White Lotus Magazine

When suffering from an annoying minor health issue, such as a cold or sunburn, we often overlook the simplest yet incredibly effective home remedies and completely natural solutions. Who could provide the most effective home remedies for all kinds of ailments? Our grandmothers, of course!

SUNBURN

Milk or Yoghurt Compress is an effective remedy if you have a nasty sunburn and look like a roasted chicken. Proteins in milk or fatty yoghurt have an anti-inflammatory and soothing effect and can help your skin recover after a dose of the summer UV rays. You can mix the milk/yoghurt with a bit of water and ice cubes and soak a face cloth in the ice-cold mix. Place the cloth on the sunburn. As the cloth gets warmer, you may soak it in your icy dairy lotion once again. Fresh Aloe Vera Leaf cut in half and placed on the burnt area will sooth your skin and help you heal quicker and easier. You can also scrape the jelly looking inside of the leaf and then gently spread it over the affected area.

BUG & MOSQUITO BITES

Ice Cubes help big time against the itching! Simply rub an ice cube over the bite for a few minutes to feel much better! Aloe Vera is also great for bites and swellings. Mix fresh Aloe Vera juice with ice and apply the mixture onto the bite.

EARACHE

Lemon could provide fast relief from earache. Dip an Q-Tip in lemon juice, then gently place it into your ear and leave it in for about a minute. Lemon juice can balance the PH in your ear and stop the aching. Salt Pack may reduce earache. Place a tablespoon of salt in a sheet of paper towel. Microwave for approx. 30 seconds. Fold it into a small pillow and place it on the aching ear. Lie down and leave the salt pack on until it cools off. Repeat if necessary.

COUGH/SORE THROAT

Aloe Vera with Honey and Cocoa provides relief from coughs and sore throats, as well as simply giving your body a boost of healthy energy! Take a fresh leaf of Aloe Vera and cut it open. Scrape the jelly looking inside of the leaf out and mix with honey and cocoa. Take a teaspoon of your homemade syrup every couple of hours. Aloe Vera is extremely bitter so honey and cocoa will make it taste nice!

Gargling with Sea Salt or Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with warm water is an effective home remedy for a sore throat. Don’t make the mix too strong, usually, half a teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of water does the trick. With Apple Cider Vinegar, a tablespoon of vinegar in a glass of water works great! Don’t forget to gargle thoroughly and every couple of hours!

Honey can reduce coughs and throat irritation. A teaspoon of pure honey before bedtime may provide great relief for a sore throat and coughing, and also help you have a good night sleep.

SOURCE: www.lifeadvancer.com/grandmas-home-remedies-for-any-ailment

Many people suffer from joint pain associated with osteoarthritis (the wearing down of protective tissue at the ends of bones) especially as they age. Osteoarthritis is most common over the age of 50, but in some cases, it may appear much sooner. Conventional medicine suggests that it can’t be cured.

There is however an affordable, natural, and highly effective remedy in the form of a dietary element you may not have expected – plain gelatin.

Many studies show that gelatin can help reduce inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis. It can also be used for treating rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis, as well as for strengthening fingernails, bones and joints, improving hair quality, and recovering from stress-related injuries.

Gelatin works to strengthen bones and joints because it contains collagen – one of the materials that naturally make up bone and cartilage.

HOW TO USE INTERNALLY

Ingredients:

• Two teaspoons of gelatin powder (approximately 5 gram)
• One quarter cup of cold water

Instructions:

• Stir the gelatin powder into the water in the evening, and let it stand on your kitchen counter overnight.
• It will thicken into a translucent jelly, which can be eaten for breakfast with yogurt, honey or fresh juice.
• Repeat this process every day for one month and see if you notice any difference in your daily pain levels.

HOW TO USE EXTERNALLY

Prepare the mixture, and then spread it over the painful area while it’s still liquidy. Leave it on for 45 minutes. Most of the gelatin will soak in and you will be able to pull off the remaining thin film. Repeat 2-3 times a week, until the symptoms disappear.

Keep leftover gelatin in the fridge and heat it up a little before use.

SOURCE: dailyhealthpost.com/gelatin-remedy-for-joint-pain/

by Carol Glassman

Light is an interesting concept, partly because it offers so much to consider. To some, light is exactly that — a bright spot on a dark background; however, others see light as a metaphor for many positive things. Think of white in opposition to black, of good as opposed to evil, of  purity as opposed to dirt, of learning as opposed to ignorance, of love as opposed to hate, of weightless as opposed to heavy. Although you may not have considered them all at once, you can see the strong impression one could easily get about light in all its forms, especially when contrasted with its opposites.

As it is being said frequently, we are living in stressful times. Stress is often associated with darkness and depression, and is it any wonder? The media is filled with first of all, analyses of all the different factions that could be causing this stress.  Pay attention to them and you will no doubt end up more stressed than before. Then you will find the analyses that offer a full slate of solutions but — and there is always a large “but” here, the people to bail you out of your misery, will no doubt be the only ones who read this. How soon does it take for ‘Analysis Paralysis’ to take over?  Are you doomed? Do you just dig your hole deeper in the sand and ostrich-like continue to bury your head further in darkness?

Wait a minute! Who is the captain of this ship? Who is responsible for its direction and itinerary? When did you assign the responsibility of your personal happiness to someone else? That’s not how it works! You, and only you, are responsible for your own happiness. Once you accept that, which should be pretty darn fast, you should quickly realize the truth: only you can determine how unhappy and dark you want your life to be. I am not suggesting here that every case of clinical depression is as easy to solve as a snap of the fingers or a wave of the good fairy’s wand over your head. However, I am referring those who react to a daily dose of the news with a cold, clenching of the stomach followed by a tight band being wound around the forehead: the Doomsday Duo. Who rented them space in your mind? Evict them now! Replace them with light!

Look around you. Breathe. Inhale right down to your lungs and further — hold it, then exhale. Is there a scent of roses? Cappuccino? Freshly mown grass? The perfume of the clean air rolling in off the ocean? When is the last time you allowed yourself to be enveloped by a light, teasing aroma rather than affected by a heavy smell?

Look up and what do you see? The sky is an amazing clear blue, fringed with marshmallow white wisps – look at that one!  It almost looks like a fluffy rabbit. The one beside it – a man’s head. When did you last bother to look at clouds and see something other than a gloomy weather prediction? Do we take these lovely white cushions for granted?

Listen: what is that crackle you hear? Palm fronds waving in a slight breeze, playfully batting against each other — the older drier fronds sounding much like the muted rattle of an ancient drum. Or perhaps it’s the clatter of bamboo stalks nudging each other. The scree of the red-tailed hawk who likes to sit on the drooping mangrove branch. The distant call of another winged aviator.

Let the gentle breeze of a changing tide caress your cheeks, cooling the kiss of the sun. Revel in what you are, who you are, and momentarily forget where you are and all the warnings of surgeons general, health risks, and other mind benders sent to warn us for our own good and resulting in mind-boggling, paralytic black fear. Let it go just for this moment. I’m not suggesting you permanently ignore every safe and healthy warning about sun screen and insect repellant you have had, just to suspend them for a moment.

If you could wipe the slate clean and start over, what would be the Number One building block of your life?

It would be unhealthy to create ourselves in a limbo, totally independent, without need or care for others. For this reason, what we create is as important as those we create to inhabit and share our space. We get to choose. That is the operative word here: choice. In some way, we always have a choice — that is what makes us human. Whether or not we take advantage of those choices, and which ones we select, will ultimately guide the direction of our lives and those best-suited to accompany us.

When we were very young we may have been told that our lives were directed by a kindly shepherd-type or godly figure who would protect us, or perhaps that we were simply on our own to travel down the path of life. As we mature and make choices as to what we believe, that might change. However, whether we believe in a Higher Power who leads us to our choices and destiny, or our lives are just a result of random selection, we know that when the options are displayed before us, we and only we have the power to select our direction. As much influence as those entities who accompany us may exert, perhaps invisibly nudging at our elbows or perching on our shoulders, we make the ultimate selection in choosing whether to stay in the tunnel or head for the light, the learning, and the love.

ATTRIBUTES: Soothing, Calming, Clear Communication, Overcoming Fears

ELEMENT: Water

CHAKRA: All, especially the Heart and Throat

MINED IN: USA, Mexico, Russia, Brazil, India, Africa, Pakistan

Aquamarine is a blue or blue-green variety of beryl. Its name is derived from the Latin meaning ‘water of the sea’.

Aquamarine is a stone of courage. The soothing energy of Aquamarine makes it a perfect companion to calm fears and phobias.

Aquamarine shields the aura from harmful energies and aligns all chakras, especially the Throat Chakra, opening communication with higher planes. It can also work with the Heart Chakra by helping us realize our innermost truth. Aquamarine facilitates the releasing of old patterns of behavior that no longer serve, and that actually inhibit our growth. Aquamarine can also bring peace and calm to the overactive mind, making it a great aid for deepening the meditative state.

Encouraging clarity of thought, Aquamarine can aid in the assimilation of new knowledge, making it a great crystal for students of all kinds. It also encourages intellectual growth and inner knowledge, opening us up to intuition. It can help us overcome judgment of others and encourage tolerance. Aquamarine can calm fear and worry, by opening the mind up to understanding the nature of Divine Perfection in the Universe.

BENEFITS

• Calms the mind and helps reduces stress
• Clarifies perception and sharpens the intellect
• Helps break old, self-defeating programs
• Clears communication and promotes self-expression
• Soothes fear and increases sensitivity
• Sharpens intuition and opens clairvoyance
• Encourages service to humanity
• Shields the aura and aligns the chakras

MEDITATION
Aquamarine is a wonderful stone for meditation: it invokes high states of consciousness and spiritual awareness. Meditating with Aquamarine can bring new insights from the higher self to be applied in daily life.

HEALING
Aquamarine is believed to be useful for a soar throat, swollen glands, and thyroid problems. This stone has a general tonic effect. It is said to strengthen the body’s cleansing organs, and aid the eyes and jaws.

POSITION
Hold or place as appropriate. Wear as jewelry or use as an elixir.

Did You Know?
Aquamarine’s first recorded used was in Greece between 300 and 500 B.C. The largest aquamarine stone was found in 1910 in Brazil, weighing 243 pounds. In ancient times it was carried by sailors to promote safe travel and to protect against drowning.

SOURCE: www.healingcrystals.com/Aquamarine_Articles_135.html

by Andrea Beloff

On Valentine’s Day I had arranged to give Melissa Mierendorff’s class, a group of immigrant students at the Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology, a memorable painting class on boundless and eternal-flowing love.

These teens have been given classrooms at this campus because Collier County was unable to place them in ordinary schools because of their age and level of English. Melissa asked her mom if she knew of an art teacher who would donate some time to give these kids a break from the mentally hard work that they put in each day learning school subjects in English. Through the grapevine she found me and together we have developed a beautiful, ongoing relationship.

In my work of the past several years, I mostly feel and pray my way through painting. During my transition from papermaker to painter, I developed the “Paint Your Heart Out” workshops to provide an outlet for all ages to pour their intentions, their struggles, their pain, and their feelings into one-of-a-kind molded hearts they make from paper shopping bags.

This group of teens did the project from scratch to finish and they got it right away. They understood – or gave it their best shot to try to grasp – the concept of painting through feeling. The workshops have a process, no doubt, that addresses each one individually and gives participants an opportunity to think, feel, write down their feelings and intentions, and then to use that channel to paint through. They were so excited after they finished the first project! They hung up all their hearts in the halls and got so much attention from the whole college. They were even written up about in the school’s newsletter.

At the next workshop on peace, called “Peace Out”, they again created their own templates under my supervision, they gathered their thoughts and feelings about peace, and then painted again.

After each class, I ask them to share their projects (see photos). These teens are so fervent about inner life that I feel that this outlet has done wonders for them. Some of them are showing great desire to be artists! The workshops have served these students well: they are finding out about themselves and are learning to have a voice through art.

They love the day when I come in with my bubbly energy and speak to them in their native languages. On Valentine’s Day they had no idea of what I was going to ask them to do, and they awaited the day with great anticipation. Using the theme of boundless and eternal-flowing love, I asked them to really tap into the feeling of love, the feeling of the flow involved in having an open heart, and loving with no boundaries. The works of art they created were heart-warming.

Remember, these teens are from all over the world: Haiti, Cuba, Mexico, Honduras, Venezuela, Brazil, Guatemala, and Ecuador to name a few. You can imagine the hardships they have endured and the reasons they are here, let alone being thrown into another culture with another language. I understand this, as I also came to America after growing up in Brazil and having Argentinean parents. Even though I was born in the U.S., I have great compassion for the immigrant people and their challenges. I have grown to love these teens and I give these art classes truly from the heart.

by Beth Brown-Rinella

Many of you may find meditation difficult, but if you read on, you might discover great value here. Did you know that even a two-minute meditation raises cognitive function in the brain? Meditation has long been practiced as a way to achieve calm and inner peace, and its health benefits have been well documented. Studies show that meditation increases focus and attention, relieves symptoms of depression and anxiety, lowers heart rate, and reduces stress hormone levels – just to name a few. If you meditate, you will see the cumulative effect of lowered stress day after day in your body and emotions. This can be measured in your blood pressure numbers and your ability to deal with others.

I love meditation! I am an advocate and a teacher of Guided Meditation as a spiritual practice, as a mental health practice, and as a “How the Heck Do I Survive this Crazy World” aka stress reduction practice.

I am a Spiritual being – and that is the platform from which I conduct my life. As a person paying attention to the energies around me and my reactions to them, I see the vast difference in how I navigate this world when I have meditated vs when I haven’t. I realize that I am calmer and easier about issues when they arise, and I don’t rush to def-con 5 if someone calls in sick or says something nasty. The edges are smoothed down and I roll with things. This means that I don’t get stressed when someone or something throws a monkey wrench in my day.

Another wonderful effect of meditation for me is that I become more compassionate and see the bigger picture. I move into my heart space and that brings me peace and joy more easily. When I see others struggle, I send them love. I feel more connected to this world and all who live in it.  Meditation connects me to what is most important: LOVE. When I connect to this vibration of love, I feel it in all aspects of my life. I have no need to watch the harshness of the news or read about all the exploitation and degradation of human beings and animals. I sort out the ugly, encourage the kind, and cancel the addiction to ego. It helps me to move into my best self. 

If you wish to meditate but are not ready to join a group, go to YouTube and type in “Guided Meditation 5 minutes” and see what you resonate with. Listen to the voice and if it appeals to you, keep going.  You CAN do this! It is easier than you think or have thought in the past.

At my shop, Goddess I Am, we offer only Guided Meditation, because I feel it is far easier to do than TM (Transcendental Meditation), and it serves all levels of meditators. I find that, when in a Guided Meditation, one can get to that blissful healing space far easier and deeper than any other type of mediation. I love when newbies come to a class, afraid they can’t do it, because they tried before and failed, and still have a successful meditation. It is wondrous to see them light up and feel so much better and connected. The stress just pours out of them and their smiles are huge!

We offer three meditations per week with three different teachers. We offer different techniques and move the energies in different ways. But we all travel on the Path of Love and inspire you to find the healing within. We are healers and navigate the energies of the Universe, Multiverse, Dimensions, and the Time/Space Continuum with ease. We also like to select an Oracle deck for each person to pull a card for a personal message. We share and offer community. As you become part of our tribe, you will feel the love and acceptance that coming to our classes provides.

So whatever way you choose to meditate, enjoy the benefits of lowered stress levels and deeper happiness within. After all, aren’t we all just wanting to be loved? Let it begin within, and you will never be without it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Beth is the owner of Goddess I AM Healing & Art Center in Naples, Fl. She is available for appointments by calling 239-228-6949. Long distance and in-person readings are available. Visit www.GoddessIAM.com

Find a quiet, comfortable place in your home that you can devote to your meditation practice. It can be a room or just a corner of a room, or a spot in your back yard. Find the space you can associate with getting still. Select a time when you will be uninterrupted. Traditionally, early in the morning is recommended, but find the time that works for you. Sit on the ground using a meditation pillow, or if necessary, use a straight back chair. Sit with your spine erect. Quiet your mind. Dismiss the thoughts as they enter your mind, one by one, until your mind is a clear slate. It might help to picture a single object (e.g. a lotus flower) to focus on. Humming (OHM) or paying attention to your breathing can also help. Now you can start your meditation.

GRATITUDE MEDITATION

Gratitude is a high vibrational place to exist in. In this meditation practice, begin to focus on all the things you are grateful for. Feel a surge of gratitude swelling as you give thanks to the blessings that exist in your life, such as your home, access to food, clothes, the planet, all the beautiful places you have been to, all the experiences you have has, the amazing people that exist in your life, and most importantly, to the miracle of YOU! What you give gratitude towards, you attract more of into your life.

AFFIRMATION MEDITATION

Choose a quality that you would like to strengthen within you. It could be forgiveness, compassion, patience, creativity, health, or love, etc. Find something that resonates with you. Once you have chosen the quality you wish to strengthen, plug it into the sentence, “I am filled with _______, I am _______.” Now, internally recite the affirmation over and over, keeping your mind focused. Repeat this meditation often – as often and as long as you need, until you feel that you have become that quality.

DEDICATION MEDITATION

Summon within your heart somebody or someplace that you know is struggling. You may focus your dedication on a person who is battling a life-threatening disease or a loss of a loved one, a region of the planet that is going through a war, a place that has recently experienced a natural catastrophe, or Mother Earth herself . Visualize the person(s) or place you have chosen being showered and bathed with loving, healing light. Send them love; pray for them. Believe with all your heart that the subject of your choice will benefit from your thoughts and prayers. This is a form of Karma Yoga, the yoga of selfless action.

At the end of the meditation, take some time to sit in complete stillness and silence. Slowly open your eyes, bringing serenity with you as you transition from the internal back to the external world.

SOURCE OF INSPIRATION:
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-5864/4-Quick-Meditations-for-Anybody-Everybody.html

1. ACCEPT YOUR FEAR
Fear is a normal human reaction. Faisal Rehman, author of 11 Simple Things You Can Do To Get Over Your Inner Fear suggests that denying your fear is a common way of allowing it to integrate itself with your subconscious and cause you anxiety. An inner fear often develops on an account of a situation that may be beyond your control. Instead of trying to ignore it or reacting badly towards it, accept it. Embracing your inner fear means that you take control of the situation and expect the outcome to be in your favor. Just remember, it is okay to be afraid sometimes. Acceptance is the first step of overcoming your fear.

2. REMAIN POSITIVE
Assumptions and imagination can amplify your inner fears. During our moments of anxiety, we tend to over-dramatize a situation and imagine the worst-case scenarios that may not conform with reality. To overcome your inner fears, start by thinking of the positive outcomes. Don’t let your mind trick you – remain positive and you are likely to stay calm. Rehman explains that by thinking on a positive track of mind, it is likely for you develop the strength to face a situation.

3. STOP DWELLING ON THE NEGATIVE
Stop focusing on what you fear and what you don’t want, and start focusing on what you do want. If you constantly dwell on your fears and only think about all the bad things that have happened to you, or the bad things that could happen to you, then you will only attract more of the bad stuff that you don’t want to happen.

4. EXPOSE YOURSELF TO YOUR FEAR
According to Rehman, the best way to overcome your fear is to explore yourself and find what makes you afraid the most – in phases. For example, if you are afraid of frogs, then start off by looking at a frog without freaking out. The next time, perhaps you could touch it, and then finally hold it in your hands. Of course you shouldn’t try this technique if you are afraid of snakes or alligators! If what you are afraid of is potentially hazardous, using the above analogy, visualize yourself going through the different phases. Once you have accomplished all the phases, it is more likely for you to overcome your fear.

5. CONFRONT YOUR FEAR
Sometimes what we fear is also something that could create feelings of exhilaration in our bodies. Try to become fascinated by your fear so much that you start to enjoy experiencing it. A good example is extreme sports. People in extreme sports are not all fearless. They just are more thrilled in confronting their fear than being afraid of it. By seeing your fear as a potential source of energy, says Rehmen, you are likely to embrace it and eventually overcome it.

6. BREATHE
Literally. When facing your inner most fear, you may experience a state of panic, causing your brain to shut down and your entire body to react passively. At such times, remember: slow and deep breathing can provide relief from anxiety. It can help your body to calm down, regardless of what your brain is causing you to think. Try counting to 10 to clear your mind while taking a deep breath in. Then breathe out by counting to 10. Repeat this until you are able to calm yourself – which would probably take a minute or so. According to Rehman, this is an effective way of relaxing your mind and body to overcome the situation at hand.

7. ANALIZE YOUR FEAR
When you have a sudden panic attack, usually your brain is being over-emotional and subsiding your logic. Rehman says that the best thing to do at this time is to use a different part of your brain and force yourself to think in a logical and analytic manner. To achieve this, try scaling your fear from 1-10 where 10 is the highest terrifying state. When you feel anxious, ask yourself what is the level of your anxiety? What exactly are you afraid of? By questioning your fear, you are forcing yourself to use the logical/analytical part of the brain (left hemisphere), steering yourself towards a calmer state of mind.

8. MEDITATE
To leave your fears behind, even if just for a bit, you may try to meditate. Research in cognitive neuroscience shows that meditation changes brain structure and function in ways that decrease fear and panic. During meditation you can learn to direct your attention away from your inner most fears. Over time and with practice, you will find that when you are completely absorbed in a peaceful meditative state there is no room for the experience of fear. Achieving inner peace is one way in which meditation can help you overcome your fear.

9. EXPRESS YOURSELF
Many psychologists recommend their patients to keep a journal and document their feelings whenever they become anxious. Documenting your feelings could be a source of catharsis, as they may help in pointing out the trigger behind your inner fears. There are also discussion groups and meetings for people with phobias and battling their inner demons. By joining a group, you can share and openly discuss your fears with others. Rehman points out that by facing the root cause of the fear, you are bettering your chances of finding a solution to conquer it.

10. REWARD YOURSELF
Overcoming a deep-rooted inner fear implies taking small steps towards an overall recovery from it. Rehman suggests that you need to celebrate each victory as it comes along the way. If you don’t give yourself a pat on the back, chances are that you will indirectly discourage your improvement. It is important to recognize your gradual recovery and reward yourself in order to completely overcome the inner fear.

11. MIND OVER MATTER
Research in epigenetics and quantum physics define the existence of molecular pathways connecting the mind and the body. Scientists now believe that the mind can control our bodily functions. Dr. Lipton, a pioneer in epigenetics believes that “our perception of the environment controls our DNA, not the other way around.” He claims that our perception not only controls our genes but it can also rewrite the genetic code. “The mind is a superb instrument if used rightly. Used wrongly, however, it becomes very destructive. To put it more accurately, it is not so much that you use your mind wrongly—you usually don’t use it at all. It uses you.” Eckhart Tolle

SOURCES:

11 Simple Things You Can Do To Get Over Your Inner Fear by Faisal Rehman
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/11-simple-things-you-can-get-over-your-inner-fear.html
The Holographic Universe: Part Five www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciJqoTUXRws
www.bigquestionsonline.com/2013/09/17/can-meditation-help-you-overcome-fear/

by Annamaria Geresdi

Everyday we have thousands of thoughts running through our minds. We tend to worry about what the future might bring, dwell on past events, contemplate our present circumstances, and complain about what is missing in our lives.

Some of us may spend a lifetime judging, resisting, and thinking mostly negative thoughts, or in constant fear – fear of failure, loss, growing old, dying, being lonely, or concerning finances. Based on the Law of Attraction and teachings of great minds, the things we think about the most are the things we become – in other words, what we believe we create.

This may be true. What we think about we bring about: our thoughts lead to actions, our actions lead to habits, our habits lead to a personality, and the personality determines how we perceive our present reality. If we wish to enhance our present reality, we have to examine our thoughts. It all traces back to the thoughts we allow to enter into our minds.

It is hard to erase old patterns and conditionings we have accumulated over the years, but the mind is a very powerful tool – one that creates our present reality. We can choose that reality to be filled with inner peace, love, joy, and happiness, or to be burdened by fear, anxiety, judgment, and pain.

It is our beliefs that determine our perceptions, and our perceptions determine our behaviors. Consequently, it is our beliefs that determine who we are! “What you believe creates your life,” says Dr. Bruce Lipton, cell biologist and author of The Biology of Belief.

It seems that our beliefs control how we experience our reality. So don’t let your thoughts create a life of fear and suffering. Conquer your mind and start to form new beliefs, write new patterns, and give yourselves new ‘programs’ that are empowering and can create a healthy, joyful life!

“What you think you create, what you feel you attract, what you imagine you become.”

SOURCE OF INSPIRATION:
The Holographic Universe: The Revolutionary Theory of Reality by Michael Talbot

by Annamaria Geresdi

Even though over 55 million people die each year, it doesn’t seem to get to us when it happens ‘out there’ in the world, until it happens closer to us. Recently I was reminded of that multiple times when I heard about the passing of several people I knew personally.

Thousands of people die every day around the globe. We accept it as ‘normal’ and treat it as ‘just statistics’, until someone close to us passes away. A death of a loved one can be devastating for those left behind. It has been difficult seeing a dear friend go through different stages of grief after her husband had just died, yet I am amazed how she is holding it together with incredible strength.

Losing someone puts our own existence and mortality in perspective.

I am a great believer of celebrating life while we are alive and accepting death as part of the natural order of things, even perhaps as the beginning of a new phase of existence.

Many people fear death – for various reasons. I, for one, actually don’t. From early on I have accepted dying and always thought that as long as I have a happy, fulfilled life, there is no point in wasting time worrying that one day it will end. I should just enjoy every bit of it and when it’s my time to go, it’s my time to go. Granted, I wasn’t your average, ordinary thinker even as a kid!

I feel that being afraid of dying will only hold us back from living. People say life is short. It could be. But if we live it vibrantly, spending every day as if it were our last, life can be extraordinary! Accepting death may bring a sense of inner peace, comfort, and even a new-found drive to live life exuberantly.

Religion and spiritual belief systems give people the gift of hope and faith that there is life after death, that the Soul lives on. Some people believe in Heaven, some in reincarnation, while others believe that the human experience is only a temporary phase, a chapter of the Soul’s evolution, a short pit stop on the long road of ascension.

Those who don’t believe in a higher power or a divine existence, seem to fear death more than those who do, because they believe that “this is it”. If that were true, if there was nothing, no afterworld, no magical place, no transcendental realms and no rebirth after we die, perhaps we all should cherish each day even more so and live our lives to the fullest – with no fears and regrets.

Maybe we can’t escape the inevitable, but we don’t have to obsess about its arrival. If “that’s all there is”, at least we know we have lived life fully and enjoyed it to the very last breath.

Either way, I believe life is precious – even when it’s hard – and I am grateful for every second of it! I choose to embrace life and when death comes knocking, I want to be ready for whatever is on the other side.

When suffering from an annoying minor health issue, such as a cold or sunburn, we often overlook the simplest yet incredibly effective home remedies and completely natural solutions. Who could provide the most effective home remedies for all kinds of ailments? Our grandmothers, of course!

HICCUPS
Swallow 1 to 2 teaspoons of sugar. The dry granules stimulate and reset the irritated nerve that is causing the spasms of the diaphragm. Any coarse substance, such as salt, can work in a pinch.

FEVER
A cold compress on the forehead can help bring a fever down. Just soak a face cloth in cold water and put it on the forehead or under your armpits.

For a high fever (above 102°F), take a tepid bath or a cold shower, which simply cools the body to match the water temperature. Bathe or shower until your temperature decreases to 101° to 102°F.

Sip linden flower tea. It which works in two ways: It stimulates the hypothalamus to better control your temperature, and it dilates blood vessels, inducing sweating. Steep 1 tablespoon of dried herb (available in health food stores) in a cup of hot water for 15 minutes, then sip. Drink three to four cups a day. If you still run hot after a day of sipping tea, seek medical attention.

CHAPPED LIPS
Rub on olive oil two or three times a day to soothe, soften, and lubricate. Your lips will feel immediately better, but it will take a few days before they start to heal on their own. Some research suggests that applying extra virgin olive oil to skin after sunbathing may help prevent skin cancer.

STIFF NECK
A stiff neck results from slowed circulation and lymph flow to muscle tissues. Use contrast hydrotherapy—a quick blast of hot, then cold water—to get the blood pumping again. In the shower, first run hot water over your neck for 20 seconds to increase blood flow, then switch to cold for 10 seconds to constrict blood flow. Alternate three times, always ending with cold.

INSOMNIA
Before bedtime, eat a handful of cherries (or drink tart cherry juice), which scientists discovered are jam-packed with melatonin, the same hormone created by your body to regulate sleep patterns. Then steep yourself in a hot bath to relax your muscles and your mind. In bed, rest your head on a lavender-filled pillow – the fragrance induces sleepiness.

STAINED TEETH
Crush a few fresh strawberries into a scrubbing pulp that you mix with a pinch of stain-removing baking soda and enough water to make a paste. Apply the mixture to a soft-bristled toothbrush and polish for a few minutes once every 3 or 4 months. (More often can erode tooth enamel.) The astringent malic acid in strawberries helps buff coffee and red-wine stains from teeth.

PUFFY, TIRED EYES
Black tea is chock-full of astringent compounds called tannins that can help deflate and tighten the bags under your eyes. Dip two tea bags in a cup of hot water for several minutes. Let them cool off, and then apply one bag to each (closed) eye as a compress for 10 minutes.

FOOT ODOR
Soak feet nightly in 1 part vinegar and 2 parts water to eliminate odoriferous bacteria. Or take a daily foot bath in strong black tea (let it cool first) for 30 minutes. Tea’s tannins kill bacteria and close the pores in your feet, keeping feet dry longer; bacteria tend to thrive in moist environments. You’ll see results in a few days to a week. One caution: Do the soak only when your feet are free of cuts.

DRY, ITCHY SKIN
Oatmeal is a brilliant moisturizer and has amazing anti-inflammatory properties for itchy skin conditions. Put whole oats in a clean, dry sock. Seal the open end with a rubber band, and then drop the sock into a warm or hot bath. Soak yourself for 15 to 20 minutes.

HEADACHE
Peppermint contains menthol that helps open up clogged blood vessels that cause headaches. It also has calming and soothing effects. Mix three drops of peppermint essential oil and 3 drops of Lavender essential oil in one tablespoon of olive oil. Massage your forehead and temples with it.

NAUSEA
Douse a cotton makeup pad with isopropyl alcohol, hold it up to your nose, and take a few deep breaths (no more than three in a 10-minute period). According to a recent study, emergency room patients who inhaled the isopropyl alcohol–saturated pads saw a 50% reduction in nausea, compared with patients who sniffed pads doused in saline solution.

Fresh Ginger is an effective remedy if you suffer from nausea. Put a few slices of ginger in a mug and pour boiling water over them. Let the ginger steep in the mug for about 3-5 minutes. You may wish to add a little bit of honey or brown sugar to make the infusion even tastier.

MENSTRUAL CRAMPS
Take ½ to 1 teaspoon of crampbark tincture every 2 hours on the days of your worst cramps. Test-tube studies show that this North American plant works as a muscle relaxant to quickly relieve painful spasms.

SOURCE: www.prevention.com/health/natural-home-remedies

by Annamaria Geresdi

I strongly believe in the power of living in the NOW: in this present moment, when there is no need to worry about the past or fear the future. The past is the past – there is nothing I can do about it, other than learn from it. The future is uncertain – I can’t predict it, control it, or prepare for everything. I trust that everything always is as it is meant to be. But I suppose it doesn’t hurt to have a plan B.

With so many threatening situations in today’s crazy world, it seems that anything can happen at any time. It seems that our lives could change at any given moment. From severe solar flares and gamma rays to nuclear disasters, and from a deadly pandemic to the return of the mysterious Planet X, the possibilities are endless. There are many scenarios that could prove to be more than just a conspiracy theory or the synopsis of a movie, a TV series, or a video game – they could actually happen. A disaster could strike at any time. It may not be a zombie apocalypse, but anytime soon we might have to face something unexpected. Without giving in to the paranoia, it is wise to have a Plan B. Just in case.

Celestial events, weather anomalies, and human fallibility may lead to catastrophes that could certainly change our lives. Even a short-term power outage can cause a crisis in certain homes. A loss of a job or a loved one can bring about major emotional and financial difficulties. A sudden illness or an accident could create devastating conditions for any one of us. On a personal or a global level, unexpected things do happen and preparedness may save us a lot of headache and heartache.

Even though we don’t know what the future holds, it is always smart to have a contingency plan and prepare ourselves for the unknown – whatever that may be.

Unforeseen events, unexpected expenses, and surprise encounters can throw us of our paths and the consequences can shake us to our core. Granted, we can’t plan for everything, but we can make preparations that will help us stay centered through crisis and handle the challenges easier as they come our way.

Accept the unexpected
Acknowledge the fact that change and unexpected events are part of life and are unavoidable. Life is dynamic, not static – everything is always in motion and everything changes. When you accept this fact, it will be easier to deal with whatever happens in your life.

Drop your expectations
Have preferences, rather than expectations. Going into any situation with high expectations will likely set you up for disappointment. There are circumstances that are simply out of your control, therefore, things may not always go the way you expect them to. When your expectations are not met, you may experience anger, frustration, or a sense of failure. If you have preferences and hopes instead, you won’t be disappointed. More likely you will be motivated to change the things you can change and accept the things that you cannot.

Keep a positive attitude
A positive attitude is a must in unexpected situations. Not all unexpected events are negative. Sometimes, what seems like a disaster, could be a blessing in disguise. A negative event can awaken ambition, motivation, and persistence, which can lead to growth and success.

Hope for the best, plan for the worse
Don’t panic, don’t give into the fear of the unknown. Remain positive and always hope for the best. But as a precaution, plan for the worst-case scenario. And this way you won’t be taken by surprise or stressed if things go awry.

Make a list
Assess your overall preparedness. Take a look at practical matters such as retirement, insurance, emergency cash, first aid kit, food and water supplies in case of a storm or power outage, or even simple repairs around the house. Make a list of the things that need fixing and things that you have been neglecting or postponing. Address the items on your list as soon as possible – without excuses and delays. Make an effort to accomplish at least one thing each week, or even every day if you can.

Draw up plan B
Make plans for different emergency situations and share them with your family, so that everyone knows what to do if trouble strikes. Make sure your loved ones know where the emergency supplies are, where to find important papers (will, life insurance, etc) and how to proceed in case of a crisis. You can practice carrying out the plans a couple of times until everything goes smoothly. Make it into a fun family event – and if anything were to happen, this way the whole family will be adequately prepared.

Plan C
Always have an alternate plan, in case the first plan fails. This could prevent you from falling into a state of helplessness, fear, and not knowing what to do next.

Start an Emergency Fund
An important step for preparing for the unexpected is to have a solid emergency fund in place. This could be any amount but preferably about six months of your income. This emergency fund will provide security while you recover from difficulties such as a job loss, accident, loss of a family member, illness or anything that might affect your income and your life.

Detach
A certain degree of emotional detachment is important when preparing for unforeseen events. Attachment makes you cling to the familiar, and makes you fear letting go. It allows surprises and unexpected events to have a greater negative effect on you. Detaching will help you take a step back from unpleasant or unexpected turns of fate and therefore, to be less affected by them. It can also help you stay calm and in control of yourself, and in a better position to deal with whatever is happening in your life.

Focus on the present moment
All there is is the present moment. Therefore, make the most of it, instead of worrying about the past or the future, thinking about what you lost, or dwelling on how bad the situation is. When trouble strikes, living in the now and focusing on the new opportunities that may come with it will help you see any crisis in a different light.

SOURCES OF INSPIRATION:

http://www.successconsciousness.com/blog/tips-for-life/tips-for-dealing-with-surprises-and-unexpected-events/

https://www.thebalance.com/planning-for-financial-emergencies-2385813

by Sandor Geresdi

“When the Sun gets angry, a storm bird emerges: an enormous sunspot occurs, exceeding the size of the Earth multiple times.”

Ancient cultures worshiped the Sun as a god. They considered it a pure, life-giving force – just like we do today – and believed it to be flawless, with no possible imperfections.

In the ancient and medieval times, those who observed the Sun setting or rising on the horizon were convinced that the tiny spots they sometimes saw were silhouettes of birds. They strongly believed them to be eagles, wild ducks, and vultures with their wings spread. For long, people considered this to be true and thought that the small spots and dark, irregular smears appearing on the Sun time and time again were flocks of birds.

A few centuries ago, this belief changed in an instant and the birds ‘disappeared’. Astronomers and scientific explorers observing the Sun now possessed telescopes and opened humanity’s eyes to the truth: mankind had to realize that our Sun, with its spots, is actually a star among many.

Our Sun, with billions of other stars, has it own lifespan and goes through its own stages of life – just like the trees of the forest or the people of the Earth that are of different ages. The Sun had a birth and youth, it has its adulthood, and it will have a death. The current adult life of the Sun is accompanied by intense solar activity.

The tempestuous solar storms and the appearance of sunspots are related. Sunspots indicate intense magnetic activity. They are areas of reduced surface temperature caused by concentrations of magnetic disturbance. It has been observed that solar flares and coronal mass ejections originate in magnetically active regions around visible sunspots.

Individual sunspots may endure anywhere from a few days to a few months, but eventually decay. Sunspots expand and contract as they move across the surface of the Sun with sizes ranging from 10 miles to 100,000 miles in diameter. Sunspots usually appear in pairs and often show up over and over again with the Sun’s 27-day rotation, smaller and smaller until their decay.

Sunspot activity cycles about every eleven years characterized by a multitude of occurrences and intensity. This is called the solar cycle. This process is part of the Sun’s current and stabile stage of life – which is the longest phase, lasting approximately 6 billion years.

Solar cycles seem to have a powerful effect on the Earth. During solar maximum, large numbers of sunspots appear and the increased energy output can impact Earth’s global climate, as well as the electrical and communications systems. Enormous sunspots, multiple times larger than our planet may become visible and cause electromagnetic storms that can reach the Earth.

The electrically charged particles released from the Sun that enter the Earth’s atmosphere collide with gases such as oxygen and nitrogen, creating a colorful light show called the aurora or polar light. Seen around the northern (aurora borealis) and southern (aurora australis) poles, this incredible phenomenon is like a dramatic symphony played on an organ of lights.

We are currently experiencing a ‘quiet’ period. Forecasters are not anticipating any major bursts of activity in the next few years. But we don’t know how intense the next cycle of sunspots could be and how big the electromagnetic storms will get. We do know, however, that the effects of these storms can threaten our radio transmissions, telephone network, electrical grid, the internet, IT systems, and satellite communications.

The Earth has seen and survived many celestial events. For millennia people have laid their heads to rest at night without fearing the death of the Sun or concerns about sunspots and solar flares. But our Sun – just like a god – has an unpredictable nature, and we can’t with certainty know when it will send a glob of solar matter streaming towards the Earth next.

NOTE: Since looking directly at the Sun with the naked eye permanently damages human vision, amateur observation of sunspots can be conducted using projected images, or directly through protective filters. A very dark filter glass, such as a #14 welder’s glass or specialty filters on the front of a telescope can provide safe and effective observation of sunspots.

Note from the Editor:

I live in a bubble – and I do so by choice. I live in my own perfect little world where I choose not to let the turmoil of the outside world in: the constant political and religious conflicts, the paranoia of conspiracy theories, the news of catastrophes, reports of animal cruelty and human abuse, and the fact that we are destroying our planet.

If I open myself up to the reality of today’s world, I catch myself experiencing an arsenal of negative emotions, such as anger, fear, sorrow, anxiety, and disappointment. So I choose to live in my bubble and like an ostrich, I burry my head in the sand to cut out the drama and the mayhem as much as possible. Unfortunately, that does not stop the unsettling events form happening or the people from being cruel, but at least it protects me from the negative emotions that tend to accompany the news of chaos in the world.

I have applied certain ‘protective measures’ throughout the years and developed habits to shield myself from the negative effects of the things that surround me that I cannot control. Some of the techniques that work for me may not resonate with others. So I gathered a few ideas for clearing and keeping away harmful energies that anyone can try to find what works for them.

1. invoke your golden bubble
Visualize a beautiful golden bubble of light surrounding you. Picture in your mind that this bright light is swirling around you, expanding into a glowing sphere of protection. Imagine that everything that is negative or no longer serves you is leaving you. Ensure yourself that nothing negative can stay in your bubble, only that is good and beneficial to you. Know that nothing negative can enter your energetic bubble of protection, only good can penetrate it. Every time you leave your home or when you feel off, uneasy, or drained, you can place this sphere of protection around yourself. You can also visualize it around your home, your car, and others.

2. use protective crystals
Selenite, Black Tourmaline, Smoky Quartz, Black Obsidian, Citrine, Hematite, Amethyst, Fire Agate, Amber, Boji Stone, Carnelian, Pyrite, Tiger’s Eye, Labradorite, Sardonyx, Turquoise, Jet, Kunzite, Jade, Jasper, Bloodstone, and Andalusite are excellent crystals for protection. Keep a small piece in your pocket or wear as jewelry.

3. create a protective energy grid with crystals
Protect yourself and your space from harm and unwanted energies by making a crystal grid. Select 6 protective crystals of the same kind. e.g. 6 pieces of Black Tourmaline or Pyrite, etc. (See list above) Size does not matter, but they should be the same kind so they have the same type of energy. Pick the stones that are calling to you. Then select another 6 pieces of another type of protective stone, e.g. Selenite, Smoky Quartz, Carnelian, Citrine, etc. Then select a Master Crystal for the center of your grid, e.g. a larger Clear Quartz or Amethyst standing point or chunk – this will amplify and hold the energy of your grid. Cleanse your crystals before your start your grid. Find a place where your grid will be undisturbed. You can use a hard cardboard or flat plate and slide your grid under your bed later. If you wish, you can also use a template for your grid, e.g a Flower of Life print. Place the Master Crystal in the middle. Put the first set of crystals in a circle around your Master Crystal at an even distance from each other. Then place the second set of crystals in between the first circle and the middle, each at an even distance from all crystals in the grid. You can add more crystals if you are guided to, e.g. small quartz points or other stones of protection. Then program your grid with your intension: “I program this grid to protect me/my home from all forms of harm/negative energies.” If you wish to make a protective grid for someone else, place a photo of them or a piece of paper with their name on it under the Master Crystal before you start the grid.

4. make a crystal grid for your home
Place a piece of Black Tourmaline, Selenite, and Smoky Quartz at each interior corner of the house or room. If possible, place a large piece of either of these crystals outside the front door. Sprinkle salt in each corner of the home and in front of doors and windows. Reapply when necessary.

5. smudge
Burning herbs and plant resins is an ancient practice for cleansing a space or a person. The smoke clears away emotional or spiritual negativity and stagnant energies accumulated in the body or the space. Most commonly used herbs are sage, sweetgrass, rosemary, and lavender. Burning palo santo and cedar wood can also be used for cleansing. Tree resins, such as myrrh, frankincense, and copal are also powerful substances used for smudging. Following your inner guidance, choose the right smudging herb, wood, or resin and find a non-flammable, heat-resistant bowl or shell. Light the smudge stick or loose herbs and when you have a good flame, carefully blow it out. Note: If you are burning resin, you will have to use a charcoal disk. Using a feather or your hands, fan the smoke towards your body. Cleanse all seven of your chakras and your outer energy field. Don’t forget the bottom of your feet. Once you’ve smudged your body, using the power of your intention, go around the entire room (or the whole house), making sure you get into all the corners, closets, and under furniture. Open some windows for the negative energies to leave the space as you command them out mentally or with your voice! If you have money issues, clear your purse or wallet with the smoke as well. If your computer is acting up, smudge that, too. Don’t forget to cleanse your car also. Where burning herbs and incense is not possible because of the smoke, use a smudging spray.

6. set an intention
When you are creating a crystal grid or a protective bubble, or when you are smudging, first, set an intension. Say it out loud, or use your thoughts, your inner voice. State your intention: ask for protection, for clearing and for keeping away negative energies. Call out to the Source/God/Creator/Universe, or your Higher Self, your Guides or Angels – whomever you prefer to talk to and ask for help.

7. use salt
You can also burn salt to ward off negative energies. Place a small amount of salt (Himalayan black salt is excellent for this) in a non-flammable, heat-resistant bowl or an old pot. Make sure to use a potholder or an oven mitt if you are unsure if the bowl is heat-resistant. Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol on the salt and carefully light it with a lighter. Hold the bowl in front of you at a safe distance or walk around your space with the intension of cleansing and protecting yourself and your area from harmful energies. Let it burn until the flame goes out on its own. Salt crystals have an amazing natural built-in ability to absorb negative energy. Put bowls of salt in the corners of the room and remove after a few hours. Take a salt bath with sea salt or Himalayan crystal salt for clearing away negative or stagnant energies. If you don’t have a tub, use a salt scrub in the shower.

8. use essential oils
Rose, Lavender, Frankincense, Peppermint, Lemongrass, Lemon, Chamomile, and Patchouli are excellent essential oils for spiritual cleansing and purification. Put a few drops of any of the above essential oils into an oil diffuser to cleanse unwanted/negative energies from your space. You can also make a spray with pure essential oils to clear negative energy. Just add a few drops to water in a glass/tin spray bottle. Shake and gently mist yourself and/or your space with the spray! To invoke protection, use Myrrh, Clove, Cypress, Sage, Basil, Geranium, and Cinnamon Bark essential oils.

9. what you give out, you receive!
When we are stressed or upset with someone, we don’t pay attention to our thoughts, words or actions, and may send out negative energy to others. It may feel good at the time but it opens us up for unwanted energies to enter our auric field. If you are obsessing on negative feelings or thoughts about someone (deserving or undeserving) and are thinking, feeling, wishing or acting badly, the boomerang effect will show up in your life. Maybe not immediately, maybe not the next day but eventually it will. Ask your Higher Self to make you aware of the times when you need to pull yourself away from these negative thoughts and feelings, and to help you turn them into love and forgiveness. Keep a positive attitude!

10. focus on the positive
We all have people and things in our lives that that make us happy and we are grateful for. If you focus your attention on the positive, on someone or something that you love, there will be no room in your heart for anger, fear, or worry. Concentrate on this feeling of love and gratitude whenever negative thoughts or emotions enter your mind and hold on to it until those pass.

11. laugh
Joy is the highest vibration there is, so it works perfectly for canceling out lower vibrations. You probably won’t feel like laughing when you are under the influence of negative energies, so find a hilarious movie on Netfilx or pull up some funny videos on Youtube to watch!

12. play music or drums / use a rattle
Playing high vibration music can lift your energy and clear your space. You can also beat on drums to break up stagnant energies. If you don’t have a drum, just bang on a table or on the bottom of a pot. Youtube has many videos of shamanic, African or Native American drum music. Just like the drums, rattles can break off the negative energies. If you don’t have a rattle, put some pennies or beans in an empty plastic bottle or topper-ware and shake it in a way what feels right to you. It’s more effective if you move around in your space while you are doing this.

SOURCES:
www.amybscher.com/how-to-clear-house-self-negative-energy/
www.wakeup-world.com/2015/08/15/20-effective-ways-to-clear-and-protect-against-negative-energy/

by Annamaria Geresdi

It all started with a very special Shaman Lady. For years she has been giving away Selenite hearts as gifts in the spirit of healing and caring. She believes that Selenite carries a peaceful and protecting energy that has to be shared. A student of hers, who is also a dear friend of mine, was so inspired by the Shaman Lady’s kind actions, that she decided to start giving Selenite as a gift herself, to share the exceptional energies of this mineral with others. She felt that “everyone should have it”.

She told me one day that she’d like to purchase Selenite necklaces to give to people and asked me if I would make them for her. She explained that the sweet and loving energy of Selenite could help so many people, anyone really, but since it would probably be the most beneficial by being close to the person, she thought it would be best to wear it as a necklace. She said it’s an excellent way to have the Selenite with her at all times and when she meets someone who may benefit from its energy, she could give it to them right then and there.

Being aware of the many physical, metaphysical, and spiritual benefits of Selenite, which happens to be my very favorite crystal, I was eager to help!

Now she purchases Selenite necklaces by the bulk and when she crosses paths with somebody whom she feels should have one, she simply takes the necklace off and gives it to them. I can barely keep up making enough Selenite necklaces for her to give away, but I am honored to be part of “spreading the Selenite love”.

Within a few months, a great number of people have been wearing these Selenite necklaces. They all are part of the Selenite network we are building. Her intent is to give the necklaces to as many people as possible, growing the network and raising the vibrational frequencies of each and every person in it. Moreover, her generosity has inspired even more individuals to do the same and pass on the necklaces to others who could benefit from the healing energies of Selenite.

I now have many customers and friends who come to the studio to get Selenite necklaces for the sole purpose of giving them away as gifts. I feel blessed to be able to make them and know that they affect so many people’s lives –not only the lives of those who receive them, but also those who give them away. The vibration of giving, the pure spirit of love and hope, and just knowing that a simple Selenite necklace could help someone is what makes building this network so genuine.

The selfless and caring act of these kindhearted shaman ladies has touched many people’s souls and has encouraged them to pay it forward to others.

In many cultures, Swan symbolizes grace, beauty, balance, acceptance, innocence, self-esteem, intuition, and commitment. Swan as an Animal Spirit Guide represents awakening to the power of self, understanding spiritual evolution, and developing intuitive abilities.

According to Native American tradition, Sister Swan gives a message of Grace and teaches us to yield to the rhythm of the Universe. Her natural, effortless beauty reminds us to move gently through the currents of life and not fight against them. Swan’s graceful entering into our life signals a time of altered states of awareness and the importance of going with the flow of life.

When Swan comes into your life:

• You may be reminded to honor your commitments; respect what you have chosen and follow things through.
• You may be encouraged to rely on your inner guidance, to pay attention to your hunches and gut instincts, and to honor your feminine, intuitive side.
• You may be asked to accept your ability of knowing what lies ahead.
• You may be reminded to allow your inner grace and beauty to shine forth for others to see.

If Swan is your Spirit Guide:

• You are emotionally sensitive and empathic towards the feelings of others.
• You have the inherent ability to sense the future and to accept change.
• You tend to be completely monogamous in your relationships.
• You know how to balance work, family, and play.
• You recognize the value of personal solitude as a form of recharging your batteries.

Ask Swan’s help when you feel that:

• You need assistance in accepting change and letting go.
• You wish to invite new ways of thinking into your life.
• You are struggling to comprehend your emotions without getting trapped by them.

SOURCES:
www.spirit-animals.com/swan/
www.shamanicjourney.com/swan-power-animal-symbol-of-inner-grace-balance-commitment

ALCHYMIE

JENNIFER THEUER RUZICKA
Nominated Best New Artist 2016
EPR Awards

Alchymie was started in 2013 by pianist, keyboardist, vocalist and composer Jennifer Theuer Ruzicka as a platform for her instrumental and alternate pop recordings. The art of alchemy is believed to have the power of transformation, much like music does with its listeners. Alchymie focuses mostly on the piano, but also uses electronic sounds generated by keyboards and sound generators with effect processing to meld the acoustic piano sound with ambient soundscapes, electronica and even ambient drone qualities, to paint alchemical atmospheres of sound. Alchymie does not limit itself to only piano and keyboards, but will often incorporate other instruments such as Native American flute, guitar, percussion, sound loops, and field recordings for projects or performances with a conceptual focus.

Jennifer began piano at the age of 6, went on to study classical piano, and within the contemporary, pop, ambient & experimental genres has been performing and composing professionally for over 25 years. She has worked internationally as a solo artist, with major label artists, and independent artists, on radio, television, visual installations and the stage. Among those artists are R&B recording artist Alexander O’Neal, former Paisley Park recording artist David “T.C.” Ellis, and Mallia “The Queen of Funk” Franklin from the original Brides of Funkenstein withParliament Funkadelic. She has also performed and recorded with legendary Czech artists such as Pavel Bobek,  Karel Sucha, Helena Vondrackova, and the Czech alt-rock jazz group, Laura a Jeji Tygri (Laura and Her Tigers).With an open mind and an experimental approach towards her art, Jennifer Theuer Ruzicka continues to follow Alchymie in music always searching for the beauty of transformation.

More at www.alchymiemusic.com.

 NEW RELEASE:

Initiated in January 2015, and over a year in the making, their collaboration The Kuiper Belt seeks to evoke our Solar System’s far reaches beyond the planets. Alchymie’s richly detailed arrangements envelop Gregg Skloff’s majestic contrabass tones in atmospheres of grandeur, by turns both ominous and serene.

Available on the AEROCADE MUSIC LABEL
http://aerocade.bandcamp.com

ATTRIBUTES: Enlightenment, Awareness, Intuition, Acceptance

ELEMENT: Wind, Earth

CHAKRA: Crown, Third Eye and Heart

MINED IN: Britain, Australia, India, Brazil

A powerful vibrational transmitter, Apophyllite conducts and enhances energies.

Apophyllite promotes inner peace and the ability to accept and release loss and emotional pain. It increases self-forgiveness and forgiveness of others. It also brings forth the awareness that the body is only temporary and a small part of the life of the soul. Apophyllite aids the practice of being present and living in the now. It enhances clear sight, stimulates intuition, and encourages acceptance.

This crystal is said to create a conscious connection between the physical and spiritual reams. It can be used to attune to these realms and to communicate with divine beings.

Apophyllite calms and grounds the spirit. It keeps a strong connection with the physical body during astral travel and it eases journeys into past lives.

It can assist in overcoming stress, anxieties, worries, fears, inner pressures, and uncertainty. Apophyllite encourages a calm attitude, tranquility, and honesty. A stone of truth, it helps us to be open and show our true selves without hiding anything. It removes pretenses, reserves, or a bad conscience. Apophyllite can help clear distracting thoughts and ego-based interpretations of events.

HEALING
Apophyllite is believed to help with respiratory ailments, being particularly beneficial for asthma. It may stimulate regeneration of the skin and mucous membranes, and is said to be helpful with allergies.

POSITION
Place as appropriate. When held to the chest, Apophyllite is said to stop asthma attacks. Single pyramids placed on each eye are believed to rejuvenate the eyes.

MEDITATION
Meditating with Apophyllite can help you perceive the connectedness of all things in creation and your role in returning balance to the Earth. Place an Apophyllite pyramid on the Third Eye Chakra when channeling or meditating.

GREEN APOPHYLLITE
Green Apophyllite is believed to absorb and transmit universal energy. It stimulates the Heart Chakra. Green Apophyllite said to enhance our connection to Mother Nature and the communication with the plant and animal world. It carries the energy of rebirth, growth, and healing.

PYRAMIDS
Apophyllite pyramids are powerful energizers. They enhance spiritual visions and help us tune into the higher frequencies of interdimensional and extraterrestrial domains. They activate the Third Eye Chakra and can be used for scrying*. These natural pyramids have the power of ‘preservation’ and they can be utilized to charge up other crystals and objects.

*SCRYING: Seeing images in a crystal that foretell the future or reveal secrets of the past.

SOURCE:
The Book of Stones by Robert Simmons & Naisha Ahsian
The Crystal Bible by Judy Hall

by Bethanny Gonzalez, Certified Aromatherapist

Myrrh is a sap-like substance (resin) that comes out of cuts in the bark of trees that are members of the Commiphora species. The essential oil of myrrh is extracted from the resin. Myrrh has been used in beauty products and incenses, and also for its medicinal properties for centuries. In ancient Egypt it was used to prevent aging and to maintain healthy skin. The oil obtained from myrrh was used for healing wounds in ancient Greece.

AROMA: smoky, bitter-sweet

PROPERTIES: antimicrobial, astringent, expectorant, antifungal, stimulant, carminative, antiseptic, immune booster, circulatory, tonic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic

CHAKRA: Root

PLANET: Saturn

ELEMENT: Water

SPIRITUAL ATTRIBUTES: Acceptance, Peace, Protection

BENEFITS FOR MASSAGE & SKIN CARE

• Helps maintain healthy skin
• Soothes chapped or cracked skin
• Commonly added to skin care products to help with moisturizing and for fragrance

HEALTH BENEFITS

• Fights viral infections that can cause coughs and colds
• Sedates inflammation in cases of fever or viral infections
• Strengthens and activates the immune system and keeps the body protected from infections
• Stimulates blood circulation, digestion, secretions, & the nervous system

EMOTIONAL USES

• Helps calm the mind and soothe the emotions
• Stimulates thoughts and the intellect

SPIRITUAL USES

• Helps to calm and bring peace to the body, mind, and soul
• Promotes spirituality, healing, courage, and strength
• Brings understanding, acceptance, and compassion
• Assists those who are unable to forgive themselves or are in need of energetic rescue

TIP: 3 to 5 drops of Myrrh Essential Oil in an aroma lamp, diffuser, or an oil burner to lift the vibrations in your space and to create a peaceful atmosphere for meditation.

Recipe for Tooth Ache Blend:

• 1 tablespoon Coconut Oil
• 3 drops Myrrh Essential Oil
• 3 drops Wintergreen Essential Oil
• 3 drops Clove Essential Oil

Blend Essential Oils together. Swish mixture in mouth.

This Essential Oil can be purchased locally.  Check out GaiasHealingGifts.com to find a store near you.

PRECAUTIONS: According to a study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research, if myrrh oil is consumed in excessive amounts, it may affect your heart rate and lead to severe heart irregularities. Other possible side effects of myrrh oil include: Lowered blood pressure, uterine bleeding, fever, and diarrhea. Some people may also experience allergic contact dermatitis when using this oil. It may also interfere with anticoagulants, so I advise that you avoid using it orally if you are taking these medications. Avoid while pregnant.

by Janet Weisberg

What will it take to bring about real change?

Consider this: When we set our self-centric ego aside, it forces constructive listening. It is a painful process for most as it forces self-exploration, but the rewards are immeasurable!

Imagine: “If the earth were only a few feet in diameter floating a few feet above a field somewhere, people would come from everywhere to marvel at it. People would walk around marveling at its big pools of water, its little pools and the water flowing between the pools. People would marvel at the bumps on it, and the holes in it, and they would marvel at the very thin layer of gas surrounding it and the water suspended in the gas. The people would marvel at all the creatures walking around the surface of the ball, and at the creatures in the water. The people would declare it precious because it was the only one, and they would protect it so it would not be hurt. The ball would be the greatest wonder known, and the people would come to behold it, to be healed, to gain knowledge, to know beauty and to wonder how it could be. People would love it, and defend it with their lives, because they would somehow know that their lives, their own roundness, could be nothing without it. If the Earth were only a few feet in diameter!” – Author unknown

Consider this: Although we are part of nature, 99% of how we think and feel is disconnected from nature’s self-correcting and restorative powers. This profound separation underlies most of our disorders and dysfunctions. Project NatureConnect, through experiencing and expressing, reignites our relationship with All Life and restores balance!

OFFERINGS

• Give the Gift of Life for the holidays and throughout the year! This gift of ten weeks interaction provides a life-changing experience that reestablishes the recipients’ senses of Love, Support, Reconnection and Balance. Call for details and to schedule.

• Private Sessions, Family Sessions and Reconnection Parties are powerful and playful ways to learn with loved ones, friends, and co- workers. Call for details and to schedule

• Formal Orientation and Advanced Courses: Maximum 10, minimum 6. Locations vary weekly as we meet in natural settings. Call for details and to schedule.

ABOUT JANET WEISBERG
My life’s path and purpose are to speak the truths we’ve forgotten – the truths of who we are, why we are here now and how we need to accomplish real change together; and to offer opportunities that let Earth teach and bring communities together to learn and share.

EXPERIENCE & TRAINING: Project NatureConnect/Natural Attraction Practitioner, Trainer, Guide, Counselor & Ambassador, B.S. Sociology, M.S. Applied EcoPsychology, Certified Traumatologist #1503, Certified Peace Ambassador, Doctoral candidate

For more information, please visit www.53senses.com or contact Janet Weisberg at janet@53senses.com or at (239) 280-8229.

Janet’s Experience & Training: Project NatureConnect/Natural Attraction Practitioner, Trainer, Guide, Counselor & Ambassador, B.S.

Sociology, M.S. Applied EcoPsychology, Certified Traumatologist #1503, Certified Peace Ambassador, Doctoral candidate