Revisiting the Year 2020

Revisiting the Year 2020

by | Energetics, Life Reflections

I was taking a walk down Memory Lane and came upon the handout we used for our 20:20 Vision in 2020 seminar. Knowing now what we know about the unfolding of that year and those that followed, I was curious to see what we spoke of and what was our theme.  Here is how we introduced the seminar:

“Astrologically, 2020 is a powerful year with some of the most life-changing and transformative aspects seen in a very long time.  All of us are being guided to bring closure to karmic lessons and open new doors.  The opportunities for growth are HUGE.  The Key to Change is Awareness.  What is calling you?  What is holding you back?  Be the Change. …  This is a decade for great personal and global growth.  Old belief systems are being challenged and destroyed. making way for new ideas and new solutions.” Marlyna Los, Feng Shui Master

“2020 opens with a rare multi-faceted planetary alignment in Capricorn, the likes we have not seen in 800 years!  Outer planets Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto will complete and launch short-term and long-term cycles.  Capricorn is the archetype of Time and Reality.  Pluto’s transit through this sign swings the wrecking ball on any structure or reality (social, political, economic) that has outworn its purpose.  Marking the beginning of a new decade and a new world era, 2020 is a major reset year for the personal life journey and for the outer reality, too. … The year ahead warehouses several significant bigger picture planetary conjunctions.  It is a year of endings of significance, but more importantly, 2020 marks the threshold of a new reality that will define the shape of things to come for many years to come. … A major chapter in your life is working its way to an end while the next major chapter is already mapping itself out.  Each and all are destined to meet up with radical change on the road ahead – and in the not-too-distant future.  Confront was is necessary, finish it up, choose and do in a self-honouring way and make the wise use of time, resources and assets your top priority.  A step ahead is always the best place to be.  Set yourself up now as best possible and you’ll be better able to weather and harness the changes that lie ahead.” Rose Marcus,  Evolutionary Astrologer

One of the ideas that kept coming up was that we are being guided to bring closure to Karmic Lessons as our Karma is unfolding.  But what does that mean? Karma is the Law of the Spiritual World.  In Hinduism and Buddhism, Karma is the sum of a person’s actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as their fate in future existences.  We are held responsible for our actions and the intent of our actions.  It is the INTENT of one’s actions that generates/accrues Karma.  Karma is not an instant reward system.  It is a set of values that are meant to teach us all to do better.  The more good people do, the more good will come of it.
The 12 Laws of Karma
  1. The Great Law – Whatever we put into the Universe will come back to us
  2. The Law of Creation – Life does not happen by itself; we have to make it happen
  3. The Law of Humility – We must accept something before we can change it
  4. The Law of Growth – By changing ourselves, we change our lives
  5. The Law of Responsibility – We are responsible for what happens in our lives
  6. The Law of Connection – The past, the present and the future are all connected
  7. The Law of Focus – We cannot think of two different things at the same time
  8. The Law of Giving and Hospitality – Our behaviour should match our thoughts and actions
  9. The Law of Here and Now – We cannot be present if we are looking backward
  10. The Law of Change – History repeats itself until we learn from it and change our path
  11. The Law of Patience and Reward – The most valuable rewards require patience
  12. The Law of Significance and Inspiration – Rewards are a result of the effort and energy we put into it
Over the years preceding 2020, we were asked to leave behind or discard that which no longer served us physically, emotionally, socially, financially or spiritually, or that which no longer served our Highest Good or that which no longer assisted us in achieving our purpose, dreams and most blessed life.  If the inner work was done in those preceding years, we were now able to have more clarity and certainty about who and what we really want and don’t want in our lives.  This was a point upon which a new way of being could begin.
Fact of Living:  Change happens whether we are willing participants or not!
Our choices were clear:
  • We can decide to embrace change and exchange our feeling of fear into a feeling of excitement
  • We can remain fearful of change and then feel powerless and/or victimized when changes are happening all around us and to us
  • We can resist change and find ourselves in a state of constant stress about our lives
  • We can over-think our situation to the point of making no decisions or taking no action; this has been dubbed, “Analysis Paralysis” by Colette Baron-Reid.

What we didn’t know at that time was in a few months the world would be topsy-turvy from a virus scare that shut down the world as we knew it!  It has taken years to get back to some level of comfort and normalcy.  We have more understanding of what actually was taking place behind the scene at that time (can you say politics, media and billionaires?) and what narrative we were being given. Yet, the personal work we set out to do for ourselves before all this occurred was and still is relevant!

Manifesting dreams and miracles start with: Stop; Reflect; Set an Intention The clearer this Intention, the more likely it is to come true.  Successful people don’t start with How it will be done.  They first decide What it is they want to create. What is the dream? What does it look like?  What does it feel like? The How comes later!

Second step is to write down all that you will accomplish in the next 12 months. Think of this as a commitment contract with yourself. Then make Plans on how to put things into action. The more action you put towards your accomplishments and intention, the more likely you will realize your dream.  Remember that Life throws us curve balls, so be Flexible in your Action Plan. Pivot when required!

Third Step points to Inner Work required for dreams to manifest. Changing personal Core Beliefs that block our success can be dealt with using:

    • Awareness to identify the negative core belief
    • Re-framing it from a negative into a positive belief, (ie Your Truth) then
    • Integrating this positive belief as your new Core Belief
    • Working from this new Core Belief draws you closer to making your dream a reality

Remember:  We manifest what we BELIEVE, not what we WANT  

A final point: Elevate your personal vibration to its highest level. Avoiding toxic people and situations, letting go of your past, forgiving yourself and others, connecting to your Higher Self are ways that will reprogram your Mind and set your vibration higher.  If that sounds too complicated, here is a simpler way. Every day, connect with yourself and others from a place of Love, Peace, Joy and Gratitude as this will automatically raise your personal vibration.

May you find ways of making every day your best day yet!

In the words of Sonia Ricotti, “Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful”

Go With the Flow

Go With the Flow

by | Energetics, Psycho-Spiritual

It can be difficult accepting things and moving on.  Sometimes we are shown the next step, sometimes we are not. A place of inertia, indecision and/or hesitancy can greet us when we are faced with situations that challenge our sense of self, balance and the world we live in. The phrase, “Go with the Flow” is often easier said than done!

When we resist change, we set up tension between our mind ~ body ~ spirit. This tension, over time, can create difficulties with health (physical and mental), relationships and behaviour.  As tension mounts, our ability to positively cope with stress reduces. Healthy coping measures are often replaced with excessive use of drugs, alcohol, gambling, shopping, sex, violence or other unhealthy behaviours. These behaviours serve a purpose:  they distract from the tension we are experiencing, yet do so only for as long as we are engaged in that behaviour. The issues creating the tension are not effectively dealt with, so they remain with us. Over time, these unhealthy behaviours destroy our ability to successfully cope, which can lead to breakdowns in family relations, work performance and our own sense of self-esteem and self-worth.  If you thought you had tensions before, now you have even more to deal with!

The ”Go with the Flow” expression also points to another style of behaviour.  Those needing to control everything and everyone will find it difficult to be in the place of changes and unknowing. Their constant need to be in control will automatically trigger stress and tension when suddenly they are not the ones in control.  The need to control can have several root causes.  Fear of change and loss, not feeling safe, low self-esteem and worth, arrogance (which can be an overcompensation for low self-esteem), abuse survivor, child of a parent with addictions, are a few of the root causes identified.  If someone needing to be in control is not able to control the presenting situation or person, their mounting internal stress and tension can trigger even more harsh controlling words and behaviours (the word, “bully” comes to mind). And yes, it can get very ugly.  Relief is achieved only when the situation or person bows to their controlling demands.

So, what is needed here?

Early on, we need to learn and use many types of healthy coping skills.   A “coping skills tool-box” sets the foundation for being able to tolerate that place of change, loss and unknowing.  If one way of coping doesn’t work, you still have other healthy ways to use.  Unfortunately, most people rely on only one or two ways to cope with life’s twists and turns.  When these don’t work, it is very easy to turn to distraction or emotional numbing activities/substances. Short-term relief is possible, but long-term solutions and relief are buried.  So, broaden your healthy skills set!

Acknowledging that something is not under your control is a good step in understanding your role in the situation. It doesn’t mean that you have no power.  It means that you understand what your role is and that you have the power to decide how much time, energy, money or self-esteem you wish to spend trying to change the situation.  Sometimes, we need to allow a situation to “unfold” before we decide just how much we will offer to help. It is healthy to remember that it is not up to us to “fix” everything and everyone coming our way. Discernment helps us know when to jump in and when to stand back and watch the movie unfold.

Accepting that change, loss and uncertainty are part of our human existence helps to keep things in perspective.  It is the cycle of life:  birth ~ death ~ rebirth. When we can accept that there is a natural flow to life and accept that we are not always privy to the reasons behind the course taken by the flow, we are less likely to feel pressured to change its course. This is not to say that we sit idly by and just let things happen to us; we are not victims. Acceptance is not the same as Complacency.  Again, with Discernment as our guide, we take steps to reduce our tension and stress created by change, loss and uncertainty.  These steps support our health and well-being.  So, we learn to “Go with the Flow” in ways that maintain our health and wellbeing.

Everyone has a different waterway to manoeuvre in their lifetime.  It is set up uniquely for us in order to learn our Life Lessons. Yet there are many similarities between us with how these waterways can be navigated.  We decide if we navigate with healthy or unhealthy coping skills. When we can Acknowledge, Allow, Accept and Respond in healthy ways to life’s challenges, we give ourselves the best opportunity for health, healing and happiness. In other words, we give ourselves the Gift of Flow.

Ayurvedic Philosophy: 101

Ayurvedic Philosophy: 101

by | Energetics, Psycho-Spiritual

“Ayurveda is the world’s oldest recorded healing system.  Used for over 5000 years, it is a proven system of prevention and healing.  Ayurveda’s goal is to achieve health by working towards balance and harmony, not fighting disease. Prevention is emphasized over cure. Ayurveda recognizes the importance of physical balance, emotional release, mental health, environmental mindfulness and spiritual progression in the total health picture…. Using natural forces such as heat, cold, light, herbs, foods, minerals, exercise, and working with the mind and emotions through meditation, Ayurveda may be the basis of a global medicine, accessible and affordable to all.”

(p.7   Ayurveda and Aromatherapy by Drs. Light and Brian Miller)

Given the rise in today’s incidence of anxiety, depression, overt anger/aggression and life stressors across all age, gender, race and socioeconomic groups, it may be worth looking at how some of the basic tenets of Ayurveda could be helpful in relieving this suffering. At its core, Ayurvedic theory believes that health results from harmony within one’s self. To be healthy, harmony must exist between your purpose for being, your thoughts, your feelings and your physical actions.

For example:  Your purpose is peaceful, yet if your thoughts are fearful and your emotions negative, your physical body will manifest some dis-ease as a “wake-up call to change”. In Ayurveda, the manifestation of a disease is considered to be a good sign, because it reveals a previously hidden aspect of yourself – an aspect to be healed. Health is harmony within all aspects of self. This inner harmony also becomes manifest as harmony with family, friends, co-workers, society and Nature.

According to Dr. Light Miller, “The overall goal of Ayurveda is true freedom from death and disease; we are to experience the enjoyment of uninterrupted physical, mental and spiritual happiness and fulfillment. Enjoyment is one of life’s purposes! But you can lose your ability to enjoy if you over-indulge, and disease is one of Nature’s ways of saying you’ve over-indulged.”

Ayurveda’s Four Goals in Life are:
  1. The fulfillment of your duties to society
  2. The accumulation of possessions while fulfilling duties
  3. Satisfying legitimate desires with the assistance of one’s possessions
  4. The realization that there is more to life than duties, possessions and desires
Another interesting point in Ayurvedic theory is that only a person with a strong Immune System can be healthy. It is considered a fragment of Nature, a spark of the Divine Mother. This gift from Her creates us, sustains us, nourishes us and protects us from outside invasion. As long as our Immune System is strong, we suffer no disease.

The ancient Vedic word for immunity means, “forgiveness of disease” – this comes from the concept that negative thoughts and lifestyles can cause disease.

Although today’s scientists may not describe the Immune System in this way, they do acknowledge that the Immune System plays a key role in every aspect of our health and wellness. And it can be weakened by physical, emotional, mental and environmental “toxins” and overload.  Is this another way of saying, “a mind-body-spirit disconnect”?

To bring this all together, Dr. Light Miller says,
“ Ayurveda believes that health results from the relationship/connectedness between self, personality and everything that goes into our mental, emotional, psychic and spiritual being. It believes that health also results from good relations with others, from an acknowledged indebtedness to Mother Nature, from the realization of one’s purpose, and from the pursuit of legitimate goals in life. Ayurvedic philosophy maintains the importance of a strong immune system, that forgiveness is strengthening and that immortality is possible.” 
There are some basic tenets that weave their influence throughout Ayurvedic Medicine. Some of the most common influences include:
  • The Five Element Theory
  • The Three Doshas
  • The Six Tastes of Life
  • The Three States of Mind
  • The Seven Major Chakras

While each of these is a whole course in itself, we shall briefly define/describe what each of these is about.

The Five Element Theory postulates that a human being is a small model of the Universe. What exists in the human body exists in an altered form in the universal body. These Five Elements make up everything, so their properties are important in order to help understand balances and imbalances within the human body.
  • Earth – represents the solid state of matter; it manifests stability, fixity and rigidity; Earth is considered a stable substance
  • Water – represents change and movement; fluidity;Water is considered substance without stability
  • Fire represents the power to transform solids to liquids, to gas, and back again; Fire is considered form without substance
  • Air – is the gaseous form of matter which is mobile and dynamic;
    Air is considered existence without form
  • Ether – is the space in which everything happens; it is only the distances which separate matter
The Three Doshas are combinations of the Five Elements to form three dynamic forces. Dosha means, “that which changes” because doshas are always moving in dynamic balance.  They are primary life forces.
  • Vata is a combination of Ether and Air and manifests as movement
  • Pitta is a combination of Fire and Water and manifests as transformation
  • Kapha is a combination of Water and Earth and manifests as structure and lubrication
Each Dosha has qualities and characteristics which are helpful in knowing when someone is in or out of balance. Each Dosha responds differently to foods, aromas, weather, stress and other things. There are 5 sub-doshas for each main Dosha and there are combinations called Mixed Doshas that can also be identified.
The Six Tastes of Life are derived from the Five Elements.  The Tastes are important in seeing how we are what we eat. What we eat can increase or decrease doshic balance in our bodies. Each Taste influences specific physical, mental, emotional factors.
  • Sweet is made from Earth and Water;
    Sweet will increase Kapha but decrease Pitta + Vata
  • Sour is made from Earth and Fire
    Sour will increase Pitta and Kapha but decrease Vata
  • Salty is made from Water and Fire
    Salty will increase Pitta and Kapha but decrease Vata
  • Pungent is made from Fire and Air
    Pungent will increase Pitta and Vata but decrease Kapha
  • Bitter is made from Air and Ether
    Bitter increases Vata but decreases Pitta and Kapha
  • Astringent is made from Air and Earth
  • Astringent will increase Vata but decrease Pitta and Kapha
The Three States of Mind are based upon the notion that our Mind is a filter through which all experience is passed.  Each of us creates, inside our head, a world in which we live. It is where we can play out our life experience. Each Dosha will view things differently and may have different life lessons to learn.
  • Tamas – a place of darkness and dullness; can drive one to addiction, suicide, perversion, hate and insensitivity
  • Rajas – a place of action; being caught up in the illusion of the world and pursuit of desires; can drive one to hyperactivity, irritation, manipulation, greed
  • Sattva – the highest state; it is where we are meant to play and live; can start projects, ability to make positive changes, good communication, calm, stable
The life lessons help us evolve into our highest way of being – into our Sattva State

The Seven Major Chakras are considered vortexes of Universal Energy that have physical, emotional, mental and spiritual influences. They exist outside the body and have points of connection with the body through which energy flows. Most meditations refer to Chakras in order to help with grounding and connecting to a Higher Source.

  • Root Chakra – at the base of the spine; security, trust, safety, foundational
  • Sacral Chakra – just below the navel; creativity, procreation, vitality, joy
  • Solar Plexus – at stomach level; our will, sense of self, presence in the world
  • Heart Chakra – on breastbone at mid-chest; love, connection, compassion
  • Throat Chakra – on throat; speak your truth, communication, expression
  • Third-Eye – middle of forehead, just above brows; intuition, higher knowing
  • Crown Chakra – top of head; connection to Spirit/Divine;  all-knowing

Each chakra has a colour, sound, aroma, crystal and shape assigned to it.  They are described as balanced, imbalanced, open, closed. There are positive and impoverished emotional charges to them.

By now, you likely have a sense that working with Ayurvedic Medicine is incredibly detailed – and you would be correct!  This is also where the concept of “Holistic” began. It was, and still is, the driving force behind everything in Ayurveda.  With today’s fast-paced, confusing and worrisome world, it is a very different way of looking at ourselves, our healing and well-being. Strengthening the Mind~Body~Spirit in a holistic manner, may be what the world needs now.

Health Benefits of Houseplants

Health Benefits of Houseplants

by | Aromatics, Energetics

In a recent article written by Andrea Curry entitled, “Houseplants to the Rescue” and published in the Old Farmer’s Almanac Garden Guide 2023, the many virtues of several common houseplants were discussed.  More specifically, the many virtues of houseplants that can detoxify the air.  I was familiar with those qualities in Spider Plants and the Peace Lily, but the other plants piqued my interest as I’ve also had experience with them in my home.  Why detoxify your air?  Because clean air means healthier air. And healthier air means better health and wellness – for humans and pets living in those situations.

Currently, most houses, schools and offices have limited or no ventilation.  Newer homes are “energy efficient” by sealing off many of the access points to fresh outside air. This means that the air in these energy efficient spaces just recirculates and goes in and out of us as we breathe. These toxins have harmful chemicals called “volatile organic compounds”, or VOCs. Most toxins stay in the air until we breathe them in (or they land on our skin) – then, they have a chance to get into our lungs and blood to circulate throughout us. Certain VOCs at certain levels in our bodies can create health issues ranging from headaches and digestive issues to cancer, and more.  Some issues are acute, but some toxins can create chronic health problems.  By diluting or removing toxins (and thereby removing VOCs) from the air, we give ourselves a big health and wellness gift.  And what a wonderful way to do it by using Mother Nature’s plants.

The article refers to Dr. B.C. Wolverton, a former NASA scientist and now an environmental scientist, and his 10 picks for the best houseplants to have in your home and office for removing harmful toxins and their VOCs.  He has written articles and books on this subject.  His books include: How to Grow Fresh Air: 50 Houseplants that Purify Your Home and Office   and  Plants: Why You Can’t Live Without Them.   Some of these plants may surprise you!

His #1 choice as an air-purifying houseplant is the Areca Palm. It is easy to grow and adds up to a litre of water a day to humidify the air. It is especially effective at removing toluene and xylene. Toluene is found in gasoline, heating oils, kerosene, lacquers and paints. Xylene is found in cigarette smoke, gasoline, paint, paint thinners and products treated with rust preventatives.

Other houseplants he suggests include:

  • Corn Plant (a type of Dracaena) – great for overall air purifying
  • Janet Craig Dracaena – especially good at removing trichloroethylene which is found in inks, paints, photocopiers, printers and varnishes
  • English Ivy – effective overall air purifier that can handle benzene which is found in adhesives, ceiling tiles, floor coverings, paints and particleboard
  • Peace Lily – effective at removing acetone, benzene (see above), methyl alcohol and formaldehyde. Acetone is found in cigarette smoke, nail polish, nail polish remover, paints and plastics. Methyl alcohol (aka methanol) is found in adhesives, cosmetics, dyes, resins and varnishes. Formaldehyde is found in cleaning products, fiberboard, particleboard, plywood and upholstery.
  • Boston Fern – the most effective houseplant at removing formaldehyde.
  • Bamboo Palm – excellent all-round air purifier, but especially effective at handling benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene.
  • Dwarf Date Palm – strong overall air purifier, second only to the Areca Palm in its ability to remove toluene and xylene from the air.
  • Rubber Plant – especially good at removing formaldehyde, the most common toxin in the home.

Need more convincing that houseplants help? 

  • A 2008 study in India found that workers in plant-filled office buildings had 24% fewer headaches, 52% less eye irritation, 34% fewer respiratory conditions and 12% higher lung capacity than workers in plant-less environments
  • A 1996 Norwegian study found that office workers coughed 37% less after plants were introduced into their workspace
  • A 2010 Australian study showed that “Janet Craig” dracaena and Peace Lily reduced negative moods (ie. anger, anxiety, depression, stress) in office workers by 40-60% over 3 months.

These houseplants are generally easy to maintain and they add that touch of “green” that brings Nature into our homes, schools and offices. We spend a lot of time indoors. A walk outside in the garden or forest is powerful in its ability to bring freshness and a sense of peace and balance to a hectic life. Why wait?  Bring that freshness, peace and balance into your home, school and office now with houseplants!

THIS-N-THAT

THIS-N-THAT

by | Energetics, Life Reflections

As Winter gives us another blast, I find myself working on “inside” projects to pass the time.  It is the best time to clean out cupboards, drawers and filing cabinets – there are no distractions to be outside right now!  It’s amazing how much “stuff” one can accumulate.  Some may call it “treasures” others call it “junk”.  But in and amongst the paperwork, I’ve come across a few gems that have helped inspire me over time.  Let me share some of them with you as you hunker down with a warm cup of tea or cocoa.

“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.”                 Helen Keller

“Seven blunders of the world that lead to violence:

Wealth without Work
Pleasure without Conscience
Knowledge without Character
Commerce without Morality
Science without Humanity
Worship without Sacrifice
Politics without Principle                        Mahatma Gandhi

“There is mystery and magic in this life.  Don’t let the wonder of it elude you.”
”The most beautiful and profound emotion we can experience is the sensation of the mystical.  It is the foundation of all true science.  He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead.  To know that what is inconceivable to us really exists, manifesting as the most radiant beauty which our dull faculties can comprehend only in their most primitive form – this knowledge, this feeling, is at the center of true religiousness.”    Albert Einstein

Several quotes from Maya Angelou:

      • “We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.
      • “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive, and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humour and some style.”
      • “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.”
      • “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, they will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.
Several quotes from Louise Hay:
      • “When you forgive and let go, not only does a huge weight drop off your shoulders, but the doorway to your own self-love opens.”
      • “All the theories in the world are useless unless there is action, positive change and finally healing.”
      • “The thoughts we choose to think are the tools we use to paint the canvas of our lives.”
      • “The more you can connect with the Power within you, the more you can be free in all areas of your life.”
      • “Fear is lack of trust in ourselves. Because of that, we don’t trust Life. We don’t trust that we are being taken care of on a higher level, so we feel we must control everything from the physical level. … Trust is what we learn when we want to overcome our fears.  It’s called taking the “leap-of-faith.”
      • “Unconditional Love is the goal I think we have come here to attain. It begins with self-acceptance and self-love.” 
Not everything in my files and cupboards is deep or profound.  To lighten the mood, here are a few “reflections” from parents:
      • Motherhood – If it was supposed to be easy, it never would have started with something called labour.
      • Shouting to make your children obey is like using the horn to steer your car, and you get about the same results.
      • Raising a teenager is like nailing Jell-O to a tree.
      • Any child can tell you that the sole purpose of a middle name is so he/she can tell when they’re really in trouble.
      • Cleaning your house while your children are home is like shoveling the driveway during a snowstorm.
      • An alarm clock is a device for awakening people who don’t have small children.
      • We child-proofed our home, but the kids are still getting in
And a few “reflections” from some sassy women:

      • We don’t look like a frog in a blender when dancing
      • If we forget to shave, no one has to know
      • We’ll never regret piercing our ears
      • We can fully asses a person just by looking at their shoes
      • No fashion faux pas we make could ever rival The Speedo