This is my article is published in A Beautiful Life Magazine Pg 34 & 35.
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Great sages, spiritual wisdom teachers and many ancient teachings all tell us to Follow Our Hearts. This “cry” has been heard for millennia, and yet in various stages of our lives many of us found it prudent and necessary to nurture the heart and follow the mind. For example, many family “bread winners” have had to overlook the whispering of the heart in order to bring home the bacon, while working in companies where heart is shunned and the mind rules.
It was a great day when I took the Bronze parachute offered me and fixed my compass to steer me through the uncharted waters of a new life and career guided only by my heart’s longing to be of service. In the All Girls High School I attended I was in Brescia House – our colour was Red – Root Chakra. Our House Motto was SERVIAM which is Latin for I Serve, and so with the many Holistic Courses I had been taking over the years for “personal growth” turned out to be my unconscious preparation for a major transition from Mind to Heart Centered work.
Many women share how unhappy they are in the corporate world of “dog-eat- dog” mentality and would like to get the confidence to leave and branch out on their own with a creative endeavour they have set their hearts on. I always tell them, ‘when the time is right you will know, or like myself something will happen to give you a push and the confidence to finally take that leap of faith’.
Here are some important life lessons I learned along life’s highway as an entrepreneur and have had the privilege of sharing with many of my clients and friends. Some you may already know and practice, however repetition is known to be the best teacher in life.
Many Blessing
To your success.
Namaste
Sharon
Happy Fall everyone. Enjoy the beauty that is all around us at this time as we enter a period of new Change. It has been awhile since I communicated with you via my monthly Blogs. In March, Change (here I am in this Blog personifying change) came into my life while on vacation in Arizona resulting in a shatter/broken right ankle. Change had some big plans for me as I went from month to month with a slow recovery not realizing at the time that I would end up mastering the art of Patience and finding tremendous Balance in my life.
As I lay waiting to be brought home for surgery, I called/texted severing all links with any business commitments that demanded my time and attention, anything that would distract me from the healing process that lay ahead. I realized Change was with me to stay. I felt that I would be laid up for 3 months. Little did I know that six months to a year was more realistic for healing my ankle injury. I had no idea what I was about to experience, however I was mentally and emotionally ready and I knew I was about to embark on a journey directed by Change. I felt as if an adventure was about to begin. I had no negative emotions whatever regarding my condition and I felt as if unseen forces were supporting me.
Three days after my accident I was on a stretcher flying home flat on my back in the most fabulous private plane, a White Lear Jet. I was told this was the plane of choice for the rich and the famous. Coming home, I was accompanied by 2 medical personnel and the Jet was piloted by a former Air Force female Captain along with her male co-pilot. We were flying 4,000 feet above commercial flights and arrived in Toronto at 6 a.m. It was valet service all the way. We parked in a special hanger at the airport where an ambulance and 2 attendants along with my personal medical team took me straight to my hospital for surgery. All this thanks to my travel insurance. Do not leave home without it folks!
Having a shattered right ankle with plates and screws does not allow one to carry on their normal day to day life. In fact the change from very active to inactive was huge. I was used to fill every hour of every day with “Do-ing”. Here I was now just Be-ing and I must admit, enjoying it! For 3 months my waking and sleeping position was flat on my back with my right leg/foot in a cast elevated 24/7 and having to depend on someone else for my daily needs. All my life if I needed something done I would do it myself rather than ask someone else and also I disliked injections. Well, my friend Change, changed all that because I had to learn to give myself daily injections to prevent blood clots and rely on others for my every need. That was a major Change!
This Change came at a time when I felt I was at the pinnacle of my life. Change made me look within and the answers were profound. Here are some:
“Heart is truth and head is doubt!”
Anatole France said “All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another.” What I thought would have been so hard to let go of, was done for me with a broken ankle. That is why I love Change and welcome it into my life. It is not always joyful, however it always leaves a precious gift.
Seasons change! We never hear of summer refusing to change, not allowing autumn to show off her glorious colours. As humans we too must look forward to change with a positive outlook knowing that Change is there to show us what we can become. Change steers us towards the bigger picture, thus helping us to reach our potential. I would love to hear how positive change changed your life.
Be well,
Namaste
Sharon
Reflexology is a hands-on treatment whereby a trained individual known as a reflexologist using controlled pressure with their thumbs massages the reflexes on each foot during the treatment. This is a drug free treatment that has many benefits including relaxing and de-stressing the recipient on many levels.
So what is Reflexology? If the text books and ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs are to be believed, reflexology was the “spa” treatment of the ancient royals. That is proof of how reflexology was practiced by ancient cultures a long time ago. Somewhere I read that reflexology was a prelude to acupuncture in ancient China. Whether that is true of not I cannot say, however I do know reflexology is a form of acupressure. Why? Because of the pressure applied to the feet during a treatment.
It surprises me when someone asks with a perplexed look “what is Reflexology?” I have had a few individuals look really puzzled when I tell them I am a trained Reflexologist and give a brief explanation of the benefits one derives from a treatment. Recently, I had someone looked me straight in the eye and retorted, ‘who would want to work on people’s feet!’ After that encounter I decided it may help to share the origins and positive attributes of this wonderful relaxing ancient art that is widely used in Clinics and hospitals in Europe and which is catching on in North America.
A reflexology session is known to elicit complete relaxation and can de-stress the most anxious or stressed individual. “Working on the sole, calms the soul.” This wonderful ancient art has many positive effects on the nervous system and I am told it is one of the treatments of choice at Mount Sanai hospital used in their Breast Cancer recovery program. Hat’s off to their progressive approach to healing. Having volunteered at a Hospice many years ago offering Reflexology treatments, I experienced first-hand how reflexology helped each individual.
The oldest reflexology text book I know of was written by Maybelle Segal, R.N. R.D., Naturopathic Doctor (sometime in the ‘40’s). She practiced this ancient art on her clients/patients and went on to share her knowledge in a simple hand book called Reflexology in which she also shared the positive benefits of this drug free therapy. Some of which are:
Relieves migraines – Relieves Stress and promotes Relaxation – Relieves Menstrual Cramps
Helps with Post Surgery healing – Relieves sinus congestion – improves circulation for diabetics
Our feet mirror the state of our body and for every organ, gland, limb and body part there is a corresponding reflex on the bottom of the feet. (See chart below). Sometimes, when someone is having a treatment and pressure is applied to a certain area of the feet, the individual may feel the response in the area of the body corresponding to the reflex that is being worked on. That is validation that reflexology works on all levels of the body.
It is important to note that Reflexologist cannot diagnose, prescribe or treat for specific conditions. Reflexologist treat the body as a whole , working the entire areas on both feet and not one specific area. Clients are made to understand that reflexology is a complementary treatment and should see their physician for any concerns they may have regarding their health. To find a Reflexologist in your area, you may want to check out a holistic magazine such as Alive or simply go online.
I welcome your questions and especially your comments if you have had a reflexology treatment.
Namaste
Sharon
This theme has been floating around in my mind for quite some time now and I was very resistant to write a Blog about it. Why? I really have no answer, so “why not”! Here it is. Many of you may relate to this. Once given a “message” to do something, it does not leave until you follow through with it. I got a big push to write this. The universe went so far as to put in my line of vision all sorts of articles on forgiveness, they were jumping out at me for weeks, so dear readers, here goes my take on what I know and what I have learned over the years about The Power of Forgiveness.
Forgiveness. It is the greatest gift you can give yourself. Honestly! Try it!
When you rid yourself of blaming or resenting another for something they may have done or said to you it is similar to a bag of cement falling from your shoulders. Just imagine living, walking, working, sleeping, carrying that heavy load day after day. Once the load is gone, you lose pounds – literally. You look lighter and you feel lighter. Your family and friends will notice the difference and you will feel so much happier.
Apologizing – another form of forgiveness. If you’ve offended someone – apologize. Do not drag around resentment with you like a ball and chain. It only serves to make you sad and bitter. It will ultimately show in your facial expression and rob you of joy. It doesn’t matter who was right. Someone once said: “Holding a grudge is like taking poison and expecting the other person to die.” Don’t take that poison. Forgive, apologize, forget and move on with your life. You are worth it!
Many are of the opinion that forgiveness releases the person who hurt them from blame, thereby allowing that person to believe that everything is “okay,” and “all is forgiven and forgotten.” Not at all! You have forgiven. That does not mean you have forgotten the hurt you experienced. By forgiving, you give yourself “that wonderful gift of peace and harmony.” Also you released the negative energy surrounding the episode that caused you hurt.
Here is something very profound I found in an article that makes so much sense: Scientists, physicians, and psychologists who have researched the relationship between stress and illness have concluded that the ability or inability to forgive affects the outcome of serious illness. People who have a forgiving nature increase their chances of recovery.
I have heard many people say to me, “I will never forgive or forget” when something happens that makes them sad or angry. It makes me sad for them, because I sense the bitterness they are holding on to in their lives. One cannot be at peace while negative energy is choking out the love that wants to reside there.
The only advice I can share in a case like that is “Forgive. You need not forget! Love yourself and know that every moment you spend upset, anguished, angry or hurt because of someone else’s behaviour, is a moment in which you have chosen to give up control of your life. You are special! Reclaim your power. There is no one like you and there never will be”.
Live, Love and Laugh. I would love to hear your thoughts on forgiveness.
May you always walk gently in sandals of love.
Namaste,
Sharon
![]() In my case, fall is when my creative juices start to flow. I feel revitalized and renewed. I spent a great deal of my summer communing with nature and mother earth in my personal Garden Sanctuary. In a matter of weeks my beautiful flower garden and rich bountiful kitchen garden will be no more. My personal outdoor sanctuary that connects me to all of life, nature and new growth will be a patch of plain earth ready for the winter snow. However, the cycle of nature is so powerful it allows one to enjoy the gifts of each season while luxuriating in memories of the one just past. I go forth into fall treasuring the hours I spent communing with nature, planting, reaping, tilling the earth and feeling connected as I watched vegetables and vines grow, blossom and bloom. I continue to feel profound Gratitude for all the abundance nature gave me. In the Peace and Stillness of nature I watched new growth appear daily, and the butterflies and bees Enjoy the nectar from the flowers. I knew they too were enjoying my garden. My heirloom tomato trees and vines became burdened with fruit and the beans and To your New Beginnings, Namaste Sharon |
UPCOMING EVENTS
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Dreams are powerful! Dreams are inspired pictures of a new future waiting for each of us. The bigger the Dream – the more powerful the urge to work towards that Dream. A dream starts out like a tiny seed in the mind and that seed once it is planted needs to be nurtured in order for it to grow and bloom. When we ignore our dream(s) they often die and a little piece of us dies with it. I feel that our Creator, Universe, Source Energy, Infinite Mind (whatever you can relate to) will never plant a Dream Seed in your mind without giving you every opportunity and resource needed to accomplish that DREAM. When you have a dream, pay attention to it! Nurture it! Be assured your dream will one day become an important part of your reality. I love the following quote:
Not so long ago I had the honour of giving the Keynote address to a group of mature students who had big dreams and as mature students/learners they all saw their dreams become their reality. Their hard work and persistence paid off. They all believed in themselves and followed their Dreams.
Anyone who has been around me for a long time know how passionate I am about Dreams. When it comes to manifesting, visioning and picturing/planning ones future, I feel it is imperative to set Big Goals for your Dreams. Why? Read on.
Dreams are persistent! They don’t go away easily. I call my dreams “God Whispering” or “The Universe knocking” and often refer to them in workshops as “Infinite Intelligence calling”. Whatever power you relate to, it is important to know that each one of us is being supported towards attaining our dreams and goals. Dreams come to make us grow and become more than we ever thought possible.
Infinite intelligence makes sure that everyone has dreams and goals. However, not everyone pays attention to the Whispering, the Knocking and the Calling when they have a dream! Quite often, life interrupts and people bury their dreams. There is nothing sadder than a garden of buried forgotten dreams and goals. From my personal experience, when you follow your dream, unseen forces will conspire to assist you in accomplishing them.
There is a famous saying that goes “CONCEIVE – BELIEVE – ACHIEVE!
CONCEIVE – Is the mental VISION of your dream. Hold it close to your heart. Focus on your vision and “visit” it daily.
BELIEVE – In your dream. Believe you are deserving of having it. Most of all BELIEVE you have already gotten it!
ACHIEVE – You may have to take the necessary Action Steps needed to Achieving your dreams and goals. James L. Allen says it beautifully: “The key to happiness is having dreams; the key to success is making them come true.”
Below are some action steps you can take to making your dreams come true:
Do share the dreams that you have accomplished and how it has changed your life. I would love to hear your story.
Until next time, Dream Big and Be Bold!
Namaste,
Sharon
To gather in Circle is a sacred event when all minds are focused as one.
King Arthur’s Knights of the Round Table come to mind as well as more modern Circles that are changing the world where the power of Women gather to lend their support for World Peace, World Hunger and other challenges the world faces in today’s ever changing and evolving societies. (see The Millionth Circle and Gather the Women, Save the World by Jean Shinoda Bolen, MD.) Dr. Bolen spoke how the women are joined by some very supportive and powerful men who bring their energies to support the work of the women in Circle. There are numerous reasons why coming together in Circle is so very powerful. A circle has no beginning and no end and is often referred to as a symbol of unity and perfection and even protection.
In nature we see the Circle repeated time and time again in wonderful examples of nature’s awesome gifts. How often do we think of a Full Moon shining in the heavens as a Circle in all its perfection? Indeed! We experience each month not only a perfect Full Moon, we also experience a beautiful New Moon that brings the waters of the oceans and tides to its fullness. It is another perfect circle and one that supports farmers, gardeners, and plant life as this is the best time to plant our kitchen gardens and watch our seeds produce an abundant harvest. It is during the time of the New Moon I love to offer Circle so all who wish to “plant their mental seeds” for their future can feel protected and supported knowing their “mental seeds” will take root and grow and manifest into their lives, energized by the Circle. In Circle to express Gratitude for everything already received is very powerful.
The Circle is respected as an archetype of wholeness and integration, with the center understood to symbolize Spirit – The Source. This is the beauty of Circle and today more than ever the women of the world are being called to gather in Circle to support each other and to share their wisdom with each member of Circle. Circle is also referred to as the Eternal Ring. No doubt the wedding band exchanged in the wedding ceremony when two people pledge to support and love each other got its name from the Circle, the Eternal Ring now referred to as an Eternity Ring. I welcome anyone who has another take on the wedding ring or Circle to share it.
As I sit and write this my mind floated back in time to my Reiki Level One Class over 20 or more years ago. My Reiki Master always had the room set up so the students and herself sat in Circle. It was my first experience of a teacher sitting side by side with students in Circle and I now honour Circle in all of my classes, especially meditation and Reiki. I was in awe of her wisdom and humbleness. Even more so when I realized how fortunate I was to be taught by one of the most experienced cancer care nurses in the United States who had the distinction of having been chosen Holistic Nurse of the year on several occasions. “No one above, no one below,” was surely her motto.
So why is a Circle so special, so sacred and so powerful! Here is one example: When we gather and sit in Circle, we recreate this perfection of sacredness. We get to experience the energy and wisdom of each person sitting in Circle, knowing no one is above, neither is a person below another. Everyone in the Circle is on the same level. Each person is considered an equal. I am told that many cultures use the circle for healing a wrong and the entire village comes out and sits in circle with the wrong doer sitting inside the circle, and they sit in circle until they reach resolution, which is always for the highest good of all concerned. That is the Power of Circle!
Do share your Circle. Until next time!
Namaste,
Sharon
The Power of Human Touch
The wonders of the human hand is something we rarely give much thought or time to in our daily lives, yet it is well documented in many studies that without (human) touch babies development and growth become stunted. I saw a documentary some years ago of children in an orphanage in Europe who never received compassionate or loving touch. They were fed, changed and left to their own devices for the rest of the day with no other stimulation. It was noted how behind these children were in their growth mentally, emotionally and physically compared to children who were shown affection and love. It broke my heart as I imagined those babies and small children languishing in cots all day alone in their cold sterile environment forgotten and alone without the touch of a caring, compassionate, loving human hand to soothe them when they cried, or to acknowledge their existence as little human beings.
The Power of Human touch is one of the most basic of human needs. More and more it seems to be frowned on by certain sectors of society in regards to healing and offering compassionate understanding of the human condition. I am told that in our health care facilities today paperwork is taking priority over patient care and the face of nursing is changing. Then heaven forbid computers and robots will take over from the already stress burdened medical personnel. Let’s hope that never happens because nothing, No-Thing can replace the Power of the Human Hand and Touch for healing, showing compassion or consoling someone.
In today’s world of stress filled lives and anxiety ridden individuals competing in an ever decreasing job market while balancing work, home and kids, sometimes their only time to de-stress is through the Power of Touch via the human hand. Hands-on therapies many of which date back as far as 400 BC will always be in great demand because Touch heals on levels far beyond the physical. Touch has been known to heal on the Mental, Emotional and Spiritual levels of the human condition. Human Touch is a great de-stressor. I often say Medicine cures us! Touch heals us! Both are very important to our existence on this planet. Some healing touch therapies are: Reiki, Reflexology, Healing Touch, Massage Therapy and Chiropractic Therapy to name just a few.
As we enter a New Year, make it a new beginning. Let’s not forget the Power of the Human Hand and the way Human Touch can establish a bond of trust between individuals whether in a working relationship, loving relationship, pastor parishioner relationship, client practitioner relationship and especially in a healthcare environment between patient and nurse/practitioner relationship.
There was a song my mother sang when I was a child which speaks volumes to the Power of Touch. This line still plays in my mind: ‘touch my hair as you pass my chair, little things mean a lot.” Never underestimate the Power of the Human Hand and The Power of Touch. As we prepare to celebrate this Season of Good Will towards all, hug your kids and loved ones every opportunity you get and if it feels right, offer a hug to a friend in the spirit of this wonderful Season.
Here’s wishing you all a New Year filled with an abundance of all the precious gifts you wish for; Good Health, Happiness, Love, Joy and faithful friends.
Namaste,
Sharon
Who ever coined that phrase never lived in North America. That is my personal belief. It is a very hectic time here in Canada as everyone seems to try putting twelve months of outdoor activity into the sometimes four months of good weather. That I consider being fun time! Only today I heard on the news that in the US people are complaining of being stressed trying to figure out their vacation and where to go and what to do. I was surprised and a little shocked to hear this because a vacation should be a time to look forward to with anticipation and expectation. Some people I know plan trips to visit relatives, go abroad, go camping with the kids or just think up and plan fun ways to spend their vacation time. For me, if I am staying home I love planning day trips out of town, long week-ends to places I enjoy visiting in Ontario, or just puttering around my yard and garden gives me so much peace and tranquility, added to that long walks in the forest which I enjoy. I am so rejuvenated being in nature as I am sure so many of you are. Vacation is also time to spend with my family and catch up with friends I rarely get to see. All those things make vacations very special for me.
For many who work long hours and shifts in their place of employment, vacation is a much deserved rest from the hustle and bustle of the work environment and should be a joy not a stressor in ones life. I am happy to say that I have not met one single Canadian who has a problem with taking vacation. If there are any out there in this vast land of ours, we have still to meet!
So on the theme of vacations and Lazy Days of Summer I must confess I have already taken two wonderful weeks of Staycation and happily puttered around my yard and garden, spent time by the water and watched the Loons and their offspring frolic by the dock, enjoyed baking and making summer berry jams with my grand-daughter and as August approaches I am looking forward to another two weeks. Those two weeks I plan to be busy with two back to back Seminars on subjects dear to my heart that I plan on sharing at a later date. I also intend to make sure I enjoy my busy filled to the brim vacation doing all the things I enjoy and with the people I love and cherish.
Now you know why I have not communicated for quite some time, hence I am dropping in today say hello. I hope you are enjoying your summer and taking time to watch the flowers grow, walk barefoot on the soft green grass, breathe in the summer scents of this amazing planet Earth we call home and taking time to do the things that brings you peace and joy.
Be Happy, Be Well and have a safe summer!
Namaste,
Sharon
If you have a comment regarding vacations and how you spend yours, I would love to hear from you.