5 minute read
EMOTIONAL BAGGAGE?
Emotional Baggage? Time to Start Unpacking
by Laurie R. Mallis, M.D.
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To say that the last year has been tough is quite an understatement. The fact that we have all been in it together may help slightly, but in the larger picture each of us is still left to deal with the effects.
It’s well known that emotional issues, both current and past, have a damaging effect on overall health and well-being. Any negative emotions—stress, anxiety, depression, anger, fear—cause physiological changes that lead to a weaker immune system, increased inflammation and elevated levels of pain. Finally, western medicine is publicly acknowledging this connection and how it adversely affects physical health, even increasing the risk for certain types of cancer and chronic diseases.
There are many techniques that can help destress the body. One size does not fit all, so it’s important to find the technique that works for you. It’s also important that you enjoy it, or you won’t commit to doing it on a regular basis.
Practice deep breathing. This is one of the most effective ways to quickly ground your energy and calm yourself. If possible, remove yourself from the stressful situation and find a quiet place to sit with both feet planted on the floor, hands resting on top of your thighs. Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose and then slowly breathe out through your mouth. Focus on your breath and nothing else. Repeat this cycle 10 times. This will decrease your cortisol level, slow your heart rate and lower your blood pressure.
Try an adult coloring book. This is a great way to reconnect the body, mind and spirit. Do not use a coloring app; this needs to be done the old-fashioned way, using colored pencils or pens and paper. Concentrating on the coloring process activates different areas in the brain that help you relax and recharge.
Take a short walk. When you start feeling overwhelmed, take a moment to break the cycle and walk away. If you’re at home, walk around the house, either inside or outside. If you’re in the office, take a bathroom break or find a quiet place to recharge for a few minutes. This will help your body “reboot” and relax.
Reconnect with nature. The benefits of being outdoors are enormous, and it doesn’t require a large amount of time. Being more observant about your surroundings can do a lot to increase the endorphins in your body. If going outside is an issue, consider bringing nature inside by growing some houseplants. Surrounding yourself with beautiful green plants will improve your indoor air quality as well as your mood.
Take a mental vacation. Try a guided imagery meditation that allows you to travel to the beach, lake, mountains or wherever you prefer to go to recharge.
Any of the above techniques can be done in a small amount of time, and if they’re done on a regular basis, the benefits can be remarkable. If you still can’t get adequate relief, consider deeper, longer-lasting qi energy healing treatments—like acupuncture, Reiki and Ondamed Biofeedback—that work on the root cause of an underlying problem.
Laurie R. Mallis, M.D., LAc is the owner of SearchLight Medical, 2424 Route 52, Hopewell Junction, NY. For more information, call 845.592.4310 or visit SearchLightMedical.com. See ad, page 9.
Intuitive & Healing Arts
Dreaming Goddess Hosts Aura Photography and Rocks with Rhi
Dreaming Goddess, a specialty gift shop in Poughkeepsie, offers a range of classes and events designed to empower spiritual and personal growth, providing a safe haven for participants to connect with a community of fellow seekers. Founder Rhianna (Rhi) Mirabello leads several free weekly events but also hosts paid readings and services, such as 15-minute aura photography sessions on March 20, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Each $35 aura photography session at Dreaming Goddess includes a simple overview of the process; a personal scan printed out in color; a short interpretation of the individual’s chakra and aura size, shape and color; and an emailed 23-page report.
The store’s free weekly events, currently held live on Facebook, include Rocks with Rhi at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays; Midweek Rhi-View at noon Wednesdays; and #DGLIVE Crystal Sales at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays.
Rocks with Rhi explores stones from the store’s collection, as Mirabello chooses a different stone each week and explains its healing qualities, some history and folklore, and ways to incorporate it into daily life. Midweek Rhi-View is a regular check-in with Mirabello, who discusses various topics, such as manifestation how-to’s, self-care and astrology, as well as personal musings and current events. #DGLIVE Crystal Sales showcase a curated variety of polished crystals along with stones and minerals in their natural, raw state. “I allow my intuitive sense to choose items from our extensive inventory to enhance and expand your live experience,” Mirabello says.
Location: Dreaming Goddess, 44 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY. For more info, call 845.473.2206 or visit DreamingGoddess.com.
ASTROLOGY
Pam Cucinell Phone, online & in person 917.796.6026; InsightOasis.com
ENERGY HEALING
Elizabeth Pasquale, CST, NLP Bemer, Cranial, Lymph, NLP At home, office or remotely WellOnTheWay.org; 607.351.7024
ENERGY MEDICINE
Bernadette Bloom, MI Energy Healing & Teacher 239.289.3744 theesotericbloom.com
INTUITIVE ENERGY HEALING
The Temperance Center Merrill Black, LCSW Reiki Master/Instructor Light Body Quantum Healings 914.793.2600 TheTemperanceCenter.com
INTUITIVE HEALING
White Lotus Grace Intuitive Healing, Readings & Dance Millbrook + Virtual Sanctuary 845.677.3517 whitelotusgrace.com
NATURE & FOREST THERAPY
Nature’s Whispers Guided Meditative Walks thru Nature Dutchess/Putnam/Westchester 845.489.7250 MeditativeWalks.com
NEW AGE STORES
The Soul Connection Crystals. Jewelry. Books. More 4 Crestview Ave., Cortlandt Manor, NY 914.737.HEAL; soulconnectionshop.com Synchronicity Psychics/Crystals Candles/Tarot/Sage 1511 Route 22 Brewster @synchronicityny 845.363.1765 SynchronicityNY.com
PSYCHIC MEDIUM
Angel Aura Spiritual Boutique 12 West Main St, Pawling, NY 845.493.0432 AngelAuraBoutique.com
Celestial Touch Laura Schek, Psychic Medium, Reiki Master 7 Arch St, Pawling, NY 845.244.1767 celestialtouchllc.com
QIGONG
In Balance Concepts Qigong. Tai Chi. Meditation 2505 Rt. 6, St. 108, Brewster 845.803.1992 Inbalancetaichi.com
REIKI
Anne H. Bentzen, MSOT Jikiden Reiki Teacher/ Practitioner West Harrison, NY 914.588.4079 balancing4life.com
Edit Babboni, CHC, RYT 200 Reiki Healing. Health Coaching. Yoga. 61 Lakeview Drive, Yorktown Heights, NY 917.721.2529 yoga.zengarden@gmail.com
WELLNESS BOUTIQUE
The Healing Collective NY 267A Central Ave. White Plains Shop & Heal: 914.236.HEAL thehealingcollectiveny.com