MEDITATION USING VISUALISATION

Visualisation is a simple method to relax the mind and achieve an effective meditation state.  It is ideal for people who need more of a focus during meditation.  It is also an excellent way to strengthen your inner vision or clairvoyance.  Visualisation is the technique of creating imagery using your ‘inner eye’ and imbuing those images with a sense of reality.  It can be used for relaxation, for healing and to create a vision of how you would like your life to be.  Visualisation is not merely daydreaming: during daydreaming there is no sense of belief that the images could become real.  With visualisation your mind is fully focused; the pictures that are created are sharp and clear with every possible detail filled in and noted.

Guided visualisations to a beautiful secluded beach, a garden with flowers and bird song or a walk through a wooded area are all popular techniques to promote relaxation.  Visualisation helps us to enter another world where everything is possible and to return relaxed and motivated.

 

Getting Started

There are many pre-recorded guided visualisations available.  Alternatively you can devise your own and record yourself on a tape or an audio package on your computer if you have one.  You can also find one in a meditation book, read it several times and memorise it.

To use visualisation effectively, you need to be able to relax, be comfortable and free from distractions.  Choose a time and place when interruptions are less likely to occur.  Short periods of time, such as 10-15 minutes, are perfectly sufficient as a few minutes of relaxed concentration will benefit you more than longer periods of time when you are tempted to slip into a daydream instead.

 

A Simple Visualisation Exercise

 

1.    Sit quietly for a few moments.  Breathe deeply and slowly, in and out, until you feel your tension draining away.  You will start to feel more relaxed and peaceful with each exhalation.

2.    Now imagine that you are sitting on a warm, empty beach.  The sun is directly overhead, and the sea is lapping gently against the sand.  You can hear birds in the sky above you, and see the sails of yachts far out at sea being carried by the gentle, warm breeze.  Small beautiful shells are scattered on the sand all around you.

3.    You are alone and completely at peace.  You have left all the worries, stress and anxieties of your daily life behind you.  Imagine that you are on that dream holiday you have always wanted to take.  Let the feelings of calm and relaxation wash over you.  Know that you are safe and protected.

4.    If you have any particular worries that are affecting you at present, such as an upcoming meeting you are dreading, or a bill you are having trouble paying, imagine that you have packed this trouble away in a suitcase and put it onto one of the yachts that is far out at sea.  Imagine the yacht taking the worry away over the horizon and out of sight.  Even if it will have to return at some point, for now you are completely relaxed and free.

5.    Now take three deep breaths, exhaling fully, before starting to breathe normally again.  Wriggle your fingers and toes.  This will help your mind to return to your body.  Then, when you feel ready, slowly open your eyes.  Take a few moments to revel in your new-found feeling of relaxation as it lingers over you.

 

 

Helen Shortland is a Reiki Master Teacher, Meditation Teacher and Holistic Therapist based at Little London Herbal Stores on Kings Walk in Nottingham city centre. Please ring her on 07748 591690 to book a treatment or visit her website http://helenshortland.com for further information.

 

RECOGNISING YOUR PSYCHIC POTENTIAL

Whenever I run a Reiki or spiritual themed workshop, I am always amazed by how ‘sensitive’ or ‘intuitive’ people are.  One person may pick up something totally different to someone else but it is all very accurate and relevant.  I believe that many people have latent psychic abilities which can be reactivated with training, development and practice.  To discover your own potential, see if you recognise any of the experiences described below.  I guarantee that some of them will sound familiar ….
 

Gut Instinct

Many times we get a strong first impression about someone we have never met before.  You may feel you just don’t trust someone or need to be very wary about someone. This is often called ‘gut instinct’.  And how many times have those first impressions proved correct?  Usually the answer is most or all of the time!

 

Déjà Vu

This is an experience when you feel you have been somewhere before or met someone before.  This sense of familiarity can indicate ‘second sight’: you may have clairvoyantly ‘seen’ the place or person before on a subconscious level.  Sometimes we meet people who remind us strongly of someone else. If so, ask yourself whether this is a good or bad association: it may be a warning from your subconscious mind or higher self to take care around a certain person.

 

Sixth Sense

Some people are naturally more sensitive to areas of psychic disturbance or spirit activity than others. This occurs most especially in areas where there has been a traumatic incidence such as a murder scene or place of an attack, in prisons, dungeons, and in places where there has been illness and sadness.  Many people are able to sense a bad atmosphere in a room or building. Think of how many times you have walked into a room where there has just been a bad argument and you think to yourself “You could cut the atmosphere in here with a knife!”

 

Telepathy

Psychic bonds are stronger between people with a strong emotional link such as family members and close friends.  This may explain why twins can sometimes communicate without speaking.  Often we get an urge to contact someone we may not have heard from in a while and when you do, you find they are having a difficult time and really needed someone to talk to. Many people report knowing who is on the end of the phone before they answer it.  Strong telepathic bonds also exist between people and their pets and we have all heard stories of pets knowing instinctively when their owners are coming home.

 

Dreams

Dreams have always been linked to the paranormal and this is probably because psychic abilities tend to work best when the mind is open and relaxed.  Some psychics believe that the soul, or astral body, can leave the physical body during sleep and travel through space and possibly even time, and that dreams are actually the recorded experiences of your astral or ‘psychic’ body.  Other times dreams are explained as your daily emotional experiences that you may have suppressed at the time being processed by your subconscious mind at a time when the subconcious is in control rather than the conscious mind.  Many people have dreams that don’t seem to dreams at all but are more like visions: I believe that when our brain waves are operating at a certain frequency, we are able to pick up on major events happening elsewhere on the planet. I also believe that some of these visions and conversations we have in the dream state are communications from our spirit guides and loved ones in spirit.  If you are lucky enough to have one of these, they can be a huge source of comfort and guidance.

  

Coming up next month … Sensing and Seeing Auras

  

Helen Shortland is a Reiki Master Teacher, Meditation Teacher and Holistic Therapist based at Little London Herbal Stores on Kings Walk in Nottingham city centre. She runs a range of spiritual themed workshops including Developing Intuition and Connecting to your Spirit Guides. Please ring her on 07748 591690 to book a treatment or visit her website http://helenshortland.com for further information.

HEALING WITH EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL

The pungent oil of the eucalyptus tree has been exploited for centuries for its potent antiseptic and decongestant properties. Eucalyptus oil is distilled from the partially dried leaves and twigs of the blue gum eucalyptus tree. It has a pungent camphorous scent and blends well with other tree oils (such as cedarwood and pine) and other refreshing antiseptic oils, particularly lemon. It can be used in an oil burner to clear the air as, when burned, eucalyptus releases disinfectants. It can also be blended in a base oil (such as grapeseed or sweet almond oil) for use in massage of the face or body. It is often used in commercial cough sweets due to its soothing antiseptic and antiviral properties.

 

A Powerful Decongestant

Eucalyptus is well known for its ability to clear the head and sinuses and is especially effective as a steam inhalation. Its warming, drying properties are effective in treating respiratory disorders. It fights infections, reduces fevers and soothes inflammation of the respiratory tract. It also stimulates the nervous system, combatting tiredness and promoting concentration. Eucalyptus oil is excellent for use as a facial massage oil (when blended with a base oil) to clear sinus congestion but it is perhaps most widely used in a steam inhalation.

Steam Inhalation

A steam inhalation of eucalyptus oil is excellent for dispelling congestion.  Add 2-3 drops each of eucalyptus, lemon and pine essential oils to a bowl of hot water. Cover your head with a towel and breathe in deeply.

Other Uses of Eucalyptus Oil

Relieve Muscle Pain:  The antiseptic action of eucalyptus makes it a versatile medicinal oil. Its warming, anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent pain reliever. Applied as a compress, eucalyptus soothes inflammation and can be used to relieve muscular aches and rheumatic pains. To treat sprains and strains, add 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil and 5-6 drops of lavender oil to a cold compress and apply to the painful area.

Soothing Balm:  You can easily make your own soothing balm with eucalyptus at home. Melt a tablespoon of Vaseline by placing it in a bowl over a pan of hot water. Then add 6 drops of eucalyptus oil and 2 drops of peppermint oil. Leave to cool. You can rub a little of this balm under your nose to clear sinuses, especially at night. A little rubbed on your lips helps heal cold sores.

Ease Pain of Cystitis:  Due to its antiseptic properties, eucalyptus is very beneficial for treating infections, particularly of the urinary tract. Combat painful cystitis with a gentle daily massage over the lower back, abdomen and hips. To make your own soothing massage oil, measure out 25ml of sweet almond oil and add 4-5 drops of eucalyptus oil and 4-5 drops of neroli oil.

 

Uses of Eucalyptus in Complementary Therapies

A short facial massage with eucalyptus essential oil is always included at the end of both my Indian Head Massage and Hopi Ear Candles treatments. Or, if you are looking for a longer facial massage, why not try my Vitality Lift Facial Massage with eucalyptus oil instead of the usual rosa mosqueta oil? This is sure to clear your sinuses and nasal passages and leave you breathing much more freely. With winter just around the corner and the change in atmospheric pressure, many people start to experience congestion at this time of year, so November is an excellent time to try this wonderful facial massage!

  

Notes:

1.    All complementary therapy treatments mentioned in this article are available with Helen Shortland. Indian Head Massage (40 mins) is £22 and the Hopi Ear Candles treatment is £27. During November the half hour Vitality Lift Facial Massage with eucalyptus essential oil is available for £15.

2.    Eucalyptus essential oil is available from Little London Herbal Stores, 9 Kings Walk, Nottingham, NG1 2AE for £3.59. A wide range of base massage oils is also available. Or please visit website at www.all-ages-vitamins.co.uk

 

Helen Shortland is a Reiki Master Teacher, Meditation Teacher and Holistic Therapist based at Little London Herbal Stores on Kings Walk in Nottingham city centre. Please ring her on 07748 591690 to book a treatment or visit her website http://helenshortland.com for further information.

 

 

MY INTRODUCTION TO SPIRIT RELEASING

I have been guided by Archangel Raphael in my healing work for a long time now but I only discovered a few months ago that this particular Archangel is also responsible for helping lost souls who have died and not passed into the light to find their way back home. These are the souls that we would describe as ‘trapped’, who are still very close to the earth plane, usually in an environment where they lived, worked or spent a lot of time. Their passing could have been traumatic and they do not realise they have died, they may have unfinished business here or they just may not know that it is safe for them to go towards the light.

When I look back over the last ten years or so, there have been several occurrences when spirits who had previously been trapped managed to attach themselves to my aura. (I acquired one spirit in the caves of Nottingham Castle and another from the toilets of a haunted pub in Hucknall, Notts!) I was aware of their presence by hearing a voice that wasn’t mine. When I realised what had happened, I was inspired to call in my guides and angels to take the spirit with them into the light. Thankfully for me it has always worked!  At this point I should point out that there is no need for anyone to worry about going into places where there may be spirit activity: I truly believe that the spirits joined me because they somehow knew I could help them to move on.

 

Why is Spirit Releasing so important?

Apart from us on the earth plane wanting to purify our space and release negative energy, spirit releasing also benefits the spirit enormously, even more so that it does us here on earth. Until a spirit returns to its soul group, it cannot assimilate with the group all the lessons it has learned and all the experiences it has had in its lifetime. I have come to understand from my spirit guide that when a spirit returns to its soul group, there is cause for celebration in the spirit world because another cycle of growth and learning has been completed and the soul group as a whole grows.

 

 

How does it work?

Archangel Raphael’s energy serves to purify and consecrate a space. By calling in Raphael’s energy, a golden portal of light is formed which serves as a gateway through which the lonely trapped soul can return to the light, assisted by the angelic helpers. This technique also serves to clear any dense, negative heavy energy from a place, leaving it feeling noticeably lighter.

 

My Experiences

I can list three recent occasions where I believe spirit releasing has been successful.  The first relates to one of the treatment rooms at the health food store where I work.  Many people had said that they didn’t like the energy of the room; it was cold and damp and just didn’t feel welcoming. In addition we had always struggled to let the room to therapists. I had to work in this room on one occasion and during the treatment I became aware of a strong male presence in the room who really didn’t want anyone ‘in his space’. When I opened up psychically I could see this man and he told me that the basement area was his space; he was prepared to tolerate me in my room in the basement but wasn’t prepared to give up any more! I told the spirit in advance that I would help him pass over and when I called in Archangel Raphael he did indeed go into the light with very little resistance. The clearest indication that something had changed was the feedback we received from other people: one person said that the room felt bigger, lighter and brighter now and actually felt welcoming for the first time. The best indication for me though was when the four year old daughter of one of our members of staff happily went into the room for the first time when previously she had refused to go in that room and had in fact disliked the basement area as a whole.

 

The second occasion relates to my grandparents’ bungalow which had been on the market for a year with very little interest and no offer of purchase.  I knew my grandparents in spirit were reluctant to move on and let the bungalow go but when they did finally agree to transition fully to the spirit world through the spirit releasing process, an offer was finally made and accepted just two days later!

The third occasion I performed the spirit releasing technique was in the medieval baths which are part of the Museum of Gibraltar in Spain. Here is a photo below:-

This amazing building had many layers of history and felt full of spirit activity, particularly in the area of the baths. In one part of the baths I could see women carrying urns of water to fill the baths and in another area there were men walking around in toga type wrap-around garments. (Although they are called the medieval baths, I did discover that they were built on the site of the old Roman baths.) I didn’t set out to do spirit releasing in particular but just asked the angels to guide to the light any spirits who were trapped here and ready to move on.  That evening when I closed my eyes I could see a crowd of people before me in spirit all talking in Spanish. One lady came forward and said “gracias” and then they all disappeared off into the distance!

 

Potential for Healing

In addition to buildings, I feel that the spirit releasing technique would work equally well on people who think they have a spirit attachment or just feel that they have a lot of heavy, low vibration energy in their aura.  It is possible that symptoms such as low mood, listlessness, addictive/compulsive behaviours, and a feeling of nothing in your life going right can all be symptoms of spirit attachment or psychic attack. The process involves a short five minute visualisation that I talk you through and we both do together. It can be performed at the end of a Reiki healing treatment or as part of a spiritual guidance session. If you think I can help you, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

 

Helen Shortland is a Reiki Master Teacher, Meditation Teacher and Holistic Therapist based at Little London Herbal Stores on Kings Walk in Nottingham city centre. Please ring her on 07748 591690 to book a treatment or visit her website http://helenshortland.com for further information.

Reiki healing is available for £30 for a 1 hr treatment or £15 for half an hour. Half hour spiritual guidance session incorporating aura reading is available for £20.

 

 

MANAGING STRESS WITH COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES

What is Stress?

Stress can be defined as a feeling of not being in control, just reacting to events, and an uncomfortable underlying feeling that you are not coping well.  Stress can be a personal thing – what is stressful for one person can be stimulating for another.  Some stress in life is unavoidable but we can all learn ways of coping when it rears its head.

Recognising Stress in your Life

Believe it or not, some stress is good for you. It provides you with energy and motivation and improves your performance so that you are more likely to achieve your goals.  However prolonged stress can have a negative effect on your health.  It drains you of energy and leads to stress-related symptoms such as headaches particularly over forehead and temples; neck, shoulder and lower back pain; indigestion and digestive complaints; raised blood pressure which increases your risk of heart disease and stroke; anxiety and poor sleep; and weakened immunity and skin problems. When you are under pressure the adrenal glands release extra adrenalin and cortisol which flood throughout your body, in effect placing it in a state of ‘high alert’.

Self-Help Methods

Luckily a variety of different forms of stress relief are available, including relaxation techniques, self-help techniques and complementary therapies.

·        Deep Breathing:  When stressed, we tend to breathe in short gasps which makes the problem worse.  Next time you are stressed, try to consciously bring your breathing back under control. First breathe out every bit of air that you can. Then slowly breathe in through your nose, as low into your stomach and abdomen as possible, feeling your tummy expand. Breathe out through your mouth as slowly as you can.

·        10 Minute Soother:  One simple and effective way to help you cope with stress is to make it a practice to give yourself a 10 minute break at least twice a day. Sit comfortably, close your eyes and clear your mind. Now try visualising a tranquil scene such as a clear blue sky or a beautiful forest and feel yourself relax.

·        Positive Relaxation:  A number of specialised methods of relaxation are available such as yoga, meditation or try a self-hypnosis tape.

 

·        Chart Your Day:  It may be worth looking at how long you’re spending on different tasks to see if you can manage your time more effectively. Write a to-do list for the day and then compare this with what you actually achieve along with the time it took to do each task.  Allow yourself more time for tasks which take the longest time.

·        Balance your Life:  If you work with people, make sure your evenings and weekends include some quiet time alone for meditation or reading. If you work alone or are out of work, ensure that your leisure time includes contact with other people. Make sure you get plenty of fresh air at weekends.

·        Learn to Say No:  Stressed people often have difficulty saying no. Practice saying ‘No, sorry, I can’t work late tonight’. Put your own needs first more often and don’t be afraid to say ‘no’. If you are busy when someone phones, call them back later.

·        Exercise:  A great stress-buster which releases natural chemicals called endorphins that help combat the effects of stress. Try to exercise for half an hour three times a week. Suggestions include going to the gym, taking a brisk walk every day, cycling, swimming or taking up a dance class.

·        Set Realistic Goals:  Stressed people often feel trapped in jobs they hate, bad relationships etc. Set achievable, smaller goals and start to change your life little by little one step at a time.

 

·        Complementary Therapies:  Take a course of complementary therapy such as Reiki to help restore balance and harmony and boost inner strength or Reflexology to address the physical symptoms of stress.

 

·         Vitamin/Mineral Supplements:  Try rhodiola or a vitamin B complex to boost the nervous system. (Professional advice is available from your local health store.)
 

Benefits of Stress Relief

Once you incorporate these suggestions into your life, the body can start to revert back to its normal, healthy state. Your heart rate will slow down, blood pressure will normalise, muscular tension will ease and you will feel fewer nagging aches and pains, your sleep will improve, you will breathe more easily, your concentration will improve, you will be more patient with people around you and you will be less susceptible to illnesses such as colds and flu.

 

Notes:

1.    Complementary therapy treatments mentioned in this article (Reiki and Reflexology) are available with Helen Shortland priced £30 and £28 respectively.

2.    Vitamin/mineral supplements are available from Little London Herbal Stores, 9 Kings Walk, Nottingham, NG1 2AE or visit website www.all-ages-vitamins.co.uk

 

 

Helen Shortland is a Reiki Master Teacher, Meditation Teacher and Holistic Therapist based at Little London Herbal Stores on Kings Walk in Nottingham city centre. Please ring her on 07748 591690 to book a treatment or visit her website http://helenshortland.com for further information.

 

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE SPIRITUAL TODAY?

The word ‘spiritual’ derives from the Latin ‘spiritus’ meaning ‘breathing’ or ‘the breath’.  The spirit is the animating or life-force principle.  Spirit is the spark of life we have within us.  It is often said that we are spiritual beings living in a physical body.  There is a part of us, a spiritual essence, that co-exists with our physical body which connects us to the spiritual or life-giving energy of the universe.

Spirituality can be defined as:-

·       Becoming aware of our spirit and thereby becoming aware of our potential for growth and enlightenment, sensing that our lives have a purpose.

·       Recognising the God force within us and therefore our connection to the Source/Creator/All that is.

·       Recognising that we are no longer separate and alone but are in fact all connected to one another.  We learn from each other, attracting and reflecting the experiences, people and situations we need in order to learn and grow.

·       Recognising that we have a spirit that needs nurturing through meditation, positive thoughts and acts of love and kindness.

·       A willingness to practice forgiveness and develop tolerance and compassion, knowing that only love can heal and bring peace to the individual and to the world.

 

What Spirituality is Not

The proof of spirituality is in how you live your routine day to day life.  It is not about how many attunements you have had, courses you have attended, how many Reiki treatments you’ve received or given, or even how psychic you are.  Some of the most spiritual people live quiet lives, simply taking responsibility for themselves, and being honest, modest and kind to others.  Taking responsibility for yourself simply means making your own decisions, taking credit for your successes and being answerable for your mistakes.  In other words, it is living your life, making mistakes and learning from them.  The end result is a much more well-rounded person who has acquired a sense of what is truly important in life.

 

Personal Responsibility

We are living at a time of great awakening.  Spirituality is no longer seen as only going hand in hand with religion.  Enlightenment and the experience of oneness are no longer only available to a select special few.  Much is changing in our world at the present time with the decline in traditional religion and the burgeoning interest in spiritual practices such as meditation.  Spirituality connects us to the sense of oneness and unity that lies behind and beyond all the different religious traditions.

Spiritual awareness and the responsibility for personal growth are coming back to rest upon the individual.  We are responsible for our own spiritual development.  Our potential for enlightenment, our spirituality, lies within, and through our own inner work we will find it.

 

A Final Note Regarding Spiritual Teachers

There is a well-known saying, “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.”  When you find your spiritual teacher, it is important to remember not to give away your own personal power.  You should always discriminate and take responsibility for yourself and not just take for granted anything anyone tells you, whoever they seem to be.  What is true for one person will not be true for everyone else.  Only take from them that which resonates with you and rings true at the time, for that is what you need right now.  You already have within yourself everything you need – a teacher will only help you to find it.

Helen Shortland is a Reiki Master Teacher, Meditation Teacher and Holistic Therapist based at Little London Herbal Stores on Kings Walk in Nottingham city centre. Please ring her on 07748 591690 to book a treatment or visit her website http://helenshortland.com for further information.

Natural Ways to Promote Better Sleep

Insomnia is a common problem that affects many people.  Fortunately it can be helped with many natural remedies that are readily available.  First and foremost, however, there are many practices you can incorporate yourself to promote better sleep.
 

Easy Lifestyle Changes

A ‘winding down’ period for about an hour before you go to bed is essential and that includes avoiding the use of electronic devices such as computers and mobile phones.  Make sure you have good curtains that block out the light and try to keep the temperature in the room so that it is neither too warm nor too cold.  Avoid heavy meals at least three hours before bedtime to give your body time to digest food properly.  Reducing caffeine and other stimulants is also advisable after tea time and these can be replaced with a herbal tea such as valerian, rooibos or chamomile.  Practising yoga or meditation just before bedtime may also help you to relax and unwind.  Another idea is to have a warm bath just before bedtime with aromatherapy bath oils containing lavender, valerian or hops.  A bath with Epsom salts or magnesium sulphate can also help to relax the muscles and promote sleep.

 

Vitamin and Mineral Supplements

Insomnia and sleep problems can be linked to not having enough magnesium in the diet.  Magnesium is a relaxant and can be obtained through eating green vegetables such as spinach, kale and broccoli, as well as being available in supplement form.  Vitamin B6 is also useful for helping to promote sleep.  5-HTP is another useful supplement which converts directly into serotonin in the brain.  Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which helps with the regulation of sleep.  It is a precursor to melatonin which is involved in setting your circadian rhythm (the sleep-wake cycle).  Valerian root is a useful herb for helping with insomnia and mild anxiety which can be taken in supplement form or as a herbal tea.

Complementary Therapies

Lavender essential oil can aid relaxation and help people to get a better night’s sleep.  Try adding a few drops to your pillow or burning some in an oil burner in the evening (remember to extinguish the candle before you go to bed!).  You can also get roller balls containing essential oils which you apply to your pulse points.

Massage treatments are particularly beneficial for reducing tension and anxiety and promoting relaxation.  Try a Back Massage with a relaxing oil blend, a Foot Massage or an Indian Head Massage to ease tension in the neck, shoulders and scalp.  Reiki healing (a form of hands-on healing) is also a wonderful way to relieve stress and anxiety and restore equilibrium.  In my ten years’ experience as a therapist I have found that clients usually report a better night’s sleep after receiving a complementary therapy treatment!

 

Notes:

 

1.     All supplements mentioned in this article are available from Little London Herbal Stores, 9 Kings Walk, Nottingham, NG1 2AE or visit website www.all-ages-vitamins.co.uk

2.    All complementary therapy treatments mentioned in this article are available with Helen

Shortland.

  

Helen Shortland is a Reiki Master Teacher, Meditation Teacher and Holistic Therapist based at Little London Herbal Stores on Kings Walk in Nottingham city centre. Please ring her on 07748 591690 to book a treatment or visit her website http://helenshortland.com for further information.

The Power of the Subconscious Mind

Can you remember a time when you’ve completely over-reacted to something somebody said?  It could have been an innocent remark but something about it pushed your buttons and led you to react in a way you know was unacceptable, even embarrassing?  Yes, we’ve all been there, but why does it happen?

The conscious mind thinks it is in control of our everyday lives but this is far from the case.  Events and activity in the external world dominate our conscious mind.  However most of our motivations, beliefs and emotions are unconscious, meaning that we are constantly being driven by unknown forces within us.  So where do these emotions, beliefs and motivations come from?

When we get upset as an adult, the real reason you are upset is nothing to do with the current situation.  Present circumstances have triggered a painful memory; they are not the cause of the pain.  As a child a lot of painful things happen to us that we do not have the words or emotional maturity to deal with.  When emotions cannot be expressed, they are bottled up and suppressed.  The unconscious mind is the receiving ground for this painful emotion.  The adult may display anger, frustration, sadness or anxiety, but the initial encounter has been suppressed and buried so deeply that, in most cases, our conscious mind no longer even remembers it.

The Effect on your Behaviour Today

Those painful emotions of not being good enough, being blamed for something you didn’t do, feeling responsible for something that wasn’t your fault etc are so important to identify because they condition your behaviour today.  These emotions are what drive you to act the way you do.  So if, for example, you have an unconscious belief that you are a failure, then even if you do well at something and succeed in reaching a goal, instead of feeling happy about it, you will probably have a sense of disappointment that nothing seems to be really rewarding, but not know why that is.  If people tell you that you are successful and you try to believe it, there are no positive beliefs to anchor it, only self-doubt and distrust.  Instead of feeling pleased, you become self-critical and focus on the parts that could have been done better.  The unconscious mind can always find evidence to support the negative beliefs it has acquired over the years!

The Process of Change

The way to move forward is to try and break the habit as soon as it starts to kick in.  as soon as you go into self-criticizing mode, stop that thought.  Ask yourself where that emotion, belief or thought came from.  Usually it can be traced back to a series of humiliating and painful experiences that have undermined your faith in yourself.  Ok, so you were told that you were stupid – but that is only one person’s opinion and why is their opinion more valid than yours?  After all, everyone has something to offer, regardless of ability.  I think a large part of the problem is that a lot of these experiences come from parents, teachers, even older children at school, in other words the people we are taught to think of as our ‘elders and betters’ … but that doesn’t mean they are always right, often far from it.

This self-analysis is best done sitting quietly and meditating on the belief/emotion/thought and see what comes up from your subconscious mind when you allow it to do so.

Eventually, over time, on an occasion when you find yourself thinking “Don’t get your hopes up, that was just a fluke, it won’t happen again”, you will be able to realise that you are dealing with some past negative conditioning.  First, acknowledge and feel that pain.  Then say to yourself, “No, that critical statement was not true then and it is not true now.  I did well and I deserve credit for it. I no longer want that old belief that I cannot succeed and I am letting it go now.”

I wish you well on your journey of change, self-discovery and transformation.

 

Helen Shortland is a Reiki Master Teacher, Meditation Teacher and Holistic Therapist based at Little London Herbal Stores on Kings Walk in Nottingham city centre. For further information about her courses, workshops and therapies, please visit her website at http://helenshortland.com.

 

Keeping Your Skin Hydrated

Summer is here and I am sure we are all enjoying the warm weather and spending more time outdoors.  But what about the effect on your skin?  Summer sun and air conditioning can take their toll on the skin, drying it out and causing damage through UVA and UVB rays.

Sun damage, together with poor diet and an unsatisfactory skin care routine, can lead to dry, flaky skin. Years of sun-damage combined with the natural aging process result in a depletion of hyaluronic acid (HA), a break down of collagen and loss of elasticity. This results in thinning of the skin and the formation of lines and wrinkles. The skin gradually develops a dry scaly appearance with crepey fine lines and a dull greyish hue. These signs of premature ageing are most commonly found on the face, neck, décolletage and hands.

 

Dehydrated skin can also be caused by illness, medication, diuretics and dieting, as well as excessive exposure to the UV rays of the sun.

In short, good skin hydration is essential in order to maintain a healthy and youthful complexion

 

A Good Moisturiser

Moisturisers contain glycerine, sorbital or lanolin. These ingredients attract water and keep it in the skin, thus keeping the skin hydrated.  Dry skin should be treated morning and night with a moisturising cream.  Night creams are heavier and contain lanolin.

A wide variety of moisturising creams are available nowadays.  Some contain collagen which is the name given to the connective fibres.  Manufacturers claim to have isolated the essential protein compound and added it to their products in order to replace it in the skin.  Vitamin creams, such as vitamin E cream, are known for their rejuvenating effect on the skin.  Placenta creams claim to speed up cellular renewal, thereby having a rejuvenating effect on the skin. 

 Self-Help Ideas

·         Drink plenty of water (at least 6-8 glasses a day).

·         Eat oily fish approximately 3 times a week for essential fatty acids or take an Omega 369 supplement.  A diet rich in good fats such as avocadoes and flaxseeds will also provide vitamins A and E which can help support dehydrated skin.

·         Moisturise well morning and night with a good quality moisturiser.

·         A cream cleanser is recommended for dry, mature skin but don’t over-cleanse the skin as this can strip essential oils from the skin. Some oil is necessary to protect the skin and help it retain moisture.

·         A supplement such as Hyaluron rehydrates the dermis, and is also excellent for relieving dry eyes and lubricating joints.

·         Fruit and vegetables have a high water content and support the find sodium/potassium ratio the body requires.  Spinach, chard, lettuce, melon, berries and oranges are particularly beneficial.

·         Yoghurt is approximately 85% water – eating this is both cooling and rehydrating.

·         Reduce or eliminate bad habits such as smoking, alcohol and caffeine.

 

This Month’s Special Offer Facial Treatment

During August I am offering a Hydrating Facial for just £23!  This includes a double cleanse, exfoliation, 15 min face/neck/décolletage massage with anti-ageing massage oil blend, nourishing jojoba face mask, tone and moisturise.

A Collagen Facial is also available for £40 which includes application of a pure collagen ampoule and a collagen face mask in addition to the cleanse, exfoliation, tone and moisturise.

 

Helen Shortland is a Holistic Therapist, Reiki Master Teacher and Meditation Teacher based at Little London Herbal Stores on Kings Walk in Nottingham city centre. For further information about her courses, workshops and therapies, please visit her website at http://helenshortland.com. To book a treatment please ring 07748 591690.

  

Note:

All supplements mentioned in this article (ie. Omega 369 and Hyaluron) and natural skin care products are available from Little London Herbal Stores, 9 Kings Walk, Nottingham, NG1 2AE (http://www.all-ages-vitamins.co.uk ).

 

What is "Healing"?

We are all accustomed to hearing about the healing journey, spiritual healing, energy healing, Reiki healing etc but what exactly does ‘healing’ mean?  The term ‘healing’ means becoming whole, ie. being aware of yourself on all levels (physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually) and accepting, expressing and integrating all that you are. It is not denying aspects of yourself and living your life according to the expectations and needs of others but loving yourself enough to be who you really are.
 

The word energy is derived from the Greek words ‘en’ meaning in or inside and ‘ergon’ meaning work, force, power or effort.  Healing energy can therefore be interpreted as doing our inner work so that we can become whole.

 

Physical Healing

We have all had aches and pains, cuts and bruises, infection and illnesses. We may have needed antibiotics, stitches or painkillers to help and taken time out to rest and recuperate but essentially our bodies heal themselves.

 

Emotional Healing

We have all suffered emotional pain and injuries too.  We have all experienced unpleasant painful feelings such as anger, fear, sadness, loneliness and rejection.  Our natural response is to deny these feelings as we are too ashamed to admit to them. After all, emotional pain is harder to see and therefore easier to ignore.  However when these feelings are suppressed in the subconscious mind, the body always responds in some way – muscular tension, pain and stiffness, and the autonomic nervous system floods the body with anxiety-stimulating stress hormones such as adrenalin and cortisol.

We learn through experience that society does not deem it appropriate to express painful emotions and we even call them ‘negative’ to reinforce the idea that they are unwanted.  However, when these emotions are not expressed, they become stored in our body, energy system and unconscious mind.  When painful emotions are suppressed or denied, the act of suppression leads to anxiety, worry or depression, physical illness or addition. People usually turn to painkillers, medication or self-medicate with alcohol or drugs.

Pain from the past continues to affect the present.  It can take years to even acknowledge that painful emotions exist.  But until we can finally admit to ourselves that something is wrong, we will find it very difficult to heal.  We remain in this pattern of suppression and denial until we are ready to release and transform.

 

Becoming Whole

Becoming whole means being in good health and balance of all levels – physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.  Wholeness involves acknowledging and accepting all that we are.  First it is necessary to discover and accept the more ‘negative’ aspects of our character and all the painful emotions we carry.

Few people genuinely love or understand themselves enough.  It is so much easier to judge ourselves and find ourselves lacking in some way, not being worthy enough or lovable enough.  Understanding is key: understanding where those painful emotions came from and the beliefs we have around them.  We must forgive ourselves for the mistakes we have made and we must also forgive others for the mistakes they have made towards us.  If you cannot forgive, you must at least learn to detach from the pain and let it go.  It is the only way to heal, the only way to set yourself free from the pain of the past.

 

Moving Forward

The best way to develop love, understanding and forgiveness is through a spiritual practice such as meditation; a form of healing such as spiritual, energy or Reiki healing; healing meditation connecting with the energy of love; or even counselling.  Meditation helps you enter the witness state of detachment from thoughts and feelings and experience stillness and clarity of mind.  Healing treatments can help you connect with the divine energy of source, make you aware of what’s in your heart and fully experience your feelings.  Counselling can help you identify painful emotions and explore their origin.  By making the connection with your heart, the soul is more able to connect with the body and infuse the body with more light, or soul energy, that helps you release and move forward.  I do believe that the body wants to heal itself; we just need to get out of the way and let it happen.

 

A Lifelong Process

Healing is a life-long process.  It involves learning about ourselves and being willing to change.  I believe that meditation is one of the most profound methods of self-healing we can do and is something that can be practiced regularly by everyone.  You can meditate upon your thoughts and emotions and discover where they came from. Vipassana Meditation teaches you how to choose and master your thoughts, thereby influencing your moods and feelings, which has a direct bearing on the physical body.  If you practice healing meditation, you can direct a beam of bright white light into areas of tension, pain or illness and visualise the body healing itself.  By being willing to change, accept and integrate all parts of ourselves, we can all lead healthier and happier lives.

 

Helen Shortland is a Reiki Master Teacher, Meditation Teacher and Holistic Therapist based at Little London Herbal Stores on Kings Walk in Nottingham city centre. For further information about her courses, workshops and therapies, please visit her website at http://helenshortland.com.