One of my passions is bead weaving...creating beautiful jewelry with fireline, crystals, seed beads, gem stones and numerous types of stitches. The designs I like best, take the most time to create. As a result, I have a lot of time with myself and my thoughts.

Recently, as I spent over 9 hours beading a bargello necklace design, I had time to contemplate the similarities that life and beading have in common.

First of all, I had a pattern to follow. I had to actually study the steps I needed to complete the project. Step by step thinking has never been my forte. I have always lived my life 1, 2....6. I am discovering that skipping steps isn't always the easiest way to achieve a goal! (Who knew?!?) 

About 3 hours into beading this particular necklace, (and 9:30 at night) my fireline broke in the worst place possible. My first thought was, "Oh no, I'm going to have to take this out and start over!" Luckily, my "little voice" coached, "BREATHE" which I did and a solution to the problem came to me immediately. Everything worked out and I was able to get back into the rhythm of beading.

What's interesting about beading (or knitting or playing a musical instrument or building something or doing anything involving the hands) is that it brings about a centering in the body and literally integrates the brain hemispheres. There is also the satisfaction of taking 2 or more objects and bringing them together to create a single piece. What a wonderful integrating experience! I encourage everyone to find something to do with their hands to help create the clarity and focus that often gets lost during a hectic day.

So...beading and life:

1) When you have a passion and are fascinated with what you are doing, the rest of life is more interesting. 

2) Steps do lead us to a goal. 

3) Life is more interesting in color. 

4) There is always a solution to any problem. 

5) Creating with our hands gives us a sense of wholeness. 

6) Faster isn't always better. 

7) Our "little voice" always knows best. 

8) We can always find time for the things we love to do. 

9) There are so many interesting people who share our passions. 

10) We're never too old to learn something new!

Transition

Everyone who I talk to these days, whether it's a client or a friend, is in transition and change. People are physically moving to new locations or states, leaving jobs and careers for new experiences, and deciding to change to a whole new way of thinking and living. I'm sure if my forte was astrology, I could explain this experience based on the planetary shifts and changes, but I can only address this with first hand observation.

One thing is for certain, change can send you whirling out of control, even when you know that the change is for the good. When a client or friend calls me, they usually want to know what flower essence I would recommend for them. Right now, I would suggest the Australian Bush Flower Essence called.....yup....Transition. Originally, this flower essence was used to ease the fear of death, and assist one to gently pass over with a sense of serenity, but it
can also be used by anyone who is going through major changes. This combination flower essence is made up of Autumn Leaves, an essence that allows one to be open to guidance and communication from the other side; Bauhinia, an essence for open-mindedness and acceptance of change; Bottlebrush, an essence for letting go and adjusting to change; Bush Iris, an essence that helps release the fear of death and Lichen, an essence that helps one to be aware of and look to the light.

Along with the Transition flower essence, I recommend getting at least 20 to 30 minutes of sunlight on the top of your head. Stress can be immobilizing and have a direct affect on structural and endocrine activity, particularly those glands that are light sensitive such as the pituitary and pineal glands. Often, darkness equates with tension, fear or pain. How often have you heard yourself say, "I'm in the dark about what I should do?" Take some time for yourself to enjoy the sunlight and know that your whole body will benefit. Turn on the light!

 

 

For the past 19 years I have expressed a fascination with the themes that develop on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis with the clients who I work with as a specialized kinesiologist. I've said all this time that I should really keep track of them. And...I never did. Well, I've decide that the time is now (!) to follow the interesting story that develops with the people who are willing to share their problems, their desperations and their soul to me.

I must first tell you that the theme for the past year has centered around the concept of prison - feeling a prisoner in our mind and body. It has been a step by step process starting with the awareness that the prison exists (and has been for some time) and then being willing to step out towards freedom. That part has proven to be scary. Freedom is a great concept but if you haven't experienced it before, you have no parameters that feel safe.

That puts us to the theme of this week: Enmeshment. Think about throwing all of your silver and gold necklaces in a bag and packing for a vacation. When you open the jewelry bag you find the necklaces intertwined and knotted. It's hard to untangle them without a lot of frustration. This is what enmeshment looks and feels like. It's hard to know what is yours and what is theirs, from emotions to thoughts to fears and beliefs.

The flower essence that supports one through this issue of co-dependence and

Monga Waratah flower

enmeshment is an Australian Bush Flower Essence called Monga Waratah. The positive energy of this flower is about strengthening of one's will and reclaiming one's spirit. In the process, one is able to find the strength to leave a situation or relationship that is stifling or dis-empowering. The standard procedure for the flower essence is 7 drops, twice a day for two weeks. I do, however, muscle test each client to determine what is best for their body.

So, check in with yourself. Is there a situation or relationship that needs to be resolved? Do you need to free yourself from a thought, belief, fear, person, situation that is holding you back from the freedom that you would like to experience? Awareness is the first step towards any change.

To be continued....