Photo by Marney Lieberman
The Winter season corresponds to Kidney-Water energy according to Chinese Medical Theory. Water-Kidney energy is quiet, internal, sustaining. Seeds formed from last year’s plants are deep in the ground, keeping quiet, incubating until the rush of Spring.
We can nourish our own Kidney energy now by keeping our bodies warm, allowing our attention to turn inward, letting the seeds of our ideas for the future hibernate until we hear or feel a call to action.
Harmonious lifestyle habits for the Winter season:
- The kidneys are located in the region of the lower back. In Winter, it is especially important to keep this area covered and sheltered from the cold weather to protect your Kidney energy.
- A shift in diet away from cold foods and incorporating more warm foods. Warm, hearty soups, long cooked meats and vegetables, fewer raw foods, salads, and iced drinks will help conserve the body’s natural heat.
- Gentle exercise that does not cause excessive sweating. Try Taiji (”Tai Chi”), gentle yoga, and more meditation.
- The nights are longer in Winter. To be in harmony with this season, it is natural to sleep a little longer than in the Summer, when the days are longer and the nights are shorter.
By observing the nature around us, we can learn about the nature within us. Even though we may live in circumstances that protect us from the extreme external fluctuations of the seasons, we are still in relationship to these changes. Using your own skills of observation and awareness you can make changes to your daily habits that will best support you through the changing seasons.
This morning I realized that improvements are made only to that which is faulty. For years I’ve had my inner vision focused on my faults. I have constantly pushed myself to transform into a better person. This is an exhausting road. It is the caged hamster running for its life on the exercise wheel and going nowhere. Sprinting with all his might, until exhausted, he sleeps, finally at peace- until the dawn.
There is a new puppy across the street. Everyone loves her. Some are wondering about what she’ll be like when she grows up- will she chase my cats, dig up my flowers, tip over my garbage cans? Today, no one cares. She is small, she is cute, she is new, she is a puppy!
I hold my new baby. She is warm, she is peaceful, she has a glow in her eyes. She can do nothing for me, I must do everything for her. She offers me total peace and joy as she gazes out from her blanket, sleeps in my arms, nurses from my breast. Everyone loves her. Everyone agrees- she is perfect, she is a wonder, we are so lucky to have her in our midst.
This is how we start, full of Divine glow. We are enough simply lying in someone’s arms, breathing, gazing, wondering. We are perfect. We are the Gold.
Whatever the reason, I care not to ask anymore, our Gold, Light, Spark, Wonder, Divinity, gets buried with the passing of time. We speak, think big thoughts, manipulate tools in our hands. At some point in time we are measured, judged and rated by those around us. We learn that we are not enough unless we measure up to someone else’s ruler. Gradually, we learn to hold that ruler in our own hands. Next, we are sent on a journey to measure up, to become as good as the others, and hopefully to surpass them.
We push ourselves to improve our skills, sharpen our mind, be smart, clever, sociable, handsome, beautiful- to improve on what we were given by the “luck of the draw.” With every accomplishment, out comes the ruler- are we good enough yet?
Now skilled at measuring everyone-our children, pets, parents, spouse, friends, siblings- anyone within our gaze-no one is good enough, especially ourselves. A choice is offered. We can keep our focus on our faults and our ruler, or we can dig for our Gold.
We are larger now- adults. We have a history of intention and action. We have willing and ignorantly done harm and benefit to ourselves and others. We are no longer only innocent. The choice- to remember and seek our original source of Light, Gold, Divinity, or remain forgetful of this original Perfection and seek a different ruler.
On this day of resolutions, I gather all of my strength for turning inward to remember, find and live from my original Gold, Light, Divinity. I resolve to remember the original Perfection of all beings- tiny and large, wrapped in baby blankets or dressed in power suits, friend or foe, you and me.
Sunrise, photo by Sean the Spook
Looking into the sunrise, you might notice that the exact place where the Sun rises is different each day. It seems to us that the Sun tracks North to South along the Eastern horizon as we move through our seasons, Winter to Summer and back again. Today, it has been a year since the Sun was at this exact place.
On Earth, if we measure time by the Sun, our year compromises one whole cycle of Sun moving from one exact location in the sky, called a degree, back to that same degree.
The day you were born, the Sun was at an exact degree somewhere in the sky. When the Sun “returns” to that degree, you celebrate your birthday. We know this “motion of the Sun” is actually due to the Earth moving around the Sun. But, from the perspective of standing on the Earth, it seems like the Sun is moving rather than the Earth. Astrology works from the perspective of looking out into the Universe from our daily perspective of living on Earth.
Astrologers divide the vast sky into 12 sections compromising the Zodiac. There are 12 signs of the zodiac- Aires through Pisces. If the Sun happened to “be in Leo” when you were born, then you are called a “Leo.” Each zodiac sign compromises 30 degrees. 30 degrees times 12 signs equals 360 degrees- the number of degrees in a circle. From the Earth perspective, the sky looks like a large dome. As we spin each day, and make our yearly journey around the Sun, we can measure where we are, or where the planets and stars are, against this back drop of these 360 degrees.
The reason it seems that Sun moves to a different place each morning at sunrise is actually because we moved with the Earth on its way around the Sun. Measuring from Earth, we can say that each day, the Sun is at a different degree- one of 360 degrees of what looks like the circle of the sky to us.
Galactic Center looking towards Sagittarius
This morning, at 7:01 EST, the Sun and the Moon were at the same degree of 25 Sagittarius (the degree has been rounded up). This event is called the New Moon.
One method of astrology is to interpret what any exact degree might mean. There are many compilations of symbols for each degree of the Zodiac. This symbolic language “speaks” to our symbolic, non-linear mind.
I like to explore the symbols of a certain degree, letting them wander through my mind for the day and notice how they may be reflected in my interactions, thoughts and imaginations. Today is a New Moon, meaning the Sun and the Moon are on the exact same degree in Sagittarius. Below are 3 different symbolic interpretations of how 25 degrees Sagittarius might reflect in our lives:
“A chubby boy on a hobby horse” (1)
“A small boat with no one in it. It is gradually drifting out to sea.” (2)
“ A little boy on a rocking horse imagines himself flying to a multicolored candyland.’” (3)
Today, you might let yourself wonder about these symbols, noticing any synchronicity of events that may reflect these symbols. Paying attention with our non-linear minds is one way to feel our connection to the greater Universe. Have fun!
1. Jones, Marc Edmund, The Sabian Symbols in Astrology. Aurora Press, Santa Fe, 1993.
2. Lonsdale, Ellias, Inside Degrees. North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, 1997.
3. Goldsmith, Martin, The Zodia by Degrees. Weiser Books, Boston, 2004.
Tags: Astrology, New Moon, Sagittarius
When our cat, Loui, had major hip surgery, we told the doctor we wanted to give him some homeopathy post-surgery to support his recovery. The doctor said “no way, that’s not allowed.” So, we waited for him to leave the room before popping the arnica into Loui’s mouth.
We were told Loui would have to stay at the hospital for at least 5 days, and probably more. The Veterinarian called two days later and informed us, to his amazement, that Loui was recovering at a speed far greater than expected.. We took Loui home just 3 days post-surgery. Loui recovered fully and continues along his adventurous cat life.
I have repeated this same sequence of events many times for pets, friends, family and myself. A medical issue arises, we go to the western trained Doctor or Vet, get a diagnosis and begin a western medical treatment. We talk about using homeopathy, herbs, massage, essential oils, acupuncture to support the process of healing, and are told “no, not allowed and it doesn’t do anything anyway.” Next, we go about our business of adding in what we know when no one is looking. Every time, the patient feels great relief from these additional remedies. Their process of healing is usually quicker and easier than expected.
Here are a few things I’ve done while “they” weren’t looking:
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Put homeopathy into the cup of ice chips (only thing allowed by mouth) for someone just out of major surgery.
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Gave that same person cell salts to support a rise in their red blood cell and hemoglobin count. Their blood cell count did improve. They did not take the recommended drug as constipation is a common side effect- not something you want post-surgery.
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Used foot reflexology and shiatsu to support a number of people recovering from various ailments in the hospital.
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Treated abscesses our cats had with homeopathy.
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Addressed sciatic pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and whiplash with massage therapy.
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Used only herbs to resolve nasty flu’s and colds.
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Turned to massage therapy and acupuncture to resolve my abdominal pain that was deemed “nothing and therefore not treatable” by a cadre of MDs.
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Re-balanced disturbed digestion from mega doses of antibiotics that had resulted in oral thrush with probiotics.
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Witnessed as joint pain previously treated with pain killers so strong that the person could hardly function, was resolved with a simple topical application of essential oils blended into lotion.
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Witnessed a person fend off shingles with essential oils and homeopathy.
I am not the only person who sneaks in “alternatives” to “real” medical situations. I would venture that most of you reading this post have done similar things. By doing this, we are integrating healing methods, and it works incredibly well. A combination of methods offers the patient healing on all levels at the same time, which usually results in a quicker and more complete recovery.
Can we actually integrate healing methods out in the open? How can we really collaborate across healing methods? The first consideration is that of the client or patient. Too often, whether alternative or western trained, a practitioner has an immediate first reaction to prove that their way is the right way, and that the other’s is fundamentally flawed. The rest is recent history as we witness lobby groups representing all types of healing methods plying Congress for insurance coverage at the expense of some other form of healing. Lost in this battle of who has the “right medicine” are the ones seeking healing.
The first step of collaborating is finding some authentic belief within oneself that the other practitioner has something worthwhile to offer. This is a great challenge, and one that I asked myself to take on a few years ago. It has been a humbling process. At the same time, I find myself becoming a better practitioner.
This challenge has forced me to bow to both eastern and western science and philosophy. As a result, I am better versed in western anatomy, physiology, and pathology, I meditate more often, I follow my heart more, and I have less judgment of myself and others.
If, as healers, we are to really collaborate with each other, we must first find peace within ourselves. From this confident, peaceful place we can gracefully make connections with practitioners of different forms of medicine. These connections and collaborations will ultimately benefit our patients/clients. I find one of the greatest gifts of being in the healing profession is that the work I must do in order to truly serve my patients/clients always supports my own growth and healing.
In Chinese Medicine, the function of digestion is part of the overall function of the Earth Element. The Organs associated with the Earth Element are the Spleen and Stomach. I am going to narrow the focus to just the Spleen.
The Spleen governs digestion, of both food and thought. Digesting food and “digesting” thoughts are not separate from an energetic point of view. From this perspective, the same energy is used for digesting food as it is to “digest” our thoughts. For instance, when we are stuck on a point, over-thinking and worrying about a certain topic for days on end, we may notice a loss or increase in appetite, abdominal cramping, bloating, perhaps even diarrhea or constipation. This is an example of how out-of-balance mind energy directly affects the physical organs of digestion. Too much thinking depletes the available “digesting energy”, thus our physical digestion is affected. This can work in the opposite direction as well, over-eating can lead to a fuzzy, tired mind.
What does balance look like? It looks like taking time to relax the mind while we eat, to allow all digestive energy to be focused on the physical action of eating and digesting. By eating in a calm and peaceful manner, we will have better digestion and absorption. Good digestion results in a fully nourished body and mind.
In practice, this translates as taking a few breaths before eating, eating in a calm and peaceful environment, and taking time to really enjoy what is being eaten. Business meetings, emotional conversations, planning sessions, studying, etc. all happen separately from meals.
By separating active mental energy engagements from meals, we focus the energy of digestion in one direction at a time to support the function of our minds or of the digestive organs. Regardless of what we eat, how we eat has an enormous impact on our digestion.
Acupuncture is just one of the many modalities of Chinese Medicine. Other methods of Chinese Medical treatment include herbs, massage, exercise, diet, and meditation. Depending on the concern of the patient, any one or a combination of these methods may be recommended by a Doctor of Chinese Medicine.
The West now recognizes the multiple health consequences of living in a stressful world. The pace of our lives and how we respond to stressful events has been an important factor in the development disease from the Chinese Medical perspective for thousands of years. Here is a quote from the first medical text known to Chinese Medicine, written it is estimated, about 2,500 years ago:
“In the past, people practiced the Tao, the Way of Life. They understood the principle of balance, of yin and yang, as represented by the transformation of energies of the universe. Thus, they formulated practices such as Dao-in, an exercise combining stretching, massaging, and breathing to promote energy flow, and meditation to help maintain and harmonize themselves with the universe. They ate a balanced diet at regular times, arose and retired at regular hours, avoided over-stressing their bodies and minds, and refrained from overindulgence of all kinds. They maintained well-being of body and mind; thus it is not surprising that they lived over one hundred years.”
-Ni, Masohing, “The Yellow Emperors Classic of Medicine.”
Most of the activities that maintain and preserve health are absolutely free. We can take a little time to stretch, to pay attention to our breath, and learn how to quiet our mind in the comfort of our own home. By giving ourselves a little time each day, we can maintain our health as well as have a profound impact on the quality of healing from illness.
In the very beginning of these practices- keep things very simple. It is more important to form the habit of turning your attention inward than trying to perfect a certain practice.
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Move a little- take a short walk or swing your arms around, move all your joints-do any movement that feels good for about 10 minutes, letting your mind wander and drift while feeling the motion of your body and the rhythm of your breath.
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Next, in a quiet room, sit in a comfortable chair, keeping your back as straight as possible. Let your shoulders relax and eyes soften or close. Engage all of your attention to your breathing. Just follow the air into your nose and to your lungs- then follow it back out again. Practice this for 10 breaths each day.
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Slowly add more cycles of breathing, until you find you are able to attend to your breath for 10-15 minutes at a time.
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When you are finished, slowly move your body, notice your attention shifting outwards, and go back out into the world!
For more formal instruction in Taoist exercise and meditation, check out the International Taoist Tai Chi Society
Tags: balance, meditation, relief
Cassia against the sky
Bahama Cassia, Cassia chapmanii
I planted four little Cassia shrubs in 2004, each was a twig with a few branches only about 3 feet high. Today their delicate foliage and stunning yellow flowers dominate one side of our property. They bloom quickly and fully- creating a yellow blast of color and brilliance. One of my favorite things to do is to gaze at their shimmering yellow flower clusters against the majestic blue Florida sky.
A few years ago I began making flower essences from plants that I had grown. The process was magical, as I found myself in communication with the plants- in ways that seemed ridiculous and foolish to my scientific mind. I took the leap into my intuition anyway, and the results have been inspiring.
I learned how to make the flower essences from James Green’s book, “The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook.” I learned about the uses and possibilities of flower essences by reading the written works of the “Father of Flower Essences”, Edward Bach, in “The Original Writings of Edward Bach.” I learned the power of flower essences from my experiences with my plants and taking their essences.
To make a flower essence, one simply picks a bunch of flowers from a plant, early in the day. Drop all the flowers into a bowl of water- preferably a crystal glass bowl as this allows for better light. Place the bowl with the water and the flowers in the sun for a few hours- I left mine to soak all day. Strain off the flowers and capture the infused water in a jar. To preserve the water, fill half of a one ounce bottle with the flower water, and the other half with brandy. Now you have a flower essence! I used dropper bottles so I could easily put a drop under my tongue or into a glass of water for ingestion at a later date.
Each time I made a new essence, I took a long sip of the pure essence while I sat near the plant. I quieted my mind. I had my journal and pen with me. I waited. And every time a story came through me- so I just wrote it all down. I had profound dreams each night after making the flower essences. I am still mystified and inspired by the whole experience.
I make and use flower essence blends from my collection for emotionally trying circumstance- for instance visiting people in the hospital, recovering from a stressful day or interaction, or just trying to quiet an out of date, repetitive internal voice.
Jubilant Cassia!
Here is the story of Cassia as it came to me:
The space within expands
Filled with peace, softness, acceptance, and love
Divine acceptance
Open arms of Saints
We stand here before you
Blooming in magnificence
Radiant against the clear blue sky
Offering our yellow sunshine
In Peace
An offering to all who stop and stare
In wonder
Into the eyes of the Sun
You can see me here
In the face of Cassia
Look into my yellow eyes
Look into the Star
That warms your planet
That counts your days
And charts all time.
I am the messenger of the Sun
Look into me
And feel your inner purpose
My light turns inward
The Sun’s is outward
We are one in the same
The Sun and I
So find your story
Find your spark of celestial start dust
Here before me
Looking into the Eyes of Ra
The Sun God.
I am the number 7.
You can feel the strength of the sun in you now
Rising
Filling, pulling, supporting, growing
This masculine power
of stability
Of direction, focus, power capability
Able to jump tall buildings
To move, overcome, to get it done.
"Look into the eyes of the Sun"
Cassia "all grown up"
Tags: Cassia, Flower Essences
Sastun, My Apprenticeship with a Maya Healer, by Rosita Arvigo, 1994.
A beautiful ode to Don Elijio Panti, a legendary Maya Medicine Man who lived in Belize, Central America. This story is a gift to those of us seeking a spiritual context for our healing work. A reminder of the powerful healing held in the lives of so many dedicated herbalists who care for the majority of the world’s people.
Rosita Arvigo, ND apprenticed with Don Elijio for many of his final years. From him, she learned to identify and use native plants and herbs of the Belize rainforest. Her journey to him and with him was not an easy one. Coming from Chicago, she and her husband had to figure out how to live in this vast, wild, remote forest while they raised a family and started their own healing clinic.
Sastun is an intimate portrayal of two very dedicated healers. Rosita honors the vast knowledge and compassion of her teacher, Don Elijio beautifully. At the same time she shares her thoughts and emotions as she herself is transformed by the Maya Spirits, the plants of the rainforest, and the people who live there. The book offers many stories of physical healing by using plants and ritual to affect the Spirit of the person in need. Spiritual healing is explored as the central method to healing all aspects of the individual.
Reading this book convinced me to go study with Rosita in Belize. She is a gifted teacher and healer and I am grateful that I have been able to study with her directly. She offers a variety of courses both in Belize and in the US. In addition, she has very effect herbal formulas, from plants harvested ethically in Belize, available on her website. For more information, go to www.arvigomassage.com.
To purchase her book and herbs, click on the “Rainforest Remedies” link.
Tags: Herbs, Sastun, Spiritual Healing
