This is the magic of CalmingWinds.com~ wellness for mind, body and spirit.

Disclaimer: Although holistic health practices are often very successful in promoting healing and wellness, they may not be sufficient intervention for some health conditions or complaints.  Any correspondence not intended as a substitute for regular medical care or advice, diagnosis, prescription, or treatment for any disease, physical or mental. You should always consult your physician when making health-related decisions.

 

What are your thoughts?  We’re constantly thinking, but what are our thoughts?

Our mind creates 25-30 thoughts per minute on an average. This number increases when we are under stress and decreases when our mind is relaxed or we are asleep. Overall, our mind creates around 30,000-40,000 thoughts in a day.

There are 4 main types of thoughts:

Positive thoughts~ affirmative and focused; they carry best intentions for ourselves and others.

Necessary thoughts: I must not forget to go to the market today, or I have to collect the children from school at 4 PM.

Wastefull thoughts: thinking too much about the past, worrying about the future, thoughts about others that spill out as gossip.

Negative thoughts: feelings of anger, fear, ego, greed, doubt, sadness, regret and unease. They make us lazy and drain our energy.

A large percentage of our thoughts are negative or waste in nature; this is the root cause of our stress. By increasing the percentage of positive thoughts, we can experience a relaxed state of mind.

Visualization exercise for relaxation~

The visualization exercise uses a sunlit landscape as an analogy for the four types of thoughts. It can be used to increase percentage of positive thoughts everyday:

Visualize a beautiful valley with a lake, forested foothills and high mountains rising up into the clouds. This is the landscape of your mind.

Your position in this landscape and the form in which you are manifested depends on the quality of your thoughts.  Then sit quietly and allow your thoughts to run for a minute.  Then continue to sit for awhile and reflect about how many of these can you attribute to a particular type?

If you want to get rid of stress, consider trying to increase your percentage of positive thoughts and decrease those that are negative and wasteful thoughts.  It takes effort to change patterns of behavior and negative/wasteful thoughts can be a huge factor but consider how your body is responding to those thoughts (low self esteem, anger, high blood pressure, insomnia etc… )  It’s something to consider when trying to make positive changes in your life.  We hear all the time from doctors how we have to change bad habits but do they give us the advice of where to start…..the first step is……..changing the way you think.

My question to you is; what are your thoughts?  We’re constantly thinking, but what are our thoughts and how are they affecting our bodies, our actions, our relationships….our thoughts affect everything.  Try answering the question, what are your thoughts affecting.  I hope you will sit down at the end of the day and figure out what type of thoughts you’re having and how you can think more positively.

Doesn’t this picture make you wonder, what is he thinking ? 

Often this is a question that comes to our minds when we have purchased a new crystal or perhaps found some great rocks while hiking.  Crystals and rocks can play a large part in maintaining positive energy in your environment.  The obviousl place is having them in your home, consider thinking beyond your home and consider placing them outside of your home around your yard and hanging from trees.  Another consideration is bringing them to your workplace, your gardens, your meditation area and sacred space.

Deciding where to place your crystals and rocks is a personal choice and your intuition can be ver helpful in determining just the rock location for their placement.  Perhaps you already have them in place some healers may recommend that you periodically cleanse this items and move them around.  If you get this feeling, don’t hesitate relocate them to a new place and consider adding other items with the initial rock or crystal to form a healing cluster.

When considering placing crystals rocks indoors consider what colors and special properties they will offer that space.  For example, in an office you may have computers, telephones, fax machine and all emit electromagnetic and radio waves and can bring environmental stress to that area.  You can help this space by placing some neutralizing and cleansing crystals.  Smokey Quartz, Obsidian or Black Tourmaline can all be placed on top of your computer or phone and they will help absorb negative waves of radiation and channel these waves back to the earth. 

Another particular popular location is having them in your bedroom.  I would recommend you consider placing softer versions of crystals.  Amethyst,  Rose Quartz and Adventurine can all offer a gentler affect on you and can assist your sleep if placed under a pillow. 

In a meditation space where you perform some healing and or perhaps you designate this area as your place for yoga it can be helpful to place crystals and stones that offer special properties.  Blue Chalcedony, Blue and Purple Flourite,  Orange and Green Calcite or among some of the few that will help prepare your space for relaxation and spiritual development.  It’s always helpful to use your intuition to decide where you want to place them in your room and always consider placing them in clusters together.

Initially everyone thinks of crystals being placed in their homes but try consider adding this wonderful energy to outside your home perhaps in your favorite lounge area, your garden, in your favorite tree.  If placed in your garden you will see that the crystals can enhance the energy of the plants.  In my home you can walk all the way around my yard and see milky quartz placed in the beds and in some of the pots I will place rocks I have chosen just for those plants.  Green stones are particular helpful.  Using Green Adventurine or Moss Agate can help with the plants colors.

Water is another consideration.  Many people like having water fountains or perhaps a small pond in their garden. Placing Rose Quartz or  Orange Calcite not only brings wonderful properties to the water but also color.  Then consider taking the water in this fountain and feed it to your plants allowing them to get energized !

The list of possibilities is endless, I’m always on the searching for crystals and rocks that call to me.  Once I have them home I cleanse them and then begin trying to determine where their new home will be.  I hope you’ll join me in placing some rocks in your inside and outside environment. 

Some great resources for understanding the healing properties for Crystals and Rocks is the book called the Crystal Bible, another books is called Crystals written by Jennie Harding which has wonderful pictures.  The initial photograph at the beginning of the post comes to you from a Virginia photographer, Jim Emery.  You can check out his photography at www.jimemery.com

From the Shiva~Svarodaya Tanta, traditional Indian teaching on the subtle anatomy of the body.

Over the last five thousands years, Sages, Philosophers and Mystics have described the subtle energies in our bodies and environment in numerous ways. However, it was generally agreed that where ever these energies meet together in a nature they form a circular spinning pattern, or vortices’s. We know them today as Chakras. It is responsible for absorbing the vital force, processing its energy, and distributing it to the physical body through the nervous and endocrine systems.

For example, negative feelings/thoughts can become lodged in our chakras which will reduce the amount of subtle energy they are able to provide; adversely then affecting your health.  One way chakras can be treated is by receiving Reiki.

In this post I’m going to describe to you the ten chakra centers.  Eight are located vertically and roughly in line with the spine.  Each governs a particular function.  There are two others, one located beneath the feet and the other is between the ankles.  In most meditations they will only cover seven.

The Root Chakra~ is located beneath the feet allowing you to draw energy up from the Earth and to also put energy into the Earth.  It’s what “grounds or roots” you. 1 

Feet Chakra~The feet chakra is located between the ankles and is related to your movement and balance and equilibrium. 2

The Base Chakra~The Base chakra is at the bottom of the spine and it connects to the motor nerves and is concerned with survival and protection.  This area reacts to stress. 3

The Sacral Chakra~The Sacral Chakra is concerned with motivation and with your sexuality . 4

The Solar Plexus Chakra~This chakra is completes, its multi-functional network center.  Part of its function is related to growth and development. 5

  The Heart Chakra~The heart chakra is the center of compassion action and desires.  It works on love. 6

The Throat Chakra~The throat chakra is the communications center and the link with your inner voices. 7

Base of the Brain Chakra~This chakra is concerned with actions.  The physical body is governed through it. 8

The Brow Chakra~The brow chakra is the physic command post and center of mental power. 9

The Crown Chakra~The crown chakra is concerned with knowing and links with the Higher Self; the highest aspect of your total being. 10

The more you can come to understand your Chakras and Meridians the easier it will to address any blockages that are being held in those areas.

The next step is to smudge your stone, you can do this by simply passing the item several times through the wafting smoke.  Finally, clearing the stone with your breath (exhaling very slowly).  If your using a crystal have the point upwards when performing these activities. You can also program a crystal if you want at this time.

As the wheel turns again we find ourselves coming upon Summer Solstice on~  June 21, 2010.

Litha – Midsummer is one of the Lesser Wiccan Sabbaths. The sun is at the height of it power before beginning its slide into darkness and we experience the longest day and shortest night of the year.

 The Sun, flowers and Earth are in full bloom. Hot midsummer creates a fiery, mature, breathless passion. On June 21, at this point of the year the crops are coming along nicely. Here’s a few of my pictures of our garden today in Leesburg, Virginia.

  
In addition, on this midsummer day the veil between the worlds is said to be very thin making this a great time for divination ~ Historically many maidens would divine a husband at this time. Midsummers Eve is said to be a time when fairies abound in great numbers this is a great time to commune with them and leave gifts of sweets outdoors. 

The moon like the sun has allot cleansing abilities and can be used for healing.  After reading Shamanic Reiki written by Llyn Roberts and Robert Levy I thought it would be nice to discuss their ideas of using moon~light for healing.   

The method is quite simple.  First find yourself a glass or ceramic bowl and collect some spring, stream or rain water and consecrate the water under a starlit sky, or for three nights before a full moon.  The water is absorbing the vibrations given off from the stars and moon.  You can then use this water for ceremonially or healing work or to increase the energy in a room.  If your attuned to Reiki symbols then draw or visualize the Reiki symbols into the water or summon the symbols just above the bowl and then blow them into the your special water.  This water can also be used to cleanse your tools used during Shamanic Reiki.  Personally I love consuming the water for the energy, if your going to consider this method be sure to use spring water.

This summer I’ve decided to take a section of my garden and I’m going to create a ~Moon Garden.  Moon garden comes from planting multitudes of white flowers in one central area all together;  the sun that is absorbed in the flowers during the day will allow them to glow under the celestial night skies.  There are so many varieties of white flowers (roses, lilly of the valley, hydrangea, cosmos the list goes on and on….but don’t forget to plant the Moon Flower.  It’s one of those special flowers that is closed during the day but opens wide in the evening.   During the summer months you can then pick some of these flowers that have been saturated by the energy of the moon and stars and you can use this for  healing. 

This link gives you some great ideas on how to get started on planing a moon garden.  Just be sure to collect some of the water that you infused and use it to feed your plants.  Happy Gardening !!!

www.bhg.com/gardening/plans/colorful/design-for-a-moon-garden/

 This inspiration for this post comes from Ted Andrews’ The Animal-Speak Workbook.  In this workbook he discusses how we can use feathers we find on the ground and turn it into a tool for creating ~Wish Energy.

Birds are associated with the element of air ,  when we speak  our expressions that comes from speech that involves air is creating this connection.  This technique takes our own breath~speaking our wishes out loud and the feathers will help create the magickal bird energy.   Here’s how it works.

Find a Feather

Feathers can be from any bird that you have come across on nature walks, in your own back yard.  I like using the ones from your back yard because you have relationships with those visiting your yard and you have chosen to keep the token they have left for you.

Find a Quiet Place

Find a place where you can go out in your yard and won’t be disturbed, mornings are great because you can wake and be outside with the birds as they begin their day singing.  Hold the feather in both hands by the stem and close your eyes. Just relax and enjoy the energy that is building with you and the feather.

Rhythmic Breathing

Find your own unique method of rhythmic breathing. Some people use the count of four (inhale for a count of four, hold for a count of four and exhale to a count of four), it doesn’t matter the number rather than creating the rhythm that is needed to help you relax and be able to find that state of tranquility. Once you find this feeling then focus on your wish. Visualize it in as much detail as possible. As you continue to breathe on one of your exhales slowly and softly exhale only your feather, see and feel that you are blowing your wish into your feather and the feather will be there to help it be fulfilled. Continue this process for five to ten minutes.

Speak Your Affirmation

The affirmation should be spoke in between each breath. The affirmation should never be “I wish…” rather it should be “I thank you for my ideal…..or I am rich on all levels”. Don’t be alarmed if you suddenly notice a breeze picking up while your performing three and four numbers. It is the the Universes way of confirming that your wish energy to be put in motion.                      

Placement

Now it’s time to place the feather so it can work it’s magick. Native Americans used prayer sticks, where a special stick was found and the feather was tied to it. The stick is then stuck into the ground and remained there until the wish is fulfilled. You can do the same or you can take the feather and tie it with a piece of string to a tree limb in your yard; if you don’t have a yard find one in a park in a tree you enjoy and tie it there. Each time the wind blows over the prayer stick or feather tied to a tree, the energy you breathed into it will be released and the wishful energy will grow stronger and stronger. When the feather disappears, it is an indication that the wish has reached its source and will begin to crystallize for you.

When you have done this, place the feather in its location, but do not check the feather for several days.  Keep in mind that the wish will manifest in the time that is best for you.  If you constantly are checking on the feather, it will show you have doubts and it will delay and possibly prevent the wish from manifesting.  Trust in what you have placed in motion~ A WISH

Shapes of our crystals and semi-precious rocks can come in two forms natural or shaped by machine.  Seldom will you find a Crystal in a perfect ball but they continue to be in high demand for those who want to use them for scrying.  I prefer to use the crystal balls for emitting energy equally when using it during healing; because the ball is equal in all directions it will give out the same amount of energy in each direction no matter where it is located. 

However, it’s the naturally shaped rocks/crystals that I find myself gravitating to.  Crystal lore explains that crystals that are totally clear are symbols of alignment with cosmic harmony and if you keep one near you it will help you align your energies to the spiritual realm.  Regardless of the lore each crystal shape has a specific use in healing.  For example, wands are used to focus energy and can be used to draw off negativity being held in the body.  A crystal egg detects and corrects energy imbalances .  Single points are often purchased which is ideal if your desiring to use it as a beam to focus the energy to a specific location.  Regardless of the shapes your stones~crystals, if used wisely, can make excellent tools for healing.

Here’s some information about some of the specific abilities on the various shapes~

Geodes are very easily found and have amazing color once opened (this must be done with specific tools, so if your not skilled then purchase them from a rock distributor).  Geodes hold and amplify energy within itself.  When your looking at them it’s as if they are cavelike with numerous terminations inside which then softens the energy and allows it to flow out slowly.  Geodes are known to assist in braking addictions and can be useful for individuals who have addictive or overindulgent personalities.

Egg Shaped crystals or rocks confine and shape energy and it can be used to detect and rebalance blockages in the body.  The more pointed end can be useful during reflexology or acupressure. They also make excellent “hand comforters” to use in times of stress.

Pyramids shapes have actually four sides on a base, but the base itself may be squared off if the crystal is natural rather than artificially shaped.  Naturally occurring pyramids shaped crystals amplify and then tightly focus energy through the apex and are suitable for holding manifestations.  You can also use pyramids shapes to draw off negative energies and blockags from the chakras, replensingh with vibrant energy.  You can find the artifical shaped pyramids in abundance of materials.  The goal though is to find one that nature has made.

Long points, when you find one that is naturally formed it can act as strong as if you made your own wand.  These type are extensively in healing and ritual work.  It quickly transmits energy if pointed toward the body. But, if your looking to help yourself with stagnation then you want to find a phant crystal.  Because this crystal looks almost ghostlike that is why it holds the unique shape name~Phantom.  It is said it’s to be used for those individuals who need to put the past into perspective.

This is only a few of the rocks formation there are many many more and are allot of fun to learn and use in your healing.  I personally love rock hunting and enjoy finding as many as I can in natural form; I will place them around my home or sometimes make them into pieces I can wear.  Recently I was given a gift from a friend who found the most beautiful milky quartz and now it gives my garden not only its beauty but its energy.