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Language of Love

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:10:47 +0000

_{Language of Love}

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Language of Love originally appeared on About.com Holistic Healing on Wednesday, February 10th, 2010 at 00:10:47.

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spiritual, but not religious

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:50:28 +0000

I've been saying this for years! I am spiritual, but not religious. However, saying this was not a ploy to attract a mate. Constantine Sedikides, a social psychologist at Southampton University in Britain has concluded that having spiritual beliefs is a trait that makes a person more appealing. So much so that some Americans and Canadians will tell others they have spiritual beliefs because they feel doing so will appeal to prospective mates. As if attesting to being spiritual will make them appear to be a good catch.

This makes me curious. Do you find spiritual people to be more attractive? Or, do you feel you are more attractive because of your own spirituality? I never really thought about it.

Although my husband thought it was cute that I read Tarot cards when we began dating he wasn't exactly thrilled about my interest in spirituality, pagan beliefs, and new age concepts. In fact, I think he thought I was attractive DESPITE my spiritual leanings. He declared himself to be agnostic when we were first introduced, but now refers to himself as an atheist. I still say I'm spiritual because, well, I am. I also believe we are all spiritual beings --- regardless if you think of yourself as being religious, non-religious, or whatever.

David De Lossy / Getty Images

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spiritual, but not religious originally appeared on About.com Holistic Healing on Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 at 03:50:28.

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Elusive Lucidity

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:22:11 +0000

I was able to attain lucidity in my dream while sleeping last night. I woke up around seven o'clock this morning and lay in bed reviewing my spectacular adventure. My recall was so vivid! I was so proud of myself for being lucid. But, instead of getting up and writing down the details I drifted back to sleep. When I awoke again at 8:15 a.m. only fragments of those memories remained. Mostly, all I remember is that it was wonderful... details are a blur now.

Lucid dreaming is the knack of being aware that you are dreaming and having the ability to manipulate your dream sequences. It is kind of like being both the screenwriter and the director of your own movie. It is really cool to be able to be a lucid dreamer. Unfortunately, I'm no expert at being able to stay in a lucid state while dreaming. I often wake up mid-lucidity... then I think "Rats" wishing I could have continued playing out a particular dream story.

Maybe lucid dreaming isn't all that important. Sarah Forde, one of my Facebook friends says " I can do lucid dreaming when I want, but my really important dreams have to come as messages, as things I observe and not be able to control. They're good but ...sometimes we need to let them come as they were meant to..." Sarah also tells me that she will return to her lucid dreaming once the message is given. Sarah is probably right about not getting too wrapped up into trying to be lucid. We often go through our days trying to "control" everything. Sleep is meant to give us rest, and our dreams are a nice escape from our wakeful struggles and can be a way of opening ourselves up to "whatever" information or lessons we need.

Still, lucid dreaming could be a useful tool to help you feel confident and more in control, especially at times when your waking life feels chaotic or out of your control. I know when I feel like I'm in a rut and feeling bored with my routine, a spicy lucid dream can really perk me up. Lucid dreaming is much more intense and emotionally fulfilling than daydreaming or fantasizing.

Have you mastered the art of lucid dreaming? Please share your dream experiences, also give tips to help others who want to begin getting lucid in their sleep.

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Elusive Lucidity originally appeared on About.com Holistic Healing on Monday, February 8th, 2010 at 15:22:11.

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Carnival of Healing #222

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 13:17:24 +0000

Cari Campbell, blogger of the Daily Inspiration Blog inspires us today with a dozen or so "cherries" she handpicked for our February edition of the Carnival of Healing. Sweet! If you remember the carnival is now monthly, instead of weekly. This doesn't mean more carnival attractions will be jammed into fewer editions. It means, only the "cherriest" of the submissions make the cut. Or, you might say, the icing on the cake. Can you tell my sweet tooth is aching? Ha ha, think I'll make a detour to the kitchen for a bite to eat before I head on back to the carnival. See you there.

Among this week's carnival attractions are:

The Emotion Machine: How To Think Less And Do More: Turning Life Into Flow
The Conscious Life: Lifelong Learning: Why You Can't Afford to Stop Learning
Prosper and Be in Health: Quieting the Voices

Go now to Carnival of Healing #222 to review all of this month's carnival attractions.

What is the Carnival of Healing?

The Carnival of Healing is a monthly (previously weekly) round-up of blogs across the Internet featuring information about healing, self empowerment, and spirituality. Bloggers can become a part of upcoming carnivals by volunteering to host or submitting blog posts for consideration. Check the carnival calendar for available hosting dates.

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Carnival of Healing #222 originally appeared on About.com Holistic Healing on Saturday, February 6th, 2010 at 13:17:24.

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Animal Spirits Return in Our Dreams

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:25:02 +0000

Each week, we invite a different intuitive to answer a question from a reader. If you'd like to submit a question for Madeleine please email her directly.

Free Advice from Animal Communicator, Madeleine Walker

Dear Madeleine,

My baby, Minka, died in my arms. I feel he is my soul mate. I've had a few dreams about him since he left me and last night felt a healing from him. I would love to know if he has any message for me but if not can you tell him I love him and think of him always?

Karen

Hi Karen,
Your lovely Minka is such a wise soul and you are absolutely right he is a soul mate and has been with you in many lifetimes. He is showing me a tabby cat that will come into your life and I feel it will be Minka making his way back to you. There is such a deep connection between the two of you. I cannot imagine you two being separated for too long in the physical.

Animals in spirit do return in our dreams, etc. just to remind us that they are still around in spirit and know how much they are loved. I know how awful it is to lose our animal friends in the physical, but it does comfort me a little to know that they are around and that they will eventually find their way back to us. I do hope this helps.

Madeleine Walker,
Animal Communicator

Disclaimer: Madeleine Walker shares insights derived from animal communication. Any advice she offers is not meant as a substitute for veterinary care or basic dog obedience training.

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Animal Spirits Return in Our Dreams originally appeared on About.com Holistic Healing on Thursday, February 4th, 2010 at 15:25:02.

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James Arthur Ray Pleads Not Guilty

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:05:11 +0000

Newest Updates:
James Arthur Ray arrested, charged with three counts of manslaughter for the deaths of Kirby Brown, James Shore and Liz Neuman.

Post-Arrest Articles
What is being said following Ray's grand jury indictment:

CNN Video of Ray's Arrest - Ray could get 4 to 10 years imprisonment for each of the 3 counts of manslaughter.

Sweat Lodge Survivor, Beverly Bunn, Talks About Arrest - Bunn, said she has no ill feelings toward Ray but is satisfied in knowing he cannot continue his work. "He's going to be brought to justice for what he did, " she said. "His lack of responsibility and negligence to the situation."

Ray pleads "not guilty" - Ray did not speak in open court, his lawyers entered a "not guilty" plea on his behalf. A request was also made for his $5 million dollar bond to be reduced. Preceding judge was Judge Warren Darrow.

Sweat Lodge Tragedy Time Line

Many of my readers have asked me to continue keeping them informed on any new developments on this story. So, of course I will continue to report updates regarding the Arizona sweat lodge tragedy that occurred in October as soon as I know about them. I have gathered past reports and compiled this time line. I will expand the time line as additional news to this sad story unfolds. I welcome additional news updates from readers to keep everyone informed. Please post related news you become aware of under comments to help me make this time line current. Thanks!

Sweat Lodge Tragedy Time Line

James Arthur Ray Arrested for Sweat Lodge Deaths

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 22:33:45 +0000

James Arthur Ray, author of Harmonic Wealth and also well known for his appearance in the movie The Secret, was charged today with three counts of manslaughter for the deaths of Kirby Brown, James Shore and Liz Neuman. These three individuals died following a sweat lodge ceremony led by Ray on October 9, 2009 near Sedona, AZ. There has been an ongoing investigation as to the cause of these deaths ever since this tragedy occurred. I have been following the story and reporting updates in a time line format on my blog for the past several months.

James Ray was arrested this afternoon. He is currently being held in the Yavapai County Jail in Camp Verde, AZ. A five million dollar bond was set by the courts. Ray's attorneys insist that the tragic deaths were an unforeseeable accident and that Ray is not responsible.

There has been a tremendous outpouring of angry postings on blogs, Facebook, Twitter, etc. accusing Ray of being irresponsible in his role as leader during and immediately following the sweat ceremony. His recent media interview denying culpability only fanned the fires of enragement. Needless to say, there were many people hoping that this day would come.

Now we must wait and let our justice system do its job. Regardless of the outcome, whether Ray is convicted or exonerated for these crimes, it is my hope that something valuable is learned at a deeper human and spiritual level by everyone involved in this case. It is my optimistic spirit that wants to believe that a tragedy (all tragedies) can create a crack in a wall that will eventually allow light to break through it.

I want to honor my life, its many roles, and to be fully aware of the responsibilities I owe to myself and to the people who entrust me with their care.

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James Arthur Ray Arrested for Sweat Lodge Deaths originally appeared on About.com Holistic Healing on Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010 at 22:33:45.

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Friends Point Out Your Flaws and Failin.gs Anonymously

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:32:39 +0000

Good idea or bad idea? I was watching MSNBC yesterday afternoon and saw one of the creators of a new Web site being interviewed in a brief news blip! Failin.gs will soon be launched in BETA. Stephen Cells and Danny Pecks are the two awesome dudes who are responsible for the idea for failin,gs - a place where people will be able to invite anonymous constructive criticism from their friends.

Looks pretty simple, you set up a personal profile and then sit back and wait for your friends to log on and point out what they judge to be your character flaws. I think I'd rather be the target in a dunking pool at the carnival than set myself up for this type of anonymous "honesty" from a friend. This reeks of junior high slam books.

I dunno, maybe I'm not seeing the benefits of such a tool. This seems so WRONG at so many levels. Sure, criticism has its place, but it is important to know when criticism is constructive and when it is hurtful. Also, I'd rather have brutal honesty straight from the horse's mouth, not given to me by an anonymous "friend." Even when given with the best intentions criticism can sting.

It is bad enough when someone purposely tries to insult you, like a person who emailed me yesterday. I opened up my email and read two words "Fock You" - this came from one of my newsletter subscribers. Unsubscribe if you don't want to hear from me. Really! I mentioned it to my sister who laughed about it, she thought it was hilarious because the insulter couldn't even spell correctly. But, I pointed out to her that the person likely misspelled it on purpose so that her poison dart would not get blocked by SPAM filters. In my mind, this actually made the action worse. It was wounding. Hey, if you don't like me, why are you subscribing to my newsletter? You were not anonymous either, I have your email address! All I learned from this is that I need to get a thicker skin, something I already knew and don't need this pointed out to me. Sad when someone feels angry enough to spew negativity.

If I'm understanding the concept of failin.gs correctly only people who know you personally will be allowed to post anonymous criticism about you. So you won't be opening yourself up for insults from all the crazies on the Internet who have never met you. All right, but, let's say you only have five friends. A person posts a criticism and you know it was one of five people... won't that strain your relationship with these five people? I know I'd be wondering who said what.

What do you think about the concept of failin.gs? Be truthful, but not too brutal. In other words, agree or disagree with me, but please say it nicely.

(c) Getty Images

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Friends Point Out Your Flaws and Failin.gs Anonymously originally appeared on About.com Holistic Healing on Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010 at 15:32:39.

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Being Mindful

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:10:15 +0000

_{The Art of Being Mindful}

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Being Mindful originally appeared on About.com Holistic Healing on Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010 at 00:10:15.

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Feline Grim Reaper "Oscar the Cat" Offers Comfort to Dying

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:35:07 +0000

Oscar, a companion cat of the Steere House (home to aging dementia and Alzheimer's patients), has been dubbed "furry angel of death." Staff of Steere House adopted Oscar as its resident cat in 2005. Oscar's celebrity angel status began in 2007 when he was featured in a New England Journal of Medicine essay. Nurses noticed Oscar's uncanny ability to know when someone's death was near and would visit the dying residents' bedrooms and sit vigil with them until they had passed. Makes you wonder if Oscar's life purpose is to assist these individuals when making their transition to the other side.

The book Making Rounds With Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat chronicling interviews with the nursing home staff and resident family members about Oscar's "death predictions" is set for publication tomorrow (February 2nd).
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Feline Grim Reaper "Oscar the Cat" Offers Comfort to Dying originally appeared on About.com Holistic Healing on Monday, February 1st, 2010 at 20:35:07.

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