Tag Archives: health

Blue Papaya – Basics in Bed Placement Part 3: A Practical Application

In part 1 of The Basics of Bed Placement we discussed the very basics, the do’s and the don’ts of bed location, the type of headboard and the height of the bed. In part 2 we went deeper into Feng Shui thru the use of a very accurate formula from the compass school of Feng Shui.  This formula helps us personalize our space by finding our best direction. Today we’ll take these basic principles and apply them to a consultation.

Feng Shui 3

I had a consultation with a couple who wanted to enhance their relationship, health and career. The couple were empty nesters and young grandparents who had enjoyed many great years together. After analyzing their home and questionnaire, I realized that the problem was due to the furniture placement in the bedroom, specifically the bed.

During the consultation, I found that the husband’s arms, shoulder and upper back where always sore. It was painful for him to hold the arm up at shoulder height and he needed back surgery. The wife also had health issues, but she did not require surgery. When asked when their problems started, they looked at each other and realized it started manifesting shortly after they had moved their bed to the current location.

Their bed was placed so that their head was pointing at the window, and East. Their headboard was an open brass frame.There were three things working against them following the Feng Shui principles we discussed previously. First was the location of the bed, it should not be placed by the window, there should always be a solid wall or headboard behind it. Second the direction of the bed, East was a detrimental direction for them. Third was the type of headboard. Because it was open, and backed up to the window, it did not protect them from the outside energies.  Also, a metal headboard is not a preferred choice, since it is a communicating element. It is not conducive to rest.  The metal was amplifying the energies they were exposed to in this case.  I was amazed to see how this couple’s life changed because of something so simple as the placement of the bed.

Without the protection of a solid wall and the combination they had working against them, they were vulnerable to the strong energy that came thru the window as they slept. It took less than a year for that energy to set into the physical. After the consultation, the couple changed the bed placement and headboard. They were able to put down their guard and rekindle their relationship into the deeper level they had before. Once the relationship was better, their sense of security increased. Their lives improved tremendously, as they were able to rest better, and enjoy their relationship again.

Most of the time we don’t realize how the placement of the bed affects us until problems manifest into the physical. I did not realized how important the placement of the bed was until I saw how my client’s lives were affected. The lack of rest can affect our entire life. Without restful sleep and without health, there is no joy and appreciation for life. The simple pleasures in life derive from appreciating moments we can be open to appreciate, they are little pockets in time that would otherwise be ignored by the routine of everyday life.

Start with a  good and solid bed placement, and the rest will follow.

The Basics in Bed Placement Part 1

The Basics in Bed Placement Part 2

_____________

Veronica will be leading our next Blue Papaya gathering, which will deal with learning how to manage the home energies! May 24 at 7 pm. Youth will work with their own bedroom spaces to find the optimal way to arrange their room, and learn what to avoid.

ISIC – Vesica Balance Grid

For this grid, the intention was to create a tool that could aid in balancing the body’s various systems. The endocrine and lymphatic systems both run throughout the human body either releasing hormones or recycling blood plasma. The duties of these systems are far more complex than this synopsis. However, for the purpose of this blog, it is most important to understand that they play a large role in regulating your daily life.

With a specific physical target, I find it most appropriate to reference a crystal guide like “Crystal Prescriptions” by Judy Hall. The stones listed for the endocrine system that were decided to be most applicable were Fire Agate, Amber, Amethyst, Citrine, Yellow Jasper, Peridot, and Tourmaline. Tourmaline is also listed for the lymphatic system along with Moss Agate, and Blue Chalcedony. There are other appropriate stones, however these are the ones that intuitively “stuck out.” Blue Kyanite also wanted to be included in the group, as it very nicely clears energetic pathways.

As with most grids, there are different components which serve separate functions to complete the greater, complete function. Not only can crystals be used to map out the energies, but also other various items such as Slim Spurling Rings. Here there are two rings overlaid to create a Vesica Pisces. This works to achieve a couple of goals. First, the Vesica design offers an opportunity to analyze each of our sides, masculine and feminine. It then allows us to see our in-between parts, the places where our two sides mesh together. In this situation, with the directional aid of a few Clear Quartz Points, the Vesica is also being used as a figure eight infinity symbol. This creates a constant and balanced flow of energies. Standing with a foot within each side of the Vesica Pisces, the crystal energies follow the programed patterns (Vesica and Infinity) up, throughout, and back down your body and energy field.

 Experiment with logical placements and patterns, and also with intuition and aesthetics. The more beautiful the crystal layout, all the more it will resonate and become beneficial.

Grandfather Buffalo – A Power Within

There is a power within each one of us that is life affirming. Without its presence, there is no life. This power is the power of breath. The body can continue for days without the nourishment of food. Many religious leaders have gone without food for forty days or more and have survived. But when the body is deprived of oxygen (the act of breathing), it ceases function, and life will cease to continue.

In our modern society, we do not think about breathing, after all it is an autonomic response. The body just does it, right? Why should we think about breathing?

Those who practice Breath Meditation, upon inhalation they bring the breath down to the lower abdomen and hold it there for a count, or pause, and then release it in exhalation. By this process they are engaging the torso from collar bone to navel in the breathing process. This process causes the diaphragm to expand and contract, successfully stimulating the body’s organs. The inhaled breath fills the lungs to capacity, goes into the bloodstream, and provides oxygen to the organs and other parts of the body.

We need today to focus on our breathing habit. We need to increase our intake of oxygen for increased nourishment of the bodily organs and their functions. There are many many medical aspects where breathing is impaired and one needs to rely on their doctor’s advice and treatments above all else. As we are able, we should begin a conscious breathing exercise which will assist the medical treatments. By doing so, we strengthen the lung capacity, revitalize our overall intake of necessary oxygen, and reduce stress levels of all kinds.

Whether by meditation practice, or just conscious breathing, I encourage you to take that first breath. It has helped me greatly over the past month on many levels.

———————————————-

If you would like to learn more about breath control and stress relief, check out this CD – Letting Go of Stress by Stephen Halpern with Emmett Miller M.D. Dr. Miller’s soothing voice combined with Steven Halpern’s beautiful music will teach you the relaxation response, deep muscle relaxation and breathing techniques. Letting Go of Stress is the world’s most popular stress management CD! Several distinct and different guided imagery and deep relaxation experiences teach powerful techniques for melting away stress and its symptoms.

 

Grandfather Buffalo – The Power of “Word”

wordsPerhaps you have listened to a person giving a speech and left feeling uplifted, empowered, even encouraged to take up the banner and move forward. Such is the power of speech.

Perhaps you have heard someone speak and your spirit falls. You are saddened, depressed, even to the point of defeat. Such is the power of speech.

If we look closely, we will see that the spoken word is energy – a frequency that carries specific vibrations depending on tone, inflection, and yes, even emotion. Thought creates the process, then is added to or diminished by the inflection and emotion.

When the word is written down, that word (“No” for example) is held in a container. Depending on it’s context, your thought and speaking of the word causes it to leave its container (the printed word), and may, by its expression, release those frequencies into action.

Ex: If you softly said “No” to a child, he will understand that he should not do something.

If you were to say “Oh NO!” regarding some tragic event, you release fear and sadness.

If you in anger say “NO!!” You have released another frequency altogether. There is a power in the word that affects everyone, and yes, everything around you.

Each one of us are the thoughts and speech we release from ourselves. We are responsible for where they go, for who is harmed, saddened, gladdened, inspired, or deflated by those actions. Most of all we are responsible in speaking of and to ourselves. Is it someone else’s fault that I may have failed? Is it my responsibility that I have misunderstood? Take the words you hear. Learn from them, and make them positive.

If there is judgement, anger, or reprimand, let us each understand the situation and the words we would use. Especially what emotion is behind it before we speak.

You alone are responsible for the energy of “word” that you release in a created life force energy. First think before you speak, and then ask “How can we speak to one another in a way that uplifts us both”?

To help you with the power of correct words, here are a few stones who desire to help you:

Blue Topaz – living your truth

Blue Chalcedony – fluent speech

Chrysoprase – fluent speech

Emerald – mental clarity

Lapis Lazuli – power of the spoken word

Blue Apatite – public speaking

Blue Kyanite – public speaking

Turquoise – public speaking

Grandfather Buffalo – Affirmations

Affirmations are positive thought forms which we create to change old habits or beliefs. How often have you heard “You did this wrong” or “You did that wrong.” Perhaps you have even said to yourself, “I am not good enough to get that job.” “I just can’t get the hang of it, because I just don’t understand.” Someone says to you that “You are always sick,” and you come back, “I am a very unhealthy person.”

cat-lionThese are just a few of the negative thoughts we have accumulated over our life times. They will and do affect our health and well being. Perhaps it is time to take a positive stand and put the positive spin to our lives. Here is how you can do this. First look into the mirror and tell yourself “I am not worth anything.” If this doesn’t apply to you, what phrase have you heard or felt so much that it is a part of you? When you look in the mirror what do you see and how do you feel? You may feel tired and look depressed, bags under the eyes or even pale.

Now create a positive affirmation. “I am a very worthy person, all things come to me because of it.”

Again, look into the mirror. What do you see? Are you the same person you saw before? Do you see a difference in your appearance? Now as you look into the mirror, visualize things coming to you because you are worthy. Look into the mirror again. Now how do you look and feel? Here is a little secret. You deserve to be worthy to obtain whatever affirmation you state.

Everyday, several times a day, say that positive affirmation to yourself. Tape it to your mirror, your car’s dashboard, your work station. Wherever you spend the most time, have that affirmation handy.

Here are a few areas of life that affirmations will be needed:

Health, Fears and Phobias, Criticism, Self Forgiveness, Money, Friends, Self Esteem, Judgement (self or other), Addictions, Work Relations, Prosperity and Abundance, Love and Relationships.

And here are a few examples:

“I am afraid to be angry” — “I am not afraid to be angry”

“My body is weak and unhealthy” — “My body is strong and healthy”

“I Just can’t do anything right” — “Everything I do is perfectly OK”

Try these or create your own and try them everyday for a month and see how you feel.

ISIC – Finding Peace Within

In this time of change and turmoil, it is important to find peace within ourselves. We need to find and to go this place that is always with us no matter where we are. This place is located deep within our own heart. It is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and happenings. Sometimes this gets us off-center, making it harder to help those who come to us in need.

peace in chaosAt first it may be difficult for some to find and stay in this peaceful heart-centered space. So to begin with, it is suggested to spend time right when you wake up, training yourself to move from your head and down into you heart. Once at your heart, stay there and feel if there are any issues or emotions that may need to be addressed: things that might need to be cleared in order to delve deeper and find the still peaceful centered-ness.

Take as much time as you need to clear that stuff up in a way that feels right to you. You might continue your waking up exercise with these suggestions: writing it down, energetically clearing it out and sending those feelings to source (because it’s just energy any way), or imagining yourself taking a squeegee and literally clearing the windows of your heart. It does not matter how it is done. Keep in mind that the sooner you are able to clear any uncomfortable feelings from the heart, the sooner you have that mobile place of peace to go to any time you want, no matter where you are!

Centering is now more important than ever. Learning how to be at peace within one’s self will help perpetuate that into the environment. A very helpful tool when first beginning to do this is a stone kept in the pocket. Amazonite is a great one for the job as one of its main functions is to help you find inner peace through outer chaos. Integrate the use of the stone by holding it during your morning training of going into your heart. After a while, just by holding it, you will be able to connect with your heart center quickly. Take time today to find that quiet peaceful place.

___________________________

quartz-generator-sqJoin us March 24 for ISIC’s first public workshop of 2013 - an entire day devoted to working with stones – crystals, gemstones and minerals. Learn how to clear the human energy field using crystals with Atala Toy, make crystal essences with Grandfather Buffalo, use crystal energy to assist your energy with Tammy Johnson & learn beneficial crystal grids with Victor van Slee.

Running from 10 am – 4 pm, this event will be held at the Geneva History Center, 113 South Third St, Geneva, IL. Fee for the event is $50 – or $40 advance registration, up to March 14.

 

ISIC – Breathing for Peace

breatheMany aspects of life can cause tension throughout the body. This includes the spiritual body as well as the physical. When our muscles become tense, our breaths fall short and shallow, thus reducing the amount of oxygen that is delivered to our vital organs. From an energetic perspective, we are in turn minimizing the flow of chi through the meridians and to the various chakras and energy centers.

Breath control plays a major role in mindfulness practices, including stress management. When in a scenario that leaves you feeling as though you have a vein about to burst, it is simply incredible what one slow, deep breath can do. As you inhale, you are supporting the natural functions that keep you peaceful and relaxed. An exhale releases any stress and negativity you are willing to let go of. Taking a deep breath in a pressing situation will give you a moment to reorganize your thoughts. It offers an opportunity to detach and reevaluate the emotions that may be building up inside.

Outside of an intense encounter, there are also peaceful practices that focus on breath control. Pranayama is the “extension of the life force”, and is used mostly in accordance with Yoga. Various martial arts rely on breath control in order to manage pain tolerance.

There are a couple crystals that assist in understanding the value and methodology of techniques such as circular breathing. Ocean Jasper, also known as Orbicular Jasper, contains small circles that help you to cycle your breaths. Vanadanite is another that assists in this way. It also comforts and grounds the unwilling soul fully into the body.

Grandfather Buffalo – Crystal, Color, and the Chromatic Scale

chromaticscaleThere are several things I want to talk about. By the title you can guess what they are.

First, however, I would speak about the Mayan End of Days, Dec. 21st, 2012. We find that we are still here. It was not the end of days. Simply the end of the Mayan Calendar, and the beginning of a new day. Many people, including myself, have experienced this Calendar ending in various ways. Leaving us numb one minute, but in the next minute finding ourselves in a new world. Our personal vibrations are higher, as well as that of everything else.

This is where our adventure begins. The vibrations or frequencies of crystals/gemstones and color (chroma) are rising. These are used in many healing experiences. Crystal Healing, Color Healing, and Sound Healing, either separate or together.

Here are the tools you will need in order to experience this work in the following exercise.

1. Crystals and Gemstones of various colors

2. The Chromatic Scale

C C# D D# E F F# G G# A A# B C

The use of a Pitch Pipe, Harmonica, or other instrument is advisable. You may also sing the tone.

3. Some knowledge of the Chakras

Base – Red – C

Sacral – Orange – D

Solar Plexus – Yellow – E

Heart – Green – F

Throat – Blue – G

Third Eye – Indigo – A

Crown – Violet/White – B

4. A knowledge of the complementary color wheel, as you can mix colors for specific experiences.

Now let us experiment.

You have hurt your back and have pain. First see your Doctor for their expertise and proper medical treatment.

Secondly, or for supplementary support, find a blue stone and the note G#, a yellow/green stone and the note F, and perhaps a Violet stone and the note A.


1. Hold the blue stone, perhaps Blue Lace Agate. Visualize the color surrounding the injured area. Hold the stone and generate the sound of G#. Do this for two to three minutes. This acts as a sedative.

2. Now take the yellow/green stone, perhaps a lime colored Serpentine. Visualize the color surrounding the injured area. Hold the stone and sound the F note with the pitch pipe. Do this for approximately five minutes. This color and frequency will assist the healing process.

3. Use the Violet stone, maybe an Iolite, and create the A note.

4. Finally, use the blue stone and G# note once again.

Depending upon the colors you use, you may want to use a cooling color afterwards (ex: If you use a red stone, use it’s complimentary color green to cool it.

ISIC – The Benefits of Massage

Masseuse Massaging Young Man Lying on Table Closed Eyes

Massage is believed to be one of the oldest forms of medical care. In 2700BC, the Chinese described it as an essential healing and disease prevention modality. Hippocrates insisted that an effective doctor is one who is able to administer massage.

In my 27+ years as a massage therapist, I have seen many positive post-massage results. Clients who have had chronic headaches for several years get off the table headache-free. Chronic stiffness, spasm and/or range of motion pain are eliminated in 1-3 sessions.  A 45 year old client carried twins full term with no edema or restrictions throughout, and the only thing she did differently from her peers was receive a monthly massage! Even a simple 10-minute chair massage leaves clients refreshed, energized and better able to focus.

Studies found that a weekly 25-minute hand or foot massage, over the course of eight weeks, was very effective therapy following the loss of a loved one. It allowed participants to better focus their thoughts and come to terms with their loss, while improving their energy levels. And other studies found that those who are massaged regularly have more white blood cells.

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles found that a single massage session results in significant positive biological changes; decreased cortisol levels, increased white blood cell levels and increased levels of oxytocin.

I have seen my work have profound effects in decreasing pain, relieving migraine pain, reducing anxiety and stress, improving range of motion, reducing muscles soreness, relieving back pain, easing pain and stress, promoting tissue regeneration, easing withdrawal symptoms, treating cancer-related fatigue, increasing focus, energy and balance, decreasing carpal tunnel syndrome and normalizing the circulatory, muscular and nervous systems.

If you’d like to explore alternative health maintenance, consider making monthly massage therapy an integral part of your life.

This week’s blog was written by our Thursday, January 10 ISIC presenter, Rosa Casas. Rosa is a gifted massage therapist who has been practicing for over twenty-seven years. For more information on Rosa and her services, you can visit her website.

Thursday’s event is part of ISIC’s practitioner share events. Once a month holistic practitioners gather in Geneva, IL to share information; the event is free to all professional practitioners. For more information, visit the ISIC Facebook page and the Crystal Life Events Page.

Grandfather Buffalo – The Mayan End of Days

Mayan-calendarWhat in the world has happened?

I have spoken with several friends over the last two weeks who have said to me “My world ended” on December 20th or the 21st. I myself have experienced this energy. On Dec. 20th I was cast full force into this “Brave New World.”

Perhaps you have experienced some or all of these in your life, as well as over the past month, and into 2013. Have you noticed perhaps dizziness, or a cold that was not actually a cold but simply vibrational changes within yourself as your energy shifts, aligning with the new and higher frequencies.

Someone said to me recently, “You know, time has been really weird, sometimes so slow and other times really fast.” This experience can seem very unbalancing, but it is necessary in the new adjustments of self and time. We are moving out of an artificial time (24 hour cycle of time which was created in ancient times). Now we are again entering natural time.

We are indeed adjusting to new energies of higher vibration working through karma into new powers of manifestation. Be careful what you ask for and think, as it may come to pass.

You must grab hold of the physical body by the eternal spirit of who you are and bring it back into alignment  with your soul purpose.

Breathe deeply, step gracefully, think clearly, and journey forth. For as it has been said, “Life can only begin with the first step.”