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I had a client who years earlier had traveled abroad frequently. She found that new places, foods and people provided a heightened awareness to her life. In resent years her financial situation prevented such worldly explorations. She reported feeling board and frustrated with her life as it was. She wanted to find a new home for her dog, quit her job and move over seas.

When I asked her what it was that was so boring, she replied, “It is monotonous, the same people, the same roads, the same sounds, the same foods over and over again.” I asked her a few questions and then asked her if she was willing to try an experiment for one month. She agreed.

I gave her the exercise below. After only one week of filling in this list and making plans to do them, she reported that she very much enjoyed the exercise, that “there is more around me than I had ever noticed.” And that she was the one limiting the breadth and depth of her experience.

Never Stop Exploring:

1. Name three things that you have always wanted to do but had not yet done. And make one call about each on them.
a.
b.
c.
d. Sign up to do one of them.

2. Go down three roads close to your home that you have never been on. Take in the new sights. Notice the details. What are the colors of the doors? What style are the buildings?
a.
b.
c.

3. Go into three stores close to work or home that you have never been in.
a.
b.
c.

4. Have a meal at three restaurants that you have never eaten at. And try a new dish.
a.
b.
c.

5. Start a conversation with three people you’ve seen around you everyday but have never spoken to.
a.
b.
c.

6. Choose one of these.
a. Move the furniture in your home.
b. Paint a room a “different” color.
c. Trade homes with a friend for a weekend.

7. Find one thing that really shifts your perspective and do it. It may be go listen to music. It may be go to the gym at a different time. It may be dress differently. I can be anything at all just “Never Stop Exploring”……..

Today I look at my world through new eyes.
Today I do something differently.
Today I shake things up.

With all of the hub-bub over “The Secret” and the effects of The Law Of Attraction on ones life, and the unconscious pressure that people put on others if they see that ones life is not what they think it should be…
I have to ask what about peoples who’s life experience we have not lived?

Yes there are laws of the Universe such as gravity and the laws of physics and they do effect all of us.

Yet, when it comes to “The Secret” we need to understand that the part of the brain which is to be consciously called upon into thinking positive thoughts and the part of the brain from which we elicit the ability to be in the “feeling of” the positive are not consistently within access to everyone.

There are people who’s brain functioning is so significantly impacted by trauma and stress disorders that the basic functional relationship between the three parts of the brain does not work in the manner that other peoples do. For people in this predicament it is not as simple as think and feel good thought and all will be just fine.

Wisdom becomes knowledge when it is personal experience.
- Unknown

Here is a simplified explanation of how the brain works. We have three basic parts in the functioning of the brain.

1. The rear or reptilian brain, which act on survival instinct. I does not think, it does not speak. But if it could it may say something like, “Uncomfortable!!!!!” And it prompts the body to react to the perceived discomfort. So the system goes into full alert, which is a fight or flight response. The stress hormones start flushing through the many systems, the brain is flooded with neurotransmitters and hormones, the eyes and vascular dilate and heart starts pumping, everything looks, smells and feels like danger.

2. Next is the mid-brain, which is responsible of a bit more. It can identify that the body is not comfortable and identify some of what the challenge or danger is. It is capable of saying “Hmm…uncomfortable. Hot!” The mid brain with out thinking automatically regulates systems like digestion and elimination, internal temperature control and sleep cycles. It works on input from the rear and fore-brain.

3. Then we have the fore-brain. This is the part of the brain which navigates the detail of out internal and external world. It word finding is the part that deals with tasks like thinking, problem solving, space and distance navigation, reading and manipulating numbers word finding. It is the part of the brain that receives the messages from the other parts of the brain and deciphers the information and makes decisions on what to do ..or.. how to significant the “Ha..uncomfortable. Hot” is.
It is able to interpret “Oh this looks hot. This is from something external. I see fire!….Oh, not to worry it is just on the TV screen. Nothing to worry about. This heat must be something else. I’ll just go check the thermos stat. No need to run for my life”

Ideally the three parts of the brain modulate information back and forth freely. But when one live with a traumatized brain, they are living with a brain that much of the time has shut down the nonessential systems (the mid and fore brain) to send all chemical and electrical impulses to the rear, primal survival brain to be able to flee and thus stay live.

Thus to tell an incest or rape survivor, someone who has been in a horrific accident or a traumatized war veteran to just think and feel happy thoughts in the midst of a flash back is dishonoring. To insist that thinking positive thoughts is fully within in their control is not accurate. To blame the victim shuts the systems down even more. And it does not allow for the truth of what that person is experiencing.

Yes over all it is helpful to keep an eye (or two) on the positive. This does effect the outlook and thus the chemical balance in our body. But making someone wrong by insisting that they are not trying hard enough to see the positive is really missing the mark.

How we can help a person in this situation is to understand what they are experiencing when the rear-brain is in rampant terror and catastrophic thinking and reaction. It is important to understand that at that moment the rear-brain is in fact doing is its job. It is biologically wired this way to keep the species alive. And to understand that this person can not at that moment choose to pull him or her self into positive thinking is very important.

In Polarity we call this pacing. Being with the energy of what is. This does not enable or become codependent with the traumatized person, rather it resonates with the the state of their current being and releases the isolation. It frees them to come into the here and now, even if only for a moment.

From my point of view ideas in “The Secret” is great stuff. But when it is pushed upon others by well meaning enthusiasts, and the expectation of everyone being “able” to access any higher level of thinking and redirecting this part of the brain into the positive is shaming and can be harmful.

Sarcasm is something that some people consider to be ok to dish out “onto” others. In some circles it is looked upon as humor. Yes there is the “funning someone” type of banter, and there is the cutting, deeply hurtful type of “tearing at the heart”. Actually the definition of sarcasm is just that!

Sarcasm; verb
1. To tear at the heart.
2. To tear of the flesh.

We tend to communicate with others in the manner in which we were raised. Often sarcasm is something that we grew up with, or is part of a work environment and it has become a normal way to interact with one another. It may be considered normal and meaningless. But the truth is, it takes a thick skin to exist under such constant, subtle and covert attacks.

IF we are intending to live an authentic life it is essential to spend our time in environments that support our relaxation and openness; one that allows us to let our guard down and be all of who we are without the unconsciously nagging threat of being zinged by yet again another poison dart.

We can not control others and what they say to us. But we can look at how we speak to others and for that matter what we direct at ourselves.

Today I listen to what I speak outwardly.
Today I ask myself, “How would I feel if that were said to me?”
Today I take a pause and intentionally speak kindly to myself.
Today I apologize when I have stated something that is even the slightest bit hurtful.

Laughter is chemically good for our physical and emotional health, and it is good for the soul!

People tend to get into boring ruts. Sadly, it is rather normal for many of us. But it’s simple; we have become too busy to remember to make time to have fun.

Life is never boring, but some people choose to be bored…boredom is a choice.
- Wayne Dyer

In “The Artist’s Way”, one of the weekly practices is the Artist’s Date. This is when one is to set aside time every week to do something…anything… to “fill the creative well”.

Each time I allow myself to do this a childlike side of me emerges. I use the time to play and doodle. I giggle like a kid as I sit on the sand holding bread overhead for the sea gulls. I become absorbed in making mud dams with the spring run off or observing the industrious activity of ants. One of my favorite things is to wander through galleries and shops which I typically do not make time to go into. I allow myself to touch and inspect the construction, color and texture of things with the curiosity of a child.

Over the years I have noticed that this time offers many blessings. I notice many things around me, most of which have been there all along. And I experience peaceful and subtle changes inside of myself. I connect with my Soul. And I have fun!

Today I do one new activity, which pleases me.
Today I have the curiosity of a child.
Today I laugh at myself.
Today I have fun!

Life surely can be up hill at times, for some of us it is a long road. Even though it can be challenging….the good news is there is always the next moment where change can happen, where anything is possible!

One of the miraculous things about being human is our ability to come up with creative solutions to things that can seem like unmaneuverable road blocks.

Yes, at time it is wise to pause and rest and ponder, to allow for a new perspective to emerge. And at other times it is best to push through and over come a fear or a block.

Being defeated is often a temporary condition.
Giving up is what makes it permanent.
- Marilyn vos Savant

Often our Soul sees what our mind cannot.

Today I trust in the possibility of the next moment.
Today I listen to the whisper of my Soul.

This is the first contribution from Melody. It will be great to have her vast knowledge and tasty creative recipes here to support our health and vitality. Check back very Monday from a new recipe!

I don’t know about you, but I sure am ready for spring! The cozy comfort of curling up in the covers is wearing thin and I’m ready for the gentle breeze to bring in a breath of fresh air. Over the winter, eating heavier foods is a given, but during spring I can feel my body call out for a change of scenery. I’m not one to fast, but there are ways to incorporate cleansing foods that will transition your body into this lovely season. This vegetarian Quinoa Sushi Salad is a delicious, light meal packed full of goodness.

Quinoa Sushi Salad

serves 4

1 cup quinoa

2 cups water

1 small bouillon cube (msg free)

2 inches of peeled ginger, smashed

1 large garlic clove, smashed

-make sure to rinse the quinoa, then bring it all to a boil, simmer for 3 minutes, put the lid on it and turn the heat down as low as it will go. It should be ready in 20 minutes.

Cool the quinoa.

In a large bowl add the cooled quinoa and these ingredients; then toss with the dressing:

2 large carrots, diced

1 cup daikon, cut however you like it

1 large english cucumber, diced

1 small red onion, finely diced

1 has avocado, diced

1/2 cup nori shreds

Dressing:

1/4 cup braggs liquid aminos

1/2 cup water

1 clove pressed garlic

1 tbsp toasted sesame oil

1/2 tsp grated ginger

1-3 tsp wasabi paste (start with 1, then taste)

juice of 2 limes

-Chill for at least an hour and serve, sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Health Eating,
- Melody

www.melomeals.com

www.melomeals.blogspot.com

Your individual God Light is something that can never be taken away. You may feel weary, overwhelmed, off course from time to time or even disconnected and hopeless. But fear not the vibration of the Universe is within us…Always.

Awakening to your true self, your spiritual essence…your purpose, your life mission is an unfolding.

- Cara Joy Adams

Remembering to treat yourself well, to pause, to rest and to ask for help. We are not meant to go this path alone. Then start anew, take the next step and the next. With each inhalation we are in a new moment, a new opportunity and anything is possible.

Today I ask for help.
Today I rest in prayer.
Today I awaken to my Truest Self.
Today anything is possible.

Dr. Jerry Hyman is a chiropractor with a different approach. Whom in my opinion is a gifted healer. He uses a unique movement therapy which has helped me greatly in accessing fragmented parts of myself due to trauma and its aftermath. He is knowledgeable, creative and respectful.

He specializes in all manner of movement therapy from
passive/hands-on modalities to active care including Pilates based
movements, Gyrotonic therapy, gymball/balance exercises.

Jerry is well versed in acute and chronic movement issues as well as post surgical
rehabilitation. His focus is on finding ways to move efficiently, that
utilize respiration, awareness and are occasionally fun to practice.

Jerry has been in practice for over 20 years. He has
published in peer-reviewed journals, the highest and most demanding
and continues to teach at the postgraduate level for several North
American and European schools.

205 Sagamoore Road
Rye, NH
603 431 8884

Rosemary Gaddum Gordonis a truly joyful person to spend time with and a highly skilled practioner of these modalities.

This approach to eye health is rooted in the Bates Method and yoga. These modalities are highly effective and easy to do. I have taken a one evening introductory class and I found it to be immediately effective! The “Bates Method” and “Seeing from the CORE” are two profound and helpful methods of applying awareness, intentional seeing and simple movements of the eye to increase internal fluid exchange within the eye, flexibility of the eye structures, reduce fatigue and improve the ability of the eye to focus without strain.

Rosemary Gaddum Gordon, D.B.O., M.A.
Holistic Vision Improvement
Cambridge, MA
617 354 8360

Eliot, ME
207 439 9821

www.visioneducators.com

Part of personal and spiritual growth is being real with our feelings.

Often we cover up our discomfort with work, exercise, shopping, food, relationships and more. If you have grown up in an environment which did not allow for such authenticity, this transition can be uncomfortable.

We can feel the painful feelings, AND hold the higher perspective of love, happiness and abundance all at the same time.

- Diane Pinchuad

Today is safe to feel all of my feelings.
Today I ask within, “What am I running from?”
Today I allow myself to feel the unknown.
Today I take positive action in healing my wounded-ness.
Today I focus toward my wholeness.