With the start of both public school and University classes, many of our schedules become more structured with the increase of day-to-day activity demands. Even if your schedule is not directly affected by the start of the school year, you undoubtedly notice the traffic patterns changing, and the anticipation of fall and winter is in the air. I think this time of year is more stressful than any other time. 

Did you know there is a way to take responsibility for abandoning the unhealthy cycle of stress and negative thinking? Reiki is a non-invasive healing technique that we can all learn.

Reiki heals by flowing through the affected parts of the person’s physical body and energy field. Reiki rebalances the person with positive energy. Reiki raises the vibrations of the energy field in and around the physical body at specific places and organs that carry negative thoughts and feelings, which causes the negative energy to break apart and fall away. In doing so, Reiki clears, straightens, and heals the energy pathways, thus, allowing the life force to flow in a healthy and natural way throughout the energy field and the physical body. 

For more information on Reiki, go to my website under services: Karuna Reiki.

We have all fallen into patterns of stress and negative thinking at times. Did you know that stress and negative thinking patterns affect our physical well being? Take this information into consideration…

The everyday stress we encounter affects our well being. We are alive because life force/innate is flowing through us. Life force/innate nourishes the organs and cells of the body, and it supports the organs in their vital functions. The flow of life force is disrupted by short or long-term stress and illness. Stress and illness cause diminished functioning in one or more of the organs and tissues of our physical selves.

Negative thoughts can literally make us physically ill. The individual life force/innate we all have is responsive to thoughts, feelings and physical well being. It becomes disrupted when we have negative thoughts or feelings about our self and our body. These negative thoughts and feelings cause a disruption in the flow of life force, which diminishes the vital function of the organs and cells of our physical bodies. If this pattern continues, we can become physically ill. Hence, the comment we have all heard: “I have worried myself sick.”

You can be responsible for alleviating stress and negative thinking! Read next week’s blog for ways Reiki can help.

Attending classes can help you take the next step to fully integrating holistic practices into your day-to-day life. Reiki training is essential for anyone interested in reducing stress, increasing relaxation, and promoting healing throughout the body.

For those of you who would like to continue your Reiki training this fall, consider the following class:

Advanced Reiki Training (ART)
October 30th, 2010 Saturday

This class is a wonderful opportunity to advance your Reiki skills and healing. This class is a full day of experiential work. You will also learn the use of crystals and stones with Reiki and how to make a Reiki grid. 

Pre-requisites for this advanced course: Reiki 1 & 2. The content and details of the class are posted on the workshop page of my website. 

For those of you interested in beginning your Reiki training, look for Reiki 1& 2 to be taught again in the spring of 2011!

In a chaotic world, whom can you trust? Learning to trust yourself is key. We each need to be our own best advocate when it comes to living our lives to the fullest, healthiest potential. Learning to follow our intuition allows us to make decisions more easily, simplify our lives and reduce our stress. 

Consider the following upcoming class:

Can you trust yourself? 
Intuition and Channeling Higher Wisdom™
Nov. 12, 13, 14, 2010
Friday, Saturday, Sunday

This class is open to anyone wanting to discover and develop the natural potential we all possess to follow our intuitions. There is no‘recipe’ to learn in the approach of this class. Instead, each student will find and hone his or her own personal style of becoming attuned with oneself. 

The course flyer is posted on my website on the workshop page. Come join us for this 3-day experiential course that has been described by past participants as “life changing.” 

This is a class not to miss!

While I was healing from my accident this summer, my 92-year old mother lost her sight. This has been a major adjustment in her life, especially considering she had done Tai Chi, daily brain exercises on the computer, and her own grocery shopping. This has led me to look (no pun intended) at how I am caring for my eyes, since I plan to live to be a centurion!

We often tend to focus on the symptoms to maintain our health. While it is necessary to treat symptoms, it would be even better if we did not have any symptoms to begin with. Have you considered preventative nutrition for your eyes? 

A study by the Harvard School of Public Health examined the diets of 50,000 (yes, 50,000!) nurses. It found that women with the highest beta-carotene and vitamin A intake had a 39% lower risk of developing cataracts severe enough to require surgery.

Our bodies convert beta-carotene to vitamin A, which is then sent to the eyes and converted into a substance called retinol. Retinol is required for the chemical electrical reaction to occur that allows the eyes to see.

In order to get the necessary nutrients, eat carrots (organic are best) and organic foods high in lutein and zeaxamthin (anti-oxidant compounds), found in spinach, apricots, asparagus, broccoli, and all the orange autumn vegetables coming into season now. If you would like an information sheet on Vitamin A, please email me.

All of the anti-oxidants are beneficial to the eyes. Zinc is also essential to eye health because it helps prevent or slow the development of cataracts, and zinc also delays age-related macular degeneration. Zinc is not a maintenance supplement unless it is needed. I test for Zinc deficiencies, so make sure to ask for your Zinc test at your next office visit. 

Does your diet consist of all the essential vegetables listed above? If not, then order Optic Plus, a Biotics product that ensures proper nutrition for eye health. See the Biotics web store on my website.

Today I was released from the orthopedic surgeon after breaking my back on Memorial Day. Now I am starting physical therapy! I am greatly relieved to be at this part of my recovery, and I am anticipating making great strides with my physical therapist.

As I plan the next steps in my recovery, I realize how time is a whirlwind! The summer seems to have sped by, as most summers do. In our hectic day-to-day lives, we are exposed to an overwhelming amount of information on the Internet. With all the information for us to absorb, I find myself questioning the accuracy and truth of everything I encounter.

“The Wellness Minute” is a trusted, online 3-5 minute weekly e-video that I offer for free! Watching this short e-video each week takes less time than scrolling through your favorite news site, and it is full of accurate information on a variety of health topics that apply to us all. This short video magazine is easy to understand, is archived for easy reference, and comes right to your email every Wednesday.

Look for these topics in the archives of “The Wellness Minute:”

• Should I take a Multi Vitamin?
• Reduce Toxic Overload
• Children: ADHD Research
• Anti Anxiety Stress relief
• Anti Aging

Check out your first video this Wednesday. You may sign up for this free educational service right now by clicking here:
http://www.yourhealinginsights.com/sign-up-for-insights.aspx 

By subscribing to this gift I am offering, you are making an investment of 5 minutes a week to help you stay current on your own health. These videos will help you to make informed decisions when it comes to you and your family’s health.

Week 6

Every day I make connections with people who are constantly amazed by the rapid progress of my recovery.  I believe my recovery has been enhanced by my awareness of the bigger picture, investing in my beliefs as a Holistic Health professional, and putting it all into practice in my daily life.

From the moment I heard my back crack and felt the pain, I knew there was a purpose for the accident.  Throughout the healing time, I have experienced an ongoing process of self-discovery, an even greater passion for and belief in the work I do, and a sincere hope that my experiences will be able to help others in similar situations that they may encounter.

The practices that have helped me most through my recovery process:

1. Keep the big picture in mind!  Do not think of yourself as a victim or place blame on others.  Negative kinds of consciousness block healing!  Accept what has happened and look forward to the process of recovery.
2. Look for and accept the support of others.  In my case, my husband, family, and friends have been tremendously supportive.  Seek support in your family, community, faith, holistic health professionals and medical professionals.
3. Embrace a variety of healing methods.  In my healing, there were many Reiki distance healing / hands on sessions, and there were invaluable nutritional and supplemental recommendations made by my nutrition mentors, plus the healing thoughts from everyone!
4. Take care of your mind, so it can help you to heal your entire self.  A strong, healthy mental outlook will enable a faster, more complete recovery. Read positive, fun books and listen to healing music.
5. Recognize and trust that your body knows best!  Know your body and listen to what it tells you throughout the healing process.

No doubt you have gleaned some insight on the power of holistic health and healing from the retelling of my experience.  One of the best first steps in discovering the holistic path to healthy living that is right for you is to setup an appointment for a nutrition evaluation, Reiki or body scan.  Appointments can be setup by email or phone.  Click here for more information on making an appointment. 

Week 5

As time goes on, and I become clearer headed (I’m down to one pain pill a day!), I find it harder to listen to my body.  My mind is filled with anticipation of doing everything I used to do prior to my accident, and I have to resist becoming impatient with my still healing body.

At the recommendation I found in the Anastasia books, I decided to venture out in nature.  I went with a friend to Palisades Park.  The swift movement of the flooding Cedar River reminded me of the quick flow of time and universal energies as we now progress to 2012.  Right now, life – including healing! – occurs quickly if we are ready to go with the flow.  Although I was tired after the trip, I felt uplifted by the connection I felt with nature.

Being out in nature this week has given me a renewed sense of focus and perspective that I hope to foster for the remainder of my healing time.

Week 4

It has been my goal to get rid of the walker as soon as possible.  I have intentionally focused on engaging my back and leg muscles to work together in order to build up strength and mobility.  As I continued to listen to my body, my confidence increased.  I decided I could manage to walk around a short block without my walker.  The work of healing is tiring, but each day I feel stronger!  My body always knows best.

Week 3

My husband and I are on our own beginning this week.  The idea of going it alone is a bit daunting, but thank goodness for great friends! While my husband keeps his work commitments, the support of friends has been invaluable!  I have discovered that it is just not possible to do everything I would like to do with a walker.  I am focusing on the progress and not on the frustrations.

As the days progress, I am able to take fewer pain pills.  This has allowed me to expand the time and focus I spend on my healing prayers and meditation.  The daily meditation has begun to help me to get back to feeling like my old self!

I have also increased my physical activities.  I took a ride in the car, and I went out to dinner for the first time in three weeks!  This was a tiring, but excellent challenge for my body.

With a now clearer head, I have begun reading the series of 9 Anastasia books, “The Ringing Cedars of Russia” (see the Resource Links page for more information).  These books are wonderful novels that take place in the present time, they are easy to read, and they have a wealth of spiritual information.  At this important time of growth in my life, I find these books to be a perfect fit.  A healing crisis is not necessary in order to benefit from these books, however.  Anyone can grow and learn from reading these books!

Another pretty picture… an unprecedented rate of healing!

In my practice, I have known this to be true, but today I was able to experience it for myself: A well devised combination of Holistic Health Care and Medical diagnostics achieve results in a short period of time.

Today I had a visit to the doctor’s office for another x-ray.  The MD was surprised with the results of the image.  He said, “This is highly unusual, but the x-ray already shows early bone growth.”  My husband and I just smiled.  I would have expected nothing less!  Tremendous healing power was happening because of my Holistic Healing approach!

My personal Physical Therapist had to return home.  Her assistance through the week was invaluable.  The thought of being without extra help was a little distressing for me and my husband, but we didn’t have to face that inevitability just yet.  We were blessed with our oldest daughter coming to assist us for another week. My husband and I were so grateful for the extra help!

My daughter was wonderful with her encouragement, nudging me along to expand my walking and moving.  I made sure to stay attuned to my body in order to feel how far to push myself.  Keeping a patient and persistent mind allowed my body to recuperate at the speed it needed.

After consulting with my nutrition mentors, I re-evaluated my current supplement routine.  Today I started my “Bone Healing” smoothie.  It is a great lunch and a great way to expedite the bone healing process!

Recipe for “Bone Healing Smoothie”:

Biotics: Rice Protein Powder, 1-2 scoops
Rice Milk Enriched, 1 cup, can add more to change the consistency
Greek Yogurt 0% fat, ½ cup
Cottage Cheese, Organic, Low fat, ½ cup
Flaxseed meal, 1 teaspoon
Fresh or Frozen berries, 1 cup
Standard Process: Calcium Lactate Power, 2 teaspoons

To my daily supplement routine, I added:

• Standard Process Biost (Calcium for healing bone)
• Ligaplex ll (for muscle repair)
• Biotics Bio C+ 1000 (for tissue repair and carrying calcium to the bone level)
• ADHS (for Adrenal support from the trauma)
• 21st Century Homeopathic Biotics Lymphatic Drainage (for toxin removal and movement of lymph while being on restricted activity).

TO ORDER:
Biotics may be ordered on my web store, www.getbiotics.com 
The features of the web store will not be available until you click the "Log In" link and enter password:  DFILC622
Standard Process products may be ordered through my office for pick up or drop ship.

I look forward to my daily smoothie, and I find myself even craving it!

As I began to focus on my recuperation, I took great comfort in my family, friends and clients sending healing thoughts, prayers and Reiki. 

I also found comfort, as I began listening to a new CD.  The recording, “Body Field Sound Healing,” is the first of its kind (find more about this CD on the Resource Links page).  It is encoded with information designed to enhance well-being.  Listening to this CD helped me cope and adjust to my new situation, and it took on a significant role in my healing process.  A strong, healthy mindset would help me to work on regaining a strong, healthy body!

Lying in the backseat of the car again, I was reminded of my trip to the ER only three days before.  Thankfully, the pain was numbed with medication for this trip.  My spirits were lifting because today I could finally start expanding the Holistic Care I longed for in the hospital!

My daughter, a physical therapist, greeted my husband I at home.  It was such a relief to think that she would stay for a week to help us get acclimated to a new way of doing things.  She was so helpful and caring.  Her expertise in arranging the set-up of the household made my mobility much easier.  I realized a week with my own personal physical therapist was an immeasurable luxury!

Reality really hit when, about 36 hours later, the nurse put on my back brace, and I attempted to walk across the hospital room.  I held on to the walker and took three steps.  Despite the morphine drip in the IV, the pain was almost entirely intolerable.  At this point of tremendous pain, I had a moment of clarity: I could visualize myself with a healed, strong spine, and I knew I was going to make a complete recovery, despite the diagnosis and pain!

In my practice, holistic treatment is not a passing trend or a gimmick to sell alternative medicine.  Holistic health is about emphasizing the whole person and utilizing all beneficial health options available.  My recovery would result from utilizing strengths found in traditional healthcare, including body imaging technology, physical movement, and practice, and in holistic healthcare mental conditioning with prayer, nutrients available through foods and supplements, medical intuition and knowledge of self, and Reiki energies.  Tremendous healing power comes only through the combination of the whole.

With the exception of two cracked ribs, I had never broken a bone.  But, when I heard the loud crack (a sound I will never forget) as I landed on my back on my garage floor, my body immediately told me, “I have broken my back!”  My intuition was speaking loudly and clearly, and I was listening.  I wiggled my toes, arms, legs, and jaw; nothing was numb, tingly, or paralyzed, thankfully.

The day spun on with a series of tests and procedures at the hospital, and my initial intuitive response was confirmed: I had a burst compression fracture of my fourth lumbar vertebrae with an epidural hematoma (a bruise between the vertebrae and spinal cord).  In other words, I had broken my back!  This news was difficult to wrap my mind around.  The entire day seemed like a whirlwind dream, and I was still in shock about what had happened.  The excruciating back pain, however, reminded me that this was all very real.

I believe everything is connected and happens for a reason, even if we do not recognize the reason at the time…

I had an accident this summer (summer 2010) and it created an opportunity for me to share how my life experiences and work relate to my own health.  By blogging about my traumatic injury and the recovery that will ensue over the next weeks in my life, I hope to inspire my readers to look at holistic health in a new, inspiring way for their own lives. 

As they say, inspiration strikes at unusual moments!