful completion of a particular stage of initiation.  The Devil literally depicts the exiting through the narrow gate – as St. Margaret here is doing after vanquishing her own inner fears, obstacles, and hindrances to her Soul’s emergence. From this perspective, the Devil is not the enemy, but is instead the friend that provides the resistance we need to grow and to reach our Soul’s maturity. Hurray!  (thank you sir, may I have another?!)

The Devil’s emergence is not only for me, it is for all here who have been doing this deep work – tending to the voice of the Soul, moving through inner and outer obstacles to the Soul’s fulfillment, and doing it in the face of certain resistance from the material world, the expectations of others, and our own “status quo.”  Reports from this community are providing direct examples of our efforts making a difference, not only for ourselves, but for the world at large.  Examples from the world at large are perhaps the easiest to see as they are sooooooooo loud in their resistance! 

The empire (the world based in fear, power, oppression, and control) is collapsing and those who have benefitted from the (now) dying world, are crying out in terror.  The way I’m most frequently hearing it described is this:

People are losing their shit!

Those who are deeply mired in the status quo, who have benefitted from a system that privileges them and remain imprisoned by the toxic conditioning that has separated them from their own truth are losing their shit. These are the ones that have no idea what to do with the anxiety that arises in the face of a system that is destroying itself, so instead of acknowledging the anxiety and doing something about it, the anxiety comes out in disproportionate actions and behaviors – fear coming out sideways. Grasping for control. Making ridiculous requests. Having tempter tantrums. Acting like children. 

A New World is Being Born and Those Clinging to the Old are Freaking Out! 

It’s a normal reaction to change, albeit an unhealthy one. I take these increasing, and growing louder examples as signs of positive change and a growing collective that is by our actions, and intentions, hastening the death of the old while giving birth to the new. The empire is facing its own “Devil’s journey” and we get to be on the other side watching it and cheering them on. Hopefully with love!  

Need Help With Your “Devils?”

Lauri Ann Lumby, MATP, Has over twenty-five years of experience as a soul-tender, educator and guide. She has supported hundreds through her one-on-one guidance, books, workshops, retreats, over thirty online courses, and online community.

Email lauri@lauriannlumby.com to schedule a one-on-one session today!



Inside the Bone Cave

/ Lauri Ann Lumby / Leave a comment

The Bone Cave

At the mouth of the bone cave

I stood and wondered:

Is it here I’m doomed to remain?

Sitting on chicken feet.

Surrounded by the bones of my past.

Amid the haunting howls of soul’s suffering

and the impatient clacking of their stories wanting to be heard.

Their want is deafening:

See me.

Hear me.

Understand me.

Care for me.

How much more can I care for bones already dead?

Yet their wailing persists.

What more do they need?

What more can I give when I have nothing left to give?

Maybe if I just sit here

and try not to move

their clattering will be still.

There is peace in surrendering to the dying.

copyright Lauri Ann Lumby

Support for your dying times

Lauri Ann Lumby, MATP, provides one-on-one mentoring and support for people at all stages of their human development, most especially during times of transition – when we are dying to one way of being and waiting to be born into another. If you are facing a dying time and would like to work with Lauri, email lauri@lauriannlumby.com.

Learn more HERE