Motivation!

Personal crap you can skip if you just want to get to the point

I have A LOT to do in the next few weeks. Home involves being a single mom with an infant and a 4 year old and moving, and at work there are BIG time projects. If you know anything about EHR/ EMR and implementation take your worst nightmare involving it and multiply it by something unholy- like spam.

I get overwhelmed.  I am (read can be) an incredibly productive person, but when the opportunity arrives to tackle those things on my lists I kinda freeze.  Sure, I'm tired.  I have an infant, a 4 year old, a full time job... I have a right to relax.  And of course I decide to not only take on -and by take on I mean I freely volunteered,-and by freely volunteered I mean it was all my idea- a pretty large enterprise to get together backpacks for the homeless... I digress.

But what I do isn't just relaxing.  It's a little something I like to call pretending the outside world doesn't exist. 

This can be a useful tool for regrouping- a reason why I love rainy days.  What I have been doing is not the healthy,-useful-tool-for-relaxing kind of way. It's more of the avoiding-reality-and-the-fact-that-I-have-responsibilities (and really much more than normal) that-I-really-should-have-already-started-on kind of way. So instead of helping it just makes things harder.  It increases my desire to continue to pretend that the outside world doesn't exist.

Motivation- what you can do

1. One day at a time.  Seriously- you can only do what you can do.  Yes, it's smart to plan ahead- But don't let tomorrow consume you.  I can work on this myself, especially lately. 

There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday and the other is called tomorrow, so today is the right day to love, believe, do and mostly live.
— Dalai Lama

Go browse Dalai Lama and Zen quotes on Pinterest if you have a hard time with this.  He's a smart dude. He knows what he's talking about.

 I'm a list person.  Try making a couple of lists- a list for today (I make the ones that need to get done today stand out) and a list for things to attend in the future.  I started doing this at work, but now I do it at home, too. Writing it down helps get it out of your head.  You don't have to worry about forgetting it.  And it's there to add to your "today list" tomorrow.  

2. Surround yourself with positivity.  I LOVE quotes.  I collect them on notebooks, on Pinterest, I put them in places I'll see them- write it on the calendar, tack it up at work.  If I really need to remind myself of something I use a dry erase marker on the mirror, or put it eye level in a spot where things don't belong so it will catch my eye.  I set my desk top back ground.  

Also, pay attention to the company you keep.  I had a clean break from the friends in my life when I was 21 or so.  It was super tough at the time, but since then I have been able to chose who is and isn't a part of my life.  I can get amped up very easily.  I also believe that positive thinking is necessary for a happy, healthy life.  I don't needed added stress and drama- I have enough stressers and personal issues I need to work through.  NEGATIVITY IS A DISTRACTION FROM BEING THE BEST VERSION OF YOURSELF.   

3. Create a dream board.  I'm going to do this. I'll make it for life goals- figure out what I want. Remind myself I am moving towards something- and I can pick the direction I go. When I need a break I'll get creative instead of shutting down- and I'll give myself a time limit. I may start with Pinterest, then look into those smash book things I've heard about. Seems perfect for me. I like the idea of journaling, but don't want a "diary"-I'm nowhere near as profound as Anne Frank.  I'll theme the journals by a newly defined goal- or grouping of them.

4. Ask yourself what you want and set realistic goals. Woah.  You may think I planned this out, but I didn't even know I was going to list out the things on the picture until I started typing about lists.  I scrolled up to see number 4- and it looks like I just addressed how I plan to deal with this in 3.  And 3 is the reason I decided to make a blog after posting the picture on FB and saying I want to create a dream board to stay motivated.  Full circle... that I suppose you didn't need to know about.

But really- HOW CAN WE ACHIEVE HAPPINESS IF WE NEVER DEFINE WHAT IT IS THAT WILL MAKE US HAPPY?

5. Reward yourself.  I can't tell you how to go about it, but pick something that makes you happy.  If I get all this work done I'll drive an hour to the beach and take a walk. Or if cut my spending by x amount I'll get to do this with a percentage of what I saved.  Or I spent so many hours working on this skill I want, now I can get a tool or book that will further it, and I proved I'll use it.

6. & 7. Believe in yourself & acknowlede your attributes.  Do what it says.  Self doubt and low self esteem make you just as egotistical as someone who is full of themselves.  And it gets in the way of you being happy and achieving goals.  Everyone has flaws and good qualities.  Recognize what you excel at just as much as what you dislike about yourself so you can make some progress!  So cut the crap and know you can do it.

8. Recognize your progress.  And congratulate yourself.   I find getting a little bit done keeps me going.  Recognizing what you accomplished makes the rest lest daunting.

9. Visualize accomplishing your goals. You're more likely to succeed if you tell yourself you can than if you tell yourself you can't.

10. Be kind to yourself.  I can be a huge jerk to myself.  It slows us down if we're busy being mean to ourselves.  Imagine you're trying to lose weight.  2 weeks in you gain instead of lose.  Instead of being mean and discouraged- making us more likely to quit- saying, "I did really well for two weeks, I'll start over on Saturday and this time I know I can make it two weeks, but I'll aim for three weeks!"  Talk to yourself and forgive yourself for your perceived shortcomings as you would someone you love.  If you have kids this is a big one- they will learn how to treat themselves from how you treat yourself. 

11. Don't compare yourself to others.  Life isn't a contest.  Anyone who says it is is doing it wrong.  There will always be people more experienced or naturally good at certain things.  We all have our strengths and weaknesses... and now I'm turning into a broken record.

Ironically, this post took a lot of time away from all the things I planned on doing this morning... I'm feeling overwhelmed, but I'll get going on my list.  And

Anne Frank

One of my all time favorite quotes... and how old was she?  If she could feel that way, I sure as hell better figure it out. some others by her:

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be.

Whoever is happy will make others happy too.

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.


The final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands.

It's really a wonder that I haven't dropped all my ideals, because they seem so absurd and impossible to carry out. Yet I keep them, because in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart.
Boys will be boys. And even that wouldn't matter if only we could prevent girls from being girls.

And finally I twist my heart round again, so that the bad is on the outside and the good is on the inside, and keep on trying to find a way of becoming what I would so like to be, and could be, if there weren't any other people living in the world.

I must uphold my ideals, for perhaps the time will come when I shall be able to carry them out.

Who would ever think that so much went on in the soul of a young girl?

I don't think of all the misery but of the beauty that still remains.

No one has ever become poor by giving.

Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. The good news is that you don't know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!

Happy Nerd Makes More Work

♥ Alice, ♥ The Doctor

Thanks to TeeFury I now own t-shirts with the following images.  I was doing so well with not spending money... then I saw this.  I love Alice in Wonderland- and have loved those books for so long.  And Princess Aurora was my first favorite princess.

 

And, if I  bought two t-shirts I got a FREE sticker play set.  Seriously, tell me how I was supposed to say no to that.

Then... I got TWO sets.  One to play with, one to save in pristine condition.

It's the little things.

Now I own two of these sticker play sets.

This improves my quality of life.  

For serious.

Simple Ways to Improve Everyday

Feel free to skip half way down to get to the intended content - stuff to help make your day more enjoyable and life a little brighter.  

Some History

I have struggled with depression since I was in elementary school.   I am a functioning adult; I go to work, I have two kids, there is food in my kitchen, I pay my bills, my house is clean...relatively.  Full disclosure: I do not and never have separated my whites from my colors.  Many people are surprised if they find out that I, a "normal" suffers from depression.  I'm not really sure how I keep it separated, but I must have learned young.

Many days I am convinced nothing will ever improve.  I cried miserably every day at 6- at least once. I remember loathing myself at 8.  I started physically harming myself in middle school, I've have had suicidal thoughts on and off since 12.

Depression  has been a silent companion.  Heavy and predictable.

During my last pregnancy I had a few challenges. I've been anxious before, but I experienced anxiety in an intensely horrifying way.  I would lose control of my emotions, of my actions, of my words.

A couple weeks before the baby was born my husband moved out.  I was terrified of having a stroke, of going into labor while alone with my 4 year old, of living alone.  I would start to worry and obsess, then lose control of all rational thought.  With rational thoughts leaving the party you can bet rational actions we're right there with them.

Anyhow, fast forward to now.  I have a 4 year old who shows no jealousy and a whole lot of empathy, and a 4 month old whose general mood is better than any baby's mood has a right to be.

I have adapted fairly well.  Like I said, my house is clean... relatively.  The kids are fed and wearing clean clothes... although currently the 4 year old has a beard comprised of green hopefully-not-permanent-marker scribble.  Childcare is a little more than half of what I bring home a month.  Prior to 6 months ago there was no need for daycare, I didn't foresee how large an impact it would have financially.  There are also other stresses that have to do with work, raising two little ones and maintaining a home, a challenging relationship with my husband, and with family and friends knowing my situation as well has having opinions on it- which obviously they are allowed to have them.        

(Sidebar: I talk a lot.  About a lot of things.  A lot of the time.  I am comfortable talking about all sorts of things, and I think people just assume I'm an open book. 

As I mentioned above, many people are surprised if they find out I have a long, consistent history of depression.  Not only do I not talk about certain things, but I tend to not even notice me thinking them- never mind working through them.  I've been asked why I was crying the previous day, and I think, "I was crying?"  I'm not saying it is healthy, but it probably has a good deal to do with how I've kept it "under the radar.")

In spite of surviving, and maybe even appearing as thriving, I still get anxious and spend a fair amount of time with a pessimistic mindset.

What you allow is what will continue.

Original intended content before I decided to include a history 

I am a firm believer that we are responsible for our own actions and what happens in our life.  Ultimately, we are responsible for our own happiness.  I believe that to a large extent we have control over our thought patterns.  I haven't studied it, but I tend to have pretty good instincts.  If we allow ourselves to feel anxious or hateful it's easy for it to become a norm.  I've used a metaphor:  It's a lot easier to redirect the flow of a smaller stream than to redirect the Colorado River.  The Grand Canyon isn't going to move easily.  This implies that at some point it's too late- or near impossible.  

Every couple of years I write out a list of things that make me happy.  I encourage you to make your own list of things you love and make you happy.  I don't know why I started doing it. Sometimes I am pleasantly surprised by finding past lists.  I am lucky that even though I can be so sad, I can also be so easily delighted.  Little things make me smile. Medium things excite me.  Big things consume me.

She was a girl who knew how to be happy even when she was sad.  And that's important, you know. -Marilyn Monroe

I have been consistently crankier.  It could be hormones, and it definitely has something to do with my current circumstances.  I don't want to be impatient and critical, easily agitated.  I don't like me when I'm like that.  And I'm like that because I'm already unhappy- it's a cruel cycle.  

I've devised a plan of attack.  Actively add little things from the list  to daily life to improve perspective.  I am diverting the stream of my persistent antagonistic mood before it becomes my standard attitude.

Some Examples Of How I Improve Everyday

 I love quotes.  I cannot tell you how much. My Pinterest is littered with them. Point is, other peoples' words inspire me.  So I use them.   I write them on my mirrors and windows with dry erase markers, I tack them up at work, write them on my calendar, leave one in my wallet, set the desk top back ground, you get the picture.  

Things that inspire me or to remind me of things I need to "hear." (like to the right)   I have hangings from when I saw the Dalai Lama in places where I may need certain messages.  

By the way, the Dalai Lama is on the list of things that I love/make me happy.  Seeing him speak was amazing.  Looking at his picture right now is making me happy. 

I love reading.  When I've had enough of reality fiction is the place for me! 

I love bubbles.  I can't explain it.  They make me giddy. I think I'm going to start carrying some with me.... for the kids...

The Beatles.  The Fab Four.  In high school it was Rubber Soul and Revolver.  Now I really enjoy their older stuff, recordings from before they had records.  When people used to share songs.  I Wanna Hold Your Hand in German.  Their first 4 albums and Abby Road.  I know this can't be original, but if I had a daughter my first pregnancy I wanted to name her Abby Rose.  I've loved them since middle school.  Sometimes I listen to their entire discography in a day.  Everyone needs happy music.

Sometimes I listen to Mantras and/or Tibetan throat singing.  I also have mala beads for when I want to chant my own mantra.  I could go into the benefits, but I'll save that for another time.

 I love being outside.  Even sitting on the porch really soothes me.   I love walking in the woods. (Not to be confused with running- never running.)  I love watching storms, the smell of electricity in the air.  I love how quiet it is after it snows. I can't always go outside, but my mental health is much improved when I get regular outside time.

I love the rain.  I currently have sky lights, so it sounds so neat.  I like the feeling of a rainy day and being cooped up inside- as long as it isn't the 15th rainy day I'm feeling.  And when it's warmer I love being in the rain.

I'm a bit of a dork.  It's okay, I'm completely comfortable with that.  I love Doctor Who. ♥♥  I got the cookie jar for my birthday a couple years ago.  I keep it at work- most people don't even know what it is.  Their loss.  When I'm having an especially rough day I open the lid, and the sound of the Tardis makes me smile.  

I also have an awesome sticker play set with Doctor Who and Disney Princesses for when things are really harry.  I'll have to get a picture.

I even indulged in a couple of nerdy female t-shirts.  I'm happier when I wear them.  I wear them on days I have extra chores or errands.

I have always loved purple pens.  It's my favorite color to write in.  It doesn't matter what I'm writing- it can be a shopping list or a message from my voice mail at work- it's better if it's written with a purple pen.  I haven't had a purple pen since high school 10 years ago.  A few weeks ago I got a purple pen.  I love it.

Coffee.  There is definitely something delightful of having my coffee from MY mug.  This can backfire, if someone heartless has gotten to my mug first.  Now I have a back up. 

I love water.  There isn't time for baths or swimming in the tropics these days, but a hot shower does wonders!  

I like making things.  I have gotten into jewelry making, crocheting, drawing, scrap booking, and tons of other things.  Even coloring.  Who doesn't like coloring.  (If you don't please realize that was rhetorical.)  Now I get to create and do fun projects with the kids, too.

Being creative really lets me use the part of my brain I'm forever trying to put away.  

Most recently I started a project to provide homeless with backpacks filled with necessities. My current goal is 150 backpacks, to pass them out in a city, and record it to inspire others.  Check it out at The Positivity Project.

I'm going to try to start making this list a few times a year.  I'm going to start doing to same with goals, or things I'd like to get out of life.  Practicing more Reiki, Tai Chi and Qi Gong will improve so many things.  And there is a lot I want to learn, see and accomplish.  If it's on the list for 2 years maybe I'll realize it's time to do something about it.

This is way lengthier and took way longer than I thought it would.  I hope there is something here that can either help you make mundane days a little more enjoyable, or allow you to help make someone else's day better.

Chakra Overview

When it comes to researching things on the internet, like chakras, you will find a lot of shit.  There is so much information out there.  I suppose that is true with anything.  I just spent the last half hour going googling chakras and most of it I wouldn't recommend.  Chakras are not new age nonsense, but I couldn't blame you if you believed that.

http://www.medical-look.com/human_anatomy/organs/Spinal_nerves.html

Chakras were written about in the Indian Vedas (an ancient set of doctrines consisting of mostly sacred hymns and rituals for a priest like class in India.)  Chakra is Sanskrit for wheel or disc.  Now that we are more advanced in medicine we now know that these chakras are located by the 7 major nerve ganglia along the spinal column.

I am very excited about this picture to the left.  I found it on a medical site, and it shows what those nerves are connected to.  I have a list I will share of what each chakra involves, as far as I know.

The chakras forms a column in our bodies called the sushumna.

Chakra locations

When I was first learning about the chakras I noticed that the physical and mental connections made a lot of sense.  People I knew where certain physical ailments had the corresponding mental affliction(s).  Eastern medicine (or what I know of it) to me is fascinating: Treating before the physical develops, maintaining energy balance (yin and yang.)  It can be very enlightening in understanding ourselves and others.

Chakra One starts at the base, and they work to the top.

This picture was taken from a site with more information than most people would need.  But it covers a lot of information for people who pretty much already know everything I've posted here.


The following is very limited information.  I intend to put up more information on each chakra at some point.  These are the basics I got off a paper from taking various sorts of classes and my Reiki certification from a wonderful woman I know.


Muladhara

• is located at the base of spine/ perineum.
• It's color is red, corresponding note is C.
• Deals with grounding and physical identity.
• Body parts are legs, feet, bones, with the adrenal gland, large intestine, blood and building of cells. 
• Malfunctions include obesity, anorexia, sciatica and constipation.

Swadhisthana  

• is located bellow the navel and above the gentitals
• It's color is orange, corresponding note is D.
• Deals with sexuality and emotional identity.
• Body parts are gonads, womb, genitals, kidney, bladder and lower back. 
• Malfunctions include sexual and urinary problems.

Manipura

• is located by the solar plexus.
• It's color is yellow, corresponding note is E (if you haven't already, you will start to notice a pattern here)
• Deals with will power and self esteem
• Body parts include pancreas, adrenals, digestive system, liver and gall bladder.
• Malfunctions can be digestive problems, chronic fatigue and hypertension.

 Anahata

• is located by the heart.
• It's color is green, it's corresponding note is F.
• Deals with feelings of unconditional love.
• Body parts are thymus, heart, lungs, circulatory system, arms and harnds.
• Malfunctions include asthma, coronary disease and lung disease.

Vissuha

• is located in the throat..
• It's color is blue, corresponding note is G.
• Deals with communication.
• Body parts include thyroid, parathyroid, throat, ears and mouth, neck and shoulders.
• Malfunctions yield sore throats, neck and shoulder pain, and thyroid trouble.

Ajna

• is located at the third eye.
• It's color is indigo, corresponding note is A.
• Deals with imagination, perception and intuition.
• Body parts are pineal gland, eyes, base of skull and brow.
• Malfunctions include vision problems, headaches and nightmares.

Sahasrara

• is located at the crown of your head.
• It's color is violet and white.
• Deals with spirituality.
• Body parts include pituitary glands, the central nervous system, and the cerebral cortex.
• Malfunction of this chakra are depression, alienation and confusion.

This really is just scratching the surface, but it's a basic overview.

No Negative Thoughts

1. I love quotes.  Seriously, love them.  You should see my Pinterest.  I have several boards with posts.
2. I have dealt with depression a better part of my life.  I have good days, and not so good days.
3. Sometimes I like to post things around to remind me or inspire me.  I want to shape my thought process.

In the past I have posted the Reiki precepts. When I get used to seeing it and don't notice it I try to switch it up. I don't always have things up, but it's nice.





Today I needed a boost, so I was looking around for something that fit. I started with " You are allowed to be happy" in my search. A little cheesy, but a good message for my FB page The Positivity Project.

I came across the below and thought it would be perfect to put up in a "zone."  I have an area with my Reiki and spiritual things.  It's near my bed, so another good concept for insomnia type nights.

What if I could manage to not have anxiety or depressed driven thoughts in an area out of habit?  Imagine the possibilities.  How I could shape my attitude for the future....  

I HAVE THE POWER

Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself; I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today.  I chose which it shall be.  Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet.  I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it.

         Found the quote, then set it to a picture I StumbledUpon and set as my desktop background.  I like to post things I find helpful to cultivating the mindset I want around, and the desktop back ground is great for that.

Stop Bitching, Be Happy

I tend to use the second person when I shouldn't.  I apologize, try not to take it personally (if, of course, it doesn't apply to you.  If it does apply to you take it anyway you want.)

No wonder everyone is stressed and feels like shit all the time.  If we are stuck in traffic it ruins our whole morning.  Even if it only amounted to an extra 5 minutes.  But this jackass cut you off, and see what that prick is doing? Where did you people learn how to drive, I can't believe they let you on the road!  It takes a while to calm down from that.  But now we're in that mind cycle.  We get to work and this coworker said this, and my boss hates me or he never would have given me this project...  I hear parents ask small children, "Why are you making this so hard for me?" WHAT?!

• That asshole in traffic, just like you, is overly stressed and late.  Throwing your arms up every time you hit the brakes and a steady flow of profanities will not get you there any faster.  Cars will not magically part like the Red Sea, other drivers will still drive carelessly, and, believe it or not, you will not be any happier.  (Even if those aforementioned things did happen, you would probably just find something else to bitch about.)
• And your coworker may or may not have said what you were told they said.  Honestly, if you're listening to this bullshit and getting mad, my guess is you aren't innocent of the same sort of behavior.  No, I'm not perfect, but I'm working on this specifically.  I'm adopting the attitude that if I know I've done nothing wrong, who cares what's said.  After a while people will notice who is catty, who is insecure, and who is a bitch.  By not getting involved I'll escape the negative judgments from those with a clear perception, and in my opinion, those with an opinion worth caring about.
• Finally, your children are existing.  As kids.  They aren't likely to be doing things with the intention of making your life harder.  And, if you don't like they way they behave, it's your fault.  End of story.  YOU ARE THE PARENT.  I could go on for quite a while on this... but I'll spare you.

 Moving on... it is your fault.  It your fault you never got good at the guitar.  It's your fault your house is a mess.  It's your fault you feel like shit.  It's your fault your fat.  It's your fault your a jerk.  Yes, external factors play into your circumstances, but at some point you become responsible for who you want to be, what you accomplish and how you feel.

• I hear things like, I wish my parents got me a guitar (or dance lessons or science kits...) because then I'd be good at this.  If you wanted it bad enough you would have done it yourself.  And since you didn't, it's probably best that your parents didn't spend all that money on you because chances are if you wouldn't have done it on your own you wouldn't have followed through on it.  (And you wouldn't be able to bitch about it.)
• My house isn't the cleanest house ever.  This is an example.  I hear "I had no time to clean" or " I was so busy" or " I don't get any help."  If it bothers you enough to make excuses you have no reason most of the time to not have accomplished it.  Just do it.  Don't tell me you weren't on the internet or watching TV for 5 hours a day..
• I know a girl who eats fast food a minimum of once a day.  She drinks soda, a lot.  She eats frozen pancakes with a side of something that calls itself sausage... Don't complain about your GERD to me.  My head is screaming, NO FUCKING WONDER YOUR STOMACH BOTHERS YOU!  (Not to mention her kid eats the same way, she is on food stamps and several other state assistance programs... but you can eat out 2 meals a day and get your nails done every couple weeks... I'll stop here.)
• And I hear people make excuses for being angry SOBs.  My parents treated me this way, or I was bullied, or taken advantage of.  YOU decided to behave a certain way.  I've read of and met people who are missing limbs, lost too many loved ones, etc and they are still nice.  Anne Frank said, "I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart."  So you can suck it up.  (Usually I think that if she can feel that way, I have no freakin' excuse, but I'm on a role with this whole second person thing.) 

When was it decided that people were no longer accountable for themselves?  People always have excuses; ADHD, dyslexia, bipolar disorder, crappy circumstances. My uncle is dyslexic and he has his masters.  This was before the helpful programs geared towards those kids.  If you want something, and there is something in the way, just work harder.  The fact that it's not fair is irrelevant. 

There is a difference between acknowledging and enabling.  Just because you are bipolar does not mean to be a complete asshole when you feel like it.  Yes, you operate differently, no, it is not acceptable to flip out violently.  I can't believe the number of people who have told me they were diagnosed with bipolar.  Instead of trying to work with it, it's an excuse.  I can't help but spend all the money I have, be promiscuous, do drugs... I was manic.  No, I can't work, I can't clean, I can't bathe... I was depressed.  No, you didn't take a bath because you didn't feel like it. 


I have been depressed.  Suffice it to say for a long time in a serious way.  I played the pity party card for a while in high school.  Occasionally I feel sorry for myself now, but I am responsible for me.  If I want to be happy, I need to take those steps for myself.  No one else if going to do it.  Even if they could, they have their own issues.  It's about building habits.  You are used to feeling a certain way and coping a certain way.  If you are unhappy look at yourself.  You can't control the world around you, but you can control how you react.  Save yourself the coronary, and start becoming responsible for yourself.

Ajna, Third Eye Center

Names: Ajna, Third Eye Center, Guru Chakra

Location: In the back of the head: Base of Skull.  In the front  of         the head: Between the eyebrows at the third eye

Area of face: eyes

Sense: sight

Color:Indigo

          Antidote:orange

Tone: Om or Aum.  Some people say this is the sound God made that created the world.

Note:high A

Crystals: Lapis Lazuli, Sugilite

Aromas: Juniper Berries, Rosemary

Statement: "I want to see clearly."

Explanation:

This is the center of higher intuition.  Through this chakra one can receive guidance and tune into one's higher self.  It not only has to do with psychic abilities, but being able to see the world clearly for how it is.  And being able to see oneself in the world clearly, not just how we experience it.  Creativity also comes from this chakra.

When this chakra is shut down it is often because a person is taught to fear the occult.  There is irrational fear and guilt that is created by taboos and it makes is hard for a person to get a clear perspective on whether or not a teaching is good for them, and judging becomes difficult.

When the third eye is opened we are able to merge our two views of the world:  our normal self with intellect and ego, and our higher self with the intuitive mind and spiritual feelings.  This is the meaning of self realization, and you can see your full potential.

. 

Balanced Chakra Energy Characteristics:

• charaismatic
• receives Guidance
• not attached to material things
• no fear of death
• clairvoyant
• not preoccupied with fame or fortune
• master of oneself 

Excessive Chakra Energy:

• egomaniac
• proud
• reliously dogmatic
• authoritarian
• manipulative 

Deficient Chakra Energy:

• nonassertive
• undisciplined
• oversensitive to the feelings of others
• afraid of success
• may be schizophrenic (unable too distinguish between ego and Higher self) 

Contraindications: schizophrenic, withdrawn

Glands and organs influenced include the pineal gland (endocrine gland that has the structure of an eye in the central part of the brain), pituitary, brain and ears.


This information was largely obtained from an awesome book.   Please see the post on the first chakra and scroll to the end to see.

Vishuddha, Throat Center

Names: Vishuddha, Throat Center

Location: Bottom of neck

Area of face:ears

Sense: sound

Color: blue

          Antidote: red

Tone: u (as in blue)

Note: g sharp

Crystals: Sodalite, Azurite,

Aromas: Blue (German) Chamomile, Eucalyptus

Statement: "I want to speak freely and openly."

Explanation:

Many people function from their lower chakras, and society even seems to encourage it.  Opening your fifth chakra is to start to function on a different level, and may be difficult.

This is the center of communication, and you will want to talk about what you are experiencing.  People may fall away, but true friends will always be there, so try to let go of those who are uncomfortable with you instead of holding back. New friends, more on your level, and where you want to be, will start to gravitate towards you.

Children with an open fifth chakra are those who are allowed to speak freely, sing, cry and scream when it is necessary.  They have been encouraged to trust their own instincts.  When they reach school they often have a hard time encountering a new set of rules and values.  This often results in chronic sore throats or ear infections.  They just need to be assured that their reality, although it is different, is valid.

Blue is soothing and calming, effects are especially apparent in small children and the dying. 

Balanced Chakra Energy Characteristics:

• content
•  centered
• can live in the present
• perfect sense of timing
• good speaker
• musically or artistically inspired
• can meditate and experience divine energy
• easily grasp spiritual teachings
• may be overwhelmingly prolific

Excessive Chakra Energy:

• arrogant
• self righteous
• talks too much
• dogmatic
• addictive

Deficient Chakra Energy:

• timid
• holds back
• confused
• quiet
• inconsistent
• unreliable
• weak
• manipulative
• can't express one's thoughts

Contraindications: too much blue for too long may make you sleepy or feel withdrawn.  Yellow and orange can help balance it.  Blue is not helpful for colds, muscle contractions, paralysis or poor circulation.

Glands and organs influenced include the throat, thyroid, nerves, eyes and muscles.


This information was largely obtained from an awesome book.   Please see the post on the first chakra and scroll to the end to see.

Anahata, Heart center

Names: Anahata, Heart center
Location: center of the chest

Area of face:nose

Sense:smell

Color: green or pink

          Antidote:none needed

Tone: a (as in ah)

Note: f sharp

Element: air

Crystals:Green Jade from British Columbia,                Watermelon tourmalin, rose quartz

Aromas: Ylang ylang, rose

Statement: "I want to give and receive love."

Explanation:

The forth chakra is the center or compassion.  When this is open one can transcend their own ego and identify with other people (and all life), and often one gets involved with social causes.  

This chakra is considered one's most vulnerable place.  When one is hurt the first instinct can be to close your heart and build a wall.  Many people have done so from an early age (which is why a majority of the world seems so apathetic.)  

Green is the color of healing.  Green is found in the middle of the color spectrum, and is the most balanced color.  

Pink is the best color for sending love to another person. It is easier for woman to transcend to the 4th chakra, and men to the 3rd, because of the chakras of where the sexual organs are placed.  (Men are more physical, and woman are more emotional.)

Balanced Chakra Energy Characteristics:

• compassionate
• humanitarian
• balanced
• sees the good in everyone
• desires to nurture others
• friendly
• outgoing
• active in the community
• discriminating
• in touch with feelings
• empathetic

Excessive Chakra Energy:

• demanding
• overly critical
• tenseness between shoulderblades
• possessive
• moody
• melodramatic
• manic-depressive
• uses money to control others
• has the attitude of a martyr

Deficient Chakra Energy:

• self pity
• paranoid
• indecisive
• afraid of: letting go, being free, getting hurt, family members getting hurt, being     abandoned

Contraindictions: none

Glands and organs influenced include the heart, lungs, immune system, thymus gland, and lymph glands.


This information was largely obtained from an awesome book.   Please see the post on the first chakra and scroll to the end to see.

Manipura, Solar Plexus Center

Names: Manipura, Solar Plexus Center

Location: solar plexus

Area of face: throat

Sense:taste

Color: yellow

          Antidote: violet

Tone: a-o-m (ahh-oo-mm)

Note: e

Element:fire

Crystals: citrine, turquoise

Aromas: peppermint, lemon

Statement: "I want happiness."

Explanation:

The third chakra is the center or personal power.  When this chakra is open you have found work that gives you pleasure and makes you feel fulfilled.  (It make be outside of your job.)  One way to find this passion is to consider what made you happiest as a child.  It is good to build a positive self image when at this chakra level of development.  At the 6th you'll need to let go of that attachment.

In martial arts this area is considered the chi or life force energy.  This is the center of gut-level intuition.  There is another level of intuition at the 6th chakra.

When parents have goals for their children this sets up a conflict in the child's will.  The child will be torn between love for the parents, and will need to develop power and his or her own.  If the child is loyal to the parents he or she will most likely not find their own form of creative expression, and this may turn into a superiority complex (a reflection of parental pride.)  Secretly these people tend to feel inferior because they were never given the opprotunity to develop a sense of self-worth.

In a less developed person yellow will be mixed with red, indicating a obsession with accumulating things for one's self.  Personal power will be directed towards self serving, and will not bring about fulfillment.  Yellow is the color of happiness.

Balanced Chakra Energy Characteristics:

• Outgoing
• cheerful
• respect for self and others
• strong sense of personal power
• skillful
• intellegent
• relaxed
• spontaneous
• expressive
• takes on new challenges
• enjoys physical activity
• enjoys good food

Excessive Chakra Energy:

• Judgemental
• workaholic
• perfectionist
• overly intellectual
• as an employer:overly demanding
• as an employee:resentful of authority
• may need drugs to relax
• superiority complex fluctuating with inferiority complex

Deficient Chakra Energy:

• depression
• lacks confidence
• worries about what others will think
• confusion
• feels controlled by others
• poor digestion
• afraid of being alone

Contraindictions: people with nervous conditions and hot, red conditions (fever, infection, etc.) should limit use of yellow light to 10 minutes

Glands and organs influenced include the diaphragm (and breath), adrenals, skin and digestive organs.


This information was largely obtained from an awesome book.   Please see the post on the first chakra and scroll to the end to see.

Svadisthana, Sacral Center

Names: Svadisthana, Sacral Center

Location: 1-2 inches below navel

Area of face: Mouth, gums, tounge, cheeks

Sense:taste

Color: orange

          Antidote: indigo

Tone: o (as in home)

Note:d

Element: water

Crystals: tigers eye, carnelian

Aromas: Jasmine, sandlewood

Statement: "I desire."

Explanation:

The second chakra is about friendliness, creativity, sexuality, emotions,and intuition.  It has to do with one's self-worth, confidence in one's own creativity, and one's ability to relate to others in a friendly, open way.  This is all influenced by how emotions were expressed or repressed in one's family during childhood.

The second chakra is one of the centers of the emotions and is in the large intestines.  One who is emotionally imbalanced may experience diarrhea or constipation.  The second chakra is the center of physical prowess.  This area is also known as the tan t'ien and the area.  People are taught to run their energy through here for things like martial arts and Reiki.

This is the area of sexual center particularly women, which may be the reason that woman tend to be more emotional about sexual relations.

The second and fifth chakras are both related to creativity.  Creative energy requires freedom, so this can lead to rebellion, unwillingness to be controlled and intolerance for authority.

Balanced Chakra Energy Charachteristics:

• Friendly
• Optomistic
• concern for others
• creative/ imaginative
• intuitive
• attuned to one's feelings
• gutsy sense of humor
• clairsentient

Excessive Chakra Energy:

•  emotionally explosive
• aggressive
• overly ambitious
• manipulative
• caught up in delusion
• overindulgent
• self-serving
• clairsentient, but can't distinguish one's own feeling from another's

Deficient Chakra Energy:

• Extremely shy or timid
• immobilized by fear
• overly sensitive
• self-negating
• resentful
• buries emotions
• burdened by guilt
• distrustful

Contraindictions: Excessive Energy, excessive sexual energy

Glands and organs influenced include the skin, mammary glands, female reproductive organs and kidneys.

This information was largely obtained from an awesome book.   Please see the post on the first chakra and scroll to the end to see.

Muladhara,Root Chakra

Names: Muladhara,Root Chakra, Base Chakra

Location: Tailbone

Area of face: Jaw, chin, lips

Sense: Touch

Color: Red

          Antidote: Blue

Tone: e (as in red)

Note: c

Element: earth

*Crystals: Red Garnet, black obsidian.  Wear two in each hip pocket.

Aromas: Patchouli, Geranium

Statement: "I want stuff."

Explanation:

The first chakra concerns your connection with the earth, your culture, your foundation.  This chakra is influenced by your earliest relationships, and if you received unconditional love early on this chakra is likely to be strong.  If not you may need considerable healing of your inner child.

This is considered the center of manifestation and energy and vitality.  

Red is the color of passion, power, self confidence, intensity of energy (sometimes anger), and great strength.  Sometimes repressed anger will show as fever or inflammation. (Red conditions.)

Characteristics of a balanced 1st chakra:

• Balanced
• Grounded
• Self control
• Healthy
• Fully alive
• Abundant physical energy
• Abundance in life
• Ability to express anger without doing harm  

Excessive Chakra Energy:

• Egotistic
• Domineering
• Greedy
• Addicted to wealth

 Deficient Chakra Energy

• Lacks confidence
• Feels spacey and unfocused
• Weak
• Can't achieve goals
• self-destructive, suicidal

Contraindications:

 (Avoid red for all nervous and red conditions including)

•  Aigitation
• Hyperactivity
• Fever
• Ulcers
• High blood pressure
• Red face
• Swelling
• Inflammation
• Epilepsy

Glands and organs influenced by the 1st chakra include: blood, spine, nervous system, bladder, male reproductive organs, testes and vagina.

*I personally have a different view on crystals.  I don't believe one rock is better for certain characteristics.  I believe they hold energy, and that some are better at doing so than others.  I do believe using colors to differentiate the energies they contain is a good idea.  I will go into this in more depth at some point.


This information was obtained from an awesome book with a TON of great information on all sorts of things.  This is from the Energy Healing section. The link should bring you to a sample of the book with more about it.

Belated Valentines - Kid Crafts

We were all under the weather last week, so on this lovely weekend morning we made belated Valentines for the family.  

 I let my 4 year old make the executive decisions for each person.  LOVE his butterfly design!

He made his choices based on the intended recipient. His aunt LOVES Pooh.

We used hand-prints and footprints made with finger paints, markers and glitter pens.  Footprints are MUCH easier to manage with a baby!

                                                                       

Here's all of them!

Hope you found some inspiration!