Three Stages of Stress

The degree of stress that you are feeling often shows up in your eyes. One of the main reasons is that you FEEL with your eyes (THINK with your ears). 

FIRST STAGE STRESS

Eyes are glassy, staring, dull and tired;

You are responding to an immediate shock or you are holding on past your limit of endurance; Example: lack of sleep, dehydration, not enough food, working too much, etc.

You feel out of control and doing the best you can. Take time to focus on deep breaths, drinking some water, grounding and relaxing as best you can.

SECOND STAGE STRESS

The white (sclera) shows under ONE iris only and is eerie to see and feel;

Unresolved stress has been continuing for hours, days, weeks;

 You are an accident waiting to happen with depth perception off;

You say, "I'm just fine, it's everything else that's wrong!" Make a choice to have some fun and laughter or simply relax and stay present.

THIRD STAGE STRESS

White (sclera) shows under BOTH eyes;

You have a hard time staying in the present moment;

Stress has continued for a very long time - years, even. Some of the stress is due to someone else's unresolved problems, such as a mom with a sick child;

You need support on all levels and you need it sooner than later;

You may feel that you don't have a choice, but please make one to take care of yourself. Ask for help!

 

 

Just Show Up

 Many of my clients and students are surprised to find out that I am shy and an introvert. When I am teaching or having a session with a client, I am fully present, confident and passionate about what I do. But, send me into a party where I don't know anyone and I am extremely uncomfortable.

Many years ago I was invited to participate in a Women's Retreat as a workshop presenter. This was a 3 day retreat at a beautiful boy scout camp in New Hampshire. We stayed in the cabins in the woods, swam in the lake, did yoga and drumming, participated in workshops and crafts and so much more. Initially, I was reluctant to go. I didn't know anyone and wasn't sure of the format, blah, blah, blah. I was making excuses and my friend said to me: "just show up." That's all you have to do. Let everything else unfold.

Guess who the last person was to leave the camp on Sunday? Yup...me! I had a wonderful time and met incredible women who I continued to see for the 10 years that I showed up. What an amazing lesson that has stayed with me ever since.

 

Animal Healing with Muscle Testing and Flower Essences

 In the 35 years as a Holistic Nurse and Kinesiologist, I have the great fortune of working with animals who are in need of healing. That includes dogs, cats, horses and even a falcon.

In fact, it was my aunt's dog, Baron, that lead the two of us into the holistic world and kinesiology or muscle testing. Baron had been having seizures and Sonja was directed to Lillian Poston, an RN and kinesiologist (who worked until she was about 92). It only took a few sessions before the seizures were no longer present! Sonja, also an RN, called me and asked me to go with her to California to study. Keep it mind, this was in the 1980s and holistic was not a word that was used or even understood. A modality like this was considered alternative, Woo Woo and a little crazy. But, when you know, you know. I had been looking for this kind of healing work but didn't know it existed. Sonja's goal was to work with animals and animals who needed care always found her. 

 Most animals respond well to flower essences and gentle modalities. Often, the response is instant. They simply don't get in their way of healing.

Green Hope Farm - see my blog on April 25th - has an entire collection of flower essences for animals. Examples: Anxiety, Flee Free, Healthy Coat, Immune Support and others. www.greenhopeessences.com

 

 A book I recommend, written by Marie Matthews, is Animal Healing with Australian Bush Flower Essences. It is a terrific resource as she breaks down different healing challenges into chapters with extensive explanations of the flower essences used and why they are prescribed. Examples: Communication and Training, Overcoming Fear, Ageing, Slowing Down, Physical Ailments and more.

 

 

Find Joy in the Ordinary

Find joy in the ordinary of your life with a joy journal

 What is a Joy Journal?

A joy journal is a way of discovering what makes your heart sing. It is a document of the who, what, why, where of life that inspires you, makes you laugh or cry, causes you to pause, makes you happy, fascinates you, reduces your stress, tickles you, creates awe and opens your heart.

Examples:

"I stopped everything when the hummingbirds came to the feeder. I am fascinated with everything about that special bird."

"I love coming home and being greeted by my golden retriever. What would life be like without her? She is all about unconditional love."

"The best part of my day is waking up at dawn, making a pot of coffee and enjoying the silence." 

"I am so in love with my grand baby! Is there anything more precious?"

"I got to walk the beach today and collect sea glass. I love all of the shapes and colors."

"I had so much pleasure digging in the dirt and planting bulbs. I can't wait to see what they look like when they come up in the spring."

"I loved having coffee and a great chat with my best friend."

"I love seeing baby animal videos on Instagram. It makes my day." 

 

Thymus/Spleen Tap

Tapping over your Thymus Gland and the Spleen is a simple technique that can:

• Boost your immune system;

• Increase your strength and vitality;

• Help fight infections;

• Increase your energy level;

• Balance your blood chemistry;

• Synchronize your body rhythms;

• Help remove toxins.

 

Tap the Thymus Point over your sternum with your right hand and the Spleen point on the left side of your body simultaneously 20 to 30 times.

Do this daily or several times a day.

TAKE TIME TO TAP 

 

 

 

Torso/Leg Lengths and Stress

                "I do most of my work sitting down; that's where I shine.

                                        ~ Robert Benchley

 

Your torso and leg lengths have a great deal to do with your ability to concentrate, to stay focused, to be comfortable and  to understand your stress response. 

Basic body balance compares the length of the torso to the length of the legs. Someone with long legs/short torso has a higher center of gravity and is more comfortable sitting. Someone with short legs/long torso has a lower center of gravity and is built to move.

Which one are you? (And, you might be somewhere in between)

Extremely Long Legs and Short Torso 

"I am built to SIT. I'm really stressed if I have to be on my feet for a long time during the day. If I am really interested in what I am doing I can force myself to be up. But, at the end of the day I want to sit, relax, watch TV, etc. and regroup."

Extremely Short Legs and Long Torso

"I am built to MOVE. I feel best when I am up and moving. To sit for long periods of time is 'cruel and unusual punishment' for me. At the end of the day I have energy to spare. I want to get out and have some fun or at least go for a run."

**Knowing your body type makes it easier to regulate stress.**

Long Legs/Short Torso - Your best exercise is bike riding, rowing, weight lifting. You can sit and exercise at the same time! Give yourself permission to sit 10 to 15 minutes to regroup after standing for long periods of time.

Short Legs/Long Torso - Discovering your body type may dispel labels such as ADD and ADHD! If you find yourself under stress, MOVE!

If you have a "squirmy" child, check out their leg and torso lengths. You probably already have an idea who needs to move to stay focused. Help them know their true nature.

 

The Gift of Puttering

 "Puttering is really a time to be alone, to dream and to get in touch with yourself....To putter is to discover."

                        - Alexandra Stoddard, write, interior designer

I love to putter. There is no "to do" list or necessity or expectation. It's a solitary adventure that I can do anywhere. When I putter in the garden, I'm checking my plants to see what is blooming or ready to pop or needs more water. Or, I love walking around the gardens and brainstorming new settings or pathways that I could make. It's a quiet time to get grounded, listen to the birds and just marvel at nature.

If you are like me, you love to get the house or apartment to yourself to look through clothes or a drawer or simply organize or rearrange things. It's a time to play music that you love and maybe dance a little and just enjoy a chance to dream.

Puttering is an individual experience and Alexandra Stoddard adds:

"It helps us to become aware of what's still important to us, what continues to have meaning.

 

Temporal Tapping to Shift Beliefs

• Temporal tapping is an ancient technique originally used for pain control in the Orient.

• Dr. George Goodheart, the founder of applied kinesiology, discovered that tapping along the temporal area of the head can "temporarily shift the mechanisms that filter sensory input."

• If you introduce an affirmation while tapping, the mind is very receptive to it. 

• However, because the left brain hemisphere is the control center and highly critical, statements made with a negative wording are more easily assimilated.

• The right brain hemisphere receives positive statements more easily.

• 
  Tapping begins at the temple, then around the ear and down towards the throat. From the side it looks as if you are tapping a bog question mark. 

• Tap from the front to the back about 5 times while making the statement. 

• Start with the left side and the negative wording of a concern and then repeat with the right side and a positive statement. 

EXAMPLE:

Temporal Tap LEFT: "I no longer feel pain." or "I am releasing the resentment I have with my father." or "I am learning to be productive with my feelings of anger." 

Temporal Tap RIGHT: "I am relaxing my body." or "I choose to enjoy the relationship with my father." or "I am willing to focus on joy." 

Repeat several times a day, if necessary, to change your perception.

 

Isopogon - A Flower Essence for Memory

       We learn wisdom from failure much more than success - Samuel Smiles

Isopogon is a flower found in Australia and one of the individual Australian Bush flower essences. 

Isopogon is a flower remedy for people who live in their head and are dominated by their intellect. And, a positive outcome when taking this remedy is a greater connection between your head and your heart.

When you feel that you have not learned from the mistakes of the past, Isopogon is a wonderful essence to not only retrieve forgotten skills, but also to learn from past experiences.

Ian White writes in his book, Bush Flower Essences, "this remedy has also helped those suffering from senility, Alzheimer's disease and poor memory, but may need to be taken on and off for a few month." 

 The affirmations given for Isopogon are:

"I now learn from my experiences."

"I now relate to others with understanding and flexibility."

"I now have access to my skills, whenever they are needed." 

 

The Australian Bush Flower essence website:  www.ausflowers.com.au 

 

Self-Care Resources

There are hundreds of books, websites, resources for self-care and below are just a few of my favorites: 

I Thought It Was Just Me by Brene Brown.

Energy Medicine and Energy Medicine for Women by Donna Eden.

Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom by Dr. Christiane Northrup.

Take Time For Your Life by Cheryl Richardson.

The Art of Extreme Self-Care by Cheryl Richardson.

The Secret Language of Your Body by Inna Segal.

Energy Medicine for Empaths by Lisa Campion.

Instant Emotional Healing by Peter Lambrou, Ph.D. & George Pratt, Ph.D. 

Heal From Within by Katie Beecher, MS, LPC.

The Emotion Code by Dr. Bradley Nelson. 

 

 

 

Questions for Self-Care

Part of personal care and support is making sure that you have a strong "discernment meter" in order to recognize who or what is right for you and who or what is not.

Some questions to ask yourself as part of your self-care awareness:

• Is this something I should participate in?
• Is this someone or something I need to let go of?
• Is there an easier way to do this?
• On a scale of 1 - 10, how important is this?
• Will there be negative repercussions from following this guidance?
• Is this in alignment with my morals and values?
• Is this the best choice for my life purpose or soul's progress?
• What is my "little voice" telling me?
• Is this choice for my highest and best?
• Could I do things differently?
• Do I need more support?
• Do I need to set more boundaries?
• Am I minimizing the importance of this?
• Do I need to step away from the situation in order to discern?

The book, A Whack on the Side of the Head by Roger von Oech was first published
in 1983 and was used in companies as a creative tool for brainstorming. When I bought this book it also came with The Creative Whack Pack - 64 cards with different strategies and questions for creating new ideas.

Examples: 

What would Walt Disney do?

How do you reverse the way you look at your idea?

Where should your focus be?

What can you take less seriously?

Can you visualize yourself reaching your objective?

Crystals for Healing and Self-Care

The crystals we are drawn to are more times than not the crystals we need for healing.

  ~ Jenna

Crystals have been part of the earth since the beginning of time. Each one has a unique blueprint, vibration and healing property, much like flowers, flower essences and naturopathic remedies.

You may find that connecting to a specific crystal will offer you the peace, simplicity and assistance that you are looking for. The discovery process of finding the right store to buy it in or talking to the person who can guide you is part of the self-care experience.

Last year I heard a wonderful interview on a Sirius radio show with Heather Askinosie and Timmi Jandro, the authors of the book, Crystal Muse, Everyday Rituals To Tune In To The Real You. I immediately bought the book and have found it to be beautifully written with simple rituals, meditations and inspiration. The pictures throughout the book are gorgeous, as well.

 

If you are looking for a piece of gemstone jewelry to wear that aligns with your healing needs or support, I recommend the handmade jewelry by moms in Asheville, NC. I have several pieces and love the simplicity and the meaning behind each necklace that I have. They also have a gemstone resource guide that is helpful especially if you wish to purchase individual gemstones.

The company is SoulKu - www.soulku.com 

 

Eye Exercises to Help Your Child With Learning

Here is a repeat message that I have written about in previous blogs that I think is so important:

Your eyes are an extension of your brain and the only part of your brain that can be seen! When your eyes are tired, your brain is tired and the reverse is true, as well.

When your child is having trouble with reading, reading comprehension, math, numbers, spelling and more, the exercises below may help address the challenges.

• Place one hand on the navel and use the other hand to massage below the collar bone (clavicle bone), close to the middle of your body;

• Slowly rotate the eyes clockwise and then counter-clockwise;

• Change hands and repeat. Take frequent deep breaths.
  

 

Variations to add to the exercise above:

 

• Say the alphabet aloud while rotating the eyes clockwise and counter-clockwise;

• 
  If the child is having trouble with silent reading, think the alphabet while rotating the eyes;

• If the stress is with math, replace saying the alphabet with speaking the numbers 1 - 10, while rotating the eyes;

• The above technique is wonderful for helping your child master the times tables. Use flash cards to start making it easier. 

To have more fun with any of these exercises, be creative: add music, make it a game, add cross-patterning, add a dance. Make learning enjoyable!

If your child gets frustrated at any point, you can always add Frontal/Occipital Holding or OMG points (below) to reduce the stress. Both techniques are valuable tools for any overwhelming situation.

 

 

Shifting - A Cross-Patterning Exercise

Shifting is an interesting cross-patterning exercise that can be done with a partner or by yourself looking in a mirror. Along with integrating the brain hemispheres, the shifting activity is also a polarity exercise. Since stress can interfere with the positive and negative charges in the body, this cross-patterning exercise is a great way of balancing many systems.

Shifting with another person:

~ Sitting opposite each other - look out of your RIGHT eye at the pupil of your partner's LEFT eye. Keep attention fully on the pupil.

~ After about 30 seconds, SHIFT so that you are looking out of your LEFT eye at the pupil of your partner's RIGHT eye.

~ Continue alternating eyes until you have completed 9 sets of shifts OR do what you realistically have time to do. 

~ Giggles often happen!

 Shifting in the Mirror:

~ Look into the mirror keeping your attention on the pupil of your RIGHT eye.

~ When the rest of your face becomes blurry, take a deep breath and shift to your LEFT eye.

~ When the rest of your face becomes blurry, take a deep breath and shift back to your RIGHT eye.

~ Repeat until you have completed 9 shifts or what you have time to do. 

 

Cross-Patterning with Eyes

 Cross-patterning exercises are so important for brain hemisphere integration which revitalizes your energy and makes decision making and learning easier. 

You FEEL with your eyes, so often eye exercises bring up emotional responses. If any emotions, tension or pain surfaces while doing the exercise below, place one hand on your forehead and the other on the back of your head. Take a deep breath and release all of the energy. This alone is a wonderful technique for releasing stress and quieting the mind.

CROSS-PATTERNING EXERCISE:

Keeping your head still and using your eye muscles only:

1. Bring your eyes up to the LEFT;
2. 
   Down to the RIGHT;
3.  Up to the RIGHT;
   
4.  Down to the LEFT;
5.  Extend your eyes STRAIGHT UP;
6.  Bring your eyes STRAIGHT DOWN;
7. Repeat steps 1 through 6, seven times;
8. End with steps 1 - 4, tracing the X.

As you do this exercise, really extend your eye muscles with each movement. Take deep breaths as you go.  When this is comfortable to do with your eyes open, repeat the exercise with your eyes closed.

A simple brain hemisphere exercise: 

Just look at an X or close your eyes and imagine an X! 

While your child is doing homework, keep an image of an X on the desk to energize the brain. Also it is helpful when driving long distance and looking at parallel lines for hours. Keep an image of an X on your dashboard and look at it periodically to stay alert.

 

Understanding Face Shape for Confidence and Healing

You may think that this is an odd title, but let me give you more information. Face reading and understanding facial traits is one of my studies that became a passion and I eventually wrote a book to help people understand themselves and their relationships. (See below)

The shape of your face has a lot to do with self-confidence - innate or learned. There is no good or bad structure to have and the more you understand, the better the relationship is with yourself and others. Facial structures represent your gifts, talents, abilities, strengths, lessons to learn and more.

First, let's look at the Broad-Shield face where you see width through the eye sockets and width 2/3 or more the length of the face from the turn of the forehead to the chin. Confidence is innate in this person and they jump right in when they see a need - whether asked or not. They feel that they can handle anything and tend to face challenges head on. Need a volunteer for a project, this is your person. 

I have a broad-shield face and like to jump in and get things done. I've always wanted to skip steps and I like a 1, 2, 10 approach (skipping the in between steps). Well, that isn't working very well as I tackle healing from Lyme. I am having to stop and pay attention to the steps and the time line needed to make progress. It is a wonderful lesson for me despite the frustration that things aren't moving as fast as I would like. Do I have confidence that I will heal? Absolutely! 

The person with a long, narrow face develops confidence and assurance when they have learned the steps necessary for anything that challenges them. They are by nature cautious and want to be sure before investing their time and energy into any new venture or relationship. 

When it comes to learning or healing, this person needs to demand and then know the steps needed to have success. That increases their confidence in the process and/or relationship.

My husband has a long, narrow face and is an engineer. His nature and profession demand a step-by-step approach. We are textbook opposite and we have taught each other so much. I have learned to value steps because of what he has shown me and he has learned to speed things up at times. Opposites attract for a reason!

If you are interested in my 200 page book, It's In Your Face - The True You Revealed, email me at: optionstohealth@comcast.net 

Mention this blog and I will ship for free. The cost $20. Check, Credit card, PayPal.