Popping Pills and Magical Practice

Popping Pills and Magical Practice

Author: Deborah
Since writing my latest article for WitchVox on Magically Cleansing Your Home, I’ve been getting the same question over and over:

Do you think that taking medication affects your magical practice?

My short answer would be: No.

For those of you interested in a discussion, I will share my thoughts with you here. Firstly, I’d like to say that I really dislike it when people are made to feel like they need to engage in secrecy and shame. If that happens, something has really gone wrong in my opinion. The fact that apparently a lot of Pagans/Magical Practitioners feel that they can’t talk about taking prescription medication — and need to hide the reality that they do take medications from the community — makes me really sad. Taking care of your health and taking advantage of modern medicine shouldn’t be something you have to feel shame about in spiritual circles.

So let’s start kicking down some walls and lay it all out there. I have depression, anxiety, anemia and fibromyalgia. I currently take the following medications to make it so that I am a productive member of society: Prozac, Xanax, Remeron, Savella, Celebrex, Vitamin D, Multi-Vitamin and Birth Control. In the past, I have: gone to therapy and tried Kava and St. John’s Wort to help.

The therapy helped immensely, the Kava and St. John’s Wort significantly less so. In addition to my medication I use yoga, stress management techniques, japa/self guided meditation, massage, journaling and talking to loved ones to manage my conditions. I see my doctor regularly. She is very tight fisted with all the “fun” meds and I don’t think I could get a Vicodin out of her if it meant she could retire on an island of her own. But at the same time, she treats my conditions very aggressively.

Even with good coping mechanisms, good medication and a good support structure, I still have days where I’m anxious and can’t sleep and I occasionally have days when I am depressed for no reason. Sometimes my fibromyalgia causes me so much fatigue and pain still that I can’t get out of bed.

Even with taking medication, I still feel the normal human range of emotions and generally only feel sad or stressed when I’m “supposed to”. I’ve worked since I was fourteen. I pay my taxes. I write; I ran a convention. I go out and have fun doing all the things early thirty-somethings like to do. I have loving relationships and I own a car and a condo. My medication makes it so that instead of being too depressed to be motivated, or paralyzed with inexplicable fear and anxiousness, or too bedridden with pain and fatigue, I can lead a fairly “normal” life.

Which is the reason I get confused about why shame needs to be implemented if people choose to take advantage of first world medical care in order to lead functional lives. Are there people who abuse prescriptions? Um, yeah. They’re addicts like the people who are alcoholics and drug abusers. Is that the majority of people who take meds? No.

There’s this idea that really bugs me that there are all these people who take medication they don’t really need and this medication magically takes away all of their problems so they don’t need to deal with them. Last I knew, you needed to take like a fistful of Xanax or are shooting H to get that effect. Which . . .see: addict.

Medication (and therapy) helps get you to the point where you’re not in a full-blown chemical freak-out so you can effectively solve your problems and live your life. If you can do that for yourself without meds, awesome! You have an incredible immune system and brain chemistry. If you can do that solely with homeopathic methods, great! There’s nothing wrong with homeopathy if it works for you.

If you feel taking meds makes you a lesser person somehow then that’s your business and you certainly have a right to your feelings. But I start to get really touchy when someone who thinks that taking meds makes him/her a lesser person insists that I should think that too. I get even more touchy when you start to try to tell me what to do with my body because I have a real problem with that. Agency over my body goes way beyond whether or not I decide to have an abortion; it’s also about having the right to make the decisions I make regarding my health care.

And this junk that some people in our community put on others — about how taking prescription medication is selling out, supporting corporate evil and bringing our community down and how you don’t “believe” in the pharmaceutical industry so neither should anyone else, along with the hype that positive energy/crystals/herbs/alternative therapies would work for everyone regardless of their brain chemistry and body systems and personal desires — is just that: junk.

Because honestly? Unless you’re completely off the grid (and then would not be reading this on the internet) , we all have to make compromises every day with big business. Do I like that? No. Am I willing to compromise my issues with big business in order to be a reasonably functioning human? Yes. Am I saying you have to make that compromise? No. Am I saying you need to leave me alone and make my own big girl decisions about that compromise and why I don’t use crystals for healing? Yes.

With all that out of the way, let’s get to the nuts and bolts of the question asked. While I haven’t been completely unmedicated in roughly ten years, there are occasions when I have a little time in between prescriptions due to various reasons (mostly due to the length of time it takes for my prescriptions to arrive to me via mail) . It is during these times when I am in a quasi-unmedicated state — and/or if my fibro-flare is that impressive that it punches past my meds — that I feel able to give my own take on whether or not my medications have affected my magical practice.

When I was unmedicated/quasi-unmedicated, it was significantly easier for me to be in touch intuitively. What that means to me is that Tarot reading was easier to “pull”, getting random psychic impulses and having an easier time seeing what’s going on with what I call The Tapestry. The Tapestry refers to everything that’s happened in the past, everything that’s happening right now, everything that will happen and everything that never happened. To me it looks like a huge tapestry constantly weaving and unweaving itself in bits and pieces. Typically I could see about like one billionth of the whole tapestry, and it was mostly my little corner of the world.

However. And this is a big however, my magic has significantly improved since medicating. My spells are much more effectively, I now have the focus to have a personal practice (which I didn’t previously) and my rituals are more effective and meaningful.

So while yes, my general fuzzy random psychic ability was better unmedicated, having the ability to cast better and have a better personal practice to me far outweighed my unmedicated abilities. My unmedicated abilities were more “traditional” psychic aspects.

The ability to get the perfect condo through my targeted magic work far outweighed the benefit of being able to say, “Gordon! I think something is going to happen to you on Wedne- Thursd- No, definitely Wednesday. No idea what though. Cheers!” So for me, being more functional in my daily life and being more effective in my targeted magical practice far outweighed being unmedicated.

The Daily OM for June 15th – Eating Right to Feel Better

Eating Right to Feel Better
Fuel That Nurtures

by Madisyn Taylor

What we eat and drink can have a powerful effect on our ability to focus, mental clarity, mood, and stress levels.

At its simplest, food is fuel. Though our preferences regarding taste and texture can vary widely, we all rely on the foods we eat for energy. Most people are aware that it is vital we consume a diverse assortment of foods if we aspire to maintain a state of physical well-being. However, the intimate connection between diet and our mental well-being is less understood. Just as the nutritional components in food power the body, so too do they power the mind. Some foods can impair cognitive functioning and sap our energy while others heighten our intellectual prowess and make us feel vigorous. What we eat and drink can have a powerful effect on our ability to focus, mental clarity, mood, and stress levels.

Food allergies, which don’t always manifest themselves in forms we recognize, can also play a significant role in the maintenance of mental health. Thus, for most of us, even a simple change in diet can have a profoundly positive impact on our lives. Taking the time to explore whether anxiety, muddled thoughts, or inexplicable tension can be linked to a food allergy or food sensitivity can empower you to treat your symptoms naturally. The benefits of a healthier, more personalized diet are often felt immediately. Sugar, saturated fats, wheat, and dairy products are frequently allergens and can stress the body. For people that are allergic, consuming them can cause imbalances in the physical self that have a negative effect on the body’s ability to nourish the brain. Water, fiber, nuts, unprocessed seeds, raw fruits and vegetables, and vegetable proteins, on the other hand, support physical and mental functioning by providing those nutrients we do need without additional substances we don’t.

A balanced, natural diet can ease mood swings, panic attacks, anxiety, and mild depression. Intellectual clarity and agility is improved when the mind receives proper nourishment. Even those individuals who are blessed with the ability to consume almost any food can benefit from a healthier and simpler diet. Since the mental and physical selves are closely bound to one another, we must feed each the foods upon which they thrive.

Source:
The Daily OM

Your Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, February 27th

We are reminded that we’re each part of a larger community now that the Moon is visiting humanistic Aquarius. We want the clarity of logic to rule our lives today, but we can’t fully detach from our feelings with the Sun in compassionate Pisces. Still, nothing is gained if we over-personalize our emotional responses to the circumstances we face. Cultivating a more global approach to solving our problems is the best strategy for the time being.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Your friends and associates show up in unexpected ways today, making life easier for you. With their assistance, you’re able to solve nearly any problem, even those that have plagued you for a while. In turn, you can lend your positive spirit to helping others or organizing social activities. Host an event or jump into a group discussion where you can interact with interesting people who are sharing intriguing ideas. For now, it really might take a village to fulfill all of your needs.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

There’s no reason to be too concerned if you’re not fully appreciated at work today. In fact, it may not be the best time to ask for the recognition you deserve. Reflect carefully on the ramifications of your actions before stating your needs. You could be overly sensitive now, so it won’t take much to stir self-doubt about your career aspirations. Nevertheless, it won’t help your cause if you take things too personally. Keep a positive attitude; today’s optimism leads to tomorrow’s success.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

Your inventive mind can take you nearly anywhere today; it’s up to you to decide your destination. Although others may lift your spirits with their good ideas, don’t spend time with people who are overly serious now. A lighthearted engagement is more consistent with your present frame of mind, so find someone who is witty enough to keep up with the intellectual games that you love so much. Just remember you can play until your heart’s content, but at some point you’re going to have to get down to business.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

A bit of relationship drama is likely today because your emotions may be somewhat erratic. It’s challenging to get a handle on the situation because you might not feel like you’re standing on solid ground. The rules are in flux now, making this a poor time to hold onto the status quo. Be courageous and open your heart to new ways of connecting with others. Take a deep breath and prepare for positive change.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Visitors may come and go unexpectedly, filling your day with surprises. There seems to be fewer limitations on how you communicate with others today, allowing for possible breakthroughs in relationships. If you believe the time is right, take a risk and say what’s on your mind. Thankfully, you can create new rules for sharing your life with someone you trust; all it takes is a little imagination now and the confidence to move forward. Let your heart lead the way.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You’re inspired today by an ingenious approach to a work project, a hobby or even a task at home. All you have to do is release the old and tired way of doing things to make room for new and improved ideas. Entertaining all possibilities prevents you from becoming bogged down in an unnecessary dispute. Remember, getting the job done now is more important than determining who’s right.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

It’s playtime today, whether you do something fun with kids or get in touch with your own inner child. Silly games, creative endeavors and romantic pursuits are all appropriate now as long as you allow yourself to bask in the pleasure of being alive. If you are under too much pressure, take a break to breathe deeply. Even a short walk will do you good. Anything that creates movement and gets oxygen into your lungs also brings fresh hope into your heart.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

An apparently unresolvable emotional issue may slow you down today. Surprisingly, you can see progress once you realize that you really do have more choices than you thought. You might not be thrilled with the current options, but any decision you make now is better than none at all. Ultimately, it’s crucial to keep moving forward. Even if you’re still unsure about your new direction, change for the sake of change will do you good.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Feed your current taste for unconventional activities now by stepping off the beaten track and exploring the territory outside your familiar haunts. Even if you’re hesitant at first, once you get going you won’t want to look back. Sweep away old cobwebs that have settled into your life by steering clear of worn-out patterns and people who don’t have your best interests at heart. Out with the old and in with the new.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Although you usually don’t mind it when other people lean on you, it may be particularly annoying today. Others trust you because they assume you’re not going to follow a crazy notion on a whim. Nevertheless, it doesn’t seem fair that everyone else is free to be weird and off the wall while you are expected to be the stabilizing influence who holds down the fort. However, you might just surprise someone now by acting out of character in order to restore a bit of balance to the relationship dynamics. You deserve to have some fun, but don’t rebel just to prove a point.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You’re probably feeling quite moody now that the emotional Moon is visiting your sign. You’re itching for change and it may be difficult to restrain yourself with logic today. If you try to stay in the same old groove, something or someone is likely to come along to shake up your world. Ultimately, it’s more exciting to pick your own adventure instead, so don’t wait; break new ground now while you still have the chance. You can’t go wrong if you follow your heart.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You may be able to see exactly what you want but it’s as if you’re standing outside a closed store, longing for what’s on the other side of the window. There are so many enticing goodies and it’s frustrating that you can’t put your hands on them right away. But instead of getting hooked by the impossibility of the situation now, simply observe the images for future reference. Today you’re planting seeds that will grow when you water them with positive actions later on.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Wednesday, February 19th

We try to keep negative feelings to ourselves today, but we may still express them anyhow. The diplomatic Libra Moon reminds us that some things are better left unsaid. Meanwhile, communicator Mercury squares restrictive Saturn, further frustrating our efforts to say what we want. But the Moon hooks up with fiery Mars, pushing us to fight for our needs. The emotional intensity deepens when the Moon slips into passionate Scorpio at 10:32 pm EST.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You are in your power zone, but you might unconsciously try to impose your will onto someone else. Remember that the Moon bumps into your key planet Mars today, sending your emotions into orbit. You’re running on overdrive now, yet those around you may not be as ready for action as you are. Avoid unnecessary arguments by taking the needs of others into consideration before going on the attack. Channel your energy in a positive direction.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

Someone might inadvertently stir up uncomfortable emotions today, perhaps reviving old feelings of unresolved anger. You’re typically a down-to-earth person with a common sense attitude toward life. But you could be mixing up memories from your childhood with current circumstances, making it more difficult now to fix the present situation. Examine your past and then use the lessons learned to positively impact your future.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

Others envy the ease with which clever thoughts roll off your tongue. You often can say what you want and be done with it. However, it might be more complicated now to separate your ideas and opinions from your identity. The problem is that if you are fully invested in your perspective, you may have to be more aggressive in your own defense. Just remember that everyone else has valid input to give as well. Keeping your mind open is more important than having the last word.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

It might be tempting to convey your annoyance today by not saying or doing anything at all. Unfortunately, once you choose this passive-aggressive tactic, you may retreat so far back into your shell that no one can establish communication with you. Fight against the tendency to withdraw if you are feeling hurt or resentful. Instead, nurse your wounds by gently expressing your feelings without creating a drama. Others can’t make things right if they don’t know what’s wrong.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

A new wave of restlessness sweeps through your life today, but you may not know how to put your feelings out on the table without upsetting an emotional applecart. Although you respect other people’s perspectives, you might secretly believe that yours is more important. Instead of jumping up on your soapbox to fight your cause, it’s healthier to find more productive ways to burn off your excess energy. Save your sermons for another day.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

There are serious issues stewing in your immediate environment now and it’s to your advantage to minimize the negative energy. You might grow irritated with a friend or family member — and your harsh criticism could make matters worse. Put your ego aside today and everyone will feel better all the way around. Choose your battles wisely; you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar if you try.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Your world is rocking, yet the chaos begins to settle down later in the day. Nevertheless, you might feel one last kick of adrenaline today, so make the most of this frenetic energy. Setting your ideas into motion is essential now. You are drawing power from deep reserves but you must be willing to do the work in order to reap the rewards.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Your personal motivation is very strong now, driving you to accomplish more than expected. Unfortunately, your unspoken need to excel can pose a danger, for you may inadvertently create conflict with others in your singular quest to achieve your current objectives. Keep in mind that your success doesn’t have to come at the expense of anyone else. Even if your ego is telling you otherwise, there is always room for multiple winners.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You’re riding an energetic high even if today’s cosmic weather clouds your ability to clearly convey your feelings. You might believe you can accomplish whatever is necessary; your optimism is waving like a flag in the breeze. Unfortunately, you can’t shake a lingering suspicion that there’s something you’re forgetting now. Give yourself permission to keep turning over recent events, one by one, until you find what you are missing.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

One of your ongoing concerns these days is how you can propel yourself toward your goals without pushing others too hard. Unfortunately, if you’re overly bossy, even your allies tend to back away from you. You are riding an adrenaline rush now, but don’t try to put out this internal fire. Use your moral compass to keep yourself on track while searching for a constructive outlet for your abundant energy.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Your focus is shifting as you become more practical about your long-term goals and your career path. Partnerships at work can deepen, offering you the support you need to make a crucial decision. However, tensions may be stirred if there is discord lurking beneath the surface in a developing relationship. Nevertheless, it helps to get everyone’s feelings out in the open. Compromise isn’t the simplest path to follow, but it is the fastest route to peace and harmony at this time.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

It may not be so easy to just let go of a bad feeling since your emotions run very deep. Don’t look for the fast fix today. Sometimes the real magic in a relationship stems from those differences that make each person unique. Respecting each other’s belief systems sets the stage for building common ground instead of fighting over that which cannot be resolved. When all else fails, let love guide the way.

WOTC Extra – How to Train Your Mind to Positive Thought

Witchy Comments & Graphics

WOTC Extra – How to Train Your Mind to Positive Thought

Training your mind to practice positive thinking enables you to increase your self-esteem and perceived control in your life. Learning how your mind works and how to incorporate positive thoughts can help improve many areas, including work, family and social relationships. Improving your life through positive thinking, however, requires a proactive effort on your part to combat and change your current lifestyle and perceptual attitudes.

Instructions

1. Identify the internal negative thought patterns your mind uses. Types of negative thought patterns include: personalizing (blaming yourself), filtering (focusing only on the negative) and catastrophizing (anticipating the worst and blowing negative events out of proportion). Think of concrete examples in your own life in which you internalized problems and used these patterns to think negatively about situations.

2. Practice positive self-talk. Think of a negative situation which you encountered over the past day or week. Turn the negative thoughts you had about the event into positive thoughts. For example, perhaps you experienced a flat tire on your way home from work. Instead of catastrophizing the event, find a way to spin it into a positive experience (e.g., you gained the important skill of changing a flat tire). Practice this positive self-talk for several negative situations or events that you’ve experienced to get into the habit of training your mind towards a different thinking pattern.

3. Evaluate your thoughts throughout the days and weeks that follow. Periodically stop throughout the day to review your internal thoughts to determine if they have been mostly negative or positive. Think rationally about the negative thoughts which you do encounter. Find ways to spin those negative thoughts and train your mind to see them in a positive light.

4. Create a positive thoughts journal. Spend time each evening or morning reflecting and writing down good things that have happened in your life or throughout the day. Acknowledging good events and positive experiences then writing them down helps improve your thinking habits and trains your mind to think positively.

5. Find healthy ways to deal with stressful events and situations. Develop and keep an exercise routine several times a week. Exercise and regular physical activity stimulate brain chemicals that improve your mood and boost energy levels, according to the Mayo Clinic. Spend time each day in meditation, focusing on clearing your mind and on relaxation. Meditation decreases the negative effects of stress and rejuvenates the mind and body.

6. Surround yourself with positive friends and family members. Negative people who continually focus on the bad and are unsupportive may only re-enforce negative thinking habits. Alternatively, making friends with and spending time with supportive individuals may help you achieve clarity when troubling situations arise.

Article By Matthew Schieltz, eHow Contributor

Self Meditation for Daily Life: I am Letting Go

Self Meditation for Daily Life: I am Letting Go

Here’s a powerful daily meditation for increasing the level of peace in our lives which is very useful:

Allow your body to relax in your chair. Let your arms, your shoulders, and your back release their tension and just drop.

As you’re sitting there watching the screen, make a conscious decision that there is nothing else that you must do for the next couple of minutes.

Take a look at an area in your life which has been causing you stress. Make a conscious decision that there is nothing you must do about it for the next couple of minutes. Let it go entirely, knowing that you can pick it up again shortly if you choose to.

Repeat Step #3 with another area of life which has been causing you stress.

Repeat Step #3 until you feel convinced that in this moment, there is nothing you must experience stress about or concern for.

Allow yourself to experience the freedom for these few minutes of not having to worry or feel stress about anything in your life. Notice that nothing is getting worse for lack of your concern about it.

Offer yourself the opportunity to release your worries and concerns regularly by using different self meditations in your daily life.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Monday, February 17

We must focus our attention on managing our emotions now since current relationship dynamics are growing more complex. We may grasp for answers as we watch the mental clarity begin to fade away. Although the practical Virgo Moon helps us concentrate our thoughts, we’re frustrated — perhaps even angry — that progress is immeasurably slow. Luckily, the Moon enters objective Libra at 1:22 pm EST, allowing us to gain a more balanced perspective.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Although you may spend much of the day hard at work, the action picks up this afternoon as you become more socially inclined. Whether you go out on the town with friends or relax at home with family, at least try to include others in your plans. But don’t get caught in a web of procrastination. If you complete whatever tasks you start as efficiently as possible, you will have more alternatives for pleasure available later on.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

Acting in a kind manner is admirable, but obsessing over what makes the most sense can interfere with your overall efficiency. Your current tendency may be to analyze everything too much before making your move. Unfortunately, by the time you finally make up your mind, you might have already run out of options. Instead of worrying about whether to work or play today, just do what comes naturally without bothering with the extra analysis. No one can fault you for being yourself.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

Staying home and taking it easy might be too tempting of an idea to resist today. You may be so eager to have fun that you agree to something that really isn’t ultimately in your best interest. But playing hooky from work or school isn’t a smart idea at all, especially if it damages your reputation. Pay close attention to what you must sacrifice in order to fulfill your desires. If the cost is too high, don’t say yes.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

There are simple steps you can take today to bring your life back into harmony. However, your needs are likely to be very different from those close to you now and the sooner you acknowledge what you want, the better it will be for all involved. Talking about your passions will help move the energy, as long as you don’t expect one heartfelt discussion to resolve everything all at once. Remember, the real answers are likely to be found within.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Using your common sense is often a reliable way to help you make the best decisions, but today it may be smarter to take a risk with a less than practical idea. You might start out thinking that your feet are on the ground only to discover that your head is in the clouds by the time evening rolls around. Even if others try to change your mind, listen to your intuition and follow your heart.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You have a love-hate relationship today with the same things that usually keep you happily occupied. You may grow bored with your normal work routine now and might try to shake up the regularity of your life by doing things differently. As much as this act of rebellion can be liberating, don’t be afraid to fall back on the tried and true methods if the new ones are not as effective as you had hoped. There’s no harm in experimenting as long as you have a safety net in place.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Tie up as many loose ends as you can before the Moon slips into your sign this afternoon. But don’t try to make a big deal out of everything you do. It’s not for anyone else that you need to finish what you started; it’s to prepare yourself for the emotional whirlwind that arrives tomorrow. You might be too distracted to fully concentrate on the future if you still have unfinished business on your plate.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You might be feeling under pressure to finally address unresolved dynamics in your home or family. However, don’t get yourself so worked up now that your happiness depends upon resolution of issues that still require additional work. You are entering an intermediate zone where you can’t go back to the way things were, yet you can’t move forward either. Take a few deep breaths and cut yourself some slack. There’s no exact timetable for the healing of the heart.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You want to be appreciated and admired for your competence on the job. Ironically, you may need to set aside your personal agenda today to gain the recognition you crave, whether it’s solving a problem at work, hosting a party or just being there for someone special. Rather than seeking approval from your friends or coworkers, put in the extra effort now just because it makes you feel good.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

A paradoxical twist may be added to the mix this week as your feelings deepen while you simultaneously grow more emotionally detached. You might feel anxious at first if you aren’t able to lose yourself into your dreamworld as easily as usual. Instead of worrying about the current state of affairs, be thankful that you can now sink into a challenging dilemma without necessarily being overwhelmed by the situation. Use both your head and your heart to navigate through these tumultuous waters and emerge stronger than before.

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – February 12

“The spirit still has something for us to discover-an herb, a sprig, a flower-a very small flower, maybe you can spend a long time in its contemplation, thinking about it.”

–Lame Deer, LAKOTA

The world today is about hurry up! Get there faster! Work harder, produce more, hurry up, eat quickly, be on time, don’t get stressed- headaches, conflict, drink to calm down, go to training on stress management, time management-STOP! STOP! STOP! STOP! STOP! STOP! STOP! Go spend 5 minutes with a flower or a plant. Look at it-think about it-look at its beauty, smell it, close your eyes and smell it again. Touch it; touch with your eyes closed. Listen to it; listen to it with your eyed closed. Slow your mind down. Think about the little things. Now close your eyes and pray.

Great Spirit, this feeling of calmness that I have, let me have it all day long.

A Little Humor for Your Day – ‘Maintain Insanity At the Workplace, lol

How to Maintain a Healthy Level of Insanity in the Workplace

1) Page yourself over the intercom. Don’t disguise your voice.
2) Find out where your boss shops and buy exactly the same outfits. Wear them one day after you boss does. This is especially effective if your boss is a different gender.
3) Make up nicknames for all your coworkers and refer to them only by these names. “That’s a good point, Sparky.” “No, I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to disagree with you there, Cha-cha.”
4) Send e-mail to the rest of the company telling them exactly what you’re doing. For example: “If anyone needs me, I’ll be in the bathroom.”
5) Hi-Lite your shoes. Tell people you haven’t lost them as much since you did this.
6) While sitting at your desk, soak your fingers in Palmolive liquid. Call everyone Madge.
7) Hang mosquito netting around your cubicle. When you emerge to get coffee or a printout or whatever, slap yourself randomly the whole way.
8) Put a chair facing a printer. Sit there all day and tell people you’re waiting for your document.
9) Every time someone asks you to do something, anything, ask them if they want fries with that.
10) Send e-mail back and forth to yourself engaging yourself in an intellectual debate. Forward the mail to a co-worker and ask her to settle the disagreement.
11) Encourage your colleagues to join you in a little synchronized chair-dancing.
12) Put your trash can on your desk. Label it “IN.”
13) Feign an unnatural and hysterical fear of staplers.
14) Send e-mail messages saying there’s free pizza or donuts or cake in the lunch room. When people drift back to work complaining that they found none, lean back, pat your stomach and say, “Oh you’ve got to be faster than that.”
15) Put decaf in the coffee maker for three weeks. Once everyone has withdrawn from caffeine addiction, switch to espresso.

Daily OM for February 3 – Redefining health

Redefining Health
Throw Away Your Scale

by Madisyn Taylor

No matter what our weight, we can use the cues from our physical and mental selves to judge how healthy we are.

Health is not a numerical concept and cannot be defined using statistics. Human beings, however, tend to want to quantify well-being into easily understandable figures. We feel compelled to ascribe numbers to every aspect of wellness, from the qualities of our food to our f

itness levels to the physical space we occupy. As a consequence of social pressures, we turn our attention away from health and focus instead on the most contentious of these figures—weight—checking our scales to see how we measure up to our peers and role models. Yet each of us is equipped to gauge our relative healthfulness without any equipment whatsoever. When we have achieved a state of wellness, we feel buoyant and energetic. Some of us are naturally slim, while others will always be curvy. No matter what our weight, we can use the cues we receive from our physical and mental selves to judge how healthy we really are.

When you throw away your scale, you commit to a lifestyle that honors the innate wisdom that comes from within your body and within your mind. It is logical to examine how you feel while considering your health—a strong, fit, and well-nourished individual will seldom feel heavy, bloated, or fatigued. If you have concerns regarding your weight, remind yourself that at its proper weight, your body will feel buoyant and agile. Movement becomes a source of joy. Sitting, standing, walking, and bending are all easy to do because your joints and organs are functioning as they were meant to. When you are physically healthy, your mind will also typically occupy a place of well-being. Mental clarity and an ability to focus are two natural traits of whole-self health. Surprisingly, promoting this type of easy-to-discern wellness within yourself takes no special effort outside of satisfying your hunger with nourishing, wholesome foods and moving your body.

The numbers you see on the scale, while nominally informative, can prevent you from reaching your healthful eating goals by giving you a false indicator of health. You will know when you have achieved true health because every fiber of your being will send you signals of wellness. When you choose to listen to these signals instead of relying on the scale, your definition of well-being will be uniquely adapted to the needs of your body and of your mind.

Daily OM

Quiz of the Day – What Is Your Soul Type?

What Is Your Soul Type? Quiz

Annie B. Bond

Are you a Hunter or a Visionary? A Peacemaker or a Bright Star? Find out with this fascinating quiz that helps you understand more about who you truly, deeply are.

You may want to share this quiz with friends and loved ones. Learn more about your own soul-nature here:

If you are a FIRE SIGN, do you

* Sometimes feel negative and often find something to complain about?

* Find that you are either extremely encouraging or extremely discouraging of others and their actions?

* Dream of the perfect mate even though you are disappointed again and again when others let you down?

If this sounds most like you, then you are a RETROSPECTIVE SOUL. (Retrospectives get their name from their tendency to look backward, sometimes holding on to old hurts.)

Or do you

* Feel compelled to express your artistic temperament?

* Think you are sometimes unrealistic in your expectations of people and situations?

* Find that you often look through rose-colored glasses to try to see only the best in someone? If this sounds most like you, then you are a DREAMING SOUL.

Or do you

* Think of yourself as positive and outgoing, especially in difficult circumstances?

* Love to be center stage, even if it is at the expense of others?

* Need accolades and a partner who gives you their full attention? If this sounds most like you, then you are a BRIGHT STAR SOUL.

——————————

IF you are an EARTH SIGN, do you

* Love a challenge and strive to conquer it at all costs?

* Motivate others with your enthusiasm but move on if they hold you up or disrupt your plans?

* Need freedom and flexibility in any personal relationship? If this sounds most like you, then you are a HUNTER SOUL.

Or do you

* Take a while to decide on the right career path?

* Think of yourself as a social organizer who will call others even if they don’t call you?

* Need reassurance and security, as you’re not always sure of your own value? If this sounds most like you, then you are a VISIONARY SOUL.

Or do you

* Naturally take charge of most situations?

* Find that you are usually the first one to volunteer?

* Need to be involved with your partner and have real communication? If this sounds most like you, then you are a WARRIOR SOUL.

——————————

IF you are an AIR SIGN, do you

* Very often wonder if the grass might be greener someplace other than where you are?

* Not really need the security of a house, home, or family?

* Consider yourself romantic and love the idea of romance but find it difficult to commit to a single relationship? If this sounds most like you, then you are a TRAVELER SOUL.

Or do you

* Feel content to be wherever you are at any given moment?

* Avoid conflict of any kind in order to keep stability both at home and at work?

* Need a stable partner who is totally committed to you, even if the relationship is not perfect? If this sounds most like you, then you are a PROPHET SOUL.

Or do you

* Need the opportunity to try out new and innovative ideas?

* Value stability and almost always feel like things are stable?

* Openly and easily share your emotions, and need a grounded home life? If this sounds most like you, then you are a NEWBORN SOUL.

——————————

If you are a WATER SIGN, do you

* Always find yourself interested in others?

* Like to involve yourself with worthwhile projects, and love to philosophize and intellectualize things?

* Want a relationship, but like to hold back, and find it hard to share inner feelings? If this sounds most like you, then you are a SEEKER SOUL.

Or do you

* Feel like your main focus is on marriage and family, even on social occasions?

* Work with children, or in a teaching, caring, or nurturing profession?

* Enjoy nurturing your family? If this sounds most like you, then you are a PEACEMAKER SOUL.

Or do you

* Like company, but feel you can be just as happy doing your own thing by yourself?

* Get involved with several projects at once, finding it hard to say no?

* Like to make the rules in your relationship? If this sounds most like you, then you are an OLD SOUL.

Daily OM for January 29th – Owning Your Emotions

Owning Your Emotions

Name It and Claim It

by Madisyn Taylor

Whatever the nature of your feelings, carefully define the reaction taking place within you.

Our feelings can sometimes present a very challenging aspect of our lives. We experience intense emotions without understanding precisely why and consequently find it difficult to identify the solutions that will soothe our distressed minds and hearts. Yet it is only when we are capable of

naming our feelings that we can tame them by finding an appropriate resolution. We retake control of our personal power by becoming courageous enough to articulate, out loud and concisely, the essence of our emotions. Our assuming ownership of the challenges before us in this way empowers us to shift from one emotional state to another—we can let go of pain and upset because we have defined it, examined the effect it had on our lives, and then exerted our authority over it by making it our own. By naming our feelings, we claim the right to divest ourselves of them at will.

As you prepare to acknowledge your feelings aloud, gently remind yourself that being specific is an important part of exercising control. Whatever the nature of your feelings, carefully define the reaction taking place within you. If you are afraid of a situation or intimidated by an individual, try not to mince words while giving voice to your anxiety. The precision with which you express yourself is indicative of your overall willingness to stare your feelings in the face without flinching. Naming and claiming cannot always work in the vacuum of the soul. There may be times in which you will find the release you desire only by admitting your feelings before others. When this is the case, your ability to outline your feelings explicitly can help you ask for the support, aid, or guidance you need without becoming mired in the feelings that led you to make such an admission in the first place.

When you have moved past the apprehension associated with expressing your distressing feelings out loud, you may be surprised to discover that you feel liberated and lightened. This is because the act of making a clear connection between your circumstances and your feelings unravels the mystery that previously kept you from being in complete control of your emotional state. To give voice to your feelings, you must necessarily let them go. In the process, you naturally relax and rediscover your emotional equilibrium.

The Daily OM

Daily OM for January 27th – Fuel that Nurtures

Fuel that Nurtures

Eating Right to Feel Better

by Madisyn Taylor

What we eat and drink can have a powerful effect on our ability to focus, mental clarity, mood, and stress levels.

The Daily OM

Daily OM for January 13th – Making Life Yours

Making Life Yours
Perception

by Madisyn Taylor

A simple shift in attitude can help us recognize the hidden potential for fulfillment in every event.

There is no secret recipe for happiness and contentment. The individuals who move through life joyously have not necessarily been blessed with lives of abundance, love, success, and prosperity. Such people have, however, been blessed with the ability to take the circumstances they’ve been handed and make them into something great. Our individual realities are colored by perception—delight and despair come from within rather than without. Situations we regard as fortuitous please us while situations we judge inauspicious cause us no end of grief. Yet if we can look at all we have accomplished without dwelling on our perceived misfortune and make each new circumstance our own, the world as a whole becomes a brighter place. A simple shift in attitude can help us recognize and unearth the hidden potential for personal and outer world fulfillment in every event, every relationship, every duty, and every setback.

The universe is often an unpredictable and chaotic place, and the human tendency is to focus on the negative and assume the positive will care for itself. But life can be no more or no less than what you make of it. If you are working in a job you dislike, you can concentrate on the positive aspects of the position and approach your work with gusto. What can you do with this job that can turn it around so you do love it. When faced with the prospect of undertaking a task you fear, you can view it as an opportunity to discover what you are truly capable of doing. Similarly, unexpected events, when viewed as surprises, can add flavor to your existence. By choosing to love life no matter what crosses your path, you can create an atmosphere of jubilance that is wonderfully infectious. A change in perspective is all it takes to change your world, but you must be willing to adopt an optimistic, hopeful mind-set.

To make a conscious decision to be happy is not enough. You must learn to observe life’s complexities through the eyes of a child seeing everything for the first time. You must furthermore divest yourself of preconceived notions of what is good and what is bad so that you can appreciate the rich insights concealed in each stage of your life’s journey. And you must strive to discover the dual joys of wanting what you have. As you gradually shift your perspective, your existence will be imbued with happiness and contentment that will remain with you forever.

The Daily OM

A Little Humor for Your Day – ‘I’ve learned’ (Note: This is not my list for I have learned nothing, lol!)

I’ve learned…

…that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is stalk them and hope they panic and give in.
…that no matter how much I care, some people are just assholes.
…that it takes years to build up trust, and only suspicion, not proof, to destroy it.
…that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes. After that, you’d better have lots of money and proof of it.
…that you shouldn’t compare yourself to others – they are more screwed up than you think.
…that you can keep puking long after you think you’re finished.
…that we are responsible for what we do, unless we are celebrities.
…that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades, and there had better be a lot of money to take its place.
…that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you’re down will be the ones who do.
…that we don’t have to ditch bad friends because their dysfunction makes us feel better about ourselves.
…that no matter how you try to protect your children, they will eventually get arrested and end up in the local paper.
…that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon and all the less important ones just never go away.
…to say “Screw ’em if they can’t take a joke” in 6 languages.

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