Did you know? The power of “Om” mantra?

A little over two years ago, July 4th of 2007 to be exact, my life was changed by the simple chanting of the Om Mantra in a yoga class. It was my first experience with what I know now to be an opening of the heart, the third eye and the crown chakra, which for me signaled the beginning of a spiritual awakening. I have heard people try to explain what this energy experience feels like. The best analogy I can think of is one given by a fellow student in my Reiki class. She was rather tentative about expressing herself this way, as am I, but the truth is that it feels like….a “spiritual orgasm”. Once she verbalized this analogy in class, we all agreed that that’s exactly what it feels like! Small wonder then, that since my first experience with this feeling I became a sort of “energy junkie”, investigating ways  to bring ever more energy into my life.  This energy experience in yoga class brought me to Reiki.  As a Reiki practitioner, I sometimes have this intense feeling when I am in the middle of a Reiki session, or other times when chanting the Om Mantra in Yoga class or during private meditation. What is it about the sound of “Om” that brings about such a glorious flow of energy?

It is believed that the whole universe is made up of vibrating, pulsating energy. Om (or alternately Aum) is considered to be the humming sound of this cosmic energy. Om or Aum is said to be the original primordial creative sound from which the entire universe was manifested. It is also known as the “Anahat Nada”, the “Unstruck Sound”, meaning that it is not made by two things striking together. Om emanates on its own. So, what happens in our bodies when we chant Om? The cells, molecules, atoms and sub-atomic particles all vibrate in the same wavelength as the mantra…..we bring peace and light down from above and create a universal harmony within and without us. It has been said “He who knows ‘Om’ knows God.” To some it may sound like new age mumbo jumbo….until you have experienced it, and then you know—–you believe every word.  I have found that chanting AUM is more powerful since it incorporates the sound AH, which vibrates with and opens the Heart chakra, and OM which opens the 6th or Third Eye chakra, and mmmm which opens the Crown chakra.  Something like this:  Ahhhhh…Oooooo…mmmm, being sure you ration the breath to be able to produce every sound since each is important.

There are three ways to chant the Om Mantra or any other mantra…..aloud, silently but while mouthing or humming the mantra or completely silently within oneself. Not surprisingly, the best experiences are felt when chanting the Om Mantra with others because of the sharing of sound and energy. However, those who believe that our presence on earth is but one phase of our infinite soul, believe that chanting Om silently is the most powerful method. It is not dependent on having a human voice or lips or facial muscles which are temporary manifestations…..compared to the billions of years that you will be fully at one with Om. A nice thought to ponder. Om Shanti.

Did you know? Why IS High Fructose Corn Syrup bad for your health?

You’ve probably seen the new commercials that imply that High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) is no worse for you than sugar. The Corn Growers Association wants you to believe that HFCS has the “same natural sweeteners as table sugar and honey.” In reality, nothing could be further from the truth! Don’t fall for it. HFCS is highly processed and does not exist anywhere in nature and has definite damaging effects on your health. Just because the characters in the commercial have heard that HFCS is bad for your health but don’t know why does not mean that HFCS gets a clean bill of health. It’s all part of a major (20-30 Million dollar ) marketing campaign from the Corn Refiners Association. It is their desperate response to the increasing public perception of the dangers of HFCS. So let’s not be as clueless as the people in the commercials. The following are reasons that HFCS is an unhealthy choice:

Refined man-made fructose like HFCS metabolizes to triglycerides and adipose tissue, not blood glucose. Because of this fact, insulin secretion is not stimulated. Whereas consumption of sugar (glucose) causes a release of insulin to help the body use and store the glucose, your body is left wondering what to do with this foreign substance (HFCS). Also, leptin is not produced when HFCS is consumed. (Leptin is a hormone thought to be involved in appetite regulation.) Since this regulation does not exist, dietary fructose may contribute to increased food intake and weight gain. So the bottom line….and it’s a big one….HFCS inhibits certain hormones that help to regulate appetite and fat storage.

Fructose is also known to significantly raise your triglyceride levels and your LDL or bad cholesterol levels. Elevated blood levels of triglycerides and LDL puts you at an increased risk of heart disease.

Soft drinks sweetened with HFCS may contribute to the development of diabetes because it contains high levels of reactive compounds that have been shown to trigger cell and tissue damage that cause diabetes. The number one source of calories in the US is high fructose corn syrup…..mostly from soda consumption.

In HFCS production, a dozen different chemical processes and enzyme reactions turn a corn kernel’s glucose molecules into fructose, which is then added to regular corn syrup.  In a recent study, almost half of the high-fructose corn syrup tested contained mercury, most probably related to the chemicals used in processing.

HFCS is almost always made from genetically modified corn, which is associated with its own well documented side effects and health concerns, the least of which is increasing your risk of developing a food allergy to corn.

So now you know. The next time someone tells you that HFCS is not a problem, you can set them straight. Again, as with anything else, a little HFCS in your diet will not cause any major problems. But remember that HFCS is very widely used and it is the cumulative effect that should be considered. In fact, when you start to read labels, you will realize how pervasive this sweetener is. And to say “it’s everywhere!” is not an exaggeration.

Did you know? A “Blessingway Ceremony” can be a wonderful ritual for a new Mom?

We are planning a baby shower for my daughter Laura and my sweet grandbaby girl at the end of January at her home in Georgia. Since she’s a Connecticut girl at heart and misses snow tremendously, we decided to have a “winter wonderland” theme. Worked out great since all the “snow” decorations are on sale after Christmas. So my daughter Karen and I went to the party store and stocked up on all sorts of snow related stuff and we are well on our way to creating a winter wonderland in Georgia….should be fun! I wanted to do something  spiritual and meaningful for Laura at the shower but didn’t know how to go about it. I happened to be reading a book called “The Daily Om: inspirational thoughts for a happy, healthy and fulfilling day” by Madisyn Taylor. It’s a great book. Anyway, I came across something in there called a Blessingway ceremony…based on a traditional Navajo ritual. It can be given in honor of anyone going through a major life transition such as a retirement, a graduation or a significant birthday. A Mother Blessing is a type of Blessingway ritual that commemorates a woman’s passage into motherhood. It is designed to provide the mother-to-be with encouragement and inspiration as she approaches this very significant life transition. Each person is asked to bring a single special bead to the baby shower. They will present Laura with the bead along with a wish for her journey such as strength, courage, joy, or a sense of humor. The beads can then be strung into a necklace or bracelet. We thought we would simply string the beads together so that she could hang it on the wall in the nursery to remind her of her own strength and the love that surrounds her. Sounds like a beautiful new tradition!

Did you know? A grateful spirit and good health go hand in hand?

On this Thanksgiving Day, we are encouraged to acknowledge and give thanks for the blessings in our lives. This has been a tumultuous year in so many ways and for so many people. And yet it is important to notice and appreciate the blessings we receive daily. I have heard people say “I don’t have that much to be thankful for this year.” Some people have lost their homes, their jobs, their 401Ks. Others have experienced illness or the loss of a loved one through death or separation. And yet, true gratitude should be felt and expressed despite these hardships since true gratitude is independent of situations and circumstances. The Law of Attraction says that we will attract more of the things that we are grateful for since gratefulness generates positive energy. Conversely, those things that we feel we lack will forever be so since the feeling that we don’t have enough generates negative energy. We often focus on the “garden variety” of gratitude on days such as this day —one that is set aside specifically for giving thanks. When expressing this form of gratitude, we may tend to focus on our possessions or our immediate pleasures. It is a shallow form of gratitude and one that is easily put aside when we are drawn back to our “day to day existence”. What I will call the “spirit of gratitude”, on the other hand is a constant state of gratitude for every moment of our “day to day existence”. This spirit of gratitude acknowledges the marvelous workings of our bodies—-our ability to enjoy the simplest pleasures as experienced through the gift of our senses. It acknowledges the exquisite beauty of our planet and our universe and the special people in it. It acknowledges the place of challenge and hardships in our lives. It acknowledges the difficult people and situations with which we struggle. It acknowledges the end of relationships that no longer serve us, for the existence of these relationships have taught us lessons we needed to learn. It acknowledges all these and gives thanks for each of them simply because they are a part of our existence. Our lives are composed of a series of daily miracles, whether we choose to recognize that fact or not. We tend to take these miracles for granted until they are taken from us….”you don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone.” as they say. When living with a spirit of gratitude, it becomes part of your existence to express gratitude for these miracles which sometimes go unnoticed, but should never be unappreciated. Living with a spirit of gratitude brings peace and health. “Grateful people — those who perceive gratitude as a permanent trait rather than a temporary state of mind — have an edge on the not-so-grateful when it comes to health” according to University of California Davis psychology professor Robert Emmons. Emmons’ research on gratitude shows that “Grateful people take better care of themselves and engage in more protective health behaviors like regular exercise, a healthy diet, regular physical examinations.” Something to think about on this traditional day of giving thanks…..

Did you know? Does Colloidal Silver kill good bacteria as well as bad?

My recent blog posting on the benefits of Colloidal Silver as a powerful germicide has brought up an interesting question. If Colloidal Sliver is able to inactivate and inhibit the replication of bad bacteria, is the good bacteria in your intestinal tract effected as well? A very good question. The answer to that question is yes…..but this should not be a major concern since your nearly 30 feet of intestinal tract is consistently making more friendly bacteria. Additionally, Colloidal Silver aside, it is always a good idea to take a daily probiotic to provide live bacteria. Most of your immune system functions through the digestive system, so it is very important to support the friendly flora in your intestinal tract. A good strategy is to take both but on a specific schedule—Colloidal Silver during the day and a probiotic capsule at night. In this way you provide your body with the best of both worlds without creating a conflict.

Did you know? The many uses of Colloidal Silver?

Silver is a powerful germ fighter. Ancient civilizations used silver vessels to store food and silver utensils to eat food. This applied to the wealthy of course, accounting for the fact that they did not fall prey to the plagues that at times decimated the masses. American settlers knew of the health value of silver as well, and were known to put silver dollars into their milk containers to delay spoilage. It wasn’t until the late 1800’s that western scientists understood the medicinal properties of silver that had been commonly known for thousands of years—-it was at this point that the suspension known as “Colloidal Silver” became widely used in as an anti-microbial treatment. Colloidal Silver was shown to be highly germicidal, yet harmless and non-toxic to humans. Sounds like the perfect medicine—-but Big Pharma reared it’s ugly head even back then. New prescription antibiotic drugs became available and Colloidal Silver was overlooked. Now, of course we see that many types of bacteria have acquired immunity to these wonder antibiotics—-and let’s not forget that antibiotics are useless against viruses. So it is time to revisit the benefits of Colloidal Silver.

How does Colloidal Silver work as an anti-microbial and how is it superior to prescription antibiotics? Colloidal Silver works by disabling the oxygen metabolism enzyme and denaturing the DNA found in single celled organisms such as bacteria and fungi and most viruses. This causes the pathogen to die and stop replicating so that the immune and lymph systems can eliminate them from the body. This disabling process cannot result in any resistance and so—-unlike antibiotics—-Colloidal Silver can be used year round, for extended periods of time without worrying about pathogen mutation and the development of “superbugs”. Colloidal Silver is harmless to humans and animals as it only effects primitive single celled organisms. In addition to its anti-microbial properties, Colloidal Silver exhibits tissue healing properties resulting in increased cell reproduction. It shortens healing time and lessens the amount of scar tissue. It does this by causing the production of cells that are, in a sense, generic. These generic cells migrate wherever they are needed in the body for tissue repair—replacing scar tissue that would normally form. For tissue repair, Colloidal Silver can be applied directly to cuts, burns and sores. It can be dabbed on mosquito bites, acne and dandruff. It can be sprayed on athletes foot and diaper rash. In fact, if you want to want to become familiar with the almost unlimited uses for Colloidal Silver, check out this website. It lists some 50 uses for the stuff: http://www.silvergen.com/colloidal_silver_uses.htm. Overall, it seem that the effective and safe use of Colloidal Silver in the treatment of dozens of common infectious disorder is limited only by the imagination and creativity of those afflicted!

I keep a bottle of Colloidal Silver with me all the time. I use it mostly when I am traveling by plane. I spray it under my tongue and keep it there for about half a minute before swallowing it. I have even been known to spray it up my nose! (great for sinusitis, by the way). People look at you a little strangely when you do this in a crowded airport terminal or —-God forbid, on the plane! This just provides another opportunity to tell people about this stuff—-most people have never heard of it! On a recent flight I was even able to educate a flight attendant! Personally, I have used it on burns, rashes, tick bites and mosquito bites. I swear that it has improved a receding gum problem that I was having! My daughter used it when she had Lyme Disease. My husband has used it on poison ivy with miraculous results. Some day I will have to learn how to make my own Colloidal Silver. The information is out there! But I keep remembering the man who turned blue because he was making his own and drinking it by the gallon every day. Hmmmm. I guess you can become obsessive about the stuff. For now, I think that I will continue to judiciously use my small bottle of Colloidal Silver. Hope you do too!

Did you know? Metta meditation is transformative?

I have recently learned a meditation technique that is a wonderful way to bring peace and healing into your life and your relationships. It is called Metta Meditation (or Loving Kindness meditation) and it is very simple….very powerful. Start by sitting comfortably with your hands in prayer position, your thumbs against your sternum (Gassho position). Slow down and focus on your breathing to allow yourself to go within. While focusing on your breath, state four positive affirmations such as the following: (use these or any others that fit your situation)

May I be safe and protected. (on the inhale)

May I be well. (on the exhale)

May I be peaceful and at ease. (on the inhale)

May I be joyful. (on the exhale) REPEAT THREE TIMES

Then, bring into your mind’s eye the face of a beloved person….and substitute their name for the “I”.

May (this person) be safe and protected. (on the inhale)

May (this person) be well. (on the exhale)

May (this person) be peaceful and at ease. (on the inhale)

May (this person) be joyful. (on the exhale) REPEAT THREE TIMES

Continue on in the same way, substituting the name of a neutral person into the affirmations….such as someone you work with but do not know well. REPEAT THREE TIMES

Repeat the affirmations again, substituting the name of a person with whom you have a difficult relationship. REPEAT THREE TIMES

Finally, repeat the affirmations again, substituting the phrase “all living things” or “all people of the world”. REPEAT THREE TIMES

I find that when I am in a deeper meditative state my breathing is much slower so that I take an entire cycle of breath for each affirmation.  Let your breath flow rhythmically and your best course will become apparent.

To promote one’s own interest is a basic motivation of human nature. By concentrating on yourself first and then desiring to promote the peace, wellness and happiness of others, not only is the basic tendency toward self-interest overcome, but the mind becomes universal by identifying its own interest with the interest of all….encouraging empathy and an all-embracing love. Try it….it’s beautiful!

Did you know? Vitamin D can decrease your chances of getting colds and the flu?

Ever wonder why the flu season occurs in winter and early spring? Is it the cold. damp weather? Is it the fact that we are at closer quarters with family and co-workers? These are factors, but the greatest factor that determines whether we fall prey to every microbe that comes along is that we simply don’t get enough sunlight on our bodies at this time of the year. If we don’t supplement with Vitamin D in these months we are deficient in Vitamin D as blood levels fall to their lowest point. If you have low vitamin D levels, you will not be protected by your body’s own antibiotics (antimicrobial peptides), which are released by vitamin D. This means that a person with a low vitamin D level is more vulnerable to contracting colds, influenza, and other respiratory infections. Take 1000 IU of Vitamin D a day and feel the difference!

Did you know? Letting go of ego is a powerful force for change?

We often hear of the importance of letting go of ego. Eckhart Tolle writes that the letting go of ego….the false self created by our analytical mind….is a crucial step in our journey to spiritual enlightenment. Those of us who practice Reiki continuously set an intention that we will be able to put our ego and personality aside so that we may be a clear channel for the Reiki energy. We are humbled by the power of this Energy….for we know that it is guided by divine wisdom and not by the strength of our own personal abilities. In fact, it often happens that when we are at our weakest point, the Reiki energy that flows through us is at its highest power. After giving Reiki to four clients one morning a couple of weeks ago, I was tired and hungry and on my way out the door to get some lunch when I was stopped and asked if I could do one more session. Of course I said yes, even though I had my doubts that it would be a terribly successful session. I needn’t have worried! I felt enormous energy in my body while I gave Reiki to a lovely lady. And it certainly didn’t come from me….because I was running on empty! And this past week, this same lady returned for another session because she had such a positive experience during the first session. So it is true that Reiki energy asks little of us other than that we be a clear channel for it to do its work. Where the ego is serious and confining, the spirit is playful and light. Where the ego strives for perfection and needs the support of the outside world, the spirit demands nothing from the outside and is content and at peace in whatever environment it is placed. There is much joy in living in, through and for the spirit. I came across a medition in a wonder book entitled “Falling into the Arms of God : meditations with Teresa of Avila” by Megan Don. It is as follows:

“Coming into a place of peace within yourself, allow all the thoughts of the ego to arise. See them from a broader perspective….see how comical many of them are as they jostle for your attention. See how you may take yourself too seriously in your relationships, in your job, in your whole way of being. Allow a lightness to infuse your being, and let the joy of laughter ripple through your spirit and into your soul.”

“Feel your stillness and your natural state of being. Allow yourself to be brought into the wine cellar of love. Let yourself drink randomly, without reason or plan, from the divine wine of love. Say yes to whatever you are given. Place any fear to the side and keep drinking of the love. Let an old self die….let a new self be born. Say yes to this paradise of delights.”

And in the words of Teresa of Avila:

“God deliver me from people so spiritual that they turn everything into perfect contemplation, no matter what.” Amen to that!

Did you know? A “healing crisis” is a wonderful thing?

Just over a week ago, I attended a sound healing at my local wellness center. I am a yogi and a Reiki practitioner and so I am familiar with the benefits of energy therapies. Initially, when I signed up, I had hoped that I would experience some expansion of consciousness that would guide me in making the decisions that will shape the direction of my path over the coming months….and years. The previous weekend I had been doing some heavy moving and lifting of furniture, etc and had experienced some back pain. Let me say that I am not new to back pain. Eight years ago, after a chiropractic adjustment I experienced a muscle spasm so severe that the muscle remained contracted and could be seen as a bulge in my lower left back. I had healed most of my back problems over those eight years with strength training, yoga, nutrition and Reiki, but I still had that residual and visible muscle spasm and a tendency for stiffness as the chronically contracted muscle continuously tugged my spine out of alignment. So the night of the healing session, when I was asked to concentrate on an area that needed healing, I chose to concentrate on my lower back. The session was wonderful. Crystal bowls were placed in my palms, on my heart chakra and my solar plexus and as they were struck I felt the beauty of the vibrations in my upper body. One of the healers chanted into my crown chakra and I felt that glorious healing energy of the chant flowing wavelike from my head to my feet. The sound healing continued for an hour. I gave myself Reiki throughout the session and the healers brought Reiki energy to to the healing as well. Afterward, when asked what my experience had been, I told the group that I felt divine love and peace in every cell of my body. And I did. When I went home that night, I did my normal “before bed yoga routine”….very gentle and usually very restorative. But by the end of the routine I was in terrible pain…..my back was as bad as it has ever been!….and that had not happened in the past eight years! What was happening? Some healing! But as I lay in bed that night unable to move, the answer became clear. I was having a “healing crisis”. This reaction occurs when the body encounters an accelerated release of toxins that can not be immediately be disposed of. The more toxins that are released during the healing, the more severe the healing crisis. A healing crisis is characterized by a temporary increase in symptoms during that detoxification process. I warn my clients all the time that a healing crisis is possible after a Reiki healing session…and here I was experiencing one myself! The tendency is to conclude that the treatment is not working…..but of course these reactions are instead signs that the treatment IS working and that the body is in the process of clearing itself of toxins. The best thing to do when experiencing a healing crisis is to listen to your body and be kind to yourself. This includes resting whenever you can, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, and most importantly, drinking plenty of water to help your body flush out the toxins. My healing crisis lasted a day or so after which I was able to get right back into my normal exercise routines. I felt much more energetic as well and I continue to feel that way. And I still cannot believe that there is no physical evidence of the muscle spasm that I had lived with for eight years. Wonderful! And the guidance and direction that I had been seeking when I signed up for the healing session? Well that was provided also. I have started researching the ways that sound can effect the cells of our bodies…providing healing and balance. I am beginning a course in Vibrational healing with Tibetan singing bowls. It is all very fascinating….and I am joyously following the path that is presenting itself to me.