Welcome to Episode 21 of Triggers and Spiritual Medicine podcast with host, Laura Bonetzky-Joseph. Join us for amazing podcast episode on “From Chaos to Power: Empowering People To Make A Difference in These Times” with Brighid Murphy.
Brighid brings over 20 years experience as a solid rooted healer and activist into this deep rich conversation about real issues facing most folks today and how to navigate these challenging revolutionary times, we are in. In the end Brighid shares 3 tips on what you can do today to show up better in the world you want create and see.
ABOUT BRIGHID:
Brighid Murphy is a leading expert in transformational healing, a shamanic practitioner and teacher, and a healing catalyst. She’s a mentor and empowerment teacher for spiritual seekers and holistic healers.
Brighid created the Sacred Listening Method, facilities The Healers Collective, in-depth group immersions, and 1:1 healing experiences. She’s passionate about ceremonial healing through community and advocates for marginalized identities within the contemporary spiritual and wellness industries.
Real talk. Let’s address the elephant in the room to the growing “sickness” in our society, address root issues and provide sustainable solutions.
We hope by addressing the intersectionality and connect the dots like a web of many of society’s challenges, we can help others understand the trauma infection that impacts all areas of life – addiction, domestic violence, racism, homelessness, sexual abuse, chronic health issues, cancer, environmental issues, climate change and more. In this collaborative program, we hope to share a new perspective of solutions, healing, and resolutions.
Each episode addresses a certain trigger while offering the spiritual medicine with at least 3 tips or actionable steps our listeners can take and implement.
*** If you provide or receive benefit from alternative, holistic, or spiritual based therapies and/or practices, this is a MUST read. ***
There are currently THREE pending legislations in Massachusetts that could have an impact in your rights of access to holistic and spiritual based therapies.
Two of the bills are potentially harmful and the third is a Safe Harbor bill to address the concerns of legislators while protecting the rights of Americans to access as well as protect many sacred teachings that fall under religious practices without government interference.
Holistic and spiritual practitioners in the state of Massachusetts who do not otherwise fall under professional or national licensing requirement (like Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine and Massage therapy) have been under potential threat of being controlled by the state.
According to the folks at this group, “Massachusetts previously introduced Safe Harbor Exemption legislation to protect the right to practice for, and the right of consumers to access, health care practitioners and healers who do not have conventional medical licenses such as herbalists, homeopaths, traditional naturopaths and many more.”
It was looking favorable last time we checked in early 2020. Unfortunately, like everything else, Covid slowed down the process of the Safe Harbor Bill going through. View the Bill here SD.1085/HD.1169
NEW Concerning Developments
Laura in Meditation
Since then, there have been interesting and concerning developments.
1) There is an (alleged) federally sponsored organization that is working toward creating a mandatory licensing for a variety of modalities, including shamanic practice. They have developed standards, certifications and applications that would force certain practitioners to become licensed under them. They plan to get this passed in 8 applicable states, beginning with Massachusetts.
2) At the state level in Massachusetts, there were bills filed on Wednesday, co-sponsored by the Attorney General that would require a variety of modalities (listed below), to be licensed and overseen by the state and/or individual towns. From what it looks to me, they are putting these “alternative healing therapies” into a similar category as massage therapy.
These are the categories that I am reading about in the Massachusetts bill that was filed on Wednesday, February 10, 2021:
Feldenkrais Method
the Trager Approach
Ayurvedic Therapies
Polarity or Polarity Therapy
Qi Gong
Body/Mind Centering
Reiki, levels II and above
Laura at the Ma State House to testify against the harmful bills & supporting the Safe Harbor Bill.
Here’s where I need your help:
This bill referenced in the Call to Action below, known as the Safe Harbor bill, would work to protect the rights of the practitioners listed. This would work in favor of these practitioners and allow them sovereignty over their healing art.
PLEASE SIGN HERE as this gets emailed directly to our legislators. It takes one minute.
Only Massachusetts residents can sign this.
You do NOT need to be a practitioner to sign. If you run a volunteer program or you have benefited in any way from these modalities, you are encouraged to sign.
Please share with clients or groups you work with who benefit from these therapies too.
** This is NOT a petition, it’s a direct email to legislators that can help us. **
What Else You Can Do NOW
Get Involved.
Protect YOUR rights and Access
Please do NOT expect someone else to do it FOR you. As we have witnessed in the last year, and if we learned nothing else from 2020, EVERYONE must rise and take action.
1) Read about the Safe Harbor Bill that is designed to protect you and your rights.
Key provisions of the Health Freedom Bill include:
Greater access to healing arts practitioners by the acknowledgment of its inherent benefits
Strengthened consumer protections to ensure public rights and safety
Enhanced practitioner safety underscoring the right to practice
Required disclosures relating to services and skills
HFAM “has worked to advance an initiative that balances consumer protections and public safety with the rights of those practicing healing arts. With the recent passage of health care reform on the state and national levels, it is now more important than ever that consumers have the right to safely access healing arts.”
Become a member
Donate to support this expensive legislative process to protect our rights and the groups mission.
Volunteer
Submit a Testimony in support of Safe Harbor Bill. Click here.
3) Learn About the Parent Group: National Health Freedom Action and their work nationwide and in grassroots organizations in various states where legislation is pending.
The Mission: “To ensure that the people of this nation have access to the broad domain of healing and health care information and services, to ensure the right of practitioners of the healing arts to practice, and to educate the public, promote health and well-being, conduct surveys and research, and participate in legislative, regulatory, legal, or public policy-reform and lobbying to accomplish the goal of health freedom.”
In full disclosure, I am a paid member of this organization and of their chapter HFAMA.
4) Know the other 2 bills presented for legislation that are potentially harmful especially towards vulnerable populations, interference with religious practices, discriminatory, and culturally targeted.
The other one is still pending as it is being re-written, but you can read about MA Bill 168 here prior to the pending re-drafting.
Laura (right) with Tadao Sensei, Representative of The Jikiden Reiki Institute, Koyto, Japan, and Iku from JRI in 2019 at an International Congress.
Please protect these sacred practices targeted.
Please develop a stronger back bone and self police unethical professionals to minimize harmful impacts to our communities.
Why Do I Care?
You can read about MY VIEWS as to WHY I support the Safe Harbor Bill and why I do NOT support the other 2 bills by clicking here. You can scroll towards the bottom of the post for the MY VIEWS part of the post.
Here I speak as a survivor of rape and domestic abuse who was subsequently diagnosed with CPTSD taking decades to reclaim my life as well as someone with years doing advocacy work in Massachusetts for victims.
The two harmful bills would also have a significant harmful impact on those faced with end of life too and not to mention low income communities.
So YES, I am quite passionate about THIS.
I will update you all as new information comes to light.
Thank you for reading and supporting the sacred arts.
Since March 2020, I’ve been offering various events to the community to help combat the stresses & uncertainties in life in a supportive way with an added intention to bridge in more diversity & inclusion.
We have expanded to offer a virtual circle format where travel is not required, you are in your own safe environment where you are witnessed and supported to process stagnant energy, old stories and stresses as we navigate these ever changing shifts together.
Here’s what you might experience:
The ability to enter into a safe container
A place where you can comfortably ease into a deep dive of vulnerability and trust effectively.
Meeting others that your normally would not meet in person
Some virtual love, circle, community, extra support,
Receive some spiritual medicine – spirit animals, earth based wisdom, psychic medium, numerology and more.
Receive updated cosmic energy reports that often affect our lives, health, & gadgets
A safe place to gain clarity, seek guidance, and/or allow yourself to process old energies, stories, emotions etc.
Typical FLOW:
Opening circle check ins
What is happening energetically & spiritual wisdom shared
Reflection
Meditation
Closing circle
Close out with movement, song, etc (not always)
Meditation (varies):
with the Tibetan Singing Bowls,
with drum
walking meditation in nature
or guided meditation.
Here is just SOME of what folks have been saying about these events:
“You are a beautiful blessing Laura Joseph …We love you” – Nancy
“Powerful Laura … (heart, prayer hands, heart emoji) beautiful day and meditation. I appreciate your transparency during this time of grief and healing. You are a true teacher.” – Annette
“Thank you for your uplifting messages and inspiration. Your dedication and caring shines through” – Pat
“Needed this today. Thank you!” – Joyce
“I truly appreciate everything you have been doing during these difficult times…. This was very relaxing in spite of me sitting in a garage where I’m getting my oil changed (laughing emoji) but it was a great way to spend my time here!” – Monica
“This was gold! You are my sign ( yellow heart, prayer hands emoji) “ – Merry
“Thank you. Beautiful …. Thank you for your time and gifts Laura (heart emoji)” – Suzanne
“That was amazing. Great start to the weekend. Feeling release and lighter.” – Annette
“Thank you! That was so spot on. I’ve been doing a ton for others and my health is starting to feel it.” – Rhiannon
“Oh Wow!!! You are spot on. Thanks Laura.” – Jenna
“I am so glad I joined in today …” – Jocelyn
“I have to say that every time I see you on your lives a feeling of overwhelming comfort comes to me. You’r such a strong force in my journey. I love you (star emoji x 3)” – Karen
“Thank you for all you do, sharing yourself with us. It means more than I can say. “ – Beth
“It is INCREDIBLE that you are here for us (prayer hands emoji) Thank you (heart emoji)… I appreciate you being here SO much” – Sarah
Registration Information:
This is organized with a sliding scale to offer these events that are accessible to all folks regardless of income.
For as little as a donation of any nominal value $1 to $22.
DONATIONS Are Also Appreciated to keep these programs affordable.
Help support our initiative, by becoming a Patreon. Check out our page to learn more about our initiative, projects, and exclusive offerings. Learn how you can gain access to this event for FREE.
Want to know more?
To join our email list for latest news, updates, and events, click here
Since March 2020, I’ve been offering various events to the community to help combat the stresses & uncertainties in life in a supportive way with an added intention to bridge in more diversity & inclusion.
We have expanded to offer a virtual circle format where travel is not required, you are in your own safe environment where you are witnessed and supported to process stagnant energy, old stories and stresses as we navigate these ever changing shifts together.
Here’s what you might experience:
The ability to enter into a safe container
A place where you can comfortably ease into a deep dive of vulnerability and trust effectively.
Meeting others that your normally would not meet in person
Some virtual love, circle, community, extra support,
Receive some spiritual medicine – spirit animals, earth based wisdom, psychic medium, numerology and more.
Receive updated cosmic energy reports that often affect our lives, health, & gadgets
A safe place to gain clarity, seek guidance, and/or allow yourself to process old energies, stories, emotions etc.
Typical FLOW:
Opening circle check ins
What is happening energetically & spiritual wisdom shared
Reflection
Meditation
Closing circle
Close out with movement, song, etc (not always)
Meditation (varies):
with the Tibetan Singing Bowls,
with drum
walking meditation in nature
or guided meditation.
Bring: a notebook, ritual items (optional) and a pen.
Here is just SOME of what folks have been saying about these events:
“You are a beautiful blessing Laura Joseph …We love you” – Nancy
“Powerful Laura … (heart, prayer hands, heart emoji) beautiful day and meditation. I appreciate your transparency during this time of grief and healing. You are a true teacher.” – Annette
“Thank you for your uplifting messages and inspiration. Your dedication and caring shines through” – Pat
“Needed this today. Thank you!” – Joyce
“I truly appreciate everything you have been doing during these difficult times…. This was very relaxing in spite of me sitting in a garage where I’m getting my oil changed (laughing emoji) but it was a great way to spend my time here!” – Monica
“This was gold! You are my sign ( yellow heart, prayer hands emoji) “ – Merry
“Thank you. Beautiful …. Thank you for your time and gifts Laura (heart emoji)” – Suzanne
“That was amazing. Great start to the weekend. Feeling release and lighter.” – Annette
“Thank you! That was so spot on. I’ve been doing a ton for others and my health is starting to feel it.” – Rhiannon
“Oh Wow!!! You are spot on. Thanks Laura.” – Jenna
“I am so glad I joined in today …” – Jocelyn
“I have to say that every time I see you on your lives a feeling of overwhelming comfort comes to me. You’r such a strong force in my journey. I love you (star emoji x 3)” – Karen
“Thank you for all you do, sharing yourself with us. It means more than I can say. “ – Beth
“It is INCREDIBLE that you are here for us (prayer hands emoji) Thank you (heart emoji)… I appreciate you being here SO much” – Sarah
DONATIONS Are Also Appreciated to keep these programs affordable.
Help support our initiative, by becoming a Patreon. Check out our page to learn more about our initiative, projects, and exclusive offerings. Learn how you can gain access to this event for FREE.
Want to know more?
To join our email list for latest news, updates, and events, click here
According to the folks at this group, “Massachusetts previously introduced Safe Harbor Exemption legislation to protect the right to practice for, and the right of consumers to access, health care practitioners and healers who do not have conventional medical licenses such as herbalists, homeopaths, traditional naturopaths and many more.”
