By Marjorie Young

Years ago, when my psychic abilities became a central part of my life, I chose to work with researchers to better understand them as well as discover if they could be validated by scientific methods. In the end, I acted as a test subject in the United States and, for an extended period, in Japan. Those taking part were from several countries and areas of expertise…biochemists, physicists, medical doctors etc. My abilities both as a psychic and a healer were thoroughly examined and given credence. In the beginning, I was gratified by the positive results, but as time passed, I began to feel the futility of the exercise. Being required to ‘prove’ the same thing over and over eventually lost its appeal, and I happily left my time as a test object behind.

Now, on a recent trip to Europe, I spent time with my god-daughter Lea, who at nineteen, is a truly gifted artist. She just began studies at a top Art University in London. Encountering a teacher who criticized her work, I reminded her that even the greatest artists had met with more than their share of doubters…or ridicule. Since she was in school to learn, feedback from professors might indeed prove invaluable. Yet, it was also important to remain confident in her gifts, no matter what nay-sayers might cross her path.

It is an interesting conundrum that, unique as every human being is, we habitually require others to validate our worth. A Broadway show may close in one night if opening reviews are unfavorable, despite the years of effort going into it. A child may be scarred by the harsh words of a teacher or parent for the rest of their lives, tainting their own sense of self-worth. There is an old saying…’praise never made me a better person, nor criticism a worse one.’ Clearly, it is more delightful to hear flattering words than the opposite. Beyond that, we should remain open-minded enough to hearken to critics, allowing that they may have something valid to offer. Yet permitting another’s opinion to throw us off track is a pitfall that many struggle with.

One of my recent columns received a decidedly harsh denunciation from a reader. Though the overwhelming majority of feedback has been positive, this one labeled all psychics as ‘charlatans, frauds, and outright thieves’! The ‘critic’ had never met me, but felt free to lambaste everyone on the planet claiming psychic abilities. Many of my friends were indignant, while surprised the incident hadn’t dismayed me at all. I had nothing to prove to the disgruntled commentator; he was certainly entitled to his opinion. Prejudice in any form seems regrettable, however, and labeling any group with epithets, when that group is composed of unique human beings, is bound to be faulty. All teens are not bad drivers…all Southerners are not prejudiced; all politicians are (hopefully) not corrupt! As for me, I hardly feel compelled to challenge each and every affront lobbed in my direction.

There’s another wise old saying; ‘the dog barks, but the caravan passes on.’ We should remain true to ourselves no matter how often barking dogs nip at our heels! Perhaps some may even become our faithful companions in time. But most importantly, let our own inner vision illuminate our path, and be ready and willing to embrace the risk and responsibility for the resulting harvest.

Marjorie is available for readings at the Ballard Sunday Market, her Ballard home, or by phone.
Please email her: myballardpsychic@gmail.com
See her fantasy/adventure series: www.theboywithgoldeneyes.com
Follower her on Twitter: @psychicmargie