Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts

Monday, January 16, 2017

Monday Musings - Grounding

I often have people ask me how they can protect themselves from being overwhelmed when sensing other people's emotions or energies.  Many people identify as Empaths - persons who are highly sensitive to the moods and feelings of people around them.  Going out in public or crowded places can be overwhelming and anxiety inducing to these people - as they can feel others' grief, anxiety, or anger as if it were their own.  I wanted to compile a list of different techniques for Grounding and Shielding that have helped me and other people.  (In this blog post I will just focus on Grounding and then I will write another about Shielding.)  

If you are more grounded you will be much more able to let these energies you sense "slide off" rather than latching on and affecting you negatively.  The goal of an empath should not be to block these sensations, but to simply be able to notice and acknowledge them without being dragged down or trapped by the feeling.  We have this gift that enables us to help people and be better friends, healers, and counselors so we don't want to block the ability to feel others' emotions.  Yet at the same time we need to be able to function and go about our own lives! If you are not properly grounded you will have a much harder time doing this.

Image Found on Google Search.  Unknown creator
Grounding
"Grounding", "Centering" or "Earthing" is a simple process that we use to connect with the earth, our body, and the here & now.  You can practice grounding in any position - sitting, standing, or laying down.  Most people prefer putting the feet flat on the ground, which is helpful but not 100% necessary.  Grounding is just simply being more connected to the earth, your body, and the present moment. Being more connected to the present moment and the body is important for Empaths, who have a tendency to experience more on the astral or etheric realms, or "out there".  But we are still physical beings and need to be able to ground ourselves to release excess energies we tend to collect, and also to replenish our "batteries." 
Here are a couple quick methods I use for Grounding:

5 senses excersize 
Connect with your breath.... that means to simply bring your attention to your breathing for a few moments.  Next, simply notice your body, in particular the 5 senses of touch, smell, sight, sound, and taste. Notice your posture, the temperature of air touching your skin and the feel of the clothing you are wearing.  Notice any smells or scents.  Look around and simply take notice of the things you see around you.  What do you hear?  Try to notice sounds individually and identify where different sounds are coming from.  Finally notice the taste inside your mouth.  If you wish, take a small drink of water or eat a bite of something and try to just fully notice the sensation of taste.  As you go through each of the 5 senses try to keep noticing your breathing too.  Now you have brought your awareness simply and fully to your body and the present moment.  This practice alone can help relieve some anxiety and bring us back to our own senses rather than the senses projected outward from others.  The more you practice this technique of breathing and noticing each of the 5 senses, the easier it will become... until it becomes something much more second nature.  
With frequent practice you will be able to eventually bring yourself fully into this state of awareness within your body by simply setting your intention to do so.  This is especially helpful if you use a key phrase as a trigger.  For example, say "Here and Now I am Breathing" as you focus on the breath.  Then, "Here and Now I can smell...." as you focus on the sense of smell.  And then, "Here and Now I see...." as you focus on the sense of sight, etc.  With consistent use of this key phrase "Here and Now" you can create a trigger for the relaxed state that is aware of all the senses.  When you have done this often enough, and you find yourself out in public and needing to quickly ground and center your energies, you can just take a deep breath and say "Here And Now" and you will find yourself automatically connecting to the senses and the breath.
Image Found On Pinterest. I don't know the artist and claim no ownership
of this artwork.  If you know who created this please contact me so I can
provide proper recognition.

"Breathing Through Your Roots"
This is a combination of breathing and visualization that helps you connect with Earth Energy and feel more grounded and centered.  Place feet flat on the ground if you are in a chair, or you can sit cross-legged on the floor.  Connect with your breath (noticing your breathing and slowing the breath down to smooth, deep and steady pattern)  Visualize that you have Roots growing down out of the bottoms of your feet (if you are seated with feet flat on the ground) or roots growing out of your hips and sitting bone (if you are seated on the ground in cross- legged position.)
Take some time simply breathing and feeling your roots extend down into the earth.  Notice how it is darker, cooler, and quieter down there in the earth.  Recall the smell of soil and other pleasant sensations of nature.  You don't have to be outdoors to connect with mother nature in this way simply use your intention and visualization.  
Once you have established your roots, think of how the roots of a tree draw water and nutrients up from the earth into their trunk and branches.  Now when you inhale slowly, feel that you are breathing from your roots and that as the oxygen fills your lungs you are drawing energy up from your roots into your body.  (Picture the way a straw draws water up from the bottom when you drink with it.  You inhale and "suck" the energy up through your roots, into feet, up the legs, and then up the spine and outward to arms and fingers.) As you exhale, you release any "extra" energy you didn't absorb - visualize and feel this energy emptying out of you back down your roots and into the earth.  You can also breathe out any negativity or anxiety, down those roots and into the earth.
Don't worry about harming the earth by emptying these negative energies in this way.  Simply set your intention that you are releasing these energies to be healed.  Energy itself is neither good or bad, it just needs to be returned to it's natural state where it doesn't hold any vibrations of fear or pain.  Just focusing on breathing up through the roots - breathing in love.... and then emptying out the stress or worry out through the feet or sitting bones back into the earth for healing.  Practicing this a few minutes a day makes it come much easier and eventually you can very quickly connect with your roots and earth energy at any time.


FB: Echoes Of The Heart Healing
Earthing
Earthing is the simple act of walking on the ground (outdoors) barefoot.  Feeling the sand, grass, dirt, leaves, etc directly touching the soles of your feet can relieve stress, improve circulation, lift your mood, and bring you closer to Mother Nature.  When you combine Earthing with intentional grounding excersizes like the two listed above, the experience of grounding is more empowered.  However, due to weather, location, or physical disabilities, this may not always be an option which is why I listed the other two methods first... they can be done even when you do not have access to the outdoors.  I do recommend trying to go outside and get fresh air and sunlight even if you are unable to walk barefoot on the ground.  Studies have shown that spending more time outdoors (even if it is just sitting on your porch and looking at the sky or a tree) is beneficial to your health and mood.

FB: Crystal Guidance

Crystals and Gemstones to Assist with Grounding
Carrying, wearing, or meditating with these crystals or gemstones may help you as you practice getting grounded and centered.  Hematite, Smoky Quartz, Black Tourmaline, Obsidian, Onyx, and Green Moss Agate all can help you fee more grounded and connect with earth energy more readily.

Remember Basic Self Care
Getting enough sleep, drinking plenty of water, and eating healthy foods with plenty of fiber is essential for an Empath to feel grounded and centered.  The world of emotions and feelings is so richly and deeply felt by empaths that the physical realm can seem less important or like a less valid part of our human experience.  This is simply not true, and taking care of ourselves physically is a big part of being an Empath, a Healer, an Intuitive or a Light Worker.

Seek Help From Other Healers
If you feel like you are "getting grounded" but the feeling doesn't last or dissipates as soon as you leave the meditation area or enter a room of crowded people, there may be some deeper spiritual and energetic work that needs to be done.  You may benefit from energy work such as Reiki to help remove blocks.  You may wish to seek out a Shaman, therapist or another sort of healer to help you work through past trauma or insecurities.  There is nothing wrong with seeking out help from others!

I hope that these ideas have helped you and given some ideas to help you with grounding!  Feel free to leave a comment with feedback or your own tips for grounding.

Thursday, September 8, 2016

My Favorite Things 9/8/16

I missed posting this on Sunday, and didn't want to wait until next Sunday to share, so here are My Favorite Things!

Featured This Week:
Life Purpose Angel Card Reading $15.00 (Normally $20.00)
The Angels have beautiful, loving advice for you in this gentle therapy session. I am honored to hold this space of intent for healing for you as I listen to you and then impart messages of wisdom from the Angelic realm to you - to help you move forward with clarity and purpose. This is a 6 card reading combining The Angel Tarot Cards and the Life Purpose Oracle Cards. You will receive specific advice, clarity and guidance related to your Life Purpose. This reading can help you identify your life's purpose, and/or learn what actions to take to help you achieve it . The only requirement of you is that you are open to receiving the messages! Purchase this reading with from Etsy or email me to pay directly via PayPal.  Schedule your reading here

Are you ready to take your spiritual journey to the next level?  Do you want to learn energy healing with Reiki?  My Reiki course is now open!  You'll learn the basics of Usui Reiki, get your attunement and certificate, plus more!  My course is designed to be personalized for you as a Spiritual Awakening Course.  You will receive tarot and Oracle card readings, Reiki healing sessions, and access to a private facebook group with information and support.  All of this is available to you now at the introductory price of ONLY $50.00.  Click here to learn more.
http://hestiasmuse.com/courses/usui-reiki-level-1-course/

Other Things I Love:

What I'm Currently Obsessed With:

I started reading a new Fantasy Series!  I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the rest in the series.  When Kara Magari accidentally stumbles through some kind of Portal, she ends up in another world.  This world has magic and mystical creatures, different kingdoms of people who all pretty much hate each other.  And Kara is told she's been chosen to unite the kingdoms!  The fate of this magical realm seems to rest in the reluctant hands of a woman who would rather just go home.
Hey, guess what?  you can grab this book for FREE... right here! 
Also - the Author is hosting a Reading Marathon on facebook, with more giveaways!  Want to read the series with me and other people?  With insights and conversations with the author - and possibly win more free stuff?  Yes?  I will see you HERE  The reading marathon for this book starts on MONDAY!

If you're on Facebook joining the book marathon, I have another group for you to check out!  As you may know, my oldest child and I are consultants for Perfectly Posh.  Natural, non toxic pampering products?  With Vegan options?  YES PLEASE!  We have a group where you can learn about all the latest deals, request free samples, participate in contests and giveaways, etc.  Come join the fun!

The latest thing at Posh I am excited about is the Pamper Your Cold set.  This is a limited time special product to prepare for Cold and Flu season.  Pamper your Cold with essential oils to help you breathe easier and relax.  The Skin Stick is a lotion bar made with Shea Butter and loaded with Peppermint, Eucalyptus, and Pink Grapefruit essential oils.  You can apply it on your nose, upper lip, temples, neck, and chest to help relieve your cold symptoms.  The set also comes with Pamper Your Cold Shower Tablets - throw one of these in your bath tub or shower and breathe in the essential oils as they are released in the steam.  Opening up your sinuses and promoting a sense of relaxation will help you get better faster!  Order now at www.perfectlyposh.com/kenzijoe   This is a Limited item so I am not sure how long it will last!  Get yours while you can!
Meanwhile, Kenzi and I want to thank our customers!  Everyone who places an order BEFORE September 15th (that's Thursday!) will get entered into a drawing to win this Chunk Bar.
Get clean and feel Enlightened with this lightly scented soap bar made with Palm Oil, Shea Butter, and Olive Oil.  Lightly scented, VEGAN, high quality soap that will last you a LONG TIME!
Enter to win by placing an order of any amount at www.perfectlyposh.com/kenzijoe by 8 pm PST , Wednesday September 14

Thinking of Cold and Flu Season coming up reminded me I should probably stock up on some other herbal remedies.  While I was searching, I found this and I just wanted to share it here for anyone interested.  I don't know this shop owner, I'm just sharing something I think is awesome!
from OrganicHerbals on Etsy


Thursday, October 1, 2015

Invisible Illness Awareness Week - 30 Things Meme

 

30 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know – 30 Things Meme

1. The illnesses I live with are: Chronic Migraines, Sciatica, Chronic Neck Pain (possibly undiagnosed Degenerative Disc Disease), Clinical Depression (Depressive Disorder), Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Insomnia
2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: Depression and Migraines were diagnosed at age 18 (1998), though the migraines at that time were Episodic, not Chronic.  Migraines became chronic when I was 32 (2012). Chronic Migraines are defined as 15 or more days of migraine a month.
3. But I had symptoms since: Depression/anxiety since early teen years. Sciatica and neck pain developed gradually over the years starting around 2003
4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: Listening to my body and allowing myself more rest and self care.  As a mother this is sometimes hard.
5. Most people assume: I have had people assume that I am lazy.  Calling out of work with a migraine I have had bosses and co-workers assume that I am lying.  I have had bosses assume I just had a hangover and tell me "you shouldn't drink so much" even though I hardly ever drink alcohol.  I have had friends and co-workers assume that I was using drugs because of being pale, thin, and having a "glassy look" to my eyes.  (even though I don't even take prescription narcotics or use other drugs)  I have had people assume that I am just seeking attention.
6. The hardest part about mornings are:  Getting out of bed!  Sometimes this is because of pain - I just want to stay in bed!  Other times this is because I didn't get much sleep, or didn't really get restful sleep - and I am just so very tired!
7. My favorite medical TV show is: House MD - I love the sarcasm and wit - and also love the medical mysteries of trying to figure out what an illness is without definite obvious symptoms
8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: My smart phone!  When I have days that I need to stay home and stay in bed, it helps me feel connected to the world and my friends rather than isolated and alone.
9. The hardest part about nights are: Getting comfortable, falling asleep, staying asleep.  Pain in my neck and hip mean that I must change position often.
10. Each day I take 7 (average) pills & vitamins. (No comments, please) Nortiptyline 20 mg daily - this controls my migraines and reduces the number of occurrences.  Without it I get migraines almost daily.  Ibuprofen to help with pain.  Some Vitamins.
11. Regarding alternative treatments I: am still seeking the right fit for me.  I am open to hearing about and trying new things - but it bothers me when people offer unsolicited advice or say "you should try this" - or when people assume I haven't tried a certain thing yet.
12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose: I think I would choose something more visible - simply because I wouldn't have to worry about people assuming I was making things up.
13. Regarding working and career: I worked as a waitress for many years.  I am not currently working. It became much harder to work when my migraines became chronic and I would need a job with employers who were very understanding of my need to take frequent time off and avoid certain things.
14. People would be surprised to know: I am afraid every day.  Afraid of when that eventual "big one" (migraine) will hit again.  Afraid of how bad the pain will be today. Afraid of not being a good enough mom for my kids, and not being a good enough wife to my husband.
15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: There is no cure for chronic migraines.  They can be controlled, and symptoms can be treated, but this neurological condition is permanent.
16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: Make new friends who understand and accept me.
17. The commercials about my illness: Drive me crazy!!  The "Excedrin Migraine" commercials really piss me off!  Very few people with migraines actually get relief from that medicine.  It is very good for a headache.  But does not really work for a true migraine - which is NOT a headache. And people who take any Over The Counter Medicine for Chronic Migraines are at risk for getting MOH - Medication Overuse Headache - which is a SEVERE, extremely painful ongoing migraine that is very hard to get rid of!  This can occur when you take any kind of medication more than 3 times a week.  This is not explained to people.
18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: Being able to go out without worrying about "will this cause a migraine"? or "how long can I be out before my back pain is too much for me?"  Just going out and not having to take medications with me, just in case - and needing to leave early or cancel plans altogether.
19. It was really hard to have to give up: Quality time with my family.  Driving at night (glare from headlights is not good)  Rollercoasters and carnival rides (not a good idea)  Certain foods and drinks.
20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: Crafts.  Jewelry making, paper crafts, writing, blogging, learning about medicinal herbs
21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: Take my family out on a fun day trip somewhere they really want to go.
22. My illness has taught me: A lot of self-awareness.  Being constantly aware of the signals my body gives me, because paying attention to those early warning signs is the difference between staying home or ending up in the emergency room.
23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is: When people refer to my migraine as a "headache".
24. But I love it when people: offer support in the form of friendship, listening, offering help (not just offering advice but offering to do an actual thing for me)
25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is: "Progress, not Perfection" - it reminds me that whatever small steps I take during the day are worth celebrating - even if the job isn't done, and even if it's not perfect - I did a thing and that is awesome!
26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them: Find a doctor who will really listen to you.  Research as much as you can.  Try different  things on your own terms - and if it doesn't work for you, move on to something else.
27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is: my own ability to handle things - I am stronger than I ever imagined.
28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was: Help me with the kids!  Taking the kids out for awhile so I can rest while also knowing that my kids were getting attention and having fun!
29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because: I want to help spread awareness.  Not just for migraines, but for all kinds of conditions that aren't visible.  There are many people who are struggling to get help, get a diagnosis, and have people take them seriously but their condition is not visible so they aren't taken seriously.
30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel:  Happy!  Loved!  Understood!