Reflexology and Chakras for Balanced Health...

It's hard to believe in just a couple of days we will be saying good-bye to January 2012... Wow time certainly is flying by.  As 2011 came to an end you reflected on the year ... did you make any resolutions? Plans? Goals? for 2012.

If you read my post HAPPY NEW YEAR.... What Are Your 2012 Plans? you already know, like many people I wrote out some plans that I have for creating Me and my life ~ moving forward. Looking back over January I have started taking action of my plans: 


Embrace Country Living ~ I researched and discovered a fun activity to do with a couple of girlfriends HERE in the country you can read it here.

Make a Difference in the Life of  a Child ~ we had Miss M. (God Daughter), come and spend of  few days. read it here..

Just before the month comes to an end I'll also be able to say I'm also starting on my plan to Reduce the toxins in my body from medications, by sourcing alternative healing methods. I'll be starting with Reflexology (though I've done this before ... I need to start again).


WHAT IS REFLEXOLOGY? Reflexology  focuses on reliving stress and tension in the body through  feet. There are reflexes in the feet that correspond to glands, organs and other parts of the body. A Reflexology Therapist can detect imbalance within the body by palpating the  feet. By massaging and pressing specific landmarks they can stimulate and send energy to the unbalanced areas of the body.


WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? Reflexology has short and long term benefits. Immediately after a session of reflexology relaxation and a release of stress and tension are apparent benefits. More long term benefits have been reported as reduced pain from migraines, constipation, neck and back problems, reduced PMS symptoms, increased circulation and an improved immune system. 

Along with reflexology I'm going to be doing some Chakra Healing (balancing) work.

WHAT IS CHAKRA HEALING (balancing)? Chakras are vital energy centers where spiritual energy flows into the body. Chakra healing involves developing awareness, releasing blocks and increasing the flow through these spiritual energy centers.

BENEFITS OF CHAKRA HEALING (balancing): A healthier flow of energy through the aura creates greater physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.

Though I will be going to someone who is a specialist in this area, with a little research you can learn to heal/balance your own Chakras.  Below are the results of an on line test I did to see where my Chakras needed some work.  You can do your own test by CLICKING HERE (Chakra Test).

I would love to hear if you have done either Reflexology or Chakra Healing (balancing) and what you thought? Or are there other things you have tried that you would like to share...

Chakra Test Results for Celia

YOUR Root Chakra

is CLOSED

YOUR Sacral Chakra

is WEAK

YOUR Personal Power Chakra

is CLOSED

YOUR Heart Chakra

is CLOSED

YOUR Throat Chakra

is CLOSED

YOUR Intuitive Chakra

is CLOSED

YOUR Crown Chakra

is CLOSED

Its Neither Pampering nor Fun...

"So since you are not working after your accident, what do you do with all your time?"  is a question I am often asked. My first thought is to wait to answer them after I have been off some Meds for a couple days ... and unleash my ABI (acquired brain injury) in all its unfiltered brilliance, on them with my answer. Then I started to think, how many other people who are in similar situations as I am, being asked this STUPID of STUPID inquiring question. So I thought I would share with you an average week of activities in my life...

 Aquatic Therapy

hmm maybe if RehabGirl was RehabBoy this would be

more fun/easier. Sorry RehabGirl.

Cardio and Physio 

Had to get a Trainer, just so I would have structure and go.

Chiropractor

2X per week

Not fun, but much needed. Interestingly I have a few Chiropractors

work on me over the past four years and all have noted how my lower

back actually does not have much movement and the jamming around my

C2 and most of neck area ( I sustained a fractured C2 in accident).

Therapeutic Massage & Cranial Sacral Therapy

This is not fun, despite everyone around me thinking how great

a weekly massage is. Therapeutic is TORTURE, I really should be

going 2X per week; but it really does hurt in a healing way, but still it hurts.

For me this is the one therapy I look forward to as it addresses my ABI,

with my ability process information and get from my mind out my mouth. This is also

the one therapy I have a love/hate relationship with. I need it, can see the progress I've

made in the past four years (though still not my birth given voice, I at least no longer

sound like Minnie Mouse, I kid you not ~ I did). But it is also one of the sessions that

most reminds me of how much I have lost, in my vocabulary, spelling, grammar etc.

My OT is actually really great, she tries to find was to help me

become more self confident and increase my mobility.

Various Doctor Appointments

From Specialists to Family Physician and all others in between.

If the above Medical therapies were not enough, over the past few weeks,

I choose to add these holistic natural approaches to healing.

Have I mentioned how I miss my old self?

Therapeutic Yoga

2X per week

Reiki & Reflexology

Meditation Class

At Home Meditation

For some people this may not seem like a lot. But let me assure you that for someone facing some of the challenges I face ~ though I need these activities to help with my mobility and emtional well being this is both as draining as it is beneficial.  What I have learned in the past few weeks this is too much for me, and I need to reprioritize, as all these activities have left me drained so that aside from the activities, I've just wanted sleep. Guess I have yet to master "pacing myself" and avoid crashing emotionally and physically.

So, the next time you think some else looks like they are enjoying the "fun pampering" in life, think of what they have gone through to have to NEED these things and remember when you actually NEED something to function day to day ... it no longer "fun or pampering" 

Next time I will share when special treats become everyday basic needs.

The Healing Begins ~ Mondays...Part Three

After the “warm” (click here to read previous) welcome Mr. G’s cousins extended, during our trip to his farm, many questions danced through my head: Why is that they cannot accept Mr. G moving on with his life? Are they not happy that he is still alive? The most recurring question was, How can they treat their own flesh and blood, with so much disrespect after all he had suffered and lost? He was the one who had lost his spouse, yet these people made it all about themselves.

It was at times like these that I wished my head could focus and work like it use to. Of course I did not share the above thoughts and questions with Mr. G. , I tried to get him to forgive them for their hurtful words and actions and move forward to understanding that they must not be at peace with something within themselves. Yet, each time he tried to reach out to them and extend an olive branch, he would return more battered and bruised by their words. His hurt and heart heavier than each time before.

I felt so helpless in my ability to help Mr. G. he had helped me through so much, but my focus had to remain on my rehabilitation and I could not allow for any distractions. I was fortunate to have the love and support of my own family and friends, who made me, realize the situation with Mr. G’s family actually was not about me, but about him and the lack of respect his family had for him. Interestingly enough I would come to learn that this was something that Angel P had often voiced as a concern to Mr. G. at various times during their relationship and marriage, even weeks prior to her horrible accident.

In the months that followed things did not become any easier for Mr. G. His family, the people who were suppose to love him unconditionally, protect him, and support him, were instead isolating and pushing him away (they of course called their words, actions and behavior ~ LOVE for him). The love for his family made their actions and words that much more heart breaking for him. My heart went out to him not only because I loved and cared for him but also as a friend. I had never experienced nor witnessed such hatred in people, especially by someone’s own family.

The confirmation that God gives you what you need, was never more evident than in the love, support and understanding Angel P’s family gave (and continues to this day) Mr. G. It would be Angel P’s family who would keep him alive through the incomprehensible emotional abuse at the hands of his own family, who for some reason seemed to remain more concerned with what 3-4 cousins and strangers thought was right, than with Mr. G’s happiness and willingness to stay alive.

The year 2008 was coming to an end and with it so many endings and beginnings. I was adapting to my artificial elbow; Mr. G. with the love and support of Angel P’s family was starting to truly grow and come alive again; the renovations on the house, though not progressing as quickly as anticipated ,was slowly transforming it from a place of refuge, from so many painful hurts and memories in our respective lives,  to our home.

What I want to share with others ~

There are many uneducated (not scholastically ~ but about being human) people, who will try to negatively influence the opinions of others about you. They prey on the weak trying to keep them down. Stay strong, do not allow TOXIC PEOPLE to distract you from healing and fill you with hatered, instead wish them peace within themselves and their lives.

There is no book you can open that will give you the outcome of a specific situation. One thing is certain on this road of life we have many lessons to learn and without the various detours, pains, questions, and tests of faith we would not evolve into the souls we are meant to be.

 

Country Living ~ The Healing Begins…

When everywhere, everything and everyone that was familiar and provided you with comfort and safety ~ overnight becomes a stranger, including yourself - you feel like your life has reached a dead end. What you are not aware of [at least not yet] is that no door of happiness closes without a window of possibilities opening.

Continued from: Life at a Dead End ~

It was becoming clear that life as we had once known it; loved it; lived it in our respective lives was gone. Even our respective homes, which should have provided a safe haven for healing, were constant reminders of what we no longer had or could do. People we thought would be there through good and bad had retreated from our lives. For the Man ~ it was his family- who sat in judgment of him; for me it was friends who had always been there – who could not accept I was no longer the active person they knew. Somehow despite all that was painful in our respective lives ~ not wanting the other to give up also kept each of us from focusing on the pain that was crippling our desire to live.

We had managed to find refuge at the Man’s vacation home in the country, surrounded by the healing of nature, solitude and quietness. But as his family became more vocal about their feelings of him and how he was conducting his life (being friends with a woman and trying to help her heal from a tragic accident and in turn healing himself – before a year had passed since his deceased wife’s journey “Home” was a mortal sin in their eyes). Even this place that had become a refuge of healing was turning into an enemy [the vacation home was also owned by other members of his family].

Ok.. maybe it wasn't as bad as this, but going
through the renos, it feels like it! :)

So, on a whim we decided to become real estate partners and search for a retreat we could both live in as we healed. During this time, we looked at many beautiful estate homes ~ but as we know, HE does not give us what we want but what we need. It would be the house in need of repair that would capture our hearts and we would choose to call ours. This idea having been carry out on a whim posed some challenges that started to surface ~ I was still in much need of 24-hour care and trying to find someone who would travel to the country would prove to be next to impossible. Again … it’s not the want but the need that is fulfilled ~ since the Man would be around the house anyways, he figured along with the role of friend he would also provide the role of care-giver. And this is how our journey to Healing Began!

What I Want To Share With Others…

Sometimes it is difficult for those who have known us; loved us, supported us to accept/deal with what we are now going through. I think sometimes family and friends have a harder time accepting our changes then we realize. It is however; extremely important to remember this is their issue … you have enough to deal with without taking on their emotional baggage. When [and if] they come around to realizing it’s not about them ~ but you and your healing ~ do give them the opportunity to make things right. Sometimes these situations resolve themselves with little drama; other times it’s a full Horror Picture Show and yet other times damage to relationships is caused beyond repair.

For those who have loved ones going through healing of any sort ~ never forget they are the “victim” of circumstance not you. You continue on each day with your life, your, husband, your wife, your children etc. and though you may feel pain and hurt – this is not about you. Your role is to be supportive, encouraging. Unless the person is about to harm themselves or someone else – if you feel they are making mistakes – let them, it’s their mistakes to make. Your role is to be there to help pick up the pieces and again be supportive and encouraging.

Intensive Care – Step 2 of 4 to going home - Part of Picking Up the Pieces Mondays

I was settled in a private room surround by windows (not to the outside) and trying to get a handle on the “contraption” that enabled me to be heard. Still quite weak, I remained bed bound. The goal that I had to reach here was to have the “contraption” removed – by demonstrating that I could drink water and swallow on my own.

There was an extremely friendly, jolly nurse who became my friend – she would be instrumental in me attaining these goals. She would “supply” me with small pieces of ice-cubes to eat and slowly learn to swallow. By the time the “testing” person came I was able to swallow bits of water with no problem. Then it was getting approval to get me off the feeding tube – there was one nurse who was determined to not have it removed – I guess that meant she would have more work during feeding time – as the possibility of me choking and food going into my air passage was a high risk – due to the trach and hole in my throat. But with the help of my Nurse Friend and a compassionate Doctor, the feeding tube was removed. They started me on broth and slowly I graduated to something mushy they assured me was “food”. Jello became a food group to me.

The “contraption” was removed; the hole in my throat was bandaged. I was informed that it would “close” on its own – no stitches. Now when I attempted to speak there was a wheezing noise that could be heard through the bandages.

Though I was still quite weak, I was determined to get home. I begged and pleaded my case to be moved to the “Ward.” Looking back now I should have just stayed put and regained some strength and not insisted on being moved to the “Ward”. But at the time I was so confused, and did not understand just how seriously I had been injured.

What I want to share with others;

Although your loved one “may appear” to know what is best for them and seem to be doing better – know that mostly they are confused and scared. I don’t have the “magic” words that you can use to help them understand that recovery can’t be rushed – but I wish looking back now that someone had realized that I subconsciously I was trying to rush through recovery – not because I strong and brave – but because I was scared out of mind.

For anyone reading this who is going through anything similar in terms of needing to recover be it in an addiction Rehab Centre, hospital or any form where care is required, don’t rush to get through recovery – each minute of you being there is required to make you stronger so that healing can take place.

image: google search -hunterhospital

God’s plan, the Power of Prayer and a Miracle - Picking up the Pieces Mondays

I can’t imagine what my family and friends must have gone through for 6 weeks, as the doctor’s kept telling them to prepare for the worst. A sampling of the list of injuries my family and friends were given: closed head injury; C-2 fracture; ruptured diaphragm; lacerated liver; severely bruised heart; fractured sternum; multiple fractured ribs; multiple fractures in right forearm; shattered right elbow; crushed right pelvic; bruised kidneys; lacerations to small bowel; bleeding from every cavity – over 54 units of blood – nothing holding. After providing a list that resembled the size of a week’s grocery list.

The Doctors wanted to amputate my right arm, due to all the fractures. Thankfully my sister and brother did some research and jointly agreed “NO” to the amputation – I owe my right arm to their love, caring and due diligence.

The doctors did not hold much hope of survival, especially since as fast as blood was being pumped into me, it was coming out. My family gave permission for a Trial Drug used for Hemophiliacs, to be administered to me. I was given 3 units of this trial drug – and still the bleeding continued. I was not expected to make it to the next day. I was extremely fortunate to have been taken to Sunnybrook Hospital, their Trauma team is second to none in Canada.

Over the next 6 weeks – my family and friends were on an emotional roller coaster ride. Each day that I continued to live was a blessing, then their hopes would be dropped as throughout this time – my lungs collapsed; I went septic; pneumonia would be added to the list, etc. every couple of days their hope was shattered with something new.

My sister stayed by my bedside throughout these weeks, relieved a couple hours a day by supportive friends and on week-ends by her husband, our brother and parents (my family lives 3 plus hours away). In the waiting room she would see families whose loved ones with less injuries did not survive, others with worse injuries were being transferred from critical care to intensive care. In case you are wondering the difference between CC and IC is – “CC you are closer to the other side, IC you are closer to our side” as told to a friend when he asked a nurse.

I have been told prayers were being said for me throughout Europe, Africa, South and North America, Asia – the power of the internet, loving family and friends throughout the world, spread the need of prayer for me.

I was truly blessed to have some many people from different cultures, religions, backgrounds and beliefs coming together for my survival.

Each year the Sunnybrook trauma unit, treats more than 1,200 injured patients requiring immediate and often life-saving care. To learn more about the Trauma, Emergency & Critical Care units click here.

Joining Spiritual Sundays

images:  world prayer - google search; In God's hands - www.mitchie.com

Stop The World! I Want To Get On

Some days when things just seem to be spinning out of control [which lately seems like more often] it appears that I’m looking in from somewhere out in the universe. I see the life I had, I can feel it, smell it and taste it; then it’s gone and I’m left floating in the Milky Way wondering what black hole holds the mystery door to a new life.

Will this new life be better? Will it be less than what I had? Will my circle of friends and family be there? How will people see me in this new life? What will drive me, be my passion? Will people always see me as the girl who once was and now the girl that was struck by a car? The variables to these questions play in my head like chess pieces. The right move - success; the wrong move and well you know. I wish the world would just stop long enough for me to get on, at that exact moment that everything changed.

Have you gotten back on the world? If so, how did you do it? If not, what strategies do you find have kept you moving forward?