Q: You speak often about our lives bringing experiences needed by our souls. How can I know what my soul is trying to get out of this life, and how it fits into the bigger picture of its evolution?

A: Great question. To put this life into context, it helps to step back from the energies of the moment and consider what you know about yourself through your observations on this life.

What patterns have played out so far? What kind of challenges have you created? Did you accept them willingly? Did you go kicking and screaming? Were they thrust upon you?

Q: I know what I'm allowing to hold me back. Now what do I do?

A: Let me answer your question with another question. What are you being held back from? Is it possible that where you're trying to go isn't where you really want to go? Or that your reasons for doing it or the methods used are not aligned with what you're all about inside?

Q: I've been caught in a cycle of struggle for a while now. It hasn't been pleasant, and puts a lot of strain on me and my family. However, afterwards when I stop to think about what happened, I can see how the situation was exacerbated by things going on within us that I'd never even considered. Am I nuts or what?

A: No, you aren't crazy. You're just beginning to see there's more to life than meets the eye.

Even the difficulties of life are there to serve us, and you're glimpsing some of the ways yours are serving you.

Q: I'm hearing some talk about Ascension and 2012. What's it got to do with me?

Q: I feel isolated, unable to move through an invisible barrier separating me and my work from those who need it. What can I do?

A: That barrier that you sense is a self-created illusion your soul is using to create necessary experiences. You can thrash about and do anything or everything to break through, but those efforts will meet with little success.

Perhaps you might stop and look around at the situation you're in and the experiences it's bringing, and ask, "How does this serve me?"

Here's a note shared by one of those attending our dinner meetings.

I begin firstly by noting how enlightening the gathering with John and Laura has been. Do consider attending one of the future meetings.

Q: Something inside is making me begin to feel like I have something to add. The problem is I am all alone. There's no one in my area who I can talk to about it, much less a group to form community or work together with. What do I do?

A: Continue your own preparations. Get clear on your intentions and follow your inner voice.

Q: I'm doing everything I know to do, but my mission's floundering and my finances are in the dumper. What am I doing wrong?

A: You're not doing anything wrong. In fact, you're doing everything exactly as you intended. The problem is, you are unclear as to what that intention is.

You have an aspiration to serve others, and a desire to do it while living a life that serves you as well. But what you do not realize is they take a backseat to your soul's desire to evolve through the experiences your reality is bringing.