This leads me to a statement I made last week in a conversation with a friend.  The gist of what I said is if the energies are constantly shifting and nothing is settling into any solidity these days, how can we go wrong with the choices we make?

I’ve been chewing on this for the last few days, and realize that for me, these words ring true. 

I am finally coming to understand that flowing with any given situation is the way to go.  Giving up control and having no big expectations has given me an incredibly stress free life.  And while I will be the first to admit that getting to this point was no easy process (it’s always been about the control issue thing), I am so happy to be at this place in my life.  And this leads me to a question my sister asked me over the weekend, “Why does it take about 50 years to figure this out?”

With all this in mind, I ask all who read this post, “When having to change the direction of our desires, wants and needs, to make new choices, how can you go wrong?”

That’s the thought for my day.  If any of you care to respond, please do so.  I’d love to hear your thoughts.     ~   Paula of Gaia’s Touch

This brings to mind for me that the work that I do, my way of living, my spirituality all comes down to community.  No man, or woman, is an island, though I think with our hectic and stressful lifestyles these days, we do feel isolated from one another.  Yet, when tragedy strikes, however great or small, community steps in and a helping hand is given to those in need.

I actually lowered my fees this year.  The thought arose in me, as a healer, it is more about what I offer to my clients and community than it is about the money I make.  While I still have bills to pay, I have found that an abundance flows to me when I ask for less and not more.  So, I have been trying to let people know that they can pay me whatever they can for a session, regardless of whether it’s Massage Therapy, Herbal Consultation, Reiki, Natural Health Session or a Reading.  I believe that natural health care should be affordable.

Regardless of how many people take advantage of my Community Days this week, I do believe this is something I will offer throughout the year.  It’s important to me to offer my healing skills to the people of the village in which I live.  Those who have need of my services will find their way to my door.  And in this way, we will all share in what community brings to us.

By last night, I was feeling the repercussions of day long, new guitar playing.  My forearms were tight, my wrists felt stiff, and my fingertips sore, and a bit numb. You would think, as a body worker, I would know better than to immerse myself in nonstop activity that included no stretching, especially where my fingers, hands, wrists and forearms are concerned!

What can I say?  My excitement made me forgetful.  Yet this leads me to the reminder that we can overdo a good thing.  Playing my instruments is my way of destressing.  Unfortunately, this morning, parts of me are stressed from my zealous fingerpicking.

So, today will be spent stretching and working out the tension in my forearms and giving my fingers and wrists a rest.  I will admire my new guitar from afar and remember this lesson I have learned. 

Never overdo, and remember to take breaks and stretch!

While most people call us the Art Colony of the Midwest, those of us who work in the healing arts see this as a Healing Place.  We are blessed and lucky to have many, many healers reside here who offer their services not only to the local community, but to any who find them, nestled in amongst the hills and hollers of the land here.

One of the Wise Women I know, and who has lived here for many years is Carol Bridges.  She is healer, artist, garderner, wisdom keeper and friend. 

Carol creates quilts which radiate color, love and whatever message we are to receive when we gaze at the fabric.  She is offering a sale on her quilts now which I wish to pass on to all who read this blog.  Find her work at www.carolbridgesartquilts.com .

Also, here is the title and sale prices of the pieces she is offering.  Please give these treasures a look.

“The Blessing,” (image is a woman giving a blessing to another woman) was $500, now $250

With this in mind, I am offering readings, in office, or by telephone for a special price, from now until the end of February.

Half hour………..$20

One hour………..$40

Any time over the scheduled session will be $1 a minute.

Take advantage of this opportunity to ask questions, look deeply and find answers.  Call (812) 360-6879 to make an appointment, or email paula@touchofgaia.com.

Through the month of February, you can schedule a private yoga session with Lee, and a one hour massage with me for $100. 

That’s a heck of a deal, and a savings of $30.  As many of you know and have experienced, massage and yoga go hand in hand.  Both relax the body, help guide the body into improved health and both lead us into a better, more vibrant lifestyle.

To schedule you appointments anytime in February, or to receive more information, call myself or Lee at these numbers.  We both are happy to take your call.

Paula Sutton of Gaia’s Touch…(812) 360-6879

Lee Edgren of River Light Yoga…(812) 988-9642

With this in mind, I am posting the details of the Peace Group here.  On Wednesday evenings, at 9 pm, we will take some time to bring and release peaceful energy into our homes, communities and world.  Do this in whatever way is right for you, as long as it brings no harm to any and all around you.  Don’t worry about time zones as we will allow the energy to ripple across the countryside.

If you are not quite sure what to do, here are a few suggestions:

Light a candle and pray for peace.  Sit in meditation and radiate peaceful energy.  Create sacred space and create a peace ritual that sends energy into the world.  Breathe peace in and out of your body.  There is no right or wrong way to do this.

I am happy to send out an email reminder to any who would like one.  Please send me a private email with your e-address and I will create a contact list.

It is as good a time as any to help create the peaceful world we would like to live within.