Tincture and Tonic...Happy Halloween! NOT

I have 8 medicinal tinctures and Master Tonic ready to strain and bottle. I started with the master tonic...OUTSIDE...who knew it would attract any currently not sleeping yellow jackets?? And after draining, I took the "bits" and put them in the garden thinking, surely it will keep the deer out, and be nutrient mulch. These two gals jogged by and one of them says really loud to her friend "OMG...Do you SMELL that?????" :-)Maybe it will keep the trick or treaters away too. And if they pick it up to throw it...they will stink forever. MUAHAHAHAHAH

I'm not a Halloween fan. People don't realize how many souls get called in for the event. And I have enough of them finding me as is. Barf.

I don't like getting candy cuz we don't have very many trick or treaters, and then I end up eating it all, I don't like strangers coming to my house, and I just don't like it. Makes me feel invaded...by the living AND the dead!

We are going to go to the afternoon matinee of the Michael Jackson movie (I'm curious, not necessarily a huge fan), and out to dinner. Maybe if we stall long enough, it will be all over!

Follower/Subscriber Drive

Since I originally began this journey to see if I could make a living from home by blogging and writing online, and decided that this journey would unfold over at least a year (the year being my goal for sticking with it to see what happens). I've decided to hold a "Follower/Subscriber" drive.

I want to reach 1,000 followers AND subscribers within the year since I began (was that September?).

As soon as I reach 1,000 followers, I will reveal my TRUE IDENTITY, and even post a photo. The mystery of Willow will be solved.

Help me reach this goal! If you read this, become a follower AND a subscriber (BOTH). And, send my link
wwwwordsfromwillow.blogspot.com (no need for the dot after the www), via your email or by sharing it with your friends...if you like my blog, ask them to follow AND subscribe too.

OK...to recap...1,000 "followers AND subscribers" (I must have 1,000 of EACH but you may become both) before next September whatever, and I'll reveal my identity and post a photo. Oh man...I wonder if that means I better hit the treadmill! The sooner you make it happen, the less time I have to get ready for my photo op! YIKES!

Freecycle

OK...here's a tip for you.

There's a cool website called Freecycle and it is www.freecycle.org You go there, create an account (and it can take a couple of days to get confirmation because it is all volunteer run), but basically, in a little Willow nutshell here's what it is:

A web page people use to seek free stuff, and give free stuff.

It is a classified sort of page where you create ads of things you are looking for or things you are wanting to rid yourself of. It's free. Free to join, free to post, free to give, free to receive. Did I mention that it's free? Free is such a wonderful price. And people give away some really cool stuff.

You get matched up to a network in your local area (if there is one) and away you go. They do NOT want you to post "free garage sale left overs, come and get them they are in the yard". They want you to be specific about your items, and keep them indoors. They want you to remember to go back to your account and let people know when the item is no longer available, and to delete old ads. But other than that...go for it.

I have an account, and while I have not yet picked up any new stuff, I've gotten rid of lots of stuff. This site was created to keep things out of our landfills. Pretty cool idea isn't it? And, I'm telling you, when I posted items on there, sometimes I would get an email or a phone call within literally SECONDS of hitting "send", so people are using it.

Check it out and let me know how it works for you. We could ALL benefit from downsizing our "stuff", and what better way than to match it with someone who needs or wants it.

WOOT! It's currently NOT Snowing!

Well, basically, that's it really...all I wanted to say. It's DARK and RAINING, but NOT snowing! Always looking for those things to make me do the Grati-dude dance...since I look so stunning DOING it!

Use a Netti Pot for Cold and Flu Season (and allergy season and sinus problems)

A netti pot is a tiny teapot. The basic premise is this: many pathogens enter our nasal passages and illness and infection often start there, IN the nasal passages. This method rinses and cleanses the nasal passages and the sinuses. Warm water and salt are gently poured into one nostril and in a complete circuit I had never known was possible, the water circulates through the sinus system and exits out the other nostril. Who Knew??

This ancient technique for health is easy and inexpensive. For those who suffer frequent sinus infections or allergies, it is a great thing to use daily or twice daily EVERY day. For the rest of us, use it during the troublesome seasons, or at the first sign of ill health and until health is restored.

It takes a little time to get your head angle perfected over the sink and I find that my dominant side is easier and I sometimes struggle with the other side. Keep adjusting your head angle until the water flows out of the other nostril with ease. Be sure the spout of the pot seals off the nostril you pour the water into so you aren't just pouring it out the same place as you're putting it in.

Once in a while, I experience pain with this. It feels like I stood on my head in a swimming pool and got a snout full of that chlorinated water...it BURNS. Typically what this means is that my head angle is wrong, so I keep adjusting until it is better, or take a break for a second or two. It can also mean I am pouring the water in too fast and it is building pressure.

To answer concerns:
*NO, it does not feel like you are strangling or under water

*If the head angle is right, nothing goes down your throat at all

*YES you can breathe during the entire process

* It takes almost no time at all....less than a minute per side

* Ceramic netti pots can be found in the $10-$15 range and Wal-Mart now carries them. You can order them online or get them at your favorite health food store

*I don't buy special netti pot solution or netti pot salt. Simple sea salt works great and is really cheap

*I store mine upside down on a wash cloth in the drawer by the sink for easy access, easy draining and drying in between uses

*It is not a good idea to share netti pots, so get one for each member of your family that will be using one and you can write their name on it

*Periodically, either run your pot through the dishwasher, or soak it in some very hot water with a little bit of soap and a drop or two of bleach to kill germs/mold

*Have a box of kleen-x by the sink so you are ready to blow when finished. The video I've attached shows the woman blowing out forcefully into the sink. I don't. I just wipe my nose, do the other side, and then blow my nose. I don't blow it forcefully either and I try really hard not to blow one side at a time as this creates pressure in my ears. My ears can sort of feel sloshy or poppy when I blow after doing this. I just think it's the excess water.

The video also shows the gal doing some post-potting exercises to further drain the sinuses. I have never done these. If you really feel like you can't get all the water out, give them a try and post how it works for you. Personally, I would never hang my head upside down and blow forcefully without a Kleen-x. HELLO! Aren't we trying not to spread germs or blow snot on the floor?

Even nose/throat specialists are suggesting the use of this old technique. It can PREVENT sinus infections, could prevent colds/flu, and will shorten duration and relieve symptoms of many illnesses and allergies. And, in so doing, can prevent, or reduce the need for using anti-biotics or other Rx or over the counter drugs that are best saved as a last ditch treatment rather than a first defense.



Those of you who have tried this before, leave a comment about your experience with it. I taught my sister and nephew how to use them via a personal demo, and am happy to help anybody with questions.

Book Review: The Theft of the Spirit.

The Theft of The Spirit, by Carl A. Hammerschlag, M.D. was written in 1992, yet remains relevant today. Hammerschlag, or "Carl", as is easier to write, is a physician and psychiatrist who began his practice in the usual Western way, and then spent a good deal of his career working among Southwestern Native American tribes as a doctor and healer. He embarked on the journey of studying native and indigenous healers and began to compare and contrast these cultures and their rituals against the backdrop of typical American society and its ever decreasing connection with the mystical, with ritual, with rights of passage that connect a people to its past and in so doing, its future.

Rather than telling a linear story, "Carl" relays experiences and insights. Since it defies linear explanation, I will share some quotes that particularly resonated with me. By this process, you should get a feel for the book and an idea of whether it will also speak to you. I recommend it as a book for introspection, for challenging status quo beliefs, and for journeying into the worlds of those who heal.

"...Western civilization seeks to explain all existence in terms of provable reality, we've learned to subordinate our feelings to the domination of reason. We've become afraid to express ourselves symbolically because the voices of the imagination generally fall outside scientific descriptions of reality." p. 27

"How many ways are there to see? As many ways as we are willing to look. Most of us spend so much time learning it one way that we develop a vested interest in only seeing it that way and getting others to see it the same way. That convinces us that the way we see it is really the way it is." p 29

"The only way to deal with fear is to confront it directly - to stop and look at it. Then you can make it go away. Otherwise, you spend your life running from it and fear always runs at least as fast as you. When you let fear rule your decision-making, you're not choosing your own path. A Rwandan proverb says: 'You can outdistance that which is running after you, but not what is running inside you.'." p 43

"...the real hurt is not what others inflict but what I do to myself. For not accepting the me that is, which is beautiful and still growing." p. 49

I could go on with my underlined favorite quotes, but these give you a flavor for the richness of his work. This little, 167 page book is well worth a read, and no doubt available in most libraries by now. Let me know what you think. Have you already read it? Comment!

Holy Cow! It's been snowing all day!

Dear Diary, today, October 27th, it snowed all day (no, the above is not a photo of here). It isn't sticking, is rather mixed with slush and rain, but is our first snow of the season. And it will be here until probably May or June. This marks the official end of fall and the beginning of winter around these parts. Time to hunker down for the long haul of dreary wet, snowy days that seem to last forever. I always think I'll go crazy this time of year as the months drag on. By February, I'm certifiable. It DOES however, make spring a terribly joyous time. If only I can remember to just hang on because spring always comes. Remind me will you?

Chakras. Part 3 of 3. Visualization for Balancing the Chakras.

In part one of this series, I gave a basic overview of the chakra system. In part two I reviewed a book/kid about chakra balancing. In part three, I will walk you through a visualization that you may do on your own to balance chakras.

In a typical healing session, where balance is the goal, I may assist a client with two clearing/cleansing visualizations entitled "Light" and "Water". Let me know if you would like additional information about these two visualizations. Beginning with these two exercises can assist the client in fully relaxing and preparing for the chakra balancing. However, this is by no means necessary. The following is a basic chakra balancing visualization/meditation:

With the knowledge you've gained about how the chakras may look and where they are located, we will go through them one at a time. Think of the chakras like hula hoops around your body. Notice each color, the movement, the positioning and how tightly or loosely each one is around your body. Try to visualize these images. If visualization is difficult for you, attempt to read and say these words out loud, or have someone else read it for you. Take your time with each chakra. Take as long as you need. The chakras are, for all intents and purposes, designed to be very flexible. Think of how a rubber band moves. They are designed to be fully open when called for, and fully closed around you when protection is needed. It is when they become either fully stuck open, or fully stuck closed that imbalance most often occurs. Do not be too concerned if you see different colors than described. Allow whatever it is for you to unfold. Don't force anything.

Lie down or sit comfortably in an area where you will not be disturbed by phones, doors, the noises and sounds of others. At times, the shower or bath is a good place to find a few moments of peace and quiet. Take a few moments to settle in to relaxation with the intention of entering into a balancing exercise. Notice your breathing. Do not try to make it be a certain way, just be aware of the cadence of the inhalation and exhalation.

Beginning with the root chakra at the pubic region, see the hoop around you in the color red. Notice how large or small it is around this area, notice the quality of the color (is it deep and rich or weak and faint?). Is it moving or stationery? If moving, is it an even spin or does it wobble? Begin by imagining the hoop as expanding to the size of the room, take your time. Next expand it to the size of the building you are in, then the block, the neighborhood, the city, state, country and finally, see it open fully in a blast of red light out into the cosmos/universe/space. Gently give the hoop a spin to set it in motion in a nice, even hum around you. If at any point, it resists, just notice and accept it for what it is today. You may wish to check with the book or other sources to see if there is work that needs to be done in your life or with your health to balance this area.

Continue up the ladder with the sacral chakra between the pubic bone and belly button. See the color Orange. Again, notice quality of color and movement and size. Begin the expansion process as shown above.

Finish this visualization by each in turn performing the same process of visualization with:

The Solar Plexus Chakra. Between the belly button and bottom of the rib cage. Color Yellow.

The Heart Chakra. At the heart center in the center of the chest. Color Green.

The Throat Chakra. On or around the throat/neck area. Color Blue.

The Third Eye Chakra. Center of the forehead. Color Indigo, purple or perhaps pink.

The Crown Chakra. Halo slightly above the top of the head. Color White or golden light.

After you have, as successfully as possible, expanded all of your chakras, begin to merge them together, one with the next in a rainbow, tube-like cylinder around your body. Remember it is fully expanded now, so there is plenty of room for you to move around inside this expansive space of striped color. Spend a few moments reveling in the freedom found there.

Gently ask within, "What is the optimal amount of openness or closedness which is right and good for the tasks I have ahead of me today? Please self-adjust to the situation in a continually flowing and flexible way". Then with the picture firmly in place of wavering, flowing and continually flexing chakras (rather like kelp gently waving in the sea), begin to slowly become more fully aware of your surroundings coming back to the present moment. Notice the peaceful balanced feeling in your mind and body. Carry this feeling with you throughout your day.

If you should fall asleep during this process, do not despair. By setting your intention to balance your chakras at the start of the visualization, *I* believe that the process continues with or without you working at it. It is what it is on any given day. Allow that. Repeat this balancing visualization as often as you would like to.

Stay tuned for my next article which will review the book "Theft of the Spirit".

Chakras. Part 2 of 3. Chakra Balancing Kit. Review

In part one of this three part series about chakras, I gave a basic overview of chakras, their functions, locations and names. In part two, I will review a resource I have used extensively in my practice of counseling with energy healing; Chakra Balancing Kit by Anodea Judith.

This "kit" contains the book shown here, which is a small, 100 page, spiral-bound book. It also contains a set of 7 cards which have a photo representation of each chakra and information about each chakra on the back. Finally, the kit contains a Two CD set; the first CD gives an overview of the chakras with some guided meditations and exercises for balancing, and the second CD leads one through the Yoga "Sun Salutation" which is said to work on all the chakras for greater overall balance.

As stated, I have used the book extensively in my practice. I have not used the CDs beyond listening to them once, or the cards, which I never figured out a good use for. Perhaps at some point, I will make a mobile out of them. So if it is possible to buy just the book and it is less expensive separate, that would be my recommendation (unless you think the CDs and cards sound like something you would use a lot).

This little 100 page book packs way more information in it about chakras than the average person will ever need. I typically use it as a resource guide for the basic attributes of each chakra, ailments or emotional links, and if people want more info, we can explore it further.

In a nutshell, this book covers the following aspects of chakras and chakra balancing: the basic description of each of the 7 chakras, associated color, element and traits; signs of excess or deficient energy for each, challenges of (referred to as "demons"), archetypal identities associated with each, healing and balancing ideas/strategies, color therapies, Feng Shui or home/work surrounding considerations to support the chakras, foods that support the chakras, yoga positions/exercises for each, and gives you space to write (as it is marketed as a "workbook").

I would say about the only thing missing in this book is an extensive overview of stones said to support or balance the chakras. There are MANY resources available on this by doing simple web searches and not all of the sources agree. I have been told that when it comes to choosing chakra stones, one can simply choose stones of the color that is associated with each. I've also read and been told that it is best to choose stones that are said to support the specific chakra or the attributes of that chakra. So, if and when I utilize stones with chakra balancing work, I use my intuition and choose what seems right at the time. I don't typically utilize them, but many people do and swear by them. Since we use crystals to run computers and watches and other electronics, I am not going to discount that there are energetic properties to stones, and minerals.

Speak No Evil Challenge: 24-Hour World-Wide Sound-Off

I'm proposing a challenge: A world-wide sound-off. By "sound-off" I mean YOURS.

For the next 24 hours (from whenever you read this...it matters not that it is the same 24 hour period for everyone), turn your personal SOUND off.

Take a 24 hour break from:
GOSSIP

Take a 24 hour siesta from:
Negative self talk, or negative talk about yourself to others.

Take a 24 hour vow of abstinence from:
Posting or talking about political or religious points of view; because well, they sort of involve talking about someone else...whether that be politicians or deities or what not. That's not the same as not thinking about or connecting with your beliefs...just don't TALK about them for 24 hours.

Be fully present:
With yourself. With those you are in conversation with.

Spend some time in silence:
either alone, or with another. What would it mean to have lunch with a friend, and just eat quietly in each others presence?

I know that there are those professions which DEMAND that we talk about other people (medical, educational, social service etc). For the next 24 hours, share ONLY the relevant and absolutely necessary information, not the stories and judgements and opinions that so often go with such "sharing". "Just the facts Mam".

And if you are in the presence of friends or others who are talking about someone else, see what happens if you quickly and quietly exit, or change the subject, or just sit without joining, or if you share that you're taking "The World-Wide Sound-Off Challenge".

Be with what comes up, notice the feelings, notice how many times you catch yourself, or catch yourself later, after the fact. Notice how much time is spent in negative chatter and talking about others. Others really ARE capable of telling their own stories. If you want to know what's going on with someone, ask THEM.

Share this with as many people as you can, via email, Facebook, Twitter, whatever. I would love to hear how your 24 hour experiment goes. Is it worth making into a lifestyle? Is it possible? Would it benefit us? You can post your comments here, or private message me. I would love to hear how this unfolds.

I'm wondering if it could be a first step in eventually focusing on the positive, on changing habits, on learning to be more peaceful both within and without.

For a little additional information: review the history of the Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil, See No Evil, Do No Evil Monkeys!

My Head's up My rear!

But I want to say that with a Scottish Brogue..."me head's up me rrearr".

Don't know what's up...but I have ZERO motivation and I'm tired. I know the energy will return, but it just ain't here.

And, in part, I think I feel unmotivated because I am not a patient person, and I can't see where this is going, or if it is going, or when or why or what. I like details...this path I've chosen, on the whole, has none.

I'll get a shoe-horn and see if I can't dig my head out...

OMG...no post yesterday! Alert the Media!

Yeah, the world didn't seem to stop turning and the sun still came up this morning. I missed posting yesterday. It is good to just say no to the computer once in a while. So I am.

I've got three more articles in the hopper that I need to get done and for some reason it feels overwhelming to me at the moment. I think I will sit and watch the leaves fall today. It froze hard last night...somewhere in the 20's. So when the sun came out and it warmed up (a little), the leaves are falling like colored rain. It is like magic. I hope it is a beautiful day wherever you are and that you enjoy it with people you love, or in the stillness of your own company.

We rented three movies last night. "The Gift" (about a psychic involved with a murder investigation), and Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit" 9/11, and the rebuttal "Ferenhype 9/11". We watched the first two, and will watch the last one this evening. I had nightmares last night. SEVERE nightmares (not the same as astral travel at all). I'm surprised I didn't have a heart attack in my sleep! I should know better than to watch things with disturbing images, or suspenseful, scary things. I'm a wiener. I just have to accept those sad facts and just rent things like "My little Pony Adventure" or something.

Blog blog blog (or bla bla bla)

Good heavens...it's the end of the day (for me) and I'm all like "OMG, I haven't blogged today and have nothing to say". So I'll blog about having nothing to say and in the process, I will have said something...problem solved, right? Well, I didn't say it would be a GOOD blog post!

I worked in the yard getting the flower beds cleaned out and dead stuff trimmed back and raked and even mowed...packed my sneakers with deer poop...yuck. But...and I LOVE when this happens...I was working against some VERY grey skies, and got all my work done before it poured...for the rest of the day. I love when it comes together like that!

Then I had to get cleaned up before an apt with a client for a marathon healing session...then dinner. Hubby is doing the dishes while I type...bless him! Then I think I'll crash...I don't care that it's only 7...I was at the gym by 5:30...so I can if I want. I'll read the paper, and crawl into bed and zone out to some tube snuggled up to a warm man. I don't really need much.

There...I blogged! WOOT! Will try to do the second part of the chakra series with the book review tomorrow...or Sunday...or...

Mascara....will I ever learn?

Some of you may recall that I posted a while back that so far, my favorite mascara is Loreal's Double Extend.

I'm watching TV the other night and see (for the millionth time), the ad for Maybelline Lash Stiletto. It looks really really impressive. It claims it gives lashes a patent leather shine and lengthens lashes up to 70%. The model looks like she's got freakin spider legs for eye lashes they are so long and beautiful. I tried to find a video of this commercial but couldn't.

And I just read someone else's blog where they said that all of the promises showed up for them and they were so thrilled with it. I'm throwing this tube away. Regular old, stupid mascara that performed no better and probably worse than most. Was clumpy, no patent leather shine, and ZERO noticeable lengthening. And it was freakin' hard to get off. I used a remover for waterproof mascara too. Then took a shower and it was all over my face AFTER I thought I had removed it all...and kept coming off over time. Don't like it. Nope nope nope.

I still think my fave, as stated before is the Loreal even though I don't like a two step process, and this can be clumpy too if you're not careful. I have reasonably thick eyelashes, but they're short and they stick either downward or out but won't curl up even when I try to crimp them, so they just don't show much.

Barf...save yourself the $7...or try it and tell me what YOU think, cuz obviously there are some people out there that are getting different results (or are deluded into thinking that the commercials must be true so they have wishful vision).

Chakras. Part 1 of 3. Basic Overview

When it comes to the topic of chakras, one can take the general guide tour or the detailed map tour. I will be taking you on the general guide tour, just the very basics to get you started, to familiarize yourself with the concepts. You can always take it further on your own. In this series of three articles, I will give the basic overview of the 7 Chakra system, then a book review on Chakras, concluding with a meditation/visualization you can do for balancing your chakras.

At it's most rudimentary level, the chakras are energy systems and are part of the Etheric body or energy body discussed in an earlier article. The basic system is 7 chakras but some systems show many more. The word "chakra" is a sanskrit word meaning "wheel" or "disk" and just by the image above you can get an idea of why and of how they are often conceptualized.

Each of these energy centers is said to be, at least in part, responsible for various functions between our mind and body. The chakras are ordinarily described from 1-7 starting at the base and moving up to the head. I will briefly describe each in turn, with a traditional picture representing each. The colors shown are traditional but keep in mind that many people see these colors slightly differently, or they may appear different at different times. And by "see", I am referring to what the minds eye perceives, or "imagination" for lack of a sufficient layman term.

It is said that when one has an injury, pain, or illness in a specific body region, that it would be wise to examine the attributes of the spiritual/emotional aspects of the associated chakra for clues as to what could be out of balance in your life and what may need your attention as it relates to the chakra region where the malady manifests. This is certainly not to say that medical attention is not needed, or that the chakras hold all the answers; they are clues and guides to deeper understanding of the mind/body/spirit connections.


The first chakra or "root" chakra, is located in the vicinity of the tail bone or pubic bone, and/or at the end of the spinal column. It is most often associated with the color red. It is viewed as the most basic or primitive chakra and involves such issues as survival, and the physical body in general. It is associated with the earth element. An example of a potential root chakra issue is very low back pain, which is also said to often link to fears about money/survival.


Moving up the body, the second chakra or "sacral" chakra is located approximately mid point between the pubic region and the belly button (or from the back, if you think of where your sacral area is). It is most often associated with the color orange. This chakra is most often linked with issues of emotion and sexuality and is said to be linked to the element of water. An example of an ailment involving this chakra might be infertility or sexual dysfunction.


The third chakra or "solar plexus" chakra, is located in the region above the belly button and below the rib cage and is most often associated with the color yellow. This chakra is linked to issues of personal power and activity and the element of fire. An example of a third chakra issue might be digestion problems.


The fourth or "heart" chakra, is located in the center of the chest, where we most often perceive of the physical heart as residing. This chakra is associated with the color green and the element of air or breath. The attributes of this chakra concern love, connection to others, relationships, the sharing of one's "heart". Chest pain, heart weakness, abnormal heart rhythms could be a sign that the heart chakra is out of balance and perhaps there are emotional issues in relationships or having "closed the heart" after being hurt.


The fifth or "throat" chakra, is located in the region of the throat, neck and at times jaw and clavicle areas. Most often seen as blue and associated with the elements of sound, space, vibration. This chakra is linked to issues of communication and how well one feels heard, listened to, or that they are able to fully express themselves. Very often, women will have issues with this chakra due to our culture's emphasis on women being passive/quiet/submissive. Swallowing our words, biting our tongue, clenching our teeth when we really feel like expressing something verbally, can manifest in sore throats, lost voices, neck, jaw and tooth pain, and of course, more serious conditions in this area.


The sixth chakra or "third eye" chakra, is located directly between and behind your physical eyes (imagine a cyclops, only the eye is more inside than on the surface). This chakra is frequently associated with the color if indigo or purple, but this chakra tends to have many variations in color, and is sometimes seen as hot pink. This chakra is linked to issues of intuition, wisdom, psychic gifts, or to put it another way, this chakra is often assocated with senses beyond the physical. It is associated with elements of energy and spirit. If the third eye is blocked or closed, imagination may be impaired, as might physical vision. If the third eye is over functioning, one may have obsessions, nightmares, hallucinations etc. Dreams are linked to this energy center. The pineal gland may be involved.


The seventh chakra or "crown chakra" is located just above the physical top of the head (where a halo might be found), extending upward like a vortex or cone, getting more expansive the further up it goes. It is most often seen as bright white or golden light (despite this picture showing it in purple), but colors, as stated earlier, are not written in stone and are highly individual. The crown chakra is connected to issues of spirituality, divinity, God, and your connection to that which is greater than the self and connected to all. Issues with this energy center may involve the pituitary gland and endocrine system. Headaches could be a result of imbalance in this chakra.

I am reminded when I think of the chakra system (which admittedly may be a tough concept for some to grasp), of the famed "Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs". This sociologist created a system of the development or process from basic need to "self actualization" which is very similar to chakras.


The second of three installments in the Chakra series will be a review of the Chakra Balancing Kit (book, CDs, and cards) by Anodea Judith.

Gratitude Dance

This sort of reminds me of the "Where the Hell is Matt" dance (you can find it on YouTube and it's well worth watching). But, even still...it felt good to watch it and remind myself about gratitude. I forget a lot.

Frequent Flier miles?

I've been rather useless today. I had another busy night of dream travel and have spent the day slogging through mud trying to fully be "here".

In last night's saga, I found myself in a monastery sleeping in the same room as a terminally ill nun. She was cold and wanted a blanket, and her pain was not well managed. I woke up another nun to get these needs tended to. Seems simple...basic. Then I found myself wondering today, if "inexplicably" in some monastery somewhere, a nun was awakened by someone she didn't know and never saw again, who instructed her to tend to the needs of her sister. Could happen. Glad to help, but now I just feel disoriented. I had bigger plans for my day. Can I at least qualify for frequent flier miles and go on a REAL trip to someplace TANGIBLE? I awoke with a horrible migraine, and took meds and went back to sleep. It's sort of like my brain doesn't physically handle the intensity of the experience.

I know a guy who went to a foreign country and at the train station a woman he never met came up to him and fell to his feet in gratitude. Swore up and down that he had appeared at a relative's bedside and healed him. She would not take "um, no, I've never been here before" for an answer. She was that sure. And he is a healer. Mistaken identity? You decide.

I was once ACTUALLY at a monastery for a retreat and arrived with a migraine. I flopped down on the bed for a nap before chapel and dinner (the retreat counselor sister was going to stop by my room to take me at the designated time) and I fell into a deep and spacey "sleep". I saw a nun AND an Indian medicine man at my bedside ministering to me. Her name was Evangeline. I awoke about two seconds before the knock on the door for chapel and my headache was gone. The next morning I searched in the monastery graveyard for Evangeline's headstone, thinking that she was a sister who had passed on and had visited me. Then later I got the courage to ask about her. There was a sister, currently living there named Evangela...they referred to her as a mystic and a healer. She was not there...the was out of town sitting at the bedside of a sick relative. Did part of her travel to me to assist me? You decide. I believe yes. The monastery is also on the grounds of ancient Nez Perce land.

There are just so many things we don't understand. I know I might be wrong, but some of these experiences you would really have to "be IN" to know the totality of the impression they leave.

Dinking around

I've pretty much managed to piss this day away and don't have much to show for it. I guess the laundry is done and the sheets are changed. Where does the time go?? I took a few fall photos...hey...maybe I'll upload a couple here! Stand by...I'll see if I can do it.

But first...I made that recipe for master tonic yesterday. Whew does it smell strong! I did it in the food processer with the kitchen fan AND window open. I think the prevailing scent is garlic. I wore gloves, and cut on a glass cutting board. I'm glad I used the food processer though because I actually think it helped contain some of the smell. That...and I'm too lazy to finely chop that much stuff. Now it sits for a couple of weeks.

On a separate note, if I hear about the swine flu one more time my head is going to explode! (which means...prepare...my head is going to explode...since the flu season is barely underway). Remember when we got sick we just used to say "I've got a bug...I've got the crud...I've got that thing going around". Oh, no...now we must pretend that we all have the swine flu...even though not very many people are being tested/confirmed (nice way to blame it all on a "pandemic" and sell lots of vaccinations since you can't track it and aren't testing for it). All over face book, my "friends" are talking about their illnesses of swine flu...even though they haven't been to a doctor. I want to choke them...is there a vaccine for that??? Headlines read..."there is a pandemic of people choking people who talk about the flu".

OK...back to those fall photos...

Ancient Home Remedies

This information is taken from the November 2009 Issue of Better Homes and Gardens.

Sore Throats:

In the Ukraine, many people relieve sore throats by gargling every two hours with a glass of hot water mixed with a tablespoon or so each of honey and vinegar. While this isn't the tastiest elixir, vinegar works as an astringent to clear secretions and restore pH balance, and it discourages bacteria growth. Honey is an anti-inflammatory. [For further health benefits, swallow it rather than spitting it out].

Body Odor:

Italian women stay sweet-smelling with baking soda. Rub enough water into a few tablespoons of baking soda to make a paste and apply directly under your armpits for five minutes. Then rinse. If a shower is out of the question, leave a thin layer of paste directly on your armpits [wouldn't this leave a mess on your clothes?] Sodium bicarbonate acts as a magnet for odors.

Minor Burns:

Mash a tomato and apply it directly to minor burns. Cover the mash with bandages to prevent scarring. Vit C Vit A and phytonutrients all work to heal the wound

Also spreading honey once a day on a minor burn prevents infection better than antibiotics.
[recent research suggests that packing hard to heal wounds with sugar is a good way to help heal them]

Acne Face Mask:

From Northeast Africa - 1 avocado (moisture), 1 egg yolk (vit A/retinol) and 1 T honey (antibacterial) If you have very oily skin, use egg whites instead of the fattier egg yolks. Leave on the face 5-10 minutes and repeat once a week or whenever you sense an outbreak coming on.

Muscle Aches:

the article talks about the use of capsaicin found in cayenne or other hot peppers without much detail, but here is my link to Mountain Rose Herbs video on making your own liniment. I have some in progress....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDVzYK96l4Y

Nasal Congestion:

old Russian remedy: In a bowl, juice one clove of garlic with a garlic press, add half a tsp of honey, and squeeze out the inside of one aloe vera leaf. Then soak two cotton balls in the moisture and insert them loosely into your nostrils for about 5 minutes. Garlic is a powerful antibacterial, as is honey which also works as an astringent and aloe moisturizes sore nasal tissue.
Or view this video for a herbal steam:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MN_02xKg134

Stomach Upset:

Hungarian grandmother remedy:
alternate sips of chamomile and peppermint tea about every hour until you feel better. Chamomile relaxes stomach muscles and could relieve cramping, intestinal spasms and pain and the menthol in peppermint has pain-killing properties and promotes relaxation.

Chapped Lips:
Middle Eastern remedy.
Combine the juice of half a lemon with a tsp of sugar and apply to your lips. Leave on for two minutes.
Rinse with water and follow with a light smear of liquid glycerin (found in most health food stores) which seals in moisture. The lemon contains Vit C an effective exfoliant and the sugar creates a thin barrier speeding healing.

Some books to look at:
Desk Reference to Nature's Medicine published by National Geographic
The Green Pharmacy Guide to Healing Foods by James A. Duke
Folk Medicine by Dr. D.C. Jarvis
The Doctors Book of Home Remedies Revised Edition (collection by Prevention magazine)

Pseudoephedrine comes from the Ephedra sinica plant and has been used in China for over 2,000
Codeine comes from the Oriental Poppy Papaver somniferum
Digoxin comes from the Foxglove plant (digitalis purpurea) and is a powerful heart failure drug
and we all know the story of moldy bread being the start of penicillin!

Share YOUR ancient secrets!

Completion and Reflection of Spiritual Reality DVD

I completed the expansion of my previous post of the DVD review of Spiritual Reality part 8 of 8 on the concept of Life After Life. Revisit it for more thoughts and share your comments.

What I found from exploring this DVD in greater depth is that while many concepts were strange or new to me, I was able to find common ground or themes within it that weave between most faith traditions. I also gained greater understanding through the visuals of the videos and those images will assist me with my meditative/prayer practice.

I tend to talk a good game, but do just about everything I can think of to actually avoid meditation or centering prayer. I really have no idea why. It certainly isn't that I could even TRY to use the lame excuse that I don't have time, or that I can't quiet my mind or that it is difficult. Something in me simply resists at this point.

I MADE myself sit today for the age appropriate time frame (one minute per each year of age that the video suggests). Either I'm really really old, or that time period seemed like an eternity. But it was good. I could tell I have been more peaceful throughout the day. I'm really really really going to work on making it a regular thing, just like I tell everyone else to do. Pinky swear!

I envisioned during my "sit" today, those thought bubbles seen in the earlier clips and a couple of times in my mind's eye, playfully popped some with a pin. I also envisioned the blue, sparkly cosmic energy (the way it is shown in the video clips) as pouring in through my crown chakra and that was a helpful visual. Then just allowing thoughts to roll by like clouds and when I noticed I was stuck on a thought stream, to just release it like a balloon to float away.

I've had this video for a few years and have watched it several times, but I have grown from taking the time to analyze it for your benefit. Thank you.

My next project is a three part series on the Chakras (as stated at the end of the analysis of part 8 of 8). Stay tuned. Be here or be Squeer? Well, at least that rhymes!

Cleaning Recipies

I have not tried these yet (but will), and do not know how well they work. A friend of mine makes them and shared the recipe with people on FaceBook.

Disclaimer: Don't eat things that are not food, nor put them in places where they don't belong.

Homemade laundry soap.
1 grated bar of Fels-Naptha laundry soap
1 cup washing soda
1/2 cup Borax

Grate bar of soap, add it to 4 cups hot water and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until soap is dissolved and melted. Fill a 5 gallon pail halfway with hot tap water, add melted soap, washing soda, and borax. Stir til dissolved. Fill bucket rest of the way with hot tap water. Cover with lid and allow to set overnight. In the morning, stir and fill a clean laundry container half full with soap- fill the rest of the way with water. Use 5/8 cup with top loader machines, and 1/4 cup with front loaders.
You can add 10-15 drops of essense oils if you want scent.

Fels-Naptha soap bar costs about $1.35, under $3 for the washing soda, and under $3 for the borax. It makes a ton. This recipe makes approximately 180 loads and cost me under $3 because there was left over from the second two ingredients. You can purchase these ingredients online at www.acehardware.com and have them shipped for free to your local Ace Hardware store.

Dishwasher detergent

1 part Borax
1 part Washing Soda
1 part Cascade complete powder

Mix and use 1 tablespoon per load! Use white vinegar in place of jet dry and it works great! It is green and saves tons of money!

All Purpose Cleaner

In a spray bottle, place a funnel and add 1 teaspoon Borax and 2 Tbsp white vinegar. Add 1 cup hot water and shake a little to mix. Fill almost to fill-line with cool tap water and add 1/8 cup Dawn dish detergent at the end. DO NOT SHAKE! It will diffuse. Kills germs, cleans just about everything. OK to use to lift stains from clothing, carpets and upholstry too.

Scouring Cleanser

1 cup Baking Soda
1/4 cup Borax.

Mix well and store in a sugar shaker or one of those family sized spice shakers. Non- abrasive! Cleans all kinds of gunk out of tubs, showers, stainless steel sinks...etc :)

Master Tonic Recipe for Immune Support

Here's that disclaimer again: I am not a doctor. Don't take my advise...ever. I am not responsible if you cannot follow instructions or if you are injured because you are a dork. Consult with medical professionals that often kill people with their medicine and advise. That's always best. Well, at least it's legal.

The following is a recipe for "Master Tonic"  I know lots of people who  swear by it...heck, even the produce man at my local Safeway makes and takes it. It is a tonic for support of the immune system, before or during illness.

It makes the house smell STRONG...if you can do it with windows and fans going, you may be glad.  I dumped the strained (after soaking) slurry into the flower beds (hey, it's not only compost, but deer repellant).  Some girls were jogging by on the other side of the street and I heard "OH....MY....GOD!!!  DID YOU SMELL THAT????  WHAT IS IT???"  Yeah...it's strong.

I don't use a lot of it, but mixed up enough to divide into two, two quart jars.  So less than two quarts of finished tonic.  I keep the jar in the closet, and I keep about a 16 oz bottle of it in the fridge and refill it as needed.  It keeps...I think forever.  I've had this batch a couple of years.

You can take as much or as little as you want.  You can take it straight or take it diluted in water (that's what I do).  As a general rule, if you're sick or getting sick, take 1-3 tsps every few hours until the illness passes.  In winter months, take 1-3 tsp daily to prevent illness.  Another easy way to get some of this in is to mix some in your salad dressing.  Typically I make my salad dressing out of mostly fresh lemon and/or lime juice (with zest), a small amount of oil, some organic sugar and as much master tonic (to taste) as I can tolerate.  It really is good on salads and in marinades.  Slip it in where you can.

Master Immune Tonic

Ingredients (finely chopped or pulsed in food processor...no peeling needed):
1 lb White Onion
1/2 lb garlic
3/4 lb ginger root
3/4 lb Habanero Hot Peppers
2 Quarts of unfiltered, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (you can find this by the gallon in health food stores)

Place veggies in jar(s), cover with vinegar. Keep in a cool place and let it "simmer" for 2-4 weeks. Some people shake the jar one or more times per day (BE SURE THAT DARN LID IS ON TIGHT!), some people stir it on occasion, some people will simply turn it over from upright to upside down every day. AVOID CONTACT WITH SKIN, and EYES.

Later you will need a fine strainer, cheese cloth, and/or coffee filters to separate liquid from organic debris. Strain and put in clean jars or bottles. The stuff will last for a LONG time with no need for refrigeration.

Dosage: varies but the range is 1-2 tsp 3-5x daily. You decide. Drink plenty of water.


*whever possible, buy certified organic produce for this recipe

*preparation will make your house stink!

*WEAR RUBBER GLOVES when handling hot peppers!!!  Not a bad I idea to wear rubber gloves for all of it so you hands not only don't burn but don't stink for a month.

*Use a glass or non porous cutting surface to avoid transfer of strong smells, tastes or the burning effect of capsaisin to other foods later.

*Use glass not metal jars and utensils for prep and storage

*You may cut/chop/grate by hand or in a food processor or juicer.

*you do not need to worry too much about getting ever shred of peel off because you will strain the slurry later.

*This is not rocket science. Measurements need not be exact and will vary from batch to batch.

*Use a gallon glass jar or two half gallon glass canning jars (dividing the finely minced ingredients between the two jars.

*Spread THIS instead of germs. Make the recipe viral instead of fear of illness. Your health really IS in YOUR hands, NOT the media's, NOT the pharmaceutical company's and NOT doctors'...YOURS. Be healthy. Share your tips for health!

Thanks Kathleen for sharing your recipe with me!

Finishing up the Spiritual Reality series...

Today I expanded on my post for part 7 of 8 in the DVD review of Spiritual Reality Journey Within, on the concept of Nirvana. I also added a bit more information to yesterday's topic on the Swine Flu pandemic of fear (or I will as soon as I get done with THIS post).

It has been a SLOW moving day for me. Fantasticly beautiful outside. But I'm dragging around a bit. I will just honor that as my rhythm for today. It just is what it is.

Swine Flu....Enough hype already!

A friend sent me this picture in an email. It illustrates how ridiculous we have become with the swine flu hype...and this time last year it was the bird flu, and before that something else, where all the media declared, like in the story of Henny Penny "The sky is falling the sky is falling and we must tell the king!" And the pharmaceutical companies just keep getting richer feeding off our fear and nobody seems to think anything about it.

When flu vaccines first came out...eons ago, I got one. I think my husband did too. Since we strictly see only a naturopath for our health care needs (unless oh, say, a limb is lopped off or something), we've done a lot more reading from the perspective of natural medicine. The natural medicine approach would go something along these lines:

Our immune systems are wonderful things. As we are exposed to organisms, our systems produce antibodies to ward off the foreign host. Vaccines interrupt this natural process and actually weaken our immune system so that we don't develop the necessary antibodies naturally that we need to fight off the ever increasing strains of organisms. The organisms that are mutating are actually the strong organisms that survive the vaccines and mutate and live on to be the next wave of virulent. Or something to that effect.

Bottom line is, we don't get vaccines anymore. And we're healthy. We wash our hands (the BIGGEST thing you can do), we get sufficient rest (probably one of the main things our culture says we cannot allow ourselves to do), we eat reasonably well, eat more organic products, take vitamins, minerals, herbs, and herbal tinctures (that I make) to bolster the immune system. If we get sick, we stay home and don't spread it all over town because "one must keep on marching no matter how ill".

I recommend reading the book What Doctors Don't Tell You: The Truth About the Dangers of Modern Medicine by Lynne McTaggart

And now, suddenly, everyone who has a sniffle says they have the swine flu without a test or any documentation that they have anything other than a garden variety cold or flu. Stay healthy, don't buy into the hype which is created to make money for the pharmaceutical companies and medical community based on our fear, and for heaven's sake, quit reading articles, trading war stories and watching the news because fear is more likely to give you the swine flu than just about anything else. If you bathe your brain in thoughts of swine flu, and have followed any of the principles I've covered on manifesting, it doens't take a rocket scientist to deduce what you are drawing to your self and what you will manifest.

The old advice is still the best advice: Wash your hands, drink plenty of fluids, get enough rest AND think of and EXPECT HEALTH.

October 16th additions:
Here's a clip on how to make an herbal steam:


Here is a link to a product called Synergy 7 (no I don't sell it or have anything to do with this company) that sells a product shown to be effective with symptoms and with prevention, and it's natural.

From the article "Preparing for the Flu Pandemic, A Natural Protocol for Prevention and Treatment" in "Natural Life News", a daily suppliment protocol for optimal immunity is set out: 4,000-10,000 IU Vit D, 40 mg zinc, 1000-2000 Vit C, 100-200 IU Vit E, 200 mcg Selenium, 1 TB Cod Liver Oil, Vit A 25,000 IU, 10 mg Iron (only with diagnosed deficiency). This is the same article that recommends Synergy-7.

Avoid sleep deprivation, sugar and other high glycemic foods. Seems most creepy organisms (cancer and yeast included) thrive on sugar.

A reasonable fever is a good thing. You can induce fever (which kills harmful microorganisms with hot baths and saunas but use in moderation so you don't pass out (and/or avoid if a health condition contra-indicates its use). Bringing down a fever with medications might FEEL better but it is your body's natural defense against harmful bacteria. Making a low grade fever go away with medication will actually, in many cases prolong the illness because the fever is not allowed to kill the organisms effectively.

And guess what? I'm not a doctor (thank God) so cannot support these statements as medical advise or some dip-wad will sue me because they have no common sense of their own. Don't you wish that was the disclaimer you always saw??? It's way more fun than the usual ones!

Dermatitis Reaction from Raw Butternut Squash

It's happened to me before and I guess I forget in between, but it seems whenever I peel raw butternut squash, I notice that the squash "sweats" and gets slippery and hard to hold while I peel it. And after I finish peeling and cutting it up, and wash up, it feels like my hand has a coating of dried squash on it that just won't come off...only it isn't. NO amount of washing gets this weird coating off...and then there is a numbing sensation and the feeling the all the skin shrunk up so it is hard to fully open my hand and when I do, the "coating" cracks. So today when it happened I went looking on the web and found that indeed, there is a skin reaction that many people have to certain squashes and butternut squash has the effect of a chemical peel (hence why there are often chemical peels containing pumpkin enzymes). Here's a link to the Wikipedia reference. I've always sworn that gutting pumpkins for Halloween made my skin itch. I guess I wasn't as crazy as people thought I was and apparently I'm not alone. Weird huh?

Most of the time, I just jab a fork in a whole squash and stick it in the oven and don't seed it until after it cooks for safer cutting, but once in a while, I cut it up first. Wonder what would happen if I rubbed it all over my face? DON'T DO IT WILLOW!!! OK, I won't. Thought maybe it would make me look younger...eventually...after the skin grew back, the blisters dried up, and the redness subsided.

I also read at the grocery store that the yucca root, often used as a starch similar to potato is poisonous if eaten raw. I did not know this. I feel like Bill Nye the Science Guy!

Don't Conform...Be An Original

Well, that's the message I took away from this quirky and fun video clip. How on EARTH does that lizard change so QUICKLY?? I think I know people that change to be like the crowd they are around almost as fast...do you?

We Are One

A "friend" posted this on facebook today and it really spoke to me.

Advertising side-bar

I think, if I remember reading the instructions (what I read of them), about blogspot, a blogger is not supposed to click on the sidebar ads because it is sort of like fraud, like you're inflating your "clicks" for money. But, what if they look interesting to me?? Does anybody know how to go visit some of these places without clicking on them within blogspot? Some of them are catching my eye, like "ohhh that looks interesting, I wonder what that's about". Anybody know? Or have any of you who blog ever been busted by the blog police if you clicked on an ad in your own sidebar because you wanted to see where it went? As advertisers begin to pick up on my woo-woo words and threads, the ads are often times, right up my alley of interest...but I'm barred?? Can that be??

Updated Part 6

I revised and expanded my review of part 6 of Spiritual Reality, The Journey Within on the topic of the Astral Body and Astral Travel.

Would love to hear any experiences of astral travel or of awareness of your astral body that you have had. Otherwise, it's just me...Willow...out here on my own...flying my freak-flag.

Bloglessness

I can't believe how dedicated I am...so far. Last night, the monitor crapped out. I took the computer into the shop this morning and it was determined that the tower was fine but the monitor was a gonner. Then I helped my friend today and on a quick break, went and bought another one. Got home at 4:30, threw a left over casserole in the oven, set up/hooked up the new monitor and her I am. Whew! Other than that...I've got nothing to say today. I'm pooped. I'm just glad to be up and running once more. Feels like having a limb cut off to be without my computer! Sad state of affairs really. What's going on in your world today??

Sitting at the computer all day today

My bum is numb. I've been learning more about this other format for the online articles I'm writing and my learning curve means lots of time on the computer. I got groceries today, and cleaned two fans to put them away for the winter...that's it...I've been in front of this screen ever since. It's like I get started and I'm lost in this world. I think I must like it or I would never do it. But my shoulders and neck are feeling the strain.

I updated Part 5 of the Spiritual Reality Series today on the Third Eye. Enjoy.

Still Fleshing out Spiritual Reality posts

Today I further revised part 3 and part 4 of the Spiritual Reality DVD review, so take another look at those.

It is a BEAUTIFUL, sunny fall day here, but stinkin' cold! Brrrrr! Computer says it is 23, outside thermometer says it is 32 (interesting transposition of numbers, no?) and inside thermometer says it is 67 in the house. My man is home from hunting and finished with his breakfast, so I think I'll spend the day with him instead of on the computer.

Truth in Advertising??? Taco Time

I'm giggling to myself as I think that maybe by mentioning Taco Time an ad link might come up on the side bar for Taco Time, and I'm about to bash them...I think that's funny...poetic justice. In fact, I'm going to send their corporate headquarters a link to this page.

I had seen the ads on TV for the new Taco Time "Street Tacos" and thought..."gee, that looks kind of good". And my husband is hunting today and I didn't want to cook, so...I went.

I got my order, and got home, looked in the bag and the first mistake became apparent. Well, it took a minute, because my first thought was "wow, this really doesn't look at ALL like the picture", but I quickly realized that when I said "I want street tacos", the person on the other end heard "I want THREE tacos", and that's what I came home with...three hard-shelled, nasty-assed tacos. So I went back. Came home again, and the photos below show what Taco Time is advertising, and what mine looked like. I placed a quarter on the edge of the plate so you could get an idea of scale. If that still doesn't help, let me tell you that these tacos will fit nicely in the palm of your hand and you can still see left over PALM. They are TINY and I'm still HUNGRY, AND have onion breath. The meat tasted ok, but the rest is raw onion...you can't taste a trace of cilantro, and the lime wedge (can you see it??), was so small, and so dry that nothing came out of it when I squeezed it. Sad, really sad. There used to be some sort of legal obligation for truth in advertising...what happened to that?







When they call them "street tacos", is that because they FOUND them there??

Bloggish...like sluggish only Bloggier

Turns out mostly I'm "puttering" today. Cleaning things and going from one thing to another thinking I will take a break soon and sit down and write. I don't think that's going to happen today...well, except for this.

Saw twin fawns out my kitchen window this afternoon. Eating weeds. Cool! When they stuck their head over to my side of the fence to start on a baby tree of mine, I had to intervene. I went outside and said "OK, c'mon guys...leave my tree alone". They froze in mid chew with a look that says "you can't see us, we're invisible". So I said "um, no, you're not invisible, and yes I can see you". To which they bounded off to join their mother up the street (who was stripping leaves from trees). I love seeing them. Don't love that they eat my plants.

My husband is deer hunting today and called a little while ago to say he had only startled one deer all day (and I think he left here around 2 a.m.). I'm trying not to be happy about that, really I am. Apparently they know where they are safe...unless they eat my trees.

Where are Julie and Julia when I need them?

It's my husband's birthday today. We don't do much for ANY holidays so it will be a simple affair. From the heart (not from my skill) I'm making a birthday cake (from a box, with canned frosting), and lasagna. Dear God, where are Julie and Julia when I need them??? I'm not a cook. I see a client later today, so am working on getting the cooking stuff out of the way this morning.

I've decided since in my "other identity", I'm doing a more thorough job of reviewing the Spiritual Reality series, I will go back through the ones I've posted here and update/upgrade them as I go. I've already updated Part 1, the introduction, and hope to get part 2 on Cosmic Energy and Meditation edited/improved today as well. So revisit those posts if the video clips interested you. And let me know what you think of them.

Hubby will be off hunting tomorrow. *groan* I DO hope he has a safe and fun time as he does so love the woods. I'm grateful he doesn't want me to go with him (fat chance). One of my friends calls it "Seasonal Killing Disorder". I wonder if that will ever make into the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for mental health disorders. Not where I live for sure. I make fun, but honestly, with the stuff *I* experience???? Who the hell am I to make fun of anyone else's experience as "weird". I have no room to talk. Yet here I am...flap flap flapping my lip.

New Destination in Dream Travel

My "dreams" (or what feels like dream travel or astral travel to me) last night were particularly interesting.

Ever see the movie or play of Brigadoon? In a way, it is a story of an alternative dimension or a simultaneous reality. That's what this "dream" seemed like.

In the same town where I live, and I could give at least an approximate location of the area of town where I was, I (in the "dream") was riding my bike on my way to a swim class and passed this place I had never seen before. So I stopped to check it out. It was called "The Osho Center for Battered and Neglected Children". It had elaborate Japanese gardens and water features, and all of the people inside were dressed in black monks robes of some sort. I was speaking to a very young child who had the sage wisdom of an old man, who explained to me the center and showed me around. And interestingly, there were no abused or neglected children there that I saw. It was a wonderful, very peaceful place. And I kept thinking, "How on earth can it be that I have lived here all this time and have never known this place existed??? I'm going to have to tell people about this place". And I missed my class and stayed for a while longer. That was the "dream". And after I woke up, just for grins, I tried to Google the word Osho and found that it means "A modern day spiritual Master. The meaning of Osho is Oceanic. It is also a title used in Japan for Zen Masters" Now don't you think that is odd that I would "dream" about a place and have a foreign word that even fits? A word I don't know?

I'm fascinated. Don't care who believes me. I know I went somewhere. And wonder if it exists in a simultaneous reality. Yup...I know how that sounds. Don't care.

Short and Sweet

Greetings,
Short blog entry today but at least I'm making the supreme effort to drop in once a day. Spent the morning doing a much more thorough job of thinking through the series on Spiritual Reality, so that took some time. Seems like FaceBook is the biggest time eater I have. I get lost in it. And I have two accounts...I guess that makes me a double looser!

I have a client to see after lunch, which means I better actually EAT lunch so that I don't drop over from the energy useage. Sun is shining brightly but it is cold and fall for sure. Some trees have changed color, and some haven't even given it a thought yet. But it is getting to freezing at night. My garden is looking sad.

I'm looking at the refill I need to buy for my pen, so may as well plug that I really like the Dr. Grip Gel pens. I have one in my purse and one by my computer. I like that they are fatter and more comfortable to hold than most pens. They are all I use unless some weird emergency happens. They take G2 refills by Pilot. I like gel ink because I don't press very hard when I write. Oh, and I like the mechanical refillable pencil from PhD...again, fat and comfortable to hold. Who says you can't fit in a product plug in a jiffy! Take THAT FTC! :-) I'm gonna end up in jail...or hell...

New Proposed FTC Disclosure Regulations for Bloggers

My husband and I each received a copy of this article in our WebProNews.com enewsletter yesterday. I thought it was interesting, so am sharing the text of this article. And, for the record...I have every intention of making money blogging and will be accepting payment and products from whereever they come. I WILL NOT endorse anything in exchange for payment if it is not something I absolutely believe in, use, like, etc. And, to date, I think my AdSense account says I've made about 21 cents. I read somewhere that Blogger won't reveal what they pay and that their bloggers are expressly forbidden from disclosing what they make (I didn't read the fine print...figured I would cross that bridge when I got there). I don't know if that's really true, but if it is, it sort of presents a bit of a snag. Hey Nelson, you're the blogg-miester...research this and get back to us!

I'll let you know if somebody pays me for plugging them. We'll celebrate it together. Anyway, in the spirit of education, read on...and you can probably go to WebProNews.com to comment or share you concerns with the FTC if you have any. The late Paul Harvey would have been in deep doo-doo, cuz we KNOW he didn't use all of those products he claimed to on his radio station...he read the company descriptions...cuz we have Edenpure heaters and they don't save us ANY money.


Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Some See Guidelines as Free Speech Threat

The Federal Trade Commission has released its revised guidelines concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. The revisions include a focus on "bloggers" and social media users, requiring them to properly disclose when they have received payment in the form of either money or product from a company or organization and produce content regarding said company or organization. The word is that bloggers can be fined up to $11,000 per post for not disclosing.

Have you ever mentioned a free product you received online and not disclosed it? Comment here.

The reasoning behind the guidelines seems noble enough - provide transparency and keep consumers safe from hokey information. However, the concept of the government dictating how this happens does not sit well with a lot of people. The revisions (which can be found in this 81 page document [pdf], should you care to peruse them [they start around page 55]) have ruffled quite a few feathers and the conversation has become one about free speech.

Well-known author/editor/publisher Jeff Jarvis makes a really good point. He says the FTC assumes that the Internet is a medium. "It's not. It's a place where people talk. Most people who blog, as Pew found in a survey a few years ago, don't think they are doing anything remotely connected to journalism. I imagine that virtually no one on Facebook thinks they're making media. They're connecting. They're talking," he says. "So for the FTC to go after bloggers and social media – as they explicitly do – is the same as sending a government goon into Denny's to listen to the conversations in the corner booth and demand that you disclose that your Uncle Vinnie owns the pizzeria whose product you just endorsed."

It's not hard to find echoes of Jarvis's sentiment all over the web. Although, I don't believe I've seen it as eloquently put as with the Denny's analogy. Still, not everyone sees the FTC regulations as a bad thing. In fact, Google's Matt Cutts stepped into the conversation with Jeff Jarvis, expressing a bit more enthusiasm for the guidelines.

"As a Google engineer who has seen the damage done by fake blogs, sock puppets, and endless scams on the internet, I'm happy to take the opposite position: I think the FTC guidelines will make the web more useful and more trustworthy for consumers," he says. "Consumers don't want to be shilled and they don't want payola; they want a web that they can trust. The FTC guidelines just say that material connections should be disclosed. From having dealt with these issues over several years, I believe that will be a good thing for the web."

Commenters essentially tell Matt the whole thing would smell a lot better if he were the one regulating it. The reasoning for this is that Matt is involved with the industry. He is not a government worker that has been one his whole life. He's been in the field. He knows the score. The argument coming from most of the opposition is not about the fundamental principle of making content more trustworthy for consumers. At the root of it, it appears that people are much more concerned about a government body of regulators who aren't necessarily involved with online content production telling them how it is, when there are many, many questions about what falls under the criteria.

A number of these questions are nicely placed in an " open letter to the FTC" from Ron Hogan at MediaBistro's GalleyCat. Here are a few of them:


- If an unpaid blogger at the Huffington Post "endorses" a consumer product without meeting the FTC guidelines for disclosure of "material connections" to the makers of that consumer product, who's liable: the blogger or the Huffington Post?

- If a blogger prints out a series of blog posts and distributes those printed copies, is he now the publisher of a newspaper or magazine? If so, the Village Voice is distributed for free, so can a blogger/publisher distribute his newspaper or magazine for free, too?

- What if a blogger confines herself to stating demonstrably proven facts about a book, its author, its contents, and the matter of its publication? Does the FTC consider that an endorsement? What if she confines herself to stating such facts and includes links to an ecommerce site? Has her writing somehow been transformed from a statement of fact to an endorsement?

There are plenty more where that came from. The list goes on. You can probably think of a few yourself. It may be hard for the guidelines to be enforced. The FTC does acknowledge that its guidelines aren't exactly the law themselves. The FTC says:

The Guides are administrative interpretations of the law intended to help advertisers comply with the Federal Trade Commission Act; they are not binding law themselves. In any law enforcement action challenging the allegedly deceptive use of testimonials or endorsements, the Commission would have the burden of proving that the challenged conduct violates the FTC Act.

It should also be noted that the rules presumably apply to publications beyond bloggers and social media users, but for some reason it appears that "bloggers" are the ones with whom the FTC had on its collective mind when drafting these guidelines. You have to wonder if they are able to come up with a definition for "blogging" (others have had trouble in the past. Even those directly involved in the online content industry). The rules are scheduled to take effect on December 1st.

Reprint of Erma Bombeck article about mothers of special needs kids.

God Chooses A Mom for A Disabled Child
by Erma Bombeck

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressures, and a couple by habit. This year, nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of handicapped children. Did you ever wonder how mothers of handicapped children are chosen? Somehow I visualize God hovering over Earth selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As he observes, he instructs his angels to make notes in a giant ledger.

"Armstrong, Beth; son; patron saint, Matthew.

"Forrest, Marjorie; daughter; patron saint, Cecelia.

"Rudledge, Carrie; twins; patron saint.... give her Gerard. He's used to profanity."

Finally, he passes a name to an angel and smiles, "Give her a handicapped child."

The angel is curious. "Why this one, God? She's so happy."

"Exactly," smiles God. "Could I give a handicapped child a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel."

"But has she patience?" asks the angel.

"I don't want her to have too much patience or she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wears off, she'll handle it. I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and independance. She'll have to teach the child to live in her world and that's not going to be easy."

"But, Lord, I don't think she even believes in you."

God smiles. "No matter. I can fix that. This one is perfect. She has just enough selfishness."

The angel gasps, "Selfishness? Is that a virtue?"

God nods. "If she can't seperate herself from the child occasionally, she'll never survive. Yes, there is a woman I will bless with a child less then perfect. She doesn't realize it yet, but she is to be envied. She will never take for granted a 'spoken word.' She will never consider a 'step' ordinary. When her child says 'Momma' for the first time, she will be present at a miracle and know it! When she describes a tree or a sunset to her blind child, she will see it as few people ever see my creations.

"I will permit her to see clearly the things I see --- ignorance, cruelty, prejudice --- and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life because she is doing my work as surely as she is here by my side."

"And what about her patron saint?" asks the angel, his pen poised in midair.

God smiles. "A mirror will suffice."

Book Review: The Highly Sensitive Person

I've mentioned in previous posts that I have been reading this book and have talked a bit about it's content. Here now is a complete book review:

I recently read an article by Examiner writer Jen Whitten entitled 7 Signs You Might Be an Empath. In her well-written article, Jen offers a book list of potential resources about coping with being an empath. One of those books is The Highly Sensitive Person; How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You by Elaine N. Aron. I realized I had had that book on my book shelf for a number of years and just hadn't gotten around to reading it, (written in 1996) so pulled it down, dusted it off and gave it a read.

As I've mentioned I'm an empath, and no doubt will talk more about this in future posts. However, whether you are an empath or just a typical highly sensitive person (if there is such a thing as typical in this category), the book has much to offer.

For the empath, you will read it and think...yes, that's me...but I'm that times about a million plus, plus. For the HSP (as Elaine refers to us throughout the book), it is validation. Even for the empath it is surely helpful. One of the most uplifting aspects about this book is that the author, a HSP herself, strives to show everyone the wonderful gifts in being ultra sensitive. She refers to less sensitive people as the cultural norm and as " warrior types", and to HSPs, the minority, as the "priest/guide type". She demonstrates through her words how valuable and important the sensitive types are to our world, our culture.

On pages 233-236 Elaine gives tips to Doctors, Teachers, and Employers in ways to maximize their interactions with HSPs. There are also several small quizzes throughout to check your levels of sensitivity.

Perhaps the most valuable to me, as a seeker and as a spiritual person, is the 10th and final chapter of the book entitled: Soul & Spirit; Where the True Treasure Lies. I will give you here and extended quote from this chapter from page 215:

"The entire business of religion, conversion, cults, gurus, and New Age beliefs can be so messy. We have all felt embarrassed for our fellow humans who carry pamphlets and have a fanatic's glint in their eyes. We're afraid of being seen that way , too. HSPs have been marginalized enough as it is in a culture that favors the physical over the soul and the spirit.

Yet the times need us. An imbalance between the royal-adviser and the warrior-king aspects of society is always dangerous, but especially when science negates intuition and the 'big questions' are being settled without thoughtfulness but according to what is convenient at the moment.

Your contributions are needed in this area more than any other."

While Elaine's coverage falls short of the mark with respect to Empaths, she was not trying to explain them, she was dealing with the personality trait or temperament trait of high sensitivity in the general population. She does an excellent job of reframing and pointing out some of the wonderful contributions of HSPs, while showing places of challenge, and the need to monitor and create balance. It takes an HSP to write about them and do them justice. Kudos to Elaine for this insightful, positive and SENSITIVE examination.

Not sure where I'm going next...

Story of my life!

In my "other identity" I'll be doing a short series on those Spiritual Reality videos...and since I've already posted them here...I won't be reposting those articles (more of a review than articles).

So where I will go next with this is anybody's guess. It feels so weird to just be putting it out there, on faith that something will grow from these seeds I'm planting. I've always been a person to dots her I's and crosses her ts...walking in faith, is, well, hard to be patient with sometimes. I know it's the journey I want to be on, but is sure isn't the easy one.

Weather is changing around here...so I've begun this journey into writing as the season shifts. Seems fitting.

Manifesting. Part 4 of 4. PEACE

"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other."

~ Mother Teresa ~

Most people believe that peace is not possible and will never happen. They believe that one person, acting or believing alone cannot make a shift. What we think, becomes so.

In the winter of 1983, I found myself pregnant and moving to follow my husband's construction work. We landed in Fairfield, Iowa where a large construction boom was happening on the campus of the Maharishi International University (now called Maharishi University). I knew nothing of meditation then. I arrived in Fairfield (a small rural community) during a rather unique event called The Taste of Utopia, the meeting of the 5,000. More than 7,000 people from all over the world came to meditate on peace. You can examine the study that they conducted, wherein, during those days of meditation, crime rates dropped and other such stats were monitored. I was barely connected to this event but know that the community remained peaceful, even with the addition of 7,000 people to temporarily swell it's numbers.

In 2008, I participated in the first ever, world-wide web seminar hosted by Oprah Winfrey and Eckhart Tolle to examine his new book "A New Earth" over a 10 week period. This had never been attempted before. There were snags and complaints of course, but people have been, do, and ARE trying innovative ways to increase peace in our world.

As Gandhi stated "Be the change you wish to see in the world". One person can indeed have an impact. Peace really begins within each one of us. We are the pebble in the pond, sending ripples out into the universe. What will your ripples be? Peace begins inside of you. Take the time to adopt a regular spiritual practice of daily meditation, prayer or sitting in stillness, listening to the still, small voice. Be still and know. As in the other ways of manifesting, hold the space for peace and the vision of peace. See it, feel it, dare to imagine it.

The next ripple is within the walls of your home. Is there peace within your dwelling? Are you kind to those you live with? Is their violence in act or word in your home? Get help if there is, or consider a new start. Do those within your walls know that they are loved? Are they supported and bolstered? Love is not a feeling, it is an action.

The ripples continue outward. Is there peace within your extended family? Your neighborhood? Your town? Your state, region and country? How about the world? We tend to always think global first, but starting with what we know, what we can easily alter, might be another direction to begin, and let the ripples flow outward. The vibrations we send by simply sitting with thoughts of peace for all, are more powerful than we realize.

What about our actions? Every act is either a call for love or an expression of love. What do your actions say? Respect differences. Honor diversity. Practice tolerance. Believe and vote in accordance with your values, but do what you can to refrain from adding to divisiveness through pushing at ideas different from your own.

Speak kindly to yourself. Peace begins within. Refrain from gossip or from negative talk about others in your family, workplace, neighborhood, church, or other groups.

Refrain from sharing or arguing your political or religious point of view unless it is asked for, no matter how right you believe you are, or how wrong someone else appears to be. Your journey is yours, allow them theirs. Before you hit "forward", or "share" in that email or social networking site, or open your mouth or slap on that bumper sticker or T-shirt ask: Is it true beyond any refutation? If so, is it kind and respectful to the other? What is my goal in sharing it? What is the likelihood it will achieve this goal? What are the risks? Will it create peace or move me further away from it? We argue so much about our own tightly held views even within our own small circles, how can we achieve world peace when we cannot yet achieve familial peace?

Refrain from spending a single dollar, moment or breath fighting against...anything. Spend your energy working FOR what you support. Rather than attend and anti-war demonstration, only attend peace rallies (and only those that really are about peace). Rather than slinging mud in politics, stand for what you believe IN.

Look for common ground. It is there. Be the drip that wears away the stone. The stone of hatred and intolerance. Always remember: We belong to each other. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight. Again I ask you: What will your ripples be?