“We all are so deeply interconnected; we have no option but to love all. Be kind and do good for any one and that will be reflected. The ripples of the kind heart are the highest blessings of the Universe.” -Amit Ray

This idea of the interconnectedness among each and everyone of us, keeps showing up for me in the last few months.  It’s not an idea that I was brought up with, although I do think that it is a foundational lesson of my faith.  I continue to be in awe of how experiences and people show up for me at exactly the right moment.  It has been enriching for me to take those moments and interactions and just go with it, staying present and calm to hear the message.

So, after catching way too much national election coverage lately, I find myself looking for ways I can open my own heart and feel and show kindness where I might have been previously missing an opportunity.  Because any little thing or big thing I do to perpetuate kindness, will ripple far beyond me.  Personally, I haven’t had to look too far. I would think that none of us really would.

So, I encourage you join me in two ways in the month ahead:

First, identify an area of your day/self-talk/pattern, where you can be a little bit easier with yourself.  Cut yourself some slack.  Be as kind and compassionate with yourself with this matter as though you are speaking to your best friend. If you are trying to change a pattern and it is challenging (i.e. resistance), lighten up on yourself just as you would a cherished friend, and see if it gets easier to take a step toward the change you desire.

Second, identify an interaction or relationship where you can be more kind, tolerant, and open-hearted towards another.  This could be a family member, a neighbor, a co-worker, someone you feel has a lot of judgment about you, etc. You get the picture. If you really want to be challenged, look for areas of your life where you tend to not have as much patience.  Chances are there is an opportunity there. For what it is worth, you don’t have to take on the most difficult, contentious relationship in your life here either.

On your quest to be kinder and more open-hearted and tolerant with yourself and others, begin to notice:

• Where can I be a more accepting of another (or myself)? 
• Where can I let go of  illusion that I can control an outcome? 
• Where am I resisting a connection with another?
• Where is my ego stopping me from reaching out? …from being vulnerable? …from surrendering? 
• Where am I digging in – choosing to be right over being kind?

We can do this, people.  We can start and perpetuate the ripples that are the “highest blessings of the Universe”.

Peace be with you.

 

Which Wolf Will You Feed?

Years ago, this Native American teaching showed up during a time I needed to hear it.  I never tire of its message:

One evening, grandfather told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside him and, in fact, inside all people.

He said, “My son, the battle is between two ‘wolves’ inside everyone of us. One is evil: It is anger, envy, jealousy, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

“The other is good: It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.”

The grandfather went on to say that it is sometimes hard to live with both these wolves fighting inside him, trying to dominate his spirit. 

The grandson though about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather:

“Which wolf will win?…”

The Grandfather simply replied, “The one that I feed”.

Since I am not interested in getting into a philosophical discussion about what is evil and good, I would like to take some poetic license and group wolves and their emotions above into the respective categories “life-negating” and “life-affirming”. 

In working with emotions, I find that it isn’t the emotion itself that is life-negating or life-affirming.  We are generally familiar with the phenomenon that when we stay in a state of resentment, anger, self-pity, it certainly doesn’t FEEL good. When we can’t move through some the life-negating emotions/states of mind listed above, humans tend to choose a path comprised of actions and thoughts that ARE life-negating.  Staying in THAT place with a slew of life-negating behaviors and self-talk thoughts, will no doubt, lead to more misery in the form of poor health, unmanaged stress, strained relationships, etc.   

As the story above illustrates, there is a choice in each moment. When potentially life-negating emotions show up on our path of life (and they WILL show up-over and over again), we have a choice to notice and become present – what exactly is feeding that “life-negating” wolf? Further, we have a choice to see where we can feed the “life-affirming” wolf instead.  In every circumstance, this choice presents itself. 

If you are feeling that the “life-negating” wolf is winning some days, you are not alone and it is possible to find food for the “life-affirming” wolf. Let me know if you need some support.

Spring seems to be making a glorious entrance at last!  As the seasons change, people can feel out of balance, old issues might arise, and there may be a sense of dis-ease. If this is the case for you, please call or email me for an appointment.  Of course, regular balancing work is essential to keeping your Qi/Chi/Energy strong helping you to maintain that vitality. Let me support you in finding balance, harmony, and well-being.

Below is info for spring special, new package special, new client special. Read below about  upcoming Moving Form Qi Gong class.

Learn and Practice Qi Gong
Learning Qi Gong and practicing it daily yourself could be the kindest and most self-loving gesture for supporting your emotional and physical health.  There are many styles of Qi Gong in the world today.  I am certified to teach Pangu Moving Form Qi Gong (www.pangu.org for more info).

This Qi Gong, while extremely simple to learn and practice, will immediately improve your health and vitality when practiced daily (just 15 minutes a day or more). Come to class once and you will have a valuable tool to support yourself for the rest of your life.

One-on-one Qi Gong instruction may be scheduled at your convenience.  Please contact me to schedule. I will also be setting up periodic small classes where clients who have learned the Moving Form of Pangu Qi Gong may retake for no charge (even if you didn’t learn it from me).

The first group class is Sunday, June 1, 2014 from 5:00-6:30. Please contact me if you would like to attend.

Don’t forget to check the Meetup.org to find out where weekly group practices are held for those who have taken the Moving Form class.

Empower Wellness Spring Specials and Classes:

Spring Special for Returning Clients: Book by June 1, 2014, and your session is only $55 (good for 1 session – see package special below for more savings).

Package Special: Buy 4 or more sessions for only $55 each. (Savings start at $40). Offer expires August 31, 2014

New Client Special: Two 1- hour sessions for $55 ($130 value).  New clients only.  Offer expires August 31, 2014.

Pangu Qi Gong Moving Form Instruction: $120 (takes about an hour and a half). Group class June 1, 2014 from 5:00-6:30. Instruction is also scheduled by appointment.

So many have shared amazing stories of healing, balance, grounding, and peace after attending sessions and learning the Moving Form.  I appreciate your sharing your experiences with those who might also benefit.