Dani Lewis, Author at Enlighten Up Cafe

The Marvels of Intuition

by Dani Lewis | Aug 6, 2025 | Inner Guidance

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” . . . And it is the deep intuition that knows what is good for us, knows what we need next, and knows it with lightning speed . . . if we will just take down its dictation.” Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Ph.D.

Years ago, I was on a road trip with friends through Sequoia National Park when we stopped for a quick bathroom break at Lost Grove. As we prepared to head to our next destination, my five-year-old son asked if he could ride in the van with the other kids. I walked him over, watched as he climbed in, and off we went, caravanning down the mountain road.

About twenty minutes later a strange feeling washed over me—an unexpected urge to be with my son. It was a quiet, steady tug that I chose not to ignore. I turned to my friend who was driving and asked if she could pull over so I could check on him. She’d already shown such kindness by letting me and my two kids ride in her van. It wasn’t the right moment to ask for more—but something inside me insisted.

When I reached the other van, my heart sank. My son wasn’t there. With fear starting to creep in, we immediately turned around and headed back toward Lost Grove. Before long, a car approached from the opposite direction, signaling for us to stop. A warm-hearted couple had found my son walking along the road and brought him back to me. Angels?

In the days that followed, I kept returning to that quiet, insistent feeling, reflecting on the weight of what I’d experienced. At the time, it was just a whisper, a gentle nudge. Only in hindsight did I grasp the full power of that intelligence—tapping me on the shoulder, urging me to pay attention. It’s easy to dismiss such feelings. Intuition doesn’t announce itself with logic or reason. I could have easily brushed it off, but I didn’t—I was awake and followed my gut feeling. That moment became a powerful lesson in the value of presence—tuning in rather than tuning out.

The Intelligence of Feeling

Intuition is an inner compass that knows exactly the best way to move us forward in the direction that will serve us best.

The doorway to this intelligence is through imagination—where intuition speaks. It doesn’t hand us a step-by-step plan. Instead, it whispers through feelings, flashes of imagery, sudden insights— bypassing logic and landing directly in our awareness. When we trust those messages, we’re tapping into the same creative energy that brings every invention, idea, and solution into being. When imagination is honored, intuition steps forward.

“Intuition is the wisdom of your Soul, and imagination is the world your Soul dances in. The two go hand-in-hand.”

Juna Mustad, Intuitive Coach

By reclaiming imagination as an essential tool for navigating life, we open ourselves up to the subtle wisdom that intuition offers. We begin to trust what arises from within us, appreciating its value as a key component in transformative living—taking charge of what is right for us in the most practical of ways.

Trusting What We Feel

The language of this inner intelligence is feeling. It’s the tug in your chest, the unease in your gut, the calm certainty that arises when something is right, and the tightness or discomfort that signals when something isn’t. These subtle cues are not just emotional—they are directional, guiding us toward alignment and away from harm.

The tricky part? Intuition doesn’t shout. It doesn’t arrive with neon arrows or Hollywood-level drama. If we’re expecting a booming voice from the heavens, we might miss it entirely. This guidance is subtle—so subtle we can easily mistake it for nothing at all. When we learn to trust what we feel—without second-guessing or brushing it aside—we are investing in the strength of our inner authority.

Stay Awake, Stay Connected

Intuition is not a gift reserved for a few “special” people, it’s built in—invest in yourself. The more we listen, the clearer it gets. The more we act on what intuition instructs us to do, the more life flows—sometimes not in the way we would expect, but always in the way we need.

We’ll never have all the answers, and honestly, we don’t need them. What we do need is to stay awake, stay connected, and keep tuning in to that quiet intelligence that’s been here for us all along.

Your heart whispers.

Your body nudges.

Your mind often talks too loud.

Intuition won’t compete with the noise—it waits for you to notice.

The "Inner Yes/Inner No" Practice

A daily check-in to build intuitive clarity

Sit quietly: early morning or before bed works best.

Close your eyes: take three deep, slow breaths—inhaling through the nose, exhaling through the mouth. Let your attention sink down into the belly.

Ask and feel: bring to mind a simple inquiry or question. For example:

“Would a long walk in the hills be better for me right now, or going for a short run?”

“Do I want to join friends for breakfast tomorrow morning, or would I be better off focusing on my project deadlines instead?”

Say each option quietly in your mind, one at a time. Then notice what arises in your body—not what you think, but what you feel.

Does your chest lift or tighten?

Do your shoulders soften or tense?

Is there a sense of ease, or a subtle contraction?

Make it a daily habit:
The more you tune into these inner signals, the clearer they will become. Over time, you’ll start to recognize your unique “yes” and “no” feelings, buiding confidence in your relationship with intuition. Utilize this practice as a daily habit—engaging the marvels of intuition!

Menopause: Embracing Change and Discovering Wholeness

by Dani Lewis | Nov 15, 2024 | Women In The Wisdom Years

Menopause stands as a profound milestone in a woman’s life, signifying the culmination of her reproductive years. This transformative phase evokes a spectrum of emotions, often echoing the experiences of our mothers. However, it’s crucial to recognize that our individual journeys during this change of life may differ from generations past, both biologically and emotionally. Have you contemplated it not merely as the termination of a phase, but as the inception of a dynamic unveiling of a more enriched, authentic self? What do you believe about menopause?

One Woman’s Experience: A Glimpse into the Past

In 1959, my mother embarked on a journey through early menopause, a condition known as premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). At just 32 years old, my mother faced a bewildering period of emotional turmoil. Back then, a basic understanding of women’s unique physiology was limited. It was a time when women’s experiences were often overlooked in medical trials, leaving many women without the support they needed. My mother’s story is a testament to the importance of finding the right doctor who could address her needs with compassion and expertise.

One doctor, after examining her, asked her to wait in the reception area while he consulted with my father. The doctor was requesting my father’s signature to have my mother institutionalized so he could explore experimental treatments. I wonder what experimental treatments he had in mind. During the 1940s and 1950s electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was the most widely used treatment for depression and mood disorders.

Fortunately, my parents found a doctor who gave my mother the POI diagnosis, allowing her to receive the treatment she needed, which included boosting her estrogen levels. The mood shifts my mother experienced through this harrowing time never reappeared. I wonder how many women haven’t been as fortunate as my mother—looking for answers to a daunting health issue from doctors who lacked a basic understanding about the distinct needs of a woman’s body, specifically around menopause.

Having access to up-to-date medical research on women’s health might be something we take for granted today, but in 1950s America there was very little research done that included women in medical trials. It wouldn’t be until 1991 when the federal government established the Women’s Health Initiative which would be the first comprehensive effort to clinically study health issues for women.

My mother’s journey highlights the importance of understanding women’s unique needs during menopause, a perspective that is still evolving today.

Contributing to the Whole Woman: A Holistic Approach to Menopause

As our understanding of women’s health has progressed, a more holistic approach to menopause has emerged. Women’s health is so much more than just a linear study of the female body, it’s an intricate system that includes the whole woman—body, mind, and spirit. Menopause is a turning point that brings not only physical symptoms but also emotional, psychological, and spiritual changes.

For many women, like myself, the non-physical aspects have posed the most significant challenges. Initially, I underestimated the impact of menopause on my life due to the mild physical symptoms I was experiencing.

As I delved into the research, read books, and listened to women’s stories—the personal experiences they had with menopause—I realized that it was affecting me more profoundly than I had realized. I was wrestling with a loss of mojo, how I navigated the world around me—relationships, business, finances.

I felt lost, impotent, and powerless. I started second guessing myself, doubting my feelings—my confidence took a nose dive. All of this was erupting while my body was showing signs of aging. Younger people started addressing me as ma’am. I would pass my reflection unawares and see an older woman instead of the mental picture I had of a much younger me. Feelings of resentment from the past, frustration with myself, regret. I was revisiting issues that I thought had been resolved long ago.

Prior to menopause I seldom stressed about anything. I was so confident in my ability to ‘make it happen’ with whatever I aspired to do. In hindsight, that ‘make it happen’ approach was one with a predominately masculine tone to it. What I’ve learned is how much more effective I can be when I listen and allow, versus forcing what I want into form. Sure, I did force it for a long time and I produced successful outcomes in the short run. In the long run however, I have found receptivity to be much more in alignment with the final product I seek, which is fulfillment and satisfaction along the way, not just focusing on the end result I am after.

The Body Speaks: Rediscovering Purpose

While menopause brought unexpected challenges for me, it also unveiled hidden strengths. Rediscovering purpose became a transformative journey for me, transcending the physical and delving into the depths of self-discovery.

Despite feelings of being hijacked into the underworld, something profound was awakening within me. Over time, I reconnected with a part of myself I had long forgotten from my pre-adolescent years.

This journey of self-discovery has led me to embrace an inner strength that I thought had left me long ago. I am now more comfortable in my own skin, with a renewed determination to fulfill on the aspirations I had set aside from decades past. Marriage, raising a family, running a business – life’s demands led me elsewhere.

Today I recognize the enormous gift that those demands bestowed upon me. I took my primary focus off myself and instead placed it squarely on being in service to others. That’s the “secret sauce” of self discovery . . . being in service to a much greater purpose than ourselves alone. And if that purpose is true, what we receive can be what we were seeking all along.

“How I feel about myself today, what I believe is possible for me, is a spiritual maturity springing forth from a dark reckoning.”

A Shift Towards Wholeness: The Power of Meditation

Throughout my menopausal experience I’ve practiced daily meditation. I recommend this practice to anyone, but when we are going through a challenging time it can be especially therapeutic. Not only are we inviting receptivity through quieting the mind, but we are also practicing rhythmic breathing. If you are suffering from menopausal symptoms at whatever level—physical, emotional, mood swings, and beyond—being aware of your breath and focusing on it, even for just a couple minutes at a time, can produce a wonderful shift that changes the direction of your day.

“Release the past. Let go of what no longer serves this awakened life.”

Over time, having embraced this journey, I’ve found a wiser voice at my center. One that speaks to me with kindness, patience, and love. The voice of self condemnation that I believed to be the truth for me, kept me stuck in old patterns and programming. Today, this voice no longer has the power to derail me. I’ve awakened to many of these old patterns and beliefs about myself. As I recognize them, I forgive myself for ever having believed them in the first place, returning them to the nothingness from where they came.

Menopause can transform us if we let it. It’s vital that we listen to that inner stillness and validate what we hear. Embracing the changes that come with menopause can lead us towards a depth of knowledge that is capable of impacting our self image—do we see an aging woman, or the beauty of wisdom and experience reflected from inner glow—offering us clarity of mind, and instilling courage in our decision making . . . all of which is a recipe for creating outcomes we might have never thought possible for ourselves.

As we navigate this transitional period we are invited to rediscover and embrace a powerful presence that has been speaking to us throughout our lives, patiently waiting to be heard, but we were unable to meet it from where we were.

Through the menopausal fire we can emerge transformed—whole and complete as we have always been, but had not realized until now. What new possibilities and transformations are awaiting you in this moment, and how can you embrace this profound transition with grace and authenticity?

Here’s to an awakened life!

Food For Thought: The 7 Best Foods To Boost Brain Power

by Dani Lewis | Nov 12, 2024 | Food

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”

—Hippocrates

Food as medicine is certainly not a new phenomenon, it’s as ancient as the writings of Hippocrates, who by the way lived 430 years before the birth of Jesus. Everything we know about diet and health has been in the works for millennia.

When it comes to choosing foods for optimal brain power, science is just getting started. With the information we have learned over the past several decades, especially advances in neuroscience, we have a clearer understanding of how food can increase memory and strengthen our cognitive abilities.

Are you ready to dig in? Let’s see what science has to offer us about our everyday food choices for increased brain power.

#1 Alaskan Wild-Caught Salmon

If you like seafood you’re in luck when it comes to boosting brain power. This deep-water fish is loaded with Omega-3 essential fatty acids. Omega-3s are known to be one of the fundamental building blocks of the brain. A 4-ounce serving of salmon, two to three times a week, will contribute mightily to improving your memory and eradicating brain fog. Avoid farm-raised and regular caught salmon, as mercury and other toxins are commonly found in these fish. Mercury, in particular, can do great harm to your brain’s neurological functioning, as well as the ability to learn new things.

#2 Blueberries

I’ve heard these little nuggets of sweet delight referred to as ‘brainberries’. Blueberries are one of the highest antioxidant-rich foods known to man. Because they contain such a high level of gallic acid, blueberries are an excellent choice for protecting your brain from degeneration and stress. Whether you want to improve your eyesight, your memory, or lower your blood sugar, consuming raw blueberries on a daily basis will ensure you are getting the maximum health benefits available.

#3 Greens

Green leafy vegetables like broccoli, kale, and spinach, do wonders for proper brain functioning. They are loaded with vitamins A and K. One cup of fresh spinach will provide almost double the daily requirement of both of these vitamins. As for kale, you’re getting more than 684% of the recommended daily serving for vitamin K—now that’s impressive! Last but certainly not least is broccoli, also loaded with vitamin K. Broccoli contains a hefty amount of choline which improves focus and memory. All three of these leafy green vegetables belong in the Superfoods Hall of Fame.

#4 Avocados

Avocado

Avocados are one of the healthiest foods you can eat. They are packed with protein and have the lowest sugar content of any fruit. (Yes, avocados are a fruit) One of the big misconceptions about avocados is their high fat content. True, they are loaded with fat, but not the kind of fat that can accumulate in the body and cause heart attacks and strokes. This food is high in monounsaturated fat, which contributes to healthy blood flow, and healthy blood flow means a healthy brain.

#5 Walnuts

Walnuts

Here’s a fun fact . . . brain shaped foods can provide optimal brain benefits. Who would have thought? This little nut is a powerhouse when it comes to your brain and longevity. Walnuts have almost twice the antioxidants as other commonly consumed nuts like almonds, peanuts, and pistachios. They are packed with a high concentration of DHA (a type of Omega-3 fatty acid) and polyphenols. The best part about these ‘smart nuts’ is you only need around 7 a day to receive the full benefit of what they have to offer. Walnuts are inexpensive, convenient and overflowing with nutrition.

#6 Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Olive oil

The health benefits of extra virgin olive oil are legendary. It’s a major component in the Mediterranean diet, considered the healthiest way to eat for health and longevity. People from this region are some of the healthiest and long-lived people on the planet.

Olive oil is high in brain-protective antioxidants. This is important because the brain uses 20% of the total intake of oxygen in your body, which makes it vulnerable to oxidation caused by free radicals. Olive oil is loaded with free radical scavengers that keep oxidation in check.

Olive oil is a substantial source of vitamins E and K. Vitamin K gives a boost to your brain’s processing speed, while vitamin E works to maintain good memory.

And if that doesn’t convince you of the many benefits this magical oil offers, consider this . . . olive oil decreases the risk of depression, while increasing brain-boosting chemicals like BDNF (a brain protective protein) and NGF (nerve growth factor: playing an important role in learning and memory), which encourages the formation and repair of brain cells. The ancient Greeks thought so highly of this oil that cutting down an olive tree was a crime punishable by death.

#7 Eggs

Eggs

Eggs contain a little bit of almost every nutrient needed for optimal health. For every egg you eat you get six grams of protein. Proteins are the main building blocks of the human body.

The egg, another superfood, is a great source of nutrients associated with brain health, including vitamins B6, B12, folate and choline. Studies have shown that higher intakes of choline are linked to better memory and mental function. Egg yolks are among the most concentrated sources of this nutrient. Eggs are also a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids.

When looking for the most nutritious foods on the planet, this versatile and affordable food source is at the top of the list. “The incredible, edible egg!”

Boosting your brain power doesn’t stop at what’s on your plate—it’s a whole lifestyle.

Yes, choosing wild-caught salmon, blueberries, leafy greens, and other brain-loving foods lays the foundation, but the real magic happens when you pair them with daily movement, proper hydration, and deep, restorative sleep. Picture it: a colorful plate of omega-3 rich salmon alongside a vibrant salad, followed by a brisk walk that gets your blood flowing, a tall glass of refreshing water in hand, and finally sinking into a full night’s rest. That combination isn’t just healthy—it’s deliciously life-changing. When you nourish your body this way, you’re not only feeding your brain—you’re giving yourself the clarity, energy, and focus to thrive every single day. So go ahead—fill your basket with brain-boosting foods, move your body, and protect your sleep like it’s sacred. Your mind will repay you with sharper thinking, brighter moods, and a future of lasting vitality.

Before exiting this post make a list of the 7 best foods for brain health and visit your kitchen to see how many of them are on hand. Good for you if you have already integrated them into your diet. If not, take note of the foods you are not eating on a regular basis and add them to your grocery list, pick them up next time you go food shopping. See for yourself how eating brain enhancing foods can make a world of difference in your life.

Here’s to your good health!

Walking With The Divine

by Dani Lewis | Oct 18, 2024 | Quieting The Mind

There is divinity in nature. When I spend time hiking in the hills near my home, I return a different person than when I left. I don’t have to do anything; I just walk. It’s peaceful, and not long after I take my first, deep breath, I surrender to the cadence of the rustling field grass, the earthy aroma of dirt and dust, the melody of the birdsong. I am embraced by the vast sky and vibrant colors all around me.

There is no demand or requirement in order to access this grace. It’s freely given from what is. All we need to do is be open and receptive to its many gifts and we are filled with gratitude.

Life is like that. What it offers is consistent, unwavering access to the Divine.

The opportunity to tap into this divinity is available to us at any point in our day. That peaceful inner atmosphere that says: “All is well in my world” is a choice we make moment-by-moment.

When life’s challenges come knocking—financial setbacks, unwanted news, a broken heart—yes, we are in it and it’s real enough, to be sure. But we don’t have to believe in the setback as if its our only option, that we’re down for the count.

Could it be an opportunity? Maybe life is nudging us, attempting to get our attention to rethink a past decision, or an expectation of failure that we have been courting unawares. Maybe, just maybe, the setback is an opportunity that will take us to where we want to go next?

“Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.

~Dale Carnegie

More than a few accomplished people have given us advice on the how-tos of living a successful life. A common thread that connects those that have achieved their goals is how they view failure.

If you’re looking for an open door that can lead you to seeing your challenges differently, here it is . . . go for a walk and surround yourself in nature’s beauty—get inspired!

That inspiration can effortlessly bring us to gratitude. And when we are filled with gratitude we are much more likely to see that open door. You know the one, where all of a sudden, seemingly out of nowhere, a stream of light comes rushing at us and we find ourselves feeling good about life for no reason in particular. Our worries seem far away and we’re enjoying the moment just as it is.

By the way, you don’t have to be walking in the hills in order to tap into the healing that is offered there. Just taking a moment with your eyes closed, imaging the beauty of the natural world—breathing in the experience as though you were there: smelling the freshness in the open air, visualizing the vastness of the sky, the vibrant colors, listening to the birds. What does that feel like?

You will notice a shift in your body, your thoughts, feeling more connected, relaxed, and at ease. You just might find your day a bit more enjoyable, people around you smile more, and you feel a sense of grace filling you in the most delightful of ways.

Happy Trails!

How To Recalibrate: Meditation For An Awesome Day

by Dani Lewis | Sep 22, 2024 | Meditation

It can be challenging to stop doing and shift our focus to simply being—pausing to give ourselves just a moment; closing our eyes and taking in a few deep breaths. This practice is very simple, so why do we struggle with accessing our inner calm? Why are we so resistant to the simple practice of quieting the mind?

Take a moment, right now, and focus on feeling your body as it breathes. Is it shallow? Do you feel disconnected from your body, worried, anxious? If so, close your eyes and take in a long, deep breath through your nose. Place your focus on the movement of oxygen as it travels into the lungs, allowing your belly to expand as oxygen is received.

On the exhale, as you slowly liberate the breath through the mouth, feel the belly relax and the lungs decompress, as the converted oxygen, now carbon dioxide, is expressed out into the world. Do it again, maybe a third time.

As you relax, letting go of the tension, can you feel the tightening in your chest release its hold, your shoulders dropping down a notch or two, your arms relaxing?

Just taking a couple of minutes to focus on our breath can really make the difference with what we carry forward into the next segment of our day. So why not offer yourself the gift of this good-feeling focus?

Image by Hannah Williams from Pixabay

Meditation: A Tool For Clarity

Meditation has the power to break us open as we let go and allow ourselves to loosen the mental grip on how we view life. Just sitting quietly with a focus on breathing can contribute to an awareness of who we are in the present, absent the influence of perspectives, assumptions, or interpretations from our past. The past has its place, but being awake to how monkey-mind uses precedent to influence our present experiences—clogging up our stream of awareness by focusing on what has happened in the past, reinforcing a doped up haze of illusion—can free us in so many unexpected ways.

A consistent, daily meditation practice is a rhythmic art—homeostasis for the Soul. Over time we may not even notice what’s not present in our thinking . . . like fear, doubt, guilt, or blame.

What is noticeable is the well-being that is felt, moments of satisfaction, increased confidence, feeling more relaxed and engaged with the world around us—appreciating a friend, the beauty in a flower, being stopped in our tracks by a fiery sunset. That’s one of the most pleasing returns we can gain from such an investment—simple abundance, simple pleasures!

Owning What Belongs To Us

When we are young we are like sponges, taking in the world around us. In order to survive we are driven to be accepted by our tribe—we want to please those who have the power to keep us alive by mimicking our surroundings in order to fit in. We don’t know who we are yet, at least not consciously at this point. We haven’t lived long enough to develop any degree of discernment regarding our new environment.

A Scenario To Contemplate

Imagine your little three-year-old self. Your father is trying to focus and you keep distracting him, you want his attention. He becomes agitated by the distraction, and in short order he loses his temper and barks at you. You feel diminished and ashamed, you’ve done something wrong. If this scenario is repeated, over time it becomes deeply embedded in the subconscious mind, maybe for a lifetime. Your three-year-old self doesn’t have the tools to discern the pressure Dad may be under, or something similar in an adult world. Children will absorb shame and blame without question . . . “I am not enough”.

Now, fast forward to a future self. You’re twenty-eight years old. Someone barks at you and you respond like a three year old. What happened?

The past is making its way into your present—overriding the moment with feelings of embarrassment, shame, or guilt. Are you aware of this as it is happening (conscious), or are you allowing the past to take control (unconscious)? If the latter, the person who barked at you, or at least you experienced it as such, is most likely going to receive your wrath.

If we are not present and awake in moments like this, we tend to blame the other for how we feel. When we do that, we are giving our power away, forfeiting control. From unconscious mind we are limited to reacting, not consciously choosing. If we are awake and present in that moment, the realization that our thinking has been hijacked becomes available and we are better equipped to respond, choosing instead to take responsibility for how we feel, versus reacting from the past.

That’s how we recalibrate. We understand that our feelings of not being enough is a past trauma reliving itself in our present. No blame or projecting the responsibility of how we feel onto others. The past is not what’s before us now. The present moment, our only point of power, is a new opportunity for us to focus our awareness on what we want to experience, contributing to a future we want to live into.

When we are in that mindset—not blaming others for how we feel—we open up an access that wasn’t available to us before. In that place of ownership, others respond differently to us. We experience more grace and ease in our world. Life is transformed from this state of ownership.

By committing to the practice of conscious awareness—giving our attention to what we are thinking and feeling—we take control of our lives. By giving silence a say, even when it’s only a momentary pause in our day, we are sending out an invitation . . . “Hey, new opportunities, I’m open and receptive!”

When we ask for what we want, it’s then up to us to show up and receive the answer— quieting the mind-chatter and then listening, paying attention. The answer will come and the opportunities will avail themselves to us in ways we might not have even thought possible. This is a formula for how we create our world . . . one thought at a time!

Image by Aroo Khan from Pixabay

“At first glance one would assume the rock impenetrable, but over time the subtlety of water’s quiet persistence will overcome any obstacle. “

So it goes with meditation . . . as we give ourselves over to this subtle, but powerful practice, we let go of the rope and just be. No expectations, assumptions, or judgements, not in this moment—here we quietly listen and breathe.

Meditation has the power to open us up to new adventures in thought, action, and being. Like the slow drip of water against a rock—over time the solidity of the rock’s mass gives way to the fluidity of water. At first glance one would assume the rock impenetrable, but over time the subtlety of water’s quiet persistence will overcome any obstacle. Its unceasing tenacity wins the day!

Living our best life can start with a simple commitment to just sit in silence each day, giving our focus to what wants to be heard—guiding us from within. And as we do, we serve ourselves and the world, one thought at a time.

Have an awesome day!

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