Help Others: Heal Yourself

Officially this week marked my first week of school in the Herbalist/Wholistic Therapy programs eventhough I was to start sooner, the late arrival of my textbooks did hinder my start date.  It has been a time filled with a variety of emotions: anxiety, joy and peace.  It seems that every ten years or so I am attending school, taking something.  I guess true to my sign in the horoscope, which is Pisces I tend to have a thirst for learning.  Now this may be true but some of those doubts start to rear their heads and test me with ” do you think you can remember all of this stuff?” or ”hey remember me, exam anxiety!”  One thing I have learned is that if you are passionate about something you will succeed because the drive & the perseverance will carry you through any obstacle that could hold you back.  Once again I am pursuing a career that will allow me to be of service to others as well as myself and my loved ones.

The desire to help others began many years ago when my need to put the pieces together from my own childhood and my upbringing emerged.  I wanted to understand how people became this way? Why everything was a drama?  Like many of us I did not have a very functional upbringing and found myself stumbling through life in situations that were foreign to me.  Many of these things I choose to not mention as I wish to move forward in my life to greener pastures.  One of the things my childhood taught me was not to turn away from people that reach out to me.   This did not always meet with the most favourable results at times but then again people have to want to help themselves to some degree also.  I spent many years working with many challenging people with physical or/and learning disabilities. Now, some of them were more disabled than others and those were the ones that simply gave up on life, they were always looking at the worst situation.  A negative attitude is the worst disability a person can have, when hope is gone these people die inside a little more everyday and they also drive people away that truly want to help them.

Would I know what compassion is if I grew up another way?  Likely not.  Would I know how to help others if I had not suffered myself?  Again, I say likely not, because in order to help we need to understand.  As much as I do not want to deal with these conditions I feel very blessed to have them for they have taught me much about myself and completely changed the course of my life.  I am not merely satisfied with helping people when it is too late as I have done in the past, preferring to help them before things get worse and before things can develop into bigger problems.

The idea to become a herbalist/wholistic therapist came to me in a dream.  Some may say it was God or a Higher Power or simply a dream meant to provide me with some clarity.  The dream contained a large white rock that was emitting a strong, white light, much like a lighthouse.  The energy of this rock drew me to it.  I felt so peaceful and happy when I woke up the first few times I fell back asleep much preferring to stay in that warm and comfortable place opposed to the real world.  I returned three times to that same dream and when I finally awoke I wrote it down in my dream journal by my bed.  How did I get from there to the herbalist/wholistic therapy program?  This is is how it all came together:  I thought about this glowing, white rock for a few days and I thought this must be a healing energy of some sort.  I asked a few people what they thought of this dream and many agreed it was healing energy as well as strength within myself.  Up until this point my life had been a little unsettled ( work and health related) and I had been looking for a career that would be less labour intensive and with a more regular work schedule.  I had my psych degree and journalism degrees already and a business that was not really meeting my expectations so what was I going to do with these now?    The dream led me to look at other options that would allow me to utilize my education and life experience.  A firm believer in the mind body connection and health I wanted to do something that would incorporate these two into one.  The rock reminded me to be true to myself and never mind the money or the time to attend school, do what your intended to do.  This dream gave me the clarity I needed to find my true calling, it was my spiritual GPS in a way.  Go with the heart not necessarily what looks good on paper.  Every degree I had pursued before looked great on paper but in reality they were nowhere near what I thought when it came time to find a job.  In particular the last few positions, where the shifts varied from 7am -3pm to 3- 11 pm to ll pm to 7 and I was often on call after hours for no additional pay.  I had to admit to myself that I was burnt out from those demanding positions in which I was looking after others better then myself.  But again, the rock dream made me focus on myself – what I wanted to do.  ah yes, the healer of sorts!  This is not new for me but a new way of being a healer of  mind, body & spirit that meets my personal standard regarding morals and ethics.  I have to do something that does not abuse, manipulate or harm others, that is crucial to me.

So the journey begins…  this is real…  the vision is to heal….

By attaining these degrees I will be better able to handle my conditions and assist others with theirs.  If you were to ask me which one offers the greatest reward, hands down it would be to end the chronic pain and suffering many endure.  You just can’t beat the feeling of helping someone else heal & in return you heal yourself.

Write to the Beat of My Own Drum

For me writing comes from within, what began as witticism and sadness has evolved into a loving, peaceful harmony of words that barely finds a pulse. The darkest years have long past through the angst of the adolescent fantasies of romantic notions and the Madonna era of dance beats, the marriage of regret, some hopes and dreams dissolved along the way but the desire to write has blossomed and grown. The selection of pieces I choose to write are now very similar to the styles of music I enjoy singing and listening to.  Jazz and more tranquil music is for the softer parts of me that I continue to explore, preferring the lighter side of the art of writing.  The pen has been replaced at times by the keyboard and the tapping of my fingers in tune to the ideas in my head, much like a piano player hitting the keys ever so perfectly.  The pianist and the writer are attuned and very much in their own little worlds whether we play or write alone or for an audience or our dear reader.  The harder rock music serves a purpose in by doing so, I can write material that is edgier if I desire.  It is real, it is a release of a world from my perspective and admittedly writing about nasty or sinister characters is harder than writing about nice people. Many of my writings start as a lyric and soon evolve into a longer progression of words.  Imagery that exists in the mind takes on a different meaning on paper.  I write what I know and see, the analysis from my psychology background aids me well in describing people and places.  My natural senses of observation are fully utilized in the task of writing: I see, I smell, I sense, touch and hear it, all before I embark on writing it down.  One gives away much of the self during the process of writing.  I prefer to not be categorized into any specific style or literary genre, The words should flow freely like a prayer or chant.  The drum beats slower or faster depending on my writing pace.

The editing process is like tuning a guitar, plunking at the strings ensuring that each key is right.  Music has always been vital to the creation of what lies ahead in my journeys that take me away to other places and to some I have already explored.  One of the joys of writing is to explore something new, yet to be undertaken. Once key ingredient to my continued personal successes as a writer is the wonderful fellowship of writers I have met through the WFSC.  Thank you for encouraging and challenging me to become a better writer.

Blessed are those that can write to the beat of their own drums.

I Found My Heaven

I realized when I began journalling about my recent holiday that i wanted to relish these moments.  I was delaying the process so I could remain in that state of complete relaxation & unconditional love.  Something within me connected with the people, the culture, their beliefs that made me feel safe and secure.  The love is abundant among the people and within me.  Spiritually I became aware of things on a much deeper level.  I now find myself feeling irritable because the real world has almost taken over again, I am not liking that one bit!

I am feeling very blessed because Jamaica has given me the courage to do things again, to take risks, to be a free spirit and in a way, I always was.

i took out my braids on Wednesday and cried …. I did not cry when we left or a few days after, no I cried because it was my last little piece of Jamaica, that I was clinging to.

I have been to heaven, my sanctuary and I will go again.

 

Jamaican Lifestyle Part 1

We have much to learn from the Jamaican people, a simple people that are gracious and driven by love.  Bob Marley’s “One Love” is still alive and kicking today, in fact the Jamaican people believe we are all part woman and man and that is a complete love.

Many of the luxuries we take for granted such as cars, cell phones, the internet, etc. are not commonly used by many people in Jamaica.  We asked outr raft captain as we sailed down the beautiful Martha Brae River about putting a video of him on youtube.  He claimed that he lived in a village that had no internet so he would not be able to see it.  This did not phase him at all as a loss but merely an inconvenience.  J.K. also told us he was dependant on others for rides to work, often standing at the roadside in the hope that he would be fortunate enough to find someone to drive him to the Martha Brae River.

The good jobs are reserved for the Jamaicans whose ancestors have always held jobs at the resorts.  Most of the children attend schools in uniforms from the age of three and the fortunate ones that are the chosen ones are groomed to work in the resorts.   These select people speak impeccable english and no accent is detectable however when they speak to each other they have a lingo that is apparentlly a form of slang that they used during the days of slavery.  It is interesting to listen to them talk to each other and then come to your table and greet you with a friendly “hello” or ask you if you would like water with you dinner and speak perfect english.

Now, one might possibly be wondering what the other Jamaican do fo employment?  Some make clothing and souveniors for gift stores or like our Raft Captain who makes pots out of mango’s, while other sell hot nuts or beverages in between the lanes of traffic.  Many are independent business owners who own buses or cab services that cater to the tourists primarily.  We saw many people making beaded items as well.

Jamaica supplies many items to the resorts and to the general population.  Sugar cane is what many of us might think of at first and maybe coffee but the next few items may surprise you – milk, cheese,bottled water, carbonated beverages, rum cakes, goat meat, chickens and the obvious one :marijuana” which is also know as Bob Marley..

Take a trip to their Hip Strip in downtown Montego Bay to witness some serious poverty.  These people live off the land and sell their wares to survive.  If you want to shop in a high pressure situation take a walk down the strip and you will be asked to buy many things possibly even cornered in a little area and wrangled into buying a beaded necklace at an extremely high price. These people are incredibly charming in their approach yet one feels a little tense in their presence.  We found being honest was best, my not liking something seemed to deter a few we met.  One character named Bob, many named Bob in this area, perhaps like John back home.was trying to get us to go on a guided tour with him and even asked us our names and room number at the resort.

Stay tuned for part 2.

(c) April 2012  A. Penn – to include all photos contained in this blog.  To only be used by written permission of owner.

Can Your Muse Come Out to Play?

The Writers Foundation of Strathcona County is proud to announce:

Our 2012 Writers Conference:   For the Love of Writing

When: Saturday, May 5th  – 8:00 am registration and coffee

Where: Meeting Rooms 3 & 4 – Centre in the Park, Sherwood Park AB

What: A full day of writing-related events for the writing obsessed, word passionate, and lover of the written word…

• 5 one hour workshops – confirmed presenters include:    
  • Anna Marie Sewel (Edmonton Poet Laureate)
  • Gord Steinke (Edmonton Global TV anchor)
  • Lynn Gagne-Webb (local business owner and web/Internet expert)
  • Judy Schultz (author extraordinaire – community volunteer *recent winner of Robert Kroetsch Book Award)
  • Suzanne Burkett (author, WFSC member)
• Note: One-on-one sessions are booked
• 3 – 20 minute special group sessions
  • book a small group session with Gord, Anna Marie and Lynn which will allow you small group interaction and lots of Q&A
• Trade display tables featuring authors, businesses, and organizations
  • meet authors, publishers, printers – get information and network with fellow writers
• Silent Auction (all funds are reinvested in future writing-related events by the WFSC)
• Swag bags with lots of free goodies
• Prize draws and give-aways
• Coffee will be supplied at sign-in, morning and afternoon break; A LIGHT LUNCH is included with your registration
• Sponsor opportunities for all those interested in getting their name out there to writers

Click the link for more information:  http://www.wfscsherwoodpark.com/fp/2012-writers-conference-saturday-may-5th

The Power to Empower

 

Thinking back to the wonderful people that have inspired me to write I have fond memories of one of my teachers, Mr. Milner.  He was seen as being a rather odd man at our school but to me he was one of the few positive people I had in my life at school.  Some people just have that spark or magic to empower others without even trying.  To Mr. Milner I was creative, smart and talented in a time when my hormones were weird and I was soon to attend junior high school.  I remember feeling alone, awkward and shy back then.  Many who know me, would not believe that I was ever shy, but I was and generally kept to myself.

To those that inspire us to be greater than we imagined, this is for you:

Some people touch that little part of your heart that lies wthin, deep inside where you only let the very special ones see~  In these occasions I throw caution to the wind!  No walls are required, no ego is involved ~ pure love & pure of heart reside ~   Here is what I need to remember, I can live in this state forever IF I CHOOSE  A. Penn (c) April 9th, 2012

For the Love of Writing Conference – May 5th, 2012

 

Our 2012 Writers Conference:   For the Love of Writing

When: Saturday, May 5th  – 8:00 am registration and coffee

Where: Meeting Rooms 3 & 4 – Centre in the Park, Sherwood Park AB

What: A full day of writing-related events for the writing obsessed, word passionate, and lover of the written word…

• 5 one hour workshops – confirmed presenters include:       Anna Marie Sewel (Edmonton Poet Laureate), Gord Steinke (Edmonton Global TV anchor), Lynn Gagne-Webb (local business owner and web/Internet expert), Judy Schultz (author extraordinaire and community volunteer), and Suzanne Burkett (author, WFSC member).
• 4 – 20 minute one-on-one sessions *** all one-on-one sessions are booked
• 3 – 20 minute special group sessions ***book a small group session with Gord, Anna Marie and Lynn which will allow you small group interaction and lots of Q&A
• Trade display tables featuring authors, businesses, and organizations *meet authors, publishers, printers – get information and network with fellow writers
• Silent Auction (all funds are reinvested in future writing-related events by the WFSC)
• Swag bags with lots of free goodies
• Prize draws and give-aways
• Only Coffee will be supplied at sign-in, morning and afternoon break; lunch is included with your registration
• Sponsor opportunities for all those interested in getting their name out there to writers

Click on the link below for registration details:

http://www.wfscsherwoodpark.com/fp/2012-writers-conference-saturday-may-5th

Some Approaches to Healing the Mind Body Connection

Life is not perfect and we all have those days that have torn a heart or two. Days where some tears are shed and those are a part of life. The old expression ” you always have your health.”, may not apply to you as well but there are many blessings yet to come.

Chronic pain and fatigue plagues many of the new friends I have met, all of which are dealing with some condition(s) that is/are deemed chronic or degenerative in nature. There are many options in the treatment of these conditions that do not require the use of medications or painful procedures.

We are living in blessed times, the possibilities are endless but attitude is one area we can change. With any illness, one’s mental outlook on life must remain positive and upbeat. Reading inspirational books or using a daily reader, such as my soon to be published ” Little Bursts Of Inspiration” for person’s with chronic conditions that include pain and fatigue such as Fibromyalgia, IBS, and person’s dealing with cancer can allow us to view things differently..

Listening to relaxing music can be very therapeutic in helping most of us relax and calm our bodies and minds.

Physical exercise that is appropriate for you, such as: yoga or walking helps keep the body limber and releases endorphins that tend to raise one’s spirit.  Simple stretching exercises for people that are confined to a wheelchair or not able to walk can be beneficial in alleviating tension in our bodies.

A wide variety of treatments are available for healing such as: herbal preparations, reiki, reflexology,  massage therapy, & psychotherapy to deal with life changes and situational factors many of us now face.  Don’t do it alone, try a few things and find ones that work for you.  We are all different so keep an open mind and give them a try.

Prayer can be a powerful resource, by asking God to give us the strength to cope with the pain or for his healing.  I say “God is healing me”, several times a day.  Even if you are not a religious person or a spiritual person, you can still verbally announce that : “I am healing everyday, my condition is getting better, I am no longer in pain.”  Positive affirmations combined with relaxiation music can be a good way to start and end your day.

One can never underestimate stress as a factor in exacerbating pain or fatigue. What the mind thinks can greatly influence one’s level of pain and fatigue. I recall having a day in which the pain in my knee was brutal and laughing at something my dog Molly did and how that release made the pain subside.  Laughter has been proven to improve our moods and it is hard to be mad or sad when you are smiling.

Emotions can be lethal with any of the aforementioned conditions. When we listen to what our body tells us there is usually a story behind it.  Guilt, shame, anger, fear & loneliness are all feelings many of us have faced.  Many of us are not working or having to work less, putting more strain on our relationships.  Maybe we lack the energy to spend time with our friends and loved ones.  We may find we feel alone with our friends and partners at work all day.  Whatever is eating you up, confront it and talk to your family about it.  Fear is worry and worry is not a great place to live either.  Worry will fatigue you and cause you physical pain  and can lead to anything from headaches to body aches, to insomnia.  We may not even be aware of how tense we are until we lay down to sleep at night.  Like my yoga instructor, Sharon tells me “Breathe” and she is so right!  I don’t deep breathe as much as I should as I am  often tense but I am learning just as we all are.

Last, but not least go with the flow, somedays will be worse than others but use these as opportunities to rest and rejuvenate.  Keep a positive outlook because the sun will shine again and you will always have better days.

The following excerpts were taken from “Desiderata” by Max Ehrmann (c) 1927

Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly;

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Be yourself.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy. ^{[1] — Max Ehrmann, 1927}

Writers Conference...

Reblogged from Mandyevebarnett's Blog:

2012 Writers Conference – Saturday May 5th -The Writers Foundation of Strathcona County is proud to announce:

Our 2012 Writers Conference:   For the Love of Writing

When: Saturday, May 5th Where: Meeting Rooms 3 & 4 – Centre in the Park, Sherwood Park AB What: A full day of writing-related events for the writing obsessed, word passionate, and lover of the written word…

Read more… 192 more words

Interview with author Gaetano Vivo

Let me start by thanking everyone for joining us for my first author interview.

                                                                  

Today I have the great pleasure of being the host on Day 16 of the Virtual Blog Tour of author Gaetano Vivo whose book Messages from the Angels of Transparency: Powerful Words from Gentle Souls launches on Amazon on Tuesday March 20, 2012.

 

 

Italian born, Gaetano Vivo is one of Europe’s most experienced and sought-after Reiki Masters, practicing in the UK, the US and Italy. He is a member of the Complementary Medical Association of Great Britain, the International Council of Holistic Therapies, the International Association of Reiki Professionals and the Noetic Association of America. From a young age he has experienced the ‘calling’ of ‘others’ who wish to pass on teachings and wisdoms in order we may make lighter work of our time here on Earth. Although, due to being brought up in a strict Catholic community, he was forced to ignore this information, he never forgot what he had received. For decades, Gaetano has been treating clients from all walks of life, regardless of faith or creed, believing that the healing power of love is open to all of us. When not touring he divides time between his homes in England and Italy and takes great delight in his garden.

Gaetano’s new book Messages from the Angels of Transparency: Powerful Words from Gentle Souls addresses the questions, “Could wise and wonderful beings contact us from beyond this world and unveil our true potential? Would knowing that we really mattered enable us to uncover the truth behind our reason for living?” This fascinating book offers answers, spiritual practices and comprehensive meditations by teacher, healer and author, Gaetano Vivo, which have the potential to strengthen, heal and transform lives and bring hope and inspiration. It also clarifies the true nature of Reiki as a simple, yet profound tool for accessing and accepting the power of universal energy—what we might call ‘love’ or ‘God’—and touches on our fundamental dilemma: Who are we and why do we exist? More than 20,000 people have already enjoyed Gaetano’s earlier offerings in both English and Italian. This book offers the reader a chance to digest messages from ‘higher beings’ for greater understanding of our own personal evolution. Anyone seeking to live a happier, better life, and has felt the desire to undertake life with greater confidence and self-worth, will relish this book.

Yesterday, Gaetano visited Lola Fayemi at http://www.alignedandthriving.com/growth/virtual-interview-gaetano-vivo/, where they talked on his message, reiki and inner child work.

Today, I’d like to share with you a recent interview I had with Gaetano when I got to ask him some questions on his story, Reiki and Angels. I hope you enjoy it.

——-

 

Angela Penn: I would be very interested in hearing about the story behind the book. How it all came about?

 

Gaetano Vivo: The Angels of Transparency is about a self discovery journey that I took up a few years ago.  The book came out in Italy in 2010 so it’s already been read by some Italians.  I translated the book myself but I wanted to write a book in Italian.  I was going through a mid-life crisis and was looking to improve my skills as a Reiki Master.  A group of Angels appeared before me.  They called themselves the Angels of Transparency and told me that I would be working with them for some time. It’s a message of recognition and of living life fully in love.

 

Angela Penn: I find Reiki fascinating and what the future holds for Reiki?

 

Gaetano Vivo: Reiki is only love.  It’s the title of my book that came out in 2004 in the US.  People abuse the word Reiki and think about it as a quick way of making money.  In fact it is an ancient Japanese technique that helps us heal our inner wounds and help others heal themselves. I became a Reiki master in Sedona some years ago and since then I’ve been working on myself and on others.  I am a channeller, not a healer and I channel this energy from the Source though other people.  The future of Reiki is for us to step outside of egotistical thoughts and be simply a channeller- that is the best way to treat somebody.

 

Angela Penn: Could you elaborate on the process involved with communicating with angels? Some experiences you have had with angels?

 

Gaetano Vivo: These days it has become very easy to communicate with Angels as they are much more around now than they were before.  It’s very important to be able to communicate with the Angels but not mentally – they want to hear the vibrations and frequency of your voice so it’s important that you speak up and out when talking to them.  Most of you have probably read Doreen Virtue’s books and know that here are all sorts of ways to communicate with Angels.

Archangel Michael came to me when I was 5 years old and took me to see new worlds, new life and new dimensions.  He still does that from time to time but I always remember when he took me as child and I remember it with a child’s eyes.  The Archangels are working with us now to help the earth become lighter and lighter – as we have to do that.  It’s so important.

———-

I hope you enjoyed this interview with Gaetano Vivo and that you’ll check out his book Messages from the Angels of Transparency: Powerful Words from Gentle Souls at http://www.gaetanovivoblog.com/book-launch/pages/pre-launch.html

Here’s why:

 

FREE GIFTS!

When you buy Messages from the Angels of Transparency: Powerful Words from Gentle Souls on Tuesday March 20, 2012:

1. Author Gaetano Vivo will give you over      4 hours of MP3 audio downloads from the Accessing      Higher Dimensions Telesummit recently held on March 13th, 14th      & 15th, 2012
2. PLUS, Gaetano will send you an      invitation to attend a special 1-hour “Inner Child Meditation” led by him      in April.
3. AND FINALLY… you’ll      also receive a complete library of beautiful gifts from authors,      speakers, coaches and other enlightened professionals from around the      globe.

 

To find out how to buy the book and receive these free gifts, go to:

http://www.gaetanovivoblog.com/book-launch/pages/pre-launch.html

Thanks for reading! As usual, please feel free to share your comments and thoughts below. I love reading your feedback.

Thanks for following the Messages from the Angels of Transparency: Powerful Words from Gentle Souls blog tour. If you joined mid-way you can visit Gaetano where he first stopped with Christine Miller at http://christinemiller.co/2012/03/expanding-awareness-true-potential-with-gaetano-vivo, where they talked about his life story, love/forgiveness and raising your awareness.