Finding Your Center  I appreciate the interest, support and love I have received since the first conversation of this blog: Helen’s Holistic Healing. I want to make sure we are all on the same page with my intent and purpose of this blog. I have delved in this path (herbs, holistic health and wellness) for many years and have been blessed with certain experiences, acquired some knowledge and learned many lessons ― and so have you ― the participants & readers of this blog! I have sometimes been my own “worst patient” and resorted to the quick or easy fix. It is now time for application mode, so I am stepping up to the plate and taking responsibility to practice and share what I’ve learned. I am also eager for us to learn from one another. So, it is time for growth and this blog is an opportunity for us to share and apply collective wisdom and knowledge. Please Note: The information contained in this blog is not intended to diagnose or treat medical ailments or replace medical advice and guidance. It is designed to provide a look at herbs, supplements and practices that promote natural healing and wellness. Please consult your physician or medical provider and follow their recommendations and/or advice. Let me break this down to you in layman terms: I am NOT a medical doctor, health teacher or nutritional advisor. I am simply a sister, woman, mother, grandmother who is eager to bring people together to share information that can benefit all of us. I can not and will not diagnose or offer individual advice. This blog is an opportunity for us to SHARE information on health and wellness.  When we look at health and wellness, we must start at the very center of our existence and recognize, honor and commune with the Creator, spiritual force, higher power or divine energy, that creates and sustains. Regardless of the name you attach to the higher power ― the essence is the same. As a child growing up, I was baptized into the Catholic religion. I attended Catholic school and church for many of my early years. I followed the rituals without any idea of its roots, little understanding and without gaining any sense of spiritual connection. I questioned different principles and rituals in Catholic school and was basically “silenced.” Many years later, as a young adult in college, I was led to Islam and identified solely with that religion and practice. It grounded me and I learned many lessons from a religious, spiritual and historical perspective. I have studied and explored several indigenous practices and philosophies and my view has broadened. Everything and everyone living grows and changes ― and fortunately, I am no exception. At this point and time in my life, I choose to define myself as “spiritual.” I find through my personal experiences, that religion often “separates” whereas spirituality tends to “unite.” Therefore, I am on a spiritual mission ― to fulfill the purpose the creator has for me on earth. When I am told to speak, I speak… when I am told to write, I write… when I am told to share, I share... And this is why I am here with you sharing these words… Many times we go through life rushing from one place to another, from one event to the next…barely able to catch our breath. All along the way, we encounter people ― some who energize us and others who drain us (if we let them). We give up our energy negatively by rehashing the negative experiences, conversations and interactions of the “haters”, blood suckers and negative people in our lives. Sometimes we have to deal with these people: an irate boss, disagreeable family member; and there are others we can minimize our interactions with them, or decide to eliminate them from our lives (if we so choose). When we go through something (usually drama) with these folks, we often want to tell somebody ― I know I do. Yet, each time we talk about a negative interaction, conversation or encounter needlessly, we give it power to grow. So we have to be stop feeding that negative energy and not engage in these non productive conversations and be a reminder to one another as well. One of my favorite sayings is: “People come into our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime.” The key is to know who is in our lives, what their purpose is and what the lessons are that they bring. It is time for all of us to claim our power and peace first!  Original Painting by Helen Hampton (My Grandmother) We all have a divine path to follow. We are humans having a spiritual experience. Regardless of one’s religious beliefs and affiliations – at the core of our existence is our belief system. Find the path that is in harmony with your belief system and the path that centers you. Start your day Right! The morning energy is very powerful. Wake up a few minutes earlier to incorporate some morning communing with the Creator and your inner spirit. Begin your day by taking a few minutes of solitude and give thanks for another day. Still your mind through meditation, deep breathing, quiet time and focus your day. “Energy goes where thoughts flow.” Some of the most profound lessons I learned from the book and movie “The Secret” are: “I am the most powerful magnet in the universe. As I think a thought, I am also attracting like thoughts to me.” “Thoughts become things; through conscious receptivity we can birth our ideas.” Therefore, we have the power to set our intention for the day and we can plan our day with positive thoughts. “…through conscious receptivity we can birth our ideas…” As we think about our individual lives – reflect on your morning routines. How do you begin your day? Are you relaxed and unhurried, waking up to prayer, meditation, exercise, yoga, and a healthy bowl of oatmeal and fruit, or running out the door late, grabbing a quick cup of coffee and pastry or bagel at the local deli? I have sure been there many, many times with the rushing…hurried…schedule. It is time for change! We have to keep in mind our bodies are a temple – we have to give the temple the best in spiritual, physical and holistic care. Take a look at your life and ask yourself these questions: What daily routines, rituals or spiritual practices do you follow? Do you need to regroup and incorporate more grounding, balancing activities into your daily practice beginning with your morning routine? Do you need to get on a new path? The choice is yours. Leap and the net will appear! What practices and rituals center and ground you? Comments03/06/2010 17:55
Thanks, Helen, for the reminder to set a purpose for each day BEFORE starting the day. I'll work at making this practice a habit. You are welcome, Jennifer. It helps to keep us focused from the door; then we are better prepared to deal with whatever the day brings. I also have to remind myself to slow down and take a minute from time to time during the day to just regroup and be in the moment. I just downloaded a tmobile (free) application from the Android Market called "Mindfulness Bell." It looks and sounds like a Tibetan bell. It will chime for one second on the hour or half-hour during the hours you choose. Lorac 03/07/2010 04:45
As we approach Springtime and Winter exits, one thing we need to do is renew our emotional soul. I basically purge the unwanted dark thoughts that weigh on my emotions by way of meditation each evening for 10 to 20 minutes. This not only helps me sleep better, I wake rested. Peace, Wonderful Habibatullah! I love your ease and flow about health and healing. Leave a Reply | Helen TinsleyHelen Tinsley is an educator, writer and artist who is committed to health, wellness and quality education for all. ArchivesApril 2010 CategoriesAll |
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