“Learn the alchemy true human beings know.
The moment you accept what troubles you’ve been given,
the door will open.”
~~ Rumi
Greetings to all my precious people!
These early days of November are unusually warm and sunny, and the tree leaves are scattered along the ground, creating a multi-colored tapestry of Nature. We are in a liminal space—an energetic void—as the constellations of the Universe shift in their trajectory. Pluto is moving out of Capricorn after 15 years of chaos, trouble, and turmoil, and we are now entering Aquarius for the next 20 years. It is no wonder that we are all feeling a bit detached and unanchored, for this is a time of radical transformation whether we like it or not. Instead of feeling frustrated or impatient, choose to be fully present in these moments, for we are being shaped and seeded for recalibration on many levels.
Many of us have been experiencing big emotions lately. Emotions feel automatic, like uncontrollable reactions to things we think and experience. Scientists have long supported this assumption by claiming that emotions are hardwired in the body or the brain. But, neuroscience research in past decades has shown that emotions do not have “fingerprints” in the brain. Different networks in the brain can create the same emotion. And yes, emotions are created by our brain. It is the way our brain gives meaning to bodily sensations based on past experience. Different core networks all contribute at different levels to feelings such as happiness, surprise, sadness, and anger.
Lisa Feldman Barrett, PhD is among the top 0.1% most cited scientists in the world for her revolutionary research in psychology and neuroscience. Her research overturned the widely held belief that emotions are housed in different parts of the brain and are universally expressed and recognized. Instead, she has shown that emotion is constructed in the moment, by core systems that interact across the whole brain, aided by a lifetime of learning. This new theory means that you play a much greater role in your emotional life than you ever thought.
Emotions are not “good” or “bad”, rather they are data points. Chinese Medicine reminds us that emotions are not meant to be ignored, but certainly not meant to be wallowed in. Feeling the feelings helps to promote the healing, allowing the Qi to be free and flowing. The practice of being present with the body is this: to notice the emotion, recognize it as a messenger, and let it move through us: shake, move, shout in the shower, scream into a pillow and allow tears to flow if needed. You might recognize the information carried by the emotion—or not have a clue about the feelings—but it does not really matter—simply let it go. Action and response to the stimulus/trigger that created the body sensation/emotion then comes from a place of calmness and composure on the other side of the emotional messenger. Imagine the equanimity!
This is how we begin to cultivate our gifts of Presence—by being with the body and tenderly observing the bodily phenomena that shows up.
As the pace of our lives continues to accelerate, driven by a host of forces seemingly beyond our control, choosing to engage in loving-kindness meditation can be a radical act of being. We are moving in the direction of meditative awareness for many reasons, not the least of which to maintain our individual and collective sanity. We are also hoping to recover our perspective and sense of meaning, or simply deal with the outrageous stress and insecurity of this age.
By intentionally becoming aware and “falling awake” to how things are at any moment, without succumbing to our own reactions and judgments, we can create more space to not only breathe but to observe as well. Giving ourselves the gift of grace with a healthy dose of self-compassion when we do succumb allows for simple restoration of body and mind, soul and spirit. It is indeed a radical act of love just to sit down and be quiet for a time by yourself.
At the end of the day, what does it mean to nurture our true, innate, genuine, heavenly nature? This is a reminder of the gifts of Presence we not only carry, but can cultivate with practice and purpose. When was the last time you consciously savored each breath as an opportunity for transformation and restoration? How does fear hold us back from health and joy by tying up our precious Qi in knots? And how do we untie those knots and encourage free flow and healing when we get to the end of our rope?
There are so many different elements of healing, from intellectual knowledge to intuition, to laughter, to surrendering and adapting, and to calling in the support of our family lineage, community, and even divine and celestial forces. In this challenging time full of tension, discord, and instability, may these ideas bring you joy and laughter and encourage you to let your Qi flow a bit more freely. We are all in this together and according to Ram Dass, we are all just walking each other home.
Let us work together to help you source your seeds of transformation. Autumn is a perfect time to harvest what you need and release that which no longer serves you. It is very important to actively and intentionally clear your space, in your home as well as in your heart and mind, so that your incubation period of Winter can allow the manifestation of your deep resilience and dreams for the New Year 2025.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine are some of the tools I use to support the health and wellness of my patients, but the healing that occurs is always prompted from the inside. The answers to health and wellness reside in your heart. Treatment in my healing sanctuary goes beyond the needles—they simply serve to prompt the body to do its own mysterious and miraculous work.
I help people learn how to listen to their body’s wisdom and reconnect the unconscious mind to nurture the mind-body connection. This work allows people to realize their full capacity and choose to live a life aligned with their values, nourished by their dreams and desires. Together, we co-create opportunities for healing as the process unfolds.
I offer compassionate, attentive care. I see you. I hear you. I celebrate your journey. As an experienced clinician, I support patients as they come home to themselves, reconnecting the mind, body and spirit. This is my greatest passion: to serve as a facilitator, navigator and coach as you transcend old patterns and come into alignment with your best self. Are you ready to choose your Self and celebrate your gifts? Are you ready to manifest your Authentic Self that is abundant with health and vitality? Commit to being present and living your life with intention. Schedule your consultation today!
