Creating Serenity in Your Life

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Good Morning!

 

Creating Serenity in Your Life

 

Serenity is a great gift! Peace is something that we are constantly

seeking. Its idealism runs parallel to seeking the ultimate truth! It

is within our own hearts that serenity is found! Seeking serenity on

external levels can only bring temporary joy. Once we have inner

peace, we can remain calm even in the most chaotic of external

situations.

 

Stress is the underlying factor which can undermined any one

suffering from an illness, fear, or just plain insecurity. The mind

and body altercation brought on by our own self affliction. Anxiety

is a vague, uncomfortable feeling of fear, dread or danger from an

unknown source. For some it may be a one time episode. Other become

constantly anxious about everything. A certain amount of anxiety is

normal and helps improve our performance and allows people to avoid

dangerous situations. Stress related symptoms also include a feeling

that something undesirable is about to happen dry mouth, swallowing

difficulty, hoarseness, rapid breathing and heart palpitations,

twitching or trembling, muscle tension, headaches, backaches

sweating, difficulty in concentrating, dizziness or faintness.

Nausea, diarrhea, weight loss, sleeplessness, irritability, fatigue,

nightmares, memory problems, and sexual impotence.

 

The single most important point you can make about stress is that in

most cases it's not what's out there that's the problem, it's how you

react to it. How you react is determined by how you perceive a

particular stress.

 

The Chinese word for crisis is " weiji " . Two characters that

separately mean danger and opportunity. Every problem we encounter in

life can be viewed that way. It is a chance to show that we can

handle it.

 

Changing the way you think, can change a life of stress and

discomfort to a life of challenge and excitement. Thinking about a

success or a past achievement is excellent when you're feeling

uncertain and stress. You are instantly reminded that you've achieved

before, and there's no reason you shouldn't achieve this time.

 

We can learn to manage stress. Start with these tips:

 

*Keep a positive attitude.

 

*Accept that there are events that you cannot control.

 

*Be assertive instead of aggressive. " Assert " your feelings,

opinions, or beliefs instead of becoming angry, defensive, or

passive.

 

*Learn and practice relaxation techniques.

 

*Exercise regularly. Your body can fight stress better when it is

fit.

 

*Eat healthy, well-balanced meals.

 

*Get enough rest and sleep. Your body needs time to recover from

stressful events.

 

*Don't rely on alcohol or drugs to reduce stress.

 

*Seek out social support.

 

*Learn to manage your time more effectively.

 

 

Tools For Serenity

 

First and foremost, serenity is found within our own hearts. The

heart that finds peace within, can find peace anywhere.

 

1. Breathing: Breath is life! Exchange of electrons. Flow of energy.

Air is the primary nutrient. Survival without it is measured in

minutes. It is so important that you do it without thinking. Your

breathing is the voice of your spirit. It's depth, smoothness, sound,

and rate reflect your mood. If you become aware of your breath and

breathe the way you do when you are calm you will become calm.

Practicing regular, mindful breathing can be calming and energizing.

It can bring us back to our center of peace.

 

2. Meditating allows us to " be with ourselves " . It can bring us self

awareness and inner peace. Try closing your eyes and taking some deep

breaths. This is the perfect start.

 

3. Herbal Medicine is the best alternative therapy when it comes to

finding a substitute for allopathic drugs. The benefits are

tremendous. Side effects are minimal. Herbs such as valerian root,

hops and chamomile can soothe the nervous system.

 

4. Crystals are often used for clearing your mind, helping with a

emotional awareness, meditation, energy therapies. The crystals we

chose often give us the insight as to what we need on a psycho-

emotional level. (see Crystal Therapy below)

 

5. Scent Therapy triggers the power of memories and brings back the

familiar. When we are seeking peace, the use of aromatherapy essence

can recall the familiar. These essence, called essential oils, can

restore balance and harmony to your body and to your life. (see

Scent Therapy below).

 

6. Movement can be generated through exercise, yoga, tai chi, qi

gong, aerobics or a host of other movement therapies. Their

relationship to peace is based on find ourselves through the motion

of doing.

 

7. Music soothes the savage beast. With the addition of music and

it's rhythm, the " musical breath " can even help stress-related health

problems ranging from panic attacks to digestive disorders. Fall into

the rhythm of the music and breathe. Focus on your breathing and the

music.

 

8. Talking things out, sorting things through in your mind, can help

when seeking peace of mind. During the past several decades, there

has been an increasing enthusiasm for focused, time-limited therapies

that address ways of coping with issues directly, rather than

exploring unconscious conflict or other personal vulnerabilities.

 

9. Use Color and Light to calm your mind, soothe your nervous system,

bring you back to your center and create a sense of serenity. Colors

such as green, blue and violet are great colors associated with

peace.

 

10. Praying brings us in direct contact with our higher power! The

talking and expressing of our feelings, hopes and aspirations can be

one of the most rewarding and centering actions we can do for

ourselves and others.

 

 

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Scent Therapy

 

Bergamot has a very balancing and uplifting quality to it. This great

oil can make stressful situations seem less so. Inhaling this oil can

help return you to a peaceful, relaxed, energized state. Yet at the

same time, if you have been over stimulated by the days events, you

could bathe with it at night to help you have a restful sleep. It is

analgesic, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic,

antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, digestive, sedative, and uplifting.

 

Frankincense can strengthen a mind that is burdened with mental

anxiety, nervous tension and stress. It revitalizes and soothes

emotional wounds, burdens and trauma. This peaceful loving oil allows

us to stabilize our mind and mental power.

 

Geranium helps to release anger and negative memories. It can be used

for to calm and clarify any situation. Inhaling geranium can ease

anxiety and tension on both a mental and physical level.

 

Jasmine benefits almost any nervous condition. This oil encourage

self confidence, optimism as it diminishes fear. Jasmine dissolves

emotional blocks.

 

Lavender is often called the universal oil, because you can use it

for so many things. It is analgesic, anti-coagulant, anti-convulsive,

anti-depressant, anti-fungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory,

antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, anti-toxic, cardiotonic, and is a

sedative. It has a very balancing effect on the body, emotions, mind

and spirit.

 

Myrrh oil fortifies the emotions and the nervous system. Historically

known as a sacred oil, its smell is distinct and provides us with

clarity, focus and strength. This oil centers our emotions, subdues

anger and inflamed emotional states.

 

Peppermint oil is another essential oil that has a wide variety of

uses. It is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic,

is invigorating, and cooling. It helps to disperse anger, depression

and fatigue. It can also be used in the treatment of shock. It

enhances mental alertness, and is stimulating to the conscious mind.

 

 

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Crystal Therapy

 

The power behind Earth's minerals can be felt the minute you put a

crystal in your hands or near your physical body. Crystals are the

treasures of the earth. These stones are filled with energy to be

used. Consider some of these popular crystals for serenity:

 

 

Amethyst:

Properties: The stone of spirituality and dream recall. Used for

contentment and meditation. Provides common sense and flexibility in

decisions. Strengthens and enhances psychic abilities, imagery and

mind quieting. Wear when sleeping or when awake to reduce anger,

impatience, and nightmares. Most effective on the Brow and Crown

Chakra. Amethyst contains the grounding color of red with the energy

of blue, which is expanding, spacious and flow of peace.

 

 

Aquamarine

Properties: This stone has the calming, soothing energy of the sea.

This is the stone of courage. Tranquilizing, uplifting, openness,

innocence, lightheartedness, creativity, communication, self-

awareness, confidence, purpose. Throat, Spleen, Heart Chakra. Used

for protection on journeys, especially those who travel on water.

Affects etheric and mental levels. Helps stabilize and harmonize

unsettled surroundings. Helps reduce fears. Has an affinity with

sensitive and mystical people. Increases creativity and sharpens

intuition. Excellent stone for meditation. Helps one attune to

nature. Quiets the mind and reduces stress. Helps bring about a

tolerance toward others.

 

 

Angelite:

Properties: This stone is excellent at balancing, polarizing and

aligning the physical body with the Aura or ethereal network and for

astral travel. It is very calming and its shade of blue refreshes the

eyes and spirit. This crystal helps us to be in touch with angels and

animal guides, as well as assisting in distant communication with

other humans. Most effective on the Throat Chakra, Angelite helps in

self expression, communication and allows us to speak our mind,

helping us to become more assertive. Its soothing effects on the

Throat Chakra works beautifully in calming and soothing anxiety or

overactive children. Use this stone to call your Angels for guidance

and support. Angelite is often used for psychic connection to oneness

with the Universe, the angelic realm and for spiritual guidance.

 

 

Hematite:

Properties: This crystal is the most recommended stone for grounding

and is associated with the Root Chakra, by encourages ones survival

instincts and is centering. Hematite condenses scattered feelings,

turns fuzziness into mental clarity, enhances concentration, memory,

practicality, helps those who study, do bookkeeping, detailed work

and helps with sound sleep. Considered the symbol of life energy,

hematite allows for more confidence, will power and boldness. Helps

us adjust to being physical. A protective stone and helps bolster low

self-esteem. Hematite is known to deflect negativity. It restores

equilibrium, stability and is also used for astral protection. It

brings our awareness back to the body and helps one maintain their

sense of self. If worn, Hematite should be placed near the base of

the spine.

 

 

Obsidian:

Properties:Obsidian is actually natural glass that is formed when hot

lava is submerged in water. This is a strong grounding stone and is

known as " the protector " . It is said to " mirror one's soul. This

stone brings about objectivity, dis-attachment and is grounding. It

reduces fantasy and escapism. Absorbs and dissolves anger, criticism,

fear, and therefore is protective. This unusual black stone absorbs

darkness and converts it to white light energy. It is a warm and

friendly stone, which is used at the Root Chakra, encouraging ones

survival instincts and is grounding. Black obsidian brings higher

Chakra light into lower ones; cleanses and uplifts. Changes fear into

flexibility with the advent of change. Obsidian is used in scrying

for divination purposes and often found in mirrors and crystal balls.

Obsidian is used for transformation.

 

 

Quartz: " Rock Crystal "

Properties:Quartz is the Master Healer and the " stone of power " !

Probably the most versatile multipurpose healing stone. Easy to

cleanse, store information/energy in, program or amplify energy and

is used as a healing instrument. The natural tendency for quartz is

for harmony. Quartz can both draw and send energy therefore it is

effective for sending/receiving guidance. Quartz is used for

transformation in healing and in all levels of change

(mentally/emotionally, physically and spiritually). Quartz stimulates

the natural crystal in body tissues and fluids to resonate at the

highest healing frequency. Quartz works with All Chakra and master

gland for balancing, cleansing and healing. It is the perfect stone

for complete Aura balancing.

 

 

Rose Quartz:

Properties: Rose Quartz represents love, beauty, peacefulness,

forgiving, lovingness, self-love and emotional balance! Rose Quartz

works with the Heart Chakra. It is a soft, gentle, soothing stone

that warms the heart center. Its value as a nurturing friend cannot

be overstated. Neither can it's soothing influence. Helps diffuse

negative stimuli and uncomfortable memories. Helps us discover the

ability to love ourselves and makes us more open to other people. It

is of particular value in helping us to forgive ourselves, hastening

self-acceptance. Helps us realize that all change is important, even

difficult change. Stimulates love and tender appreciation of all

things.

 

 

Tiger's Eye:

Properties: This stone is most recognized for bringing money, psychic

protection, courage, luck confidence, willpower, clear thinking and

speaking to show us the personal power in life that we have. Very

versatile for the Yellow/Solar Plexus and Crown Chakra. Tiger's Eye

works on our mental plane by amplifying thinking and manifesting what

you think about. Helps separate thoughts from feelings, more

centered, less emotional. This stone helps change anxiety, fear and

obsessiveness into practicality and logic. Has the grounding energy

of the earth, but is embellished with a glowing warmth. A stone for

people who need more confidence to accomplish their goals. Draws

helpful people and material things to the wearer. Centers energy and

mental focus. This stone helps us to find our closest version of

perfectionism without obsessive behavior.

 

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Peacefulmind.com

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit