ARTICLE ARCHIVES 

May 22, 2004 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Topic: Harmonic healing through yin/yang balance Overview "...and letting the Spirit act as it will." Bruce Lee, The Tao of Gung Fu, page 139

We normally perceive everything as EVENT driven whether illness, disease, etc., but underlying these issues is an energetic disturbance. If all disease is seen as the imbalance of yin/yang, then we don't want to work only with symptoms. If the internal balance is correct then the imbalance may also be correct and appropriate according to time, space, etc. This is not the way we tend to see things but it is certainly something to consider. We usually do not want the discomfort of an illness or injury but perhaps there is another opportunity there for us to become aware of and take advantage of instead of forcing ourselves to become symptom free. If that is the case, then our perceived imbalance may be appropriate.

It is important to feel the energetic connection. It's a different way of looking. Qi, as phenomena-manifesting force, expresses itself as yin and yang which: (1) attracts each other,(2) repels like kind (yin repels yin; yang repels yang), (3) transforms into each other. It's more of creating dynamic balance rather than trying to fix something. Intuitive listening helps a person to look within the self to see what the core issue is, thus allowing changes to happen.

Qi means "flow." It is like music. Think of the chord structure instead of the melody. Watch for the vertical, as well as the horizontal structure. It's a process, not an end result. It is becoming sensitive to the environment. We need to come full circle, like in doing healing. When we have the feeling of working with the client, we are not tired afterwards. When using our own energy to try to make something happen, it consumes rather than nurtures our strength and vitality.

Within our being are many different energy fields, pathways, and centers each effecting and affecting us spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically. Being sensitive to and understanding each and their relationships to themselves, to each other, and to ourselves is important. It is not just enough to have academic understanding but to have xperiential understanding. This deepens our wisdom and our ability to meaningfully relate to these energies both within ourselves and within others.

One such group of energies are chakras--confluences of energetic vibrations in the body. Each chakra/vibration has a: radiance or color (deva), sound (bija or 'seed' mantra), and form (yantra). We will look at one chakra-- the root chakra (the muladhara chakra) located in the area of the perineum. Root Chakra--the Muladhara Chakra/Vibration:

Radiance (deva) = red

Form (yantra) = four petaled flower/lotus

Sound (bija mantra)= LAM (has a visual symbol in Sanskrit)

The class practiced three different exercises to locate and resonate with this chakra's different aspects: radiance, form, and sound. Because these are all different aspects of the same vibration, each person had a different experience during practice. The attributes of the chakras change depending upon where we are and where the universe is. They change as we change. The purpose of all this is to have personal experience of the chakras. Once we have understanding of one chakra, such as the root chakra, then we can apply principles, practice, and understanding to any of the chakras.

<><><><><><><>May your energies vibrate long and well!!!<><><><><><<><><>

REIKI WORKSHOP

Saturday, June 19, 2004 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

OVERVIEW:

When working with clients or even family members, it is important to respond to the person’s energy in a number of ways. Clients tell us things about themselves and their lives. It is important to keep this information confidential and to respect their perspective. So how do we pay attention to what they are saying they need and at the same time provide that which we know to be needed?

For example, I had a client who wanted me to massage an area in her upper back which was causing her pain. In knowing muscle structure and function, as well as referred pain, I knew that I needed to also work other areas of her back. As soon as I stopped massaging the area which was painful, the client told me to go back to where I had been massaging. I tried explaining to her what was happening and how it needed to be treated but she could not hear it. She knew what she wanted. I knew that her relief would only be short term, if I did not provide therapy elsewhere. It wasn’t until near the end of the session, when her pain had subsided, that I was able to finally address the areas I knew needed to be manipulated in order to provide her with long term relief.

Paying attention to the client is like driving a car. We can have the turn signal on, be watching traffic, listening to the radio, but still driving the car. We know after making our turn whether the turn signal turned off or not. As a reiki practitioner, we can still honor the client’s perspective (what they understand) but continue with the process we are involved with--Reiki.

In Classical Chinese medicine, diagnosis and treatment are the same thing. In qigong, the student works with what they can’t do (for example: raise their arm). Gently working with it (ie: working within the range of motion of the arm)—this is over time—the student finds that they begin to open up (ie: they are able to begin raising their arm). We don’t really work with problems; we work with perspectives.

In The Healing Buddha by Raoul Birnbaum (not to be confused with Reiki and the Healing Buddha by Maureen J. Kelly), the Buddhist perception of illness is our separation from Enlightenment or Buddhahood. That separation causes us suffering. When our unity with God, Cosmos, Creator, or whatever our higher belief is, is out of harmony, then we become ill, depressed, angry, etc.

Clients come to us in ways they understand. They may have a pain in their hip, or they are confused and trying to make a decision, or they just want to relax, or a million other reasons. We must treat them with unconditional love, get out of the way of our own thoughts and feelings, and allow Universal Compassion to support and nourish the client’s heal—th and heal—ing.

Most people ask: "Can you fix me?" Again, it is attitude and perspective. In our culture we ask: "What do you call this?" In other cultures they ask: "How do you call this?" One is a definition/noun; the other is a process/verb. Energy healing, like Reiki, is process. It doesn’t treat symptoms; it treats the whole being—body/heart/mind/energy/spirit—especially spirit. If a symptom is alleviated, that’s a nice side benefit (that’s the what). If a person’s spirit is raised despite the symptoms, the process is being effective on a deeper level (that’s the how).

If we don’t see any change? Then perhaps we are not asking the person the right questions or they are not paying attention to the right things. Remember: change can be very subtle. It might be as subtle, as waking up with a smile, or not getting frustrated for not finding one’s car keys when rushing to work or to an appointment. Sometimes the universe works in ways which are very quiet. It asks that we slow down and smell the roses, so to speak. That is, we need to know how to LISTEN. After all, the birds will sing in the morning whether we listen to their voice or not; but how much more joyful our lives, when we do listen to their glorious songs.

Here are two thoughts to ponder:

(1) How much time do you spend in the course of the day relating to machines? From the electric toothbrush, to the microwave, to the computer, to the car, to the traffic light, etc.????

(2) How much time do you spend relating to nature?

Practice sessions:

1. Cloud hands/Circling palms—to develop sensitivity to qi/ki; to nourish the energy pathways in one’s own body
2. Scanning and sweeping—these are slow movements done in one direction
1. Sweeping--smooths the qi/ki field; calms the nervous system; client begins to

relax; process repeated both at beginning and ending of session--when bringing the hands back up to sweep, place back of palms parallel to the side of the table, bringing hands up to the head; turn palms over facing client then slowly but smoothly sweep down from head to feet; repeat process 3x’s

2. Scanning—slow, smooth side to side movement of one hand (either left or

--can do a short pre-treatment (beginning of session) or extra-treatment

Spring…wood…green
Of all possible moments
We
Are here
Now

Together
We continue
This journey into
Mystery

Opening

You are now
My tribe

Invite the Light

Within this moment
We become

(Open)

The four corners of this room
And she our music and our ground

The ten directions
And she, our guiding star

The five elements clang and sing
We sway

Opened

Together, we begin
Our journey toward
Mastery

*

This poem was written by Tamela Glenn during a Reiki Master training on April 12, 2003.

SPRINGTIME
qi

So many of us now heave a "sighhhh" of relief that robins have returned, snow is melting and earth is almost bare! The Kenduskeag Canoe Race and softball/baseball season herald in our release from Winter, the season of Water---extreme yin: cold, quiet, dark, and long nights.

As energies in our Northern Hemisphere con-tinue to open and expand, we, too, breathe deeply,
taking in the fresh, rejuvenating air of springtime. Activity moves us from our winter dens into the openness of space and the out-of-doors!

For those of us practicing QiGong-an ancient Chinese art form of releasing, absorbing, circulating, and storing essential life force-we have been working with yin-yang all winter, creating harmony within our being.

This practice has helped many of us through the "winter blahs." In many cases, it has also warmed cold hands and feet by assisting in the body's ability to unblock stiff joints and release stress so blood and qi circulate freely.

Now that Spring has arrived, we, too, rejoice in the rejuvenation of Wood Energy (Mu Qi). This is a time of nurturing, as things swell, burst forth and grow....crocuses, pussy willows, grasses, and buds on trees.

Wood Energy has many characteristics. For example, its color is green. Within the body, it manifests as the Liver Network, composed of Liver (yin organ) and Gall Bladder (yang organ). Liver's yin function stores while its yang function distributes blood and qi. Liver executes the Power of Planning and Action. Gall Bladder's yin function stores while its yang function excretes bile. It rules Courage, Decision-Making and Judgement. In addition, this Liver Network dominates the ten-dons and ligaments, manifests in the nails, and opens into the eyes.

So, whether you practice QiGong or not, this Spring, revitalize your being! Gather those dandelion greens growing in your front lawn and cook up a batch or two. They are a great tonic and blood purifier. Make your Liver smile!!!

HEALING HANDS --Reiki

Reiki is an energetic form of healing which connects the practitioner with the Rei (Universal Wisdom) and Ki (Energy). It flows through the palms of the hands, eyes or breath into the ki of the receiving individual. Reiki releases energetic blocks, relieves stress, aids the body in healing -- be it recovery
from illness, injury or surgery -- and quiets the mind. It harmonizes energy at all levels of one's being. This technique is very relaxing for the person receiving Reiki. Private Reiki treatment sessions may range from 45 minutes - 1 hour in length.

Many Reiki practitioners integrate the know-ledge and use of Reiki into their daily living, as the practice of Reiki does not deplete one's energy reserves. Practitioners use it to support healing for themselves and others, ie, friends and family pets. It is so easy to learn that even a child can safely apply its healing benefits. In classes, one becomes familiar with techniques to use on self and others and learns how to access this Universal Life Force. Reiki Classes are taught by many Reiki Master/Teachers in the area. When inquiring about Reiki training, it is important to select a teacher with whom you are comfortable and who is able to clearly answer your questions. Having a Reiki session with them is one way of evaluating this relationship.

There are many variations in Reiki training. At QiGong Studio, we teach Usui/Tibetan Reiki and Karuna Reiki® Classes. These classes are taught in levels allowing the individual to decide when and if they are interested in continuing their learning/healing process.

Please call for a private treatment session or to inquire about Reiki training classes.

SUMMER’S FIRE!

Summer has arrived filled with Fire, nurturing yin (Heart) and yang (Small Intestine) organ systems. In Late Summer, it is the Earth Elements of Spleen (yin) and Stomach (yang) which are nurtured. The Season of Summer, characterized by heat and dryness, inspires us to action, as we enjoy days at the beach, working in our gardens, family reunions, vacations, and Fun in the Sun!

What is this Fire that so moves and drives us?

Fire and Qi both have a yang nature. It is insubstantial, mobile, changing, a catalyst for movement and transform-ation. Blood (yin) moves throughout the body directed by Qi (yang). When the Qi flows smoothly, Blood flows freely. When Qi stagnates, Blood is pooled. Blood and Qi are inseparable. When together, they form the basis of life; when separated, life ceases.

During the days of summer, as our activities expand, we become more toned and our energy and metabolism increase. However, excessive heat can produce exhaustion, fever, thirst or dryness. We may develop a desire to adjust the Qi of yin and yang by, for example, enjoying cooling foods and drinks, thus calming excessive heat and maintaining dynamic balance.

Just as the sun provides us with warmth and light, so the Heart establishes a connectedness with our consciousness and our inner Spirit. In Chinese medicine, the Heart holds the Spirit (Shen). These two are inseparable--one and the same. When the Shen is vital, we feel it and see it in ourselves and others. For example, it might be personified by the quality of our movement, speech, clarity of mind, emotional expression, radiance of complexion, or brightness of the eyes.

Our Spleen assists the digestive process by providing the breakdown of nutri-ents needed to regulate metabolism to keep body and mind healthy. This fuel, Nutritive Essence, is converted into an abundance of Qi and Blood, thus provid-ing, as does our Earth, constant provision. Should the spleen become exhausted by such emotions as worry or feelings of being overwhelmed, it becomes un-stable and unable to maintain its normal metabolic functions. For example, when the Spleen slows down its processes, the thickened fluids and tissues may result in stagnation, adhesion, and retarded movement. However, when the spleen is

healthy, it is able to maintain the tone and elasticity of blood vessel walls, thus assisting the body and mind to radiate vitality.

So this summer, toss your worries aside but act responsibly. Enjoy the heat

of summer days and the cool, refreshing waters. Take time to play and relax. And remember: nourish your Heart’s Fire –that inner spark, that guiding Spirit, the Shen-- and, nourish your Earth Element, the Spleen. Take care and Enjoy!

– — ˜ ™ – Be healthy, active, and vital! – — ˜ ™ –