By Guest Blogger on December 20, 2011
In a seminar several years ago, I heard the speaker read a quote: ‘The world moves out of the way for him/her who knows where they are going.” I’m unsure of the author, but several years later, I still remember the quote and how it moved me to tears.
Imagine the world moving out of the way for an idea or goal that you have. Imagine being able to achieve the perceived impossible. Imagine the unlimited possibilities if your mind, heart and skills are aligned in one goal.
What could you achieve? What would you make possible that seemed impossible?
A person that has a wealthy mindset brings their dreams into reality, always gets what they want, never judges or criticizes others and understands the underlying truth of life: that our purpose is to fulfil the highest expression of our true self as human beings here on planet earth. A person with a wealthy mindset does not believe in lack because they understand the laws of the universe. They understand that everything and everyone is energy, and that if they align themselves – mind, body and soul – in the pursuit of joy, they will receive it in abundance.
The media has a hold on society, very often conveying bad news, talking about fear, destruction, famine, recessions, war and illness.
If you are tuned into these frequencies, remembering that everything is energy, your mind, body and soul will be out of alignment with your pursuit of joy and with your goal of fulfilling the highest expression of your true self.
You will always be able to easily spot a person with a wealthy mindset because, whenever they enter a room, it is as if a light has been turned on. When they speak, you feel the words touch you and move you to think. They add to the lives of the people around them and you will notice that the people that they associate with are of the same wealthy mindset.
The question you may be asking is right now is, “Well, how can I tap into this source of wealth? How can I have a wealthy mind set?”
The answer is inside you; as woo-woo as it sounds, you hold the keys to your exciting future. Somewhere inside of you, maybe hidden behind years of frustration, lay the answers.
However, here are some practical steps to tap into the inner source of wealth:
1. Stop watching the news. The law of attraction says that what you focus on, you get. You may say that you just want to be kept informed of worldwide events, but my question would be: Why do you want to fill your mind with fear, destruction, famine, recessions, war and illness?
2. Get a piece of paper and divide it into two columns. On the left, write down any activities or habits that you are going to stop doing that make you unhappy. On the right-hand side, write a list of activities and habits that you are going to start doing. I can’t take all the credit for this, as Danielle Laporte wrote a blog about creating a stop-and-start list.
3. Go to the bookstore, get a nice plan journal (A4 size) and start adding things you want. Cut out pictures from magazines, print out pictures from the Internet and when you are out and about, take pictures on your phone, print them and add them to your book. This is something I have been practicing for years and let me tell you, it works! If you don’t want to use a book, you can stick pictures on your wall also; just make sure it’s in your daily view.
4. Part of a wealthy mindset is being thankful. Every day before you leave your bed and every night before you fall asleep, list everything that you are thankful for. Be truly thankful from the heart.
5. Run away from misery. If you ever are talking to a friend or a family member on the phone and they start complaining, politely end the call. Remember that everything and everyone is energy; as you are hearing negativity, you start to focus on and then experience negativity. Think of it like this: If you have a naked candle in the middle of a windy street, within seconds it will blow out. But if you put a case over the candle, it will stay alight. Don’t let anyone take your light.
6. Before you do anything, check in with yourself. Whenever you are offered anything, also ask the internal question: “Does this make me feel good?” Nine times out of 10, you will get a clear no or yes answer. Don’t say “yes” when you want to say “no.”
I hope you enjoyed this post and please ask me any questions in the comment box.
Love
Sophie
Sophie Gold is the creator of Wealthy Women Inc. that helps women look great, feel amazing, have joyful and fulfilling relationships and become rich. Sophie has recently put together a retreat in Costa Rica called Reinventing and Redefining You that helps you to start living your life your way and start charging what you are worth. Sophie blogs regularly at SophieGold.com you can follow Sophie on twitter.
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By Guest Blogger on August 4, 2011
The ancient art of feng shui can be difficult to explain to those who have never heard about it. Simply put, it is about balancing the energy of any indoor or outdoor space. The name is composed of two elements, feng (wind) and shui (water), and is based on Taoist principles. The core beliefs center around the five elements (fire, earth, wind, wood and metal), how to balance them in a room and how to promote harmonious energy. Harmonious energy can help with relationships, relieving stress and encouraging good fortune. The following are some feng shui tips.
1. Less is more
Removing excess furniture and belongings is good start. Keeping a room clean and clutter-free has a calming effect on the mind. Repeat this process often.
2. Color is key
Each of the five elements has meaning and colors associated with it. It is important to archive a balanced representation of all five in your room or space. You can use paint, artwork or furniture to help bring in all five elements.
3. Water is good
Having flowing water around helps stimulate your creativeness. Use a small fountain, such as a tabletop or wall mount, to tap into this element’s meaning. Water is an ancient symbol for abundance and prosperity.
4. Fresh air is healthful
Stale air is bad for your health and mental state. Open your windows when you can and try to get a cross breeze. If your home or office does not have enough windows, invest in a small air filter.
5. Plant life brings calm
Plants have a calming influence while radiating a strong and peaceful energy. Plants also make great air purifiers if buying a machine is too costly.
6. Mirrors add space
Mirrors help give the illusion of space, so they are very good for offices or hallways. They also bring in light from other areas of the house.
7. Hang clocks correctly
Generally a good feng shui practice if displayed in your kitchen, living room or office. However, placing them in an entrance way is unadvisable.
8. Keep bedrooms balanced
Your bedroom is important and its energy should be inviting, calm and exciting all at the same time. Help create this energy by removing all electronics or exercise equipment in the room.
9. Keep living rooms clear
For your living room, it is best to have an unobstructed flow of energy. Arrange your furniture with this in mind. It helps to envision water flowing. Would the water get blocked? Would it flow evenly throughout the room?
10. Keep kitchens bright
Your kitchen needs to be bright and welcoming. This can be achieved with several light sources, plant life and open windows. Yellow is a popular feng shui choice for most kitchens.
These tips are simple, but will give you a place to start. There are many books and magazine articles devoted to the art of feng shui if you are interested in more in-depth information. Happy decorating!
Michael Schnippering is the founder of Feng Shui at Work. After more than 12 years of practice he is committed to the true art and science of feng shui.
Photo credit: ooh_food
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By Guest Blogger on June 7, 2011
By Tisha Morris
Although I don’t have any linguistic rules to back me up, I feel like it’s not coincidental that the word “home” begins with the same letters as the word “holistic” (not to mention includes the word “om”).
Holistic living is being more and more embraced with conscious eating, preventive and alternative medicine, and simplicity. Holistic implies being “whole” or taking into account the “whole” picture – our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Historically, in the West, we have put a priority on physical health; while in the East, there has been a focus on spiritual health. Both are now being embraced and united with a holistic lifestyle.
And now our home is coming to the forefront as another component of holistic living. More people are realizing that their home can be a source of healing – a place of essential change.
Our home is second to our body as our physical dwelling on Earth. It is so closely related to our mind and body that the two have oftentimes throughout history been used interchangeably in religions, architecture and dream analysis.
And this I know is not coincidental. For the last four years, I have gone to people’s homes to help them with energy flow, clutter clearing and even color selecting. And what I’ve discovered is that our home is a mirror of ourselves. And as we make changes to our home, we are making changes to ourselves.
The energy patterns within you – physically, mentally and emotionally – are also present within your home. Have you ever had a great massage or bodywork where you left feeling great? And upon returning home, you fell right back into your old patterns – maybe your shoulders started to slump forward again or your breathing returned to being labored.
If the energy flow in your home is “off” then the energy flow in your body will be as well. Energy flow in your home can be affected by furniture, accessories, clutter and the quality of energy.
Here are a few things to consider in making your home part of your holistic lifestyle.
1. Remove furniture blocks. For the best feng shui, you want the energy to “meander” through a space. So imagine yourself as energy (because you are) coming through your space. Do you bump into any furniture? Do you hit corners sticking out? Are there tight places that feel constraining? Too much furniture can be major blocks of energy. And if they’re in your house, then those blocks are also in your life.
2. Clear emotional clutter. Clutter is stagnant energy. So if you feel stagnant in any area of your life, then there’s probably clutter lurking somewhere in your life that has taken form. If it’s your love life that’s stagnant, then clear out stuff from past relationships. If it’s your career that’s stagnant, clear out your office. If it’s your body that’s cluttered, then clean out your cupboards, fridge and clothing closet.
3. Inventory your accessories. Like a great outfit, accessories are essential. They can make an outfit. But if overdone, they can ruin an outfit. Such is the case with accessories in your home. Take inventory of the accessories in your home. You should love every one of them. Don’t use accessories to distract. I find that people who use too many accessories with an outfit are subconsciously trying to distract attention away from them personally and to their clothing instead. Don’t let your accessories distract you. Love everything in your home, including yourself.
4. Clear the energy. No one likes to sit at a table in the restaurant before it’s been cleared of the dishes left by the people who sat there before. And no one certainly wants to live among the energy of the previous owners of their home. You don’t want to be subjected to the energy patterns of those before you. If you have never cleared the energy in your home, now is the time! It’s quite simple and effective. Sage smudging is the most common method by which you light the end of a sage bundle and waft it around your house. Add your intention to the mix as well.
So as you become more conscious of your diet, exercise, spirituality and so forth, become conscious of your home as well. As you love your home, you will love yourself.
Tisha Morris is a certified life coach, feng shui consultant, energy healer, yoga instructor and author of “27 Things to Feng Shui Your Home” (Turner Publishing).
Photo credit: Janelle Beh
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By Guest Blogger on March 23, 2011
by Erin Moran
In the spring of 2010, I traveled to China to complete my residency for Bastyr University’s doctoral program in Chinese medicine. Our team studied and worked in Chengdu and Shanghai, specifically in the oncology departments of two local hospitals.
I noticed three startling differences between cancer care in China and the United States and Canada. The first is how diagnoses may be kept from the patient in China, the second is that cancer is treated as a chronic illness in China, and the third is the integrated use of chemotherapy and Chinese herbal medicine.
Cancer? What Cancer?
Often when people are diagnosed with cancer in China, they are not told. The family may be told, but they keep the news from their loved one. The underlying motive is to remove the stress element of the diagnosis. This would obviously never be done here in the West for legal reasons (holy lawsuit, Batman!), but it goes without saying that patients are far more relaxed.
Even for the patients who knew of their cancer diagnosis, there was generally a mindset (among both patients and doctors) that this would be a chronic illness requiring a long-term approach. Patients would often check into a hospital and stay for a few weeks of chemotherapy on a revolving schedule depending on their type and grade of cancer.
I will never forget one patient with pancreatic cancer. She had been given this diagnosis 12 years earlier! She was thriving and took Chinese herbal medicine between her cycles of chemotherapy. She continued to work and had a very positive outlook on life.
Another remarkable patient had liver cancer. Every few months he would check into the hospital for his treatments, faithfully drinking his Chinese herbal medicine at home between treatments. He also worked, and his condition remained stable.
Mix Me a Cocktail
As a researcher and herbalist, it was so inspiring to learn how doctors were combining chemotherapies with Chinese herbal medicine. While in the hospital, patients would drink a decoction of Chinese herbs specific to their condition and may also have received “herbal chemotherapy.” Ironically, this herbal chemotherapy might consist of toxic herbs, Ya Dan Zi (Brucea fruit) or Chan Su (toad venom), given intravenously in addition to a typical chemotherapy drug. These are toxic herbs that are not available in the United States or Canada.
It was exciting that doctors did not fear combining certain herbs with chemotherapy and saw improved results as compared to using herbs or chemotherapy alone. Some studies had been done or were underway, but I got the impression that most decisions were based on empirical evidence. Because of the different medical paradigm in China, most patients are ready and willing to be treated with herbs. Consequently doctors are getting more and more proficient and experienced in the art of combining. Since patients are closely monitored during their hospital stays, adjustments in dosage could be easily made.
In Chinese medicine, there are two goals of treatment:
1. Fight the xie qi (translated as “evil qi”), meaning kill cancer cells.
2. Boost the zheng qi (translated as “true qi”), meaning rebuild the body’s core energy.
It is generally agreed that surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are currently the best techniques around for fighting the evil qi. But we are challenged by the fact that these techniques are killing normal, healthy cells including cells needed for strong immunity and digestion. In the East, they consider this an absolute insult to our essential zheng qi. In the West, our oncologists have no prescriptions for rebuilding this core energy.
Chinese medicine is close to 5,000 years old but is modernizing. In modern Chinese medicine we use herbal formulae and acupuncture in addition to chemotherapy and radiation. The herbs and acupuncture both work to do what conventional medicine does not do: boost immunity, reduce cancer growth, improve digestion, improve immunity, and decrease the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.
Understandably, many oncologists are not comfortable with herbs being taken during active chemotherapy (due to the lack of reliable studies of such combinations).
Moving Forward in the West
My recommendations if you are considering using Chinese herbal medicine during cancer treatment would be:
1. Work with an experienced Chinese herbalist, one who is licensed or has completed an accredited program and who will support you during your chemo and radiation. An elegant and simple herbal formula may be called for to help manage the sometimes difficult side effects of drugs and to rebuild your system.
2. Ask your oncologist what they are comfortable with. If your oncologist does not agree with you taking herbs during chemo, inquire about taking them when you have finished.
3. Always let your Chinese herbalist know of any side effects you may have related to the herbs. Natural does not equal safe!
4. If herbs are not right for you, consider acupuncture. Acupuncture and moxibustion can greatly help the zheng qi bounce back. Other methods to rebuild include eating well, practicing qigong or tai chi, letting go of emotional pain and grudges, meditating, and surrounding yourself with positivity.
Erin Moran, DOAM, MSN, LAc, holds a doctorate in acupuncture and Oriental medicine with a focus in integrative oncology. She is a member of the Society of Integrative Oncology and lives and practices in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Photo credit: HKPuiPui27
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By Guest Blogger on March 16, 2011
by Stuart Watkins
Have you been getting your daily dose of negative ions? We need exposure to negative ions to be more positive in our life. I know, it sounds a little backward at first, doesn’t it? Negative ions are invisible molecules that clean the air around us by attaching themselves to positive ions (from dust, smoke, electronics, car exhausts, our breathing, etc.), so they’re not just floating around for us to breathe into our system. Generally the more populated a city is, the fewer negative ions and the more positive ions.
As I write this, I’m in India’s capital city, Delhi — one of the most polluted cities in the world. Having spent the previous four weeks nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in a town called Tapovan, Rishikesh, my love for negative ions reached new heights. I can’t help but compare the difference in how my body and mind feel in Delhi as compared to Rishikesh. I don’t think I will ever take fresh air for granted again!
Every morning a powerful breeze would howl down from the Himalayan mountains bringing healing energy from this sacred land. As we practiced yoga every morning at sunrise, the magical breeze would flow through the ashram and through our bodies creating a magical environment. The cleansing, strengthening and mystical effects were apparent from day one. Through the deep meditation practices I could literally feel the negative ions flowing into my system, cleansing, healing and creating space for an abundance of vitality and joy.
Negative ions help relieve stress, increase vitality, strengthen the immune system and so much more. That’s why we all feel so incredibly good after being at a waterfall, in the mountains or at the beach. The human body is meant to be absorbing negative ions on a regular basis, so it’s no wonder why there are so many health problems related to fatigue, depression and immune disorders. It’s no wonder why so many people find it incredibly hard to let their true nature shine. Most people aren’t exposed to nearly enough negative ions. All the technology around us has virtually eliminated the positive ions in the air — unless you live at a beach with no cars or electronics or out in the wilderness or mountains, etc.). Oh, wonderful Rishikesh!
Often people think they can escape pollution by staying indoors. It’s quite common for indoor environments to be just as, if not more than, polluted as outside. When you look around most bedrooms or offices, there are at least a couple of electronic devices. Think about it … laptops, mobile phones, televisions, lights, heaters, electric blankets and so many of the countless electronic gadgets available these days. They all release positive ions galore! Even man-made fibers in carpets, clothes and furniture all reduce the level of negative ions and increase the positive ones in the environment. The house you live in or the place you work at could very well be more polluted than outside! Combine this with other pollutants (if you live in a populated area) and you can almost guarantee that you’re getting exposed to way too many positive ions. This over-exposure to positive ions contributes to the body being in toxic overload, unless small steps are made to make your environment richer in negative ions.
Here are some tips to help bring more negative ions into your life:
-Use Himalayan rock salt lamps or an ion generator or purifier in your house and in your office, if possible. These lamps and purifiers mop up positive ions and help bring back natural harmony to your environment.
-Place potted plants (real ones) throughout your house and office. It’s very common for modern houses to be more polluted than outside, so enjoy bringing the beauty of nature into your home.
-Connect with nature. Get barefoot and walk on raw earth. The earth is charged with negative ions! Our feet are conductors to absorb negative ions, so go outside and experience a lovely barefoot walk. Simply walking on the earth is so healing.
-Spend time at the beach or a waterfall. There’s a reason why we feel so good after being at the beach or at a waterfall. Because of the crashing pure water, these precious parts of the planet are especially charged with negative ions.
-Use natural, preferably organic deodorants, body washes and creams. You can even use Himalayan rock salt soaps, which are quite mainstream now.
-Use organic sheets, towels, clothes and dishwasher and laundry detergents, if you really want to go the extra distance in your efforts to increase negative ions and decrease positive ones in your life.
So, if you’re not feeling as good as you know you could feel, it may be as simple as looking at the environment you’re in and making some small changes here and there. To me, it’s all about getting back to our true nature, which is full of joy and vitality. We’re meant to connect with nature, not pollutants, so in gratitude for the body we have been blessed with and in gratitude for the amazing planet we live on, do yourself a favor and bring some negative ions into your life.
Stuart Watkins is a holistic fitness and lifestyle coach based out of Australia. Stuart’s love for travel and new knowledge has taken him all around the world, while achieving certifications as a Holistic Fitness Practitioner, Holistic Life Coach, Yoga Teacher, Personal Trainer, Massage Therapist and Stress Management Specialist. He draws on his knowledge in these areas to ensure each of his clients journey to true health and happiness is in good hands.
Photo credit: hockadilly
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