Shining a Light for You to Live a Life of Love
Winter/Spring 2018 PUBLISHED QUARTERLY
on the cover
“Horse Hair Pottery� Photo Courtesy of Gail Pederson, Pottery Parlour, Valley City
Find all issues at issuu.com/projectlightandlove
F e at u r e s
4 Medical Marijuana: An Overview written by Gail Pederson
5 Crystals for the Throat Chakra written by Char Jung
8 Throat Chakra
written by Char Jung
10 The Power and Importance of Community written by Allison Rissel
12 Transformation Through Shadow Work written by Tone-Lise Stenslie
7 A New Mindset
14 An Introduction to Gemstone Energy Medicine
written by Heidi Demars
written by Kathryn Thomasson
Ways to Get Involved: 1. Write an article regarding a holistic/complementary therapy you provide. 2. Advertise your services in the magazine. 3. Be a distribution point for the magazine.
Michelle Lytle projectlightandlove@gmail.com P.O. Box 374 Jamestown, ND 58402-0374 Graphic and design by Crystal Lytle
Project Light and Love Printing by Image Printing, Bismarck, ND
This magazine contains the opinions and ideas of its contributors. It is intended to provide helpful and informative material on the subjects addressed in the magazine. The reader should consult his or her medical, health or other competent professional before adopting any of the suggestions in this magazine or drawing inferences from it. The authors and publisher specifically disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this magazine.
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Project Light and Love
Winter/Spring 2018
Welcome to Project Light and Love!
Greetings! What an amazing whirlwind the past 6 months has been for me! My family and I are catching our breath and beginning to plant our roots in our new rural North Dakota home. We are so excited to begin this next adventure that is before us! In the last issue, the quote I had on the introduction page was “As you start to walk out on the way, the way appears” –Rumi. That has been my motto since I chose that quote. I knew big changes were coming. I didn’t know what those changes were or the “how” or “why” behind them all, but I knew I just had to start taking steps in the right direction. One example starts with the First Annual ND Yoga Conference, which was held in early October of 2017 in Bismarck. I had no plans of going until I was invited
Winter/Spring 2018
a week before the conference by a friend who was presenting there. It happened to work out for me to go and I now see that I was meant to be there. Not only did I learn more about the amazing benefits of yoga (and how yoga is the solution to my back issues), but I was able to attend a session on Mindfulness, presented by Heidi Demars (read her article on page 7). During a short mindfulness meditation with her a spark was lit inside of me. I knew deep within me I needed to start a mindfulness meditation group with my coworkers at my school. Just weeks later my office became space one time a week for staff to practice mindfulness before we start our day with the children. It has been a blessing for me and we look forward to that day each week. Next September 28-30, 2018 is the 2nd Annual ND Yoga Conference, so mark your calendars and experience a spark that is waiting for you there. What steps can you take on your “way” today? Reach out to any of the writers in this magazine, they are willing and ready to help you on your journey. I leave you with an excerpt from the Loving-Kindness Meditation I experienced last October—May you be Happy, May you be Healthy, May you be Safe, May you be Loved. ~ Michelle Lytle
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Medical Marijuana: An Overview Gail Pederson, SPRN, HN-BC
In November of 2016, North Dakotan’s voted for the use of Medical Marijuana (MM) by an almost 65% majority. It is now been over a year since voting and the protracted legislated rewrite of the proposed bill. The Health Department recently released its 50 page version of the bill, which will be inserted into the ND Century Code, after public discussions around the state. I spoke at the legislative committee hearings, who were providing the input for the work the legislature eventually voted on. As a Holistic practitioner, medical cannabis has been on my radar since I started this branch of my nursing education, over 20 years. Let me tell you why times four ways: My mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer shortly after my first certification class. Meeting a Doctor of Naturopathy at the second training a few months later, I asked him what I could do for her…what he would suggest for the nausea, anxiety, and pain she was experiencing. This was before the days of Hospice in our community, which certainly provide medical interventions for this situation now. His immediate reply was “find her some marijuana”. Now, I know we could have found some, but it was illegal and she would have never consented to it. A close family member had a severe closed head injury as a child. She has been on almost every medication there has been developed, for her seizures. While well controlled at the moment, the medications make her into a zombie! Also as scar tissue keeps forming, the medications may become less effective with no more options for treatment. I did have a discussion with her neurologist, who stated she was watching it with interest. I have 2 older siblings, who live in MM states or states that have completely legalized, who have utilized it assisting with chronic pain and Parkinson’s. I would like to bring some facts about the use of medical marijuana, both in outlining some key points of this legislation and the scientific/medical reasons MM may be important. One of the biggest problems is that marijuana is still a Class I drug. This restricts research and adequate follow through with data collection, evaluation and outcomes. This is also the reason the state’s continued diligence with writing their legislation may be so (too) extreme. The fear of Federal repercussions! Please read up on the history of Marijuana in the US. My take is that the condemnation of Marijuana was partially an immigration and a racial issue. One very important misconceptions is that your Doctor will prescribe MM for you. They do not. They certify that you have one of the approved conditions which may benefit from its use. You also must have a bonafide relationship with the medical provider who may certify the need for you. Did you know our body is hardwired for some substances? For instance, we have sugar, opioid and cannabis receptors on our cells and in our nervous system…and probably many others. It is stated that up to 9-10% of people who use/misuse a substance will develop a dependence on what they are overusing. So while, yes, it can create dependence, we know a dependent personality type is more at fault than a substance. There are currently promising results with MM in relation to treating Opioid addictions. I’m sure it comes down to these receptors. We are just beginning to understand their mechanism and their role in our health. One of the biggest myths of Medical Marijuana to debunk is that you do not have to get “high” with the psychotropic effects of THC. There are several studies that say having all the components of the plant provides the best therapeutic effects, but in doses that do not affect mental functioning. North Dakota’s types of usable Marijuana includes Cannabinoid Concentrates or extracts, Tinctures, Capsules, Transdermal patches and topical products. There is a very limited use of dried
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leaf and flower and a physician must ok it’s use in that form. Debilitating medical conditions which meet the criteria for certification are: • Cancer • Positive status for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) • Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) • Decompensated cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) • Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) • Agitation of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia • Crohn’s disease • Fibromyalgia • Spinal stenosis or chronic back pain, including neuropathy or damage to the nervous tissue of the spinal cord with objective neurological indication of intractable spasticity • Glaucoma • Epilepsy • A terminal illness • A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or treatment for such disease or medical condition that produces one or more of the following: o Cachexia or wasting syndrome o Severe debilitating pain that has not responded to previously prescribed medication or surgical measures for more than three months or for which other treatment options produced serious side effects o Intractable nausea o Seizures o Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis The conditions included can be modified by the Health Department. There are strict rules for quantities purchased, the levels of THC and labeling requirements. Minor’s use is strictly monitored. There are also strict growing requirements for the 2 manufacturing centers, which will be allowed in the state and the 8 dispensaries. The Health dept. has stated it will be another 12-18 months before any usable Cannabis is sold in ND. Industry officials are questioning that timeline and there are many cries of inaction by the state, whether from fear of Federal intervention or trying to “reinvent the wheel” and the legislation that many states have implemented. This has produced an initiated measure petition to completely legalize and tax cannabis in the state. Whether you think this move is good or bad, there are many fed up people who want access and are feeling it is not happening fast enough. We spoke very clearly that we wanted Medical Marijuana and I do not blame those undertaking this new ballot initiative for their frustration. Unfortunately, they think politics is coming before the health and wishes of the people of our state. I do have faith that the State Health Department is trying to do this right. They could just hurry up! Full information can be found on the ND State Health Dept. website at www.ndhealth.gov/mm Gail Pederson, Be Well Healing Arts, Valley City, ND, 701490-2132.
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Winter/Spring 2018
Crystals for the Throat Chakra By Char Jung
“We are all unique individuals, each with a particular way of viewing reality. Communication is the bridge which links us, bringing understanding, sympathy and sharing. In its highest form communication leads us to communion, which leads to true community.” ~ C. M. Barrett Pretty much everyone knows they are a unique individual…..the hard part is accepting and expressing that uniqueness. In my own experience while walking the Spiritual Journey for the last 20+ years it is by FAR the scariest and hardest part of the walk. To stand with all of your own energy in your body, not hiding behind one label or identity and say/be/do, “Hi, this is what I bring to the table.” All while having nothing in your hand, but showing only what is in your Soul. The Soul is the only thing that stays with you forever. So you might as well get to know it…..and the only way to get to know it is spend time with it. However, most Souls are covered with many, many layers of protection and do not feel comfortable in the physical body, much less the feelings that are buried within it. It is only after observing what you say and do in every given moment that will help remove the covers. This is when you will “catch” the distractions and survival techniques that you do in order not to say and feel what is really inside of you. The only way to authenticity and Truth is to really say how you feel. But You first have to quiet the mind chatter so you can really feel what you feel. You must learn how to go beyond the words you’ve already thought a million times in order to move up and out of the rut. Once the covers have been removed, you will feel comfortable in your body…..no matter what it looks like physically. You then express and communicate clearly. And when this happens the communication flows from the heart. When you are flowing/leading from your heart the frequency of your entire BEing is vibrating at a higher rate. And when you are vibrating at your YOUnique frequency You create the space, without even saying one word, for the person next to You to do the same. Winter/Spring 2018
LET THE STONES SPEAK TO YOU Blue Lace Agate: The pale blue is very soothing and as all agates, it is also very grounding. This crystal is the ideal Throat Chakra opener. It has gentle qualities which can be helpful if you have held your emotions in for far too long. Amazonite: Reach for this crystal if you are avoiding a conversation. Amazonite with its blue and green colors is the perfect stone to connect the Throat and Heart Chakras for a loving conversation. Turquoise: This is one of the most common crystals used for clear communications. Both Native American and Tibetan traditions call this crystal the bridge from heaven to earth because of its grounding qualities and sky blue color. Celestite: The ultimate Angel communicator…but in order to hear the Angels, one must quiet the mind chatter. This crystal helps to calm the energy within the mind, bringing calm, smooth energy just like the waters of a crystal clear blue lake. Aquamarine: When the emotional waves are painful and rapid, reach for Aquamarine. It is the Stone of the Sea used by sailors for safety and balance. When we are at peace with who we are, when we are quiet within, only then can we communicate with beings near and far. Char Jung lives on a farm near Jamestown, ND. She is very passionate about helping people walk through the doorway to Self. As a Spiritual Mentor and teacher, Char has studied with Anodea Judith, the author of “Wheels of Life: A User’s Guide to the Chakra System”. Char also holds certifications and teaches the following classes: Chakradance ®, all Levels of Reiki, Essential Oils, Meditation Classes, she is a Soul Coach® and a Teacher of Aroma Yoga®. Contact Char at charjung11@gmail.com and additional information on Char and classes can be found at http://charjung.com or http://char.marketingscents.com
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A New Mindset By Heidi Demars
“To listen is to lean in softly with a willingness to be changed by what we hear.” –Mark Nepo I believe many diseases, imbalances, and illnesses are a result of suppressed emotions that begin to manifest physically. We suppress emotions as a way to avoid expressing them and while emotional suppression may sometimes serve a useful purpose, inhibiting the free flow of emotional energies over the course of a lifetime causes serious damage to our bodies, minds, and spirits. So what happens if we don’t ever become still enough to truly listen and feel what is happening within? I teach mindfulness meditation to children, teachers, and other adults as a resource to help them begin to listen and feel. When they are new to the practice of mindfulness, it is typical to have thoughts dominate the internal landscape. This is the nature of the mind. But when practiced over time, guided meditations, mindfulness practices, and breath work can awaken us to sensations in the body, emotions, and the beauty of present-moment awareness. Only then can we begin to become more aware of any suppressed emotions and meet them with self-compassion and non-judgment. I believe that mindfulness and meditation practices provide a path to healing ourselves from the inside out. When we can gift ourselves moments of stillness, we can begin to unleash the greatest healing gift of all, the ability to listen to our inner guidance and wisdom. Life moves so quickly and we can begin to feel as though we are on the hamster wheel of life. As more and more people are seeking answers to both mental and physical ailments that prevent them from living life to the fullest, they are finding that prevention is the key. Science is proving that medication and invasive surgeries can be avoided by making healthier lifestyle changes that promote wellness such as a healthier diet, practicing meditation, and consistent daily exercise. When we are more mindful of our choices, we begin to see what changes need to be made. I believe we are our greatest healers and that more holistic, alternative, and intuitive methods of healing the human body will become more prevalent. The body has an innate ability to heal itself, and is constantly working towards a state of homeostasis. This mind-body-spirit connection is becoming increasingly recognized. We can no longer get by with living in separation of ourselves from the whole. I want to be part of raising the next generation of compassionate leaders, thoughtful decision makers, and conscious communicators who are emotionally intelligent and have concrete resources to navigate this ever-changing and sometimes chaotic world. Children are our future leadWinter/Spring 2018
ers, teachers, and torchbearers and my work at Mindful You-Mindful Me seeks to empower them to become more socially and emotionally aware through education and resources. My work empowers them to not only recognize the nature of their thoughts and emotions, but to provide them with concrete tools and techniques that help them respond rather than react to triggers or challenging situations. This resilience and understanding of ones self creates a solid foundation in which they can feel centered and grounded. Imagine a future in which people actually listen to one another, carefully consider others and the environment when making decisions, and cooperatively work together for the betterment of all. Imagine a business or organization where employees feel valued, heard, and seen by their co-workers and bosses because they have adopted mindfulness in the workplace as a way of consciously communicating with one another. This is the kind of future I want to have a hand in shaping. My hope for the future of our planet is an awakening that is rooted in deep healing, connection, empowerment, and cooperation. Get still, my friends. Peace and healing begins within. Heidi Demars is an Occupational Therapist, Children’s Yoga teacher and Mindfulness Educator. She is the founder of Mindful You-Mindful Me, a consulting agency dedicated to teaching mindfulness to children, educators, and administrators. Her work is rooted in MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) and she certified through Mindful Schools. Heidi was the recipient of a 2-year Leadership Fellowship with the Bush Foundation and was featured as a 2016 TEDx speaker for her work with Heart-Centered Leadership. Heidi’s teachings help children and teachers develop emotional literacy, cultivate compassion, empathy, build innerstrength and resiliency, and to manage stress. She believes this work will begin to transform our classrooms, boardrooms and communities into more compassionate, inclusive, cooperative spaces. mindfulyoumindfulme.org
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Throat Chakra By Char Jung
In the Premiere Issue of Project Light and Love, the article “Mastery of Life Through the Chakras” covered an overview of the seven main Chakras. Beginning with Issue 3 Summer Edition the individual chakras are covered in more detail starting with the Root Chakra. You can find all of the previous Chakra articles from the Root to the Heart in the online magazines at https://issuu.com/projectlightandlove/docs. In this article we will go more in depth with the Throat Chakra….but first, a quick recap of what a Chakra is. Chakras are pulsating energy centers and they are located at every joint in the body as well as the seven major Chakras which are located from the top of the head to the tip of the tailbone. The seven main Chakras are filters for the physical body and are directly correlated with the organs of the body. Chakras filter energy from the outside of the body to the inside of the body. Think of the filters in vehicles, clothes dryers, air-conditioners, ventilation systems, etc. All of these filters “catch” items that do not support the system. When the filters are dirty and filled with debris the car, dryer or cooling system does not work properly. This is exactly how the Chakras work for the physical body. Although, what the Chakras “catch” is the low vibration thoughts, beliefs, and experiences that do not support the system of the body. This is a tad bit more difficult to see than the dirt in equipment filters, but a person can feel it. If you are tired, scattered and sick all the time your Chakras are in need of a cleaning….as well as your thinking. In the last Issue, we entered the doorway of the Heart Chakra. And if you read that article, you may remember reading that very few people choose to enter this Chakra fully. The few that do enter the Heart Chakra to its full depths have an opportunity to cross a narrow bridge.
Our Words, Our Selves
tops of the ears. This is the area where we tune our consciousness into the subtle vibrational field that is all around us. The fifth Chakra is the center of communication, sound and expression. What the fifth Chakra is communicating is the thoughts we think and believe. Here is how it flows down through the Ether Chakras: • It begins at the seventh Chakra as a thought that has dropped in or simply passing by and we “grabbed” on to the thought. • The sixth Chakra gives the thought mental form through the filter of beliefs, habits, memories and imagination. • The thought form is then expressed through the Fifth Chakra….all nicely accessorized by the beliefs, habits and memories which shows up as the gift of communication. And that communication reveals the frequency of your physical body. When we hear things that stir up emotions (which are old wounds, beliefs and negative thoughts stored within the body) this charges us up with an excess of energy. To discharge that excessive energy, we discharge through talking, crying, screaming, or writing. The Throat Chakra and the Sacral 2nd Chakra are closely linked. Remember in the Sacral Chakra it is all about relating with self and others, as well as creating and flowing in balance. When you relate, you need to communicate. When you are creating a “project” be it a person, business or an art form you need to communicate how you intend and see this “project”. If there are emotional blocks in the Sacral area, then more than likely, there will be blocks in the throat area too.
“May you hear and speak truth. May your life and your creations express the fullness of who you are. May you know ever deeper levels of truth.” ~Author Unknown
When we enter the Throat Chakra we have entered a narrow opening located from the base of the neck to the 8 Project Light and Love
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Here is what is happening in a person’s life that will create a blocked Throat Chakra: * Lies, secrets and mixed messages * Verbal abuse * Constant yelling and excessive criticism * Authoritarian parents * Alcoholic or chemical dependent family which creates the “don’t talk, don’t trust, don’t feel survival technique” If the Throat Chakra is blocked, we will experience it physically by sore throats, ear aches, voice challenges, mouth sores, thyroid issues, TMJ and/or neck pain in the bones or muscles. And remember, the Chakras can either be deficient of energy or excessive in energy. Here is how both of those will look: Deficient: Fear of speaking, small or a weak voice, difficulty putting feelings into words, shyness, tone deaf and poor rhythm. Excessive: Too much talking, such as a defense. Inability to listen, gossiping, interrupting when people are talking and a loud dominating voice. A balanced Throat Chakra speaks the truth with clear communication, is a good listener with an easy sense of timing and rhythm. Tools to Help Balance the Throat Chakra are: * Stretching the neck and shoulder areas * Singing, chanting, toning * Release the voice by making loud sounds in private * Letter writing or journaling * Practice being silent for periods of time * Automatic writing * Emotional release of childhood memories * Wearing the colors of blue * Inhaling and/or diffusing essential oils of Chamomile, Frankincense, Lavender, Myrrh, Peppermint, Believe™ or Valor™ * Carry or hold during meditation any crystal or rock that is the color of blue if excessive energy is in the throat or any red crystal if the energy is deficient. The blue is like cool water soothing the flames and red is like energy to stimulate the chakra.
“That which we are capable of feeling, we are capable of saying.” ~ Cervantes Char Jung offers people new possibilities for how they can be in life thru her Mentoring business. She has studied with Anodea Judith, the author of “Wheels of Life: A User’s Guide to the Chakra System” as well as numerous other teachers during her 20+ years on her spiritual Journey. Char teaches classes and offers private sessions helping people master their energy and go after their dreams by learning how to lead with their Soul. Char holds numerous certifications and teaches a variety of classes such as, Guided Meditations, all Levels of Reiki, Aromatherapist, Aroma Freedom Technique, Chakradance ®, a Soul Coach® certified by Denise Linn and is a Teacher of Aroma Yoga®. If you are ready to move out from behind the energy blocks that keep you stuck and playing small then contact Char at charjung11@ gmail.com or 701-3689255 Additional information on Char and classes can be found at http:// charjung.com
You are the CEO of Your Company And as the CEO of the Company of BEing You, take a look at the current You……what do you notice about the “employee”? Does the “employee” need some additional training in any of the items listed above? As the creator and leader of your company/life/power, You can create the results you want. You just need to turn your attention and awareness onto You. And we will learn more about that in the next article on the 3rd Eye Chakra. But don’t wait! Start now by watching what and how you talk. Notice the frequency of your words. Notice what you say and how you say it. Winter/Spring 2018
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The Power And Importance Of Community By Allison Rissel
A few weeks ago I was driving along a mountain pass and I saw a beautiful grove of aspen trees. The grouping of slender white trees got me thinking about how many people travel long distances just to see the leaves changing and to take pictures of the beautiful fall colors. The trees sparked a desire to learn more about aspen trees. I was surprised to learn that aspen trees grow in communities, their roots interconnected to share water and nutrients among them. Aspens thrive in a community setting and grow poorly when on their own. We humans are similar. We are wired for social interaction. Community in our lives has been researched and proven to be essential to living a fulfilled and balanced life. We are all members of many communities—family, friends, work, neighborhood—and a healthy, mindful living yoga community should be no different. Community is important because it helps us thrive– we live more meaningful lives, we become advocates for change and transformation, and we feel comfortable expressing ourselves. It’s an energetic vibration of people coming together to support each other in the effort towards living a better life.
intention. Community helps us recognize that we are MORE THAN whatever we believe, helping us find meaning to life. It helps us connect with others and ourselves in a deeply powerful and personal way. COMMUNITY AS CHANGE But community is more than just helping ourselves. Community is also a powerful gathering that can promote change and transformation within the greater population. Community provides a non-judgmental forum for debate and discussion. Our local city council members are a community. They work together to debate and discuss local matters and seek transformation within the community. Our local yoga communities are capable of creating the same powerful transformations as a city council! I’m not suggesting you become proficient at local building codes but your yoga community can start a petition to build more parks and bike paths. We can shop local to help support our city and its residents. Our community can hold fundraisers to help support local charities, be a drama-free safe zone for people dealing with life, or become a non-judgmental space where people find support and comfort. Together, our communities can make a huge impact! I’ve personally seen an entire town change and transform through the simple actions of a group of new yoga teachers. A mindful yoga community can change the energy of an entire town, city or state.
COMMUNITY TO LIVE A MORE MEANINGFUL LIFE As human beings, we are hard-wired to strive to live more meaningful lives. Too often, we believe the labels society places on us; we are “just” an office worker, a mother, a spouse, a friend. We are those labels, true—yet we are more powerful than any of those labels. COMMUNITY AS THE PUREST EXPRESSION OF SELF Community allows us feel important, to go beyond the Finally, community is important because it’s an extenmundane day-to-day struggles of life. Community helps sion of you! Think of the various communities you’re inus connect with our purpose and live a meaningful life. A volved in right now - family, friends, church, yoga, neighCommunity helps us recognize that we are valuable; we are borhood, work, etc. All of these various communities are a more than just “mothers.” We are human beings respondirect representation of you. sible for raising our children to live a good, ethical life. We If you are: are more than just a co-worker; we are energetic beings • Part of a group of dramatic co-workers; consider how that impact the lives of our other co-workers. much drama is in your own life. A mindful living or yoga community allows us to explore • Involved in a community of artists, then you’re the various aspects of our selves. It pushes us to challenge probably an artist. our limiting beliefs and it dares us to dream big and live with 10 Project Light and Love Winter/Spring 2018
• Involved in a community of mindful, healthy beings, then you’re probably a mindful, healthy being. Our communities will shift and change as we progress through life. Friendships fade away, interests and hobbies change. You may switch jobs and find a new community of co-workers. Or perhaps you’re ready to make a healthy change and you find a yoga community of healthy, mindful individuals. Each community we choose will have a huge impact on our life! Take a moment, and think about who you want to be in 5 years, and ask yourself “Does your current community support your goals?” If you want to lose weight, does your current community eat healthy and exercise? If you want to live a less anxious or stressful life, does your current community practice stress-relieving tools? The only way to get better is to surround yourself with better people. Find people with similar interests who will lift you higher. HOW TO JOIN A MINDFUL YOGA COMMUNITY IN ND There are lots of ways to join a mindful community in North Dakota, even if you live in a rural area. Simply reading this magazine has connected you with other mindful readers in the state. The editor of this magazine and the authors within will gladly welcome you into their communities, online or in-person, just search for them online. We recently held the first annual North Dakota Yoga Conference where 150 mindful yoga practitioners gathered together to connect and create community. Please join us next year in Bismarck on September 28-30, 2018! There are a lot of yoga studios and yoga students around the state of North Dakota. Quickly reaching out on social media and asking if anyone practices yoga in your area can lead to a plethora of results! And if you’re in a rural area, you may be surprised to find that there’s probably at least one other person in your town interested in yoga. You can also search for a yoga teacher training community. A yoga teacher training program is one of the best ways to find a community of like-minded individuals and create life-long connections. You may have to drive a little ways on some weekends but the connection and community within a yoga teacher training program is life-changing. Check out YogaAlliance.org and search for a Yoga School near you.
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Online yoga communities are great resources, especially for people living in very rural areas. There’s a variety of online yoga teachers and classes out there for you to try. Personally, I believe personalized and in-person connections are more powerful than just watching a video. I offer online private yoga sessions where I can connect online with my rural students allowing the ability to ask questions and receive personal attention. Use social media groups and communities sparingly. While they can offer benefits, we oftentimes feel depressed when we compare ourselves to others on social media. This will lead to more disconnection. If you choose to get involved with an online yoga community, choose wisely and seek one which realistically supports your goals rather than a community with lots of pretty pictures. When you join a mindful yoga community, you may be amazed at the transformation within yourself. When you reach out, connect and raise your own vibration, you’ll directly affect others around you, and your world will start to shift. Instead of simply surviving, you’ll start thriving, just like that aspen tree grove. Allison believes one good yoga teacher can change a life and create a community. Her passion is training yoga teachers to be knowledgeable, safe, ethical & authentic community leaders. As a co-founder of the North Dakota Yoga Conference, Allison is enthusiastic about building mindful yoga communities in North Dakota. She believes that together, we can live positive, thoughtful and loving lives. Join Allison’s community of yoga professionals by learning about upcoming yoga teacher trainings and yoga workshops on her website: www.AllisonRissel.com.
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Transformation Through Shadow Work By Tone-Lise Stenslie
Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life …Carl Jung Shadow work is about radical selfacceptance as we discover and embrace all that we are. It’s about learning to understand our knee-jerk reactions, emotional turmoil, and mental stress. It involves “pausing” to ask, “why am I reacting this way?” It’s about observing ourselves without the need to judge, and with as much kindness as we can muster. It’s about becoming your own consciousness detective, venturing forth to uncover what secretly controls you. It is deeply transformational and will change your life. With time, you start to realize that stressful emotions, unkind thoughts, and automatic reactions are temporary human expressions of you. They are not your essence. In Jungian psychology, our shadow represents an unconscious aspect of our personality. It’s the part of ourselves that we cannot or do not want to see. It’s the repressed, denied, or hidden facets of our selves. As infants, we expressed our human nature without editing or censoring. We quickly learned that certain feelings or behaviors were unacceptable through immediate feedback from people around us. Some feedback helped us grow and mature. Other feedback, as we perceived and interpreted it, led to a feeling of deficiency, of not being enough and/or being “too much.” Thus started our ego’s “self-perfection project” and our struggles to be okay. Shadow work is different from working on perfecting yourself. Examples of what I mean with self-perfection include building your confidence, becoming more productive, taking better care of your body, finding ways to earn 12
money, adding degrees, awards, and achievements to your resume, etc. Those are valid ways to grow and mature, and are working on more visible parts of our character. However, sooner or later you may come to realize that your “selfperfection project” never fully gets you to where you long to be. At this time you may be open and ready to do shadow work. You may be ready to observe, to pause, to question, and to ask, “why is this triggering me?” And thus, you can start to bring the hidden into light. Your shadow work can surprise you. During an Enneagram workshop, I was asked to pick something I wanted to change in my life. I decided to focus on my unrealistic need to be understood. I knew this need had sometimes led to a feeling of separateness, of not fitting in. Somehow I blurted out, “I want to work on my fear of being understood”. I was about to correct myself when I realized it could be a twisted aspect of my shadow. Through tapping into my subconscious mind, it became clear that part of me actually feared being understood. My hidden and self-sabotaging thought pattern went something like this, if understood then I would be boring. And if I were boring, then people would reject me. This brought to light the “shadow” of needing to be interesting and profound in order to be okay. It also brought to light my judgment towards anything I deemed superficial. Why do shadow work? Because, with each new a-ha comes more freedom to be truly present to yourself and others, and ultimately to life. Becoming familiar with our dark side is the best way to ensure that we do not automatically act on these impulses. Life will continue to present you with challenges, but rather than being constantly stressed and
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triggered, you will start responding to these “curve-balls” with more ease. And you will have easier access to joy and gratitude. Shadow Work Can Help You • Get unstuck as it highlights dysfunctional programming • Heal deep hurts, fear, anger, and shame • Relate more authentically with others • Be kinder to yourselves and others • Feel more spacious and free from self-imposed limitations • Create new possibilities • Prevent you from projecting your “junk” unto others • Stay humble and empowered • Wake up Although challenging at times, shadow work is alchemy for your soul. Two helpful tools are the Enneagram and BodyTalk. The Enneagram draws on in-depth psychology and spiritual wisdom. It describes nine different ways or strategies we habitually use to feel okay. They reflect ways we learned to cope early in life. The enneagram is like a map of our shadows, as well as our inherent potential and strengths. For more information, go to the Enneagram link under Other Modalities on my website: www.bodytalkforyou.com BodyTalk is a holistic approach to health, and like the Enneagram, it works with your three brains, the head, heart, and gut-brain. It’s an excellent way to address barriers to your healing process. BodyTalk works with hidden and repressed aspects of yourself as it takes into account your powerful subconscious mind. Through tapping into your inherent wisdom, using simple and safe balancing techniques, each session is uniquely tailored to what can best help you at that moment in time. Starting in January 2018, Tone-Lise will faciliWinter/Spring 2018
tate a monthly transformation group to facilitate inner healing. She will share different tools that can help you in this transformative work. It will be based on a free-will donation, and take place every third Tuesday from 5:30-6:30pm in Bismarck. Specific location to be announced later. RSVP is required. If interested, e-mail her at tonelise@bodytalkforyou.com or call Dakota Natural Health Center at 701-258-9418. For more information about InJoy BodyTalk, check out www.bodytalkforyou.com Tone-Lise Stenslie, MA Adv. Certified BodyTalk Practitioner Owner of InJoy BodyTalk, located at Dakota Natural Health Center, Bismarck. 701-258-9418 www.bodytalkforyou.com
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An Introduction to Gemstone Energy Medicine and the Therapeutic Gemstone Quartz By Kathryn Thomasson
Gemstone Energy Medicine and therapy is a groundbreaking healing modality applying specific gemstone tools to initiate and support a person’s innate healing processes. Therapeutic-quality gemstones, shaped into spheres and drilled, radiate their energies throughout the body and aura (the energetic field surrounding the body) to reach all levels. Drill holes are crucial for supporting the circulation of the gemstone’s energy, much like the toroid energy flow of a person’s aura, heart, or the electromagnetic field of the earth. Gemstone Therapy incorporates specialized tools such as aura sprays, necklaces, therapy strands, and customized gemstone mandalas in sophisticated protocols. Most simply, a person may wear a therapeutic necklace to obtain the gem’s energetic support. Only the gemstones touch the person, so that the gemstone therapist serves as a facilitator choosing the best gems for the client at that moment. Gemstone Therapy plays an important role in the healing arts because it involves physical tools (the gemstones themselves) that people can benefit from. People today are aware that they are more than just physical bodies—their emotions, memory, and mind influence daily life considerably. The energetic nature of the human body plays a key role in health and wellness. The mineral kingdom offers powerful all-natural tools that have a special affinity with the human body and its energetic aspects. The energies that emanate from drilled gemstone spheres are attracted to these energetic aspects and can directly address blockages and anomalies in them. The Therapeutic Gemstone Quartz Quartz is SiO2 that crystalizes in the trigonal system, has a hardness of 7, and can come in a variety of colors [1]. This article concentrates on the colorless variety (Figure 1). Figure 1: Quartz Cluster with Multiple Quartz Crystal Points on Matrix [2]. Quartz clusters can clear undesirable energies in a room (e.g., for protection), broadcast the energies of other stones or necklaces placed on them, or even clean the unwanted energies off of other stones or necklaces. The larger the cluster, the more impact it has on a space [3]. For therapeutic purposes when wearing quartz, it is important to shape the quartz into spheres with drill holes. As a sphere, a healing gemstone radiates and receives energy equally in all directions; much like the earth itself has it’s own magnetic field radiating in all directions. The drill hole allows for the free flowing of the energy throughout and around the stone. A raw crystal, especially one with points, however, moves energy like a laser in a particular direction and is very focused. Although one can feel the energetic effects from a raw crystal, it is much safer, easier and more consistent to use when it is shaped into a sphere [4]. Gemstones that are therapeutic are pure minerals, high in quality 14
with relatively few flaws or inclusions [5]. For quartz, the spheres can be clear or frosted. The frosted quartz can be considered yin in energy while the clear quartz can be considered yang in energy as in traditional Chinese medicine [6]. Quartz draws the life force through all of the subtle bodies (the energetic parts of your aura around your body), and quartz aids life force to become incorporated into all of the body processes [6]. As this life force flows through the body, it nourishes and balances the mind, emotions, and physical body [7]. As a result, the body processes achieve greater balance and cooperation with each other that allow newer, greater healing energies to be received, so that all aspects of your life can improve [6]. Quartz also balances the various energy flows that move throughout the body by clearing congested energies and raising vibrations (energetic signatures) as needed [6]. Quartz works at all levels of the physical and subtle bodies to attract and direct healing energies [6]. Wearing a necklace of predominately clear quartz is not recommended [6, 8], but wearing a necklace of pure frosted quartz (Figure 2 top) [7] or a necklace that incorporates a few beads of clear optical quartz in a predominately frosted quartz necklace (Figure 2 bottom) [6] can be very beneficial. A necklace can subtly enhance the energy of the wearer, even when placed in a pocket. Wrapped around an injury (e.g., a strain or sprain) it can help alleviate pain and swelling in some people. Just allowing a necklace to swing or spin in someone’s aura indicates that it is working on an issue in the aura. When using a quartz necklace that contains the clear quartz spheres, they enhance the frosted quartz healing potential in a necklace many fold [6]. Essentially the clear quartz spheres serve as a symbiotic to the frosted quartz making the necklace easier to wear for those who find wearing a pure frosted quartz necklace challenging. The presence of a symbiotic gemstone with any therapeutic gemstone necklace can greatly enhance the piece and make it much easier to wear for those who are very energy sensitive. Figure 2: Therapeutic Quartz Necklaces. Top: from Gemisphere [7], a pure frosted quartz necklace. Bottom: from GEMFormulas [6], a quartz necklace with predominantly frosted beads, but containing six beads of clear optical quartz as a symbiotic. My experience with quartz is that it helps to brighten my day and keep my heart happy. It provides a steady energy to help get me through my day. Quartz has proven useful for dealing with sudden skeletal injuries too; e.g., when my mother sprained her wrist wrapping a quartz necklace around her wrist helped to reduce the pain and swelling. I have experienced significant benefits from both kinds of quartz necklaces pictured in Figure 2, but I have found that a necklace with a clasp breaks less frequently, and a necklace that includes
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the small number of clear quartz spheres is easier to wear for long periods of time. I also love using quartz clusters to refresh the energy in a room and to broadcast the energies of other stones placed on them; this technique is particularly useful for those who find actually wearing a necklace challenging because of their level of sensitivity or the weight of the gemstones. Kathryn Thomasson is an Associate Gemstone Therapy Practitioner in Grand Forks, North Dakota and the surrounding region (North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota). She accepts in-person clients, adults, children, and pets for Gemstone Therapy. She is available for Gemstone Therapy sessions, creating custom gem mandalas, and aura clearing. Can recommend therapeutic gemstone necklaces for your individual needs. Available to speak about Gemstone Therapy, what it is, and what it can do for
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you. “I have been drawn to rocks and minerals all my life, but have only discovered therapeutic gemstones recently through my acupuncturist. The therapeutic gems have made an enormous difference in my life, leading me to heal and move forward in surprising ways, including a complete shift of my academic research. I am a Professor of Chemistry, and love both the chemical/scientific side of gemstones, and their energetic aspects as tools for therapy. I am continuing study to become a Certified Gemstone Therapy Practitioner and am simultaneously beginning initial scientific research studies into Gemstone Energy Medicine at the University of North Dakota.�
References: 1. http://www.mindat.org/min-3337.html; Accessed 7/26-2015. 2. http://www.amazon.com/ Crystal-Agate-2pound-Quartz-Cluster/dp/B00YHT5IRK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1446 308204&sr=8-1&keywords=quartz+clusters. Accessed 10-31-15. 3. Isabelle Morton. Uplift Your Home With Crystal Clusters https://gemformulas.com/new-crystal-clusters-nowavailable/; posted November 7, 2016. 4. Isabelle Morton, Why Do Therapeutic Gemstone Necklaces Work, November 15, 2011; http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-Do-TherapeuticGemstone-Necklaces-and-Spheres-Work?&id=6694677. Accessed 10-31-15. 5. What Makes Gemstones Such Powerful Healing Tools? Gemisphere, Inc. http://www.gemisphere.com/about/whatMakesGemstonesHealing.htm; Accessed 10-31-15. 6. Harmony Necklace. https://gemformulas.com/product/harmony-necklace/ Accessed 5-4-2017. 7. Quartz Attracting Life Force. Gemisphere, Inc. http://www.gemisphere.com/gemstoneMissions/qtz_mission.php?zoom_highlight=quartz. Accessed 5-4-2017. 8. Katz: Michael Katz. Gemstone Energy Medicine. Natural Healing Press, Portland, OR, 2005, pp 46-55.
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Dickinson Michelle Kay Massie, RN, Certified Life Coach, Healing Touch Practitioner. Her business is Feeding Your Own Soul Coaching- a heart centered practice that offers therapeutic coaching and holistic healing to nurture the mind, body, and soul. www.michellekmassie.com feedingyourownsoulcoaching@outlook.com 701-590-8400 40 1st Ave. West Suite 205D, Dickinson, ND 58601
Fargo Dean McMurray—“The Military Medium”— is an internationally acclaimed psychic, medium, healer, dowser and ordained minister. After serving 24 years in the U.S. armed forces, Dean is devoting his life to developing his psychic abilities to service others. Dean conducts readings for clients throughout the world, teaches mediumship classes, and presents at regional symposiums, conferences and workshops. Email - dean@deanmcmurray.com; Web - www.deanmcmurray.com; Phone - 701-212-0470
Jamestown Char Jung Mentoring is a complete package personal trainer. What does that mean? It means helping people on their journey through movement, meditation and mentoring to bring balance to the Soul, Body, Mind & Spirit so that a person is Being their full potential. http://charjung.com/ charjung11@gmail.com 701-368-9255 Figure It Out with CJ Heightened awareness|Deeper connection. Christi Jarland mentors women who are ready to step into the “something more” they know is waiting for them. Intuition, Reiki, crystals, tarot, meditation and more are brought into play to teach you to relax and trust your own wisdom. Sessions offered locally or via phone/Skype. figureitoutwithcj.com cj@figureitoutwithcj.gom 701.269.5783 Marnie Mohr LR is a N.D. licensed Reflexologist since 2008, and also a Young Living oil representative, and a Wild Tree Organic food representative. My goal is to help you in any way I can to achieve your best self . 701-252-3711 or e-mail at hestia@daktel.com Zen Sleep Consulting Annie assesses your sleep habits and creates a customized sleep plan so you and your family can reach your sleep goals and get quality rest. 701.215.0025 annie@ZenSleepConsulting.com facebook.com/ZenSleepConsulting
mott Erin Oberlander, Certified Holistic Aromatherapist and Reiki Practitioner Consultations, products, & nutritional solutions. Appointments, information, and products found here: www.prairiearomatherapy.com and Facebook
Valley city Be Well Healing Arts – Gail Pederson SPRN, HN-BC is a Board Certified Registered Nurse in Holistic Nursing. She offers Healing Touch, imagery, aromatherapy and nutritional information. Focusing on pain, stress and sleep management, Gail can help you reach your maximum health, Body, Mind and Spirit. bewellhealingarts@gmail.com : 701-490-2132 : Be Well Healing Arts on Facebook Tamie Kay Gerntholz, RN, FCN, is a Healing Touch, Reiki and Mind, Body, Spirit Practitioner with a passion to affect, inspire and support you on Your Journey to Wellness in the Mind, Body and Spirit. To schedule your healing session contact her at Serenity Central in Valley City (Jamestown appts available) : energeticsllc@gmail.com : 701-490-2170 Heather Marie Pautz, LCSW is a Jikiden Reiki Practitioner. She supports mind, body and soul healing through energy medicine via distance or in person sessions. Contact: heymamap@gmail.com or call 701-840-9975.
Winter 2017
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