It's been a while since I've written anything on this blog. However, an inspiring epiphany came today, along with a big shift I felt in myself. It has to do with allowing and also living the life I was born to live.
My path has been one less traveled for sure and my call to it strong. Because of that many of my lifestyle choices are different than those living a more traditional life--things such as not wanting to watch TV or to eat a standard American diet. I also want others to feel free to choose as they will in accordance with their own knowing of what best supports their purpose. The rub comes when there is a deep and profound recognition of another being for the gifts they bring and the accompanying desire, either one way or both, to fit into each others lives more significantly. Then the dance begins of how to adapt your lifestyles to live harmoniously, either on a daily basis or in shared social situations. I don't find general social situations to be much of an issue, but more what affects my daily sense of well-being, or the "idea" that I have to compromise core lifestyle choices that make me happy to accept someone.
I have had issues with chemical sensitivities, digestive challenges related to certain kinds of food and asthma that arises from both. My epiphany was that in a way I had chosen the dis-ease as a way to give myself permission to live the way that made me feel good (on many levels) and it also gave me a "legitimate" out when others viewed me as being "a pain in the ass." But, the truth is I just want to be who I am regardless of whether it makes sense to anyone else or not. I don't want to create any kind of condition to justify my choices. In turn, I want the same for everyone else, and how that translates for me is to honor the love I feel in recognizing someone for who they really and not needing it to be anything more. If it happens that our paths have significant overlaps and we want to walk some of it together, great, but I'm not that interested in working hard to alter my life so someone doesn't feel judged by me. It can be so much easier when there's no need to hold onto the love passing through my life as a way of affirming myself in some way. Long-term relationships still form, but with more ease when I can bring my whole, authentic, joyful self to the table and when passing on what's offered is not an offense. When the similarities for daily nurturing, entertainment, or life purpose aren't there, no problem. Just release each other from expectation and move on to where you find alignment and allowing.
The trickiest part is with family, which is where we first took on behaviors to please someone else even when they didn't feel genuine or aligned with our knowing. Yet, I feel that my letting go of any guilt that my choices are different likewise releases them from feeling they aren't good enough by my standards, which isn't what I feel, but the energy gets sticky and confused when we are trying to be something we aren't.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Gut Feeling
We have all heard the old adage about trusting your gut, but I don't think most people realize just how much our gut does for us, and how it is literally connected to our feelings and mental states.
I recently heard an interview with Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride who has a thriving medical practice in Cambridge, England. Unfortunately, it is thriving because of the drastic spike in autism, ADHD, dyslexia, depression, schizophrenia and other ailments, which she addresses. What launched her into this area of expertise was when her own son was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. She admits that her medical training left her with no solutions and so she returned to school to obtain a doctorate in nutrition and this is the basis of her success today.
She explained in the interview and in her book, Gut and Psychology Syndrome that the gut is the basis of all health in the body. She is not the only medical doctor advocating this these days, but there is still much awareness to be developed by mainstream medicine in this area. In fact, the practice of medicine in western, industrialized countries has contributed a great deal to the demise of this foundational piece of health. It was, as she explains, the introduction of broad spectrum antibiotics at the time of World War II, which were over prescribed for every sore throat or earache, that began upsetting the balance of beneficial microorganisms in the gut. Additional contributors to the depletion of beneficial microorganisms are the high percentage of sugar and processed, starchy foods, as well as other foods grown with pesticides, and animals raised with hormones and antibiotics. Oral contraceptives and chemical pharmaceutical products, both prescription and over the counter, also wreak havoc on beneficial organisms. Another factor that set the stage for a rapid decline in health was the trend away from breastfeeding from the 50s to the 70s. This weakened babies immune systems, 80% of which is in the gut wall, because they never received the good bowel flora that is introduced through the mother's milk. On top of all of this, the increase in the number of vaccinations, which may help those with healthy bowel flora, can be devastating to babies with already compromised systems. The result of all of this is that twenty years ago the occurrence of diagnosed autism was about 1 in 10,000. Today, in western industrialized countries it is about 1 in 150 and some places in the UK and US it is as high as 1 in 66!
So, the bottom line is if we don't start trusting our guts more, and educating ourselves on what it takes to restore the important balance of microorganism species there, we are in big trouble. A good start would be reading her book, which she said many people are using successfully in a self-guided program.
I appreciated the analogy she used of our bodies being a planet inhabited by hundreds of species (about 500 different species in the gut) and that when the body becomes compromised, imbalanced and toxic, the opportunistic pathogens take over and well-being declines. She also said that you can't kill all the bad microorganisms and that the better approach is to focus on creating a supportive environment for the good ones and introducing more of them into the system. The "good ones" will keep the "bad ones" in check and when the system is weighted in favor of the good the "bad ones" actually have a beneficial, synergistic role to play.
Sound familiar on another level? So, let's get healthy! It's all connected.
I recently heard an interview with Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride who has a thriving medical practice in Cambridge, England. Unfortunately, it is thriving because of the drastic spike in autism, ADHD, dyslexia, depression, schizophrenia and other ailments, which she addresses. What launched her into this area of expertise was when her own son was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. She admits that her medical training left her with no solutions and so she returned to school to obtain a doctorate in nutrition and this is the basis of her success today.
She explained in the interview and in her book, Gut and Psychology Syndrome that the gut is the basis of all health in the body. She is not the only medical doctor advocating this these days, but there is still much awareness to be developed by mainstream medicine in this area. In fact, the practice of medicine in western, industrialized countries has contributed a great deal to the demise of this foundational piece of health. It was, as she explains, the introduction of broad spectrum antibiotics at the time of World War II, which were over prescribed for every sore throat or earache, that began upsetting the balance of beneficial microorganisms in the gut. Additional contributors to the depletion of beneficial microorganisms are the high percentage of sugar and processed, starchy foods, as well as other foods grown with pesticides, and animals raised with hormones and antibiotics. Oral contraceptives and chemical pharmaceutical products, both prescription and over the counter, also wreak havoc on beneficial organisms. Another factor that set the stage for a rapid decline in health was the trend away from breastfeeding from the 50s to the 70s. This weakened babies immune systems, 80% of which is in the gut wall, because they never received the good bowel flora that is introduced through the mother's milk. On top of all of this, the increase in the number of vaccinations, which may help those with healthy bowel flora, can be devastating to babies with already compromised systems. The result of all of this is that twenty years ago the occurrence of diagnosed autism was about 1 in 10,000. Today, in western industrialized countries it is about 1 in 150 and some places in the UK and US it is as high as 1 in 66!
So, the bottom line is if we don't start trusting our guts more, and educating ourselves on what it takes to restore the important balance of microorganism species there, we are in big trouble. A good start would be reading her book, which she said many people are using successfully in a self-guided program.
I appreciated the analogy she used of our bodies being a planet inhabited by hundreds of species (about 500 different species in the gut) and that when the body becomes compromised, imbalanced and toxic, the opportunistic pathogens take over and well-being declines. She also said that you can't kill all the bad microorganisms and that the better approach is to focus on creating a supportive environment for the good ones and introducing more of them into the system. The "good ones" will keep the "bad ones" in check and when the system is weighted in favor of the good the "bad ones" actually have a beneficial, synergistic role to play.
Sound familiar on another level? So, let's get healthy! It's all connected.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Handy survival tip
I don't mean to be alarming with this title, but I'm feeling that given the increase in catastrophic earth events it may be timely to share the following information.
I have known about "urine therapy" for many years and it is a valid approach for helping to restore health, regardless of compounding external circumstances. Basically, urine therapy is the practice of drinking your own urine. For health purposes there is a specific protocol for times of day and amounts to use for the best benefit. As I understand it, the urine also contains "information" about what is imbalanced in the body or what is needed, and taking that information back into the body acts as a homeopathic for resolving the issue.
The basic thing I want to share is that urine is sterile, consisting of water, salt, and excess nutrients. You may have encountered people who would urinate on an insect sting or wound to promote healing. The important thing to know is that in times of crisis, when there may be no potable water available, you can keep yourself alive by drinking your urine. It has both water and nutrients and you can keep them recycling for a period of time to stay vital in the absence of other water sources (and also nutrients). There are people who have survived disasters this way for many days without water and they are not in the critical state they would have been with no water.
Anyway, it's always good to have information like this in your bag of tricks.
I have known about "urine therapy" for many years and it is a valid approach for helping to restore health, regardless of compounding external circumstances. Basically, urine therapy is the practice of drinking your own urine. For health purposes there is a specific protocol for times of day and amounts to use for the best benefit. As I understand it, the urine also contains "information" about what is imbalanced in the body or what is needed, and taking that information back into the body acts as a homeopathic for resolving the issue.
The basic thing I want to share is that urine is sterile, consisting of water, salt, and excess nutrients. You may have encountered people who would urinate on an insect sting or wound to promote healing. The important thing to know is that in times of crisis, when there may be no potable water available, you can keep yourself alive by drinking your urine. It has both water and nutrients and you can keep them recycling for a period of time to stay vital in the absence of other water sources (and also nutrients). There are people who have survived disasters this way for many days without water and they are not in the critical state they would have been with no water.
Anyway, it's always good to have information like this in your bag of tricks.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Your best friend is always with you
Indeed your body is your best friend. It takes you everywhere you want to go and supports you in having a good time while you're there. However, like any friendship, the experience is going to be more optimal when you are also paying attention to what your friend wants. If you never listened to your friend, or didn't take into consideration what works for them,they are not likely to keep showing up for you. The fact that our bodies keep trying, while we take them for granted, puts them at the top of the list for deserving our adoration and attention.
So, if you are complaining about some function or aspect of your body, maybe it's time to get some relationship counseling :) What I mean is treat your body like the most cherished friend you could ever have. Listen to it. When you find out what it likes go out of your way to get that for it.
I know some people get frustrated with their bodies because certain foods they want to eat don't work for them. What if rather than trying to change your body to do things the way you want, you found pleasure it giving it what helps it thrive. In the long-run it will be what brings you joy as well, because there is nothing like being in a body that performs like a finely-tuned race car--the ride is fantastic.
Also, keep in mind that often what you may think you want, which ends up making you feel bad, is an attempt at an emotional fix, or a craving generated by parasites or microorganisms that need that food or substance to stay active in your body.
It can take time to really develop a compassionate and astutely-tuned communication with your body, but the payoffs of that friendship can't be surpassed.
So, if you are complaining about some function or aspect of your body, maybe it's time to get some relationship counseling :) What I mean is treat your body like the most cherished friend you could ever have. Listen to it. When you find out what it likes go out of your way to get that for it.
I know some people get frustrated with their bodies because certain foods they want to eat don't work for them. What if rather than trying to change your body to do things the way you want, you found pleasure it giving it what helps it thrive. In the long-run it will be what brings you joy as well, because there is nothing like being in a body that performs like a finely-tuned race car--the ride is fantastic.
Also, keep in mind that often what you may think you want, which ends up making you feel bad, is an attempt at an emotional fix, or a craving generated by parasites or microorganisms that need that food or substance to stay active in your body.
It can take time to really develop a compassionate and astutely-tuned communication with your body, but the payoffs of that friendship can't be surpassed.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Focus on what's working
In my observations of human nature I have noticed that the typical default awareness of many of us is to focus on "the problem" or what's wrong. Then we have a job, something to fix, or at least fixate on, but when it comes to well-being, the healthier approach is to focus on what's working.
I always have people fill out an intake form when I start working with them and they note the issues that really have their attention. Of course, they wouldn't be there if nothing was bothering them, so I'm not suggesting being in denial about what our bodies are communicating to us. It's a bit of a paradox actually, because we want to be tuned to the subtle messages we are receiving so that we can correct course, so to speak. The piece of the puzzle we're often missing, however, is taking the time to be in awe of and appreciative for where the body has rebalanced. I know sometimes it will take a while for me to realize that an issue I was having hasn't been present for a while, because once it's gone there can be a tendency to forget that it was there and to direct my attention to the next item on the improvement list. Because the work I do is subtle it can be off people's radar just how much improvement they've had, unless they go back and revisit what their level of discomfort was when they came in.
On the larger scale, I imagine we could transform the world, or maybe just our experience of it, by paying more attention to what's working. It might be an interesting exercise to take a week off from focusing on any problem, whether it be with our own health or a troubling situation in the world. Try filling each day with appreciation for what your body is doing incredibly well, or what healing is emerging out of challenging situations in the world.
There's a photographer named Dewitt Jones whose work I came across and celebrating what's working is the whole focus of his message. I found it very inspiring and uplifting. You can subscribe to his weekly email with one of his amazing photographs and a beautiful reflection at www.dewittjones.com
I'm sure everyone has known someone whose eye's sparkle and whose joy is contagious. Chances are they are paying more attention to what's working in their world and drawing more of it to them!
I always have people fill out an intake form when I start working with them and they note the issues that really have their attention. Of course, they wouldn't be there if nothing was bothering them, so I'm not suggesting being in denial about what our bodies are communicating to us. It's a bit of a paradox actually, because we want to be tuned to the subtle messages we are receiving so that we can correct course, so to speak. The piece of the puzzle we're often missing, however, is taking the time to be in awe of and appreciative for where the body has rebalanced. I know sometimes it will take a while for me to realize that an issue I was having hasn't been present for a while, because once it's gone there can be a tendency to forget that it was there and to direct my attention to the next item on the improvement list. Because the work I do is subtle it can be off people's radar just how much improvement they've had, unless they go back and revisit what their level of discomfort was when they came in.
On the larger scale, I imagine we could transform the world, or maybe just our experience of it, by paying more attention to what's working. It might be an interesting exercise to take a week off from focusing on any problem, whether it be with our own health or a troubling situation in the world. Try filling each day with appreciation for what your body is doing incredibly well, or what healing is emerging out of challenging situations in the world.
There's a photographer named Dewitt Jones whose work I came across and celebrating what's working is the whole focus of his message. I found it very inspiring and uplifting. You can subscribe to his weekly email with one of his amazing photographs and a beautiful reflection at www.dewittjones.com
I'm sure everyone has known someone whose eye's sparkle and whose joy is contagious. Chances are they are paying more attention to what's working in their world and drawing more of it to them!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Animals as teachers
Sometimes the most profound lessons come when we least expect them and from those we may not have sought out as teachers. Part of staying balanced and at peace in the world today is keenly tuning our senses to what is around us and how it is informing our choices.
I am just ending a temporary living situation that came with unexpected gifts, namely a lot of animals, and particularly a lion and three tigers who taught me some powerful lessons. I entered that relationship with them by first of all making space to just sit with them and be still. Once the connection was made, they took me on an amazing journey inward, particularly one of the tigers named Typhoon. I can't exactly put the experience into words, but my internal being has changed.
They are powerful beings who command respect. To meet them eye to eye there must first be a stillness within and a calling forth of courage to stand equally in their presence. Hand in hand with stillness is being fully present and aware, because if you are distracted in their presence they will either lose interest in connecting with you or they may startle you with an aggressive move.
I spent my time singing to them of their magnificence and then later meditating with them. Even when it seems they are nodding off they are tuned to your every move and when you are unruffled by their advances they drop back. Ty would test me to see if I would sense him coming up behind me before he reached me with a lunge. They move silently, but I got to where I could feel him energetically and when I would turn to look him in the eyes, as he practiced his stalking, he would immediately release the approach. Often times I would come down and approach him head on, leaning to the fence that divided us to look him in the eyes, nose to nose, as he "chuffed" or gently snorted his greeting and acknowledgment. Then I would sit next to him and sometimes he would curl up pressing the fence where my body touched, gazing intently into my eyes. The stillness and presence with him both opened my heart and called me into my courage in a way I hadn't stood in it before. There was no inner quivering, only a respectful strength, for which I felt appreciated.
So here's what I learned and how I have changed as a result:
1) I'm more confident to speak my truth without hesitation or quivering.
2) Living courageously commands respect.
3) Being still and present disarms aggressive moves.
4) Taking time to really connect with whomever is before you yields amazing gifts, one being a heart that breaks fully open.
So, find what is both wild and courageous within yourself, as well as that which is still, present and loving. These are times that call for all of these qualities.
I am just ending a temporary living situation that came with unexpected gifts, namely a lot of animals, and particularly a lion and three tigers who taught me some powerful lessons. I entered that relationship with them by first of all making space to just sit with them and be still. Once the connection was made, they took me on an amazing journey inward, particularly one of the tigers named Typhoon. I can't exactly put the experience into words, but my internal being has changed.
They are powerful beings who command respect. To meet them eye to eye there must first be a stillness within and a calling forth of courage to stand equally in their presence. Hand in hand with stillness is being fully present and aware, because if you are distracted in their presence they will either lose interest in connecting with you or they may startle you with an aggressive move.
I spent my time singing to them of their magnificence and then later meditating with them. Even when it seems they are nodding off they are tuned to your every move and when you are unruffled by their advances they drop back. Ty would test me to see if I would sense him coming up behind me before he reached me with a lunge. They move silently, but I got to where I could feel him energetically and when I would turn to look him in the eyes, as he practiced his stalking, he would immediately release the approach. Often times I would come down and approach him head on, leaning to the fence that divided us to look him in the eyes, nose to nose, as he "chuffed" or gently snorted his greeting and acknowledgment. Then I would sit next to him and sometimes he would curl up pressing the fence where my body touched, gazing intently into my eyes. The stillness and presence with him both opened my heart and called me into my courage in a way I hadn't stood in it before. There was no inner quivering, only a respectful strength, for which I felt appreciated.
So here's what I learned and how I have changed as a result:
1) I'm more confident to speak my truth without hesitation or quivering.
2) Living courageously commands respect.
3) Being still and present disarms aggressive moves.
4) Taking time to really connect with whomever is before you yields amazing gifts, one being a heart that breaks fully open.
So, find what is both wild and courageous within yourself, as well as that which is still, present and loving. These are times that call for all of these qualities.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Move to thrive
Sometimes the most powerful things we can do to stay balanced just seem too simple and we can tend to gloss over the innate resources we have, thinking there must be some special product or program we need to buy in order to maintain good health. The truth is, other than needing to obtain healthy food, the other basics of the health equation require nothing external. Those are: exercise, deep breathing, getting enough rest, keeping a positive attitude and having meaningful connections with others.
This month I want to emphasize the importance of moving your body, and if you have trouble thinking about an exercise program then how about dancing? Make it fun and enjoyable, but however you do it, move. Energy gets stuck and the more it becomes stagnant the greater the sense of discomfort on all levels. I'm always amazed at how fast I can shift my energy with movement--dancing, yoga, a walk in the park, or whatever it is. I'm not sure why at times I forget how huge the benefit is and I can let it slip when I need it the most. It seems that during periods of change in living situation, relationships, or finances that beneficial routines can get disrupted. At these times stress tends to be higher and it is more important than ever to push through and stick to an exercise commitment. While conscious, deep breathing doesn't replace exercise, it will move energy and is essential.
Remember, if your position is fixed in a moving stream, you will get worn down.
The only difference between fear and adventure is how much you breathe. ~Rob Kalnitsky
I have to exercise in the morning before my brain figures out what I'm doing. ~Marsha Doble
This month I want to emphasize the importance of moving your body, and if you have trouble thinking about an exercise program then how about dancing? Make it fun and enjoyable, but however you do it, move. Energy gets stuck and the more it becomes stagnant the greater the sense of discomfort on all levels. I'm always amazed at how fast I can shift my energy with movement--dancing, yoga, a walk in the park, or whatever it is. I'm not sure why at times I forget how huge the benefit is and I can let it slip when I need it the most. It seems that during periods of change in living situation, relationships, or finances that beneficial routines can get disrupted. At these times stress tends to be higher and it is more important than ever to push through and stick to an exercise commitment. While conscious, deep breathing doesn't replace exercise, it will move energy and is essential.
Remember, if your position is fixed in a moving stream, you will get worn down.
The only difference between fear and adventure is how much you breathe. ~Rob Kalnitsky
I have to exercise in the morning before my brain figures out what I'm doing. ~Marsha Doble
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