Energy For Life

As I recover from my hard fall at the end of August, I am integrating some very valuable lessons. I will call this my “recipe for successful healing!” First of all, falling can be viewed as symbolic, as well as literal. My left knee is healing and in fact, I took my first slow walk around the block today with my dog Daphnie, who was with me on my fall. So my obvious lessons involve being present and looking where I am going (as I did today), accepting help and taking really good care of myself.

The symbolic lessons have been unfolding: falling has brought me to humility, vulnerability and receptivity to being supported. (literally “to my knees”). The seven weeks, thus far, of limited activity have also narrowed my scope of what I can take on and accomplish. I have said “no” to more offers and invitations than I normally would in my “Super Woman” suit. As you may have heard, being in bed with my leg elevated allowed me to finish writing my book! I guess I had to be wrestled down to complete the task at hand! The Universe/God sometimes takes drastic means to get a point across.

I am so grateful for the loving support of family, friends, clients and students, expert healing assistance from amazing professionals and a deepening commitment to self-care. I draw on my inner resources daily through meditating, breathing, energy healing, praying and being receptive to intuition. Yoga continues to be a valuable ally that helps me everyday to be aware, to stretch, to strengthen, to balance and to be calm. Rest, repose, music and reading soothe my soul as well.

So the lessons continue: focus and do what is essential, do not be distracted with the myriad of demands and enticements, and keep stress and fear to a minimum. I really hope and pray I can keep including these recipe ingredients:

1. Be present.

2. Take one small step at a time.

3. Be humble and grateful.

4. Stay focused on the essentials.

May you be blessed with safe travels on your life journey and create your own recipe for success (without falling).

Be well,
Ruth

Being sick in bed these past 3 days has been so instructive. I am usually very skilled at fending off sickness, but through a series of experiences, this “bug” bit hard. As I lost energy, ached in my muscles, burned with fever and filled with congestion in my head and chest, I knew I better “check in” with myself. A survey of my inner worlds showed a medley of feelings and “undigested” experiences. A visit to my new acupuncturist, Linda Machol of Harmony Acupuncture, has helped speed my process significantly.

I highly recommend using our symptoms as great teachers or guides to the deeper layers that are hidden from our conscious busy mind. In my case, the first symptom that called my attention was the constriction in my chest. As I explored inside (like a spelunker with a flashlight on my forehead), I attuned to my precious 90-year old mother, who lives in Pennsylvania. The tightness in my heart softened as I cried late one night, feeling the rush of love warming my whole being. How I miss her!! I called her today and we shared our wonderfully caring connection.

As I explore more symptoms, I reveal current and past concerns, issues and decisions. What a relief to take the time to clear out the emotions, congestion and burden on my system. Being alone is a gift. Silence is a great teacher. Breathing is a great friend. Love is the healer of all.

Now after 3 days of resting, reading, writing, praying, listening, meditating and sleeping lots, I am feeling better. Opening my emails now, I learn that my long-lost dear friend, Regina Sara Ryan, is coming to Denver soon for a presentation and workshop on her new book, “Igniting the Inner Life.” What perfect timing!

Life is miraculous and filled with great teachers everywhere. May we be good students!

In Peace,

Ruth

As the holiday season approaches, we’d like to offer some simple tips to strengthen your body, mind, and spirit during what is often a stressful time:

1. Take time each day for quiet time: walk, read, meditate, pray, do yoga, write, draw, do handicrafts, rest, etc. Replenish, recharge, restore!

2. Keep your blood sugar level to avoid mood swings and vulnerability to viruses or flu bugs. Eat really healthy foods as a gift to yourself! Balance holiday treats with lean protein, nuts, veggies, and whole grains. Drink lots of water.

3. Thank people for the little things that make your day enjoyable and productive—a kind word, a short note, a smile, or a personal moment goes a long way to help us feel connected and grateful. (Remember store clerks, mail carriers, child care workers, family members, friends, teachers, clergy, business associates, etc.)

4. Keep your energy moving with enjoyable exercise: walk, run, swim, dance, use cardio and weight machines, go to a class to stretch, strengthen, or balance, play basketball, volleyball, or hockey.

5. Practice meditation, deep breathing, visualizations, and relaxation training to reduce stress and experience inner peace.

6. Pray, give thanks, help others, be of service, connect spiritually locally and globally, and build community with family, friends and strangers.

7. Know what triggers your holiday difficulties. Do you experience anxiety, stress, depression, S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder), “holiday blues,” irritability, or anger? Seek counsel from a trusted friend or professional to pre-plan how to deal with your triggers so you minimize your reaction. A concrete plan of action helps!

8. Stimulate the season’s joys with meaningful rituals, surprises, reunions, learning something new, traveling somewhere new (near or far), clearing out clutter, reclaiming a space in your home or office, or setting up a sacred space for solace.

9. Clear out the old, make room for the new. Refresh your Spirit! Share Love and Light!

Do you have other tips of things that have worked well for you to keep your holidays sane? Please share them by leaving a comment!

-Jim and Ruth Sharon