Come Back To Your Senses Radio: Recent Episodes
Leah Brenda Smith
Come Back To Your Senses Radio is all about providing you with information and experiences to help you, decrease your stress and increase your sense of well-being. How you respond to your thoughts determines your reality. Learn how to use your mind and your natural instincts to create the life you want and discover new ways of appreciating life, yourself, and the people you love. Deep relaxation is strong medicine. Join Health and Wellness Specialist Leah Brenda Smith for down to earth conversations about navigating through the stresses of daily life. Learn easy-to-follow approaches to relaxation that anyone can practice within a few moments while at home, work or play. Call in with questions about what matters to you, and together we will take a common sense approach to restoring and maintaining your well-being while taking relaxation to a whole new level.
Many previous episodes covered topics about how to experience greater enjoyment and well-being. To end the season, I offer you a summary of some of the fundamental tips and suggestions for achieving happier, healthier ways of being. Concepts like: accepting the natural cycles of ebb and flow, self-care as a life-line to well-being, building blocks for healthy relating, honoring yourself by setting healthy limits, listening to your body, and the grace of humility. Previous podcasts are available 24/7 in ITunes and through Voice America Variety until February 15, 2014. New episodes & archived shows will be posted on my website www.comebacktoyoursenses.com as they become available. To stay up-to-date with new activities, services, and coaching sessions contact me at leah@comebacktoyoursenses.com or drop by my website. I appreciate you, the listeners of Come Back To Your Senses Radio, and remain your ever grateful host. Until next time, I encourage you to relax and enjoy your life.
Coaching is an effective method of accompanying a person from where they are today to where they want to be; separate from therapy which tends to focus on the past. A coach taps into your creativity and resourcefulness through confidential, non-judgmental dialogue. Beliefs drive thoughts, and thoughts drive emotions. Most people know that they are physically capable of achieving their goals yet tend to ignore their emotions. Emotional limitations can cloud your judgment and prevent you from accessing the best possible version of yourself. A coach can teach you how to reframe your thoughts and refocus your personal and professional goals towards success. Coaching is about believing in you and what is possible; anyone who is seeking direction, motivation and support would benefit from coaching. For a successful coaching relationship there are 3 things that you need: clear intent, desire, and commitment. Tune in this week as we explore the process and benefits of professional coaching.
Generally speaking the average person knows very little about how the brain works. A “brain rule” is something that scientists know for sure about how the brain functions. When you don’t know the rules, your chosen lifestyle may or may not support optimal brain health and function. In his book “Brain Rules”, molecular biologist Dr. John Medina shares valuable information that could influence the way you teach your children, approach work, and relate to life. Each chapter presents one of 12 science based rules about the brain, and offers ideas on to how to use the rules to help you produce positive results in daily life. Some of the brain rules reveal that every brain is wired differently, exercise improves cognition, humans are designed to never stop learning, vision has a greater influence than the other senses, and the amount of sleep and stress you have affects the way you learn. Tune in this week to learn about and explore the “12 Brain Rules” that Medina highlights in his book.
Yoga originated in ancient India; the literal meaning of this Sanskrit word is “yoke” or “union. It is one of the oldest known health practices; modern studies show that Yoga can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and regulate heart rate. This discipline involves a series of stretching postures, breathing exercises and meditative practices. The overall purpose is to calm the mind, and tone the body, which creates balance, and promotes health, vitality and peace of mind. As a student of Yoga, your part is to earnestly engage in the practice. While you focus on stretching, breathing, and meditation the innate wisdom of the body, mind and spirit does the rest. Throughout history many masters and yogis have devoted their life to this multifaceted discipline. However, Yoga is extremely versatile and can be approached very simply. Students can practice at their own pace and level of ability, and receive great benefit. Tune in this week as we explore, and demystify the practice of Yoga.
The human psyche needs stories. Reading or writing short literary pieces can temporarily take you away and provide a few moments of respite. Little vignettes can, cleanse you to the core, entice you with excitement, infuse you with humor, intrigue you with alarm or fill you with peace. These tidy little episodes are perfect when you don’t have time for a hefty novel or standard short story. Snapshot storytelling drops you into a scene, cranks up your interest, then like a great joke packs a punch at the end. Granted not everyone is a writer; yet anyone can use a prompt and write for ten or fifteen minutes about a cherished moment, personal insight, challenging episode, humorous encounter, or traumatic event. Just start writing, tell the tale with brevity, and allow your subconscious mind to bring the pieces together. Whether its fact or fiction, read or written, short literary pieces can breathe new life into you. Tune in this week as we explore the wisdom of snapshot storytelling.
When you continually think the same thought it becomes concretized; your thought becomes a belief. Even when your conscious mind isn’t picking up on your thoughts, or your words, your biology is always listening. One of the functions of the mind is to create coherence between your beliefs and what you experience. When you repeatedly think that you can’t do something or that you are predisposed to a particular aliment or disease, your thoughts becomes your belief. In turn, because the function of your mind is to create coherence, your belief becomes your reality. You have choice; you can build a life based on negative thoughts or build a life that is affirming. Bear in mind that your biology does not discriminate, your biology responds in the same way to positive and negative beliefs. Therefore, you constantly increase or decrease your wellbeing based on your thoughts and beliefs about your wellbeing. Tune in this week as we explore the influence of belief on biology.
Likely we all know someone whose level of happiness seems to stand out from the crowd. Perhaps you have actually wondered what makes people happy, or why some people seem to experience more happiness than others. Too often people focus on the quick fix that can be attained through engaging in activities that produce momentary pleasure. Yet, engaging in meaningful activities seems to be the key to lasting fulfillment and increasing ones happiness quotient. It has been scientifically proven that expressions of gratitude significantly contribute to a person’s overall level of happiness. Not so surprising, acts of kindness also rank very high in promoting an increase in happiness. It might sound a little odd to purposefully pursue engaging in meaningful activities in order to increase your happiness. However, meaningful activities are something that anyone can easily incorporate into an already busy life. Tune in this week as we explore some of the meaningful habits of happy people.
Addiction can be described as any behavior you continue to engage in that brings negative consequences into your life. Addictions have been grouped into these areas: drugs, alcohol, food, sex, and money. Clearly no one is immune; addiction affects people of all ages, races, classes and professions. Until recently people thought that an addict was a person hooked on some kind of drug. There has been an increase in awareness of the problem, which makes it easier to accept the idea of having an addictive personality. Generally speaking, an addict has a hard time setting limits on enjoyable activities; often when they quit one addiction, another one surfaces. Active addiction is never about alcohol, food, money, sex, or drugs; it is about being driven by the feeling that you get from engaging in the behavior. There are healthy ways to meet the needs that drive addictive behaviors. Tune in this week for tips about what to watch out for if you have an addiction or an addictive personality.
Inner peace is generally referred to as a state of mental and spiritual harmony. Although this state is not static, it is easier to return to once it has been experienced. Often people who develop sufficient self-awareness are able to maintain a good degree of inner balance even during times of stress. Peace of mind is generally associated with happiness and contentment and is often synonymous with being healthy. In some cultures, inner peace is referred to as a high state of consciousness, or enlightenment that is attainable through practices like prayer, meditation, and yoga. Many spiritual teachings suggest that inner peace is a path that you create for yourself through the experience of self-knowledge. An atmosphere of inner peace naturally extends to peace in your family, peace with your friends, peace at work, and peace in your communities creating a wave of peace in the world. Tune in this week as we explore some of the dimensions of inner peace.
Human beings are social creatures, which naturally draw them to each other; yet many people are estranged from their loved ones. Feeling misunderstood, rejected, or cast out of your family circle or group of close friends can weaken your sense of self. Estrangement often hurts everyone involved, sometimes in unseen ways and on multiple levels Therapists say that because family relationships happened in close proximity, and family members are often very different from one another, estrangement is almost inevitable. No one has all the answers, no one knows for sure what will resolve someone else's conflict, or if in fact resolution is the best choice. Reconciliation is a process, sometimes a long and arduous process. At times the preferred approach may be to first reconcile within yourself and remain open to the possibility that over time your loved one may have a change of heart and want to reunite. Tune in this week as we explore the ins and outs of estrangement and reconciliation.
Since the new Millennium ideas presented in The Secret, and The Law of Attraction continue to become more and more popular. These laws of manifestation were given to Moses on Mount Sinai; use of this knowledge created some of the greatest miracles in history. These principles of manifestation known as the Moses Code are tools to access the privilege of co-creation that the creator has placed within us. Through practice we can connect with divine energies to co-create compassion and peace on the earth. To live in a world of peace we must live the laws of peace within ourselves. Contemporary spiritual teacher and author James F. Twyman has studied these laws and presented the principles in a book called, The Moses Code – The Most Powerful Manifestation Tool in the History of the World. Tune in this week to learn about the code and meditation techniques for activating these principles and co-creating a life of compassion, peace and fulfillment on the earth.
The struggle between light and darkness has been a consistent theme throughout the history of humanity. Generally speaking people believe that light is good and darkness is bad. However, there is no Yin without Yang, no feminine without masculine, no light without the dark; life is a constant blend of both energies. Darkness when accepted can be a catalyst for growth; prompting you move away from that which does not promote well-being and showing you what needs to be developed. Darkness can also inspire you to take positive action to protect yourself and your loved ones. However, when you struggle with, deny and or judge you’re limiting thoughts and behavior, it’s easy to get caught in a seemingly endless cycle of darkness. Accepting that light and darkness are an innate part of you can encourage an appreciation and respect for the function and flow of these two distinct aspects of life. Tune in this week as we explore embracing darkness with light.
When children are young it is natural for them to tell the truth; lying simply does not occur to them. Lying is a learned behavior that happens consciously or unconsciously when children discover they are not believed; or they are blamed or punished when they tell the truth. Under these circumstances, lying occurs in an attempt to be believed or to avoid being blamed or punished; the child fearfully lies by telling the parent what the child knows the parent wants to hear. As we grow into adults small lies are used to avoid social conflict or make life easier; the most common social lie is, nothing's wrong, I'm fine. For some people the habit of lying is very entrenched and embellishing reality is a way of life. Yet others only resort to the common little white lies that are used to keep the peace. Tune in this week as we explore the truth about lying, and how to break this habit in favor of the freedom that comes from telling the truth.
We live in a more is better society of abundance and excess. Flashy advertising is intended to entice people into thinking that bigger, newer, faster, more expensive is better. We are inundated with things, undervalue what we have, and don’t use half of it. Sadly gratitude has been replaced with expectations and entitlement. The numbers of people suffering with anxiety obesity, addictions, depression and other health issues is on the rise; and the old adage from A.A., “one is too many and a thousand is never enough”, prevails. Are we ready for “less is more”; are we ready to balance the excess ratio. Imagine less thinking producing more clarity. Less food can create more energy. Less clutter providing more space. Less tension encourages more harmony. Less fear can lead to more trust. Less doing can equal more being. Tune in this week as we explore ways of establishing a new equation for lasting fulfillment where less excess creates more enjoyment.
Virginia Satir is one of the key figures in the development of family therapy. She believed that a healthy family life involved an open and reciprocal sharing of affection, feelings, and love. Satir is also well known for her poem “My Declaration of Self-Esteem”. Throughout her life she worked tirelessly to support everyone she came into contact with to increase their level of comfort and joy by embracing their individuality. Satir's genuine warmth and caring was evident in her innate ability to incorporate feelings and compassion into the therapeutic relationship. She believed that caring and acceptance were key elements in helping people face their fears and open up to themselves and others. More than other therapists, Satir was a powerful voice who wholeheartedly emphasized the importance of love and nurturing as essential aspects of healing and therapy. Tune in this week as we explore Virginia Satir’s declaration of self-esteem and other aspects of her signature work.
The primary objective of self-parenting is to fulfill your emotional dependency needs that were not met during childhood. Emotional dependency needs involve intimacy, nurturing, unconditional love and boundary protection; these are essential to feel safe and secure in the world. Intimacy allows you to feel emotionally close to yourself and others. Everyone requires self-nurturing. People have a basic need to give and receive unconditional love. To develop healthy boundaries it is important to learn how to communicate your feelings. When you feel emotionally safe you will be able to reconnect with feelings, memories and emotions that have been frozen in time behind ego defenses. When you practice self-parenting skills, the childlike defenses that kept you safe when you were young are no longer necessary. By consciously fulfilling your own emotional dependency needs you can thrive as a highly effective, mature adult. Tune in this week to learn more about essential self-parenting skills.
Making a direct connection with the divine and receiving guidance, information and comfort is available to everyone at all times. Divine guidance takes many forms and can communicate to you through the ordinary events of daily life like: the lyrics from a song on the radio, something you read, a chance encounter with a stranger, feelings from a dream, a flash of inspiration, or your journal writing. Your willingness to receive is what opens you up to hearing guidance in a way that makes sense to you. Messages from the divine are always uplifted, loving and leave you feeling at peace; these indicators can assure you that the information is divinely inspired. The primary hurdle to accessing divine guidance is the mistaken idea that you are somehow separate from the divine. Through practice you can learn how to develop your intuitive muscle and improve your listening skills. Tune in this week for a gentle conversation about how you can open yourself up to receive divine guidance.
It has often been said that attitude is everything and that energy flows where the attention goes. Factors like being stuck in production mode, unconscious concerns from childhood, being stingy with yourself, work pressures, relationship difficulties, health issues, or money concerns seem to be what affects your ability to relax and enjoy life. However, so often the missing link is you, because the focus in your mind always determines your level of relaxation and enjoyment. This is true regardless of your life circumstances or the activity you are involved in. Relaxation and enjoyment are not exclusive to recreation and leisure activities. With a growing trust that what happens is always for your highest good, it becomes easier to relax and gain personal insight from life experiences. Your life circumstances are always there to help you in some way. Tune in this week to discover ways to shift the focus in your mind so that you can you increase your capacity to relax and enjoy life.
Historically, the words religious and spiritual had been used synonymously to describe various aspects of the concept and experience of participating in organized religion. Gradually, the word spiritual has become more associated with the private realm of thought and inner experience whereas; the word religious has become associated with being an active member of a religious institution. The declining membership in organized religion, especially in the western world has given rise to individuals declaring themselves to be spiritual but not religious. Some people who identify with being spiritual but not religious join organized spiritual communities where they participate in spiritual practices together. Other people pick and choose from a variety of spiritual virtues and practices and cobble together their own sense of spirituality. Join me this week as we find some common ground between being religious and being spiritual.
In many religious and philosophical traditions humility is seen as a virtue, often associated with being modest and respectful. Research suggests that humility is connected to qualities such as self-awareness, openness, honesty and an ability to see the big picture. When one is humble they don’t need to win, to have the last word, or have recognition for their deeds. A person with spiritual humility is grateful for their abilities and focuses on developing and learning to be responsible for their innate talents. Other expressions of humility are compassion, charitable giving and a yielding to higher awareness. Humility can be seen as the counter balance of pride; a little self-awareness and an honest view of your motivations and actions can help you to keep things in balance. Tune in this week for a down to earth conversation about humility.
Dreaming is a subject that has fascinated humanity throughout recorded history. As early as the second century information was being complied on how to interpret dreams. In modern times it is generally understood that the dream world is a viable reality that everyone visits every night. Through the dream state we are able to receive intuitive wisdom about our feelings, which directly relate to the challenges and triumphs of our daily lives. There are many versions of dream dictionaries and suggested meaning of common dream themes however; each person’s dream reality is individual. There is a lot to be gained from paying attention to your individual dream themes and symbols. With practice it is possible to decode messages from your subconscious mind that are being sent to you through the dream state. Tune in this week for information about why we dream, common dream themes, creating your own personal dream dictionary, and some suggestions about how to remember your dreams.
Most people long for relationships of substance and depth; relationships that are fulfilling and not merely based on getting your personal needs met. Spiritual partnerships are partnerships between equals for the purpose of spiritual growth. These dynamic relationships are not exclusive to couples; you can create spiritual partnership within your family, amongst your friends, literally with anyone who shares a joint commitment to living a spiritually authentic life. Although it is not necessarily comfortable to heal from the past, deal with conflict in the present or mange personal idiosyncrasies; there are many benefits to sharing with others who support you in being the best possible version of yourself. Spiritual partners are willing to connect soul to soul and talk about the issues that we all need to move through as part of our life journey. Tune in this week to discover some of the benefits and guidelines for developing, and enjoying spiritual partnerships.
The practice of mindfulness is about bringing your complete attention to the present moment and being open to experiences as they arise. Mindfulness is an ancient practice with roots in many religious and spiritual practices throughout the world. Some mental health professionals recommend mindfulness to their patients who suffer from anxiety and depression because, using techniques of mindfulness is an effective way of coping with stress and worry. There are many ways to practice mindfulness and numerous techniques such as: focusing on your breath, thoughts, emotions, or body sensations. Mindfulness exercises can be practiced formally while sitting, or informally while enjoying simple tasks of daily living like eating, driving, cooking, walking, or doing the dishes. When you bring mindfulness to your everyday activities, wonderful experiences can replace what often feels like mundane or stressful routines of life. Tune in this week as we delve into the practice of mindfulness.
Often the journey into death is a time of great introspection filled with inquiry and insight. Frequently people who are dying speak about what they regret having done, and what they wish they had done. Many authors have gathered and shared anecdotes from dying friends, patients and family members in the hope of inspiring others to live more fully and not face the same regrets. The most common of all the regrets is not having lived a life of being true to oneself. This regret also causes the most frustration because, so often the realization comes at a time when it is too late to act on the freedom that living true to oneself would allow. Some of the other common regrets are wishing they had expressed their feelings more, stayed in touch with their friends, not worked so hard, and experienced more happiness. Join me this week as we explore what the dying share with the hope of inspiring the living.
Some people suggest that one’s level of self-acceptance determines one’s level of happiness. The more self-acceptance you have, the more happiness you can allow yourself to receive and enjoy. Everyone has felt wounded in some way by their past experiences. A growing appreciation for our common humanity can inspire an influx of withheld kindness and compassion toward yourself and others. To cultivate self-acceptance it is helpful to focus on forgiveness for past indiscretions; both real and imagined. Often people discover that there is nothing to forgive because they were doing the best they could at the time; with the resources that were available. The key to increasing self-acceptance is often found in a positive shift in your perception of yourself. Letting go of old behaviors or adopting new behaviors, is a matter of personal preference and not necessarily a prerequisite for self-acceptance. Tune in this week to explore the process and benefits of self-acceptance.
The Four Agreements, a book written by Don Miguel Ruiz is based upon ancient Toltec wisdom from the native people of Southern Mexico. The Toltec were known as a people of knowledge. Within the tribe were many scientists and artists who created a society to explore and conserve the traditional spiritual knowledge and practices of their ancestors. The Toltec viewed science and spirit as part of the same entity, believing that all energy - material or ethereal - is derived from and governed by the universe. In their simplest form The Four Agreements are: Be Impeccable with Your Word, Don't Take Anything Personally, Don't Make Assumptions, and Always Do Your Best. Ruiz describes these ideas as an inspirational code for life; a template for personal development, behavior, communication and relationships. Tune in this week as we explore the essential meaning behind these agreements and discover ways that you can incorporate this ancient wisdom into your daily life.
Accessibility is more than wheelchair ramps and modified bathroom stalls. The Disability Rights Movement that began in the early 1970s helped to secure equal opportunities and equal rights for people with disabilities. The outdated custodial care model which lacked personal autonomy was replaced with a person centered approach. The closing of institutions in favor of community living helped to foster a new openness for inclusion. Citizen advocacy groups to support people with disabilities led to client rights committees that promote self-advocacy. Access to leisure activities was achieved through Snoezelen Multisensory Environments which paved the way for access to a wide range of health and wellness services. Opportunities for self-actualization have been experienced through the creative arts. We’ve come a long way in realizing that true accessibility includes the freedom to choose from the full spectrum of life experience. Join me this week for a holistic approach to access ability.
Zoning out is a natural function of normal life that can provide an immediate way of managing when your mind or body is overwhelmed. The habit of zoning out begins in early childhood while children try to assimilate the countless new experiences they are constantly faced with. Dissociation is the clinical term used to describe this experience; it is a protective mechanism triggered by the nervous system when it reaches its maximum capacity to process internal and external stimulation. Dissociation occurs on a continuum. Mild events can occur when you need a few moments to regroup. More frequent episodes that are longer in duration can occur when people have experienced extreme trauma such as shock, loss, or abuse. Sometimes people reach for drugs, alcohol or food to cope with trauma, which can encourage dissociation. Therapy can help an individual to process traumatic events and feel more integrated. Tune in this week to explore the body wisdom behind the experience of zoning out.
By definition, intuition is a sense or feeling that cannot readily be explained away by conscious logical or rational thought. It is based on instinctive knowledge that is always available. Everyone has intuition and the more you acknowledge it, the stronger and more accurate it will become. Your intuition is like an inner companion that can help you understand your inner being, find your life purpose, and give you practical solutions to everyday challenges. Learning to rely on your intuition can increase your clarity and confidence which will have a positive impact on your relationships, and your ability to achieve your goals. Intuitive information can come to you in dreams or while you are awake. Intuition also comes through inner experiences, like seeing an image, or having a clear knowing; or outer experiences like the perfect book falling off a shelf, or hearing something that gives you a clear answer. Tune in this week for practical ways to develop your intuitive muscle.
Have you ever stopped to wonder why you seem to need less sleep than others, love hot spicy food, have a hard time being still, public speaking is your forte, you enjoy competition, or you have the patience of a saint? The answers to these and countless other questions can be found in the science of Ayurveda; a holistic approach to health that focuses on maintaining physical and emotional balance. Ayurveda is based on three dosha body types which are a combination of the energies of the elements. The Vata dosha, which governs movement, is ether and air. The Pitta dosha, which governs metabolism, is fire and water. The Kapha dosha, which governs the structure, is earth and water. Ayurveda sees every individual as unique, the focus on prevention and food and lifestyle routines are considered to be the most important medicine. Tune in this week to learn about the specific traits for each dosha, and the lifestyle choices that can help you to balance and maintain the health of each dosha.
In many religious and philosophical traditions humility is seen as a virtue, often associated with being modest and respectful. Research suggests that humility is connected to qualities such as self-awareness, openness, honesty and an ability to see the big picture. When one is humble they don’t need to win, to have the last word, or have recognition for their deeds. A person with spiritual humility is grateful for their abilities and focuses on developing and learning to be responsible for their innate talents. Other expressions of humility are compassion, charitable giving and a yielding to higher awareness. Humility can be seen as the counter balance of pride; a little self-awareness and an honest view of your motivations and actions can help you to keep things in balance. Tune in this week for a down to earth conversation about humility.
Listening to your body and responding to the information that it is giving you is essential your health and wellbeing. A fast paced, high tech, wired lifestyle can create relentless stress on your nervous system; sometimes you just need to unplug. All too often the busyness and electronic noise of the world around you overshadows the most basic sensations that are going on within. Throughout the day your body communicates fundamental signals like hunger, thirst and the need for a bathroom break; yet many people feel they are too busy to respond. Other sensations like stiff shoulders, a sore neck, back pain, headaches, or eyestrain indicate that something is out of balance. Awareness is the first step followed by taking appropriate action to bring your body back into balance. The body and mind need to work together to create wellbeing. Tune in this week as we explore techniques designed to help you listen and respond to the innate wisdom of your body.
It is natural to give of yourself to your family, friends, coworkers, neighbors and community. Yet in the name of responding to the needs of others, it is easy to lose sight of the time and care that you need to give yourself. Honoring yourself by setting healthy limits is a skill that you can learn and will help you to feel balanced, centered and grounded. The best case scenario is to find ways to honor yourself by adjusting to situations as they arise and still maintaining your connections with others. Knowing and establishing your limits can bring order into your life and give you a sense of empowerment. Without this skill you can feel out of control and caught in situations that are unhealthy for you. A common problem can be not knowing what your limits are and an inability to say no to what you don't really want to do. Tune in this week to learn more about honoring yourself by establishing healthy limits for yourself and the people and situations in your life.
There are positive uplifting energies available during this time of the dawning of a new world age and beyond. Yet, often we are so focused on what we are doing that we miss the energies from the unseen world that are here to guide us. More and more people are setting aside time daily to sit quietly in the stillness and commune with the energy of creation that we are collectively connect to. The Aquarian Age is ruled by awareness, information, and energy. People will feel more inspired to take practical action towards serving the whole of humanity. The focus will be on the development of that which will be of benefit to all and is both renewable and sustainable. The energy of compassion will flow more easily from humanity in the form of a balance between the heart and the mind, the thought and the deed. Tune in this week as we explore the dawning of this new age.
A well-balanced blood sugar level is crucial to your overall fitness and well-being. Your blood sugar level is the amount of glucose from what you eat that is circulating in your bloodstream and providing energy to your cells for immediate fuel; or being stored for future use. Blood sugar stability is essential for regulating your hormones, triggering your body to burn stored fat, and increasing your metabolism which helps to maintain a healthy weight. With the rampant rise in obesity clearly many people’s blood sugar is not properly balanced which can lead to additional health risks. Eating breakfast is essential to regulating your blood sugar and dictates how stable your blood sugar will be for the rest of the day. Spikes in blood sugar occur after eating a candy bar, food made with refined white flour, or hidden sugars in processed food; followed by a sugar crash. Tune in this week for tips on how to reduce your cravings for sugar and maintain a well-balanced blood sugar level.
Sound is vibrational in nature and is a powerful tool because we are vibrational beings. Sound can influence your mood; birds chirping, flowing water, or children laughing may be pleasing while a jack hammer, car alarm, or motor can get on your nerves. The emotional content and influence of sound can be amplified or enhanced by the spoken word or sung verse, and through the striking, strumming, plucking, or blowing of musical or sound healing instruments. In many cultures music has historically held a deeply sacred space in the hearts and minds of their people and has been used to facilitate access to deeper insight, and healing. In the west the use of therapy involving music started when musicians began entertaining service men that were injured both physically and emotionally during World War I & II. Tune in this week to explore the potential of sound and music to enhance personal development and heal the body, mind, emotions and spirit.
Annually one third of the population experiences something that challenges their mental and emotional health. Symptoms can range from very minor shorts bouts of anxiety or grief brought on by an increase in stress; to more painful and debilitating symptoms. Mental illness, like cancer can strike anyone at any time and has a variety of causes. Almost half the population has a family member or close friend that is living with some form of mental illness that affects their mood, energy, concentration, relationships, sleep patterns, communication, memory, fitness, and other aspects of daily living. Unfortunately the stigma attached to mental illness prevents many people from seeking help. Join me this week to clear up some common misconceptions about mental illness; and receive recommendations about how you can increase your mental and emotional health.
We all know that water is good for us yet, the reasons are not always clear. It may surprise you to know that a very high percentage of the human body is made up of water and every cell in your body needs water in order to function efficiently. Every time you take a drink of water, the liquid goes to work performing vital functions that keep your body's systems running smoothly. As an example the brain consists of 90% water, if you do not drink plenty of water your brain cannot function well, which can result in headaches or migraines. Drinking ample water throughout the day provides an optimally moist environment for your tissues, removes toxins from your organs, carries nutrients to your cells and boosts your energy level. Tune in this week to explore the far reaching benefits of drinking plenty of water the elixir of wellbeing.
Insomnia derived from Latin means “no sleep”; it is the most common sleep complaint among North Americans. Symptoms can be acute; lasting one to several nights, or chronic, lasting months or years. More often people experience chronic intermittent insomnia. There are a wide range of symptoms listed under insomnia which include: trouble falling asleep, trouble staying asleep, waking up early and not being able to get back to sleep, not feeling rested or refreshed despite getting enough sleep, feeling tired and sleepy during the day, feeling irritable or anxious, headaches, and difficulty focusing or concentrating. Insomnia can be its own health condition however it is often related to some other issue like stress, pain, or digestive disorders. Tune in this week to explore treatments options, coping strategies and practical tips so everyone can get a good night’s sleep.
Anyone can suddenly develop health issues related to their heart; even without a history of heart disease in the family, and sometimes without warning. Young and middle age adults tend to think that heart related health concerns only affect older adults. Yet in order to enjoy good health in our golden years we need to take good care of ourselves now. People may wonder what's really proven to prevent heart attacks. There is strong evidence that a reduction in blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, weight, stress and smoking are all extremely beneficial to your heart health. Research suggests that more than 75 percent of adults in North America could receive benefit from employing at least one of these lifestyle changes. On Today’s show I will share with you some easy to apply steps you can take to protect your heart and increase your overall heart health.
Just as Western society was shifting from a culture of moral character to a culture of personality, Psychologist Carl Jung coined the terms introvert and extrovert. Today these terms are the backbone of personality tests, including the widely used Myers-Briggs. About 25% of people are introverts, which may account for the misunderstandings. Introverts are not necessarily shy; it is about a preference for less stimulation. Some psychologists suggest that where you are on the introvert extrovert scale is pre-coded in your DNA. One study looked at high reactive and low-reactive babies; the former became introverts while the latter tended to become extroverts. The whole phenomenon is linked to how you respond to stimulation, which can be related to the lack of social motivation that introverts often experience. Tune in this week as we clear up some myths and shine a light on being an introvert.
Gender - being male or female - is a basic element that helps make up an individual's personality and sense of self. Gender identity disorder is a condition in which a male or female experiences discomfort regarding his or her gender at birth. Of the people affected, most recognize that they have a gender identity mix match before they reach adolescence and sometimes as early as two years of age. This rare disorder is more often found in males than in females and occurs in up to 1% of the population. The exact cause of gender identity disorder is not known; however early intervention is becoming a widely accepted treatment approach by professional. Tune in this week as we learn from professionals and explore how a few families responded when their child's gender identity didn’t fit the gender norms.
Family communication patterns set the stage for how we communicate outside of the family. Ideally, we grow up in families that model healthy ways of relating. Through this we learn that our feelings and needs are important and can be expressed. With a solid family base we are more likely to form healthy, open relationships in adulthood. However, families can become blocked by hurt, anger, mistrust or confusion. All of these emotions are a natural and normal part of relating and most families have at least a few experiences like this; especially during some type of family crises. It is never too late to develop healthier ways of relating. Even when we have good quality relationships it is still possible to develop our skills and improve our interpersonal relationships. Tune in this week as we explore some of the important building blocks for healthy relating.
More and more people are absorbed with the idea of how to discover their real purpose in life. This is not about your job, your responsibilities, or the short and long term goals that you set for yourself. Your life purpose is the overall reason why you exist. First you need to empty your mind of the preconceived ideas that you may have; for some this will including the idea that you have no purpose at all. When you find your own unique answer to the question of why you’re here, you will feel it resonate with you deeply. As your life purpose becomes clearer, your life will flow more smoothly and powerfully in your chosen direction. There are many ways to both find and develop your life purpose. Tune in this week as we explore different approaches to identifying your life purpose.
There are Universal Laws or Principles by which everything in the Universe is governed. The Universe exists in perfect harmony by virtue of these Laws. Ancient mystical, esoteric and secret teachings dating back over 5,000 years from Ancient Egypt to Ancient Greece and to the Vedic tradition of Ancient India, all have as their common thread these Spiritual Laws of the Universe. In more recent times interest in Universal Laws & Principles has been on the rise. People are drawn to uncovering the nature of these laws and how to apply them in their daily life. When you understand, apply and align yourself with these Universal Laws, you can experience transformation in every area of your life well beyond that which you have previously imagined. Tune in this week as we explore Universal Laws and Principles.
In the early days of a New Year it is natural for people to contemplate what they would like to do differently in the year ahead. The all too common approach of trying to diet, exercise, quit smoking, cut down on drinking, or other undesirable habits doesn’t always provide the strong foundation of resolve required to achieve the goal. To be successful with change you need to possess a vital determination that you can rely on to overcome the reflex of old habits. Even when you are clear about the things you want to change; often breaking a goal down into baby steps can build the mettle that you need to be triumphant. Sometimes focusing on building your character or cultivating other positive traits can pave the way to let go of old habits with ease. Tune in this week as we explore different facets of cultivating a resolve for a new way of life.
Self-care is an important life line to an individual’s well-being and happiness. Yet people are more inclined to focus on the needs of others; tending to their own needs only when minor symptoms grow into more serious problems. The dimensions of self-care cover a wide range of activities like a soak in the tub, positive self-talk, finances, annual medical appointments, open communication, a balance of work and leisure, walking in nature, personal connections, adequate sleep and time to pursue intellectual, creative, religious and spiritual interests. Everyone has gaps in their self-care equation, yet it is never too soon or too late to fill those gaps. Every person needs time for personal care, healthy eating habits, exercises, self-reflection and relaxation. Tune in this week as we explore the splendid dimensions of self-care.
With holiday energy at its peak no doubt folks are in their usual rushing to get everything done before the holiday mode. It is a real oxymoron, the holidays are about comfort and joy yet the preparation can induce exhaustion. Likely you have thoughts racing through your mind while you bustle about. Thoughts about how this year it would be different. This year you were determined to avoid the stress that seems synonymous with holiday cheer. Yet this year you likely slid into the same habits and holiday preparation patterns that leave you gasping for a few moments of relief from the pressures of preparing for the holidays. The stress can be multiplied if you are coping with an illness or caring for someone who is sick. Right about now I’m sure you could use some suggestions of how to decrease your stress and increase your enjoyment of the 2012 holiday season. Tune in this week for some tips on how to create a stress-free holiday season.
The term brain fitness supports the idea that cognitive abilities can be maintained or improved by exercising the brain in the same way that physical fitness is improved by exercising the body. Aspects of the brain remain plastic throughout life. High levels of mental activity are associated with reduced risks of age-related dementia. Brain fitness is the capacity of a person to meet the various cognitive challenges of life. It is based on an ability to assimilate information, comprehend relationships, and construct reasonable conclusions and plans. Brain fitness can be developed though formal education, being mentally engaged in life, continual learning, and through exercises designed to challenge cognitive skills. Healthy lifestyle habits including mental stimulation, physical exercise, good nutrition, stress management, and sleep can improve brain fitness. Join me this week as we explore brain fitness.
There are positive uplifting energies available during this time of the dawning of a new world age and beyond. Yet, often we are so focused on what we are doing that we miss the energies from the unseen world that are here to guide us. More and more people are setting aside time daily to sit quietly in the stillness and commune with the energy of creation that we are collectively connect to. The Aquarian Age is ruled by awareness, information, and energy. People will feel more inspired to take practical action towards serving the whole of humanity. The focus will be on the development of that which will be of benefit to all and is both renewable and sustainable. The energy of compassion will flow more easily from humanity in the form of a balance between the heart and the mind, the thought and the deed. Tune in this week as we explore the dawning of this new age.
The Law of Attraction is the name given to the belief that like attracts like and that by focusing on positive or negative thoughts, one can bring about positive or negative results. Psychologists, New Age thinkers and religious leaders have been talking about The Law of Attraction since 1906. One hundred years later the Law of Attraction became popularized based on the work and the book The Law of Attraction: The Basics of the Teachings of Abraham, by Esther and Jerry Hicks. Whether or not you believe in the power of the universe, there is scientific research that substantiates the effects of positive thinking. Tune in this week as we explore the basic principles of the Law of Attraction and offer some tips and suggestions about how you can put the law into action in your daily life.
Fear is an emotion induced by a perceived threat that causes animals to move quickly away from the location of the perceived threat. It is a basic survival mechanism occurring in response to a specific stimulus, such as pain or the threat of danger. In short, fear is the ability to recognize danger leading to an urge to confront it or flee from it also known as the fight-or-flight response. However, in extreme cases of fear, a frozen or paralyzed state is a possible response. Fears are thoughts that we have created usually after having a negative experience. We experience a negative event and we reinforce the fear by thinking about it and analyzing its negative impact on our lives. Thus fears are created, perpetuated, and sustained in our minds. Tune in this week for some strategies that just may help you or your loved ones to overcome fears and phobias.
Creativity is a child's natural state; did you know that your experience of creativity in childhood shapes much of how you behave as an adult. Life is filled with creative moments especially when we remain flexible and open to new possibilities. Many people do not see themselves as being creative; they focus on brilliant artists, dancers, musicians and writers. Hence, there is a tendency to overlook the way each of us displays creativity in our daily lives. Research suggests that everyone is capable of tapping into his or her creative spirit. It is possible to develop the habit of paying attention to your own creativity and allow your creativity to blossom. Tune in this week to explore some innovative ideas about creativity, the creative personality, what squashes creativity, myths about creativity and ways to deepen your creative capacity.
Self-discipline can be defined as the ability to motivate oneself in spite of a negative emotional state. Qualities associated with self-discipline include willpower, hard work, and persistence. Self-discipline is the product of using your willpower persistently. Willpower is the strength and ability to carry out a certain task, self-discipline is the ability to use it routinely and even automatically like a natural reflex. An analogy for the relationship between the two could be willpower is the muscle, and self-discipline is the structured thought that controls the muscle. Some would suggest that it takes 21 days to establish a new habit or way of being. In most cultures, it has been noted that self-discipline is the ultimate path towards success. Tune in this week as we explore eastern and western approaches to self-discipline.
The primary aspect of religious life that overlaps most naturally with health is prayer. Many Theologians believe in the power of prayer to heal the sick. Scientists also sense that there is coloration between prayer and health. Prayer may help us to experience greater health physically, mentally and psychologically. Many studies have been published in both medical and psychological journals supporting the positive effects of prayer and faith. Prayer can influence our state of mind, which has an effect on our body. It can help with anxiety, sadness, blood pressure, sleep, digestion and breathing. It can also influence our thinking. Over time these positive effects can change the brain activity and ultimately the subjective and objective experiences that we have in the world. Tune in this week as we explore the power of prayer.
The happiness and fulfillment that everyone desires comes from sharing the experience of life with other people. Intimacy is a legitimate need and although people can survive without intimacy; it is certainly fundamental to our ability to thrive. We all yearn for intimacy and at some point in our lives we have all run away from intimacy. In the Book the Seven Levels of Intimacy - The Art of Loving and The Joy of Being Loved, Mathew Kelly offers a model to help us understand the different levels of intimacy that are an integral part of our daily human interactions. Tune in this week for a gentle conversation about how The Seven Levels of Intimacy can inspire you to become the best version of yourself, and how you can encourage those you love to become the best version of who they are.
Emotional intelligence EQ is the ability to identify, use, understand, and manage emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges, and defuse conflict. Emotional intelligence impacts many different aspects of your daily life, such as the way you behave and the way you interact with others. If you have a high emotional intelligence you are able to recognize your own emotional state, the emotional states of others and engage with people in a way that draws them to you. You can use this understanding of emotions to relate better to other people, form healthier relationships, achieve greater success at work, and lead a more fulfilling life. Tune in this week as we explore the attributes and the skills that can help you to develop your emotional intelligence.
We all make decisions all day long; many of these decisions are automatic and require little effort or forethought. Then all of a sudden there you are smack in the middle of one of those agonizing moments when you can’t make up your mind. From time to time everyone has experienced that relentless discomfort because they just can’t decide. What is often referred to as “your gut” is a warehouse of knowledge and experience that you can draw upon to help you to determine the course of action that feels right for you. Sometimes we impose a timeframe on an issue and pressure ourselves into making a decision prematurely before we have gathered all the facts or the time is ripe. Indecision can cost you time, energy, missed opportunity and mental and emotional stress. Tune in this week as we explore some of the dynamics and models around the decision making process.
Seasonal Affective Disorder SAD was first systematically reported and named in the early 1980s by Norman E. Rosenthal, M.D., and his associates at the National Institute of Mental Health. SAD is a type of depression that is commonly thought to be related to the amount of daylight a person is exposed to. For most people it tends to be worse in the fall or winter and can bring on an extreme form of the winter blahs. Some suffers experience symptoms in the late spring or early summer; and others experience symptoms at every season change. The definitive cause is unknown light exposure is a factor; it may also be linked to the body's internal clock, and to levels of melatonin in the body. The symptoms of SAD are commonly treated with light therapy, exercise, good nutrition, medication and other types of therapy. Tune in this week to discover more about Seasonal Affective Disorder, coping strategies, and treatment options.
Laughing is a reaction to a wide range of stimuli from hearing a joke, being tickled, or seeing something funny. Laughter is considered a visual expression of positive emotional states, such as joy, fun, happiness, or relief. On some occasions however, it may express other emotions, such as embarrassment, apology, confusion, or nervousness. Laughter is regulated by the brain, and can help people to clarify their intentions in social interaction and provide an emotional context to conversations. Laughter is contagious; the laughter of one person can provoke laughter from others. Children tend to laugh a great deal more than adults. According to some studies, the onset of adulthood causes a gradual change characterized by increased seriousness and a diminished engagement in laughter. Tune in this week to explore the healthy benefits of laughter and ways that laughter is used for recreation and therapy.
Grief is a misunderstood aspect of human life that is often thought of as an enemy. People fight with grief, or try to pretend that it doesn’t exist. Yet, grief is a healing process that is as vital to us as physical healing is for cuts, bruises, and broken bones. Physical injury can take a long time to heal, and so can the death of a loved one, a divorce, a break-up, being fired or let go at work, or the end of a friendship. Loss is a natural part of life and all experiences of loss require a period of grief for healing. It is important to know how to care for yourself while recovering from physical trauma, it is just as essential to understand the healing process of grief and what you can do to support your healing. Tune in this week to explore the 5 stages of grief and loss, and pick up some tips about how you can live though the losses that are a natural part of living and dying.
Animals are instinctively aware of people’s moods and personality; and can sense a wide spectrum of human emotions. Through a legacy of honor and respect the American Indians became acutely aware of the medicinal powers of animals. Animals that speak to you in a particular way carry special medicine for you, and will call to you in the light of day or in your dreamtime. Anyone can learn about the wisdom of animals and how they act as guides and teachers, revealing aspects of ourselves that we often lose touch with. Tune in next week to explore animal medicine teachings, discover how animals are assisting with therapy, learn how to do a top to bottom scan for your pets, and pick up some simple tips for calming your animal companions.
Human experiences that move us to tears are not gender specific. Yet in the North American culture we are still under the influence of old misconceptions about men and crying. This display of emotion from men has been seen as un-masculine, inappropriate, and sometimes even frightening. It is important to respect that we are all different and the ways that we demonstrate emotion can vary depending on the intensity of the emotion, our overall state of well-being, where we are, and who we are with when we suddenly find ourselves wheeling up with tears. This is true of both men and women, and both men and women have assumptions about the appropriateness of men and crying. Tune in this week to explore the old notion that Big Boys Don’t Cry.
Friendships and other supportive relationships enhance many aspects of our physical and mental health. High quality friendships have great ways of resolving conflict which ultimately leads to stronger and healthier relationships. Generally speaking men and women tend to have the same number of friends; however, women are more likely to confide in their friendships. Men tend to enjoy sharing activities together and or discuss and practice special skills. When all is said and done friendships are diverse, as people change so do their friendships. Some friends want to maintain regular contact and others may float in and out with warmth, flexibility and ease. We all need friends yet clearly not all of our friendships are the same. Tune in this week for a gentle conversation on the diversity of friendship.
Many people have the impression that they don’t dream; these people do dream but don’t remember their dreams. The average person has about 3 to 5 dreams per night; some people may have up to 7. Dreams tend to last longer as the night progresses. During a full 8-hour night sleep, two hours of it is spent dreaming. Your dreams are seen as a connection to your unconscious. They range from normal and ordinary to overly surreal and bizarre. Dreams can have varying natures, such as adventurous frightening, exciting, melancholic, magical, or sexual. The events in dreams are generally not within the control of the dreamer, with the exception of lucid dreaming, where the dreamer is self-aware. At times dream images are sent as a creative thought form to the dreamer, or infuse the dreamer with a sense of inspiration. Tune in this week to explore and shed some light on the experience of dreaming.
Anger is a natural emotion, but when it turns to hatred, a natural emotion can become distorted and at times destructive. People who hold longstanding grudges always have a story about how they were wronged and have the right to be angry. Often these rational thoughts are being fed by old repressed anger. A little bit of empathy and compassion can go a long way in helping you to let go of you pride, your ego, and your story about being wronged. Through reflective thinking there is an opportunity to see anger for what it is, and unravel its recurring thoughts, and energy. It is possible to befriend your anger and accept it as just one of the natural expressions on the spectrum of your emotional experience. This week we will explore different aspect of anger and help you to free yourself from this often misunderstood energy.
Sometimes we just get up on the wrong side of ourselves and throughout the day bounce from one undesirable thought, feeling, and body sensation to another. There is a place in the human mind where an energy pattern of weakness is formed. Like all energies, this energy within the mind has a certain degree of power. This power has an influence on the mind and the nervous system causing you to think and act in ways that are self-defeating which blocks your ability to achieve success.. Being positive or negative are habits of thoughts that have a very strong influence on your life. Positive thoughts work best when you back them up with positive feelings and positive actions. This week we will accentuate the positive in life by explore the power of positive thinking, positive affirmations, celebrating your achievements, complimenting others, and engaging with the natural world.
There are countless meditation techniques spanning different cultures, religions, philosophy’s and time frames; from ancient time tested techniques to modern day new age approaches. Every technique produces results, and benefits everyone who adopts a consistent practice. When beginning a meditation practice, the technique you choose and the amount of time you spend daily in meditation will depend on what it is that you are trying to achieve from meditation. If you are simply looking for stress reduction a ten minute meditation practice in the morning and or at night may suffice. If you are looking for a more enhanced experience of meditation, a deeper consistent practice will be necessary. This week I will dispel some old myth that exist in the west about meditation and present a variety of ancient and modern techniques for you to choose from.
Deepening your senses is a natural part of your life journey. As you continue to grow, develop and become more self-aware you automatically fine tune your vibration and your senses. When your energy is restricted your senses operate in a finite way. When you are relaxed your senses become more developed allowing you to experience the true boundless nature of sensory perception. This week’s show is about going deeper into your physical senses and your extrasensory senses. Appreciating how the two levels of sensing can blend together encourages the development of both. I will guide you through a chakra meditation which will offer you an opportunity to recover your common sense and discover your innate abilities. This gentle conversation will encourage you to relax and allow your senses and your perceptions to deepen easily, naturally and comfortably.
Everyone has guides and mentors that are always ready and willing to lend a hand; even though you may not be aware of your guides, they are very aware of you. Communicating with spirit guides has become an increasingly common way of interfacing with the unseen world. Sometimes all it takes is a shift in perception, which can create the right state of mind for you to be able to sense their presence around you or within you. With clear intention, you can make contact with these loving beings and welcome their presence directly into your life. With a little bit of guidance, some information about what to look for, and a few simple processes, you will be able to open the doorway into communing with these loving beings. Join in the conversation as I steer you in the right direction to open in yourself and experience making contact with your spirit guides. Once you make contact you can start asking for guidance in all aspects of your life.
Metaphorically, the term shepherd refers to God; as portrayed in Jewish and Christian traditions in the 23rd Psalm, and in Christianity for Jesus, who called himself, The Good Shepherd. Many biblical heroes were shepherds, including the patriarchs Abraham and Jacob, and the prophet Moses, and King David. In the New Testament, angels announced the birth of Jesus to shepherds. Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam, was part of a rich tradition of prophets who earned their livelihood as shepherds. Sikhism also has many mentions of shepherd tales. The term Pastor, originally the Latin word for shepherd” is now used solely for clergy of most Christian denominations. In many works of art the shepherd, appears as a virtuous soul because he lived so close to nature, free from the temptations of the city. Tune in this week for modern day examples of “shepherds” like The Shepherds of Good hope and Shepherd’s Ministries who feel called to protect, guide, and watch over a person or group of people.
Craniosacral Therapy is a non-invasive energy-based healing modality which has an overall calming effect on the central nervous system. The brain and spinal cord require a carefully controlled environment. The craniosacral system made up of the bones in the cranium, face, spine and pelvis provide this environment. These bones float in cerebral spinal fluid that moves up and down the dural tube in the center of the spine. The craniosacral system is not static; each bone or pair of bones is designed to move in specific patterns known as the craniosacral rhythm. Anxiety, trauma, stress, and brain injuries can disrupt the craniosacral rhythm, creating sensory processing imbalances, and pressure in the head and body. Using a light touch, a craniosacral practitioner can bring the craniosacral rhythm back into balance which improves the function of the central nervous system. This week I will share experiences of how I have used this healing modality to recover from trauma and help others.
Take a moment and ponder your experience of reading a quote that gave you the impetus to make a significant change in your life. With the flood of social media on the internet I have witnessed the rising of an Inspirational Quote Movement, of colorful daily posts covering a wide range of subjects like: love, friendship, philosophy, nature, compassion, mental health, animals, religion, and a surplus of humor. It is surprising that a few words can have a huge impact on the way that you perceive yourself and the people in your life. The quotes are intended to be inspirational and offer resolve for the common challenges that people face in life. Urging you to know that underneath the details of who you are, how you earn your living, and where you live, there is a common purpose and vision of wellness for humanity and the planet we inhabit. This week let’s have some fun exploring inspirational quotes. Here is a sample of a popular post; Worrying Is Like Praying For What You Don’t Want.
People often jest that parenting doesn’t come with a manual. In the dictionary, “Parenting or child rearing is the process of promoting and supporting the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development of a child from infancy to adulthood.” Not everyone chooses to have children yet everyone has an influence on child rearing of children in their community. Being a good provider, ensuring for the health and safety of your children and wholehearted doses of love and acceptance are clear parenting responsibilities. Personal ethics have a strong influence on children therefore being a good role model in your speech, actions and interactions is crucial. The dictionary does not include the spiritual aspect of parenting and child rearing. Basic needs are vital; nurturing a child’s sensibilities and spirit are also vital. Tune in this week to learn about some inner resources that you and your children can both access to enhance your experience of parenting throughout the life cycle.
Kabbalah means many things to many people. In its simplest form Kabbalah is an ancient wisdom that reveals the inner workings of the universe; offering practical tools for how these principles can be applied to your daily life. The literal translation of the word Kabbalah means “receiving.” Kabbalah can deepen your understanding of the universe and give you information and tools to understand why things are happening to you, and how you can connect to the light of the creator and receive lasting fulfillment. Although Kabbalah is often referred to as Jewish Mysticism, it teaches universal principles that apply to people from all faiths and religious backgrounds. Kabbalah offers both an ancient model and an entirely new model for living. It explains that the three aspects of our life: health, relationships, and work all originate from the same core. Tune in to the conversation as I explore and share some ancient yet practical Kabbalah teachings for a modern world.
During my life, I have been privileged to tend the garden of people’s hearts. Through this journey I have been able to set my inner compass towards finding the blessings in human tragedies, emotional suffering, chronic pain, and mental anguish. Time and again I have been shown that a loving presence is the best remedy for the challenges of daily life. I have learned the precious art of caring for others by caring for others; and following the flow of energy and inspiration that moves through me. I have been gifted with the skills to attend to the great charge of providing formal and informal healing sessions for the past 40 years. I have cared for people whose energy and wellbeing has been restored; and I have accompanied people into their last days, and moments on the earth. These experiences stand out as the most authenticity I have known in my life. This week I will chronicle some of the insights from this great journey and share some intimate reflections on healing.
The Sufi mystic and poet Jalaluddin Rumi lived in the 13th Century in Persia. He is known and loved for his poetry expressing the ecstasies and mysteries of love in all of its forms, erotic, platonic, and divine. To this day Rumi’s contribution to consciousness through his radical practice of gazing meditation, and his exquisite poetry is revered, studied, practice, and enjoyed worldwide. In 1244 a most extraordinary event occurred in the history of Sufism when Rumi meet a fellow seeker Shams-i-Tabriz. After meeting, they entered into a private retreat and emerged 90 days later in a transformed state. The two men sat and simply gazed into each other’s eyes; the portals to the soul. Tune in this week as we delve into Rumi’s Radical Practice of Beholding the Divine as it is presented and translated by Will Johnson. We will also explore some of Rumi’s poems of ecstasy and longing that have been translated and presented by Coleman Barks. If the beloved is everywhere, the lover is a veil.
The Chakra system is made up of energy centers within the body that assist us on our journey toward greater awareness and aliveness. As an ancient spiritual system, they show the path to enlightenment and integration. The seven chakras or energy centers in the body take us along the full spectrum of human experience. When we address our lives using the template of the chakras we can identify the areas where we do too much or other areas where we might be underdeveloped; through this process we can bring ourselves into greater balance. Generally speaking most people are aware of the third eye and the solar plexus, which are two of the chakras that are woven, throughout our body. On this week’s show we will identify the chakras and learn about their relationship to organs, glands, emotions, thoughts, colors, and sound. Once we put all of the information together you will be able to see the chakra system as a universal template for understanding human consciousness and behavior.
I recently had the privilege of attended an event where the Dali Lama spoke. He suggested that in order to develop and respect others we need compassion and forgiveness. Not as a religious practice as these are universal ideas and ideals. It doesn’t matter if people are rich or poor this is a human action. This is not a religious action. We need a practice of compassion not through prayer but by using our common experience of our convictions, our constructive emotions. Some emotions are very bad and destructive for friendship and family; some emotions are very helpful. Once you realize that anger and hatred are very harmful try to distance yourself from these emotions, and the intensity of these emotions. Then positive emotions come up and that makes change in your life and in our world. Tune in this week to hear excerpts from the Dalai Lama’s message at the Civic Centre in Ottawa, and Eighteen Rules For Living that he presented to humanity at the start of the new millennium.
Recording our life experience through writing can be a powerful outlet for pleasure and or pain. The privacy of a journal can provide an intimate space to express thoughts and feelings that may be too painful, or too personal to share with another. A journal can also provide a place to let your imagination go wild and write until your heart is content. Automatic writing can be used as a way to encourage a response from your higher self to a question you may have. Writing your spiritual autobiography can reveal information that is stored in your subconscious mind. Through a writing practice we can chronicle daily life, empty our mind of random ramblings, or focus on more serious writing projects. Poems, short stories, prose, free verse, and stream of consciousness are all styles of writing that can help us to express ourselves through the written word. Tune in to explore ways that you can get started, or keep going with your own writing practice.
Since the new Millennium ideas presented in The Secret, and The Law of Attraction continue to become more and more popular. These laws of manifestation were given to Moses on Mount Sinai; use of this knowledge created some of the greatest miracles in history. These principles of manifestation known as the Moses Code are tools to access the privilege of co-creation that the creator has placed within us. Through practice we can connect with divine energies to co-create compassion and peace on the earth. To live in a world of peace we must live the laws of peace within ourselves. Contemporary spiritual teacher and author James F. Twyman has studied these laws and presented the principles in a book called, The Moses Code – The Most Powerful Manifestation Tool in the History of the World. Tune in this week to learn about the code and meditation techniques for activating these principles and co-creating a life of compassion, peace and fulfillment on the earth.
Are you ever left wondering what went wrong in your interaction with another person; it all sounded right in your head yet some thing was lost in the translation. Human interaction without establishing rapport can easily lead to misunderstanding. Creating Rapport is an essential building block to the development and maintenance of harmonious relationships. During this week’s show I will present some easy to follow common sense approaches that are practiced in NLP Neuro-linguistic Programming such as: eye contact, body language, voice, silence, and matching & mirroring that can assist you in establishing rapport with others at home work and play. I will also offer some little adjustments you can make within yourself in order to maintain your balance while interacting with people that are highly stressed or in crisis.
When we feel emotionally and mentally stuck, people around us say, “just, let it go.” I agree, this is great advice and many books on healing recommend the same thing. Yet, what is the process of letting go. The tendency is to try to change, fix, or solve unpleasantness; or come up with a reason for the uncomfortable feelings. Experience has taught me that the first phase of letting go is to accept the thought, feeling, situation, trauma, injury or condition exactly the way that it is. Life is movement and change, moment by moment. Emotion is energy in motion and most of what we think, feel and experience moves through us with ease. Resisting our experience interrupts the flow of the emotion through us. This results in emotional energy churning within and picking up momentum each time we think about or mention the situation. Tune in this week to learn about the mechanics of letting go. When we honor our experience, we are returned to a natural state of relaxation and enjoyment.
The word Reiki is a combination of two Japanese words: Rei, which means universal life force and Ki, which is energy. Reiki is a multifaceted Natural Healing Art. It is a daily spiritual practice that has 3 main areas of focus: our constant relationship with universal life force energy, use of spiritual principles to assist with mental discipline, and the practice of focusing energy through the hands for hands-on-care. Reiki is also an energy-based healing modality that is a recognized form of preventative health care and a viable form of treatment for disease, illness and injury. Reiki has moved into the mainstream of complimentary approaches to healthcare. It is being taught in nursing schools, practiced in hospitals worldwide, and has been studied by international institutes of health. Reiki is a non-invasive treatment that can bring about a natural state of deep relaxation for the recipient which activates the body’s intrinsic healing process.
Bone Medicine is a gentle approach to healing that I developed in 1993 using methods of movement, meditation and hands-on-care. The idea is to wake up the body and come into partnership with its inherent intelligence, wisdom, and spirit. When the body is relaxed, we are free flowing and the joints move with ease accompanied by a lightness of being. When we are tense and held or held back, the skeleton becomes constricted, the bones press too closely together; creating stiffness in the joints and heaviness in the body and mind. Our skeleton is filled with body memories that are stored in the form of feelings, thoughts, images, kinetic memory, genetic codes, and ancient wisdom. Through the practice of Bone Medicine a doorway into this greater knowing becomes available which can free our body and mind, and reveal our natural gifts and passion for life. Bone Medicine is a gentle, innovative approach to relaxation and wellbeing.
We often think of extrasensory perception as extraordinary abilities that only a select percentage of the population enjoy. Indeed some individuals appear to be especially gifted in this area of human perception however; ESP is an innate ability common to everyone. Throughout our lifetime we have all heard people say trust your intuition, listen to your sixth sense, follow your gut instinct, or go with your hunches. These common expressions refer to our extrasensory perception. As young children we were naturally open to sensing things through our other senses yet children are often told that it is just their imagination. Without support, children usually stop listening to these inner prompting. Some individuals remain open to receiving information in these ways and have learned to develop their skills. This week we will explore various psychic abilities such as telepathy, clairvoyance, clairaudience, déjà vu, precognition and post cognition.
We all have a relationship with life force energy. Innately we know this yet at times we feel cut off from the energy and don’t know how to access it. People often report a lot of fluctuation in their experience and ability to access this innate intelligence. Sometimes the connection is predominant and other times quite subtle or deceptively nonexistent. There is good news; this energy is available in grand abundance all the time. Life force energy is able to support you with anything, at any time therefore access to this innate intelligence is not dependent on your activity. During this week’s show I will share some focusing techniques that will open new pathways and possibilities within you. The information will help you to understand the connection between your point of attraction and where the energy flows. When you feel at ease in your relationship with life force energy it is naturally to draw upon this energy as a source of inspiration in your daily life.
Snoezelen multisensory environments offer a wide range of equipment and products that provide tactile stimulation, visual appeal, enjoyable sounds, and enticing smells that are pleasing to the senses and offer endless opportunities for exploration and satisfaction. Often within a few minutes general anxiety and stress seems to melt away. People that are withdrawn come alive and show a keen interested in exploring the new environment. Just like our nutritional dietary needs and preferences, we all have sensory diet needs and preferences. Our central nervous system needs the right combination of stimulus in order to maintain a good state of awareness, ability and well-being. During this week’s show we will learn about the history and philosophy of Snoezelen and some indicators so you can recognize sensory overload and sensory deprivation. We will also explore the benefits of Snoezelen and the various populations that are being served through use of these specialized environments.
We all have a relationship with life force energy. Innately we know this yet at times we feel cut off from the energy and don’t know how to access it. People often report a lot of fluctuation in their experience and ability to access this innate intelligence. Sometimes the connection is predominant and other times quite subtle or deceptively nonexistent. There is good news; this energy is available in grand abundance all the time. Life force energy is able to support you with anything, at any time therefore access to this innate intelligence is not dependent on your activity. During this week’s show I will share some focusing techniques that will open new pathways and possibilities within you. The information will help you to understand the connection between your point of attraction and where the energy flows. When you feel at ease in your relationship with life force energy it is naturally to draw upon this energy as a source of inspiration in your daily life.
All living things are made of life force energy. The ability to focus life-force energy through your hands and bring relief to yourself and to others is an innate ability that is common to all people. It is as natural as breathing to place your hands on your head when you have a headache, on your belly when you have pain, on your cheek when you have a tooth ache, or on a bump, bruise or cut when you injury yourself. You many affectionately remember the loving touch of someone from your childhood who put their hands on you in an effort to soothe your ills, relieve your pain, or calm you down. On this week’s show I will teach you the ABC’s of hands-on-care so that you can start using this innate ability in your daily life. We will take a practical approach to using hands-on-care to bring relief to acute symptoms, for relaxation, and as useful care immediately after an injury.
Just like the natural cycles of nature we all experience natural cycles of ebb and flow. Our energy waxes and wains like the moon, the tides, and the seasons; each cycle having its own distinct feeling. While in the flow there is an abundance of energy, a heighten sense of creativity, your mind is clear, you think of some one and they call; everything is going your way. In contrast while in the ebb, you have less energy, need more sleep, are not inclined to socialize, you feel a general lack of inspiration; it takes a lot more effort to do everything. These are are not random moods swings, they are important cycles governed by innate wisdom. On this weeks show we will discover the gifts of these natural cycles and suggest strategies to help you and your family maximize the benefits of these cycles while maintaining your sense of well being, and enjoyment.
Did you know that deep relaxation turns on your body's natural ability to heal itself? Yes, we all have a natural resource that is ready in every moment to reduce stress and increase well-being. Deep states of relaxation trigger the parasympathetic nervous system which can restore balance in your mind and body. When we are stressed our thought patterns might become erratic, our sleep can be disturbed, our relationships could suffer, we are more likely to reach to unhealthy habits for relief; and the list goes on. Relaxation can be a helpful companion when we feel unsettled, disconnected, or when life is just too fast. Tune in to the show this week to learn about how you and your family can use innovative ways of focusing your mind and body to help reduce stress and increase relaxation. Using relaxation as prevention to maintain well-being and as intervention to restore well-being can bring relaxation to a whole new level and might bring new meaning to the notion of taking a time out.