© JULY 1, 2021
DEODORIZE NATURALLY THE FULL 'STRAWBERRY' MOON IN CAPRICORN
HOW DOULAS DO IT BEST
www.energimagazine.love
5 WAYS TO EMBRACE MID-LIFE
YOUR PERSONAL SPA
Table of Contents Editor's Letter
3
Affirmations - Freedom and Choices
6
Malachite, A Crystal To Explore
9
Your Personal Spa
10-12
Windmill of Change
15
The Full 'Strawberry' Moon in Capricorn
16-18
Intuitive Goddess Reading
22-23
Deodorize Naturally
26-27
How Doulas Do It Best
30-31
Getting a Sense of Aromatherapy
34
5 Ways To Embrace Mid-Life
37
Are You Hiding in the Comfort Zone?
38-39
The Challenge of the Basics in Yoga
40-41
Monthly Movement
42
EDITOR'S LETTER Dear Readers,
As we move into July, the world is beginning to look a little different for many of us. For some, you may have already returned back to normal after the pandemic. For others, you are stepping back into the world and experiencing things for what seems like the first time in forever. Regardless, now is a time to embrace change and venture back out into the wild. This is a time for you to try new things, go on adventures, meet new people and spend time with the people you love. With that being said, also remember to hold on to the lessons you have learned over the past months. Keep in mind what is truly important and don’t forget all of that self care and discovery you have been working on. Our world is changing and we are living in a time that continues to actively address concerns about the world and the way we treat the people in it. It is important that we all work together to help build a stronger and more loving world for everyone. Practice patience with those around you as we make our way back to some form of normality and stability. Be kind to everyone around you, regardless of their differences.Treat everyone with respect and show them love. Do your best to send out as much positive energy as possible and help those around you do the same. The world needs a lot more love so be sure to share it when you can so that we can continue to move forward to helping everyone feel valued, respected and loved. With love and light, Aria de Lima
Alternative practices and suggestions within Energi Magazine should not be used as a substitution to medical advisory. If you are struggling with physical or mental health issues, please consult a medical professional.
To show your support towards Indigenous Communities, visit the link below to learn more and donate. www.canadahelps.org
Treat everyone with respect and kindness. Period. No exceptions Kiana Tom
AFFIRMATIONS FREEDOM AND CHOICES I RECOGNIZE THAT I AM ON MY OWN UNIQUE JOURNEY MY PATH AND THE CHOICES I MAKE MAY BE DIFFERENT THAN OTHERS’ AND THAT’S OK I LOVE KNOWING THAT I AM FREE TO MAKE MY OWN CHOICES I MAKE CHOICES FOR MYSELF THAT SUIT ME, SUPPORT ME AND BRING ME JOY I FIND PEACE IN KNOWING THERE IS NO “RIGHT” OR “WRONG” CHOICE I TRUST THAT THE CHOICES I MAKE WILL BE ENJOYABLE AND LEAD ME TO MY DESIRES I KNOW I AM BEING DIVINELY GUIDED AND SUPPORTED IN EVERY CHOICE I MAKE
©
Noah de Lima @intuitivemillennial noah@living365wellness.love
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MALACHITE, A CRYSTAL TO EXPLORE By: Andrea Sipcic "Malachite gets rid of shyness and awakens the desire for knowledge. Life is experienced more intensely and is more adventurous." Michael Gienger, author. Malachite is a carbon mineral which crystallizes to form a gorgeous, vibrant green swirling patterned semi-precious stone. It was believed to be used in Ancient Egypt as early as 3000 BC for jewelry and ornaments and even got its name from the Greek word “malache” (mallow) after its green colour. It can be found all over the world; from Russia to Australia and the Amazon Jungle to the Congo and beyond. Malachite has several uses and benefits, but we want to highlight one in particular. It is a journey stone; the stone of transformation. Whether we are in the midst of making a significant change in our life or are on the cusp of making that much needed, maybe a little bit risky leap to change, it is during these times that we most often feel we need all the support we can get. Malachite is there to grant us the courage and strength to delve into and explore the changes necessary to move us forward and often away from the old, “ego” ways that are no longer
serving us. Often when we are ready to get things into motion and move in a new direction, it can still seem a little scary and risky, so malachite helps to maintain the calm, aiding in removing obstacles impeding this and encouraging us to embrace change and the newness instead of resisting it. It also very importantly helps to take us out of our beloved comfort zone. This gem also stimulates dreams and inner imagery. Dreams, imagination and memories become more alive and real. It will assist in identifying the steps necessary to bring these dreams, visions and wishes into our physical reality. Malachite is the ideal and one of the most well-known stones for travel. Being one of the most powerfully protective stones, it aids in diminishing fears (emotional and physical), which includes the fear of flying and other phobias, as well as absorbing negative energies and pollutants. With its soothing properties, it helps ease tension and even helps alleviate jet lag. If you are looking to embark on a new journey or are needing a little extra encouragement for a journey you are already on, maybe malachite is the next crystal to add to your collection.
Your Personal Spa By: Anja Lavigne
With many of us being stuck at home in the past year or maybe even more, we have been making more and more use of all of the spaces in our homes. The bathrooms are no exception. This room has evolved over centuries. The notion of the bathroom as a sanctuary has really become front and centre, one of our self care spaces; your very own spa. Creating a luxurious space that feels uplifting and peaceful is a huge benefit to our wellbeing.
The energy of this space varies and keeping it clean is key to creating a high positive frequency. It is usually the smallest room in a home but also holds various functions. Cleaning frequently allows the cleaning time to be less and energy to be positive. Express clean is little intermittent cleaning time such as 5 to 10 minutes. https://www.youtube.co m/watch? v=3XT33A0jW4w Unlike conventional cleaners, natural
cleaners typically don't contain synthetic dyes, chlorine bleach, ammonia and other harmful ingredients. Instead, they use powerful components from nature to zap germs, destroy soap scum, combat hard water stains and remove mildew. A great natural way to clean the toilet bowl is to add 1/4 cup of baking soda with two drops of thieves essential oil, stir with the toilet brush, let it sit for a couple of minutes and then clean.
The morning’s goal is to have a space that functions and has everything that is needed for easy access and quick tidy up. This is super important, as we can feel rushed, hurried at times in the morning or when we are getting ready to go anywhere. Do a check on how many products are actually being used and discard the ones that aren’t.
and design up to date, get rid of any tattered and soiled towels. White towels speak pure luxury and this is why we see them in hotels and spas. Choose colours that fit into the overall design scheme to create a cohesive look. Mirror Mirror on the Wall…
How present are you when you step in the bathroom? What are you thinking of in the shower, in front of the mirror or while sitting on the throne? It is said that we get great ideas in the shower, feeling inspired with water hydrotherapy and a natural uplifting shower gel that is free from parabens and other harmful chemicals that can commonly be found in store bought body washes. Be sure to read the label so you know what you are putting on your body.
Most of us first lay eyes on ourselves in the bathroom, which may not result in the most complimentary thoughts of ourselves. Something to consider is mirror work, which was introduced to me by Louise Hay. “Do you love yourself?” Try the daily self-love exercise called the "Mirror Rule" to help you focus on the positive. The next time you are in front of a mirror, look yourself in the eyes, smile and say something positive like: ‘I am beautiful/handsome.’ ‘I look good today!’ said Louise Hay.
Plush towels are a must to every spa bathroom. To help keep the energy
The bath zone becomes most popular at the end of the day or mid
afternoon. Use it to ease into a peaceful retreat. Unwind, relax and even go into a meditative state. Dim the lights, light the candles (real or battery operated) and soak in some epsom salts. Epsom salts are a great way to detox. The minerals in the epsom salts help remove toxins from the body, improve our health, relieve stress, treat constipation and assist with weight loss. Magnesium absorption is another important benefit of epsom salt detox baths. The bathroom is connected with so much water all around, which is why it is feng shui's least favourite room. Any plumbing problem such as a leaky tap is literally like drowning your money. Have proper caulking around the bath and sink to ensure everything is sealed well. The flush toilet was invented in 1596 and became widespread in 1851. When it comes to the lid, there have been endless conversations about up or down. My question to you is...have you ever seen a beautiful spa bathroom in a magazine layout with the toilet seat up? Keeping the toilet seat down keeps the bathroom cleaner. Keeping the lid down when flushing allows all the germs to stay contained rather than spread around the room. When the flush occurs, germs from the toilet won’t spread into the air as the lid supports this to stay contained, keeping everything sanitary. When it comes to Feng Shui, water is very important and all things water, plumbing and toilet related should always be closed because water has drawing power. You don't want to draw the energy in your home down the toilet. The open toilet will also draw your wealth down the toilet. Need I say more? Close the lid and change your life! The expression “don’t throw money down the toilet” makes a lot more sense now, doesn’t it? Adding some greenery in the bathroom brings in an added freshness. Plants transform the downward energy of water into vital life energy.
Water feeds plants, makes them strong and grows them. For a room that is mostly used one person at a time with daily cleansing and elimination, it is a much more important space than we sometimes consider. Keep it clean, stay present and positive.
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THE WINDMILL OF CHANGE LIKE THE WINDMILL TAKES THE WIND, HAVE FLEXIBILITY IN YOUR LIFE AND TAKE AND TRANSFORM IT. YOU LEARN TO ADAPT YOURSELF TO CHANGING SITUATIONS AND STRENGTHEN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOURSELF. THIS SHOWS HOW YOU CAN CREATE STRENGTH FROM THE CHANGES AT HAND. LIKE THE WINDMILL YOU TOO CAN GENERATE POWER AND STAND TALL. YOU ARE THE WINDMILL OF CHANGE. WRITTEN BY CHELSEY.L.STAILING
THE FULL ‘STRAWBERRY’ MOON IN CAPRICORN By Savita Moon Child This powerful full moon in Capricorn comes along to shake up the foundations of our lives, be it our career, our relationships, our beliefs and/or our goals. If our foundations are strong, they are more than likely to stay, but if they are not true, they may crumble and fall during this moon. As every month goes, the moon opposes the sun, so we have the energies of Cancer, which are nurturing but can also be dependent and even codependent. Capricorn is a strong and resilient sign; they are self-sufficient and bring in a feeling of needing to find balance in our lives. We may feel as though we have everything under control and cannot let go of beliefs that no longer serve us. This moon will show us why this is not an option; clinging onto things of the past will only block the new opportunities and abundance that wants to come into our lives. One of the main questions at this time is: How can we become more independent? We have the power to make everything and anything happen under this ambitious and diligent full moon. Are you your own authority or are you allowing others to take charge? The Capricorn moon heralds the huge transformations that we keep going through, and the wizardry to all this restructuring and shifting will add potential to our goals and dreams, setting us up with a long-lasting foundation of happiness. The energy and advantage of this moon is the practicality that the Capricorn embodies, dealing with all things that need doing and getting to where we want to go. All the mundane admin things, putting a business
Crystals for this full moon: Smoky Quartz is best used for grounding your energy, creating strong foundations and getting your life in order. Blue Topaz is best used for aiding higher thinking, easing mental anguish and releasing the past. Carnelian is best used for embodying courage and confidence and taking action to pursue your goals.
is collapsing, and solely focus your energy on what you would like to create for the future. The sun in Cancer at this full moon will enhance our emotions, bringing them to the surface. When we look back, we tend to focus on the drama of all that has unfolded, delaying a better arrival of what is to come. Use the practical energy of Capricorn to make sense of it all and turn our emotions into positive actions. Remember that Jupiter is also here making beautiful aspects, which can bring us success and joy, which in turn will bring abundance and a time to celebrate. Listen to the guidance you receive, trust your intuition and keep an open-minded attitude towards life, knowing that the path you are on is the right one. Jupiter is going to help because it is going to magnetise prospects for the future.
plan together, analysing financial dealings, finally starting the website you have been putting off for a while - that is what this Capricorn moon will encourage us to do. We also have the wonderful Jupiter in Pisces, turning to the sun, and sextile to the moon. This brings in a surge of hope and possibility to focus on our dreams and visions, transforming the past and all that needs to be released. This will allow us to put all our focus on a higher spiritual path, as Jupiter in Pisces is all about ascension and lifting our vibration and frequencies to a higher level. Jupiter in Pisces is encouraging us to envisage a future, to have bigger perspectives and to widen our horizons. Capricorns tend to blame themselves for everything and feel that all responsibility lies on their shoulders. This guilt can quickly turn into depression, so try not to give any attention to the old that
Grab a note pad and journal on these questions below. See what comes up for you under this full moon. 1. What things in your life are you resisting and/or clinging onto? 2. Where do our lives need restructuring and transformation? 3. Where or to whom have we given our authority away? 4. Who is preventing you from accomplishing what you need? 5. Who is supporting you? 6. Are we reaching our goal that we feel most passionate about? If not, how do we start? What do we need to delegate or organize?
is collapsing, and solely focus your energy on what you would like to create for the future.
Affirmations 1. I release any unhealthy habits from my life and welcome new healthy healing habits into my life. 2. Changes do not shake me. 3. I trust in my abilities and my dreams. 4. I release limiting beliefs. 5. I use long-term visions to make lasting changes.
The sun in Cancer at this full moon will enhance our emotions, bringing them to the surface. When we look back, we tend to focus on the drama of all that has unfolded, delaying a better arrival of what is to come. Use the practical energy of Capricorn to make sense of it all and turn our emotions into positive actions. Remember that Jupiter is also here making beautiful aspects, which can bring us success and joy, which in turn will bring abundance and a time to celebrate. Listen to the guidance you receive, trust your intuition and keep an open-minded attitude towards life, knowing that the path you are on is the right one. Jupiter is going to help because it is going to magnetise prospects for the future.
Chakra to work with at this full moon: Root Chakra There are several ways to open the root chakra: engaging more in grounding and earth-related activities, such as connecting with nature, gardening and cooking. Growing our “roots” in a safe and comfortable environment and surrounding ourselves with earthy tones and objects that remind us of nature and stability are vital to keeping this chakra open. The root chakra rules our connection to reality. Meditating while focusing on this chakra is a strong way of solidifying our connection to reality and the physical world. This chakra will also give us the confidence to go after opportunities that unexpectedly present themselves, helping us to act in the moment, but keeping a level head. Our ideas of what it means to be abundant and prosperous in the physical world is influenced by our ideas of resourcefulness and inner balance. Working on our root chakra will enhance our ability to manifest what we want into our material world. Love and Light and a Happy Full Moon.
www.SavitaMoonChild.com @savitamoonchild @savitamoonchild savitamoonchild@gmail.com
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The Universe
Thank you for connecting with the Universe I am ready to put my desire out to you Universe What is your desire? I am ready for you to bring me my soulmate Hello! Are you there? Read
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July Reading with Intuitive Goddess Priya Card: Throat Chakra The message from the Guides focuses on the Throat Chakra which is located in the neck and throat area of the body. It governs our ability to communicate and our self-expression. The first half of the year has continued with the uncovering and awareness of many social issues. The Guides are encouraging you to participate in open and ongoing conversations to share your knowledge, your perspective, your experiences and your feelings regarding the many issues facing us globally during the second half of the year. They sense many people with an imbalanced throat chakra. This is a result of not feeling equipped or safe to share their feelings or thoughts, or for those of you who are speaking too much without focus or purpose. You are encouraged to bring your throat chakra into balance. For those of you who have been holding back from speaking up, bringing your throat chakra into balance can come from speaking up, being honest about who you are, communicating in any form, writing, singing, through art, poetry, drama or chanting. The Guides wish to remind you that you are always worthy of being listened to but be sure that you are communicating in a way that you can be heard. Allow people time to receive, process and respond to you. Keep your communication flowing both ways and feel confident in sharing. For some of you, the message pertains to your own self-talk, as the Guides sense some of you engaging in a negative or judgmental self-talk. If this is you, begin a practice of 3 minutes in front of the mirror with positive and encouraging self-talk messages. If you feel like you freeze when you get to the mirror, you can prepare your positive self-talk messages in writing and bring them with you. For some of you, the Guides sense your communication races quickly, the way your mind does. Your words are headed out your mouth before your brain even finishes the thought. They suggest that you slow down, you will be heard and you will benefit from taking time to sit with your thoughts and then sharing. For all of us, it is a time where we need to communicate with the intention and with a goal of finding commonalities, understanding and growth, rather than to declare rightness or wrongness. When you get frustrated, get out into nature and let out a strong, loud scream and free yourself of that energy. Speak up and speak with compassion and love. In love and appreciation, Intuitive Goddess Priya Card Deck: Chakra Insight Oracle Author: Caryn Sangster Publisher: Blue Angel Publishing
P ro duc h e lp t s t o ra is e the next gen e ra t io n g lo b of al c it iz ens
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DEODORIZE NATUARLLY By Andrea Sipcic Deodorants and antiperspirants have always been known to be a staple in our everyday hygiene and prepping routine. Growing up it was never even questioned if it was needed or not, with ever popular brands bombarding TV commercials and new odour blocking scents coming out what seemed like every month. Upon getting into more of a natural lifestyle, I soon discovered that there were natural based deodorants and that the ones everyone was buying had a few hidden “Secrets.” So I wanted to know what the deal was. Turns out antiperspirants actually block sweat pores, so the body doesn’t go through the natural process of sweating. Deodorants prevent
the funky odours from occurring, using aluminum compounds (a neurotoxin), triclosan and other unnatural chemicals. Some of the effects of using these generic products on a regular basis may include: Aluminum accumulation in breast tissues May play a role in breast cancer Inhibits toxins from being released from our system Can cause skin irritation, allergies and thyroid issues Can contribute to hormonal imbalances Upon trying some of the natural options, I initially found what so many others found - that “they don’t work.” I refused to give up and believe that in order to
not have underarm odour I had to apply a bunch of unnatural chemicals to my delicate skin every single day. I then found that as I started detoxing my body from the inside, things began to change. I no longer required deodorant as much and found that a few of the natural ones worked quite nicely for me. Eventually I found my all time favourite, the crystal rock deodorant. When it was first introduced to me I laughed. A completely mineral based rock thing that you put on with a bit of water and it actually works? No way. Funny enough, the first time I tried it was before I began my “detoxing journey” and did not like it. I gave it another shot a long while after that and it became life changing for me. All I needed was a bit of water on it and after
applying, I was good for the whole day. I couldn’t believe it. Knowing also that I was applying 100% natural minerals to my skin was a huge, happy bonus. Speaking of water, if my new found deodorant love wasn't enough (which it was), enter 2.5 Kangen water. (We’ve previously reviewed Kangen water and it’s benefits.) Deodorant spray is one of the primary uses of this disinfecting, super low ph water. It can be applied from a spray bottle on its own (as originally intended). I actually also like to sometimes use this water as my water to spray the rock. It’s like supercharging my deodorant rock. As always, trying out what works and doesn’t work for you is key. Knowing what you’re putting in and on your body, remembering that what we apply to our skin is absorbed by our body, is also key to a happy, healthy, sustainable body.
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How Doulas Do It Best By: Lisa Brenner Welcoming a new baby into your world can be overwhelming! Whether it is your first, second, third, or fourth, bringing a new baby into the family is not without its challenges. How will you manage everything? Who will you turn to for advice? Who will help take care of you and your baby? If you are struggling with these questions you may want to consider hiring a Doula! Many families are benefitting from the support that a Doula can provide, whether that’s during the birthing process, in postpartum, or both! A Doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical and evidence-based informational support to parents before, during and after birth, and in the early postpartum period. A Doula’s main goal is to help families have a safe, healthy and positive birthing and postpartum experience.
There are Doulas who specialize in either birth or postpartum support, as well as Doulas that provide ongoing support throughout the whole process. It’s up to you and the unique needs of your family to decide what level of support you will require. Birth Support Prior to your due date, your Doula will meet with you to teach you about the process of labour and delivery and provide you with non-medical painmanagement techniques such as massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, music, breath work, etc. They will discuss and help you write out a birth preferences plan and will advocate for you during labour to ensure your wants and needs are being met. Once in labour, your Doula will stay with you until your baby is born. Studies have shown that Doulas can help reduce the time spent in labour,
ease the birthers and/or partners anxiety, lower the rate of medical interventions (including caesarean sections) and improve birther-baby bonding post-birth. A Doula does not replace your partner; they are a part of your birthing team, there to support both of you as you go through this experience together. Postpartum Support Having the personalized support of a Doula for the first few weeks postpartum is invaluable! Your Doula can help you with common newborn concerns related to bathing, diapering, sleeping and feeding. They will be a listening ear and an extra set of hands around the house. Many Doulas provide help with meal prep, dishes, laundry, tidying up and sibling support. They are trained to lookout for signs of postpartum anxiety and depression, and are able to supply you with many helpful resources and referrals in your community such as lactation consultants, massage and other modalities, therapists trained in perinatal disorders, parenting groups, etc. Hiring a Doula The best time to hire a Doula is during the second trimester. This gives you and your partner time to get to know your Doula and vice versa, time to create a birth and postpartum plan, time to practice various comfort measures and birthing positions and to get all of your questions answered. However, it is never too early or too late! Doing a quick online search will likely find a number of Doulas in your area. Don’t be afraid to reach out to as many as possible and ask lots of questions! Most Doulas will offer a free consult to make sure you are a good match for each other before moving forward. Doula fees vary by location and services offered. Having an idea of how much and what type of
care you will be needing will help you narrow down your choices. There are many ways to save or raise money to ensure you get the support you need for you and your family. The following list provides a few ways to save/budget/ask for the support you need. Start setting money aside every week. However much or little, it all adds up. $20 a week for 40 weeks is $800! Reduce or eliminate eating out, coffee shop visits, unhealthy snacks…you’ll likely feel better AND save money. Sell items in your home you no longer need. Clear the clutter and make some cash for your Doula fund! Skip unnecessary baby gear and gadgets. There is so much out there and most of it you really don’t need. Ask friends and family for their favourite baby gear and decide what you will and will not need. Put that money towards your Doula fund! Ask your Doula if they offer payment plans. Many do, which will help spread out the payments. Add Doula care to your baby registry! Gift certificates can be purchased to go towards services. If you are having a baby shower, put out a collection jar to raise funds. You could also have a 50/50 draw for guests to guess Baby’s arrival date; 50 per cent to the winner and 50 per cent to your Doula fund. “Having a person who unconditionally nurtures you during a major life experience is a privilege too few enjoy. Doulas provide this exquisite non-judgemental support to others - often strangers - and touch people’s lives in profound ways.” ~ Loretta Ross, The Doulas Radical Care for Pregnant People
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Getting a Sense of Aromatherapy By Aria de Lima Imagine waking up in the morning and walking into the bathroom to get ready for your day. You pick up your toothbrush and squeeze the gooey toothpaste out and begin to brush. The minty fragrance wafts up into your nose and the more you brush, the more you start to feel yourself wake up. Do you ever wonder why that minty smell is so good at getting you going in the morning? This, in a way, is connected to aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is the use of plant extracts or essential oils that work with your sense of smell as well as through absorption through the skin.
air, which makes it more likely for others around you to come into contact with the oils as well. If you are sure that those around you are comfortable with you diffusing, then by all means go ahead, but if they are not, there are some ways to still use essential oils while keeping it more contained. One way is to keep the bottle of essential oil near you and simply place the bottle under your nose while gently wafting the scent towards your face. Another option is to put a few drops of the oil of your choice onto a tissue or wash cloth and hold it up against your nose when you need it.
According to Christoph Streicher, President of Amrita Aromatherapy Inc, your sense of smell directly influences your nervous system. The direct link between one's sense of smell and the brain means the strongest effect is caused when the oils are inhaled.
Essential oils can also be used topically by massaging them into your skin. One thing to keep in mind is that essential oils are in fact extremely concentrated. When using them topically, be sure to check if they require a carrier oil. This is an oil that helps dilute the oil. A common carrier oil is coconut oil because it contains so many additional benefits and is also quite easy to find. When using essential oils, it is important to do a little extra research to make sure they are suitable for you, as certain situations may call for you to avoid particular oils, such as in pregnancy.
“The sense of smell is the only sense that connects to deeper layers of the brain, mainly the limbic system, where emotions and unconscious processes are structured. Other senses connect directly to the neocortex where our conscious thinking is structured,” he said. Molecules detected through your sense of smell work their way to the brain, impacting the part of the brain that controls emotions. It has been commonly reported that people have experienced a positive impact on their levels of anxiety, grief and anger after using aromatherapy. Using a diffuser is a great way to use aromatherapy in your space but just make sure to be aware of the people around you. When using a diffuser, you are pushing the fragrance into the
“When applied to the skin, the effect on the skin and the underlying tissue is the strongest. Like a massage on the area over the liver, it can help to detox the liver...Through aromatic baths, massage and other topical applications, the essential oil molecules reach muscle tissue and other tissues enter the bloodstream, thus influencing various organs.” said Streicher. Aromatherapy is an easy and natural option to help bring more ease to your mind, body and spirit. Give it a try and see if aromatherapy is something that is a good fit for you!
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"Emotional Healing Leads to Emotional Freedom" ~Chris Lee, Author
5 Ways To Embrace Mid-Life B: Chris Lee As many of us hit ages 45 and up, we enter a new phase of our lives. We are no longer “young’. Our children are approaching independent adulthood, our parents are aging and we can’t party like we used to. Many people approach mid-life with dread. Here are 5 ways to embrace the change:
Creative Endeavors Awaken your senses and sensitivities by diving into a creative activity. Painting, writing poetry, dancing and photography are just a few activities that will make you feel alive.
Find Purpose Explore what brings you fulfillment, then spend more time doing those things. Serving others or doing activities that make you feel as if you’re making a difference in the world can bring a strong sense of satisfaction.
Change Something Get a different hair style, paint your bedroom, or rearrange your family room. The change will refresh your mind by giving it something different to gaze upon. Acceptance As you move into mid-life, accept that your life will become different. You may have a few aches and pains, but also enjoy the fact that you’re well established in your career or maybe you Strengthen Your Social Circle have helped build a beautiful Loneliness and isolation become family. Take a moment to more prevalent as we age, especially acknowledge all you have accomplished over the span as we enter new phases of life. Combat loneliness by spending time with of your life so far. You may friends or meeting new friends. Look need to reframe your for social events at local community thoughts when it comes to centers and churches. If you’re aging. You still have plenty of constantly feeling lonely, speak up! life left; you just need to pace Your loved ones will be glad to spend yourself now. more time with you.
Are You Hiding in the Comfort Zone? By: Ptiya Ali As a coach specializing in reprogramming unwanted patterns and behaviours, I have definitely seen my fair share of clients hiding in the comfort zone. Most, if not all, have tried to use the same debate with me, “What’s wrong with comfort?” There is absolutely nothing wrong with comfort, unless you’re using it to hide from expanding, growing and evolving further towards your highest potential. Being wrapped in comfort is one thing; sticking to a life that includes only the things you know, are familiar with, or have just become used to doing out of routine is another. The two most greatest obstacles that seem to stump people when attempting to get out of their comfort zone, are fear of the unknown and fear of failure. Fear of the unknown can be crippling and prevent us from ever taking a step. Most people are inclined to imagine scenarios of unwanted experiences or results when they think about or imagine the unknown. They think back to stories they’ve heard of others attempting the same thing or something similar. Some people even create the most far fetched stories that have little to no rationale. To conquer these fears there are some simple steps that can be taken. Start by looking for stories of people who have successfully engaged in or achieved the goal. One of the tools I use and share with my clients is to go on the internet and search for example, “finding love in your 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s or yes even your 90’s.” You will see articles, dating sites and more with stories and dating options to confirm that someone, actually likely more than just one person; it could be 10, it could be 100’s, it could be 1000’s, it could be 1000000’s of people that have found love in each of these age ranges. Researching the topic to learn more knowledge such as tips for success, or specific facts as well as potential pitfalls, is another way to reduce the fear of the unknown by replacing it through empowering yourself with knowledge.
Fear of failure is the other leading cause that can stop us before we even get started. The thought of letting go of something we are familiar with, to replace it with something that is risky and we have no experience in, can leave us feeling terrified. For some people, this can mean unfulfilled passion, unsatisfactory relationships and never realizing our full potential in order to maintain the safety factor that comes from settling for what we know. To overcome the fear of failure you can start by making small changes in your life that will likely yield success. This can be anything from switching the hand you brush your teeth with, to getting up on the other side of the bed or changing your route on your walks or way to work. This starts to shift your brain into awakening, waiting a little longer for instruction, rather than just repeating the same old same old. This helps to address the fear of changing something that you are accustomed to doing over and over. Another step you can take is trying new things that are unrelated to your ultimate goal. This could be trying new foods, implementing a new exercise into your workout routine, experiencing a new genre of TV shows, music or books. This starts to open you up to adapting to new things. Lastly, attempt something related to your goal on a small scale. For example, if you wanted to skydive, you could visit a simulated skydiving place. If you’re interested in starting your own business, you could begin on a small scale in the evenings and on weekends to get started while maintaining your stable source of income. If you’re interested in meeting a romantic partner, you could attend a meetup event or speed dating event to allow you to give it a try without having to go through an entire date with someone. The idea is to take small steps and give yourself opportunities to become more encouraged to progress further. Many of the things you desire are one step outside of your comfort zone. Are you going to hide or step out of the zone?
The Challenge of the Basics in Yoga By: Premadasa Gangadeen
What exactly is a challenging yoga posture? Does it involve steadfast awareness of balance, breath and strength? Does it require a calm mind while being fully present in a place of acceptance/non-judgement? Does your pose set out to resemble a glossy yoga magazine cover or instagram post? The answer is simply, “it depends.” Everybody comes to yoga for their own personal reasons and I have heard many common sentiments like finding internal balance and calm, greater flexibility and mobility, greater physical fitness, reduced anxiety, etc. All of these reasons are noble and valid and based on my experience, yoga can address these issues and quite a few more with great ease and success. Before one can venture into the realm of challenging yoga postures, a personal definition is required as to what a challenge infers. In a broad sense before any challenging pose can be attempted, assuming it is a posture encapsulating all if not more of the qualities mentioned in the first paragraph, the fundamental or foundational aspects of yoga require further review and introspection. This is where the multiple benefits of yoga begin to take root. A thorough examination of yoga philosophy can easily outline the potential challenges one may face while on the path of yoga and though there may be some value in identifying potential challenges, I prescribe taking a scientific approach to see what works and why and if not, how to make it work and/or accessible. If we were to specifically address the asana aspect of yoga, I would attest that two of the most challenging postures appear to be the simplest ones. When viewed from the outside, they seem to look incredibly simple. I would go so far as to say that if one can learn to master these two postures, they can master any one of the many yoga asanas that are available to be practiced.
So what are these two postures? They are Tadasana and Savasana; Mountain Pose and Corpse Pose. Savasana is essentially Tadasana when alternating the horizontal and vertical planes by changing the body’s relationship to gravity. Tadasana is a masterclass unto itself, as is Savasana. Specifically when referencing Tadasana, there is a lot going on for example, standing tall while pressing the feet into the ground equally, activating the same amount of muscular energy on the left side as well as on the right to bring about poise and perfection within the body, allowing the breath to flow smoothly in a deep yet relaxed manner, not leaning forward/back or to either side, ‘stacking’ the joints of the body to bring about a solid and stoic form to resemble that of attention. These are some of the cues to be aware of when practising this pose for a start. Below I have supplied a link via Yoga Journal and Yoga International outlining Tadasana from a workshop perspective. To truly benefit from the pose, I highly recommend practicing with a teacher so they can serve as feedback on your general posture and the execution of the pose. My personal preference is to seek out an Iyengar Yoga teacher as this lineage is founded on the principles of alignment, and the awareness that comes from this discipline will serve as a template for greater and deeper yoga practice. Essentially the Mountain Pose will inform the rest of your practice whether it is in a collection or flow of postures or simply static ones that change after a prescribed amount of breaths or time. Find a way of relating to Tadasana, to making minor adjustments internally and externally, through a constant and steady practice. Once Tadasana becomes familiar within the body, discover how Tadasana shows itself in other yoga postures. The arrangement of the body, breath, mind, intellect and spirit within Tadasana will easily translate to the myriad of yoga postures to practice leading ultimately to the final pose - Corpse Pose, where we learn to align the body only to ultimately surrender it; to let it go. Yoga reminds us that we are not our bodies. Our bodies are simply a vehicle for accentuation; the soul awareness within. When we can learn how to stand firm within the foundation of the body in Tadasana, we can learn how to skillfully and gracefully ground the body in Savasana, ultimately leading us to the realization of Yoga. Om Shri Gurubhyo Namaha
Monthly Movement By: Tanya Mouland Stomach Meridian The stomach meridian is associated with the earth element and the emotions of anxiety and stress. (It is paired with the spleen.) A balanced stomach meridian is great for the digestive system. Signs that the stomach meridian is out of balance: Tension in the jaw, or neck Poor digestion Stuffy nose Dry lips Headaches Anxiety and excessive worry Confusion Poor confidence
Tracing the Stomach Meridian: Tracing means to run 2-3 fingers along the meridian either gently touching the body/clothing or close to the body. Meridians run bilaterally and use the left hand and right hand together, at the same time. Stimulating a blocked stomach meridian: 1. Gently place 2 or 3 fingers at the starting point of the meridian, just below the eyes, on the cheekbones. 2. Trace down the face to the jaw, across the jaw, in front of the ears, to the hairline/top of forehead. 3. Continue tracing down the face, neck, to the collarbone. 4. Trace outward across the collarbone, down the front of the torso, down the legs, to the end of the 2nd toe. 5. Repeat 3-6 times. Sedating an over-energized stomach meridian: 1. Gently place 2-3 fingers at the end of the meridian, at the tip of the second toe. 2. Trace up the meridian in reverse to finish under the eyes. 3. Repeat 3-6 times. Note: the technique and information is for educational purposes. This is in no way a diagnosis or prescription for any reader.
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