Hurricane Katrina and her affects are being called the worst natural disaster in America’s history. Although South Florida was affected once again by a severe storm it seems miniscule compared to the immense destruction and human devastation in the aftermath left in the Gulf coast states. Ultimately we are all affected. And, it didn’t have to be this way.

With four hurricanes and tropical storms hitting South Florida and the United States in a five-week period, 2004 was called "The Year of the Hurricane." Many believe that this unusually intense period of destructive weather activity could be a harbinger of what is to come. The 2005 hurricane season began June 1 with five tropical storms, one being Dennis -- which packed 150 mph winds at one point -- being the earliest Category 4 hurricane ever recorded in the Caribbean basin.

As I observe the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual response to Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath I am reminded to last fall just hours before the full force of Hurricane Jeanne was felt on Florida’s east coast. I was drawn to have a conversation with her.

This article isn’t about being right or wrong; it’s about lessons learned from the storm. Angel, my wise and sweet Bishon Frise angel, and I were taking last walk in hour before the storm was to hit South Florida when I consciously connected with Hurricane Jeanne’s consciousness.

I believe you’ll find there is a message for each of us here as we face the personal storms in our own lives as well as the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Here are the highlights of what Hurricane Jeanne said:

"I was born into this world with a mission just like you were."

"My life time is shorter than yours so more seems to happen in less time."

"I will honor your requests; however, I have to complete my mission. It’s why I came into this reality."

"My purpose isn’t destruction. My purpose is to raise awareness, to raise standards."

"If anything is off it will be revealed by my presence."

"I represent the storms of your life. Looking the other way or ignoring me doesn’t help. I don’t go away. I just get bigger. Eventually you have to face me."

"Yes, I want attention. I hung out in the Caribbean so long so you would notice me."

"You can change the course of my actions with your thoughts and feelings."

"We are all one. What happens in one part of the world happens to all. We are interconnected."

"The lesson is not in what I do, but in how you handle and respond to what I do."

Release Your Storms

Now it seems only fitting to pause and ask a simple question of you, wherever you live in the world. What storm keeps showing up in your life? You know the one that just doesn’t seem to go away or perhaps it’s the latest one. It could be small or large. You want to look the other way. You may be exhausted from dealing with it or anticipating it for so long.

The next full moon might be the perfect time to ask: What truth are you shining your spotlight on in my life?

Ask this question from peace, not regret, dread or anxiety. Know that as Shakespeare said: "There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so."

Know that by asking this question and taking the appropriate action from a place of love and enthusiasm, you are raising the possibilities for your life to the next best and highest level. And, in doing so, we all benefit.

As it says in Messages from God: "Increase your level of health, wealth and happiness. Let go of who and what no longer works."

This same message was the one I was guided to for our Hurricane Jeanne meditation. Regardless of its apparent largeness, Jeanne, like all the upsets and storms of our lives, is simply a call to action.

Perhaps it’s time to see the storms of life with a new inner vision. Where you’ve seen destruction and loss it’s time to see cleansing and renewal. Bless this truth and step forth confidently grounded in love and faith.