photographer unknown to me

"Your real security is yourself. You know you can do it, and they can't ever take that away from you."
~ Mae West

photo is from www.joe-ks.com/archives_feb2008/CircleOfLife.jpg

Elder's Meditation of the Day
"Life, the circle, a measurement with no beginning and no end."
~ Phillip Deere, MUSKOGEE-CREEK

The circle teaches us how the Creator made things and how to live. It teaches us how we should look at creation. Life travels in a circle. In the East is the baby, to the South is the youth, in the West is the adult and in the North is the Elder. Then we return to the Earth Mother to start the cycle again. We observe what is `around us' from the center of the circle. This develops our point of view. We must be careful not to become self-centered.

Great Spirit, let me observe life from the circle's point of view.

"People say that crisis changes people and turns ordinary people into wiser or more responsible ones."

~ Wilma Mankiller, CHEROKEE

There is a saying, conflict precedes clarity. The Medicine Wheel teachings say, in order for something to change it must first go through a struggle. When a crisis enters our lives, other powers are there to help us. We will learn some lessons. Will I honor and respect the next crisis?

Great Spirit, if a crisis occurs today, let me learn the lessons of wisdom.

Leaving a Positive Footprint

Blessing Space
Physical space acts like a sponge, absorbing the radiant of all who pass through it. And, more likely than not, the spaces we move through each day have seen many people come and go. We have no way of knowing whether the energy footprints left behind by those who preceded us will invigorate us or drain us. Yet we can control the energy footprint we leave behind for others. In blessing each space we enter, we orchestrate a subtle energy shift that affects not only our own experiences in that space but also the experiences of the individuals who will enter the space after us. While we may never see the effects our blessing has had, we can take comfort in the fact that we have provided grace for those that follow after us.

When you bless a room or an entire building, you leave a powerful message of love and light for all those who will come after you. Your blessings thus have myriad effects on the environments through which you pass. Old, stagnant energy is cleared, creating a vacuum into which fresh and invigorating energy can freely flow. The space is thus rendered harmonious and nourishing, and it becomes a hub from which positive feelings are transmitted. Intent is the key component of the blessings you leave in your physical wake. If your intent involves using your own consciousness as a tool for selflessly spreading grace, your blessings will never go awry. Whether you feel more comfortable performing a solo blessing or prefer to call upon your spirit guides for assistance, visualize each space you enter becoming free of toxins, chaos, and negativity as you speak your blessing. Then imagine the resultant emptiness being replaced by pure, healing white light and loving energy. Even a quic! k mindful thought of love can bless a space.

This type of blessing is cumulative and will grow each time you bestow it. Try blessing every home, business, and office you visit for an entire week and observing the effects of your goodwill. Your affirmative energy footprint will help brighten your day as you contemplate your blessing’s future impact on your siblings in humanity and your environment.

Happy Thanksgiving

http://bbg-aura.gaia.com/photos/46/451664/large/MedicineWheel.jpg

Elder's Meditation of the Day - November 25

"People and nations who understand the Natural Law are self-governing, following the principles of love and respect that insure freedom and peace."
~ Traditional Circle of Elders, NAVAJO-HOPI Joint Use Area

The Natural Laws work hand-in-hand with the circle. Each part of a circle will look to the center and will see something different. For example, if you put an irregular shaped object in the center of a circle and you have people standing in a circle around the object, each one will describe it differently. Everyone in the circle will be right. Only by honoring and respecting everyone's input, can the truth about the object be revealed. We need to learn to honor differences.

My Creator, let me honor all differences.

I wish you all a happy Thanksgiving. I am thankful for God, all the people in my life, all the animals in my life and a cozy bungalow that is our sanctuary. I love you!

“There is a force within that gives me life--Seek that.
In my body there lies a priceless jewel-Seek that.
Oh, wandering dervish, if you are in search of the greatest treasure,
don't look outside. Look within, and seek That."
~Jalaluddin Rumi

photo from an email

"Things would go well for us if we would think positively about everything."
--Mary Hayes, CLAOQUOT
Each of our thoughts are like individual seeds. These thoughts will plant our life garden. Whatever our thoughts, they grow in our gardens. Each day we will process about 50,000 thoughts or thought seeds. Positive thoughts will produce positive results. Have you ever been aware of what you are thinking about during the day? Of the possible 50,000 thoughts in one day - if the positive thoughts were flowers and the negative thoughts were weeds - how would your garden look at the end of the day?

"It's the most precious thing...to know absolutely where you belong. There's a whole emotional wrapping-around-of-you here. You see the same rock, tree, road, clouds, sun -- you develop a nice kind of intimacy with the world around you. To be intimate is to grow, to learn...[it] is absolutely fulfilling. Intimacy, that's my magic word for why I live here."
~ Tessie Maranjo, SANTA CLARA PUEBLO

Craniosacral therapy

I chose this photo because I had tree visions of in my last Cranial Sacral session

My massage therapist and wonderful friend, Kim Elkins, has been doing Craniosacral Therapy(CST) on me a few times over the past 6 weeks. I am sharing this because it has been a very healing experience for me. After a treatment I feel like what I imagine being high feels like. I am so relaxed, balanced, free and happy. What is Craniosacral Therapy you may be asking. Here is a website that describes it pretty well.

http://massage-techniques.suite101.com/article.cfm/craniosacral_therapy_for_health

I really recommend Googling some more sites for added info. Some sites I went on do recommended CST for Fibromyalgia. If nothing else it can help with stress management. I am soooooo relaxed after CST. Life just seems easier mentally and physically.
It is hard to describe what magic is exactly going on in my body during my CST session, but what I feel is subtle movements in my body and sometimes pulsing where ever Kim's hands are. I also see visions and "movies" in my head. I think the visions are a way for my brain to process information. Like dreaming. Now this is really neat! Sometimes Kim sees the same visons I do. So we compare notes through out my session. CST is done with a very light touch, which can be good for folks with Fibro. I highly recommend giving CST a try, if you can find it in your area.
Sending love and positive healing energy...
Happy day!

To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring - it was peace.
~Milan Kundera

Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all.
~Harriet van Horne

Never be afraid to sit awhile and think.
~Lorraine Hansberry, A Raisin in the Sun

photographer unknown to me

One Flaw In Women

Women have strengths that amaze men...

They bear hardships and they carry burdens,

but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.

They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy

and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in.

They stand up to injustice.

They don't take "no" for an answer

when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel

and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about

a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.

They grieve at the loss of a family member,

yet they are strong when they

think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss

can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you

to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what

makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love.

They have compassion and ideas.

They give moral support to their

family and friends.

Women have vital things to say

and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,

IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

A friend sent me this by email and it is so true. Even if it is just for a moment, realize how special you are.

Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.
~ John Muir

photographer unknown to me

There's no need for a piece of sculpture in a home that has a cat.
~Wesley Bates

Fall in Ohio

I don't know what to tell you about today! Leave me comments if you have any ideas!! I am doing so well I have trouble remembering back, or maybe I don't want to.
In a nutshell what I believe is keeping me functioning so well is this: weekly massage, supplements, good sleep, low caffeine, meditation, daily self-massage, a wonderful support system, believing in God and also my attitude.
I have to say life is good! Believe it can be for you too. You need to find your own path and what works for you. I am very anti-prescription drugs. As a nurse I have seen way too much poly pharmacy going on. What ends up happening too, is the patient takes one drug and then needs another drug to combat the side effects of the first drug ans so on. Plus, the damage the drugs can do to the body overtime is not good. So for me the path I chose did not include prescription drugs. I admit though the first Lyrica commercial I saw made me excited. Not because I was going to take Lyrica, but because Fibromyalgia was finally being recognized as REAL by the medical community!
I send you all positive energy and love....

a Saw Whet Owl at Germantown Metropark in Ohio

Wisdom is ofttimes nearer when we stoop than when we soar.
~ William Wordsworth

The wise old owl made me think of wisdom and here is the quote that spoke to me. This little guy, actually, gal, was caught last night in Germantown Ohio and banded for research, data was collected, she was admired by many and then released unharmed. I was amazed by how calm the owls remained during all this. Through data gathered by banding, it appears that the Saw Whet owls migrate from Canada to southern Ohio for the winter. This was an awe inspiring experience!

photo from an email

“In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you.”
~ Deepak Chopra

Today I am going to have a nonstop day until 10 pm and I got up at 5:30. I am going to know I can do it and keep that stillness inside me. I had a peaceful, recharge my batteries day yesterday, so I am all ready for today!!

A friend knows the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails.
~Donna Roberts

In Honor of Veterans Day

Photo found on 100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com

In war, there are no unwounded soldiers. ~José Narosky

I send a big thank you to my husband on this Veterans Day for all he gave. War has shaped just about every day of his life since he was 19. Hal,you are my hero and I love you.

~photo from an email

Inch by inch life's a cinch. Yard by yard life is hard.
~ unknown

our cozy bungalow this fall

Every house where love abides
And friendship is a guest,
Is surely home, and home sweet home
For there the heart can rest.
~Henry Van Dyke

~photographer unknown to me


Watch my thoughts, for they become my words.
Watch my words, for they become my actions.
Watch my actions, for they become my habits.
Watch my habits, for they become my character.
Watch my character, for it becomes my destiny.
~Unknown

Hi All,
Here it is Sunday ALL READY! Time is sure flying by. All I can say is I must be having fun!
What to talk about on this fine Sunday? How about attitude? I can wake up and decide what kind of day I am going to have. My attitude can set the tone for the day. Some days I get out of bed and I am achy and stiff and it takes a few minutes to unstiffen. I just know in my head and heart that I will physically feel better soon and I AM. I also find that it is helpful to live with the attitude of gratitude. I have so many wonderful, amazing people and things happening in my life and it feels good to acknowledge them.
Back in October 2006 when my Fibro first kicked my butt, I didn't know I could feel better. Add sleep deprivation to the mix and I was a total wreck. I couldn't sleep because of the pain shooting all over my body. The solution I found for this was 3 mg. of Melatonin and 1/2to 1 tablet of Tylenol PM (I used the generic brand, I'm cheap). Once I caught up on my sleep and figured out a way to sleep, life seemed possible. Now I rarely use any sleep aids and I sleep soundly. I LOVE SLEEP!
I am happy to share with you that I can hardly remember those days nor DO I NOT WANT TO! It is the past and I am doing so well now. For example of how awesome I am doing, I went on a 1 hour owl hike in the morning and then a 2 hour owl and beaver search in the evening with my husband. This morning I am feeling GREAT! When I was in the midst of figuring out my path of treatment I could never have imagined that I could feel this good. So my message to you is, don't give up! Know that you will get better if you believe you can! Be grateful for what you have! Surround yourself with people who lift you up, not bring you down. And smile, it uses fewer muscles than frowning!
Happy day!

~photographer unknown by me

You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you'll discover will be wonderful. What you'll discover is yourself.
~Alan Alda

I send out prayers of gratitude along with BIG hip hip hoorays. Hal's PSA is 0.02!

~photographer unknown to me

Love is in me. Go inward. Play with The Creator.
The Creator is waiting for me with Love.”
~Chalanda Sai Ma

Picture from lornadice.blogspot.com

Lovers don't just meet somewhere. They're in each other all along.
~ Rumi

photo from www.treehuggers.com

Elder's Meditation of the Day - November 4
"The honor of the people lies in the moccasin tracks of the woman. Walk the good road.... Be dutiful, respectful, gentle, and modest my daughter... Be strong with the warm, strong heart of the earth. No people goes down until their women are weak and dishonored, or dead upon the ground. Be strong and sing the strength of the Great Powers within you, all around you."
~ Village Wise Man, SIOUX

Oh, Great One, bless our women. Make them strong today.

~ Photographer unknown to me

A human being is a single being. Unique and unrepeatable.”
~ Eileen Caddy

Photographer Unkown

“Kiss your life. Accept it, just as it is. Today. Now. So that those moments of happiness you're waiting for don't pass you by.”
~ Author Unknown

Fibromyalgia and Far InfraRed Saunas

Sweat Lodge photo from creaturecomfortsbodywork.files.wordpress.com/

The sweat lodge experience is not at all like a sauna experience, the sweat lodge ceremony encompasses so much ritual, ceremony and self-discovery. I am looking forward to doing my first "sweat" in the future.


Far InfraRed Saunas

I had a woman read my blog and then send me and email. She has found that a tanning bed offers her relief from her Fibro aches and pains. This made me think of the Far InfraRed(FIR) sauna that I use. In the summer I don’t use it so much, but as cold weather approaches I will be using it at least a few times a week. Cold weather and Fibromyalgia do not mix well for me. Using the FIR sauna helps to soothe my body, especially during the winter months. Plus it helps me to detox through sweating. The Far InfraRed lamps feel so warm and penetrates deep into the tissues of my body. Using a sauna is not a magic bullet that wipes out my Fibro, it is just one of the tools I use to help me keep functioning and feeling good.
I have found that the Far InfraRed sauna is much more tolerable than the hot traditional Finnish saunas. While I sauna I use this time to meditate or listen to sound healing music.

Here is an article I found about FIR saunas and Fibromyalgia.

Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia and the FIR Sauna
Excerpted from: Michael R. Lyon, MD,
The Cline Medical Center
Hyperthermic Detoxification Program Using the Far-InfraRed

“The Far-InfraRed sauna has been very beneficial in treating Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).
A number of doctors now believe that the ‘toxic load’ of these patients is very high and their detoxification pathways are often compromised. When one is able to reduce the toxins in those with Fibromyalgia and CFS, their symptoms often greatly improve. A number of these patients are unknowingly suffering from heavy metal poisoning (i.e. mercury, lead and arsenic). In combination with chelation therapy, or just on its own, the Far-InfraRed sauna has been invaluable in accelerating the removal of these toxic metals. By raising the core temperature and creating a ‘Hyperthermic’ effect, the sauna also improves a number of parameters in the immune system.” Randy Gomm, BSc.
“ For the Chronic Fatigue or Fibromyalgia patient, Hyperthermic [Far-InfraRed sauna] therapy helps to restore normal autonomic nervous system functioning. This is the part of the nervous system, which governs unconscious functions such as muscle tension, sweating, blood pressure, digestion and balance. Autonomic dysregulation is the term used to describe changes in the nervous system, which result in many of the symptoms of chronic fatigue and Fibromyalgia.
Muscle pain, excessive body odor, digestive complaints, visual disturbances and dizziness are some of the many manifestations of autonomic dysregulation. Repeated sessions of Hyperthermic therapy can greatly assist in the restoration of normal autonomic nervous system functioning."

And here is a site that sells saunas, but it has a good article about the health benefits of saunas for people with Fibromyalgia as well as the numerous health benefits in general.

http://www.greatsaunas.com/info/fibromyalgia-and-infrared-saunas.cfm

Be sure to keep hydrated if you do use a sauna.
Happy sweating!