Your Strength IS Your Weakness

 Your strength IS your weakness. You have probably heard that before. For me, showing weakness was always something that  I avoided. It could stem back to childhood and hearing, "what will the neighbors think?" And, Dad would say, "I don't care whose job it is, just do it and get it done." Boy, has that gotten me in trouble over the years. A boss of mine, thought I was trying to get her job. Instead, I was following instructions that I got from Dad and trying to make her job easier.

There is nothing like a physical challenge to force introspection. As I deal with Lyme and various co-infections, I am choosing to listen to my body and do what it tells me. It is a challenge and I realize how much I have been expected to be tough, strong, handle many things at once, put out "fires", help people cope...and the list goes on. Many days I am lucky to get up and shower. Those microbes mean business and the remedies I'm taking leave me exhausted. However, I am learning many lesson that I intend to carry forward even after I have recovered.

So, here are a few of my strengths. Many of them WILL be going away. 

• I am RESPONSIBLE (since birth)

• I am a hard worker

• I can do many things well - at the same time
  

• I am optimistic and trusting

• 
  I am the Nike ad - "Just do it" (Wood elemental personality)

• I can motivate the sluggest of slugs

• I am strong and can single-handily take my JawSaw and clear the woods, making paths for snowshoeing and filling the basement with kindling 

• I can shovel the entire driveway when the plow can't make it. (think football field and my husband was also snow blowing) 

 

Take some time to list your strengths. Many, I'm sure, are still serving you. Others, you may want to consider changing, eliminating or redefining. 

 

For example, I will always be responsible but right now I am only responsible for myself, and my healing. I am finding a greater sense of balance and redefining priorities. My lesson is to let other's learn their lessons on their own. Life is challenging and when we stumble, we get to pick ourselves up and learn. 

 

 

 

 

A Simple Polarity Exercise

The following is a daily energy exercise to help keep you clear, focused and integrated.

• Start with your feet together;

• Place the thumb of each hand on the baby fingernail of each hand (looks like the Boy Scout/Girl Scout salute);

• Place the 3 fingers of each hand on your forehead;

• Bring you feet apart and keep them apart;

• Take your hands off of your forehead and massage below your clavicle (collar) bone, close to the mid-line of the body. This is a Kidney Meridian point that will also energize your eyes.
  
  
  
  

When you take a deep cleansing breath or feel that you are done, bring your feet together.

Doing this exercise will integrate the right and left side of the brain and body, allow for a cross-patterning energy flow, thus making you electrical. This exercise also re-balances the polarity (+ and - ions) in your body. It is like putting in fresh batteries! 

Figure 8 Energy Flow Exercise

 Figure Eight (8) Energy Flow 

Energy travels in, around and from your body. It functions very much like the historic Energizer Bunny ... when you are in a balanced state.

Your energy constantly moves, crossing and recrossing the middle of your body in a figure 8 pattern. The energy flows not only across your shoulders, hips and legs, but also within every joint, including the joints of the fingers and toes. When this energy is blocked or interrupted, you become aware that you don’t feel quite right. You might experience headaches, dizziness, pain in the joints or even a feeling of vulnerability.

The Figure 8 Energy Flow Exercise increases energy circulation throughout the body as well as increasing your protective force field around the body. This is especially helpful for those who are highly sensitive to people and environment. This exercise gives you a protective bubble and support so that negative energy bounces off or goes around you, instead of through you. 

EXERCISE ( 1 - 3 minutes)

• Place two fingers of one hand on your navel and the palm of the other hand on your forehead. Hold this connection for about a minute or until you feel pulsing under your fingertips or hand.

• Focus on taking deep breaths.
  

• Once you feel pulsing or you take a deep cleansing breath, change hands and repeat the exercise.

You will notice that the position you are holding looks very much like a figure 8.  8's are recognized in healing because 8 energy flows throughout your body, around your body and throughout all body systems and circuits. To learn more, read any of Donna Eden's books, watch her video's on YouTube and also explore Prune Harris's YouTube videos. The graphic below is credited to Prune Harris, a wonderful healer and teacher.

 

 

Are You Willing to be Adequate?

 When I traveled to California in 1989 to study kinesiology/muscle testing at Three In One Concepts, I was still in the perfection stage of my life. I had to get everything right, do everything extremely well and meet or exceed my expectations. Yup. Exhausting.

When studying the Behavioral Barometer, a unique and extraordinary tool for understanding emotions and behavior, I was challenged with a word in the left hand column (the desired state of mind) of the chart. The word - Adequate: Willing to be Adequate. At that point in my life I did not see that as a positive behavior to aspire to.

30+ years later I understand the wonderful significance of being willing to be adequate: equal to the challenge, sufficient, doing the best you can at any given time. Some days, adequate is just keeping it together. Other days, adequate is being able to accomplish your "to do" list. 

When my daughter was a competitive gymnast, she was mostly successful at meets, she was on the podium gaining a medal, she won a state championship and was a consistent competitor. She knew how to win and I also wanted her to have an experience of an off day and "losing". The meet came when her scores didn't get her on the podium. Nothing worked for her that day. I asked her, "did you do your best?" She said yes. I told her that was okay and she just needed to congratulate her friends and there would be other meets. I wanted her to understand the concept of being adequate and doing the best she could on that day and move on without beating herself up. Her next meet she was on the podium again.

Being willing to be adequate is a form of self-care. Life is a challenge and your energy resources are often drained. Listen to your little voice that can help you stay balanced and attuned to what you have to give.

Sacred Space

 "You must have a room or a certain hour of the day or so where you do not know what was in the morning paper . . . a place where you can simply experience and bring forth what you are, and what you might be . . . At first you may find nothing's happening . . . But if you have a sacred place and use it, take advantage of it, something will happen."

                                                    - Joseph Campbell

Do you have a space or a place to go that is just for you? It doesn't have to be big or spectacularly decorated or even a spot in your house. Many of my clients call me from their cars where they can be completely alone without anyone hearing what they are saying. It's their sacred space for the hour. Other clients call from a local cemetery where they have ancestors buried. It is quiet, they feel calm and for many there is a presence of people who they have loved and lost.

A sacred space allows you to just BE or to journal or listen to music or dance or do what you need to do to reflect, release energy or emotions or be silent. It may be that once the children are tucked in bed and asleep and the house is quiet that you get to have time for yourself that is reflective of the day. Decide what you need or want and allow yourself to take advantage of it, as Joseph Campbell says in his quote.

 

"Your sacred space is where you can find yourself again and again."

                                                  - Joseph Campbell

The Crown Pull

 The Crown Pull Exercise is a wonderful technique to release congestion in the head (which could lead to a headache), to refresh your thinking ability and open your Crown Chakra to increase clarity and inspiration.

This exercise not only clears your mind but also calms your nervous system and may take away a stress-induced stomach ache.

Keep your breathing in mind as you do this exercise. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.

 

Heal From Within

 I recently started following Katie Beecher, an internationally recognized Medical Intuitive, on Instagram. I am always looking for new holistic healing information that might help me, my family and clients. Katie's book, Heal From Within, A Guidebook to Intuitive Wellness is aligned with my 35 years as a holistic nurse. She uses a step-by-step approach for understanding the body, mind, spirit connection and offers incredible insight and inspiration for healing acute and chronic conditions in the body.

I have not read the entire book yet but I have scanned all of the chapters and I'm impressed. Her "Call to Action" as she takes you through the chakras and physical, emotional and spiritual concerns is precise, simple yet powerful and encouraging.

I will give a better review after I have read the entire book, understood why I feel drawn to Katie's insight and gotten feedback from clients. I encourage you to consider buying the book and learning more about your amazing body wisdom.

Woodpeckers

My favorite ritual for staying grounded is to walk in our woods along the many paths that I have made. There are lots of trees. Although, Mother Nature has been dumping so much water with all of the rain storms that we have been having in the past year that trees are getting water logged, splitting and falling. Luckily, another hobby of mine is cutting up trees with the many tools that I've acquired.

But, despite the weather, my favorite woodpeckers are busy every day. Right now I have a large woodpecker that makes sounds that can be heard even when I am inside and another little one that makes the cutest pecking sounds. I also had never heard these birds "talk" to each and the sound they make is fascinating. And... the holes in the trees get bigger every day! I am hoping to see little faces peeking out this spring.

A fact I learned about woodpeckers is that their tongue wraps around their brain as protection for the impact produced with their ability to peck at around 15 miles per hour and sometimes 20 blows per second! Nature is amazing and I get to observe it in every season. Life in New England can't be easy for any species and I marvel at the endurance and tenacity the animals and birds have.

Take a Leap

"If you have the guts to keep making mistakes, your wisdom and
intelligence leap forward with huge momentum."

Holy Near - Singer-Songwriter

A few days ago I was searching Prime Video for something new to watch. I found myself on Project Runway Juniors, season 1. Having grown up making my own clothes, I thought it would be fun to watch these young kids and their creative process. The ages of these designers was 13 to 17 and (spoiler alert!) the youngest of the group won!

Their creativity, ability to take criticism, to make mistakes and challenge themselves was so impressive. I saw a maturity in these young people that was beyond their years. What was most inspiring was their willingness to stay true to themselves even with the judge's unfavorable critique. 

How often do you hold back, afraid of being wrong or looking silly or challenging yourself?

2024 is Leap Year. Dare you take a LEAP for yourself?

The Power of Color

I love color and being surrounded by it. The walls in my house are painted beautiful earth tones. I live in the woods and wanted to bring the outside colors in to all of the rooms. My office, though, is my favorite space. It is painted a saturated turquoise color. I feel surrounded with warmth and creative energy and go to my office when I need to feel grounded.

One of my favorite deck of cards that I refer to is The Secret Language of Color Cards by Inna Segal, a healer, author and international speaker. The cards are beautifully done and the guidebook offers insight into color as a healing tool. Inna not only offers understanding of a particular color, but also includes an affirmation or meditation or healing activity for each card.

Examples:

 Ask a question and pick a card;

 Place the card on your body for releasing discomfort;

 Clear your chakras;

 Choose a card for meditation;

 Find a color for your wardrobe

 Use the cards in any way that feels right for you.

 Visit Inna's website: www.innasegal.com

 

 

Mindmapping

Mindmapping is a guide for problem solving. It may not be for everyone but I like working with it and getting a visual understanding of a problem or challenge.

My daughter, a bio-medic1al engineer who loves a spread sheet and a list, was shocked when she saw the chart. "Mom, is that how your mind works?" I had quite a chuckle.

Below are some elements of mind mapping from Mindmapping, Your Personal Guide to Exploring Creativity and Problem-Solving by Joyce Wycoff:

1. Central focus of an image or graphic representation of the problem or information being mapped is place in the center of the page;
2. Ideas flow without judgment;
3. Key words are used to represent ideas;
4. One key word is printed per line;
5. Key word ideas are connected to the central focus with lines;
6. Color is used to highlight and emphasize ideas;
7. Images and symbols are used to highlight ideas and stimulate the mind to make other connections.
   

 For more information on mindmapping, look for books by Tony Buzan, who developed this technique in the 1970's as a tool to help people take notes more effectively.

The Mind Map Book by Tony Buzan and Barry Buzan 

Use Both Sides of Your Brain by Tony Buzan 

 

Reduce Stress with the Gamut Point Procedure

The Gamut Point Procedure is a self-healing process that is part of the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), a practice that incorporates tapping acupressure points for pain and emotional relief. 

This technique is simple and powerful at the same time. When stressed, you want something easy and doable.

To reduce stress, anxiety and/or fear, do the following while tapping, massaging or
holding the Gamut point:

• Close your eyes for a few seconds;

• Open your eyes;

• 
  Keeping your head still, look hard down to the right;

• Continuing to keeping your head still, look hard down to the left;

• Slowly roll your eyes in a full circle in a clockwise direction, imagining that you can see each number on the face of a clock;

• Then slowly roll your eyes back in a full circle in a counter-clockwise direction;

• Hum about 5 seconds of any song that comes to mind;

• Count to 5 out loud;

• Lastly, hum about 5 seconds of any song again.
  

 

More Foot Care

 "The human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art."

Leonardo DaVinci

It's easy to take your feet for granted until you can't. Toes get squished into tight shoes, heels, athletic shoes and more. And, going barefoot is difficult, especially if you live someplace that has more winter than any other season. Look at the muscles that take the brunt of daily movement and exercise.

Luckily, more and more athletic and everyday shoes are being made with wide toe boxes, support for arches and aid for various foot concerns.

I recently purchased the Neuro Ball from Naboso, a company founded by Dr. Emily Splichal, a functional podiatrist and human movement specialist. www.naboso.com

For most of my life I have crammed my feet into many different dance shoes, ice skates, ski boots, heels, tight "normal" shoes and more. So, I have some foot problems going on. Following various "how to" Naboso videos on YouTube, I have found the Neuro Ball to be quite effective. It feels good even when focusing on areas of my foot that are tender and tight. I have added these exercises to the foot routine I already do every day. I will let you know about my progress with this product.

Your Heart's Desire

                YOUR HEART'S DESIRE

Questions to consider:

WHEN in my life do I need to slow down and become quiet in order to listen to my heart's desire?

WHERE in my life do I need to slow down and become quiet in order to listen to my heart's desire?

WHY do I need to slow down and become quiet in order to listen to my heart's desire? 

HOW do I slow down and become quiet in order to listen to my heart's desire?

WHAT do I need to slow down in my life in order to listen to my heart's desire?

 

"One's action ought to come out of an achieved stillness, not to be a mere rushing on." 

                                                       D. H. Lawrence

 

An Overview of Your Life

 A year ago I decided to create two private Pinterest pages:

• One page is dedicated to finding pictures of all of the places that I've been to in the United States and elsewhere.
  

• Another page focuses on passions I've had in my life. And, there seem to be a lot!
  
  It's a wonderful way to discover positive experiences, fascinations, challenges and accomplishments and an overview of life so far. Creating these pages on Pinterest was a lot like making a scrapbook. I could see trends with both places visited and passions. There is still more life to live, so I will see what gets added to the pages next.
  

 

 

OMG Points

 Regardless of age, you have forgotten where you put your phone or why you went into a room or what day your best friend's birthday is! Life is happening fast and you need an easy way to gather your thoughts and remember something important.

I am going to call this exercise, Holding the OMG Points. It is simple and effective. You may already do this without knowing why.

• 
  Lightly touch your forehead (OMG Points) with your fingertips or palm of your hand;

• Take deep cleansing breaths;
  

• Gently massage your forehead to relieve visual stress.

That's it. You can be creative and add an intention, devise a visual of an alternate outcome of a stressful situation, see a color, etc. Be as creative as you want or just BREATHE and hold your forehead.

Your hands are electromagnetic and therefore act as magnets to draw blood flow to the front of your brain. This helps you think more clearly and remember.

The OMG points are also balance points for Stomach Meridian - an energy pathway in your body. Since you often hold stress in your stomach area and feel "butterflies" when faced with a new, challenging situation, holding your OMG points will help to balance a nervous stomach.

The Right Questions

I have been going through my office bookshelves and deciding if there are books I want to donate to the library. I can't throw a book out as I know how much work goes into the writing, publishing and marketing of it.

I came across a book that I want to reread: The Right Questions, Ten Essential Questions to Guide You to an Extraordinary Life, by Debbie Ford. Debbie was an
author of 9 self-help books starting in 1998 with her first book, The Dark Side of the Light Chasers. She died of cancer in 2013 at the age of 57. Her ability to inspire others still lives on.

I opened up to Chapter 8 of The Right Questions::

"Will This Choice Add to My Life Force or Will It Rob Me of My Energy?"

The first line says, "our life force is the key to our survival." That's a powerful statement and one to take seriously. I think life force energy is often taken for granted until you run out of it. How often do you check in with yourself and ask if you need to replace your energy physically, mentally, emotionally and/or spiritually? And, do you replace it? I know this is a challenge for me. I have often given my energy away and I have payed for it dearly. 

As Iyanla Vanzant said on Oprah's show many years ago (and I'm paraphrasing): fill your vessel so full that there is overflow. It's the overflow that you give to others.

"Switch On" Your Ears

 "I know you believe that you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant!"

Stop and think about all of the stimuli that you have in a day when it comes to sound, starting with the the alarm clock that marks the beginning of the day.

And, before you head out to work or the kids leave for school, there  may have been: 

• Arguing;
• Noise from the TV, computer, tablet, cell phone;
• Messages coming in from a landline answering machine;
• Planes flying overhead;
• A car's breaks screeching outside;
• The washing machine, dryer or dishwasher running;
• The dog(s) barking;
• And more.
  

You get the picture. Your ears are stressed with daily living and then when you add criticism, negative or hurtful words, your ears shut down and switch off. No wonder children are not able to hear their teachers and understand what is being taught. And, no wonder you feel like you can't take in any more information or listen to what someone is saying.

NOTE: you THINK with your ears. As a mom or dad, you have probably said to the kids, "turn the music down, I can't hear myself think."

EXERCISE:

To reduce stress in the ears and improve hearing ability, gently massage the inside and outside of your ears, Get all of the nooks and crannies. Spend as much time as you feel that you need. I think you will agree that this feels good.

This exercise stimulates over 400 acupuncture points in the ear which relates to functioning of the brain and body!

 

"Switch On' Your Eyes

"She can't see beyond the nose on her face."

The simple act of reading can weaken eye muscles due to the continuous movement of the eyes back and forth across the page. Add fatigue, stress anxiety, poor lighting, etc. and vision can be inhibited and you will have a difficult time seeing what is right in front of you.

Your eyes are an extension of your brain and the only part of the brain that can be seen!

When your eyes are tired, your brain is tired.

• Imagine the frustration of a child going to school, excited to learn to read and experiencing "switched off" eyes.
• What happens to your driving ability when you are missing what is right in front of you?
• How do you process information when your eyes are stressed?

You have eyes in back of your head!

Your mother wasn't the only one with eyes in back of her head. You do, too. If you could shine a light through the pupils of your eyes and have the light come out the back of your head, you would find your PRIMARY VISUAL AREA - PVA: the yes in back of your head.

To reduce stress in your eyes:

• Massage the PVA while slowly bringing your eyes around the clock in one direction and then the other or use the chart below to access each eye position.
  
• Take frequent deep breaths as you do the exercise.
• Stretch your eye muscles as far as you can each time, without causing pain. If the muscles are tender, take another deep breath and return later to see if the tenderness is less.
• Practice this exercise each day and you will see progress. Your eyes will not be as tender, your brain may feel more energized, focusing and processing information will be easier.
  
  

A Daily Routine

 "Look for magic in the daily routine."

~ Lou Barlow

Responsibility

The following is a favorite list that I have used with clients for over 30 years. Unfortunately, I don't know who to give credit to for this insight. I am so grateful to the person who initially created it. I refer to this often, especially for myself.

IT IS NEVER YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO:

1. Give what you really don't want to give.
2. Sacrifice your integrity to anyone.
3. Do more than you have time to do.
4. Drain your strength for others.
5. 
   Listen to unwise counsel.
6. Retain an unfair relationship.
7. Be anyone but exactly who you are.
8. Conform to unreasonable demands.
9. Be 100% perfect.
10. Follow the crowd.
11. Put up with unpleasant situations.
12. Please unpleasant people.
13. Bear the burden of another's behavior.
14. Do something you cannot really do.
15. Love unlovable people.
16. Endure your own negative thoughts.
17. Feel guilty toward your inner desires.
18. Submit to overbearing conditions.
19. Apologize for being yourself.
20. Meekly let life pass you by
    
    

Foot Care

I am an information gatherer both for myself and others. I would say it has always been a passion of mine to study, research and learn something new.

Recently, I have found important information on Instagram by following those who I feel have mastered their field of study. The topic of hips/pelvic floor/feet imbalance and how to recover is finally being recognized as necessary instruction. Women, especially, need support for their pelvis especially after carrying a pregnancy and giving birth. Tourqued hips, tight Psoas, Iliacus and Gracilis muscles left unchecked can lead to foot problems down the road. Toes squished in tight shoes, heels, athletic shoes/boots also create problems for many.

If you can relate to this, I encourage you to go to Petra Fisher's website: www.petrafishermovement.com She is a wealth of knowledge, offers free instructional videos on both her website and social media outlets and is passionate about helping people heal. I use her daily foot care exercises. After years of tight ice skates for ice dancing, ski boots, aerobics shoes, tap shoes, "cute" shoes, I have foot problems! Petra's exercises are easy to do and with consistency, there is progress. She is relatable, understands the challenge you might face and teaches with enthusiasm. Check her out.

 

Too Much

There is only so much that your nervous system can take at any one time. And, everyone is different. For example, my hearing is very sensitive. I hear things that my husband can't hear. It's always been that way. So, if we go into a crowded restaurant with everyone talking, he will say to me, "we have to leave, right?" It's too much for me. Period.

You may be someone who can't take bright lights and wear sunglasses and a hat when you go outside. Someone else has trouble being with a lot of people at once. Most of us are troubled by negativity.

The main point is to learn what too much means to you. It could be too much of people, places, things, energy, words, news, certain sounds, etc. This is a personal awareness. Too often, you may find yourself forcing a situation when you know it isn't good for you physically, mentally, emotionally and/or spiritually.

Once you are able to determine what too much looks and feels like (which does take practice), it's time for Plan B. What can you do to re-balance your energy? As you know, there will be times when you get into overwhelm. Life happens. What works for you? Do you need to go for a run, go to bed early, have a healthy dinner, journal, take a walk in nature, hang out with your dog, leave a relationship, take a flower essence, use an essential oil, look a baby billy goat videos? It has to work for you. 

Practice being aware of what your body tells you in different situations. Try various techniques for re-balancing your energy. Keep it simple.

 

Vulnerability

My lesson for 2024 is being vulnerable, something I have never been good at. Being a Leo, I am comfortable and confident with a microphone and an audience, especially when I am teaching or discussing something that I have studied or am passionate about. But, put me at a cocktail party or dinner afterwards and I go into an introverted and self-conscious place.

Thankfully, Dr. Brene Brown, researcher and storyteller, has brought the subject of shame and vulnerability to the forefront. Her TED talk, The Power of Vulnerability, has over 63 million views! Her books are numerous and you can find more valuable information on her website: www.brenebrown.com

I have always taught my students that suppressing BIG emotions creates BIG dis-ease in the body. Emotions are just energy and they need to be expressed. How they are expressed will be different for everyone. I love to be in the woods clearing paths with all of my tools. It's physical, grounding and healing. You may need to journal or run or scream or take a bath or curl up with your dog and have a good cry. Whatever works is right.

 

My Naturopathic Doctor has given me the homework of writing my life traumas, not necessarily all of them or in order. She also gave me the homework to FEEL. Jeez. I'm a trauma specialist who needs help dealing with her own very real traumas that I have minimized! For right now, that is being vulnerable to admit that I do a great job helping others and I still have a lot of work ahead learning how to help, support and heal myself.

 

Space Clearing

 

 It's January and a great time to de-clutter, organize and simplify. If you are like me, you want to get it done in one day. However, clutter may have accumulated for years, so it's not a realistic expectation and could set you up for failure.

One technique might be to pick the drawers in your bedroom to go through today. Tomorrow, you might want to tackle a cabinet in the kitchen. Maybe it's time to try on all of your sweaters and see which ones fit, which ones are too old, which ones could be donated, etc.

As you clear the "stuff", clear the energy, as well. You might want to smudge or spray a space clearing mist such as the Australian Bush Space Clearing Mist. It includes the individual flower essences: Angelsword, Boab, Fringed Violet, Lichen, Red Lily along with essential oils. I love the smell and the feeling of release.I order all of my Australian Bush flower essences, mists, books and more at: www.southernherb.com. 

Be Your Own FitBit

Fitbit Inc. is a company in San Francisco that manufactures activity tracker products. A Fitbit tracks your steps, miles walked or run, heart rate, steps climbed, quality of sleep, etc. It became the rage in 2007 and still is. You may already have one and use it all the time.

Fitbit is an awareness tool. Awareness is the key word. I am a firm believer that awareness is 99% of the solution to any problem that we have. Wikipedia states:

 "Awareness is the ability to perceive, to feel, or to be conscious of events, objects, thoughts, emotions or sensory patterns."

So, how do you become your own Fitbit and increase your conscious awareness of your thoughts, feelings, activities, challenges, successes, sleep patterns, etc.?

• You may find the good, old-fashioned method of keeping a journal or diary an important first step. The act of writing actually integrates your two brain hemispheres allowing you to become more clear, focused, and yes, aware.

• Develop a ritual of meditation. This could be a silent, solitary
  experience, a group meditation or a moving meditation such as
  walking, gardening, yoga, knitting, etc. The act itself quiets the
  mind and allows for introspection, peacefulness and awareness.

• Your physical body is constantly sending you messages about what is occurring on a deeper level - mental, emotional and/or spiritual. 

• 
  A few books that I recommend:
  The Secret Language of Your Body by Inna Segal; Heal Your Body by Louise L. Hay; Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom by Dr. Christiane Northrup and The Emotion Code by Dr. Bradley Nelson, to name a few. Each of these books offers a holistic awareness of the health and wellness of your body as well as suggestions for changing your perspective and increasing your health naturally.

•  As a kinesiologist, I would be remiss if I didn't discuss the power of muscle testing as an awareness tool. Muscle testing is a biofeedback tool that allows you to have access to your Body Wisdom, which includes cellular information on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level. You can start to access your Body Wisdom by using your physical body as a pendulum. 
  
• For example: stand up and let your arms rest by your side. Say aloud, "show me what a positive or 'yes' looks like." Your body will start to fall forward. Next say, "show me what a negative or 'no' looks like." Your body will want to fall backward. This simple tool gives you a starting point when you need information or awareness that is true for you.

• To help you with further body awareness, I recommend Donna Eden's book, Energy Medicine or Energy Medicine for Women. It is filled with valuable information and guidance for understanding and healing your body on all levels. It's easy to understand with numerous pictures and energy exercises for feeling more connected and focused. You can also find multiple videos on YouTube, her Facebook page and www.edenmethod.com with many free class opportunities.
  

"Trust your gut. You know yourself, so don't let somebody else tell you who you are." Tatiana Masiani

Mellow Mudra

A mudra is an energy exercise using your arms and hands to unblock energy channels in your body. They have been used in many cultures for centuries and you may have experienced the use of a mudra in a yoga or meditation class.

Today, I will focus on the Mellow Mudra, an easy exercise to reduce stress and shift into your parasympathetic nervous system of rest, relax, digest. To better activate your vagus nerve, add humming or singing while you hold the pose.

1.  Bring your thumb over your index finger;

2.  Place the 3 fingers remaining on your forehead;

3.  Breathe deeply and add humming or singing. 

 

A wonderful book that will help you learn more about mudras is: Healing Mudras, Yoga for Your Hands by Sabrina Mesko. 

 

A Medicine Woman's Prayer

Ancient cultures have used the art of healing the body, mind, spirit using Medicine Women/Shamans/Healers for generations. Through prayer, herbs and rituals, the Medicine Women were able to offer healing and well-being to the individuals in the tribe.

 

Over time, people have become more and more open to a more holistic method of healing, as well. When I began my holistic study in the 1980s, many believed I crazy was to leave traditional medicine for something mostly unknown or considered alternative or 'Woo woo." I am so glad that I followed the path that has allowed me to support thousands of people.

I always incorporate my nursing code of ethics with each client I work with. I am grateful for the experiences I had with nursing school, traditional medicine and working in a hospital setting. And, for 35 years I have relied on holistic methods to support friends and clients and I love the message below that speaks to my belief as I support those who seek me out.

Post-Concussion Syndrome

In the past year I have had numerous friends and family members suffer a concussion. This always needs to be taken seriously and you don't have to actually hit your head to have a concussion! I speak from experience having suffered a traumatic brain injury when I was 18. Back then, the diagnosis and treatment was barbaric and I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

 

Luckily, there are more diagnostic tools and treatment options today for concussions and post-concussion syndrome, in both the traditional medicine and holistic world. I have been fortunate to take several workshops and master classes with a Functional Neurologist who has presented information that is so valuable. 

 

If you have had a concussion recently or in the past, I highly recommend the book, Brain Save! by Dr. Titus Chiu. It is easy to read with step-by-step recovery techniques, supplements, exercises for rebuilding your brain and much more. 

Visit Dr. Chiu's website: www.brainsave.com  He has many articles worth reading along with healing resources. I am grateful to have found him and all of the valuable information that he offers.

Humming For Stress Relief

I'm still writing during holiday time. For many, this is both an exiting and stressful time of year. There are lots of expectations from both yourself and others. This could put you into an overwhelm mode and add to an already burdened nervous system.

A very simple technique to reduce stress or anxiety, activate your vagus nerve putting your Parasympathetic Nervous system into rest, digest and relaxation is HUMMING!

 

Everyone can hum. And, it has so many benefits.

• Increases oxygen in the cells which can benefit health and wellness;
• May lower blood pressure and heart rate;
• Enhances lymphatic circulation thereby clearing toxins from the body;
• Increases levels of melatonin a hormone that contributes to restful sleep;
• Reduces levels of stress related hormones;
  
• Releases endorphins that work as natural pain relievers and makes you feel good;
• Helps release trapped emotions from your Hyoid (throat) muscles;
  
• And, allows for better digestion.