The Energy of Willpower, Satisfaction and Cravings

Willpower is one of the characteristics of the water element of Eastern Medicine and is connected to the energy of the kidneys and adrenals. If you are fatigued and the adrenals are low it is common to desire sweets and coffee. It is harder to be self-disciplined when your energy is off balance. Yet that is when you need the strength and resolve the most to help in the healing process.

Satisfaction is one of the characteristics of the earth element, which is connected to the energy of the stomach and spleen. This includes eating, digestion and the human need to feel supported and connected to family and friends. Holidays magnify this energy as we strive to connect. There are family and cultural traditions around food and parties that may be challenging. If you are on a restricted diet such as a weight loss, gluten free, diabetic or candida diet, feeling satisfied and having willpower can be exceptionally hard during social gatherings. Food is natural part of sharing and connecting to others and we all like the freedom to participate fully.

When you feel denied of something that you crave the mind becomes even more attached. This is why it is important to be prepared so you can feed your cravings with healthy and satisfying food and company.  if you have restrictions in your diet, it is a good practice to inform others so they understand why you may turn down certain foods that are offered. Also request support from those around you in this process. You may need to eat before a party or make sure that you bring along some satisfying foods that you can enjoy and share. Use a gathering as an opportunity to educate others.

If you wind up eating something that you should not have, forgive yourself for not being perfect, renew your commitment to a healthy lifestyle and recognize that changing habits and educating others towards healthier eating is a learning process.

Unfortunately, there is no "cure" for temptation and food cravings. So be gentle with yourself. Much of a healthy lifestyle is about your connection to your emotions and intellect in addition to eliminating unhealthy eating habits.  Indulgence is a normal part of our humanity. The eastern mindset around balance is that you should occasionally treat yourself to something special. Take time to savor and enjoy it fully without guilt. This creates good fire energy and feeds the heart and the spirit.

Listen to your body; trust your intuition when it comes to food or other things you desire. Let your body give you feedback and pay attention to how you feel. Learn something new about yourself through your experiences and then get back on track to what you are committed to in life and in health.

Choose vs. Decide

Do you know the difference between to “choose” or to “decide”? Becoming clear on this distinction helps to bring clarity to my life and has been successful in helping many of my clients do the same. This is a concept from the eastern philosophy of life.

Lets look at the difference in the definitions of these two words to start.

Decision – To come to a resolution in the mind as a result of consideration, a determination, to make up ones mind. The Latin root of the word actually means to cut or kill off (De-off, cide-to cut) and is related to the words homicide, genocide and spermicide. That certainly gives you a new relationship with the word and something to think about! There is nothing wrong with making a decision. It is part of our human existence. Just be aware that when you are making one it is coming from the analytical mind. It is connected in part to the ego and attachment. You may not be grounded in a decision and may or may not regret making it. A decision may cut off possibilities in life. Now that you have this knowledge be aware of it.

Choice – the ability to select from a number of possibilities, to want or desire. To choose is an action that comes from the heart and the inner wisdom of the body. You feel it and know that it is right for you rather then think it and wonder. It has a different energy surrounding it then a decision. You are more grounded in a choice and do not regret that you have made it. There is a sense of commitment without attachment.

Next time you have a situation ask yourself if you are making a decision or a choice?” See if this distinction helps to bring clarity into your life.

Are You Open-Minded?

Assemblage by Joshua Waffleman

Are you open-minded? Open-minded is a state of being, were you show no prejudice or bias towards people, events and things that are different from the norm. You have the ability to be flexible and tolerant. To discover your state of open-mindedness, or to begin to become more open-minded, you must first honestly observe yourself and your reactions to different situations:

1. Observe your mind and your mental reactions.
2. Next check in and observe your emotional responses.
3. Lastly check in with your opinions and reactions based on learned beliefs, religious viewpoints or spiritual values.

The goal of this process is to begin to notice your unique way of observing and translating your world as you see it. You cannot transform your mind if you do not see how it processes first. There is no right or wrong way of being and thinking. Know that there are many different representations of life depending on circumstances, genetics, education, religion and personality type. Once you have the knowledge of were you personally fit in this equation you have the ability to open up your mind.

The universe is a transparent net, very much like a web. Our minds can wrap around this concept easier now, then our ancestors could, due to the technology of the Internet web that connects us all in an instant. The universe has worked this way since the beginning of time. When you send out an affirmation or prayer with purity of heart and mind it flows on the universal web.

We not only can send but we can also receive information if we are open to it. This is the way I get the information for my blogs. I come up with a concept. Then I say a prayer or meditate on the content. The basic prayer for me is “God help me be of service to myself and others for the higher good and send me information to share. Then I sit down and write. The information flows and is channeled from a higher source. Of course my personal beliefs, experience and knowledge influences how I translate this information.

Yogic and Eastern philosophy believes that both our brain and spine function as an antenna for the mind /consciousness. It works similar to email. Send out your thoughts and then be open to receiving. Watch if different concepts and modes of thinking are coming to you. Expand your viewpoint to include new ideas and you have the opportunity to create a new way of thinking. See the possibilities in juxtaposing diverse thoughts or actions.

You can practice being open-minded by shifting your patterns in life. Try something new. Change the sequence of your day. Eat something your never tasted, Participate in a different activity. Read a book or magazine that you never considered reading before, check out a religious practice or ceremony different then your own. You may be surprised as not only your mind but also your heart expands as you become more open-minded.

Flow Smoothly With The Change In Seasons

 The energy of nature is a powerful force and as human beings we are part of natures ever changing cycles. This is apparent as the seasons transform one into the other. With each passage of seasons we grow one year older and hopefully wiser. The expansive yang energy of both the spring and summer seasons this year was hot, sunny and wonderful and now it is time to transition into the shorter, cooler, yin days of autumn. According to Eastern Medicine we are still in the transition time referred to as dojo season. This represents the last 14 to 21 days of one season transitioning into the first 14 to 21 days of another. This is a time of energetic vulnerability so it is wise to take extra care as your body adjusts to the changing energy of nature.

The change of the seasons has a direct effect on our moods, vitality and health. This fact has been studied and recorded in Eastern Medicine for thousands of years. It is evident in many forms of healing such as the sacred circle and medicine wheel of many native cultures that work with and follow the cycles of the earth. In the past before the onset of modern conveniences we flowed with the seasons more smoothly. Today we often keep up the same pace all year round and totally disregard the wisdom of our changing environment. This can cause stress and disharmony within the body/mind. As you develop an awareness of your interconnection with nature you have an opportunity to create smooth flow in your life.

Autumn is connected to the Metal element in Chinese 5 element theory. This is the theory connected to the ebb and flow of nature within the body that Asian healing techniques such as Shiatsu, Qi-gong and Acupuncture are based. The metal element consists of the energy of the lung and large Intestine. In the lung the energy of heaven (air) joins with the energy of Earth (nutrition) forming energy that is vital to human life. We cannot live with out breath. The lung governs the relationship between the inside and outside of the body and mentally and emotionally represents setting limits and protecting boundaries. The large intestine is the sister to the lung and is in charge of elimination of what is not needed, whether this be physical waste and toxins or letting go of a mindset or emotion which does not serve your higher good.

Fall Harvest at Rosasharn Farm CSA
 http://rosasharnfarm.com/csa.html

The energy of autumn is the energy of harvest and completion. It is the time of year when you can sit back and reap the rewards of any effort that was put out in the previous more expansive seasons of spring and summer. Energy starts its yearly journey inward as it sinks into the roots of plants and trees and the leaves begin to fall.

Metal energy is connected to the realm of instinct causing birds to migrate and animals to stock up and build warm nests in preparation for winter or hibernation. It is time to eliminate what is not needed in life. To do a fall cleaning and let go of anything that weighs you down. It is the best time of year to do a body cleanse, as nature will assist you in this process. Harvest, and gather up those things, which are important to you. Complete projects so you can sit back and relax as winter approaches. This is the season to spend quiet, quality time with family and friends. To start eating soups and stews made out of those root vegetables that have been harvested. To get more hours of sleep as the days shorten. If we flow with nature in the fall, the transition to winter, which is the season of restoration, will go much more smoothly.

For many the autumn season brings a sense of loss as the light begins to fade and the air chills. Acknowledge this and take time to nurture yourself. If you overextend yourself in this season it can lead to fatigue and depression in winter. Spiritually it is a time to surrender the human ego to the source and to let go of unhealthy attachments. The inward, yin direction of fall energy promotes intuition. Learn to trust this energy and allow yourself to take the time to follow it. This is the time to slow down and take a deep breath of fresh, crisp autumn air and enjoy!

Creativity & Dreams

Creativity and dreams.

The work of the subconscious set in motion.

Expression of passion interlinked with purpose.

A letting go of the rational mind, which binds and limits.

Realizing that analyzing interrupts instinct and natural flow.

Meditation - a vehicle for stoking the inner fire and cultivating truth.

Awakening the creative spark that lives within us all.

 Each individual footprint unique as the ability to manifest and dream.

Dreams Transformed Into Reality

Painting by George Teshu
http://www.georgeteshu.com

As human beings we have the unique ability to be inspired and create. We are in charge of creating our lives one day at a time. Dreams for the future are thoughts, ideas and imaginings that you inspire to create for yourself and others. Your imagined thought process is projected into the future as a goal. One of the laws of the universe is that energy follows intention. If you truly believe in your dream, energy will be set in motion to help manifest it.

You must also be committed and invested on all levels to transform your dreams into reality. Physically you must take action to work towards a goal. You need to set a time-line for accomplishing certain steps and be responsible for follow through. Emotionally you must feel deserving of stepping into the dream that you have created. It takes mental planning, personal energy to move forward and spiritual inspiration to guide you on your journey.

Dream box by Karen Malcolm
www.MalcolmStudioShop.etsy.com

If all aspects of your being is involved in the process you are much more likely to succeed. Celebrate each achievement no matter how small. Focus but do not over focus. Find a balance in-between.  Remember you can keep recreating your dreams anew as you take steps forward. Always be open to new possibilities that come your way in the process.

http://freelargephotos.com

The Universe provides many opportunities to assist us in living a life we love. Often these opportunities pass us by because we are too focused to see them. Be committed but not attached to a specific goal. Tunnel vision does not always serve the higher good. In the shamanic realm of teaching we honor the eagle for giving us the bird’s eye view of life. This is the ability to look at the bigger picture to see all perspectives along with a specific goal. Remember from time to time to take a step back to reassess, fine tune and refocus your dreams. Life and reality is in constant flux so hopes and dreams will also change over time. Once you reach a goal, enjoy, celebrate and continue to recreate more dreams into reality.

The Pursuit of Happiness

One of the most common comments that I get from my long term clients and students is that the work we do together brings about an inner awareness that leads to a state of harmony and happiness. Happiness is one of the key ingredients of health. The reason why I call the work that I do transformation healing is that it is a conduit for inner transformation on all levels including the development of true happiness.

Happiness. What does it really mean? It is a way of being, a felt sense that is in harmony and balance with our essential nature. It does not come about by doing or getting. According to eastern mindset, happiness is an overall sense of satisfaction and contentment with life and living, a state of appreciation for all that you have, the understanding that every experience can bring growth and spiritual expansion and inner wealth, a perception of balance and peace, a feeling of being whole and complete within oneself. We have all heard the saying “happiness comes from within” Why is it that our culture does not nurture this? 

It is human nature to be in the pursuit of happiness. We often seek happiness from external sources such as relationships, the acquisition of monetary wealth and power, careers, developing intelligence, externally looking good and successful to others. Material things can make us comfortable, relationships are a vehicle for us to express emotions and connect in different ways to others. Recognition for accomplishments and admiration for how we look can make us feel good and successful but they do not provide long-term happiness. There is nothing wrong with being connected externally; in fact it is an important and necessary part of life. The important thing to be aware of is that it often brings temporary satisfaction by gratify the ego. If you go through life desperately focusing on the results of trying to acquire status and material things along with striving to look good to others to achieve happiness, joy and peacefulness will evade you. 

 

We have no control over the outside circumstances in life. External situations can often leave one feeling stressed, dissatisfied, disappointed, depressed, victimized and confused. To experience soul-satisfying joy we must look within ourselves. We must break free from the preconceived mindset that our achievements and possessions define us. We must release and let go  of the expectations of others taking a look inward to  find  genuine value. When you have a desire, and it gets fulfilled, there is a period of time when you are content. In that moment, you experience the happiness that is a natural part of your being. But then external stimulus such as the media, including marketing, or opinions and beliefs of others intervene and you shift into a state of lack or want. Happiness fades. If you are not aware of this it can become a never-ending cycle. When you are able to realize and recognize that you experience happiness when you are free from constant desire and fear around being accepted, you can start to create your life differently. You have an opportunity to choose and accept yourself and the Universe as it is. You gain a freedom to flow with life. With awareness you can allow your innate nature to spring forth in the absence of the bonds and demands you and others put on yourself. Part of this process is being in an inquiry around your taught beliefs and values. Do they totally resonate with your consciousness, heart and soul? Keep those values, which are in harmony with who you are and release what does not feel true to your core. Take a hard look within to find your own personal truth.

Personal practices such as yoga, meditation and qigong help to cultivate inner peace and truth. Treatments and transformational healing techniques that address body, mind and spirit release entrenched holding patterns of stress and tension; support inner balance and promote health and happiness. As you become more aware of your heart, mind and body connection it creates a sense of freedom, which allows you to be satisfied with yourself exactly how god made you, perfect, whole and complete It can shift your reality around how you view yourself and the world. The goal is to be able to enjoy being a unique individual without trying to compete with others. Also assisting you in the development of self-acceptance and ability to take pride in the inner gifts that come naturally without trying. The pursuit of happiness is a journey within. It is a journey through life with a destination of peace, health and contentment.