Energi Magazine - Issue 5

JAN 2021 • ISSUE 5

EVERYTHING IS ENERGI

Changing The Voice In Your Head HEALING YOUR THROAT CHAKRA

COACHING YOUR HOUSE TO CLARITY

5 crystals to help balance your throat chakra MEAL PLAN FOR YOUR THROAT CHAKRA

Welcome to 2021

January Affirmations Throat Chakra

I freely and safely express my truth to myself and others

I love knowing and feeling the freedom of being my true self

I communicate with myself and others with love and compassion

I choose to know what is true for me and connecting with my authentic self.

I clearly communicate my honest feelings, desires, and intentions, with ease

I speak with awareness, and listen with awareness and allow space for others to do the same.

Healing Crystals FOR

YOUR

THROAT

CHAKRA

Turquoise Helps allow you to express your thoughts Stabilizes mood swings Helps soothe sore throats

Lapis Lazuli Promotes communication Stimulates self-expression Encourages creativity Supports mental clarity

Amazonite Promotes emotional balance Protects against negative emotions Calms your nervous system

Aquamarine Clears the mind Encourages honesty Helps you connect with hidden emotions Reduces stress Calms high tempers

Sodalite Confidence boosting Calming Boosts your immune system Balances your metabolism Treats throat and vocal cords

FEEDING YOUR THROAT CHAKRA By: Aria de Lima

Breakfast: Blueberry Pancakes (makes 4-6 pancakes) In a large bowl, mix together 3/4 cups of milk, 2 tbsp melted butter, and 1 egg. Then add in 1 cup flour, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp of baking powder, 1/2 tsp of baking soda, 1/2 tsp of salt. Melt butter to grease the pan at medium heat.

Scoop about ⅓ cup of batter and pour onto the pan. Drop blueberries onto the pancake. When you start to see bubbles popping on the pancake, flip it and cook the other side until brown. Top with butter and maple syrup and enjoy!

Lunch: Blueberry salad with lemon dressing In a small bowl, mix together 2 tbsp of lemon juice, 2 tbsp of balsamic vinegar, and 3 tbsp of olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. In a large bowl, mix together baby spinach, blueberries, toasted almonds, toasted walnuts and feta cheese. Pour dressing on top and toss.

Snack: Apple sauce Slice 3 large apples and place them in a large pot on medium heat. Mix in ¼ cup of sugar, 1 tbsp of cinnamon, and ½ cup of water. Stir until apples are soft. Pour mixture into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

Let it cool and enjoy!

Dinner: Honey and sesame chicken stir fry Mix together ¼ cup of water,vegetable stock or chicken stock, ¼ cup of honey, ¼ cup of soy sauce, salt and pepper to taste, 2 tbsp of sesame seeds, 1 tbsp of sesame oil, and chili flakes to taste (optional). Cut chicken into cubes and place in a medium pan on medium heat. Pour the mixture on top of the chicken and cook until chicken is cooked all the way through. Serve with white rice for a delicious lunch.

Dessert: Herbal Tea Soothing foods and beverages are a great way to help heal and balance your throat chakra. Try pairing your favourite sweet treat with a nice warm herbal tea. Chamomile, rose, blueberry, mint...whatever you want!

Mediumship...what is it all about?

By Kerrie Feener

Let’s first address the biggest misconception: A medium and psychic are the same thing. My answer to this is no, they are not the same. Mediumship is the connection of a physical person to a spirit or soul crossed over to the other side. A psychic is connecting to the person they are with. I get asked this often and it’s an easy answer. A psychic reads mind to mind, and a medium reads mind to spirit. A psychic helps you by tapping into your mind and higher self to give advice on the future or issues you’re going through.

When you sit with a medium, are there some thoughtful suggestions on what is going on in your life and how to deal with it? Absolutely. However, they aren’t coming from you or the medium; they’re being sent from spirit on the other side. These messages are being delivered through the medium from your loved ones who have crossed over.

I don’t always get into my career when I first meet someone, but when I do there are an onslaught of questions. They always ask if I can shut “it” off or if every time I’m around people am I flooded with messages, if anyone can do it, are you afraid to see spirits walking around, and then there’s the dreaded “what do you do when someone is a skeptic?”

So let me take these one at a time. Am I constantly flooded with messages when I’m around people and can I “shut it off?” The short answers are no and yes! I don’t walk around opened up and ready to deliver messages at a moment's notice. I have a process for opening up and only do so when I am going to read for someone. If people walked around like Long Island Medium all of the time in stores, how would anyone get anything done? Trust me, spirit is always around.

If there is an opportunity to come through, they will take it! So when I run daily errands, I leave myself in “out of office” mode. As much as I love bringing people love filled messages, I can’t keep energies high constantly. I would burn out.

When you hear mediumship do you think ghosts, spirits, and moving objects? So many questions, and such varied answers. Well, some of that is involved but it’s not just that. Mediumship is so much more. It is a trained skill and ability which I firmly believe anyone can learn to do. In this piece I hope to help answer some questions you may have, and maybe even some you hadn’t thought of.

When I want to chanel or sit with someone for a reading, spirit now knows how I open up and when I’m ready to work. I have the same ritual each and every time; a song I listen to, prayer I say, then I’m open for business. It’s something I was taught and I teach each of my students to do so they can enjoy this career for a long time without the burn out many have in this line of work. Boundaries with spirit are key.

The second most asked question is about seeing or hearing “ghosts” all of the time. I will often refer them back to the first question, not staying open all of the time. This allows a medium to have set periods of time where they work and have time to themselves. While we do serve spirit first in the work we do, it’s also ok for us to be closed down for periods of time to recharge without interruption. It’s so important not to over do it, so you can deliver the most amazing messages when you are open and working.

Back to the fear. I have done this professionally for over eight years now, so I am not afraid to see and hear spirit.

Usually with a skeptic there are a lot of “no’s” as I bring through evidence of who I’m talking with. I have one example in particular which always sticks in mind. A woman whose body language just read, “I don’t know why I’m here.” I knew up front I was in for a tough one. I brought through a bunch of fabulous pieces she acknowledged and then the kicker was a birthday cake/candles. I saw it clear as Secondly, if you focus too much on being scared, it a bell and kept asking if a birthday was close. She will block spirit from coming through at all. This can gave a resounding “no.” The way spirit works, for be a real doozy to overcome, and something which me, is the vision won’t go away until I deliver the takes many mediums a while to work through. With piece of information and it’s validated by the sitter. I proper guidance and learning, you can clear out and continued to try to figure it out. I asked if she was remove any blocks you have. Overall, I feel the sure there wasn’t a birthday near, since it felt so blessing of bringing through those first few (but close to us. Finally, after many minutes of me trying really any and all) messages of love from the other to deliver in any way, she said, “well, my niece just side, immediately removing my bits of fear I initially had a baby.” Um, no disrespect, but that is a darn had when opening up. birthday in my book. I always say, spirit never wastes a word. What they deliver means something, we just have to figure out what.

Having said that, I’m not going to lie and say I wasn’t a bit nervous in my first development circle. I was. As I learned, I realized fear has a double side to it. It can both block your abilities and it also invites what you don’t want. When you focus on the fear, it attracts more of it, so trying to clear it out is very important.

I always have believed and taught to not be put off by a no from a sitter, but to look at it as a chance for you to bring through more information to them, helping them see what spirit is trying to say. Nine times out of ten, they realize what the message is.

I could talk about this all day. Mediumship is amazing, and I feel grateful everyday to have this ability. If you are not familiar with the modality, do look into it more. It’s worthwhile and really a beautiful way to show and prove the continuity of life.

The next piece I’m often asked about is, what to do if you are faced with a skeptic? I can say first hand, this can be a very difficult and sometimes frustrating situation. But I truly believe in spirit and the messages so much, I’m always willing to take on a skeptic for a reading. Are they my favorite to sit with every time? Nope. Though I am always up for the challenge.

Kerrie Feener is the owner of Karma Cleansing Spiritual School. She is a mentor for aspiring mediums to fully embrace and grow their gifts with confidence. Kerrie has been working as a medium for 8 years and lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two sons. To find out more about Kerrie, visit her website at www.karmacleansing.com.

THE FULL MOON IN CANCER By: Savita Moon Child

This full moon will be ending with a reminder of family. Cancer is ruled by the moon, seated in her power and returning to her favourite place- “home.” The power is about connecting to our feelings, intuitions, and instincts. We may feel overly sensitive at this time and may experience an ebb and flow in our emotions. Our intuition is heightened, giving us all the guidance we need to take our next step. These emotions are resurfacing for a reason and we will not be able to hide under the Cancer full moon.

Whatever feelings we have been suppressing or avoiding will resurface for us to reevaluate, deal with, and learn from, once and for all. Wherever there is discomfort, there is growth and an opportunity to create change. This moon allows us to reflect on emotions that may be triggered by certain people and situations.

Where we are feeling stagnant, filter through why and what could be changed.

This is a great time to work with our inner reflections and emotions, noting down how we feel and why we feel that way to get to the root of the matter of where these emotions come from. Cancer is not a sign for small talk and will want to get to the core of the heart, the centre of the matter, discovering truths and finally allowing lasting healing.

Cancer represents the mother energy and is associated with home and family. Some of us cannot be with our nearest and dearest at this time, leaving us feeling frustrated, alone, and unsettled. Chiron will be squaring the moon and the sun in the sign of Aries, bringing a feeling of loneliness or not being supported by our environment. If we are separated from our loved ones this holiday, remember we are always connected through the heart, the Universe, and the internet to stay connected to one another too. We are never alone! We are ‘al-one.’

“Chiron, known as the wounded healer, represents the power we all have to rise up from our wounds and turn them into powerful sources of healing.” ForeverConcious.com

Chiron connects our inner and outer world, allowing for us to heal from past issues and feelings of vulnerability. Look at these feelings as strengths rather than weaknesses. Speaking our truths and opening our hearts to one another will help us with new discoveries to rebuild trust. Chiron also reminds us that we do not need to prove ourselves to anyone; we can just be. So be ourselves!

When we are feeling vulnerable this moon asks us to take care of our inner home, our heart, our mind, our body, and our soul. Ensure that we embrace change and be there for ourselves. This moon encourages us to set gentle boundaries and to make necessary changes in order to put our own needs first and focus on self-love and self-care. When we start with ourselves, we are then able to take care of others around us - remember we cannot pour from an empty cup! It is important to be present with ourselves, what we need, and how we nurture ourselves and our home in preparation to create a strong foundation.

This year has been somewhat challenging, but it is imperative that we look back on what we have gained or have been gifted. The Cancer Full Moon is in a harmonious angle with the planet Uranus, known as the Great Awakener. This can indicate shake up; a surge of exciting energy overthrowing established attitudes and beliefs that no longer serve us. This will propel us towards our next opportunity for growth and clarity where things must change. It is vital to do your inner work. Rest and play to be in our best possible state.

Changes are inevitable. Let go of expectations and things that we no longer want to take with us into the new year and our new chapter.

Ask yourself the following: What old emotional beliefs can finally be released?

What lessons have we learnt this year?

How have we grown?

What discoveries have we made?

What is not working for us anymore?

What are the new opportunities in our life?

How can we focus and visualize the action of what we want in the now to move forward?

How can we bring ourselves closer to those we interact with?

Tapping into this moon…

1. Write a list on all the things you would like to change in your current circumstances. Plan on how you could do this.

2. Cancer is associated with home, so use this full moon to clear and cleanse your home of things you no longer need or that may have been hoarded over the years. Use Sage or Palo Santo to cleanse the energies in your space.

3. Open your heart and let down your protection guard for fear of not wanting to be weak or vulnerable.

Allow this moon to gently shed your shell.

4. Do not expect what we have been conditioned to know. This is a time to question our decisions.

5. Trust others’ decisions, respecting our differences with others, and what we are learning from our differences.

This full moon is highlighting what needs to be done in order to set you up to a good start for the new year.

Use Uranus to empower yourself, get creative, move in a new direction, and try something you have never tried before. Rewards come when you reach out to new experiences, new opportunities, new relationships, and new ways to attract abundance into your life. This is exactly what the Universe wants for you. Take the time at the Cancer full moon to ground yourself, finding balance between our emotional needs and our responsibilities of what we want to create in our world for the new year.

Try saying these affirmations under the full moon.

“My home is my heart.”

“My past is behind me; I reside in the present.”

“I trust others and I trust myself.”

Happy New Year

Savita Moon Child is a practising Astrologer and Intuitive Tarot Reader from London, England. She has been intrigued by Astrology and The Tarot from a very young age, as it runs in her family, having two grandmothers; one was a Clairvoyant and the other still a Yoga Director and teacher of the Satyananda Yoga Centre in London for over fifty years. “No wonder why I am drawn to both studies” she said. Savita Moon Child tuned into her spiritual path in 2015 at the age of 35 and hasn't stopped practicing ever since. Her approach to Astrology and The Tarot is to provide a positive, insightful, and meaningful experience to guide and enlighten the collective and each client. To learn more about Savita Moon Child, follow her on Facebook and Instagram at @SavitaMoonChild

Changing your words By: Aria de Lima

The power of words is something that is easily overlooked. Everyday each of us use thousands of words on the regular to communicate. While we commonly associate the use of words with our communication with others, we also use the same words to communicate with ourselves. Just for a moment, consider the millions of thoughts you have in a day. From the moment you open your eyes you are essentially talking to yourself. It may not be out loud (maybe it is), but you definitely do it. The words that you choose to use to talk to yourself and others greatly impact your energetic stance on everything you do. By adjusting your language, you are able to change your energetic frequency. This may help not only with the way you feel about certain aspects or activities in your life, but may also enhance the positive impact your daily activities have on your life in general. Here are some words and phrases to try adding into your vocabulary in 2021.

I get to...

Think about the words you use when you're talking about doing chores or activities that you don’t really want to do. They probably sound something like, ‘I have to go to work/school’ or ‘I need to cook dinner.’ Saying that you need to or have to do something insinuates that what you are about to do is mandatory and sets the tone as something you don’t want to do. Instead try saying, ‘I get to go to work’ and ‘I get to cook dinner.’

This small adjustment changes the activities from being something you are required to do, into something that you appreciate being able to do. Being able to go to work means that you have a job to go to and money to support you and your family. The opportunity to cook dinner means that you are blessed with food to cook and a place to cook it.

I want to...

Similarly to the previous phrase, another common thing we may find ourselves saying is ‘I should.’ Again, these words make it sound as if what you are about to do is not something you want to do. However, the reason why you feel you “should” do it is because you know that you will get a positive outcome in the end. If you should go to the gym, it is because you know you are making your body stronger. If you should work on your paper, it is because starting now will reduce the chances of you stressing and rushing to get it finished right before the deadline. Instead try using ‘I want to.’ This acts as a reminder that what you are doing is going to positively impact you.

What am I learning from this?

When things get a little crazy and overwhelming, it’s easy to ask yourself “why is this happening to me?” or, “why do bad things always happen to me?” This question is in fact a step in the right direction, as it is an act of reflection. However, the focus should be more on the positive outcome and what you are learning. Instead of saying “why does this always happen to me?” when you are rushing to make a deadline and your computer decides to shut down for no reason, consider that maybe if you had started earlier instead of procrastinating, you would have more time. While it is important to know that sometimes the universe creates moments that we can’t really explain, it is important that we reflect on them and discover what we learned.

New Years Evolutions By: Andrea Sipcic

Another year, another set of New Year’s resolutions. I’m sure many of us know at least one person who has gotten memberships to the gym, yoga classes, exercise and diet programs, with the strong intent to fully embrace the “new them” in the new year. That’s also when activity and participation is at its peak. Come January 1st, gyms are packed, people’s refrigerators are filled with fruits and vegetables, and planners are being bought and colour coded like a sixth grade art project. Then we see what typically happens come February; it all slows down, many people “fall off the wagon,” and quit on their resolutions, deeming themselves to have “failed.”

This topic was discussed in our previous month’s issue, titled “From Resolution to Evolution.” So we understand why this happens and how to change our mindsets around this approach to yield us greater experiences instead of continuously finding ourselves in these pitfalls. I believe one of the most important points to make here is that if we are truly wanting to be on a path of evolution, that path is continuous, sustainable, and never ending. This means our resolutions or goals are something we work on and grow with all year round, instead of counting down the new year before we start to make any changes.

So now we want to look at some specific, common examples and some steps in possibly approaching them differently.

First consider if you’re someone who has had the same resolutions more than once, or several times over the course of your life. This means you’ve created a pattern. It will almost come automatic to you to follow through with the same mindset and steps as you’ve always taken. So knowing this, you can take the opportunity to change your mindset approach right off the bat, and know what you really want to have/be/do that will be enjoyable and beneficial to you on a mind, body, spirit level. You also likely have a pretty good idea of what doesn’t work, so that has provided lots of clarity.

This change in mindset and direction may be the first, most crucial part to address. It is often the most challenging and “scary” to most people.This is the most common reason people avoid seeking deeper understandings of their goals

Here is an example of a Resolution Evolution Goal: Lose weight

and pitfalls, and go straight to the more common, popular courses of action. While the latter can be part of it for sure, addressing the deeper, underlying issues can then pave the way for you to move forward.

This approach and change of focus is actually how you may want to consider looking at making most new goals. By digging deeper and asking “the right questions,” you can get to the root of it and address it from there, allowing the transition and change to happen with a lot more ease and joy.

Old, go-to approach and mindset Cut out all these foods, restrict, restrict, restrict, only eat these other foods Hit the gym/exercise classes 6 days a week, even if I hate it This is the one and only way to reach my goal, and it has to take sacrifices and a certain level of torture, battling, and will power to obtain it

Some very common resolutions or goals include eliminating addictions, furthering our careers, spending more time with

It’s mostly because of the food that I am overweight

family, and so much more. Ultimately, it comes down to the very under-addressed cause of what is preventing you from achieving your goal. Once we are willing and wanting to look

Possible questions to address

at and address the root causes that exist, the changes come

What is the underlying motive I have

with so much more flow and most importantly, are

that causes me to overindulge with

sustainable.

food?

What does food do for me?

Also a very important part to consider, especially ahead of

How does it make me feel when I

time, is to ensure you are not too hard on yourself, deciding

overindulge?

in your mind what you should be, have, or be able to do, by a

What does food represent to me?

certain time and in a certain way, especially compared to

Why am I holding on to this weight?

anyone else. Being compassionate, patient, and loving

Is there something I’m resisting to

towards yourself as you make the efforts towards your goals

address?

and evolution, is key. Understand and honour where you are at, the time you may need, and the healing that may likely need to take place.

New Approach See food as nourishment for your body and as something you do that’s enjoyable

Andrea Sipcic is one of the main journalists at Energi Magazine. She continues to search for ways to dedicate her life to helping others and is a strong believer in the mind, body, spirit community. As a valuable member to the Energi Magazine family, Andrea contributes to the magazine as not only a writer, but also as a Director of Administrative services.

Start developing a healthy relationship with food Appreciate your body as it is instead of judging it Change your mindset from “I need to lose weight” to “I’d like to be healthy and take care of my body” Find ways to move your body that you enjoy, such as walking, cycling, dancing, strength training, rollerblading, or yoga.

Here is a list of key questions you can ask yourself even before you start to implement any changes and take action: What do I really want?

Why do I want it?

What do I believe I will have or be if I achieve it?

Is obtaining it and the way I’m obtaining it truly beneficial to my life and will it evolve my mind, body, and spirit?

YES

NO

Is my happiness contingent upon having it?

YES

NO

Am I ready and have I prepared myself to make this change or have this and sustain it?

YES

NO

Monthly Movement The Owl By: Tanya Mouland

The Owl is a gentle and easy-to-do exercise that releases tension from the shoulders, jaw and neck. A wonderful exercise to open the throat for expression, and to improve listening.

How to do The Owl 1. Sitting comfortably, both feet resting on the floor.

2. Grasp the top of the shoulder muscle (belly of the trapezius) with the opposite hand.

3. Squeezing the muscle, inhale and turn your head to look over one shoulder.

4. Exhale, making an owl’s OOHHH sound aloud as you turn your head to look over the other shoulder.

5. Inhale.

6. Exhale, making an owl’s OOHHH sound as you turn your head to look over the first shoulder.

7. Inhale 8. Repeat 2 or 3 more sets.

9. Switch shoulder and hand.

10. Repeat # 4-8 on that side.

Variations: 1. Do The Owl standing.

2. Do different vowel sounds 3. Do with a partner. One person sits, the other stands behind. The person in the back grasps the shoulder muscles (trapezius) of the person sitting. Person sitting does steps #4-8 from above. Partners switch places.

Benefits: 1. Increases range of motion to turn head left and right.

2. Enhances listening skills, binaural hearing.

3. Improves quality of speech.

4. Lengthens muscles in the shoulders, neck, and jaw.

5. Boosts memory.

www.wiserootstherapies.com @wiserootstherapies @wiserootstherapies

Premadasa Gangadeen www.playuyoga.com @premadasa108

What is a HOUSE COACH? By: Anja Lavigne

When we think about self care, people often turn their focus to the body. The contents of grocery carts change, exercising becomes a priority, and crystals fill the bottom of our purses, briefcases, and backpacks. In addition, t is no secret that our environment is also heavily connected to our energy and state of mind.

However, when it comes to the space around us, sometimes we just don’t know what to do or what will work best for us. This is where a House Coach comes into play.

Read More

What is a House Coach?

A house coach helps individuals or households to improve their living space. No matter where you live, if it is a studio apartment or a 5 bedroom home, your home should be your sanctuary, your oasis, a place of reprieve. A house coach assists you with achieving that goal through the interior design, functionality, and the energy of your home.

Why is Your Home Important?

Your home is your safe haven. It is a place to recharge and rest. Your home is a reflection of you; how you take care of yourself and the other members in your household. The home is where the heart is. Maintaining your home begins with the roots, creating a space that is clutter free, organized, and functional. Environment is everything — it is key. When we have respect for our home and we love the space we are in, then our home is there to support us. When you do not give your home the attention it needs, you are blocking that creative flow that helps to manifest health, wealth, and relationships. When your space is out of order, your brain can feel chaotic and overwhelmed, which can lead to negative emotions, depression, and illness.

How do I Know if I Need a House Coach?

You are the CEO of your home. There are times in our lives that we need a helping hand with our space. You may need design expertise to create a space that you’ll love. You might have just bought a new place, or you might be downsizing and feel stuck on what you need to let go of. You may have just ended a relationship and can sense the energy of your space is sad and stagnant. There are so many situations in our lives that can trigger the need for a change. We are all talented in many areas, but some of us aren’t with our home — and that’s okay. Working with a House Coach will help you get your home to where it needs to be. Transforming your space will transform your life, so you can live to your highest potential.

What Does the House Coach Process Look Like?

We always begin with a video consultation or a phone call, to pinpoint together where you are needing guidance. I walk you through the various packages that I offer through my website, or we customize according to your needs. I take you through my “Design, Functionality, and Energy” process, encouraging you and inspiring you on the best approach for your unique situation. We can then work together virtually or in person. You don’t need to know how to do it all yourself all the time.

Is There a Difference Between a House Coach and a House Organizer?

A House Coach works together with the client, teaching, guiding, putting together an action plan, and supporting the follow-through to create results that are forever impactful. A House Coach dives deep into the why behind the upset in your home: What are the causes? What are your habits? What needs to be addressed? They help you master the process of organizing your home and identifying future problems. You learn the art of your own space, changing you and your home forever.

What Can I Expect to be Different After My House has been “Coached?”

You will experience a transformation. You will be part of creating a home that you are happy to be in — a home that you truly love. You will feel more spacious, light, and airy. You will notice a difference with the energy of your physical space, which plays a direct role in your mindset.

What Physical Benefits Will I Experience?

Your home will feel more cohesive and more relaxing. You will begin to have more time to do whatever it is that you love doing. You will feel motivated when you see that there aren't always tasks waiting for you. You will create a space designed with intention, detail, comfort, and style.

You will begin to live a more abundant life. You will be healthier, with more vitality, and experience weight loss and better sleep. You will be more aware of your money patterns, finding more money directly and indirectly. You will build stronger bonds in your relationships. The space that you create reflects the space within, so when you restore your environment, you restore yourself.

What Emotional and Mental Benefits Will I Experience?

The space we live in can be so powerful and have ripple effects on every aspect of our lives.

Removing the blocks that keep us stuck and in the past allows us to move forward and live in the present. When we are present, we are more open to what is in front of us. You will feel less stress, less frustration, and more motivation. Being in a space that you love will make you more confident and change your outlook on life.

What Spiritual Benefits Will I Experience?

You will instantly feel the energy shift in your space and within yourself, producing a remarkable positive change that gives you more peace, connection, and love. Clearing away negative feelings and wiping away lingering stress, you will be able to connect with the foundation of your home, set new intentions, and give and receive gratitude more freely. You will create a fast track to manifestation, raising the level of the vibration in you and in your home.

Conscious connection for couples By: Lisa Brenner

Do you remember the moment you met your partner?

Can you picture it? What do you see/hear/smell/feel?

Maybe your heart was racing, you felt nervous and were sweating, or maybe you felt tingly all over like there was magic afoot. Maybe you were excited and couldn’t stop smiling! Were you inside or outside, alone or with friends? Try to conjure up as much as you can remember about that moment and really feel into it. Take a minute to sit quietly, take a deep breath, relax your shoulders and your jaw, and close your eyes. As you sit and breathe, pull all of those memories forward and really feel them inhabiting all of your being until you are vibrating with them. Take another deep, slow breath, and as you exhale, feel your energy extending down into the earth, rooting you and the vibration of those memories together.

How did that feel for you? Were you able to recall the exact moment you knew you had found your person?

Could you put yourself back into that space and use all of your senses to bring that memory back into your body? When I do this exercise I feel very calm and grounded and can feel the deep connection between my partner and I. The strong energetic flow that brought us together, and all of the love that fills my heart to bursting.

It can be difficult to keep these feelings in the forefront as we get caught up in the day-to-day busyness of our lives; our jobs, household tasks, children‌there is always something to do or somewhere to be! The days quickly slip by, and often our relationships with our loved ones are put on the back burner as a result.

So how do we maintain an intimate, loving connection with our partner as we go about our daily activities?

The following list provides some simple tools that can help deepen intimacy and strengthen the bond you have with your partner. With all of the below suggestions, it is helpful to ground your own energy before connecting with your partner. There are different ways of doing this. The simplest method is to close your eyes, relax your body, inhale deeply, and as you exhale send your breath down your body and out through your feet. This helps to calm the nervous system, grounding and centering your energy to keep you focused on the here and now. From this place you will be able to give your partner your undivided attention, bringing intentional loving awareness into all of your interactions within your relationship.

30 second hug - Hugs help build feelings of trust and safety, and can promote open and honest

Lisa is an Ayurveda Spa Specialist,

communication. Making sure your hearts are

Pre and Post Natal Yoga Teacher,

pressed together, hold each other tightly for at least

and a Postpartum Doula. She is

30 seconds.

passionate about caring for birthers

Kissing - Take time for a slow, deep kiss before

during the Sacred Window

asking how each other’s day went. Give each other

of postpartum, and educating others on how to care for

a kiss before leaving the house, upon arriving

the new families in their lives. Lisa lives in Kitchener

home, and before going to bed each night.

Ontario, Canada with her partner and 3 children. For

Eye gazing - Sit quietly and look into each other’s

more information about Lisa, visit her website at

eyes for a few moments. This can be done while

www.wiserootstherapies.com

holding hands, sitting facing each other, or lying down together in bed.

Massage - Giving your partner a massage with intentional loving touch can be so healing for both of you. Buy a nice massage oil, light some candles, and really go slow as you explore your partner’s body. You could massage the hands, feet, head, or full body! Make sure you allow time for both partners to give and receive.

Say I love you - Share these 3 simple words with your partner every day. It feels good to hear these words from the person you love!

If you’re interested in diving deeper into conscious connection, I am offering a 4-week workshop series starting this month in Guelph, Ontario. This series will also be offered as an online course coming soon! Each session has a main theme and incorporates different massage practices, breath practices, energy work, partner poses, and meditation.

Let's Talk About the Throat Chakra By" Andrea Sipcic

The throat chakra, or Vishuddha (meaning pure or purification), is the fifth major chakra found in the area of the throat, jaw, neck, mouth, and thyroid. It is represented by the colour blue and predominantly governs communication, self-expression, and speaking your truth to both yourself and others. Furthermore, it is also related to your ability to speak from your heart and mind with clarity and to listen with compassion.

How to know when our throat chakra is out of balance Common causes, signs, and symptoms of an imbalanced throat chakra include: Not expressing yourself with ease and clarity Being afraid of saying what you really feel and want and sometimes lying about it Not having a balance between listening and speaking (commonly over talking and not enough listening) Inability to speak up and stand up for yourself Not setting reasonable boundaries for yourself Not admitting your truths to yourself or others Sore throat or laryngitis Jaw pain or grinding your teeth Neck pain or stiffness

Ways to balance your throat chakra If you sense your throat chakra is out of balance, here are some easy ways to bring it back into balance: Practice silent mediation Sing, chant, or simply listen to a mantra specific to balancing/clearing the throat chakra Listen to uplifting music you enjoy Use crystals connected to the chakra Practice speaking up to yourself and others and speaking your truth Create balance between speaking and listening Repeat uplifting affirmations for the throat chakra, spoken out loud, in your head, or written (see our throat chakra affirmations here)

Say It! By: Chris Lee There is a common misnomer that men are “simple” beings. If you’ve bought into that myth then you may believe that men’s only needs are food, shelter, and sex. Don’t buy into that guys! We are complex creatures that are a reflection of the Divinity from which we emanate. As complex Divine beings we have needs that extend beyond the basics of shelter, food, sleep, and sex.

You may need to tune in to re-acclimating yourselves with these needs and desires. Many things tie back to our childhood, the positive and the negative. As children, many of us were closest to our true authentic selves as vibrant, hopeful youngsters.

During that time I remember how happy and fulfilled I was. The main source of that fulfillment was my friendship with other males my age. My best friends were the Cooper boys. We lived two blocks from each other and we were inseparable. We’d spend nearly every day together playing sports, making up games, and random mischief. That camaraderie felt great. As men, we still very much need that.

For many of us guys, the isolation of the pandemic has shone a light on how much we’ve deviated from our true selves and our male friendships. Most women are gregarious by nature which lends itself to forming supportive friendships. Most men though have sacrificed, or more accurately abandoned, their need for male companionship for the pursuit of other things...like sex and money.

Detroit native Chris Lee tells compelling stories in front of a microphone behind a camera and with a pen. As an author, a speaker, and a documentary filmmaker, Chris uses his films and books to awaken people's ability to improve their lives through knowledge of self. For more information about Chris Lee, follow him on Instagram at @chris_leeinc

Ahh, looks like many of us may have bought into the myth after all!

It seems that some of us may have confused pleasure with fulfillment. Most, if not all of us, have unfulfilled needs that we try and satisfy in other ways. We yearn for intimate friendships, a sense of belonging, and a sense of connections. We need to get in touch with those needs and express them. Our friends and significant others can help if they know what our needs are, but the main person that needs to hear those needs and desires is YOU. We get into a pattern of denying what we want and need. When we “say it” or acknowledge it, we are automatically moving toward it. There may be some resistance initially, but our subconscious mind is like a genie in a bottle that says, “Your wish is my command.” Whatever you choose to focus on, your powerful subconscious mind seeks to make it so. The first step to attract your desired outcome is to express it! Say it! Your throat chakra will thank you for it.

5 Tips for creating a High Vibrating Home In 2021 By: Anja Lavigne

1. Make a To Do List Get a 2021 Agenda just for your home. Schedule a one hour walk through your home and with the other CEO of your home. Grab your home agenda and go through your whole home, beginning with the front entrance. Setting a timer can help you stay on track.

If you have six rooms to go through, give yourself 10 minutes for each room. You can schedule two sessions if needed. Break your page into three sections.

Remove - you can make a list or have a quick discussion on what is not working in this space.

Repair - make a list of things that need attention and need to be fixed. At a later time put timelines in for when you want that repair to be completed by and all the steps that are needed.

Example: Call the upholster, set a time, etc. For all steps give a clearer vision on the task to be completed with more ease.

Re-Design - What would you like to do in this room to enhance the style? Once again, if it is replacing the headboard, begin looking at style ideas, furniture stores, get an understanding of price, and set-up your budget. Maybe you are going to set-up an area for saving the funds. You can give yourself six months to save and keep checking in every month.

Remove

Repair

Re-Design

2. Throw out everything in your home that is broken Keeping items that are broken and are not working can give off a low vibration and trigger emotions unconsciously. Get rid of stuff that cannot be used. It takes up valuable real estate space that is better served for something that is in use or just free space.

Example: Furniture that has been stored for repair and has been sitting there for months or even years.

Grab your home agenda and give yourself one more timeline to have it repaired and record it. If it is not complete by the deadline, remove it from the space.

Feng Shui philosophy believes that we should throw away broken objects, as they contribute to negative energy and block positive energy coming in.

3. Schedule a deep clean every quarter (January, April, July, and October) Cleanliness is vital and with COVID 19, this is especially important. Your home will be delighted with the detailed attention. Take this time to clean the walls, baseboards, lightfixtures, windows, etc. This is the time to address the activities that you don’t have time for during the weekly cleaning. This may require you to hire a crew of cleaning fairies or book off a couple days yourself. (You know it usually takes us longer to clean our home than a cleaning service.) This is part of maintenance, not luxury. Giving attention to cleaning dirt, grime, and dust removes the low vibration in our home and creates a higher frequency.

4. Create Luxury Adding a bit of luxury to each room makes us feel good about ourself, bringing us joy and into a state of love. Think about what small items can give you luxury. Some ideas may include: Putting a fancy soap or hand wash in the bathroom, adding an updated look with some cushions and a throw.

Putting fresh flowers in a vase, getting some green plants, hanging up a favourite print, or finally get that one from storage framed. You could also try a gallery wall, updating your bath towels and kitchen clothes or lighting a candle.

5. Write a Letter of Intention A journaling practice specifically for your home can fast track your manifesting results. This is a life changing practice. By energetically shifting pathways through the brain to the hand and onto the paper, you are creating action to new goals and desires. The connection between you and your home is so interconnected. Begin asking yourself, what do you desire for you in your home? Schedule a time and find a quiet place. Mediating before can also be very helpful. Light a candle, have your crystals around, and begin writing.

When writing, have clear intentions. Use descriptive action verbs and descriptive adjectives, writing in the present as if it is already happening.

Anja Lavigne is a House Coach from Toronto, Canada, who specializes in Modern Day Alchemy, Interior Design, Energy Cleansing, and Home Organization. She believes that when our homes are out of balance we are out of balance and encourages everyone to transform their space and transform their life. To learn more about Anja Lavigne, check out her website at www.anjahousecoach.com

Lack vs. Abundance How To Create An Abundance Mindset

eggplant instead, or purchasing chicken and expecting to make beef stew. Those ingredients cannot lead you to your desired dish. Similarly, starting out with a mindset of lack cannot lead you to experience abundance.

By: Priya Ali As we head into a New Year, many people decide to take stock of what they don’t have in their lives but desire to have. They then set out to acquire these missing pieces. Often they approach this task with a lack based mindset, which leads to a lack based plan of action, which usually leads to lack based results.

It’s kind of like setting out to cook spaghetti squash or beef stew. Imagine attempting to cook spaghetti squash but purchasing an

When you set out to create a meal, you focus on the ingredients, the prep work, the cooking steps, and finally, the moment of consumption. When creating abundance you want to look at what ingredients are required for you to feel abundant. It’s like looking for a recipe.

You browse through a few, until you find the one that excites you. These are like choosing different ways to create abundance.

It’s also important to see the world from a mindset of abundance. Some clients will ask me, “how can I see the world from a mindset of abundance when I’m broke?” You can look at how much abundance is around you.

Maybe it’s an abundance of trees in your neighbourhood, or cars in the parking lot, an abundance of fresh produce as you walk through the supermarket, an abundance of flowers in the summertime. The idea is to focus on abundance rather than money.

When you do this, you activate a vibration of abundance and yes, financial abundance is included. When you focus on lack, you activate a vibration of lack and yes, financial lack is included.

It may not change the numbers in your bank account the next day, but you will definitely begin to see abundance trickle in more and

more, and flow to you more and more when you operate from an abundance mindset.

So the next time someone asks you, “Do you see the glass half empty or half full?”, you can let them know that you see an abundance of water that is always flowing.

Priya is a third generation intuitive healer and psychic medium. She lives in Burington, Ontario, Canada with her husband, four children and four fur babies. Priya, the founder of Living 365, has also led a successful coaching practice alongside her healing practice. For the past 15 years, she has coached thousands of clients through personal development, business, and relationships. Priya’s passion is to teach people to live their joy and uses the power of love and clarity to move them through illusions and shift into awareness.

She is the creator of the Energi crystal infused water bottle and recently launched a Law of Attraction Pop Album, Raise Your Vibe. To book a reading/healing or apply to be coached by Priya, visit her website at www.living365wellness.love.

THE THROAT CHAKRA BY: PREMADASA GANGADEEN

There is a tremendous power that we have access to

as the bridge between the ground on which the

when we learn, trust, and tap into our creativity, our

body stands firm and the more subtle elements of

expression, and most importantly our voice. When we

air and ether. The next successive chakra known

can give voice or expression to the creativity that

as ajna is the seat of consciousness capable of

comes from within, we exist in the present moment in

tuning in to higher frequencies or vibrations

a completely authentic way. To show up authentically

beyond the physical senses and its location is

is to give rise to the energy that we open ourselves up

situated in line with the forehead centre at the

to as we’re in closer alignment with truth. The pursuit

centre of the skull placed above the throat.

of yoga practice culminates in a state known as

Consider vishuddha chakra at the throat as the

satchidananda, a compound word in Sanskrit loosely

gateway to higher consciousness.

translated as truth/consciousness-awareness/bliss.

This state once attained gives the practitioner the

The process of tuning in to our truth, by allowing

opportunity to experience a sensation beyond words

the body to emit a sound vibration, or by

or concepts and is more commonly known as samadhi

expressing creativity is allowing the practitioner to

or self-realization. The more one enters into this state,

remove any blockages which would prevent the

the more that they want to revisit or remain there.

rising energy from within the spine otherwise known as kundalini energy toward the state of

Working through and/or clearing the chakras from the

samadhi. The power of sound has the power to

root up towards the crown will allow one to come

move, to influence, and to effect change. We have

closer to attaining this state as they become more

collectively seen signs of this over the year 2020

aligned with being a clear channel for the passage of

and the years leading up to it as long-standing

this energy required to ignite a higher and therefore

norms have been challenged either on a personal,

more subtle consciousness.

communal, or global level. All of the growing and various global activist movements throughout the

The area of the throat is highly sensitive and it serves

the years represent a dawning of truth, a

reclaiming of authentic being, and an ability to realign

Some techniques that one can use to bring focus

and harmonize with Nature.

and strengthening to the throat are as follows:

Study the yamas and niyamas of ashtanga yoga

Speaking one’s truth without censure or

philosophy. If one were familiar with the concept of the

intention to harm another

10 commandments, these first two limbs of this eight-

Feeling both feet firmly planted on the ground

limbed philosophical system encompass the main

when speaking, singing, sounding, or chanting

‘ingredients’ or behaviours required to realize the

Constant and continuous exploration of

greatest and most efficient success on the path of yoga.

creative expression

They are as follows: non-violence, truthfulness, non-

Certain yoga postures along the shape of

stealing, continence, non-hoarding, purity/cleanliness,

shoulder stand or plough, something which

contentment, self-study, steady and constant practice,

brings gentle stimulation to the thyroid gland

and surrender to a higher power or realm of awareness.

and gentle warmth to the throat

The observance of the yamas and niyamas will bring

The chanting of AUM on a daily basis for a

greater awareness and therefore a clearer opening of the

specific length of time at the approximate

chakras in a calm and balanced way leading up to the

same time of day, preferably in the morning

aforementioned delicate nature of the throat.

before engaging in conversation with others or beginning one’s daily routine - more on AUM below Protecting or covering the throat area from the external world Proper diet and nutrition in harmony with nature and ecology, a daily drink of warm lemon water mixed with honey in the morning, and non-smoking A daily practice of pranayama and meditation Wearing a blue gemstone or natural blue dyed garment close to the throat

We are all in the privileged position to be alive during this time of great transformation for the planet in terms of consciousness, expansion, and healing. We owe it to ourselves and those around

us to accept responsibility for our thoughts, words, and

AUM Chanting

deeds and the effect that we have on others. If we can

Sit comfortably either on a cushion on the

align with the principles of the yamas and niyamas,

floor or a chair with a straight spine.

authentic expression emerges naturally and we begin to

Inhale deeply through the nose slowly and

resonate at a higher vibration which encourages higher

count up from zero.

realization. Make an intentional positive sound and take

Exhale deeply through the nose slowly and

notice that a constant practice of that will ultimately

count down to zero. Extend into the timing of

produce an environment or field of a higher vibration

the breath comfortably.

which not only will benefit the practitioner but all those

Repeat steps 2 and 3 for 2-5 minutes.

who come into that practitioner’s circle of energy.

Inhale slowly and deeply through the nose.

On exhalation open the mouth wide and make

The following practice when done diligently will

an ‘AH’ sound, focus the sound as originating

eventually produce the effect where one can feel their

within the navel. As the mouth begins to

vibration throughout their body instead of the localized

close, make an ‘EW’ sound and feel it within

areas. Start with the localized areas of the navel, heart,

the heart. As the mouth closes completely,

and forehead centre and let the vibration emanate

make a ‘MA’ sound and feel it at the forehead

throughout the body. A smooth and controlled sound at

centre, between both eyebrows and the bridge

varying tones and volumes will strengthen and prepare

of the nose. Feel the vibration of your sound

the throat chakra to be more supportive of one’s overall

within your body at all times

spiritual growth.

Premadasa dipped his toe into the vast ocean of yoga in 1998, beginning his journey to explore the roots of his cultural heritage. He eventually came into contact with Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi which inspired him to create Pure Life Ayur Yoga (PLAY) which aims to educate, promote, and encourage total health and wellness through the practice of Yoga and Ayurveda. To learn more about Premadasa, visit his site at www.playuyoga.com

Test It Out! Pavoscreen Heated Eye Mask By: Priya Ali

allowing for the movement in the mask itself and as a result sometimes filtering light in. I have a small framed face, so it could be too small for other users with a larger or wider shaped facial structure.

As someone who has experienced sinus issues, headaches and eye strain, I decided to try the Pavoscreen Heated Eye Mask to ease my discomfort. I regularly wear an eye mask to sleep at night, so the experience of having an eye mask on was not new for me.

The mask comes with a USB cord that requires being plugged in for it to work. There is a control switch located on the USB cord allowing you to turn it on and off. The switch also allows you to regulate the temperature between 35, 40, 45, and 50 degrees, as well as set the time in increments of 10, 15, 20, or 30 minutes. The heating function automatically turns off after your desired time passes. The suggested timeframe for use is from 15 to 30 minutes.

I found the mask to be surprisingly warm yet comfortable in temperature. It is made of 100% cotton and with a zippered top.

The heating unit is inside the zippered casing, made of carbon fibre heating material and it has a firm but comfortable elastic band which stayed in place while I slept and until I removed the mask.

I found the warmth of the mask to be soothing and relaxing and always fell asleep before the timer went off. If I woke during the night I would put it back on and I liked that it heated up quickly.

The casing is comfortable and durable and if you remove the heating unit, it is washable. I did find the design a little bit small,

The one downfall for me is the USB power supply. It is a reasonably long cord but has disconnected at times when I turned, as it was on one side. Other than that I found the mask to be enjoyable and relaxing. I experienced relief from the sinus, headache, and eye fatigue symptoms and noticed I was falling asleep faster. The mask retails for $29.99 CDN and comes in blue, pink, black, and purple.

ANJA LAVIGNE

www.anjahousecoach.com @Anja.housecoach

WWW.MINDBLOOMEBOOKS.COM

@savitamoonchild @savitamoonchild savitamoonchild@gmail.com www.thesportoflife.ca

@thesportoflife

416-708-8714

tanya@thesportoflife.ca

HOW TO USE YOUR VOICE

By Andrea Sipcic

We often hear these phrases of encouragement, amongst others, urging us to speak up for ourselves, be heard, and express our real feelings. This can lead us to believe, aside from our potential awareness of our own hesitancies around this, that this is a very common issue that many face.

For a moment though, let’s actually look at the why. Why is it so hard for so many of us to express ourselves and what we’re really feeling?

Could it be that maybe we grew up in a family where this was not a common habit and no one really expressed their true feelings and intentions? Maybe if they tried to, it was usually coated with a rough layer of anger and hostility.

Or maybe we feel we will be judged for what our true feelings and desires are, based on the possibility of this having occurred in the past and not wanting to face ridicule? Perhaps we don’t speak up out of fear? Fear of what may happen or what outcome may result from this unveiling, or that our feelings are deemed “wrong”?

Do any of these possibilities strike as true for you? Wherever the reluctance is coming from though, know that you have the choice to change that if you wish; to move past any potential blocks stopping you from moving forward to freely expressing your truths.

While it is important to speak up and express yourself when needed, it is just as important to know when to do this, and when it is not of any benefit to either yourself or others. How we go about saying certain things is also very important.

To start off with some blunt honesty, not everyone cares about our opinions, especially concerning their life. Expressing ourselves freely and giving others our un-sought after opinions and perspectives, are two very different things. To put it simply, if someone wants our opinion, they will ask for it, especially if it’s regarding their life and life decisions. This also goes for the people we love and care most about. Sometimes the best thing we can do even for them is to keep our opinions to ourselves, and know that they will find their way.

The main way ‘speaking up’ in this kind of unsolicited manner is not beneficial is that a lot of times the other party is just not in a space to hear it. It’s like you are speaking to them about apples and they are hearing oranges. It tends to cause more harm than good, leading to potential confusion and anger, as good as your intentions may be. It can also lead to resentment on their part, and them feeling that they are being judged, as well as a great deal of misunderstanding, often from both sides.

Most importantly, before we start conveying any of our truths to anyone, we must first be ok and accepting of what those are for ourselves. This is by far the most important step, and oftentimes our biggest barrier to speaking up to others.

The goal here is to speak up when we know we need to; when it directly pertains to us, and especially when someone asks us something to do with us, what we think, and our feelings.

Knowing when to speak up and express ourselves is also an important way of honouring and respecting ourselves. Sometimes it may feel uncomfortable to do this, especially if it’s something we’re not used to, but like anything, it just takes practice to reach a certain level of ease with it.

Remind yourself that if someone is going to judge you, leave you, or think any less of you because you expressed yourself honestly, you can ask yourself, do you really want those people in your life in the way they currently are? Or it shows you their true colours so you can know with more clarity where they’re coming from and what they’re about.

Lastly, it is so vital that when we are expressing ourselves, what we think, feel, know, and what we stand for, that we do so with love and compassion. The way these expressions are received when doing so in this manner is extremely different than when not, causing a very different outcome, usually not to the benefit of anybody, and oftentimes just creating more havoc.

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EMPOWER YOUR THROAT CHAKRA WITH ESSENTIAL OILS By: Maleika Lacy

The throat chakra refers to not only the throat, but the jaw, neck, mouth, and thyroid. An imbalance can be in the form of neck discomfort, hormones, gossiping, difficulty expressing one’s true self, over talking and difficulty listening.

Let us explore three common life situations which affect the throat chakra and how you can use essential oils as a tool to ease the situation.

Public speaking: For many, public speaking is their biggest fear. The thought of standing in front of an audience, giving a class, recording a video, or going LIVE on so social media is enough to make one faint. Lucky for everyone there are amazing essential oils that can be used to boost confidence and promote ease of speech. The next time you must speak publicly or virtually try using all three of these essential oils right before you start.

Balance/Grounding Blend – This unique blend harmonizes and balances our emotions. Apply to pulse points and behind the ear to ease anxious feels.

Lavender – Also known as the oil of communications because of its ability to calm our insecurities and encourage emotional honesty. It insists that we speak our innermost thoughts and desires, thus expressing our true self. To use before public speaking simply apply 1-2 drops directly to the throat.

Spearmint – This essential oil promotes confidence in verbal expression, especially when speaking in front of groups of people. You can use this by applying 1-2 drops directly to the throat as well as a drop on the tongue.

Thyroid Imbalance: Unfortunately, we live in a world of toxins and chemicals that can be found in anything from our household cleaners, synthetic scents and personal care products, to our food, transportation and even our electronics.It is no wonder our hormones can become so easily imbalanced with so many toxins found in household products blocking our hormones receptors in the body. This can lead to an imbalanced thyroid, thus an imbalanced throat chakra.There is a triedand-true essential oil blend you can use with proper nutrition, stress management, and proper water intake to support a healthy thyroid.

Thyroid Support Blend:¡ 10 Drops Clove Essential Oil, 10 Drops Myrrh Essential Oil, 10 Drops Lemongrass Essential Oil, and 10 Drops Frankincense Essential Oil. Add all to a 10 ml rollerball, top with fractionated coconut oils, and apply directly to thyroid three times a day.

Tension in the Neck: Do you carry your stress in your neck and shoulders? Or maybe you experience tension in your neck after working at the computer all day or after a workout. This is a physical type of nonalignment of the throat chakra.

Deep Blue/Soothing Blend: This is a powerful combination or essential oils including Wintergreen, Camphor, Peppermint, Blue Tansy, German Chamomile, Helichrysum, and Osmanthus. These essential oils provide a cooling and warming sensation when applied to the area allowing the muscles to be comforted and relaxed.

Please note that not essential oil is the same. Over 80 per cent of essential oils sold are synthetic or adulterated, be sure you are purchasing a therapeutic grade essential oil.

Maleika Lacy is a Holistic Wellness Advocate & Mentor, Wife, and Mother of Two from Temecula, California, United States. Maleika helps holistic practitioners expand their purpose, passion and profit through essential oils, supplements and natural solutions. To learn more about Maleika, visit her website at www.maleikalacy.com

Finding Your VOICE and Building Self-Expression By: Tanya Mouland

meaningful heart-connecting verbal interaction and conscious dialogue. It is using your voice to express your VOICE!

Your voice is the physical aspect of creating speech; producing decodable sounds. Your VOICE is the relationship between speech, emotions, and your mind.

It is who you are and how you represent yourself in the world. Self-expression is about balancing our inner world with the outer world. How do we communicate

Welcome 2021! As we usher in a new year, I wanted to

our internal world with the outer? How do we take in

take a moment to reflect back on some of the biggest

the outer world and process it with our inner world? Are

changes we all experienced last year – wearing face

we verbalizing our own needs, desires, thoughts, ideas,

masks, social distancing, more and more screen time.

feelings, opinions, and asking for help in the best

(Are you feeling a little ‘zoomed out’?) The way we

manner that fits the situation?

communicate and connect with others has impacted us all.

Being hearing impaired, I rely on lip reading, facial expressions, and body language to assist me in understanding the full message. We all rely on body and facial expressions, tone and rhythm of voice. The words we use account for only seven per cent of our communication; the rest is non-verbal. Knowing that 93 per cent of our communication is body language and voice, think of how much of our interaction is now lost while doing online video, or wearing face masks!

Virtual connection has allowed us to stay in contact with each other, but there is no touch or movement to ground the connection. With working or studying from home and having limited social engagements, we are also missing this embodiment of connection. As a result, for some, it has been stressful, challenging, and even fearful. There is increased concern for mental health. Depression is on the rise. Authentic communication has new barriers.

Self-expression happens in many different ways. Here, I am referring to the ability to use one’s voice as the means of communicating one’s truest self in interactions with others. It is using language for

The outer world has changed – is our inner world able to remain integrated enough to maintain connection? Are we being our truest self and honouring emotions, senses, and thoughts? Are we able to express it? Are we pushing through? Holding back? Stuck?

What Blocks Your VOICE? There can be a variety of reasons that prevent, block, or stifle selfexpression. During this time, here are what I see as the main 3.

1. Physical component: With physical distancing, there is less touch. With masks, there are fewer smiles.Online communication is generally for the shoulders/neck up. The body is not moving as much, and body language is down, affecting the full interaction.

The disconnect between head and body is increasing, resulting in being ungrounded in emotions.

2. The sense of feeling unsafe: We have innate, reflexive survival patterns – fear is one of our primal reflexes. When this reflex kicks in, we may hold back, withdraw, or experience sensory overwhelm. There may be a sense of shame or frustration. Emotions get locked away; we may feel unstable. Stifled emotions equal stifled speech. We force out our words, either unemotional, or overly emotional. The quality of our voice is affected and impacts how others hear us.

3. Stress: The physiological response to stress is increased muscle tension (jaw, neck, and shoulder tension affects quality of speech production).

Access to the brain is one sided so we may lose access to words, and have difficulty focusing and being present.

Our listening becomes limited as there is too much internal dialogue that we don’t hear what others are expressing.

Tips to Open and Strengthen your VOICE 1. Integrative movement such as Brain Gym® and Rhythmic Movement: After sessions, I noticed that clients began interacting with increased volume and confidence when speaking, engaging in a conversation sharing ideas, feelings, and more. Sometimes they are even the ones to initiate it! They connected to themselves, to their VOICE. Hmmm, I wondered, how did this change happen?

Getting the body moving, intentionally, links up the brain to the body. Specific integrative movement resets the brain-body-heart system by re-integrating the body’s innate sense of safety. This results in improved resonance, volume, and quality of the voice. Interacting and connecting with others is comfortable and enjoyable. Releasing the body’s physiological reaction to stress relaxes and restores balance in the muscles for speech, breath, and appropriate body language. Sensory information can now be organized and emotions are experienced, processed, and can be expressed.

2. Other ways to activate the body Have a Dance Party. Put on your favourite song and move. Also play with different types of songs and rhythms to get your body moving in new ways.

Stretch, do yoga, sway, rock in different locations such as on the floor, sitting on an exercise ball, as well as standing.

Play.

Go for a walk.

3. Breathe There are various breathing exercises to do to relax the body. For your VOICE, inhale focusing not only on expanding the lungs, but also the throat.

Become more aware of the air moving in and out of the throat and neck.

4. Touch (with those in your bubble).

We all need touch to thrive.

Hugs are powerful. Give yourself a hug at least once a day.

Massage your hands, feet, shoulders.

Hold hands with loved ones. (Wash first!)

Tanya Mouland is a Neurodevelopment Coach from Toronto, Canada, working to teach others that intentional movement is nature's way to enhance the brain-body-heart connection for physical well-being, mental and emotional balance and boost cognition. She is also a licensed Brain Gym ® consultant and instructor and a licensed Rhythmic Movement consultant.

For more information about Tanya, visit her website at www.thesportoflife.ca.

5. Vocalize Engaging the throat and vocal cords can help open up the physical comfort to express. Singing, humming, and chanting are all great ways to do this.

Humans can’t help but communicate. We all want to be heard, to connect, to interact, and to do our best with the resources we have to express who we are. I invite you to use some of the tips daily for yourself and with others in your bubble. Support the organization and connectedness of your inner world – body, brain, mind, heart, and spirit – all that is you, so that you can use your VOICE with the outer world. You benefit, and so do those around you!

January Monthly Reading with Intuitive Goddess Priya Card: Six of Swords The message from the Guides surrounding this card is that your “ship is getting ready to sail.” It appears that you have or will shortly put something behind you, and it is time to move onwards and forwards.

The Guides say that although it sounds so cliché, given that we are in a New Year, we are in an energetic time and space of new beginnings.

For some of you, the message is to use this opportunity with your new beginning to approach things differently. They invite you to reset and upgrade your thinking from outdated thought systems and patterns.

Using the old ways in the new will continue to hold you back and away from your desires.

For some of you, the message is that it's a time for you to steer the ship of your destiny. The Guides have witnessed you allowing yourself to embark on journeys led by others in the direction of their choice and benefit. They invite you to take command of your upcoming journey.

As you travel along the roads of new opportunities, the Guides do sense there will be some detours and obstacles along the way. They encourage you to stay the course nonetheless, to embrace your faith and knowing that you will and are capable of navigating along the way.

Wishing You The Happiest of New Years In joy and light, Intuitive Goddess Priya

Card Deck: Legacy of the Divine Tarot By: Ciro MarchettiCover Design: Kevin R. BrownInterior Art by Llewellyn Art Department Published by: Llewellyn Publicationswww.llewellyn.com

EVERYTHING IS ENERGI