 If you are experiencing anxiety, you are not alone. Anxiety is a common emotion for people of all ages, that can often feel uncomfortable and unwanted. A teenager or child will likely have a different experience of anxiety than an adult, so it is important that each person take the time to really explore their own symptoms and triggers. The first step to easing anxiety is to learn what it is and how to recognize it in yourself. So, what exactly is anxiety? It is a sense of worry and apprehension -- a chemical response in your brain triggering physical symptoms and frequent unwanted thoughts. The next time you feel anxious, pay attention to what you are thinking, to what you are feeling in your body, and to how you are behaving (i.e., talking quickly, yelling, frozen in place, etc....). Then, label it by stating “I am feeling anxious right now.” By accepting and validating your emotion, you are preparing yourself for coping with it. Healthy coping skills for anxiety are important to develop early on. Coping skills should address the negative anxious thoughts, as well as the physical responses to anxiety. There are common types of anxious thoughts that people experience. By gaining control of your thoughts, and directing your focus, you can reduce your anxiety. The physical responses to anxiety often involve tension in the muscles, increased heart rate, and digestive issues. Learning how to relax your body and use in-the-moment relaxation strategies can reduce the intensity of these sensations. TIPS FOR MANAGING ANXIOUS THOUGHTS
TIPS FOR RELAXING YOUR BODY
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by Jade Perry  Typically, people seek out Shamans when all other conventional avenues -- like therapy, medical intervention in some cases, counseling, affirmations, shifts in lifestyle (way of eating, exercising, and caring for one's self) -- have been exhausted and the desired results or change of being have not yet been achieved. As one who has studied a variety of healing and energetic practices, I love Shamanic Healing because it ties it all together and can be used in tandem with other energetic modalities and ways of returning to the True Self. It offers clarity, healing and insight on levels from physical to spiritual in very real and practical ways. People often seek Shamans when they are at the beginning of an awakening, this has been especially true for me in my practice. I often act as a guide, confidant, and channel for those experiencing an awakening so that they can return home to themselves and live as Soul no longer burdened by the weights of this world and the problems it presents. That’s not to say that it’s magic and all our worries, problems and troubles have been erased, but that we have a deeper understanding of their roots in our lives, how we can move past them into a greater state of awareness, and begin to create from a place of love, rather than trauma or fear.  To me, the most powerful benefit of Shamanic Healing is having a greater and clearer knowing of who one truly is as Soul, as an infinite multidimensional being. This often shows up as medicine during a session in the form of power animals, soil medicine, words of wisdom, and gifts which all represent and act as reminders of this knowing. It is an opportunity and calling to view one's life through the eyes of Soul.
 We are more powerful than we know. It may not seem true right now, and certainly there is a lot that we cannot control, but we have the ability to affect almost every aspect of our lives. The key is to be intentional with our words, actions, and thoughts. What are you seeking to create? Do you set an intention for your day, for your meals, for your interactions? When you do, you are changing the energy in all ways.
Start with your day. What do you hope for this day? If you say “May I notice the gifts and blessings of this day, and may my heart be filled with gratitude,” you are likely to experience the beauty all around you and have a positive day. How do you hope to show up with your family, friends and even strangers? If you say “May I be a source of Love for all that I encounter,” this blesses your day and your interactions in a powerful way. As you sit down to eat, if you declare “May this meal nourish, support and heal my body for its highest good,” you are changing the vibration of the food and how it is received by your body. Another favorite of mine is “May I hear through ears of love and see through eyes of love.” This truly affects your perception of others and the information that comes your way. So much of what we think is happening outside of us is being filtered through our perceptions. When you line up with love in your own self, you will experience others differently, and you may become aware of information that does not feel loving and decide to dismiss that. Prayers and Intention can be similar, but one difference is that with intentions YOU have the power. You are saying “I choose to be, to feel, to give, to receive in this way.” You can set an intention for everything! If there is a person you do not get along with, you may say “May our hearts be open, and our words be kind.” If you have set dietary goals, you may say “May I eat in a way that loves my body and creates wellness.” Living with Intention is fun, joyful, and powerful. Line up with what you hope to create in your life and become the powerful creator that you truly are. by Paula Smith  One of the things I love about energy work is the fact that it is so fluid; it doesn’t fit into a box and there isn’t just one way to practice it in order for it to be profoundly effective. In the past year and a half, energy workers such as myself have had to adapt to the circumstances with our work and how we energetically support ourselves, our families, and our clients. Everyone is in need of extra support in this environment and one of the ways energy practitioners can do this is to offer distance healing.
Those who don’t understand how this works may question the efficacy of it, but it’s actually quite simple: it works with intention and the channeling of universal life force energy. We are all energetic beings with a frequency and a vibration. A qualified practitioner can easily connect in with a client’s energy field, regardless of either’s location. I accomplish this in my practice by using Reiki and/or Archangelic Light to read the energy in a client’s body; then I focus the healing energy where it is most needed. In order for my client to get the most out of a remote session, I first connect in to my client with a phone conversation. After we talk, I ask my client to lie down in a comfortable space in their home to receive the session, we hang up, and I conduct the session and record any session messages on my phone. Finally, I have a wrap-up conversation with the client afterwards to address how the session went and how they are feeling, and I send them the session recording. Besides the energy session, I offer my clients easy tips on how to stay centered and balanced in their daily lives, as everyone is under extra stress these days. Earthing is one really good and simple tool I use often. The theory behind Earthing (or grounding) is that the electrical charges from the earth create a positive healing effect on the body. There are many ways one can do this, but the way I earth is to stand or walk barefoot in the grass or dirt in 10 minute increments throughout the day. For me, this practice feels soothing and makes me feel more connected to the world around me. Light walking and exercise, such as yoga, also helps to keep one centered and balanced between the mind and body. As soon as I feel like I am too much in my head, I know it’s time to get the energy flowing with some movement and grounding. Paula Smith is available for in person sessions at the Sagewood Center or remote sessions as well. She can be reached at 919-637-1000 or pksmith919@gmail.com.  Do you notice feeling heavy or constricted when you encounter an angry person or stressful situation? Have you noticed feeling a sense of disappointment or regret after agreeing to plans that didn’t really interest you? Or feeling your energy lift when an idea seems especially interesting? This is your body and your energy reacting to your world and giving you valuable clues that can help you be healthy and well, and to make decisions that line up with the best outcomes. Tuning into this information can guide you in many ways.
A great place to start to access this energy is the Yes or No question. First, close your eyes and say Yes, Yes, Yes, and notice what you feel or see. You may see a symbol, such as a Green Light, or a Sunshine, or something else that feels like a Yes. Then close your eyes and say No, No, No, and notice what you feel or see. You may feel your belly contract, or a slump in your shoulders. Once you have a sense of your Yes and No symbol or feeling, you can start asking questions. It is important to ask very specific questions. If you are wondering whether a food is right for you, ask “Is this apple beneficial for my body right now?” If you are wondering about a purchase, you might ask “Will this item help bring happiness to my home, or will I enjoy it for many years?” The key is to know what you really want. “Should I buy this?” is not specific enough. A pendulum can be also used to answer these questions. With a little practice and a bit of trust, you start to receive answers to your questions in every area. The next step is to notice subtle changes in your energy as you move through the world. Are there friends that “drop your energy?” Do you feel sad after going to the grocery store and you don’t know why? Your energy is reacting to people and places and associations all day long. The key is to trust your intuition and your feelings and act on them. Commit to protecting and supporting your highest energy levels. If you are deciding between 2 foods, feel them and see which feels stronger. If you are making plans and you feel your energy drop, take a step back and allow yourself to make a decision that lifts you up. If you have a co-worker that acts nice but feels bad, trust your instincts, and create some distance. Sometimes a change in mood is an energy issue. Knowing what lifts and drops your energy will help you be empowered to move yourself back to balance on all levels. Tune in and let the wisdom of your energy be your guide. by Sue Nicol  How is your Self-Care Practice? Energies are intense and self-care is so important these days. Everyone is feeling it and we need to make sure that we are taking care of ourselves. Sometimes turning inward is the cure for the stress of what is happening in the world. The more you are connected to your own Inner Light, the less you will be affected by outside influences. Find what brings you joy, what fuels you, what you are passionate about, and what brings you purpose, and do more of those things. No matter what you are doing make sure you are aligning with your truest self and doing it from your heart. Let go of what you can’t control. This does not mean remain complacent or apathetic, but just accept what you can’t change in the moment and remain as neutral as possible. Have fun, play and get out into nature. This will raise your vibration and you will experience more joy, which may inspire others to do the same. When you start to feel tired, or overwhelmed by life events, take a step back and pause a moment. Take a few deep breaths and try to put your feet on the earth. When you are grounded, you feel stronger in every way. Do what your heart calls you to do. Always follow your own truth and do what YOU feel is right. Align with your most authentic self. Be yourself and SHINE YOUR LIGHT!!! — Love, Sue Sue Nicol is the owner of White Dove Healing. She is a Holy Fire®III Reiki Master/Teacher, an Archangelic Light Practitioner, a Core Shamanic Practitioner, and a Beyond Quantum Healing Practitioner. You can contact her at whitedovehealingnc@gmail.com or on her website, www.wdhnc.com.
by Olivia Fried  Are you feeling hot? Even though we are nearing the end of summer according to the calendar, the heat of summer may accumulate in our bodies and minds creating discomfort and imbalances. These imbalances can show up as rashes, acid reflux, irritated eyes, impatience, irritability, and anger. Ayurvedic medicine (the oldest form of Holistic Medicine in the world!) provides various practices to eliminate that heat so that we can feel cooler and calmer:
Olivia is an Ayurvedic Practitioner, Massage Therapist and Yoga Teacher. She offers a variety of consultations supporting Holistic Self-Care or helping those wanting to take a deeper dive into the wellness practice of Ayurveda. You can contact her at olivia.ayurveda@gmail.com.
by Deanna Frey Once people learn about the properties of selenite, they usually make sure to add it to their crystal collection. Selenite is an unassuming stone. It doesn’t have a cool crystal shape. It’s opaque and not clear. It can be a bit fragile – don’t put it in water – and it is soft. That’s probably why it gets overlooked a lot. For me, selenite’s greatest property is its ability to clear away and keep away negative energy. It is a wonderful stone to use to clear your other stones. When your stones get a bit dull feeling or looking, that’s when it is time to clear them. Putting them on a piece of selenite will clear their energy and get them back to their normal sparkly selves. The wonderful thing about selenite is that it is “self-cleaning,” meaning it doesn’t need to be cleared after it clears something else. It will benefit from charging in the moonlight every so often, but it will still happily do its job of clearing without constant charging.  You may know about using selenite for clearing of stones, but it can help with much more. In 2014, when I first learned about the amazing properties of selenite, I placed a piece in my pocket one day and was amazed how much better my day went at work. Since then I have always carried a piece in my pocket, and selenite has traveled with me all over the world! I also use selenite to clear students and clients before they come in for a class or healing session. Using a big stick of selenite, I “wand” people down, kind of like a spiritual TSA. It really helps people to remove whatever energies or emotions that they have picked up prior to going into a healing session without the need to burn anything (sage or palo santo) or use sprays that might bother someone. My office at the Sagewood Center has selenite in the corners to keep it clear. I have several slabs of selenite that I place stones and card decks that I have used, jewelry that I have worn (especially if it has stones in it), or whatever might need clearing. In addition to clearing, selenite brings clarity of mind and deep peace. It will help you to access angelic consciousness and higher guidance as well. I use a palm stone of selenite when doing mediumship, card readings and messages from guides and Angels. It’s such an awesome stone! Selenite can be found in a number of forms from raw chunks, slabs or sticks to polished stones, towers, candle holders or selenite lamps. You can usually easily find it at local crystal shops and retailers, or you can always purchase through a reputable source online. I hope you give selenite a try for yourself. I think you will be so glad that you did. — Deanna Frey Blue Skyes Journey In addition to Angel Card Intuitive readings, Angel Talks, and sessions and classes in Archangelic Light Healing, Deanna offers Reiki and Quantum Hypnosis Healing Technique (QHHT). For more information or to book an appointment, contact her at blueskyesjourney@hotmail.com, 919-788-1442, or visit her website at www.blueskyesjourney.com. 
 by Deanna Frey  I love working with the Angels. I spent many years as a research scientist and if you had told me several years ago that I would be working with Angels, I would have told you that was unlikely. And yet, that’s what I am doing and loving doing it. As I have worked with them over the years, I have gotten to know them on a more personal level and their presence in my life has helped me to grow in so many ways, including my spiritual development. If you are like me, you grew up believing Angels were religious or you had to be special to work with them. I have found that isn’t true. What I have learned is that Angels are beings of light with no gender and who have not incarnated on Earth (with a few exceptions). They also are not tied to any religion. Their main purpose and desire is to help us navigate our lives here on Earth and to accomplish all that we have set out to do. When working with Angels the best place to start is with your own Guardian Angel. Everyone has at least one who has been with you since the birth of your soul and who has stayed with you through your various lifetimes, taking on different appearances and genders according to your needs at the time. They are your spiritual best friends and always there to help you be all that you can be. Remember though, that because we have free will, your Guardian Angel cannot step into help you unless you ask. You don’t have to do anything fancy to work with your Guardian Angel; just talk to them (either aloud or in your head) and trust that they are there. The more that you do this, the more sensitive you will become to their energy, and you may start seeing, sensing or hearing them. They may speak to you through thoughts that pop into your head or through an intuitive conversation. The most important thing to do is to just start talking to them. After Guardian Angels, most people know of a few of the more prominent Archangels such as Michael and Raphael. Michael can help you with protection and is happy to offer that to you whenever you ask. I ask Michael for protection around me, my car, or even my home and he is happy to help. Raphael helps with healing — physically, emotionally, or spiritually. When you call on him, he will bring his healing angels with him to work on the issue you are requesting help with. While Michael and Raphael may be more well known, there are others that can help you with all aspects of your physical and spiritual life. I encourage you to get to know the Angels better. Bring them into your everyday life and watch your life blossom and change for the better. I offer a variety of services, events and classes to help you to develop your own relationship with the Angels, including: Angel Card Intuitive readings, Archangelic Light Healing sessions, Archangelic Light Healing Certification classes and Angel Talks on specific Archangels. Before I go, Archangel Raziel wanted to leave you with a message. “The cosmic energies that bathe the Earth have been increasing in the last few months bringing transformation for those who wish to embrace it. Your soul’s strengths and abilities are making themselves known to you either by increasing what you are already aware of or by presenting you with new opportunities. It is up to you to choose to step into them or not. Humanity needs your unique soul light and will benefit from you accepting these gifts and powers. We want you to know that you do not walk alone, never alone. We walk with you and support you. I will help you to learn and grow your gifts and abilities, all you have to do is ask with an open heart. As always, we love you.” — Deanna Frey In addition to Angel Card Intuitive readings, Angel Talks, and sessions and classes in Archangelic Light Healing, Deanna offers Reiki and Quantum Hypnosis Healing Technique (QHHT). For more information or to book an appointment, contact her at blueskyesjourney@hotmail.com, 919-788-1442, or visit her website at www.blueskyesjourney.com.
by Lisa Litzsinger  When things on the outside seem chaotic or stressful, as they do right now, we can still access peace on the inside. The quickest way I know is through the practice of Heart Math, a simple process with powerful results. Here are the steps: Quick Coherence Technique Using the power of your heart to balance thoughts and emotions, you can achieve energy, mental clarity and feel better fast anywhere. Use Quick Coherence especially when you begin feeling a draining emotion such as frustration, irritation, anxiety or anger. Find a feeling of ease and inner harmony that’s reflected in more balanced heart rhythms, facilitating brain function and more access to higher intelligence. Step 1. Focus your attention in the area of the heart. Imagine your breath is flowing in and out of your heart or chest area, breathing a little slower and deeper than usual. Suggestion: Inhale 5 seconds, exhale 5 seconds (or whatever rhythm is comfortable). Step 2. Make a sincere attempt to experience a regenerative feeling such as appreciation or care for someone or something in your life. Suggestion: Try to re-experience the feeling you have for someone you love, a pet, a special place, an accomplishment, etc., or focus on a feeling of calm or ease. It is that simple! This practice brings into balance the heart and the brain, and with some practice can bring an inner sense of calm in minutes.
Check out the Heart Math website to learn several other techniques and to read the science behind them. They offer technology to help you practice and track heart coherence through measuring your HRV (Heart Rate Variability). If you would like to know more, or if you are interested in trying the technology, please contact me. Lisa Litzsinger Lisa@blissfulwellness.com |
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