In prayers, channeling, healing work (including long distance healing), the energy of love is sent, received and exchanged by request. The information a channel receives is only that which we are allowed to receive. Well-trained channels and lightworkers know that in order to do our work we must act with integrity, responsibility, compassion and free will, which does not violate an individual soul's free will and choice. We will not impose or inflict another with personal negative ego agendas; no neediness to HAVE to heal another against their will. Therefore, before any work is done we cleanse our own energetic bodies, ask permission from that soul desiring the healing and set the intention that what we do will be in the highest interest and good for all concerned.

A channel who is adept knows that they are only the vehicle for the transmission of healing energies and how to direct those energies. The channel does not do the healing; a person heals themselves with their own responsibility, choice and ability in opening up to receiving the energies and maintaining the new healthy balance that is created. The healer creates the most beneficial atmosphere and conditions for the healing and is responsible for allowing the healing energies to flow through them as clearly as possible. After a healing session we channels know to clear ourselves and have our guides help clear us so the energies we have worked with will not stay with us.

A microcosmic example of our world which can be used to illustrate another use of energies has to do with communications on the Internet, especially in chat rooms. Since the internet is becoming more commonplace as the preferred method of communication with others via email, chat rooms, bulletin boards, e-zines and every kind of website, we would all be well-advised on how energies affect us and decide how we wish to create our future through this medium. Will we want it to be respectful, helpful, loving, informative, and able to use the Internet for greater communication and healing, riding on the wave of our new paradigm? Or, to let it go haywire as an outlet for destructive emotions? Or, to allow technology to control us and disgard our spirituality? Do you feel people should be held accountable for their words and actions on the Internet?

Think about this: Our bodies are computers, hooked up to our brain, our soul/essence, and that of the cosmos and the Source. Our pc's through which we connect to the Internet are also, of course, computers. We and our pc's are made up of almost the same stuff - except we contain more water. We are receivers, data banks, conductors, transmitters, and transformers of energy. We send and receive energy through our electrical equipment. We are literally becoming one with our pc's and what we do through them is an extension of ourselves; as a unit we are communicators of all that we are and wish to be, and whoever we interact with through this relationship feels it.

During my five years on the Internet I had many online experiences ranging from ultimate beauty to the most foul. Certainly, there are great benefits from being on the Internet. Friendships can be created, businesses assisted, creativity expanded, lives can be improved. But, there is a shadier side to the Internet of which newbies (and old-timers alike) need to be aware. One thing I can say is that the Internet is just like life everywhere else EXCEPT even more so. People believe that because they type on their keyboard to a machine which then shows up on the Internet they don't have to have any responsibility, can remain anonymous by having an alias, deceive everyone and do whatever they choose without a care - which means it is open to all forms of expression, usually without individuals being held liable or suffering any consequences for their actions.

Have you had the experience of having an online chat with anyone else, or a group of people? If you have, you have encountered all sorts of people with all kinds of feelings and ideas. People who expressed their love, compassion, fear, hostility, knowledge or ignorance, hidden agendas, all with their personalized feeling tones. And every person on the receiving end probably felt something. I have seen horrid character assaults, sabotages, hacking and cracking, impersonations, threats, lies; people who live to sabotage others, or themselves; and amazing abuses which are not monitored. People are getting away with what would be considered felonies outside of the Internet! (And some are still considered felonies no matter where they are committed.) Not only are some acts illegal, they hurt people. This is so careless and dangerous.

There are people who know that their energy is felt and use it for their own advantage. And there are less adept people who are not aware of how they affect others and are being affected by another's energies. Obviously, energies influence our body, mind and spirit and being on the Internet is no exemption. Energy has influence and when used with intent is exceptionally powerful.

People may be so turned off by an online experience and leave only later to find they feel ill and can't trace its origin, which was the online interaction. I'm very serious about how devastating these energies can be. Empaths are particularly susceptible to being overwhelmed by hostile energies if they aren't aware of how they are transmitted, or know how to take care of themselves in such environments. As one who conducts online meditations and counseling sessions I am exposed to all kinds of energies, and when still an Internet novice I, too, became physically ill on a couple of occasions before I realized what was going on. While these negative experiences may be in the minority people must know about them and their options in helping themselves.

My personal feeling about the Internet is that however one behaves in person should be the same on the Internet, and perhaps with even more patience and care on the Internet, because one speaks with people they don't know and often from many cultures who speak different languages. Therefore, communication is more complicated and easily misunderstood due to the printed word, poor spelling or translation. People feel even more vulnerable, amazingly, and sometimes misinterpret what's written. Again, because of the illusion that one is protected, hidden or unknown because their face is not seen nor their real name disclosed online, it is easy to let one's emotions go wild. If we don't realize the importance of all of these factors now our future communications on the Internet may lead to our own destruction.

What can one do to protect themselves from online attacks? First of all to know that on the Internet you will meet all kinds of people - those who genuinely want to get to know you, and many who don't care at all about you. Decide how much personal information you wish to share and how much time you will spend chatting with others - maintaining your own balances and sanity so you do not become addicted to wasting time on needless talk and playing in others energy - which can take a toll on your own.

Unfortunately, some people see the Internet as an open invitation to abuse others, or let their neurosis or psychosis play freely. For instance: Someone writes really sweet words (as if they are a perfect angel and know all the answers to life) in one sentence, and in the next sentence that person insults or attacks someone, you know you're dealing with a person who has unresolved issues - someone not balanced. Remember, you don't have to participate. If your talks online become heated or abusive and there is no moderator online you can notify the web site's owner; you can notify law enforcement and web law enforcement agencies; notify your own isp and if you are being harrassed through email you can contact their isp's abuse department. We do have rights and isp's will take action against those who abuse their online privileges and isp's regulations. You can always leave a chat room and you can speak your peace before leaving the room. But, know that you are in charge of your own reactions and responses to what takes place. You can't control another person. You may be able to offer compassion and sometimes advice if a person is open to it. But, if you don't feel well - leave and get honestly clear on what got to you. Has it pushed any buttons for you? If so, you might have encountered a mirror for what needs acknowledgement and healing within yourself. If that is not the case you can let it all slide off your back, release it immediately knowing it had nothing to do with you.

Even if it had nothing to do with you it can still make you feel pretty bad, so letting it go is necessary. There shouldn't be any reason why being on the Internet has to be harmful to anyone, but it has become a sad reality that it can be unhealthy. Taking care of our own vitality is extremely important and when you spend a lot of time on a computer you need to take even more precautions and perform your own healing. If you are always on the Internet in the same room cleanse your room regularly because these energies do stick to you and where you are, your clothing, furniture, jewelry, equipment. Cleansing can be done with sage, incense, visualization, a glass of water with salt in it, fresh air or ask your guides to assist you in this procedure. Also, cleanse your own physical, emotional and spiritual bodies after intense online interactions by having a salt bath or shower, clearing your energy fields with your hands, do some breathing and grounding exercises - whatever feels right for you to revitalize yourself with Source energy.

I feel the most important thing we can do is to take the Internet seriously as an extension and ambassador of ourselves. If we wish to keep the lines of communication open around the planet (and I sure do because for the first time we have such a powerful technology uniting us, affording us knowledge and connections at our fingertips). And if we want to continue to have a hand in our freedoms and rights on the Internet, we have to take a good look at what we're doing and what we want to create. I'm not talking about censorship, but responsibility. If you feel as I do that we can use the Internet for positive contributions to our planet, even if you use the Internet just for fun (which is also a contribution), and to be true to the paradigm we have chosen to create, then let your true personal values and honesty be heard. Walk your talk. Strive for more honesty from those you meet online. Show them respect and ask the same for yourself from others. Take self-responsibility, and have compassion with others on the Internet. Treat others online as you would want others to treat you and how you treat those in person. Respect the agreed-upon regulations on the Internet. RE-MEMBER that what goes around, comes around - what you put out, you will get back. What kind of present and future do you want to have?