Just a Yin Weaver Sitting at the Loom

Dear Yin Weaver,

Speaking of the Crown Chakra, does anyone remember May crownings? I mean, does anyone Catholic out there remember May crownings? 

I remember my first one.  I was in first grade.  The nuns sent us home with notes saying we were to bring flowers to school on a certain day.  I don't remember what I brought, but it seems to me it was a motley crew of dandelions, daisies, wild violets and other assorted weeds from our back yard.  I don't remember what I wore either, but I was jealous of the two pretty second graders in their first communion "wedding dresses" who were elected to place the crown of flowers on Mary's marble brow.  Then the rest of us processed forward to lay our bouquets at her feet. 

Do you remember the songs we used to sing? I remember this one.  I can still sing it!

Bring Flowers of the Rarest

Refrain:

O Mary we crown thee with blossoms today!

Queen of the Angels and Queen of the May.

O Mary we crown thee with blossoms today,

Queen of the Angels and Queen of the May.

Bring flowers of the rarest

bring blossoms the fairest,

from garden and woodland and hillside and dale;

our full hearts are swelling,

our glad voices telling

the praise of the loveliest flower of the vale!

Actually, it's a very sweet song.  Listen to it here.

What about now?  Does anyone out there STILL celebrate May crownings?  In her blog Motherly Loving, Robina talks about other traditions, prayers, crafts and food she and her family use to celebrate (and if you need some recipes, there's actually a website called Catholic Cuisine).  The Philipino community in our church celebrates with a 28 day novena which culminates in a May crowning.  I'm celebrating with a 33 day renewal of my consecration to Mary. 

Surprised?  I mean, here I am writing about Eden Energy Medicine, Reiki, Chakras, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Flower Essences.  What's a good new ager like me doing talking about Mary, Church, novenas, consecrations and  May crownings? 

Actually, I don't consider myself "new age."  I'm just a Yin Weaver sitting at the loom, sometimes wondering how it all fits...never doubting that it does. 

And you?

Blessings,
Rose    






 

The Seven Week Chakra Challenge: The Bonus Round

Dear Yin Weaver,

This ends the Seven Week Chakra Challenge. To all of you, posters and non-posters alike, thank you for taking part. Many of you left very thoughtful comments regarding your experiences with different chakras. Hopefully these experiences have helped to open a new world to you and a deeper appreciation for your “energy anatomy.”

Now begins the Bonus Round! For the next seven days I'd like you to answer a couple of questions to help you integrate what you've been experiencing these past seven weeks

For starters, what have you learned? The answers may be as simple as "I learned the root chakra is associated with the color red and the quality of safety" or "there are seven main chakras." It may be more personal, such as "I learned I could really feel the energy in my solar plexus chakra" or "I learned I dreamed more when I did a chakra exercise right before going to sleep."

For seconders, how have you grown? The answers to this question will be highly personal. There are no right or wrong answers, just your answers.

For thirders, go back through the various original posts for each chakra, select the exercises you like the most. Here are the links to each one:

Root Chakra

Sacral Chakra

Solar Plexus Chakra

Heart Chakra

Throat Chakra

Brow Chakra

Crown Chakra

This week, give yourself one, big, long, luxurious (like soakin' in a hot bubble bath luxurious) chakra treatment. What did you notice? How did it feel? Were you drawn to one chakra more than the other? What feelings came up? Did any memories surface?

For fourthers, write it all down here. I would love to hear your feedback.

Last but not least, next week I will be starting a new series on another aspect of your energy anatomy--the meridians. Here’s a brief explanation of meridians:

Chinese use the term "jing luo" which means, channels, conduit, meridian etc. According to acupuncture, these are the invisible channels through which qi circulates throughout the body. The acupuncture points (or holes as the Chinese term xue is more aptly translated means) are the locations where the qi of the channels rises close to the surface of the body. There are 12 main meridians, six of which are yin and six are yang and numerous minor ones, which form a network of energy channels throughout the body.

You can read about them here, but I’d rather you come back to my blog for my next seven week series. Each week for seven weeks I’m going to write about two meridians. I am going to offer a simple challenge with each one which will teach you over the course of seven weeks how to trace ALL of your meridians in just a few minutes.

Blessings,
Rose

The Seven Day Chakra Challenge--Keeping the Light in Your Third Eye

Dear Yin Weaver,


We’re now on to the Sixth, Brow or Ajna Chakra, located at the center of the forehead. The word Ajna comes from the Sanskrit root “to know, obey and follow.” It is commonly translated as “command,” meaning it is from here you “know, obey and follow the command of the Guru.” For us Westerners, that may sound a little scary. However, in Hinduism, where devotion to a teacher is common, it makes perfect sense. In our culture we might be more comfortable being open to know, obey and follow that spirit of innate Wisdom with which we are all born. But an open Brow chakra could also mean you are teachable, open to wisdom from whatever source it comes.

This chakra is also called the Third Eye or “eye of intuition,” and is the gateway to the psychic dimension of consciousness. For most of us, though, this “inner eye” remains closed to subtle perceptions of reality. Why is that? According to Donna Eden, “The flaw that many of us have at the level of the sixth chakra is that we are so filled with our abstractions, mental constructs, and fantasies that more refined processes get crowded out.” As a result, “{o}ur sixth chakras can be dominated by thought that is not balanced by more subtle ways of knowing the world.”

Perhaps we would live in a different world if more people were asking how to open their Brow chakra so they could be wiser. But the truth of the matter is most of us are intrigued by the idea of being more psychic. I hope this week’s Chakra Challenge will offer you a few fun and playful ways to open your “eye” to a little bit of both. These exercises are based on the work of Donna Eden, and can be found in her book Energy Medicine or in her Energy Medicine Kit.

A Simple Exercise to Open Your Third Eye

Place your middle finger at the bridge of your nose and push up a couple of inches.

Inhale deeply and imagine you are lifting open the eyelid of your Third Eye

Exhale and repeat for several minutes once a day for thirty days

Another Simple Exercise to Open Your Third Eye

Spin a crystal on a string in a clockwise/counterclockwise spin an inch in front of your Brow chakra

Continue for 30 to 60 seconds

Stop the crystal from spinning and see if you notice any sensations (colors or pulsing, for instance)

Repeat the process as many times as you like.

Repeat the exercise once a day for thirty days.

A Simple Exercise to Open to Inner Wisdom

With your breath calm and deep, direct a question from your sixth chakra down to your root chakra.

Let the question settle into the energy of your root chakra.

Inhale deeply, and as you do so, draw up the light in the Root chakra so it moves back up to your Brow chakra.

Be open for the answer to reveal itself.

I’m looking forward to hearing some interesting stories this week!

Blessings,
Rose

Have you pointed your fingers today?

Dear Yin Weaver,

In case you are dropping in for the first time, welcome to the seven week Chakra Challenge series. If you’ve been participating all along, please bear with me as I offer this overview of the chakra system. Think of it as a super-mini review course.

Chakras act as energy stations. The word “chakra” means disc-shaped or circular (think of a wheel). It describes vortices for energy exchanged between the environment and the body. There are seven chakras: root, sacral, solar, heart, throat, third eye and crown.

We are currently working on balancing the energy in our third, or solar chakra. (If you’d like to join in on the fun, please follow the link to my blog from last Friday.) Today I’d like to discuss with you in brief physical diseases and disorders associated with the solar chakra. These included stomach ulcers, intestinal tumors, diabetes, pancreatitis, indigestion, anorexia/bulimia, hepatitis, cirrhosis, adrenal imbalances, colon diseases and stiffness of the joints. Addictions, depression and insomnia are several other notable solar chakra disorders.

People don’t throw too much money at chakra research these days but I was recently reminded of one study reported in Richard Gerber’s book Vibrational Medicine. It showed that electromagnetic frequency measurements recorded at each chakra will vary in oscillations from 100 to 1,600 cycles per second (each chakra functions within a certain frequency range) in a physically, mentally, and spiritually healthy person. However, in an ill person, little oscillation will be detected at one or more of the chakras.

Do you have any of the problems listed above? If so, the solar chakra should hold a great deal of interest for you. Do not neglect getting appropriate medical care. But balancing this chakra on a consistent basis can quite possible contribute to improving any of these problems. The mudra you are practicing is a good first step. You might also want to consider adding other CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) modalities, such as massage, Healing Touch, Touch for Health, Reiki, Acupuncture and, of course, Eden Energy Medicine.

I look forward to hearing your comments and questions. By the way, I have a few questions for you. Has anyone had success using CAM to deal with any of the diseases mentioned here? I’d love to hear! Does anyone know of any recent studies done on chakras? Or on any aspect of our energy anatomy, for that matter?

Blessings,
Rose

The Seven Day Chakra Challenge--Keeping the Light in Your Solar Chakra

Dear Yin Weaver,


How did you do with the Usha Mudra? Eve shared “(i)t makes me feel calm and centered. When I am under stress I often find that I will sit with my hands together in my lap. Even as a child.” I especially enjoyed how easy it was to practice this pose in any social situation.

Now it’s time to talk about our third chakra. It sits in the solar plexus and is also known as the solar chakra. The Sanskrit name is Manipura, which means “city of gems.” It is truly a gem of a chakra! As our fire center, it is the energy of combustion and transformation. A healthy third chakra will release energy for vitality, inspiration, creativity and transformation, physically and spiritually.

Psychologically, we find in this chakra the energy to transform the world by our thoughts and actions. That is why it is also associated with self esteem issues. If we feel good about ourselves and powerful, we are likely to have a positive impact on the world around us.

If we lack confidence, our inner fire will be banked, so to speak, and we may feel disempowered and easily overpowered by others. We will lack the motivation, will-power, self confidence and creativity to make a difference through sharing our gifts and talents.

On the other hand, if the energy of the third chakra is too strong, we might be angry, competitive, jealous, and have an inordinant need for power, status and recognition. Do you have trouble letting go? Are you obsessive, singleminded, bossy? Call the fire department! Fire in the hole!

So what’s your Challenge? Well, this week you get a choice. If you think you have a wimpy third chakra, and would like more self confidence, go for the Matangi Mudra. It’s one of my favorites. I used to practice it daily for years back when I had a wimpy third chakra. It really made a difference for me. However, if you need to tone it down a bit, try the second exercise. It’ll help you remember what it means to be a child again, humble and at rest.

MATANGI MUDRA

The Matangi Mudra promotes inner power and enthusiasm. Interlace the fingers together and extend the middle fingers. Hold your clasped hands in front of the solar plexus, just below the rib cage and in the center of the torso, the middle fingers pointing outwards.


BALASANA

Bala means child. Asana means pose. The child pose is meant to be a resting pose in yoga. If you happen to have a very, very good memory you may even remember resting this way in your crib as an infant. Let it soothe you and connect you to feelings of trust and calm.

Have you joined The Eden Project Fan Page on Facebook yet? Please do, and don’t forget to post your thoughts, comments and questions here or there.

Blessings,
Rose

Keeping the Light on Thursday

Dear Yin Weaver,

I have good news for you.  According to an article I just read, Zoning Out is a crucial mental state.  Zoning Out, when you allow the mind to wander without awareness (think trance state, daydreaming, head in the clouds) "may be important to setting goals, making discoveries, and living a balanced life."

Alternate Nostril Breathing may be a perfect way to consciously stimulate a period of Zoning Out.  During those few minutes, you improve communication between the two lobes of your brain, which I think of as a way of hitting your own personal "refresh" button.  When you come back, you'll be ready to move ahead with your day. 

Try ANB as a conscious way to move through transitions in your day.  See if it doesn't renew your persepective and zest. 

Tune in tomorrow for a whole new Seven Week Challenge!

Blessings,
Rose

Keeping the Light on Tuesday

Dear Yin Weaver,

Below are 12 Benefits of Alternate Nostril Breathing I found at the Rejuvenation Lounge.  Are you experiencing any of these benefits yet?


1: Revitalizes you: Feeling flat, tired, stressed?  ANB gives your body a much needed dose of energy.
2: Improves brain function: ANB brings equal amounts of oxygen to both sides of the brain for imprived functioning.  Use it right before an exam or interview.

3: Cleanses your lungs: Yogis from "way back when" used ANB to cure asthma.  Can't hurt.  Might help.
PS:  70% of our body’s waste products are eliminated via our lungs.
4: Calms an agitated mind:  ANB can calm the overthinking mind and tendency to worry.

5: Merges the left “thinking” brain and right “feeling brain:  ANB optimizes both sides of your brain so you can access your whole brain, and all the benefits that go with it.

6: Encourage a calmer emotional state: ANB will soften the intensity over over reactive emotional states. 

7: Improves sleep:  If you can’t sleep at night lay on your right hand side, gently close your right nostril and breath through your left nostril. This will allow you to access the right hemisphere of your brain which is calming.

8: Great preparation for meditation:  Alternate nostril breathing is a simple little trick that can be practiced for a few minutes before you begin your meditation practice.

9: Soothes your nervous system: ANB trigger the parasympathetic nervous system. You have effectively switched your nervous system from a stressed response, into a relaxation response.

10: Regulates the cooling and warming cycles of the body:  Left nostril is feminine, nurturing, calm and cooling. Right nostril is masculine, heat, competitive and force. Favouring one nostril more than the other can effect the heat or coolness of your body.  A miracle cure for hot flashes? 

11: Clears and boosts your energy channels: ANB oxygenates your blood and allows the energy in your body to be strong and flowing through the meridians and chakras.

12: Enhances rest and relaxation:  ANB melts away an imbalances between the right and left hemisphere of your brain and calms your thinking. This is perfect for helping you access rest and relaxation far more efficiently.  This can help people with Hypertension.

Blessings,
Rose

How Nature Nurtured My Chakras Today

Dear Yin-Weaver,

I want to talk a little bit about chakras today. The word chakra means disk, vortex or wheel. It is a center of electromagnetic energy and vital life force. Cultures worldwide recognize these centers in different ways, according to William Collinge: "in the Huna tradition of Hawaii, they are called auw centers; and in the Cabala, they are called the "tree of life" centers. In the Taoist Chinese tradition the term is dantien, and in yogic theory they are called chakras." Donna Eden calls them energy stations. Carolyn Myss (check out her cool flash presentation) calls them power centers and compares them to the seven sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church.

There are seven chakras which emanate from the body from the base of the spine to the top of your head. Chakras have many functions. They generate the aura which surrounds you like an energetic space suit. They bathe the physical organs with their energy, helping to keep them healthy. They record our personal history and help to regulate specific psychological functions. They also help us to deepen our spiritual life. You can learn how to awaken your chakras many different ways, such as with reiki energy healing. But today I was reminded how being in touch with nature can awaken the chakras without any special effort on our parts, except perhaps the effort to be present to the moment.

It all began early this morning. I was talking to a friend about the weather. We were both hoping the reports were true that the temperature would rise to 50 degrees in Chicago. I told her I had spotted the beginnings of the first Dafoddil in our yard, and she said she was on the look out for the first Robin, but was not hopeful. Now, I happen to know something about my friend. I know her oldest daughter has been out of work for about two years, and has been living at home with her, and that they both have felt frustrated and discouraged by the present economic crisis.

Later on, my husband John and I went for a walk. At the end of our block is a beautiful Catalpa tree that stands about four stories high. As we passed under its bare branches, we heard a Robin singing. It stopped us in our tracks. We tilted back our heads and found the bird seated way up at the top of the tree, framed against the clear blue morning sky. I thought of my friend and her need for hope, and felt certain this synchronicity was meant to be shared. I made a mental note to email her as soon as I got home.

Chakras aren’t usually opened on the mountain tops of mystical moments. They are mostly opened by the bread of daily life. I didn’t feel my crown chakra opening to divine inspiration or my root chakra grounding into a sense of community as I stood beneath the Catalpa tree. But I did for a few moments share an awareness of my oneness with all of life, including my friend, her daughter and their dilemma. Taking the time to look and listen, I witnessed a moment of inspiration and hope to share with them.

Energy healing isn’t something that just happens in an office, or at a workshop or during the Daily Energy Routine. It happens all the time. Sometimes we instinctively do it on ourselves or for others. For instance, when we have a problem, we naturally tend to cradle the forehead with a palm which brings blood flow to the head and helps us think more clearly. Sometimes healing is done for us--and through us--without our really noticing it. But wouldn’t it be fun if we did notice it?

How has nature nurtured you today?

Blessings,
Rose

ps  a teensy request.  I'm trying to determine if people are trying to post a response to my blog and are unable.  If this has been your case would you please email me directly?  Tell me what you tried and what happened.  Thanks!