Heart to Hands Healing Touch

What is AromaTouch Therapy

2014-05-13T11:41:00.000-07:00

What is AromaTouch Therapy?

The AromaTouch Technique is a clinical approach to essential oil application. It incorporates simple hand techniques with the power of DoTerra essential oils to create a powerful whole body wellness experience. We use a total of eight essential oils that have been complemented and tested by Dr. Hill. The therapy seeks to address four systemic constants that are present in daily life and which may serve as limiting factors in health:

Stress relief
Balancing blends contain oils that are geared toward the central nervous system and other body systems. If there are times when you feel confused, doubtful, unsettled, or in need of a sense of well-being, a balancing blend may be an excellent option.*

Lavender is an oil that has been used for millennia and noted for its cleaning and healthful properties. Through modern scientific testing its time proven properties have been confirmed. It is one of the most popular and used of the essential oils. There are multiple types of Lavender (from different plants) so it is important to have lavandula angustifolia. This specie is more refined and therefore more expensive but has much preferred qualities to use for personal health conditions. The preferred Lavender is steam distilled from the flowering tops of plants with some of the finest quality from Europe. DōTerra Lavender is steam distilled from the flowering tops of plants from France (fine high altitude) and Bulgaria (super high altitude). These are joined together in equal ratios.*

Immunity support

Melaleuca oil or tea tree oil, (TTO) as it is often referred, was named by Captain Cook who often used it as a tea. An Australian chemist, A.R. Penfold, studied tea tree leaves and discovered their antiseptic properties. Tea tree oil subsequently became a standard treatment in Australia for the prevention and treatment of wound infections. During World War II, the Australian government classified tea tree oil as an essential commodity and exempted producers from military service. Melaleuca has been documented to kill many bacteria, viruses, and fungi on contact so it is excellent for cuts, wounds, burns, and anywhere that bacteria might be found. It has a historical use as an antiseptic for the face, skin disorders including acne, and dandruff. It is effective to use at the onset of flu and cold symptoms. Will reduce gum inflation and is used for periodontal disease. DōTerra Melaleuca Essential Oil is from the botanical family Myrtaceae, with the oil being processed by steam distillation from the leaf of the tree.*

OnGaurd Apply topically with massage to feet, back, neck and shoulders to offer immune support.

Apply with lymphatic massage at the onset of or during illness.

Strengthens immune system and guard against infection and the nagging symptoms of cold, flu, and viruses.*
- Inflammatory Response
  
  AromaTouch Blend relaxes the muscles, calms tension, soothes irritated tissue, helps increasing circulation, smoothes and tones the skin.*
  
  Deep Blue- According to recent studies, more than half of us are sufferers of ongoing discomfort. Deep Blue^® is dōTERRA®'s soothing solution to this challenge. Wintergreen, camphor, Peppermint, blue tansy, blue Chamomile, Helichrysum and osmanthus work together to ease achy joints and sore muscles. Its effects are deep and penetrating with sustained results. Once gently rubbed into the area of discomfort, Deep Blue's cool therapeutic benefit will be felt almost immediately. For topical use only.*
  - Homeostasis
    
    Wild Orange offers one of the most dynamic fragrances of essential oils. The combined, proven anti fungal, antibacterial, and antidepressant properties make it one of the most powerful and aromatic oils to use. It is excellent for disinfecting and killing fungus and pathogens, while relieving stress. It can be both energizing and uplifting, while being sedative by instilling feelings of peace.It is used in the treatment of anorexia, and has been used as an anti-cancer agent. It is highly recommended for use during the early stages of cold and flu. DōTerra Wild Orange, is of the botanical family Rutaceae, grown in the Dominican Republic, with the oil expressed from the peel of the fruit.*
    
    Peppermint has been used by the Egyptians, Romans, and down through the ages. It grows in Australia, Europe, and North America. It is widely used in foods, candies, gums, dental products, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Because of this wide acceptance, and hence mass production, it is important to avoid Peppermint essential oils that may come from some of the high volume production processes that sacrifice quality and purity for inexpensive volume. Low cost usually is not high quality. DōTerra is steam distilled from the flowering tops of the plant that is grown in the United States.*
    
    Working with the nerves system on the back, neck, head and feet. This is NOT a massage but a gentle touch using only the light weight of the hand. This technique is great for people with disorders such as Fibromyalga, people who are feeling ill (starting of a cold or flu), sore muscles, trouble sleeping, experienced a trauma or change in their life. Plus, all others who want to feel relaxed and enjoy some time to just be and get pampered.
    
    Aroma Touch & Healing Touch Therapies Combined
    
    Jul9
    
    Using eight CPTG oils from doTERRA providing you
    
    Stress Reduction
    
    Immunity Support
    
    Inflammatory Response
    
    Balancing Homeostasis
    
    $59.00
    
    Plus the added bonus of Healing Touch as part of the healing process. What is Healing Touch?
    
    Healing Touch is an energy therapy in which practitioners consciously use their hands in a heart-centered and intentional way to support and facilitate physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health.
    
    Healing Touch is a bio field (magnetic field around the body) therapy that is an energy-based approach to health and healing.
    
    Healing Touch uses the gift of touch to influence the human energy system, specifically the energy field that surrounds the body, and the energy centers that control the flow from the energy field to the physical body.
    
    These non-invasive techniques employ the hands to clear, energize, and balance the human and environmental energy fields, thus affecting physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. It is based on a heart-centered, caring relationship in which the practitioner and client come together energetically to facilitate the client's health and healing.
    
    The goal of Healing Touch is to restore balance and harmonies in the energy system, placing the client in a position to self heal.
    
    Book your experience by calling:
    
    210.618.7434
    
    For even more information or to purchase oils:
    
    My doTERRA (Purchase your own oils)
    
    doTERRA Blog (blog about everything essential oils)
    
    Aromatic Science (The definitive source on essential oil science, education, research)

Daily Detox Drink and Spiritual Cleansing

2013-06-11T18:39:00.002-07:00

“What the eyes are for the outer world, fasts are for the inner.” -Gandhi

“The benefit of bringing a larger focus than just physical cleansing is the the clearly conscious intent to heal on every level of one’s Being. Such a focused healing process cleanses not only the physical body, but also the emotional, mental, and spiritual bodies, thus affecting our quality of life and how, after the fast, we choose to live in the world. The willingness to allow ones rebirth, in joy, is a primary key to the total healing process. During cleansing, the accumulated physical and mental toxins are released from the body and mind in such a way that our body-mind’s armor melts away. As we allow our defenses to drop we begin to heal on every level and our natural healing forces begin to take over.” -Gabriel Cousens, M.D.

Whether you’re just trying to steer clear of the sugary drinks, or aim to really help your body flush out any toxins lurking in your system, this refreshing blend of foods and flavors will satisfy your taste buds needs. Included: Watermelon/cucumber, lemon/lime, mint leaves, and water.

Why Watermelon (or cucumber):
Watermelon helps the body flush out toxins because it contains the organic compound citrulline, which is an amino acid that has been shown to help the liver and kidneys filter and get rid of ammonia. Ammonia comes in external forms, but is also a by-product of the proteins our bodies are burning up constantly for energy, and it’s quite damaging to our cells. Cucumber also contains citrulline, but not as much as watermelon. Watermelon may also just give the liver an overall boost.

Why water:
H20 is just plain good for us, but it’s thought that it helps flush nasty toxins and waste through our system, giving organs like the liver and kidney an easier time doing their job.

Why lemon (or lime):
Lemon or lime juice helps stimulate and regulate the digestive track (which is why it’s so helpful with constipation, heartburn and gas), stimulates bile production, and thins out bile, which allows it to flow more freely. Bile is produced by the liver and ends up in the small intestine to break down lipids (fats) that we’ve consumed.

Why mint leaves:
Mint leaves are a nice refreshing flavor to add to your drink. On top of that, it can help you digest more effectively, improving the flow of bile from the liver, to the gallbladder, to the small intestine, where it breaks down dietary fats. Mint also helps relax cramped up stomach muscles.

Watermelon(Cucumber) Detox Drink

Ingredients:
1-2 liters’ of water, depending on how strong you want it to taste
Part of 1 watermelon or 1 cucumber
1 lemon or lime
A handful of fresh mint leaves (approximately 10-13)

Directions:
Begin by thoroughly washing all of your fruits/vegetables/herbs!! Slice up a good amount of watermelon into cubes, rind and all, and put them into a jug or pitcher. Cut 1 juicy lime into wedges and toss in with the watermelon. Add a handful of fresh, fragrant, mint leaves and pour in 2 liters of cool water, filling the jug all the way to the top. Let this sit overnight in the fridge and let all the yummy flavors steep and infuse the water. When you want to drink it, put in a generous helping of ice cubes, pour, and enjoy daily.

Watermelon & mint Cucumber & lemon. Flavor Tips:
Try substituting a lemon for the lime, cucumber for the watermelon, or a combination of all of them. • Pour water in first and then add the ingredients. I feel like there’s more of a burst of flavor when the water gets poured in and everything swirls around, but there’s something to be said for letting it gently infuse itself as well (the water tends to stay a bit clearer as well.) • Don’t add ice to the entire jug, and leave it on a cup-by-cup basis. If you plan on drinking it over time, this can help prevent it from getting diluted as the ice melts. • Start with 2 liters’ of water steeping overnight, and then experiment with longer/shorter times and more or less water. • Squeeze in the juice of 1 lime and/or lemon and then slice up another and add that to give it a little extra citrus kick. • This isn’t for flavor, but this drink looks mighty appealing in a glass pitcher on a hot summer day!
Sources: Raw For Beauty

Refreshing and Delicious!

~Namaste

Detox Bath

2013-06-05T19:30:00.000-07:00

There is no doubt in this day and age, our bodies are subject to more toxins than ever. Toxins are in the air we breathe, the food we eat, the medications we take and in the water we drink. Toxins cause irritation, harm and destruction in the body if left unchecked. Detoxification is the body’s way of removing and metabolizing these dangerous compounds. It is a process the body does naturally without us even knowing it. However, the capacity of the body’s detoxification process is not endless. By encouraging the body to efficiently flush out toxins, we will not only boost our health and well-being, but also strengthen our immune system and prevent disease.

Toxic Burden = Total Toxic Exposure – Body’s Natural Detoxification

Our toxic burden is a result of the toxins we are exposed to and our body’s ability to naturally detox. The more toxins we are exposed to the harder the body has to work at eliminating these toxins. The list of toxins that could potentially harm our bodies is almost endless; many start their day with a hot shower, the water is contaminated with pollutants, the soap and shampoo is full of chemicals, the toothpaste has fluoride, from there we may have breakfast where the food has been treated with pesticides and genetically modified. We haven’t even left our house, yet we have been exposed to toxins that can potentially cause ill-health. While it is impossible to abolish our exposure to all toxins, we can reduce unnecessary exposure as well as improve our body’s efficiency and ability to eliminate them.

Some Alarming Facts

Our exposure to toxic substances is on the rise.

2,100 chemicals, including pesticides, herbicides, PCBs, medications such as antidepressants and recreational drugs are in our water supply.

80,000 metric tons of carcinogens are released into the air annually in North America.

Over 80% of foods have genetically modified ingredients.

The EPA estimates that the average U.S. citizen has residues from over 400 toxic compounds in their body.

82,000 chemicals are in use today in the United States, but only a fourth have ever tested for toxicity.

Source: Douglas Laboratories Metabolic Rejuvenation Pamphlet

When metabolic waste from toxins builds up in our body, we get sick. It is important to enhance our body’s ability to detoxify and get rid of the waste, meanwhile minimizing our exposure to toxins. This is imperative for excellent health, as many of today’s modern diseases are related to toxicity.

Parkinson’s

Alzheimer’s

Dementia

Heart disease

Chronic fatigue syndrome

Fibromyalgia syndrome

Cancers

Autoimmune diseases

Food allergies

Arthritis

Digestive diseases

Menstrual problems

“It might seem that everyone is toxic. That may be true to differing degrees. Problems with detoxification is one root of illness. If you feel lousy, it’s likely you’re toxic.”

Mark Hyman, M.D. Functional Medicine Expert

A detox bath is one of the easiest healing therapies that can be done to facilitate and enhance our body’s natural detoxification process. The skin is the largest detoxification organ in which toxins can be drawn out through via sweat. Typically a detox bath is made with Epsom Salt also known as magnesium sulfate, which not only draws out toxins, but also has health benefits of its own.

How to Draw a Detox Bath
1. Add 2 cups epsom salt or magnesium bath flakes to a standard tub full of water. If your tub is bigger, add more.

2. Ideally, you want the water as hot as you can stand it. We are looking to create a nice sweat.

3. If your bath water is not filtered, add 1 cup of baking soda as this helps neutralize the chemicals, primarily chlorine, as well as increases mineral absorption.

4. Immerse yourself in the water, all the way up to your neck. You want as much of your body underwater as you can. Close your eyes, do some breathing exercises and soak for at least 20 minutes.

5. Once you are done soaking, rise out of the tub very slowly and cautiously. You may feel a little dizzy and light-headed, this will go away as you shower off quickly in cool water.

6. It is important not to use harsh soaps or shampoos as your pores are open and will just absorb the chemicals found in those products.

7. Once dry you can apply a natural moisturizer like shea butter or coconut oil and some aluminum-free deodorant, but again no lotions with perfumes, dyes or chemicals.

8. Do not eat immediately before or after taking a detox bath.

9. Instead hydrate yourself with filtered water before and after.

10. Allow time after your bath to rest and rejuvenate.

~Namaste

Know Thyself

2013-05-29T01:59:00.000-07:00

My beautiful daughter has Nosce te ipsum written around her wrist. It is Latin and means "Know Thyself" It's perfect and inspiring!

“To thine own self be true.” Also a favorite of mine, is spoken by Polonius in Hamlet. It means "Do not deceive yourself". To deceive yourself (kid yourself, lie to yourself) is sometimes easier than deceiving other people.

The full quote is:

to thine own self be true,

and it must follow, as the night the day,

Thou canst not then be false to any man

This implies that so long as you do not deceive yourself then you will not be tempted to deceive other people.

There is a shade of difference between not being true and knowing oneself and deceiving oneself.

As Polonius is so full of words, it is natural that the things he says be considered 'just a lot of words'. Polonius might not know the depth of his own words but Shakespeare did and it is up to us to get to it.

Think of this, how many lies have you told yourself over the years?? You're not tall enough/too tall, you're overweight, your nose is too big, you're not good enough, you're not smart enough... Lies, all lies I tell you!!

Each of us is created beautiful and perfect, just as we should be. I’m realizing no matter what other people say, do, or think about us, it is our opinions of ourselves that really matter. Maybe it's time to retrain our thoughts, "Know Thyself". Maybe everyone else around us knows that we are amazing but we don't know it about ourselves. Take ownership of your own greatness!!

Ultimately the question we need to ask ourselves is: Am I being completely truthful with myself? I have said countless times over the years "If we could just spend five minutes outside of ourselves and see ourselves the way others do, we would instantly realize how amazing we really are". This seems especially true for women. We are ridiculously hard on ourselves. Retrain your thoughts!! What if you were kinder to yourself? What if you complimented yourself, your great and perfect self? How instantly would your life change?

Fortunately, I am blessed with amazing people in life who do not hesitate to point out when I am deceiving myself and NOT deceiving them. They came to me in many different and beautiful ways. They are "my people", my personal cheering squad and I encourage you to carefully select "your people" too. If you want to be happy and positive then surround yourself with happy and positive people. If you want to make healthy choices then surround yourself with people that make healthy choices. Erase negativity from your life and watch your life evolve into a life filled with positive thoughts and deeds everyday. Seriously, who wants to be around negativity? Be the person you want to be around. Let go of the stories/lies you have told yourself in the past. Instead be kind to yourself. Be truthful with yourself about your greatness, own it and live it! And here's an idea; the next time someone compliments you, just say thank you. Don't argue with them, let their sweetness wash over you. Let it sink in, it's a part of you, a truth about you, just own it!

Could you start now? Right now. It is never too late! I challenge you to make a list of all of the super awesome things about yourself! Have fun with it, and remember "Know Thyself" and "To thine own self be true".

Namaste~

Your Heart Is Your Essence

2013-05-19T18:05:00.000-07:00

Your heart is more than your body's most important organ—it's also the essence of your spiritual and emotional being. Listening to your heart is much more valuable than always making decisions with just your head.

Whether you direct your love and devotion to God, a guru, or the Divine in all things, as you cultivate a sense of love, gratitude, and devotion for something seemingly outside yourself, you essentially fill yourself with love. In the act of giving love, you receive it, cultivation of unconditional spiritual love.

If you happen to already have a spiritual practice centered around a particular divine entity or spiritual guide, chant that name to fill your heart with love and ask for help healing your heart. If not, try asking for help from your capital-S higher Self. Either way, call out with intention, focusing on quality over quantity, and on opening your heart to divine love and intervention.

Take a mindful walk outdoors, find comfort in the tides and the stars and the trees. Feel bliss in every cell of your being. Realize that love is all around you, yours to receive and return.

Mean What You Say

Every time you take leave of a friend, loved one, or acquaintance, choose parting words infused with blessing or connection—"take care," "be well," or "vaya con dios" all work—and say them with genuine intention. Even if you simply say "goodbye," take a moment to fill the word with meaning. Namaste, my favorite word, a greeting/saying in hindi which translates to: I honor the place in you where the ENTIRE universe resides, I honor the place in you of light, of love, of truth, of peace, I honor the place in you where if you and I are in that place then there is only one of us?

Love Globally

Loving globally means seeing everyone and everything as a creation of God. Interpersonal relationships (including the romantic kind) are one aspect of this kind of devotion, but a good way to soothe the pangs of heartbreak is to expand your realm of who and what is loved. When you're feeling bereft, try loving everyone, everywhere. A simple seated practice for sending your love out into the world. Imagine spreading a fine mist of healing energy over the world. You can direct your thoughts to the world in general or focus on areas you know are plagued with unrest or war or famine. Hold them in your thoughts, and send them some of your light.

This is the basis of the Buddhist practice of tonglen ("sending") meditation: taking the suffering of others (and yourself) into your heart and then sending back loving compassion to all who suffer. When you send your love out into the world in this way, the effects can be dramatic for both sender and receiver. Victims of the earthquake in Central America reported that they felt the prayers from people around the globe and that the prayers eased their suffering. It also has a big effect on you in that it gets you out of your head and back into your heart.

Pick Yourself Up

In the deepest throes of despair, it can be hard to lavish yourself with love. Your meditation practice is a great way to show devotion to your Self, and when you feel immobilized by sadness, it can help bring you back into your body.

Use your meditation practice as a bridge to help you reconnect to a state of wellness that was available to you before your experience of loss. Consistent daily practice is your way to reconnect directly with the intimacy that is life. It is a whole-body prayer, a celebration of that which beats the heart and moves the breath.

Be Nurtured By Nature

Nature is a powerful reflection of divinity. When we are suffering from heartbreak, we have all this love we're carrying around and an intense longing to put it somewhere. Give love to nature all around you!

The ancient yogis offered unconditional love to all that was around them, worshiping and emulating the sun, the moon, the plants, the animals. You can do the same, by simply stepping outdoors and opening your senses and your heart to nature—trees, grass, and plants if you're in the countryside; air, sunlight, and wind if you're in the city. Mountains, blades of grass, and the stars at night work equally well as sources of inspiration and, yes, love. Nature is full of guidance and support for us. We only need to ask for it.

Fill Your Heart With Song

Music is medicine. And singing—a mantra, a hymn, or the name of your spiritual guide—is another way to treat an aching heart. You can sing kirtan sweetly, or sing them fiercely with angst, or sing them with yearning or whatever emotions are arising in you. If you get bored, keep on singing. Sing until the singing itself becomes part of your molecules, and your heart flows into the ocean of divine love. Then take it a step further, and sing all by yourself—in the shower, in the car, or in the garden—anytime you want to feel uplifted. And don't worry about what your voice sounds like—kirtan is about filling your heart with love, not about being a great singer. Believe me, when my sister and I are singing the soundtrack of The Sound of Music, we are not thinking about how we sound!!

While the mind is the content of who you are, your heart is your essence. Your true heart is not subject to chaos or limited by pain, fear and neuroses, but is joyful, creative and loving. Some believe the heart can be too uncertain and even misguided, but that is the head talking! It is actually a source of great richness, and this wealth is one that cannot be squandered or lost. It is the core, the essence of your being, a reservoir of joy, powerful love and infinite compassion that lies within you.

~Namaste

Are you smiling?

2013-05-19T08:38:00.000-07:00

“In many shamanic societies, if you came to a medicine person complaining of being disheartened, dispirited, or depressed, they would ask one of four questions…”

The four universal healing salves.

The four questions:

When did you stop dancing?

When did you stop singing?

When did you stop being enchanted by stories?

When did you stop finding comfort in the sweet territory of silence?

Where we have stopped dancing, singing, being enchanted by stories, or finding comfort in silence is where we have experience the loss of soul.

Dancing, singing, storytelling, and silence are the four universal healing salves. It is just that simple.

~ The Four-Fold Way: Walking the Paths of the Warrior, Healer, Teacher and Visionary

Namaste~

Purifying and Clearing Your Space

2013-05-18T08:02:00.000-07:00

Purify Your Space

Certain places are intrinsically dirtier than others. If you spend time in these surroundings, you are exposed to greater-than-average energetic contamination. Thus, you may need to practice energetic hygiene more diligently and more regularly — for example, cutting cords and performing general self-sweeping. You can also directly clean the area. Below are easy to perform techniques you can use to quickly purify your environment. Form the intent that you are scanning the house or area to determine if there is any dirty energy and then scan it. Be aware of any sensations of stickiness or heaviness. Cleanse it with any of the 5 options, then, rescan the house or room. It should be much cleaner than it was before you started.

Steps in Cleaning a room or your home.

1. Burn incense. Burn a stick or cone of incense in the rooms of your house or work area. Sandalwood is the most common cleansing incense. If you prefer different fragrances, lavender incense and sage incense are also great options.

2. Chant “OM” or “Amen.” Chant the mantra “OM” or “Amen” in the room for 20 minutes. This mantra disperses dirty energy, which is why it is universally used as part of many meditation routines to clear the mind of thoughts. See The Meaning of OM for more information.

3. Open all windows and curtains to let fresh air and sunlight in (my favorite!). An easy way to clean a house or room energetically, opening windows and curtains allows cleansing solar and air to flood a room or house. An hour or two a day should be sufficient.

4. Spray the area with salt water from a sprayer. Mix a few tablespoons of salt with a cup of water in a sprayer with a fine misting capability. Shake to dissolve the salt. Walk through a room spraying the salt and water into the air, allowing the droplets to filter down to the floor. Just as salt water breaks down the dirty energy that you sweep from your own aura, it also effectively cleans a room or building. Holy water of the Catholic Church is essentially salt water with the priest’s benediction on it.

5. Loud clapping. Loud, purposeful clapping with intent can break up and disperse dirty energy in a room. Go into a room, form a clear intent to dispel the dirty energy, and walk through the area clapping about 10 to 30 times, depending on the size of the room. One clap per second is a good pace. Or use that beautiful singing bowl you have just sitting on a shelf.

Namaste~

The Meaning of Om

2013-02-11T07:01:00.000-08:00

Did you ever wonder the meaning of Om?? If you ask, you often get an obscure answer like “It’s the sound of the universe” or “It represents the past, present and future.” These confusing answers never really satisfied me – but once I studied the subject, I understood why it’s so hard to answer. There’s so much depth and richness to the answer, it’s hard to cut it down to a “sound bite” appropriate for a short answer. The sound bites don’t do it justice, and instinctively we know that it isn’t a complete answer – which leaves us searching for more. So why do we chant Om and what does it mean?? The answers are in the ancient yoga text known as the Mandukya Upanishad. Written in 800-500 BC, this text explains both the concepts behind the sound and the symbol.

The first paragraph of the Mandukya sheds some light on where those obscure answers originate – it states,

“The syllable OM, which is the imperishable Brahman, is the universe. Whatsoever has existed, whatsoever exists, and whatsoever shall exist hereafter, is OM. And whatsoever transcends past, present, and future, that also is OM.”

Brahman can be viewed as divinity – both the divinity within the Self and everything else which is divine, including that which creates divinity. A technique that can help if you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with the concept of Brahman is to replace it with whatever word you associate with a higher power. It can be God, Jesus, Buddha, Mother Nature or anything else that represents the divine to you. Om is the sound that represents this higher power and its connection to each of us.

The next paragraph elaborates,

“All this that we see without is Brahman. This Self that is within is Brahman. This Self, which is one with OM, has three aspects, and beyond these three, different from them and indefinable – The Fourth.”

Everything that surrounds us has an aspect of the divine, just as we do ourselves. The chanting of the sound Om reminds us of those connections to the divine and to each other. But Om also represents the states of human consciousness. The Mandukya talks of three states of consciousness – plus an indescribable Fourth.

The first state of consciousness, known as Vaishvanara, is waking state which is focused outward to material objects. The waking state is represented in the symbol by the lower curve (the bottom of the “3”). The second state of consciousness, Taijasa, is dreaming sleep or the mental nature which is focused inward to only the thoughts in the mind. The dreaming state is represented by the curl coming out of the center of the “3.” The third state of consciousness, Prajna, is dreamless sleep or deep meditation. As stated in the text, “…the veil of unconsciousness envelopes his thought and knowledge, and the subtle impressions of his mind apparently vanish.” The dreamless state is represented by the top curve (the upper part of the “3”).

The Fourth state of consciousness, known as Turiya, is the hardest to describe – in fact, the text calls it “indescribable.” But perhaps the best attempt to describe it is as follows,

“It is pure unitary consciousness, wherein awareness of the world and of multiplicity is completely obliterated. It is ineffable peace. It is the supreme good. It is One without a second. It is the Self. Know it alone! This Self, beyond all words, is the syllable OM.”

The Fourth state is represented in the symbol much as it is described in the text. It is separate from and different than the other three states – visually represented by the crescent and dot in the upper right. These four states of consciousness are part of the makeup of human nature. They exist in all of us at all times.

Each of these states is represented not only in the symbol, but also in the sound. Om is comprised of three distinct Sanskrit sounds – A-U-M. The A and U together create the sound “O.” The A represents Vaishvanara, the U is Taijasa, and the M is Prajna. But what of Turiya? How is it represented in the sound Om? It is represented by the silence that follows the sound. Have you ever noticed the peacefulness of the seconds just after an Om? That is a subtle expression of Turiya – The Fourth state.

So, as you see, I still haven’t figured out how to answer the question in a sound bite, I’m not sure it’s even possible. Om is a sound and a symbol which is rich in meaning and depth. It represents the divine in each of us, as well as our interconnectivity. It reminds us that we have the ability to move past our physical and mental states of consciousness and connect with the divine – both in ourselves and others. In its essence, Om represents the sound of divinity in all things in the past, present and future.

The translations used are from “The Upanishads – Breath of the Eternal” by Swami Pabhavananda and Frederick Manchester.

Opening and Softening Your Heart

2013-02-06T07:08:00.000-08:00

At the core of your heart is your True Self, the spark of Love and Light. It is your true identity of who you really are at the deepest level of being, beyond all boundaries of space and time.

This spark is the purest aspect of our deepest self and is directly connected to the ultimate source of all Love and Light, our True Source, Divine Spirit, God.

Our heart is therefore, the:

Center of peace

Center of calmness

Center of true happiness/joy

Center of love

Center of heart intelligence

Key to our physical, mental and emotional health

Key to our spiritual and personal growth

Key to our connection to True Source

Key to our sharing love with others

When you listen to your heart you can begin to utilize your hearts spiritual intelligence, which is the innate loving wisdom of your heart. This is the deepest level of intelligence that supersedes both intellectual and emotional intelligence.

Our heart can guide us to make choices which allow us to fulfill our deepest purpose and to learn lessons in life that we may have been failing to integrate. When you listen to your heart it takes your needs into consideration, but it is not self-centered, for it accesses the bigger picture that is often beyond the perceptions of the brain and guides you to make the wisest of choices.

As you strengthen your heart this helps you to have greater clarity and awareness about any situation you find yourself in. Your heart gives you new insights, perspectives and attitudes about efficiently managing whatever challenges come up in daily life.

While our mind/brain often just react to situations, your heart can respond in ways that can turn stresses or obstacles into learning opportunities. However, that does not mean that you stop using your brain or are being emotional/irrational, instead it means that our brain is under the guidance of the wisdom of our heart.

With an open heart you can be more peaceful, calmer and happier in everyday life and additionally this benefits your brain as well because now you can handle stress more easily, and be more focused to have better ideas and insights.

When we only allow the brain to dominate this results in our actions, behavior and responses being influenced by our mind/brain preconceptions, our emotions and our ego. When our heart closes life is experienced more superficially.

When the brain is dominant, one of its tendencies is to judge everyone including ourselves into categories that often fall into 'good enough' or 'not good enough', 'like' or 'dislike', 'approve' or 'disapprove', 'worthy' or 'unworthy', and other dualistic concepts. As a result, our life and our relationships with others lack substance, quality and authenticity, and our happiness is greatly limited.

When you open and listen to your heart, you are not bothered by problems or differences in people. Relationships bring great joy, we are more accepting of others short comings, we easily forgive, and sharing love becomes our greatest treasure.

An open heart lives authentically and genuinely with love, humbleness and gratitude.

So why the roses?? If you have spent time in a healing session with me then you know we begin by focusing on our hearts. Drawing your attention to your heart, intentionally opening it to receive, picturing your heart as a beautiful rose with an infinite number of petals continuing to open as your heart opens to receive pure Light and Love. Thankfully, you can do this anytime. Try it! The next time you find yourself feeling angry, despondent, petty, jealous, sad, confused, disgusted, vengeful, lonely, frustrated, anxious, smug, suspicious or pained (insert your particular emotion here); consciously open your heart and feel the change!

The more you are able to open your heart, the more you can share and experience the love, peace, joy and connection with the True Source of All.

Leslie M. Shurbet

Healing Touch Practitioner
doTERRA Wellness Advocate

lmshurbet@gmail.com

(Excerpts from Open Heart Meditation)

Gratitude Meditation

2012-11-24T16:55:00.000-08:00

Holiday prep wearing you down? Take a moment to celebrate the true spirit of Thanksgiving with this exercise Jean Houston adapted from her book, The Wizard of Us.

At Thanksgiving, we become so grateful for the blessings of our lives. We are grateful for the feast of life and for the gathering of our families and friends and for the goodness of life. But what if we were to expand this further, to fill our hearts and minds with gratitude for all that is, was and shall be?

To do this, sit comfortably with your feet on the floor. Close your eyes and take three deep, easy breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth, focusing on your heart. Feel its rhythmic beat. There is the space within your chest that your physical heart occupies, and then there is the space that your spiritual heart occupies that is all around you. Thank your heart for all of the beautiful work it does every moment to keep you alive.

As you continue to breathe in and out, imagine your heart gently expanding just a little bit. Our hearts hold memories and images, big and small. Think of your favorite spot in nature, a place where you feel strongly connected to the elements. What is around you? Is it warm or cool? Are there trees? Water? In your mind, look all around you; use all of your senses. Imagine this place in all of its expansive grandeur.

Shift in your focus now to one specific detail in the scene. It could be a golden honeybee on a blossom or a tiny curved shell on the beach. Fill your heart with other images from nature that you particularly love. Thank these things for blessing you.

Think now of any animals or live creatures you love or may have loved in the past—the equivalents of Toto for you. Picture them happy and healthy, romping, playing, purring. You might include wild beings you feel drawn to: wolves, ravens, dolphins or elephants. Imagine their warm fur, light shining on their feathers, their tails splashing the surface of the sea as they dive. Use all of your senses. What do they sound like? Smell like? Feel like? Fill your heart with images of these beloved creatures and thank them for blessing you.

Imagine a Yellow Brick Road that runs from a wonderful place in the distance straight through your heart. Walking, skipping, dancing along the road are all of your favorite people followed by your ancestors. Gently and easily expand your heart to embrace this parade of friends and family. Expand it enough to embrace the miraculous entirety of each one's life on this earth—all of the pain, all of the glory.

Now expand your heart to include all human beings, those of the past, present and future: fishermen in France, weavers in Guatemala, doctors in South Africa, scientists in Japan, sheep shearers in New Zealand. People of all ages everywhere. Bless and thank each person as he or she passes through your heart. Imagine this blessing and gratitude lifting them up, filling their hearts.

Imagine your heart expanding to encompass the entire Earth. Pour your loving energy into the oceans, mountains, forests, cities, villages and deserts. Think of all the wonderful things this Earth provides for the creatures that live upon her: the air, water, shelter, food and beauty. Bless and thank the Earth for all of her love, abundance and life-sustaining generosity. Move your heart's awareness out into space to encompass the sun that gives us warmth and light, to the moon and to all of the planets. Move out through the solar system into the expanding universe, now blessed and enhanced by your conscious thoughts and blessings.

Imagine all of the beings on the other side of the veil who care so much about our welfare—the invisible helpers who assist us the moment we ask. Send them gratitude through your heart.

Expand your awareness out to touch upon the very Source of all Existence—the Life Force that keeps it all going. Breathe it in. Pour love and gratitude out as you exhale. Do this several times until your heart feels full.

Slowly and easily pull your consciousness back from the Source, back from the solar system, back from the Earth herself, back from all the beings, human and otherwise, from both sides of the veil, back from your favorite places in the natural world, and finally, back into your radiant heart.

Feel the beating of your physical heart once more in the center of your chest. Know that these things you have cherished are always with you.

If you feel moved to do so, you could write a thank-you note to the world for all it has given you. You can also feed your heart by creating a collage of things you love and placing it in a prominent place where you can see it often.

How else could you feed your heart using each of your senses? What could you do with joy that you have never done before but always wished you could?

Once our own hearts have been filled, we have more available to give to others. One gift of gratitude we can give of ourselves is the gift of radical empathy, affirming the deeper essence of people we meet, strengthening our ability to see some good in everyone—the potential and greater core of each individual. We can choose to give others the gift of truly seeing them and listening to them, of being fully present with our attention. When we take the time to do this, the otherness disappears, and we establish resonance in our relationships.

Everything is connected; our thoughts and actions have consequences. We choose from moment to moment what we allow into our hearts and minds and what we do not. We can see injustice in the world and ignore it with a shrug, or we can expand our compassionate hearts and act.Realize that if an idea is really important to you or your time, considerable resistance will often arise to impede your commitment to its becoming. We must be strong, reconnect with ourselves and others, recommit to our goals and resist the urge to give up. We must step into our true selves and cocreate within that greater story. Perhaps the emerging new time is what the Mayans and the Hopi people have prophesized. They have long foretold the end of a world age and the transition to a new order of being. As the Elders Oraibi of the Hopi Nation tell us: "Create your community. Be good to each other. And do not look outside yourself for the leader. We are the ones we've been waiting for."

Adapted from The Wizard of Us by Jean Houston.

Leslie M. Shurbet
Healing Touch Practitioner
210.618.7434
lmshurbet@gmail.com

What is Healing Touch?

2012-05-15T13:11:00.000-07:00

Healing Touch ~ What is it?

Healing Touch is an energy therapy in which practitioners consciously use their hands in a heart-centered and intentional way to support and facilitate physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health.

Healing Touch is a biofield (magnetic field around the body) therapy that is an energy-based approach to health and healing.

Healing Touch uses the gift of touch to influence the human energy system, specifically the energy field that surrounds the body, and the energy centers that control the flow from the energy field to the physical body.

These non-invasive techniques employ the hands to clear, energize, and balance the human and environmental energy fields, thus affecting physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. It is based on a heart-centered, caring relationship in which the practitioner and client come together energetically to facilitate the client's health and healing.

The goal of Healing Touch is to restore balance and harmonies in the energy system, placing the client in a position to self heal.

What do the experts say about Healing Touch?

"IN A FEW DECADES SCIENTISTS HAVE GONE FROM A CONVICTION THAT THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS ENERGY FIELDS IN AND AROUND THE HUMAN BODY TO AN ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY THAT THEY EXIST."

-James Oschman Ph.D.
Energy Medicine, The Scientific Basis, 2000.

Healing Touch Research has been conducted in a wide variety of settings and with a number of different problems and situations including:

Cancer
Cardio-vascular disease
Death and dying
Endocrine/Immune function
Pain
Patient satisfaction and experience
Psychotherapy/Psychology
Post operative recovery
Stress
These studies demonstrate that there is support in favor of considering Healing Touch for providing integrative care and that patients assess it highly. Healing Touch research has been supported and/or funded by hospitals, universities, colleges, professional organizations, private foundations, and the National Institutes of Health, Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

How does Energy Healing work?

Many theoretical frameworks on how energy medicine works exist in the literature of quantum physics and holistic healing. However, while the exact physics mechanisms can not be definitively described at this time, the cumulative results of numerous related studies on energy medicine and consciousness indicate strong support that "something is happening" and that recipients respond positively to energy therapies such as Healing Touch.

Over the years, researchers have developed ways to measure the energy field. Theoretically, by correcting any defects in the energy field, energy therapy practices may facilitate healing of the body, mind and spirit.

Energy therapies focus on removing energy congestion that form in our energy fields (aura) and energy centers (chakras). Once these imbalances and disturbances are cleared, the energy channels resume their task of integrating the body, mind and soul to restore health and promote healing. It may also help to prevent future issues by restoring balance to energy field disturbances, which could later result in illness if left unbalanced.

To gain a deeper understanding of the science supporting energy healing, please refer to the many books, journal articles and research findings written on this subject. Scientific evidence does exist that supports the premise that energy healing is effective. However, an experience is worth a thousand words, so the receiving of a Healing Touch treatment can do more to understand this phenomena than all the writings in the world.

What are the benefits of Healing Touch?

NON INVASIVE
Healing Touch is done without the use of invasive procedures such as injections, inserting tubes, medication or surgery.
EFFECTIVE
Research has shown that Healing Touch facilitates the relaxation response and enhances the healing process.
NON TOXIC
Medications can cause side effects and must be monitored. Healing Touch restores balance and harmony to our natural biofield without the use of pharmaceuticals.
ECONOMICAL
Healing touch does not require the use of equipment or substances and can be done in any setting. An open heart, a set of hands and a willing spirit is all that is needed.

What to Expect from a Healing Touch Treatment

Healing Touch is a gentle, biofield (energy field) therapy that often facilitates a deep sense of calm and relaxation in the body-mind-spirit.

The treatment is typically administered while the client lies on a massage table with their clothes on. With your permission, the practitioner uses his/her hands to assess your biofield and proceeds to clear and balance it as needed using either off body touch (near body but no direct contact) or a gentle (still) touch over various areas of the body.

On occasion, one may experience an acceleration of the healing process and his/her symptoms may intensify for a brief time. When this happens, the recovery period of the illness is usually reduced.

What are some of the specific uses and facts about Healing Touch?

Healing Touch has been used in wound healing, pain management, stress management, before and after surgery and chemotherapy, and support and assistance in the dying process. Healing Touch is appropriate for all ages and states of health and/or illness.

Healing Touch Can Help You With:

Pain Control
Neck and Back Problems
Anxiety Reduction
Skin Problems
Wound and Fracture Healing
Premenstrual Syndrome
Multiple Sclerosis
HIV or A.I.D.S.
Hypertension
Heart and Lung Disease
Pre/Post Surgical Procedures
Headaches/Migraines
Autoimmune Disorders
Diabetes
Cancer
Grief Management
Arthritis
Rehabilitation
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
General Well Being
Disease Prevention
Spiritual Enhancement

Facts on Healing Touch:

In 1995, 41% if the population of the USA used one or more of the alternative healing methods to either complement or substitute for traditional medical techniques.
Hands-on touch modalities are used by more that 30,000 nurses in hospitals each year, and that the procedures are documented as legitimate medical techniques.

There are teams of medical doctors and nurses combining medical skills WITH hands-on and energy techniques in MOST major cities of the United States.

The world's first Touch Research Institute has been founded at the University of Miami's Medical School to further explore and document the benefits of touch therapy.

Documented studies have already shown that with hands-on work:

• Surgical wounds and sutures heal faster
• Burns clear up significantly sooner
• Circulation and breathing improve post surgically
• Premature infants have enhanced growth rate

What about traditional approaches to health care?

Healing Touch compliments traditional approaches to health and healing. It is not a substitute for them.

Note: Healing Touch is being taught to Hospital Nursing Staffs around the world and is part of the curriculum in eighty universities across the US and abroad, including:

Harvard University

Duke University

The University of New Mexico

Endorsements & Accreditations

AHNA/CHNA Endorsement

Healing Touch Program has been peer-reviewed, and is endorsed by American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA). We are proud to be one of approximately 10 programs endorsed by AHNA. We are also endorsed by the Canadian Holistic Nurses Association (CHNA).

NCBTMB Endorsement

Healing Touch Program is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education provider under Category A. Provider Number 150588-00

ANCC Accreditation

Healing Touch Program is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s COA.

Healing Touch Program is very excited to announce that we are now an accredited provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

ANCC is the world's largest and most prestigious nurse credentialing organization, and a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association (ANA). HTP is the first Energy Medicine education provider to achieve this status. We acknowledge the instructors and practitioners that make our program outstanding and thank you for all that you do.

How is Healing Touch Learned?

Since 1990, Healing Touch Program (HTP) has proudly granted practitioner certification to individuals who exhibit the professionalism, discipline and dedication required to meet the established criteria. The requirements are rigorous and are designed to instill knowledge, skill and confidence in the practitioner. The Healing Touch Certified Practitioner (HTCP) credential is recognized in Energy Medicine and allopathic medicine as a significant professional accomplishment.

People around the world and from all walks of life pursue the HTCP credential. Some are already professionally aligned with health care, others are interested in becoming aligned with health care and some find that their passion to do valuable work with others is fulfilled by doing Healing Touch. Many who receive the HTCP credential use it in a private practice setting as well as in another service profession.

Do I have to remove my clothes for a Healing Touch Session?

Healing Touch is non-invasive and may be done sitting or reclining. It takes approximately an hour. The only clothing removed is socks and shoes. The entire session lasts about an hour and fifteen minutes with brief discussions before and after the session.

For more information or to set an appointment:

Leslie M. Shurbet

Healing Touch Practitioner

210.618.7434

lmshurbet@gmail.com