2012 Feng Shui

Top 3 FENG SHUI TIPS FOR 2012

1. Place a potted money plant or small tree (jade plant – crassula argentea) into the wealth corner.

2. Place a wind-chime in the East part of your property. This will help protect you from the negative energies coming from that direction in 2012.Many people will do this all over the world this month especially the people that live in the far East.

3. Try to keep your home clutter free.Fix anything that is not working.A task left undone remains undone in two places, the actual location and inside your head. Incomplete tasks that remain in your head, consume the energy of your attention as they gnaw at your conscience.

STOP! think before you start a quick fix diet!

STOP!!! & think before you embark on a short term quick fix diet! Shakes and meal replacements help most people to lose weight very quickly. However, the loss of weight will come from loss of water and muscle tissue and essential nutrients that are not from fat reserves. The combination of foods that are allowed when following these plans would force most people to nearly starve each day. This could actually be counter-productive, forcing the body into total starvation mode will slow metabolism and encourage the body to hang on to the fat reserves! Most of these diet regimes cost lots of money! and require a lot of planning and frequent shopping trips for the supply of vegetables and fruit. For many people this can cause unnecessary stress too as it will involve cooking and eating separately from other family members not following this eating regime.Many are attracted to this short-term “quick fix” diet to lose weight quickly. It is not a solution to a healthy, long term eating plan!

Victoria Robertson © 2012

Why I won’t be using standard candles again!

Sometimes when using my therapy room for long periods of time,over an hour or more I would start to feel a little breathless and my eyes would sometimes feel dry and at times sting.Wondering why this was happening I’ve since made a discovery of all the hidden ingredients that are used in candles.Paraffin is inexpensive and that’s why it is used in most candles.It is the final byproduct in the petroleum refining chain also known as petroleum sludge.Paraffin in candles creates indoor air pollution. The soot given off from the burning of paraffin candles is the same as that given off by burning diesel fuel.Paraffin creates indoor air pollution. The soot given off from the burning of paraffin candles is the same as that given off by burning diesel fuel.Some of the air contaminants in paraffin fumes include:Toluene,Benzene,Methyl ethyl ketone,Naphthalene—substances found in paint, lacquer and varnish removers.So its no wonder why I’ve been having some of these symptoms.I’ve come to the conclusion that not only were the standard tea light candles and aromatherapy candles effecting my health but they must have been bad for my clients health too.I’ve replaced all of my candles with LED tea light candles and have invested in another alternative to candles which is my new light therapy aroma diffuser which I introduced to the members that attended the 2nd UKRF Essex & Greater London Reiki meeting on Sunday 16th October at Coopersale Institute Hall Epping.The members really enjoyed the ambiance and calming effect that the light.Another candle alternative is beeswax candles they are natural and renewable.They last five times longer than parafin candles but on the downside they are five times more expensive.Soy candles are also a good alternative they are natural and you will find them not being as expensive as beeswax candles.Both beeswax and soy candles are much more economical in the long term.Negative ions help to clean the air of dust, smoke and pollens and can help reduce fatigue.Better for the environment. Because they’re smokeless and natural.

Are you feeling SAD?

Are you one of the many sufferers of the “winter blues” feeling seasonal depression is not just “in your head”. If you do suffer from SAD you can take comfort in knowing that you are not alone. The National Institute of Health has certified Seasonal Affective Disorder as a legitimate reaction to the lack of light in the autumn and winter months, and they have calculated that nearly 20% of the population suffer from this disorder.

 

SAD mood disorders usually present with the following signs:

 

Increased stress

Increased feelings of hopelessness

Increased cravings for sweets

Increased weight gain

Increased tendency to oversleep

Decreased energy and motivation

Decreased concentration and creativity

Decreased interest in social activities

 

But the good news is that there are several ways to overcome the symptoms of SAD.

 

 

1.Buy yourself a light box

 

2.Eat a low fat diet that includes an adequate amount of protein reduce your intake of sugar and carbs as much as possible.

 

3.Some find taking vitamins that contain magnesium, B complex, and minerals is sometimes helpful.

 

4.Reducing the amount of caffeine may also help. Remember caffeine is also in fizzy drinks including coffee and tea.

 

5.Treat yourself to a regular massage.This will Increase your blood flow and leave you  feeling more uplifted,alert and calm.

 

6.Increase your amount of daily exercise, include walking, jogging, and aerobics.

 

Don’t forget to see your GP if SAD symptoms or depression are causing problems in either your personal or professional life. 

 

 

 

Step forward towards a better you!

Daily affirmations are a great way to start your day.

Starting your day with a positive affirmation will put you into a positive frame of mind.Affirmations are positive statements that include a positive phrase and which are repeated  in order to impress the subconscious mind and trigger it into positive action. In order to ensure the effectiveness of the affirmations they have to be repeated with attention and a positive frame of mind must be the desire.

If you think about it many of us already use positive affirmations already without even knowing that we do.Say you are playing a sport, football or netball you may repeat to yourself throughout a match I can do this, we are going to win.

Also by focusing on yourself and taking the steps forward towards a postive frame of mind will benefit yourself and others  around you are bound to notice too..Its good to talk things through with friends and family members about negative situations or problems that you may have in your life but when you become dependant on off loading on a regular basis then now could be a good time to start your day the positive affirmation way.This is really the best way forward towards a positive direction.

Some positive affirmations that you might like to  include:

-I am a positive thinker

-This day and everyday my mind will be filled with positive thoughts will be creating a great life for me
- I have a wonderful and satisfying job.

- I have the means to travel abroad, whenever I want to.

- I am successful in whatever I do.

- Everything is getting better every day.

My body is healthy and functioning in a very good way.

- I have a lot of energy.

- I study and comprehend fast.

- My mind is calm.

My body is healthy and functioning in a very good way.

- I have a lot of energy.

- I study and comprehend fast.

- My mind is calm.

- I have a lot of energy.

- I study and comprehend fast.

- My mind is calm.

Thoughts and feelings and how you can express them

Anger

Anger is a condensed form of energy and natural emotion that we should never suppress.Because stored anger can cause all manner of illnesses,including high blood pressure,digestive disoders and depression,you should allow yourself to express it and then transform it quicky into a less harmful emotion.When you are feeling angry sit still in a quiet place and focus on your breathing.Then repeat this affirmation below either out loud or in your mind.

“Just for today I am at peace.

Turn worry into clarity

Worry is a mental preoccupation with thoughts about something that may happen in the future,based on your expeience of the past and fed with fear.long term worry and anxiety can cause mental stress,panic attacks,low self esteem and unhappiness.When you find yourself worring,sit still in a quiet place and focus on your breathing.Then repeat this affirmation.

“Just for today my mind is at rest”

A statement of honesty

Dishonesty causes secrets and lies which,in turn create inner tension and illness.Being true to yourself and others is the only way to live an honest life.
If you know that you are dishonest and untrue,think about the changes that you may need to make.Sit quietly and repeat the next affirmation.

“I earn my living honesty,I am honest I am a true person”

A statement of honour

Honour is based on respect.It should not involve our likes or dislikes.We must respect that each person lives their own journey in there own reality.
Dishonour is based on fear and anger,which we need to deal with so that we remain in good health.Actively honour your family,friends and those around you for they are an intricate part of what makes you unique.Sit quiet and repeat this next affirmation in your mind or out loud.

“I honour my parents,elders,teachers,children,friends and myself”

An attitude of gratitude

Gratitude teaches us the art of giving rather than recieving.Receiving has its place when it allows another person the pleasure of giving.It has its acknowledgment of the gift of energy that has been directed to you.An attitude of gratitude will bring abundance.Sit in a quiet place and repeat this following affirmation.

“I give thanks to every living thing and for every situation whatever form it may take,for within it is contained my growth and understanding”

Coping with change

Day to day stress builds up causing tension in our bodies and changes both our moods and reactions.As we learn and grow,we encounter a variety of experiences from joyous,happy and pleasant.through to the difficut,conflicting and even traumtic.
For example,if we increase our workload and take on more and more responsibilities,it is often the case that the tension in our bodies becomes tighter and deeper.However,we cannot hide away and avoid the difficulties in life as they are part of what makes us unique.
Our personal history is given to us to help us to develope.If our experiences in early life make us fearful and angry,this will affect our self-esteem,our response to injustice and our feelings of security.We may know that we need to change,but our fears may stop us from making those changes.
It is emotions and feeling that are stored up over long periods of time that stop your true self from shining though,Anger,frustration,hurt and fear.If left unexplored it will take over you, the layers will form so deeply that you become what is known as a false self.

Writing thoughts down

Look back in order to move forward.
Use a note book and pen to write down thoughts and feelings.Try to spend an uninterrupted hour on this.Continue to keep writing thoughts down on a daily basis,A good time to do this is before you go to sleep at night,even if its only one word for the day like happy,angry or emotional.Write it down.

Maybe your inner voice keeps telling you things like your no good,maybe thats why you put barriers up all the time.Thats why writing it all down makes you become aware,you start to relize whats going on.Its all about you making that connection.So writing these thoughts and feelings down is a great technique to see for yourself.When faced with the thoughts or feelings on paper you are now dealing with the thoughts or feelings instead of keeping them within. Looking at theses thoughts/feelings one by one out in the open helps you become your true self.You are now releasing them,exploring them and letting them go.The true self is now beginning to shine.

©2010 Victoria Robertson

Tai Chi

Tai Chi Chuan, or taijiquan,is an ancient Chinese form of co-ordinated body movements focusing on the cultivation of internal energy ‘chi’ or ‘qi’. Its aim is to harmonise the mind, body and spirit, promoting both mental and physical well-being through softness and relaxation. When practised correctly the movements (or Form) of tai chi appear rhythmical, effortless and in continuous flow.

With the practice of taichi you will feel more revitalised, relaxed, tolerant, self-confident and stronger and healthier in both mind and body. Unlike most forms of exercise and sport, tai-chi does not rely on strength, force and speed, making it ideal for people of both sexes, young and old alike whether strong or weak. It is this approach that makes t’ai chi such a unique art, and one that brings benefits in many areas.

Tai Chi & Health

Even with a small amount of practise, you will find beneficial effects to your health & fitness. The mind and body relaxes, helping to combat the stresses and strains of modern society. It gently tones and strengthens your muscles. It improves your balance and posture. It improves some medical conditions, e.g. cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive disorders.

Ways to relax

Taking steps to relax the mind and body can be enormously healing and is highly recommended for people that suffer from stress.Making some gradual changes and taking some time out during your day is an important part of taking good care of yourself. Real relaxation is a focused, intentional period of time during when you are feeling mindful and alert, and a time when you allow your muscles to become relaxed.Relaxing is important it helps to restore your energy and boosts your mood and performance levels.

Some Common Signs and Symptoms of Stress

* Regularly walking, eating or working in a rushed way.

* Regularly thinking and worrying about the past or future.

* Frequent tension in the body (esp. neck, face, shoulders, back and chest, and stomach)

* Feeling of the “weight of the world” on your shoulders.

* Emotionally “on edge.”

* Regular tiredness during the day.

* Significant need for outside stimulation to feel good (coffee,food,TV,alcohol,etc)

Stress Relief Tips

Taking a class and going to regular group practices can be crucial in promoting a regular practice.

* Yoga

* Meditation

* Tai Chi

* Massage

* Conscious Breathing Routine

Daily Stress Reduction Tips

1. Add something natural to your life on a daily basis (e.g., flowers,aromatherapy oils).

2. Do some enjoyable activities whenever possible.

3. Walk, work, and eat at a relaxed pace.

4. Take a short break after meals to relax.

5. If possible, go outside at least once per day and notice the simple things such as the weather, scenery, etc.

6. During the day, whenever you remember, notice and tension in your body (jaw, neck, diaphram, shoulders, etc.). Breath deeply and gently stretch and relax any tense areas.

7. If you notice your mind racing or worrying about the past or future, take a minute to breath deeply and gently focus on something in the moment such as your breath, scenery, birds.

8. Take breaks during the workday to relax.

9. Wear comfortable and loose clothing when possible. Take off your shoes when you can.

10. Avoid holding in feelings day after day, but instead, find a safe place to feel, express and embrace them.

Visual Stress Tips & Techniques

Baoding Balls

This basic stress relief exercise is learning how to use the baoding balls.This consists of rotating a pair in the palm of the hand, ensuring even and constant contact is made between them.The idea being to maintain permanent contact between them. This should be performed in both directions, and is a good exercise to develop both grip and forearm strength.Exercises have been developed involving two, three, four, or even more balls.

Knitting

Knitting is fast becoming the New Yoga. Many of us have returned or are new to knitting, seeking out this pastime as the antidote to combat stress.

Having Difficulty Making Changes?

Q&A

I am having difficulty keeping a regular practice of stress reduction techniques as well as eliminating habits that cause stress. I keep falling back into the same old patterns of stressful living.Do you have any ideas?

Having difficulty making changes can have a number of possible causes.

Below you will find a few of my suggestions that you might like to consider:

Join A Class – Taking a class can make an enormous difference in your ability to keep a yoga or meditation practice going. Try to find a class near your home if possible.

Friends & Family – It can be much easier to make changes and sustain those changes if you get regular support and love from close friends and family.

Positive Influences — Spend time around positive, cheerful people whenever possible.

Letting the stress go

Do you often feel stressed?

Have you ever felt the effects of  long term stress related problem?

Are your days to hectic for you to regain a simple 5 minutes of stress relief time out?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions then some of Aim2Heal mindful tips could be good for you.Help yourself to let go of any negative and tense aspects of the day.You will help bring balance back to your body.All it takes is a few minutes to connect more to a mindful relaxed state of serenity.

1.Make yourself a cup of herbal tea great way to relax and refresh the body.

2.Play some music that has an up beat tempo.Stop what you are doing for a couple of minutes and really listen to beat of the music.You will feel refreshed and motivated more than you did before.

3. Take a moment to focus on your breathing take a slow deep breath in and fill the lungs with positive air.As you exhale feel the stress evopratie away from you leaving you feeling much more calmer than you was before.

4.Massage your forehead in slow circular movements include the temples. Then finish by slowly pressing along the eyebrows.

5.Plan something rewarding for the end of the day. Knowing that you’ve got something to look forward to can make a big difference.