Being Thankful for the Little Things

They say we should be thankful for the little things in life.  How many times have you heard that expression?

I had to opportunity to hear a woman speak recently who was recovering from a stroke.  She was leading a meditation, and was talking about how we should be grateful and more mindful of all the little things in our lives.  She then proceeded to share with us some of the little things 'she' was grateful for.


 
Her list was long and meandering - but the beautiful flow and sincerity of her words deeply touched everyone in the room.  It wasn't so much a meditation, as a journey.  Her unique journey ~

" - like when you are looking for a parking place and you happen to see the very last one in the lot...and you barely have room to squeeze your car into the corner - but hey, you got to park!  Or how about there not being any ice on the roads anymore so you don't have to worry about hitting another car or falling down when you try to get out?  Those are some of the things I'm grateful for...and I'm also pretty grateful to get my plants in the ground after they have been sitting on my deck for a long time ~"

Through my silent laughter at her candor - eyes closed and tears of happiness streaming down my smiling face - I felt my heart completely open up and send all the love and hugs I had within me to this wonderful, brave soul.
Yes, I thought - it really is the small things we overlook that we should be thankful for.
It really is ~

~ diane

It's all in Your Dreams #1 by Diane Fergurson
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It's all in Your Dreams

What have your Dreams been telling you lately?

How do they relate to the choices 'you' have been picking for your life?

Is all harmonious?  

Or have you been ignoring the 'elephant in the room'? 

It's all in Your Dreams #8 by Diane Fergurson
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The Singing Crystal Bowls - Conversations With Healer Darren Orr

MBS:  One of the things I found rather unique about your classes when I studied with you years ago, is how you incorporated the Crystal Bowls into your sessions. For some of our readers who may not be familiar with them...what are the Crystal Bowls, or Singing Bowls, and how do they assist in healing and meditation?


Darren:  Yes I still use 3 crytsal singing bowls for the 3 Dantiens (Jing, Qi, Shen) at the end of each class. However, over the last couple of years I have expanded their use throughout the class to enhance acupressure, chanting of sacred sounds and the toning of the 5 elements and internal organs. Recently I've incorporated a Native American drum and my 400 yr old antique Tibetan singing bowl to give a complete sound healing for the last 15 minutes of class. People love it!

As the bowls are played the sound spins and swirls in a circular motion around the Mind drawing the energy back into the center of the body, rooting and grounding it. To use a metaphor the sound of the bowls is like a dimmer switch that slowly settles and calms the monkey Mind, allowing it to come to peace. The Mind becomes quiet and "the lights get turned off and the noise of the mind dims". The nervous system switches from sympathetic (fight or flight) to parasympathetic (rest and digest) mode. A calm mind and nervous system creates a healing space for the body to let go of physical, mental/emotional, spiritual blocks and return to homeostasis. This is the point that trapped cellular information is released in the form of memories, experiences, feelings, sensations and seeing of colors and lights. Through this release and peace, the sounds create an access point via stillness to awaken and experience your Shen/Spirit/True Nature.

The crystal singing bowls were initially designed and engineered by computer companies as the environment and habitat to grow the quartz microchips needed to process and relay information. When the bowls dont meet the perfect specifications for the microchips they would be given to and played by an expert who determined the tone and musical note. Today I believe people many manufacture them outside the computer industry.

The quartz crystal singing bowls (vibrational therapy and sound healing) are an amazingly profound and unique treatment modality that I continue to use by themselves and in combination with all my classes, Medical Qi Gong, massage, reiki treatments and meditations to help my clients further enhance their healing and well being. I also use them daily in my own self cultivation practice along with the chanting of seed sounds and sacred mantras to vibrate and resonate my 3 Treasures (Jing/matter, Qi/energy, Shen/spirit).

The bowls are made of 99% quartz crystal and when played resonate a pure tone on the musical scale (do, re, me, fa, so, la, ti,) that reverberates through and balances the DNA, nervous system, endocrine glands, brain, bones, marrow, myo-fascia and internal organs as well as purifies and revitalizes the entire energetic matrix and awakens one's Spirit.

Like the quartz crystal singing bowls our bones, DNA, brain, endocrine glands and myo-fascia also are made up of a quartz crystalline structure. When the bowls are played these physiologic structures in the body become like tuning forks that transmit the healing vibrations of the sounds deep into the DNA, brain, body, endocrine glands, bone marrow and cellular structure of the myo-fascia vibrating and resonating them to the frequency of health and healing. This healing frequency releases tension, stress, pain and adhesions and quiets the constant chattering of the thinking monkey mind. This allows the body to enter a profoundly deep state of relaxation, meditation, regeneration, rejuvenation, peace and healing...all while passively lying down. You learn via the sounds to let go. In that state of silence and stillness is where the spirit can be met.

In our technological age, quartz is used as a transmitter of energy and information in such things as clocks, watches, electronic equipment, micro-chips, computers, smartphones and tablets. Any piece of quartz is able to hold more gigabytes of information than all the computers on Earth. This ability of quartz to act as an amplifier of energy and information is further enhanced when the practitioner and client place their intention on the sound and healing themselves. You can intensify the power of the bowls by incorporating the power of intention and through use of the human voice, which is 1 of our most powerful tools for creation/destruction. The most potent and powerful aspect in any treatment of any system (Western or Eastern) is the intention of the practitioner. This is why NO ONE should play them for people until/unless they know how to ground and have developed a daily dedicated self cultivation practice where they have cleared thier own blocks. Otherwise it can be dangerous for both the person playing and people listening as transference can occur.

The bowls correlate to a specific musical note, particular color, nerve plexus, endocrine gland, internal organ, meridian, dantien and chakra. So when all 7 bowls are played you effectively balance and harmonize every aspect of your being and in doing so are given access to your true-nature/spirit/soul. That is the deepest healing and meditation one could ever ask for.

Over the years of using the bowls in
many clinical settings such as hospitals, hospices, homes, juvenile detention centers, cancer care units etc, I have seen how profoundly they affect people and how they are drawn to them.

I offer vibrational therapy and sound healing using the singing bowls in private one-on-one treatments and group sessions as well as in combination with any other services I provide. The session can be done in the comfort of your home or my Medical Qi Gong clinic.

Leonardo da Vinci asked us, "Do you know that our soul is composed of harmony"?? The singing bowls provide that harmony. To me the bowls are sacred and holy because they allow me to hear the sounds of of my soul and of the Divine Mind.
As Pythagoras stated and the bowls prove, “The highest goal of music is to connect one’s soul to their Divine Nature, not entertainment”

Darren Orr is a Doctor of Classical Chinese Medicine in Medical QiGong Therapy with a specialization in Dao-yin. He is currently training in ShenGong to be a Formless Daoist Priest. He is a Medical QiGong Master, nationally certified massage, bodywork and somatic therapist, Reiki Master, sound healer, Dao yoga, Dao Yin and meditation teacher. Darren is an A-Z practitioner specializing in life-altering illness, palliative care for the terminally ill, bereavement services for family, cancer, PTSD, fibromyalgia, addiction, mental/emotional imbalances, chronic pain and stress management as well as preventative medicine. CEU courses, lectures, workshops, seminars, classes, qi parties, and corporate wellness programs also available. Serving the tri-state area in a triangle from Philadelphia to NYC to Atlantic City Nj. Long Distance therapy also available.

You can contact Darren at:  d.orr333@gmail.com 

You may also be interested in reading our interview with Darren about healing and the practice of Qigong.

Also his articles for our blog include:

Shedding Our Acquired Life Roles and Medical Qigong

Spiritual Warrior 
Manifesting Destiny 
The 3 Dantiens and the Chakra System

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Sitting - Meditating

Cat sits in the sun.

Dogs sit in the grass.

Turtle sits on the rock.

Frog sits on the lily pad

Why aren't' people so smart?

Those who follow the Tao are fond of pointing out the wisdom of animals.  When they see a cat sitting in the sun or a turtle who stretches her heard upward in a still post, they say that these animals are meditating.  They know how to be still and conserve their internal energy.  They do not dissipate themselves in useless activity but instead withdraw into themselves to recharge.

It is only people who label meditation as some sort of odd religious activity.  This is not the actual case.  Something like meditation happens when we sleep, or when we are absorbed in reading a book, or when we "daydream" and become so lost in a thought or an image that we so not notice what is going on around us.

There is no reason to think of meditation as something out of the ordinary.  Quite the opposite. Meditation is the purest and most natural expression we can have.  When you next look at a cat or a dog sitting still, and admire the naturalness of their actions, think of your own life.  Don't meditate because it is part of your schedule or is demanded by your particular philosophy.  Meditate because this is natural.

~ from 365 Tao Daily Meditations by Deng Ming-Dao

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Mind Body Spirit Odyssey Book Review - Calm Focus Joy: The Power of Breath Awareness

Calm Focus Joy: The Power of Breath Awareness
by Heidi Thompson
Coldstream Books

One of the hardest things for many people to do is to bring themselves to a place of 'calm'.  To be able to focus on what they are doing.  In her new book Calm Focus Joy: The Power of Breath Awareness, author Heidi Thompson outlines a program that she has designed to teach children how to use breath awareness as a technique to help transform themselves into a more calm, focused, happy person.

Thompson's Mind Mastery Program developed out of years of working with children as a public education innovator in Canada, combined her 28 years of experience studying and teaching meditation techniques.  In the book she outlines and explains ten breath awareness lessons that act as a "concentration strengthening exercises" that help develop mental facilities including memory, attention, perception, intuition, and intellect.  As she explains breath awareness  promotes brain development, physical health, and provides immediate and long-term relief from unhappy physiological, emotional, and psychological states.  Thompson also points out that breath awareness is fundamental to just about every stress-reduction therapy and method, and it's value has been proven over and over by scientific research.

I wanted to review this book after I read it because I felt that it is a very important, worthwhile book not only for parents of children who need to learn to focus and de-stress, but also for anyone who teaches or is in the helping professions.  Unlike many books about various programs and methods, Calm Focus Joy was written in such a genuine and positive manner, it was a true pleasure to read.

I found the factual information Thompson presents in Calm Focus Joy to be very interesting and she delivers it in a very non evasive, casual way. There are also several things in this book that sets it apart from other self help books that lay out various programs and methods.  For example, I really liked the Teacher's Tips that Thompson included at the end of every step.  Teacher's tips themselves are nothing new, but I enjoyed and appreciated Thompson's fresh and honest approach.  I also found it wise that she included a short story within each step that could be read to the student to further illustrate the step's core essence.  The approach Thompson used to provide basic information about child development and special needs issues is also woven throughout the book in a very low key, understandable way.

All that said, what really struck me about Calm Focus Joy is that it goes one step further.  As part of it's curricula Thompson's program encourages and teaches children to grow into wholesome human beings.  Teaching kids basic core qualities such as 'I promise to Refrain from Hurtful Speech' and "I Promise to Speak Truthfully and to Act Honestly", build a strong basic foundation within an individual child from which awareness, growth, clarity and calm can then take root and grow.  These basic principals of wholesomeness no doubt stem from Thompson's own years of Buddhist practice. They are very worthwhile principals to live by and are needed by not only children growing up in today's world, but adults too. 

Anyone who works with children in any capacity or has children of their own would benefit from reading this book.  Calm Focus Joy: The Power of Breath Awareness is available through Amazon.


~ diane fergurson

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Meditating Through Noise

I was beginning my meditation session the other day when the crane that was working down the street started up it's engine.  I chucked to myself and thought - well, that figures.  I didn't dwell on the noise though, and aside from that one quick thought the sound quickly faded away.  I drifted into my meditative state not bothered or interrupted by the crane or anything else around me.

When my meditation ended I found myself once again thinking about the noise from the crane.  It made me reflect back to some of the classes I have taken over the years and the varied approaches different teachers would take whenever some sound, noise or vibration would filter through the walls during our periods of meditation.

I had one teacher who would always hastily apologize to the class at the end of the session for any disturbance.  And there were always several students who would stand in front of her nodding right along, as if they really needed to hear her say those words.

Another teacher I had would not say anything if an unwanted noise made it's way into our class.  But if a student would mention the noise she would just shrug it off and answer - We don't live on top of a mountain in Tibet, do we?  It is what it is.

Then I had another class a few years ago where the students would never, ever mention anything about an unwanted noise...except one time.  I remember it so well.  The student was new and our teacher 'answered' by just standing there - with the sweetest most benevolent smile on his face that I have ever seen.  He didn't say a word.

Why did he do that?  Well, no we don't live on top of a mountain.  Our lives are and never will be completely serene.  Sure, going into meditation, among other things, will help us be able to get into a more calm receptive state - but it, as with everything else in life, is fluid.  Not perfect.  The conditions are not always as we may want it to be.  So you deal with it because meditation time is just another facet of life.  Smiling does help though ~

enjoy your day
:)


 ~ diane fergurson

'Flower Mandala, Lavender Pink Peony - Love is Within' courtesy of Karen Casey-Smith.

Prints are available in her shop on Etsy.

         

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Our Higher Self

Emissary of Light-Water Lily in Field of Stars

Many times when we read material having to do with our spirituality, esoteric thought or intuition; we run across a phrase which refers to "our higher self".  I've noticed, however, that people do not always have a clear definition in mind of what that term really means.  I came across a very well written explanation recently in a book called "The Element Encyclopedia of the Psychic World" by Theresa Cheung.  I thought I would share it with you.  The stunning Water Lily photo is courtesy of photographer Karen Casey Smith and is available through her shop on Etsy.

~ diane fergurson

" The term 'higher self' or 'higher consciousness' refers to the concept that each of us has a part of ourselves that is thought to act as a bridge between the spiritual and mental and physical dimensions of our awareness.  Simply put, there is a part of us that is a reservoir of higher wisdom that can help guide us through our lives.  This part of us is better able to see the bigger picture of the daily dramas we get tangled up in and can help bring us perspective.  Acting with the guidance of our higher self can lead us in the direction of our greatest fulfillment."


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Reflections at Midsummer

Here in Vermont summer comes on rather suddenly, almost without introduction. Only two days ago we had to turn the heat back on in the house and there was an overnight frost warning. At least we didn’t have snow! I think this sense of suddenness is due to the fact that spring is such a tenuous season for us… we suddenly notice a swath of bright fresh green across mountains, and the appearance of flowers, while at the same time keeping our sweaters within reach and our winter blankets out. During the early days of summer we alternate between 80 degree days and 50 degree days, sometimes not feeling the warmth of a day until well into the afternoon. At what is known as “midsummer” we have just realized that yes, warmth and sunshine have returned to our lovely state. Even though winter has its beauty, it does tend to get long up here, and we are all grateful for the return of summer.


It seems fitting then, to actually celebrate such a time as this, not just for the outward abundance of life that is all around us, but also to reflect on where we’ve been during the first half of the year. It is of benefit to recognize not just the blossoming that is everywhere, but the progress and growth we have made in our individual lives. 


In ancient China people saw summer as the most yang time of year, for its elements of heat, light, and dryness. At the time of the Summer Solstice, yang energy was at its peak and then diminished until the Winter Solstice. Yin was born at the Summer Solstice, and reached its peak at the Winter Solstice. This portrays a sense of balance that we can see clearly when thinking in terms of light and dark halves of the year, and this sense of balance was an important element in celebration.
The birth of yin was celebrated around the time of the Summer Solstice, and thus, it was a time for people to honor the feminine – yin is generally associated with the feminine, dark, and the earth. Many worshipped the goddess Li, and outside the walls of the Forbidden City the emperor led ceremonies at the Altar of the Earth.


How might we create a sense of balance for ourselves, or honor the feminine, at this time when yang is peaking? Yang is a very outward, external energy… We can honor the yin by going within in introspection. The yang of summer is very hot and fiery – we can counter it by doing things that bring coolness, perhaps taking a dip in a lake or simply standing in the water at the edge of the ocean. In China this is also a time of choosing to eat healthy and light – noodles become more popular than dumplings and actually sell out during the Xiazhi festival, celebrated during the Summer Solstice. 


I live near a beautiful little waterfall, accessible by a wooded path along a river. If the weather here is hot and sunny, I think the Solstice would be a perfect time to walk down to the falls – perhaps with a picnic of cold noodles and fresh juice, sit quietly in meditation, and then slide into the cool, yin waters of the pool beneath the falls. I hope that wherever you are, you too get a chance to honor the feminine, and find balance within yourself and the world around you, celebrating the natural rhythm of time’s passing and nature’s progress.
                                                                                          

~ Nellie Levine 

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Mind Body Spirit Odyssey 2010 Holiday Gift Picks

We have had a lot of fun putting together this Holiday Gift Guide.  Probably one of the biggest highlights of doing our daily product feature for the Mind Body Spirit Marketplace Facebook Page is getting to see all of the wonderful items available online that have been created to educate, nourish and heal the soul.  Nellie and I are happy to be able to share a selection of our favorites with you this Holiday Season.  Some of these items are traditionally manufactured and sold. Others are handcrafted and available from independent shop owners.  Some items are new, others have been on the market for a while.  In addition, at the end, we have also included a list of links to those people who have contributed so generously to our blog over the past year.
Lots to look at and enjoy!  I'm sure you'll fine something for everyone on your list...and even yourself!


  ~ diane fergurson

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 Nellie's Gift Picks

1. Sophia Elemental Figurative Art Doll
at It's Elemental on Etsy

Sophia, Wisdom, Mother of All... her power and beauty are celebrated in this one of a kind and completely handcrafted art doll by Vermont artist Colleen McLaughlin. A stunning and special gift for Hanukkah, Yule, or Christmas. I'm starting my list with Sophia - she represents our seeking, our highest truths and spiritual gifts, and she (the doll!) also represents something I believe in on a more mundane level - supporting artists and artisans directly, while gifting others with items that are truly unique.




2. The Gospel of Mary Magdalene
by Jean-Yves Leloup

When I first read this book, I was stunned. Since I was young I have been fascinated by ancient Christian mysticism and the Gnostic gospels. My spiritual path has taken me far and wide, but I continue to feel drawn to these works and traditions. The Coptic Gospel of Mary Magdalene was discovered fifty years before the Gnostic gospels found in Nag Hammadi, Egypt and is considered a source text. Not only does this text, combined with Leloup's commentary, tell us more about Mary Magdalene and the role of the divine feminine, it (possibly more importantly) provides us a somewhat surprising view and understanding of early Christian thought. I found it akin to Buddhist and Taoist teachings in many ways, its wisdom inspiring and illuminating.


3. Sun and Moon Tarot
by Vanessa Decort

With all the hundreds of tarot decks available, and with all the new ones that were published this year, I have to admit it was easy to choose Sun and Moon for this Gift Guide. The artwork is beautiful, inspiring, and accessible, with an unmistakably positive energy; the symbolism is striking - adeptly inserted into the imagery and based on real scholarship and study; great "little white booklet" that provides insightful instruction and accurate interpretation - helpful to both inexperienced and seasoned enthusiasts; and of course, the high quality of US Games. This deck would be a great gift for anyone interested in tarot or divination, who especially love diversity and cross-cultural spiritual seeking. Tarot decks make a great gift, often being kept and treasured forever. I have the very first deck I was ever given, by my dad's close friend - it no longer has its box, but it is kept safely with my other favorite decks.



4. Fairies by Night, Sling Purse
at Baba Studio

Like everything created by Baba Studio, this little bag is beautiful. It is exquisitely crafted in pure silk, featuring a lovely scene of fairies based on an illustration by Arthur Rackham. These sling bags are the perfect size, especially if you are like me and aren't crazy about carrying purses. I have found them to be large enough to fit a wallet, cell phone, keys, pen, lipstick, notepad, and small camera (now you know all my essentials!) in two lightly padded and zippered pockets. The winter holidays are such a magical time, and Fairies fit the season perfectly. Please visit the shop and take a look around though, these bags are offered in many different designs from Alice in Wonderland to Gothic to Tarot, and there are other styles of bag as well, from small pouches to large bucket, messenger, and laptop bags. Anything from Baba would make a wonderful, magical gift.




5. French Lilac Soap
at SylvieL on Etsy

Every May we are blessed here in Vermont with the gorgeous, irresistible scent of lilacs, in farmhouse gardens and along country roads. There’s nothing like it and it truly symbolizes the end of the colder months of the year and the beginning of spring. Sylvie, through some magic known only to her, captures this beautiful scent in her luxurious, natural, handmade soaps. Wondering if the scent lasts? I can say from experience that the scent lingers subtly through the day, and the bar itself and the freshness of its fragrance, last remarkably well for months. Sylvie's soaps are packaged beautifully for gift-giving.

 6. Turquoise Floral Cuff Bracelet
at Tea House Designs at Cargoh

This bracelet is gorgeous, in bold turquoise with a contrasting black cherry blossom design. I just love this shop... Asian inspired jewelry, handcrafted in smooth, cool polymer. These are unique, beautiful, very wearable pieces. They are also incredibly affordable.

7. Therapeutic Music of the Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine
at Wind Music

My husband and I discovered this beautiful series over the summer, and I'm happy to recommend it, as I believe it encourages optimal health - physical and spiritual, throughout each of the seasons. It is also simply a joy to listen to. From the website, "According to ancient Chinese medical theory， there are two causes for diseases. The first is internal， which is brought about by an imbalance in a person`s psycho mental state. The second is external， which comes as a result from changing atmospheric and climatic conditions. This six volume set of music developed in mainland China is based on these principles of health preservation. Volumes 1 through 4 are designed to counter external causes of illness by strengthening the bodies` natural defenses against particular conditions found in each of the four seasons. Volumes 5 and 6 are designed to counter internal causes of illness by regulating psycho mental activity， and thus bringing the body and mind into a state of equilibrium and harmony."




8. Tibetan Art Wall Calendar
at Snow Lion Publications

These are fabulous calendars, the artwork deep and breath-taking and the quality suitable for framing (and indeed we have framed them in our house). I started shopping at Snow Lion years and years ago, having been a reader of their terrific magazine and catalog (I would spend hours looking through it). So many of us give at least one calendar as a gift every year; this one is also a gift of art and a gift of spirit. There's a wonderful variety of gift ideas on the Snow Lion website - books, ritual items, statues, incense, jewelry, meditation cushions, prayer flags, and more.





9. Tibet Through the Red Box
by Peter Sis

When I first opened this book, which was received as a gift, I didn't know if it was meant for children or adults. It holds allure for both. Its brittle parchment jacket is reminiscent of ancient secret manuscripts; and beneath, it coyly reveals a colorful drawing of the forbidden city of Lhasa, true home of the Dalai Lama. This first impression of the book makes it quite special – as what is inside is neatly hinted at, with invitation to enter. It is most literally an adventure book of Tibet, but as well, it is a fairy tale. Suitable for children ten and up, enjoyed by anyone with a love of Tibetan culture.





10. Old Turtle
by Douglas Wood and Cheng-Khee Chee

Old Turtle was one of my daughter’s favorite books as a young child – and as her mother, it was one of my favorites for her. It is a beautiful and powerful book that is just so easy for a child to understand and appreciate. For children and adults alike, it can teach important truths, about God, diversity, caring for and listening to the Earth, and tolerance. Although the book was first published years ago, the story is timeless. If you haven't yet given this book to a child in your life, it just might be time to do so!

11. The Druid Plant Oracle, Working with the magical flora of the Druid tradition
by Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm, illustrated by Will Worthington

The Druid Plant Oracle is a deck and book set by the same authors and artist of the Druid Animal Oracle, one of my favorite oracles that I received as a Christmas gift years ago. In the Druid Plant Oracle, Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm explore the significance of thirty-six plants used and honored in the Druid tradition. This is an engaging set, inspiring us to work more closely with the trees, herbs, flowers and fungi that surround us, and to learn from their gentle wisdom. A lovely gift not just for Druids and pagans, but for lovers of nature and green growing things as well.




12. Aches Away Plus Herbal Massage Oil
at Healing Earth Vermont Herbals

Perfect as a stocking stuffer, especially when given with the promise of a massage! When I was experiencing sciatica this year, Healing Earth’s Aches Away massage oil provided gentle soothing. It’s a lovely, effective blend with a subtle, pleasant scent. I was lucky to have this product available locally - I seriously went through at least four bottles, but it’s also available online for all to enjoy. Please visit the Healing Earth shop for more - they offer a nice selection of oils, salves, creams, and balms.


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Diane's Gift Picks 

1.  Liquid Mind III, Balance CD

This CD has the honored status of being the only piece of music that I have ever inquired about after a class.  Perfect for meditation,  qigong, yoga or Tai Chi practice.  Or if you just need to relax.








2.  Llewellyn's 2011 Herbal Almanac

If you are not familiar with Llewellyn's yearly Almanac publications, you really should take a look. Chocked-full of educational information presented in a friendly and enjoyable manner, the Herbal Almanac features articles from a variety of authors on herbal and botanical related subjects.  For those people interested in gardening, herbs, cooking, herbal remedies, essential oils, or aromatherapy...this is a perfect and affordable gift.  I look forward to my copy of The Herbal Almanac every year.

 3.  Abby Horowitz Designs on Etsy

The thing that sets Abby Horowitz apart from other jewelry artisans, aside from her amazing sense of design, is the individual care, thought and attention to the healing properties of the stones that go into making her one-of-a-kind pieces.
Earlier this year I had to attend an event where I knew there would probably be a lot of negative energy thrown around.  I purchased one of Abby's turquoise bracelets to wear (turquoise will absorb negative energy), never took it off...and sailed through the event on a cloud.  When I talked to Abby about it later her reaction was "Glad I could help you with  your Metaphysical needs"!  Me too Abby!

4.  Golden Book of Reconstructed Letters by George Llewellyn


I found this through an obscure reference in an article about Esoteric Astrology.  The original copyright of this book is 1941.   At the time it had been published Reconstructed Letters was given as a free supplement to new subscribers of a magazine called "The Astrological Bulletina".  It is currently available re-published as part of Kessinger Publishing's Rare Reprints.  I find Reconstructed Letters unusual not only because it is so old and re-printed in it's original form, but also because of it's content.  When I finished reading it I felt that all the basic seeds of Spiritual, Religious and Esoteric knowledge had been planted within these pages.  It is most definitely a forerunner to current, modern day "New Age" and Spiritual publications. This book is a must for anyone interested in spirituality, religion and astrology.

5.  Alli Pacha Shamanic Healing Arts
     on Etsy
This was probably one of my best online shop finds this year.  Alli Pacha has had over 1,300 sales in his Etsy shop.  He carries a huge selection crystals, minerals, smudges, pendulums, medicine bags and much, much more.  I ordered some candles along with the smoky citrine, pictured on the left, and was very pleased with my purchase.   Alli Pacha's Shop is also contains a wealth of educational information about the items he carries.  Good resource.

6. Convoluted Universe Book I by Delores Cannon

Oh gee...where do I even start with Delores Cannon?
I discovered her books this year and felt like I had taken a giant leap forward in my Universal perspective of.... well, "everything"!
Convoluted Universe Book I is the first in a series of 3 Volumes, the 4th is on the way.  Don't even bother to even open this book unless you have at least 2 or 3 hours available.  You won't be able to put it down.  (This has happened to everyone I have recommended the book to).  Delores Cannon began her work as a reporter, international investigator and researcher of "lost knowledge"  in the 1970's accidentally through her work as a regressive therapist.  By taking her patients into the somnambulist trance state (the deepest possible trance state), Delores was able to tap into much more then just a simple past life reading.  In this book, Delores explores such mysteries as the knowledge and destruction of Atlantis, Easter Island, Ark of the Covenant, the Pyramids, Loch Ness Monster, Nazca Lines, Parallel Universes and more.
Whether you believe what you read in this book or not... it's without a doubt the most interesting mind candy I've had in years!  Pick up a copy.

7.  PattyMara's Sacred Heart Cafe on Zibbet

It is a combination of several qualities that set PattyMara Gourly apart from other artists.   Her superb command of her craft, attention to detail, material choices, and a exuberant creative spirit that seems to burst out of just about everything she makes.  Whether she's silk painting, creating items to celebrate Day of the Dead or making her fabulous pottery (which is in huge demand),  PattyMara Gourley has the magic touch!  You can read about my adventure with the Buddha Teapot we purchased from her on a blog post we ran earlier this year. Check out PattyMara's shop on Zibbet to find a wide range of beautiful gift items.

8.  Atmara Rebecca Cloe's New World Creations

The Mandala and Fractal imagery by artist Atmara Rebecca Cloe touched me the moment I laid eyes on her work.  If you visit  New World Creations, 
you will find numerous links to her wonderful artwork and designs.  I have been more then pleased with the items I have ordered of her work through  Zazzle.  Her 2011 Calendar, pictured on the right, is just stunning.







 9.  Dream Weaver Tea Shop on Etsy

I was so happy when I found this wonderful Tea Shop on Etsy...and even "happier" when I received my order and tried these tastey teas for myself!  Dream Weaver offers a nice variety of hand blended Black, Green, Chai, herbal Teas and herbs at a great price.  Each package makes around 14 to 16 cups of tea.  They have a money back guarantee, but with over 440 sales on Etsy they must be doing something right.  A great gift or stocking stuffer for the tea drinker on your Holiday list!





10.  Satya Jewelry

I've been a fan of Satya Jewelry for a number of years, and I'm always surprised at the number of people who are not familiar with them.  Spiritual, quality jewelry at an affordable price, this New York based company has their products available online, in their own stores and also in many gift shops  and boutiques throughout the country.  Satya participates in a number of various Charity related activities too.  Their most recently campaign was in conjunction with Haiti Relief featuring Patricia Arquette.  Check them out...  One of my favorites!

11.  Didgeridoo and Tibetan Singing Bowls Deep Meditation CD

This is a deep meditation CD that manages to perfectly balance the energy of the Earth (the Didgeridoo) to the energetic connections of the Heavens (Singing Bowls)...all brought to center/presence with the very subtle, quiet sounding of the gong.  I was so happy to find this CD.  My son plays the Didgeridoo, which I miss hearing...and my dear, Teacher always ended his sessions by playing the Singing Bowls during our final meditation.  Two polar opposite complimentary sounds perfect for meditation.

12. Handcrafted Meditation Benches and Shrines by Ken Cayer on Artfire.

Every once in a while I come across a seller that makes me sit back in awe.  That was my reaction when I saw these extraordinary, handcrafted wooden meditation benches and alters by Ken Cayer, The Yankee Woodsmith.  This is high end woodcraft at it's best.  If you meditate, practice Yoga or qigong or are looking for the perfect gift for someone who does...visit this shop!

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Links to our Blog Contributors

Indira Govindan -writing
http://www.dharmakarmaarts.etsy.com

From Indira:
Mudras:  Gestures of a Different Kind
Many Faces of Genesha

Karley Ziegler Mott- writing
http://www.chicandgreendaily.com/

You may enjoy reading Karleyarticle:
Oils:  Cold Relief
Essential Oils and Skin Care:  Bugs




 

Giani -writing
http://www.GalleriaDiGiani.etsy.com


Giani's Tarot Review:
Ancestral Path Tarot Deck 
Tarot Review:  The Vampires of the Eternal Night

Christina Dudley- writing
http://www.capricornsoapcompany.com

Reviewed by Christina:
Black Elk Speaks
The Return of the Children of the Light: Incan and Mayan Prophecies for a New World

Miriam Moran Shankman - writing
http://www.mir-yam.com

From Miriam:
Slow Down, We Move Too Fast:  A Prelude to the Holiday Season 

Manny Ln -writing
http://www.mannybeads.etsy.com

From Manny:   Cairn Building

Karen Casey Smith - Art and Writing
http://www.etsy.com/shop/karencaseysmith


by Karen:  Wu Chi

 Pattymara Gourley - Art and Writing
http://www.etsy.com/shop/pattymara

From the pen of PattyMara:
Day of the Dead (El Dia de los Muertos)
Namaste:  An Explanation of a Very Old Greeting

Grace- writing
www.GraceHandmadeJewelry.etsy.com

by Grace:
Do You Live Near a Real Witch?  I do...






Laura Milnor Iverson -art
http://www.etsy.com/shop/laurali

Laura's Artwork is Featured in:
Autumn Blessings and Balance

Jude McConkey -photography
http://www.etsy.com/shop/judemcconkey

Featuring Jude's Photography:
How Are You Feeling?  Positive and Negative Ions

An Interview with Healer Darren Orr

Bodhichitta8@hotmail.com

Emily Balivet -art
http://www.emilybalivet.com/


Emily's artwork is featured in:
Beltane Blessings

Judit M. Designs -writing
www.juditmdesigns.com

From Judit:  Celebrating June

Julie Magers Soulen - Photography
http://www.etsy.com/shop/juliemagerssoulen


Julie's Photography is featured in:
My Path, Your Path - Many Roads lead to Oz







An Interview with author Abigail Carter:

The Alchemy of Loss:  A Young Widow's Transformation

An Interview with Jovita Wallace
 The Magic of Color Vibration

An Interview with Joanne Kornelje
Qigong

Black Star Jewelry
http://www.blackstar.etsy.com

From Black Star Jewelry:
Earth Day


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For Others

The Sukriti Social Foundation
Helping the Disabled in India






2011 Charity Cat Calendar by artist Andy Mathis

Available on Artfire and Etsy...100% of the proceeds go to pet related Charities

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Be safe and enjoy your Holiday Season ~

Nellie Levine, editor and writing
http://northernskystudio.com
http://blackrabbitjewelry.com

Some Selections from Nellie's Pen
Among the Bones ~ A Season for Ancestor Reverence
An Introduction to Tarot 
Lughnasadh Blessings

Diane Fergurson, editor, writing and artwork
http://www.dianefergurson.etsy.com
http://www.dianefergurson.artfire.com
http://www.dianefergurson.com


Some Selections from Diane:
Mercury Goes Retrograde
Do Unto Others...
What Motivates an Artist?






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