My journey from hopeless student to acquiring great passion for healing practices began many years ago. I have always been proud of the profession of medicine but without knowledge of traditional symbols and variations we use globally. Their history and meaning have ancient and modern roots. In the U.S. around the late 19th century the use of twin intersecting snakes, a staff and wings became commonly known as Caduceus, a
Anyone with a device that requires immediate recharging, or maybe a vehicle driver with a low fuel warning, you know the feeling when you get in the “red zone”. For me, it triggers a stress response, like survival mode to suddenly conserve the remaining power. My reactions and behaviors are sometimes less than my normal patience, compassion and ability to respond to others needs or my own properly when in
Always a work in progress, I reference this popular book’s teachings often. I grew up a feisty and vocal girl because I thought it was necessary to protect myself and survive but realized toning it down had much better outcomes. Then I often leaned into too much to taking on the burden of guilt when others were feisty with me. It’s always a balancing act and I am on the
One of the most incorrect expressions, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” It taught us to pick up our shield to deflect harmful words by another and shake it off. Words we hear or speak may help or harm us, make us invincible or small, feel loved or rejected, and so on. Then there’s, “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say
To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose, under heaven, opening verse of hit song in 1965 by the popular band, the Byrds. Relating to ancient yoga philosophies, this reminds me of Dharma, our law and nature of things, and Aparigraha, the practice of acceptance without expected outcomes, to trust in the universe’s plans for us. I selected this verse as I have greatly struggled to find
The yin and yang symbol represents harmony, when the duality of yin (black) and yang (white) with a dot of the opposite color, intersect to balance the other’s energy. Every June in America, we honor the positive, masculine influences in our lives with Father’s Day. The harmonizing Yang Energy Forces to balance our feminine, Yin energy. In eastern philosophy when we fuse the opposing forces, we make us more whole.
Interesting that the National Geographic cover this month complimenting the topic of my blog and theme for this week The elephant in the room, the lack of using the word or name for a divine source to ensure comfort and avoid conflict with others. Most common names today seem to be Universe and God. Perhaps you refer to Source, Higher Power, or Creator. Most of us have a belief in
Tapas Time! In Spain this is known as time to have light bites, warm or cold. In yoga philosophy our third Niyama means “heat” in another sense. Our internal heat is needed to purify and detoxify our body and mind and to keep our spirit glowing like a heart warming fire. Tapas is our drive, our passion, the fire within to be disciplined and get things done that are necessary. With
Planted this Lily of the Nile in memory of my mom who made me stop on the road in San Diego to dig up a bulb, so I searched years to find this treasure. Next Sunday is Mother’s Day so getting a jumpstart as we think about sending love and gratitude to honor the “moms” in our life. Those that gave us maternal guidance, maybe lessons on how to live,
I remember the peer pressure when I was very young and taking something I didn’t even need or want from a store. I got caught. The shame I felt and the hurt I caused my father was awful. I learned quickly this virtue and yama of yoga philosophy, Asteya, non-stealing. I know how theft feels from the other side, whether an item, my time, energy and sometimes my ideas without