Lung Health

Trauma, loss, grief, global pandemic, fires, smoke, reduced air qualtiy; these are current and recurring experiences for many of us during 2020 and 2021 that leave us struggling to pull relief and healing into our bodies and minds. I live in the knowing that all things are connected and I believe that the alignment of these incidents is no coincidence.  

The earth is hurting - gasping. And so are we.

By taking the time to administer mindfulness and care to ourselves, we are in turn sending that energetic medicine to the people around us as well as (and importantly to) the planet.

It is my hope that the following suggestions empower you to be pro-active for your health and thereby the health of every living thing.

(I am not a medical doctor and share these tidbits based on my own experience and those of my clients, friends, and family. Please always check with your health care professional before implementing changes to your diet or supplement use.)

If you are currently dealing with smoke from wildfires, live in a city, or industrial area these natural methods can support healing and healthy lungs and sinuses.

AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION

Take precautions to stop or reduce the amount of particulates that enter your lungs.

Reduce the frequency and amount of time spent outdoors. When going outside, wear at least a N95 mask. These prevent 95% of the tiniest particulates from entering your lungs. 

GIVE YOUR LUNGS A PEP TALK!

Outloud, tell your lungs and self that your body is made for healing. Let your lungs know that you will do what you can to support their healthy function. 

Place your hands over your chest, breath slowly and speak words of gratitude and love to your lungs. 

TRY A CUP OF NETTLE TEA

Nettle tea is a natural antihistamine that helps to calm over sensitive airways and soothe inflammed tissues. 

DRINK GREEN TEA!

The antioxidants present in green tea have been shown to reduce inflammation in the lungs and may help to reduce long lasting, harmful affects of smoke inhalation. 

A study of 1,000 people living in Korea showed that individuals who drank at two cups of green tea per day had better lung function than those who drank none. 

***Bonus points for tasseomancy practice!***

EAT FOODS THAT REDUCE INFLAMMATION

(I've listed some of my favorites.)

Blueberries - Blueberries are one of the richest antioxidant (flavonoids and polyphenols) containing fruits. Adding them to your diet can help protect your lungs from damage.

Carrots - This vegetable contains beta-carotene which has anti-properties and can help heal mucous membranes.

Elderberries - Anti-inflammatory flavonoids in the berries keep airways functioning effectively. Studies have shown that ingesting elderberry tonic or syrup can help prevent respiratiory infections. 

Garlic - Easily added to salads and soups, or eaten roasted, garlic reduces phelgm and reduces inflammation.

Honey - Honey is an antioxidant and antibaterial agent. It is taken orally to treat coughs and used topically on burns and wounds to promote healing.

Pears - This tasty fall fruit supports the immune system and reduces phelgm production.

Tumeric - Acts as an expectorant helping to cleanse the lungs and reduces irritant-caused inflammation responses. 

Walnuts - This nut contains high levels of alpha-linolenic acid, a type of omega-3 fatty acid that is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

STRENGTHEN YOUR HEART CHAKRA

This chakra is located at the center of your chest and has influence on the heart, lungs, thymus gland, and ribs. The lungs represent your ability to exchange vital life force energy through breath. Inadequate breath causes the lungs to depress which in turn, causes feelings of sadness and repression. 

One way to address and stimulate the heart chakra is by wearing the color green. Wrap yourself in a comforting green blanket, wear a green scraf, wear or carry green colored stones and crystals. 

Another method is to recite mantras such as: I release all grief to the Divine. I forgive myself. I forgive others. I release all bitterness and resentment. I project compassion. I accept and share healing. 

I encourage you to put at least one lung/respiratory support practice into place. You will benefit personally, and the energy set into our collective experience will benefit the earth and each of its inhabitants. 

Stay well. 

Stay safe.

Think of others.

Wear a mask.

As always, I wish you peace and grace.

~ Amber 

Seasonal Support

Healers of ancient cultures were astute observers of the natural world. They noted that the seasons and environment directly affect the various organs and meridians of the body. They observed that as the year progressed through the seasons, the body became more vulnerable to external factors like heat, cold, dampness and dryness. By understanding what seasonal transitions represent and including herbs and foods in our diets, we can maintain optimal health throughout the year.

Our ancestors depended on the bounty of the seasons to fill their plates. Diets consisted of what could be grown, foraged or hunted. Every season offered valuable contributions to the larder. Now we have the luxury of visiting a grocery store to stock our pantries with just about anything we want at any time. But there is more to eating seasonally than convenience; a seasonal diet is also connected with the harmonic nature of your overall health, your body, and your internal organs.

Preparing foods seasonally is linked to the changing of our digestive strength and needs which takes place each season. For instance, winter is traditionally a time to slow down, and meals often consist of warm, hearty stews, broths and soups with root vegetables. These foods feed the kidneys and the kidney meridian. Nourishing these areas helps to reduce emotinal fear, bolster a sense of stability, increase nutrients for bone health, and improves waste elimination.

A basic tenet of Traditional Chinese Medicne (TCM) is that each season is associated with a color related to the types of food eaten (green for spring, for example), as well as specific body organs and a taste that stimulates the organs. In short, our bodies are connected to the rhythms of seasonal cycles, so eating with the seasons is a natural methods of maintaining, detoxifying, and strengthening the body and its organs. 

According to TCM, five seasons are experienced and each corresponds with an element and organ/meridian system:

spring - wood - liver - green

summer - fire - heart - red

late summer - earth - spleen

autumn - metal - lungs and large intestine - white

winter - water - kidneys - black

Winter in TCM is associated with the kidneys which hold our body's most fundamental energy. It represents the slower, inward movement of our body's and mind's functions, this makes it an optimal time to nourish and replenish our kidneys. Foods that specifically warm and noursih the kidneys include; black beans, kidney beans, chestnuts, walnuts, bone broths, lamb, chicken, parsley and dark leafy greens. Goji berry (Gou Qi Zi), astragulus (Huang Qi), Chinese date (Da Zao), and marshmallow root (Yao She Kui) are beneficial herbs to supplement your winter diet and support kidney wellness.

Spring is the season of wood and the liver. Spring is the time for growth and renewal and the climate becomes windy. As spring approaches, we should consume light foods that help trasition into this season; young plants, sprouts, leafy greens, plums, wheat, ry, and barley flavored with rosemary, dill and basil. Herbs like milk thistle (silibum marianum) and Chai Hu (radix bupleuri) are ideally suited to liver health and its associated tissues - the eyes, tendons and ligaments.

Summer is the season of fire and the heart, the season of development, joy, activity, and creativity Cooling and hydrating food suited for transition into the heat include; warermelon, apricot, cantaloupe, mung beans, bamboo, lentil and chicken. Cooling herbs like chrysanthemum (Ju Hua), and mint (Bo He) make a lovely and hydrating summer tea.

Late summer is the fifth season recognized by Traditional Chinese Medicine. Its element is earth and its organ is the spleen. Its environment influence is humidity and dampness. And it is associated with digestion and nourishment. Foods that support the spleen are rice, millet, dates, ginger and beef. Herbs like poria mushroom (Fu Ling), jujube (Da Zao) and licorice root (Gan Cao) make a wonderful earth-nourishing tea.

Autumn is a season associated with wind and dryness. Therefore, it is important to cut back on raw foods and consume slow-cooked moisturizing foods such as apples, pork, pears, radish, cabbage, sweet pototoe, chilli, miso, almonds, onion, eggs, pickle, yogurt, plums, horseradish, grapes, ginger, cinnamon and cardamom. Ginseng root (Hu Tang), astragulus (Huang Qi), schisandra (Wu Wei Zi), and cordyceps mushroom (Dong chong Xia Cao) are the top Chinese herbs used for strengthening and protecting the lungs. 

Here in the Northern Hemisphere, we are in the Late Summer to Autumn seasonal change. And, in addition to supporting our bodies dietarily, I suggest using this slowing time to bolster your mind and spirit. Learning to honor the changing needs of your body within the cycles of the seasons is a powerful way to reduce the risk of common seasonal concerns of body, mind, and spirit.

As mentioned above, TCM associates the lung and large intestine with autumn. During this season, they are the most vulnerable.

The lungs are associated with "taking in the new" and emotionally correspond with; grief, sadness, and attachment. When the flow of (and through) the lungs is balanced one can experience enhanced; clarity of thought, positive self-image, and surrending to and allowing inner peace and joy to exist regardless of circumstances.

The large intestine "releases the old" and emotionally corresponds with; inability to let go, uptightness, stubborness, stagnation, a negative outlook or mindset, and how we choose to flow through life. When the large intestine energy is balanced, one can experience increased; sense of relaxation, releasing of what no longer serves them. flowing with life vs. resisting it, and focusing on the day-to-day.  

Since autumn is a natural time of letting go and getting organized (look at the trees dropping leaves and animals organizing food and shelter for hibernation), a lack of awareness and action in this regard can lead to feelings of stagnation and lack of harmony with life's flow. Both of which can affect the health of your lungs and large intestine.

By increasing your self-awareness and taking action, you can ease into fall and winter reassured by the reserve of health, happiness, and strength you have created. 

As always, I wish you peace and grace.

~ Amber

Ripples of Compassion

Early yesterday morning, I ventured to a local grocery store. A few people (I'm talking five tops) were also pushing their freshly sanitized cart through the aisles, mindfully working our way around the dedicated workers who were stocking ravaged shelves.

My route to the fresh produce took me passed the meat section. The butchers were placing signs, "Limited Time" and "Buy one Get One Free", on the display case of pasture raised chicken and beef. One butcher commented to another, "Well, the main crowds won't show 'til lunchtime." The other man grunted in acknowledgement.

I had thoughts of what may happen when more people heard about the sale, no less the fact that a store had fresh meat available - a stampede, grabbing, bullying - all to get what they probably don't really need out of a panicked, fear-driven mindset.

Though I didn't need all the extra meat that such a sale would grant me, I picked up chicken, ground beef, and a roast, noting the older woman tentatively looking at the butcher's offerings. Her aura was pale - the root chakra colors barely discernible. In my mind, I heard a soft feminine voice ask, "Please help". Placing the meat in my cart, I proceeded to get the produce that I had planned.

After checkout, I sought out the woman. She had moved only a few feet from the meat counter and was poking an arthritic bent finger around a well-worn change purse, looking into it, then glancing back at the meat selection.

I approached her and placed the bag of meats (and eggs and pasta which were also offered at "community aid" prices), into her cart. As she watched my gesture, her eyes welled with tears. It was then that I recognized her. The mother of a former client A client whom loved and cared for her mother. A client whom had died a year ago.

The woman, at first, did not want to accept the food, graciously saying I should give it to someone who really needs it.

"I'm an old friend of Denise. Your daughter was altruistic and compassionate as well as a dynamo business woman. Please accept the food in her name."

The woman's tears stopped and she smiled wide.

"She was.", replied the elder as she shook her head in acceptance and gratitude.

We parted ways and as I was placing my bags into the car, I saw her speaking with one of her peers. They waved and approached me. Elsa, I now know her name, introduced me to, Betty, whose husband had died last summer. (This, I've learned, is how introductions and conversations can begin among some people who are over 85.) It came to light that Elsa and Betty were friends who have not seen each other in some months. They bemoaned it not being wise to embrace during "this crazy thing", as they referred to the social distancing constraints during the COVID-19 pandemic. Betty was struggling since the death of Lou and when Elsa learned of her dear friend's plight, gave her half of the grocery items that I had gifted her.

Elsa's aura was brighter now. The shaky and diminished root chakra was more settled and her heart shone brilliantly. She told me that even though current events have put her in a place of nutritional need, what truly hurt her the most was that they made it nearly impossible for her to help people. Clearly, the apple that was Denise, did not fall far from the Elsa tree.

We agreed to keep doing the little things we could to help people and to meet for a vodka, "Or three!", chimed Betty, once this craziness passes.

I left them while they chatted and devised a plan to pool their resources, cook, and disperse small meals to their friends.

Spread ripples of compassion folks! And always be kind.

Ripple in still water

When there is no pebble tossed

Nor wind to blow

Reach out your hand, if your cup be empty,

If it is full, may it be again

(Ripple, The Grateful Dead)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=671AgW9xSiA

The Ash Moon

 The full moon brings revelation through dreams and creative vision. It emphasizes the balance and integration of the spiritual and practical dimension of our life experience. 

The lunar months are associated with a sacred tree, or in some cases a vine or reed. Each tree is a spiritual presence as well as a portal into a shamanic world of magic and meaning. The tree exists in the physical world, as well as the dimensions beyond, and is a bridge between them.

The concept of a Celtic Tree calendar was first seen in the works of Edward Davies in the 19th Century. Davies researched the Ogygia and the Book of Ballymote. This research was further developed by Robert Graves in his book The White Goddess, and then expanded upon by Ross Nickhols, the founder of the legendary Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. One cannot ignore the importance of trees in Celtic history. Celtic mythology reveals many trees; even more than the ones included in the calendar, to have important standing in ancient lore. Some were known for their medicinal properties, others were considered sacred domiciles for spirits, while still others had symbolic meaning for specific tribes throughout the ancient world.

Regardless of whether the Tree Calendar can be traced back to ancient Celtic ancestors, we cannot discount what it has become. Modern pagans who are of Celtic heritage or associate with Celtic beliefs have embraced the wisdom of the trees and use the calendar as a guide throughout the year to develop and enhance their connection with nature. It's grown to become a valuable spiritual tool and has become the basis for many ritual practices.

The ash trees were enormous in ancient Europe; towering high above the landscape with a thick trunk and deep roots. The Celts interpreted three distinct aspects from this tree; expansion, growth, and higher perspective. The incredibly complex root system symbolized remaining grounded despite how much growth was taking place in one's life.

This belief was perfectly aligned with the esoteric message of the ash. The Druids and the Norse peoples believed all the realms were connected via branches of a giant mystical ash tree known as Yggdrasil.

In Norse mythology the ash was considered the axis of the cosmos upon which the god Odin hung for nine days and nights in a sacrificial act to receive hidden wisdom which came in the form of runes. This connects the ash tree and its sacred month - February 18 through March 17- with the Hanged Man in the tarot. The Hanged Man implies a suspension, a time of flux, waiting for illumination, perhaps a need for sacrifice. In our materialistic, competitive culture sacrifice becomes a shadowy thing; we end up sacrificing the sacred, sometimes we sacrifice our very selves to false gods. I offer an alternate definition of the sacrifice called upon by this tarot card; that of a gift or offering of time set aside for love, kindness, self-care, and seeing a situation from a different perspective. 

Share Your Chiron Healing

Astronomers originally classified Chiron as an asteroid with a strange orbit. But as they observed Chiron they discovered a comet-like tail, at which point it was reclassified as a comet. Through science's continued observation of this celestial body and the progress made in astronomical classification, today (according to Dr. Marsden of the IAU Minor Planet Center) Chiron is classified as both a comet and a minor planet.

For the sake of this entry, I use Chiron in its asteroid sense, categorizing it as many astrologers do, with other asteroids such as Vesta, Hygeia, and Juno.

According to Greek mythology, the centaur Chiron was a healer, philosopher and teacher who, ironically could not heal himself. Chiron is called the "wounded healer" because it represents the archetype of imperfection and loss which, when integrated, leads to compassion and understanding of others' suffering and provides the ability to serve as a helper and healer for others. The placement of Chiron in our natal chart can reveal a core wound that may take a lifetime to work through. Don't distress over this! Our Chiron placement is also our secret power! As we grapple with pain, we gain wisdom that we can pass on to others like a magic salve. In fact, the symbol for Chiron is shaped like a key since unlocking its powers opens up a portal to deep, inner peace.

This asteroid's energetic influence will play a role in both our personal lives, and in the collective overall. During Chiron's recent transit through compassionate Pisces, we found healing via artistic channels such as music, poetry, and our imagination. The collective learned the true meaning of divinity, surrender, and universal love. Now that Chiron is in a nine year long transit through Aries (ending in 2027), we will experience challenges of our personal identity, self-confidence, and overall sense of self. During this time we will be able to tap into our individuality so that we can confidently move towards our personal mission. We are in our right to be completely and authentically ourselves and this Chiron transit will help us learn how to defend ourselves and heal others.

Chiron is sort of a cosmic contradiction, considering it represents both our wounded childhood and our biggest superpower. Chiron orbits between two intensely oppositional planets - uptight, restrictive Saturn and liberated, revolutionary Uranus. Its role as the metaphysical mediator can help us synthesize the energy of both. Where do we hold ourselves back (Saturn) and where we can be constructively rebellious (Uranus)? We must understand both extremes in order to find the middle ground. In, "Astrology and the Rising of Kundalini", Barbara Hand Clow refers to Chiron as the "rainbow bridge" between Saturn and Uranus. Aptly named, since integrating the full spectrum of emotions is the key to wholeness.

We help ourselves when we help others. Digging into our Chiron natal chart position can help us uncover hidden or dormant strengths that will empower, enlighten, and guide others.

The following list contains the Healing Gifts available to each Chiron astrological placement:

Aries (1st house) - Empowering people to embrace their individuality, channeling anger into creative expression, fearless individuality, and modeling independence

Taurus (2nd house) - Creating serene environments, savvy financial planning, holding down the fort during turbulent times, calm in the storm, and teaching traditional wisdom

Gemini (3rd house) - Cooperation, mediation, communication arts, play-based learning, inclusivity, and the use of wit and humor as a tool for connection

Cancer (4th house) - Empowering women, nutritional wisdom, nourishing with food, and creating a safe haven for community

Leo (5th house) - Using the arts to uplift and spread a positive message, playfulness and healthy hedonism, and empowering others through authentic self-expression

Virgo (6th house) - Being a storehouse of practical wisdom, creating empowering media, and creating structures to help people improve their lives

Libra (7th house) - Diplomacy, fostering peaceful communication and harmonious compromises, creating beauty and heart-opening experiences

Scorpio (8th house) - Helping people through extreme life passages, turning "trash" into treasure, and soul-deep sexual healing

Sagittarius (9th house) - Fostering diversity, revealing higher truths with compassion, creating conscious media, and using laughter as medicine

Capricorn (10th house) - Utilizing resources to provide for everyone, levelheaded leadership, and environmental consciousness

Aquarius (11th house) - Uplifting idealism, social justice and activism, fostering Utopian communities and a sharing economy

Pisces (12th house) - Helping people let go of limiting beliefs, spiritual and esoteric leadership, and helping people live out their dreams and goals

Reflect and Prepare

The new year is a new opportunity. Many of us use the turning of the calendar year to think about where we are and where we want growth. We set goals for how we will navigate the coming year differently.

When goals are set by mindlessly going through the motions, there is little chance of success. We may see a small amount of progress but it doesn't feel satisfying. Taking time to reflect offers us the opportunity to know ourselves better. When we know ourselves, gaining clarity of what we want and determining the goals necessary to achieve them become less burdensome.

Life is a journey and the questions we ask ourselves are the fuel needed to propel us.

Without intentional reflection we are vulnerable to forces more proactive than us and run the risk of reacting impulsively with limited information.

Asking ourselves reflective questions can jump-start our learning. When we are more aware of our interests and desires, we can create goals that align with what we want - not what we think that we are supposed to want. Below I have listed sample questions that you may want to consider asking yourself during the final six weeks of 2019. Choose to reflect on one question a week, or more if you feel moved to do so. Keeping track of what you notice through this activity will give you key insights to yourself and help you create goals best designed to support you through 2020.

1. What are the first thoughts that come to mind about 2019? Are these positive, negative, or neutral?
2. What life lesson or lessons did I learn during 2019?
3. What new thing did I learn this year?
4. How did I effect people around me in 2019?
5. What did I do for myself during this year?
6. What did I do for my community this year?
7. How did I help others during 2019?
8. How did others help me in 2019?
9.What is my favorite accomplishment from this year?
10. How often was I able to truly feel "in the moment" during 2019? What was I doing?
11. What felt difficult in the past that was easier this year?
12. Did I try and fail? Did I try and succeed?
13. What, if any, frustration came up again and again?
14. What joyful experiences did I have?
15. What tested my limits? How did I react?
16. Based on my experience of 2019, what advice would I give to someone?

Ripples of Empowerment

Let's support each other in making this world the best that it can be.

 This is not an ideological concept. 

The world is changed by those people who can feel the suffering, 

and then show up to take action.

In the wake of what has been a steady stream of both human-made and natural disasters, many people (myself included) have been left feeling that they just cannot take any more. We may experience compassion fatigue (the deep exhaustion that comes from prolonged empathy) and feelings of powerlessness, anger, or frustration. While these feelings are completely normal, they alone do nothing to create actual change. Our normal habits of sharing posts on social media, watching repetitive news reports, and complaining to friends can do a lot to further our feelings of anger and helplessness; however, they do very little for the betterment of ourselves and society as a whole.

My personal process, at times, does involve a bit of "off-gassing" or venting to a close friend or two. Sometimes voicing aloud, my initial reaction to news that triggers me or causes a visceral reaction in me, allows me to view it from a new and detached position. The feeling is then outside of me and I can assess it (and myself) in a clear and discerning light. I do not, however, allow myself to sit and wallow in the muck that gets thrown out there. I take the time to regroup myself and determine what action (if any) I will take.

If you are having any of these feelings now, or have experienced them, here are a some reminders and suggestions of what can be done to regain your sense of balance, effectiveness and empowerment.

1. Ground yourself.
Give yourself the opportunity to really experience you initial response. Take time to feel sadness, shock, grief, confusion, or whatever emotions may be arising. Feel love for those who are suffering, including yourself. Invite feelings of safety and comfort into this space and stay connected to the deep sense of 'being' that is always present inside of you no matter what is happening in life. Commit to a practice that helps keep you in touch with this grounded state of being - walk in nature, do some yoga, practice mindful breathing exercises, or meditate. Eat well and sleep soundly. You will be more effective when you come from this centered place.

2. Avoid becoming overwhelmed.
Be careful not to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Focus on what you can affect and thrust that other people will take care of the issues that matter to them. We are, after all, in this together. Take time to look at the positive outcomes from challenging situations, such as the way adversity can bring people together. Sometimes our "go-to" is to focus on the negative things. The reality is that billions of positive things are happening at every moment.

3. Remember that "feeling bad" about things changes nothing.
While it is important to feel these events fully, we lose our power when we let feelings of sadness, anger, or fear replace our ability to act. Remember that these feelings are messengers telling us that we want things to be different, that we want change. Acknowledge your feelings, listen to their message, and then let them empower you to make a difference.

4. Focus on issues that speak to your heart, and do something about those.
No one can do it all. It is best to focus on one or two things you can do well, and then commit fully to your cause. Trust that you will be the best at what inspires your heart the most. Then consider how yo can best make a difference. Maybe you can give your time to directly help the situation. Alternately, you and use your voice to educate others about a cause. Perhaps you are able to make a monetary contribution. The more you feel and see yourself taking action and making a difference, the more passionate you will be about continuing to create change.

5. Find community.
We can do more together. Sometimes we are afraid to act alone, but when we harness the power of community, we are empowered by this connection and collaboration with others. Build on the energy that comes from working collectively with like-minded people toward a greater good. We might often think that we do not have enough time to help, when in reality, we do. Recognize that saying, "I don't have time for that" is a softer way of saying, "I don't prioritize that." Reflect upon how you prioritize your time and make appropriate changes. Create a new normal for your prioritization of time that includes time for selfless service.

6. Practice self-compassion, patience, and positive self-reflection.
We often only see what we "could have done" or "should have done", which is discouraging and minimizes the importance of our efforts. One of the most important parts of serving is to reflect on what you did and why it helped. This creates positive mental imprints and releases endorphins in the brain, increasing your chances of being proactive again and improving your efficacy.

7. Take care of yourself.
Depleting ourselves of energy inhibits our ability to help others. Make sure that you are leaving time for self-nourishment. Identify, then reduce or eliminate activities that may seem relaxing but are actually increasing your stress (like scrolling through social media, or mindlessly having news shows run in the background). It is important to remain committed to the practices that keep you grounded and connected to your true, unchanging self - those things that speak to your heart. Proactive activities that can strengthen you, inspire you and keep you peaceful in the midst of adversity may include meditation, prayer, and the powerful art of positive energy. Flood yourself with love, presence, and compassion.

8. Be resilient and avoid discouragement.
Remember that change does not happen overnight. There will be harsh reminders that progress is not always linear, neat, and tidy. Remember, also, that adversity does not denote a lack of progress. Progress takes time. Have faith that you are planting seeds that will ultimately blossom into positive change.