Reflections Newsletter
"People are not broken and in need of fixing... most people are just fine. They may simply need a tune-up."
Dr. Alexander R. Lees
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In This Issue:
They say that repetition can be good, so all of us have tried to repeat the feel and tone of last month's newsletter. Alex writes another case history, this time it's about using the valuable therapeutic tool -- humour. The client was very sweet and laughed at Alex's comments. Bless her! Susan talks about Metal which represents Fall. It's so interesting to read how the time of year can affect us, and what to do about it, when it does. Susan also recommends breathing the crisp Fall air and eating Shepherd's Pie. I could go for that right now. Tom has us playing with our toes! I can't think of a more fun way to help us get rid of excess electrical energy in our body, ground ourselves and get rid of back pain, all at the same time. You'll find Tom's article electrifying. I write about humour and how different people find certain things funny, or not. So, let's read on, feel good about someone being helped, get electrified about playing with our toes, learn about Metal and eat some Shepherd's pie, and hopefully crack a smile or two.
Enjoy!
Berit Lees, Editor
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Humour - A Valuable Therapeutic Tool
By Dr. Alexander R. Lees
Gail phoned and left a message with Berit for me. Berit relayed, "Gail is referring her friend Jill to you, and says to tell you that regardless of your first impression, start with the humour as soon as you can. Jill apparently was raised in a non supportive household, and suffers from low self esteem and abandonment. She spent many years being told she was unwanted and non deserving. She's been in and out of counselling for some time, and finds most counsellors distant, too detached and clinical, and all they want to do is have her talk about her childhood, over and over." I managed to summon some gray cells into action, and after a pause for deep thought, responded with insightful brilliance, "Okay."
After Jill entered my office and had settled herself, we first exchanged a few pleasantries, then she shifted her position on the couch and said, "So, Gail told me she'd called and offered some details about me. I'm curious; how is your approach different?"
I too shifted in my chair, and responded with, "You know, that's a great question. you seem like a bright young lady; perhaps you can help me with something first." I waited until she responded, and then said, "Well, it goes like this. People come to see me and they spend money to do so. As soon as they're seated, I start to tell them all my problems. It usually isn't too long before they begin snoring. Do you think I'm approaching this wrong?"
I watched Jill shift through various facial expressions and, true to Gail's prediction, Jill burst out laughing. Between gasps, Jill managed to say, "You know something? You're a nut. That's the wackiest thing I've ever heard a counsellor say. I think this is going to be fun," she concluded.
"Well, I've always thought changework, learning and growth are far too important to be taken seriously," I replied, which generated a smile and shake of her head.
"I'm curious, I enjoy being able to laugh, especially in a setting like this, but I also wonder -- does it help or detract in any way with the counselling?" she asked. "Let me answer this way," I said. "You've no doubt heard of the neurotransmitter serotonin," and waited for her response.
"Oh yes," she replied. "I've been on an anti-depressant for the last few years. It's supposed to increase the level of serotonin in the brain, isn't it?" she asked. "So they tell me," I began. "However, I was listening to a recorded lecture by Dr. Deepak Chopra, and he said something that reminded me of university," I answered. "Serotonin is made in the gut. From there, it's shipped to the brain."
"And, what does that have to do with my original question?" Jill asked. "According to Dr. Chopra, a good laugh, one that causes the stomach muscles to become involved, produces "X" amount of dollars worth of serotonin," I replied.
"So humour can be good therapy," she responded. "Absolutely! Or, at least it can thought of as a useful addition," I said. "Besides, no matter who we are, or what we are trying to accomplish or achieve, being in a resourceful state whilst doing so produces a better result than feeling as if you're behind the 8 ball," I finished.
"Even with counselling?" she queried. "In my experience, yes." I replied. "I've worked with literally thousands of people over the years, and for those that allowed for humour to be used (not everyone does) so we also need to respect that and adjust accordingly -- but for those that were okay with it, I found they seemed to achieve the best results, and in less time."
"Let's have some fun," Jill said, and so we did.
Jill has now seen me for six sessions, and both of us were impressed with how quickly she was able to move through some 'ugly" (her word) experiences, thanks again to a remarkable technique of tapping away unwanted emotional feelings or responses. Sometimes Jill taps for herself, and sometimes she ask me to tap her. Aside from noting (by her verbal descriptions of some of the experiences she went through while growing up) an important shift,** she has a rather interesting explanation for me tapping her.
"Sometimes, I get so bogged down by all this it feels like I'm in my car and it won't start because the battery is low. When you tap me, it's like someone jump starting the car with their battery. Then I'm good to go again." "Now that is a great metaphor," I answered. "Okay with you if I plagiarize the heck out of it?" "Be my guest," she replied with a grin, and we dealt with another memory before the bell rang.
**The shift in Jill was from a position of subjectivity to one of objectivity. That is, when we began our work together, she would describe an event similar to the following. "I used to really upset my mother," or "I was such a bad kid that..." As she progressed, the structuring was more, "My mother didn't have the skills needed to..." or "It was obvious she had some serious issues she should have addressed before having kids," or "I think now that my mother just couldn't cope with the responsibility of being a parent. This is what she did..."
This shift in thinking, I believe, was very instrumental in Jill's healing, and no doubt aided and abetted her clearing at least some of the unwanted emotive responses she suffered from much more quickly.
 ************************************************************************************************* Gives a whole new meaning to the term "flower people" :-)
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Workshop News
EFT
- Fundamentals
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We are in
the process of relocating to a new area soon.
Once we're settled (hopefully in January 2011)
we'll send
out a notice advising everyone
about our new location and our workshop schedule.
As well, we will post the info on our website.
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 Contributing Columnist Susan Stone is a licensed acupuncturist, certified in Eden Energy Medicine and Eden Energy Medicine for Women. In addition she is a Registered Bach Flower practitioner, an Acutonics practitioner, with a BS degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, and has been in private practice since 1977. Susan's other interests include a passion for dressage, mountain climbing, and life. Contact Susan at her clinic in the Boston, MA area. www.stonehealthcenter.com
Moving into Metal - the Rhythm of Autumn
By Susan Stone
Fall is upon us! I love the crisp air, the smell of the harvest and the transition to comfort foods (Shepherd's Pie, anyone?). The squirrels are gathering the acorns and the preparation begins for what is to come during the Winter months.
Fall represents the element or rhythm of Metal. Metal is generated or given birth through the Earth energies. In the Ayruvedic tradition metal is known as the Air element. The Lungs and Large Intestine are the two organs that are associated with Metal. Metal teaches us to learn what is important in our lives, to be able to let go of what we no longer need. We receive the qi of the heavens into our Lungs and that which we don't need is eliminated through our Large Intestine. Because we receive the qi of the heavens through our breath, the Metal element is associated with more spiritual qualities (the Heavenly Father) versus the Earth element which is of course associated with Mother Earth. The rate at which we breathe influences the rhythm of our heart and the circulation of our blood. The influence of the Metal element is pervasive and influences the rhythm of our whole body.
The Importance of Breathing
Metal gives structure to our energy and our body. The breath brings into our body fresh energy and when we exhale we discharge old energy and toxins. The energy of Metal opens up into the skin, which is our largest organ of elimination. Toxins that are in the body are eliminated through our skin. The nose is the sense organ that is associated with Metal. If you have problems breathing through your nose this can indicate a Metal imbalance.
The time of day that is associated
with Lung is between 3-5 a.m. and Large Intestine follows it from 5-7
a.m.. If you have any physical disturbances during that time you could
have an imbalance with your Metal rhythm.
The mental aspect of Metal is inspiration. This also corresponds to our ability to take in new ideas and information. People who have strong metal energy are able to take in new information, process it and structure it into their lives effortlessly.
The time of life that is associated with Metal is in our 60s, which corresponds with the age of retirement for some people. Retirement is a time when we let go of our youth, what we have accomplished in order to move into a new phase in our lives. This corresponds to a time when people become grandparents. This phase is often when people pursue more spiritual interests. This is the influence of the Metal energies in our lives.
Another quality of Metal is dryness. The late 50s - 70s is when one may experience more physical dryness. Skin and hair may become drier and internal secretions diminish. Hormones diminish. If you like the dryness then your Metal element is feeling supported. If you are already too dry then the dryness that comes with Fall may make this time of year uncomfortable for you.
The emotion of the Metal Element is grief. Grieving is the process of letting go. When a person has a hard time letting go and grief remains in the body physical problems can result, such as pneumonia, asthma, chronic colds and bronchitis. For some folks this can manifest with Large Intestine issues such as constipation or diarrhea. If you are experiencing any of these physical problems, it may be helpful to look inwardly to see if there is an old grief that you're still hanging onto or if there is something else that you're not letting go of. Doing EFT maybe helpful for releasing an old issue.
An Eden Energy Medicine Exercise to help with your Metal energies is:
Human Touching the Divine (1-2 minutes) in "Energy Medicine" page 239.
1. Stand erect. Ground the energies with hands firmly on Large Intestine muscles (fascia lata) on the side of the legs. As you inhale, draw your hands straight up the sides, open your arms wide, stretch them straight out to the sides, lift your chest, look up, and drink in the wide expanse of the universe.
2. Exhale with the sound of "Sssssss," like letting air out of a balloon, collapsing your chest like the balloon, and round your arms in front of you, fingers almost touching. Imagine you are holding your world and its grief. Draw your family, your loved ones into your circle. Hold them in your circle.
3. Inhale, opening your arms wide, lifting your chest, throwing your head back and looking up to the heavens. Release, surrender and let it/them all go.
4. Exhale again, letting air out of the balloon, "Ssssssss" rounding your chest and arms, finger tips almost touching, like Adam and God in Michelangelo's painting. Hold dear this world.
5. Inhale again, opening arms and chest wide, releasing, surrendering, letting go to God, and open to faith. Trust in the process.
6. Exhale, "Ssssssss" round your arms and chest and allow your fingers to finally touch, and continue to cross your hands one over the other and draw your hands and this feeling of simultaneously holding on and letting to (or surrendering) to your chest, over your lungs (grief) and cherishing what you hold dear. Feel the faith.
7. Cultivate the practice of this breathing: With every in-breath, draw to you what you love and have sorrow about, but with every out-breath, let it all go, and open to belief and faith.
Next month I'll write about "The Personalities of Each Element - Who are You?" But for now, I'm going to go and breathe the crisp Fall air and then enjoy some Shepherd's pie. :-)
*************************************************************************************************Very Useful Tip...
Especially if you dislike telemarketing phone calls
Do you ever get those annoying phone calls with no one on the other end?
This is a telemarketing technique where a machine makes phone calls and records the time of day when a person answers the phone. This technique is used to determine the best time of day for a 'real' sales person to call back and get someone at home.
What you can do after answering, if you notice there is no one there, is to immediately start hitting your # button on the phone, 6 or 7 times as quickly as possible. This confuses the machine that dialed the call, and it kicks your number out of their system. Gosh, what a shame not to have your name in their system any longer!!!
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 Contributing Columnist Tom
Dorzab is a retired biologist from Kansas and now lives with his wife
in Spain. Tom followed his passion and is now an energy medicine
practitioner specializing in Eden Energy Medicine. Contact Tom here
So Many Toes, So Little TimeBy Tom DorzabElectrifying! The word conjures up images of spine tingling electric charges. It's also used to describe a wonderful and stimulating experience. In the day-to-day modern world though, it may also signify something not quite so wonderful. In fact, an electrifying experience may be the direct cause of a wide variety of ailments. Science has validated the idea that our body is made up of trillions of tiny batteries. As early as the 1930's, a researcher named Harold Burr was measuring electrical potentials in living tissue. In fact, there are 50 to 70 trillion tiny little batteries in each of our amazing bodies. The batteries I'm speaking of are our cells. In a body at rest, according to The Learning Blog, in combination, the cells of our body generate around 81 watts. But don't get excited and start wrapping yourself and you family members up in electrical tape just yet. It's OK. This electrical production is an integral part of any healthy body. The problem comes when we are unable to discharge excess electricity into the ground and it builds up inside of us.There are energetic flows into us and out of us all the time. The flow of electricity is just one of them. While we are always producing electricity in our body, it's not our only source of electricity. As I'm sure all of you science buffs out there already know, we can generate electricity in our body simply by walking through an electromagnetic field. And I'm sure you're equally aware that we are constantly immersed in a wide variety of man-made electromagnetic fields. We're not going to open that can of worms today though. Our focus today is on how we can discharge that excess electricity. Here are some reasons why we would want to:- When the body's electrical system cannot ground correctly, every single system of the body is affected.
- All anxiety is a result of excess electrical energy in the body. Therefore, if not well grounded, anxiety issues will develop.
- If a person has electrical issues, he will also have Root Chakra issues.
- The good health of the Root Chakra is based on the ability of the body to discharge excess energy from the body into the ground while also pulling new Earth energy in through the feet. Since all the chakras need to pull energy from the Root Chakra, the health of all the chakras is dependant on the correct flow of energy to and from the Earth.
- One sided issues are almost always grounding issues.
- Hip issues and low back pain are often a result of excess electrical energy that has accumulated and become stuck in the Root Chakra.
Since back pain is the number one reason for absence from work in America, just this last issue is enough to work on this one. In case you've been wondering, this is also the reason I've included this topic in my series of pain articles. If you have excess electricity in your body, there is a test you can try to confirm it. We will be working with four points. Heart Electrical Point -- Located an inch or so above the nipple of the left breast. Groin Electrical Point -- To find it, lay the palm of your right hand over the hip pointer on your right hip. Let your middle finger follow the path down along the groin line until the finger is fully extended. If you press in with the tip of your middle finger, you will be right on the Groin Electrical Point. Bladder Meridian's 66th points -- The last two points are located in the depressions at the outside base of the little toes. To test these points, put the thumb, the index finger and the middle finger together and place them on each point and test them one at a time. Weak tests indicate excess electricity.Now, let's get down to basics and fix some pain
The correction is simple. On both hands, put the thumb and fingers together just like you did for the test. Place the left three fingers on the Heart Electrical Point and the right fingers on the Groin Electrical Point and press in with some pressure. No bruising please. Just use firm pressure. Then you just leave them there until you feel a sensation of heat and then a cooling sensation. Be prepared to stay here awhile. It will usually take from 5 to 15 minutes but can take much longer. You have just created a pathway for the excess electrical energy from the Heart to the Root Chakra. Don't stop there though, we wouldn't want to have that lingering energy causing back or hip problems.Time to go ShoppingNext we need to move down to the Bladder 66 Points. But you'll need to do some shopping first. Go down to your local gem and crystal shop and ask for two pea sized pieces of hematite. They don't cost much. Once you get the hematite, you'll want to hold one piece in each hand and place them gently against the Bladder 66 Points. Hold them there until you feel a gentle, equal pulsing in the fingers holding the hematite. When you feel the pulsing, gradually move the hematite away from the bottoms of the feet, but still in line with the Bladder Points until the hematite is about 18 inches away from the feet. Wait for the equal pulsing again. You have now pulled all that nasty excess electricity from the Root Chakra, down the back of the legs through the Bladder Meridian and off the little toes into the ground. Good job. If you're doing this on yourself (if you're much more flexible than I am) you can use a single hematite and do just one toe at a time. It still works.The main thing to remember is not to get into a hurry. Take your time and feel the feelings. I've done this many times and each time I do it, I'm amazed at the great number of energetic corrections that have resulted. Meridians, Elements, Chakras, you name it, all can be corrected at times. OK all of you future Energy Medicine healers out there. Beat it on down to the nearest gem shop, get your hematite and get busy. So many toes, so little time.************************************************************************************************** ***************************************************************************************************
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Berit's Corner
I'd like to thank everyone that wrote to tell us how much they enjoyed last month's newsletter. Everyone that contributes to the newsletter (Alex, Susan, Tom and myself) appreciate hearing from you because it inspires us to keep up the good work. Also, a special thank you to all the people that send Alex jokes, cartoons, great photos and interesting tid-bits. Alex sends them on to me and some of them end up in the newsletter. I say "some" because not all do.
I've never been able to figure out with 100% accuracy what will offend, or not offend someone, somewhere, some time. Many times a person will write me an email and tear a strip off me for including a joke, etc., that's offensive to them. And, with amazing regularity, very shortly thereafter (or before in some cases) an email arrives saying how funny or amusing a particular joke was. Interestingly, the two emails are talking about the same joke!
People have written over the years accusing me of men bashing, being anti-feminist, and having a lousy sense of humour.
It's almost enough to stop me from including anything like a joke or cartoon... not really! You see, my intent is not to upset or offend anyone. In fact it's just the opposite. I like to bring a smile to someone's face, or maybe just lighten a person's mood for a moment in time. So, my intent is good. Does that mean the practical application of my intent sometimes misses the mark? You betcha! But, I'm not going to stop including jokes, etc., in our newsletter.
I figure it's better to elicit some response than none at all. And, more importantly, I realize that the person that doesn't find something funny or amusing is only expressing their opinion. And, everyone is entitled to their opinion, in my opinion. :-)
Please keep your emails coming. But, before your fingers start hitting the keyboard, please know that I'm not against feminism. I've always felt I was a feminist long before the word was invented and I thank the sisterhood around the world for helping to improve everyone's life, not just women. After all, men benefit from having strong, confident women in the world, just as much as women do.
With regard to my sense of humour -- it might not be to everyone's taste. That's OK. Being slightly quirky or off kilter is fine with me, because there's enough humour out there to appeal to at least one person.
And, last but not least, I don't hate men. The world would be a sorry place without them. The fact is that I love men and enjoy their company immensely, especially if they look like the the guy in the photo below. :-)
It's a beautiful Fall day -- the sun is shining, the temperature is quite mild, and it's time for a doggie walk-- so off I go!
Till next month,
Take care.
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A tough old cowboy from south Texas counselled his grandson that if he wanted to live a long life, the secret was to sprinkle a pinch of gun powder on his oatmeal every morning.
The grandson did this religiously to the age of 103. When he died, he left behind 14 children, 30 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, 25 great-great-grandchildren, and a 15 foot hole where the crematorium used to be.
Sorta brings a tear to your eye, don't it?
PS. The ONLY reason I included this joke in the newsletter is
because the photo of Sam Elliott came with the joke. :-)
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Volume 17, No. 10
October 2010
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