Life has its cycles and seasons:  waking, sleeping, working, playing, birth, death, rebirth and so on.  There are daily, weekly, monthly, yearly and life-time rhythms that help us with lessons and movement in our lives. There are internal and external cycles influencing us at every turn, to help us learn and grow. These lessons are designed to create change in our lives. Learn the lessons, and the change moves us closer to our true selves and purpose. Don’t learn the lessons – well, there will be another time and chance! But resisting change is not in the natural flow of the Universal order.Although these life cycles are ever-present, some people choose to ignore or suppress their existence. It could be because the idea of change is unfamiliar territory and therefore is frightening.  Or perhaps what you are being asked to do/think/feel is not what your ego wants.  Ignore the cycles and you will believe that you don’t have to change.  One requires an enormous amount of energy to deny and resist the cycles and seasons of life. And this denial and resistance can create issues in all aspects of living: physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual.In her oracle cards, Colette Baron-Reid writes about the Sisters of the Seasons:  “Just as the seasons magically pass, be reminded that the nature of birth, growth, harvest and decay cannot be altered.  .. Be mindful of which Sister greets you, for she points directly at the next.”She also tells of Maeve, the Celtic goddess of cycles and femininity:  “All of life is cyclical.. Life inhales, then exhales again. So why should you be surprised or upset that you, too, have cycles? There are times when you feel energized, awake and alive. There are other times when you feel isolated and shy…Celebrate these rhythms and embrace them as the essence of the lifeblood that courses through you.”

One of the most familiar symbols of change and transformation is the Phoenix.  It has different names in different cultures, but ultimately its message is the same:  Death and Rebirth are related, as nothing truly dies, but it will change from one ending into a new beginning. The Phoenix is constantly rising up from the ashes; each time it increases in its power, knowledge and abilities.  It is a powerful image to reflect upon when one is working on personal transformation and change.

Change requires a release and letting go of that which no longer serves our highest good. Change has an element of loss involved with it. A person’s history with loss will influence how well they embrace change. Too much change at once can feel burdensome, ungrounding and overwhelming. But allowing no change in life can make us feel stuck, lifeless and victimized.

The trick is to understand the cycles and their lessons and how we can relate to them at each stage of our lives.  Our ability to shift and change with the seasons of life influences our whole being.  Instead of feeling stuck, choose movement.  Instead of feeling victimized, choose strength.  Imagine yourself as the Phoenix, and you will understand how to go with the Universal flow.

 Did you know ……

• Carnelian is related to Sacral Chakra – which helps with creativity, joy and reproduction
• The Autumn Equinox is time for reflecting upon the harvest and that which supports abundance and prosperity
• Your immune system responds to positive affirmations and will  stay strong with laughter, dance and song

Weight and emotional eating are two sides of the same coin. A few years ago, several people here at the Centre used the Dukan Diet to successfully lose weight and improve their health.  But interestingly, several people now report that their weight is going up again – and significantly for some. The most common reason I’ve heard for this weight gain is,
“I’m an emotional eater; this doesn’t work when I’m stressed or upset.”  So what exactly does this mean and what can be done about it?

Excessive weight gain is not so easy to explain, as there are several factors at play which can and will create issues for establishing and maintaining a healthy body weight.  There are physiological factors, such as heredity/genetics, the quality and quantity of foods eaten (eg. high sugar-high fat), an imbalance between the calories ingested and one’s activity level (too many calories for too little activity) and the general hormonal balance in the body. There are psychological factors such as mood disturbances (eg. grief or depression),  body-image issues (eg. anorexia or bulimia) and anxiety states.  It is interesting to note that complaints of  “boredom”  can actually be an expression of a mood disturbance or underlying anxiety states; many people use food to break their boredom. And there are the unconscious patterns/reactions and thoughts which constantly influence our outward behaviour and habits but which we do nothing about because they are deeply stuck in our unconscious mind.

The physiological factors are more widely known and discussed.  Hormonal issues are better understood, as we become more familiar with puberty, peri-menopause and menopausal states in the body.  The roles of thyroid hormones and weight gain are better understood.  And now the role of the adrenal hormone cortisol, which creates havoc during stressful times, is being shown to create its own set of concerns for the body and mind.  So how do stressors affect our eating practices and weight?

The adrenal glands, which sit atop our kidneys, are unique structures. The outer layer (the cortex) responds to cues from the Endocrine System (hormones) but the middle layer (the medulla) responds to cues from the Nervous System (brain). The adrenal cortex responds to increased stress by producing extra cortisol, while the adrenal medulla releases epinephrine (adrenaline) and nor-epinephrine (noradrenaline).

Cortisol affects us by increasing our food cravings (especially for starchy and sugary foods), increasing our level of ghrelin (the hunger hormone), altering our blood sugar and insulin levels, increasing abdominal fat and lowering our sleep quality.  Why does sleep quality matter?  When we don’t get enough restorative sleep, the body produces more cortisol!

An increase in adrenaline/nor-adrenaline causes the Fight-Flight-Fright reaction. We experience increased blood pressure, heart rate, blood sugars and sweat production, decreased visual field, altered digestion and hormonal functional changes over time. Yes, these are some of the hormones implicated in our hunger and food cravings!

If the stressor experienced is acute, the body-mind have an opportunity to revert to a relaxed state once the stressor is removed or dealt with. However, chronic stress does not allow the body and mind to become restored, renewed and rested.  Instead, it keeps cortisol levels above normal range, interferes with restorative sleep, and keeps the body on constant “Alert” mode. And the cortisol levels continue to rise over time!

What about the other possible reasons for weight gain?

It is possible for any emotional, psychological or mental state where one does not feel “grounded and focused” to translate into a physical manifestation of weight gain.  Ongoing differences between what we want and expect from ourselves and the world and what our real situation is, can create internal stress. The differences between our imagined life and real life can create such stress that we feel the need to escape. Escapism is not congruent with being grounded!

To be grounded means we stand firmly in our personal power, assess reality with a practical focus and have a realistic view and approach to life.  In literal terms, an increase in weight provides the “mass” required to stand firmly on the ground. To help ourselves, we need to consider if our thoughts and feelings are truly realistic, because we need  to develop a sense of reality and drive in order to feel grounded again.  If we can feel more grounded and realistic in our world, then the outer need for extra weight can be released.

Our subconscious and unconscious minds may have issues that we are not yet fully aware. Or perhaps we were once aware but are now blocking and trying to ignore or forget because of the pain, shame or tears. We may be “stuffing down our emotions and memories” so we can’t feel or see them anymore. The body’s fat layer may be a physical manifestation of an emotional shield for our protection and security. But what are we protecting and shielding ourselves from?  What is making us feel vulnerable, insecure, overly sensitive, angry, ineffective, unappreciated, hurt, ignored, unloved?  What is the underlying thought, feeling or memory that is causing so much stress?  If we can find our way to feeling safe, secure and emotionally stable, then the physical barrier can become unnecessary. The need for the fat layer can be released.

In her book, Change For the Better, psychologist Elizabeth McCormick states:

”  If a person is unable to switch off, either physically or mentally, they may eventually break down.  It may be slow in coming, but break down they will because the body cannot maintain that level of stress. It was never intended to.  If we start to break down in our bodies with symptoms that don’t seem to have an organic cause, it is a message to us from the unconscious that we need to be taken into areas we have not yet explored or made conscious.  In today’s world, it is much easier to attribute the responsibility for our own stress to someone else. In the end, however, we shall be forced to face the real cause.”

You can always choose to do nothing about being overweight or managing your stressors in a positive way.  But note that some of the long term effects of ignoring yourself include blood sugar issues which often lead to diabetes and circulatory problems; increased blood pressure and heart rate which can lead to clots, stroke, heart attack and death;  reduced bone density which creates issues for mobility and strength; increased fat layers which can impede things such as your ability to walk, breathe, digest food, sleep, and attend to personal hygiene.  There are many emotional issues that come forth, such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and out-of-control anger or helplessness.  Pain in every aspect of your being is also a possibility when you continue to ignore your needs.

The only way a person can truly lose weight and keep it off is by attending to ALL the contributing factors in their life. There is no “magic elixer” to do the work for you. Physiological, psychological, emotional and spiritual practices that help to reduce all types of stressors, reduce cortisol and adrenaline levels, increase restorative sleep, increase proper nutrition, improve physical conditioning and promote a healthy sense of self, security and reality will all contribute to successful weight control.  Stress management techniques are an integral part of this health program; holistic care can provide a healthy foundation from which you can launch your New You.  Are you ready to say “Yes” to yourself?

Article written by Pat Antoniak, Registered Nurse – Registered Aromatherapist
and owner of the Natural Comfort Wellness Centre in Tsawwassen, BC

Lapis Lazuli is a metamorphosed limestone that contains blue Lazurite.   It also contains Pyrite, which adds a golden sparkle, and Calcite which shows up as white flecks.  Other trace minerals may be present, too.  Lapis is Latin for stone . Both the names Lazuli and Lazurite are derived from the Persian word lazhuward   and Latin word  lazulum , meaning “blue or heaven” . The best Lapis Lazuli is found in limestone in the Kokcha river valley of Badakhshan province in Afghanistan.  The value of lapis lazuli is largely determined by the abundance and colour of the dark intense blue Lazurite. The flecks of pyrite and calcite can either increase or decrease the value, depending upon how much is present in the stone.

Lapis Lazuli has been mined for over 6000 years.  Ancients used it extensively in religious ceremonies and as jewelry, amulets and talismans.  It was featured prominently in the sarcophagus of King Tut of Ancient Egypt.  Rulers wore it for protection, wisdom and inspiration.  It was believed to promote clear understanding, deep communication and intuition,  balance the thyroid gland and strengthen the neck and vocal cords.  This stone was once powdered and mixed with oil to produce the pigment ultramarine , which is seen in the beautiful blues of Renaissance paintings.

In Chakra theory, Lapis Lazuli is associated with both the throat and third-eye chakras .  In astrology, it is said to give Sagittarius the power of friendship and help in making decisions.  It has a history of alleviating depression, promotes bonding and strengthens idealism. It is also considered a “career stone’;  wear it to increase your success.

However you use Lapis Lazuli, whether it be for decoration, jewelry or meditation,  it is a beautiful addition to one’s collection.

Article written by Pat Antoniak Registered Nurse-Registered Aromatherapist
and owner of the Natural Comfort Wellness Centre in Tsawwassen, BC.

Did you know ……

• Lapis Lazuli is also found on Baffin Island, Canada
• Blue is the colour associated with the throat chakra (Speak your Truth)
• Red is the complimentary colour to Blue and is associated with the Root Chakra (Trust/Security)

On my recent vacation to Antigua, I spent many hours walking the beach, wading in the turquoise water and collecting special seashells and beach glass as souvenirs . On one particular afternoon, I found myself looking out to sea and hearing this phrase in my head:  Go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence. It described the moment perfectly.  As I began walking along the water’s edge and looking to the sky, another phrase came to mind:  You are a child of the universe – and whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.   Again, in this moment, a perfect description of what I was experiencing. Then I stopped in my tracks.  Holy flashback, Batman!  It’s the Desiderata!

The year was 1971.   I was a teen and like all my friends, I loved to listen to music.  At that time, John Lennon was encouraging us to “Imagine” ;  The Doors were describing “Riders on the Storm” and “LA Woman” ;  John Denver was asking “Take Me Home, Country Roads” ;  Aretha Franklin wanted us to “Rock Steady “;  Janis Joplin lamented about “Me and Bobby McGee” ; Rod Stewart wondered about “Maggie May” ; the Rolling Stones were singing about “Brown Sugar” and “Wild Horses” ;  and the Led Zepplin guys were climbing a “Stairway to Heaven” .  But unlike these songs, Les Crane chose to recite a poem!  Highly unusual, given what the rest of the music industry was doing. His deep, soothing voice was almost hypnotic.  He sounded like an older friend offering sage advice for leading a good life.  And he got a Grammy Award for ” Best Spoken Word Recording” that year.

The poem was entitled Desiderata which means “things that are desired”  or  “things that are yearned for” .   It was written in the 1920’s by an American lawyer in Terre Haute, Indiana, named Max Ehrmann (1872-1945). He supposedly penned it after World War I, yet before the Stock Market Crash and Great Depression .  In a sense, he was outlining a philosophy of living.   Through the eyes of youth, it seemed very serious and solemn at a time when we were embarking upon our independence and staking claims to our future. But I had the poster on the wall in my room anyway!  However, looking at Desiderata after 43 more years of life experience,  what a gift it is!   It has offered guidelines to living a meaningful life. It has offered a framework for my review and reflections upon all that has transpired in my life since my introduction to the poem/song in 1971. And over time, I have seen most of it unfold as Max Ehrmann described.

This made me wonder: maybe those who were too young to remember this poem/song might also gain life insights if they had a chance to read and ponder it. With this in mind, I give you the Desiderata , by Max Ehrmann (copyright 1927).
(note: the second last sentence has had two versions, so I’ve included both for your consideration)

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember
what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others,
even the dull and ignorant;  they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;  for always, there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.  But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;  many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.  Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.  But do not distress yourself with imaginings.  Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.  Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars,  You have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.  With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.  Be careful (Be cheerful).

Strive to be happy.

Article written by Pat Antoniak, Registered Nurse – Registered Aromatherapist
and owner of the Natural Comfort Wellness Centre in Tsawwassen, BC.