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FeatherStone Creations
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Table of Contents Massage Therapy Integrated Reiki E-Group Cranio-Sacral Therapy Learning a Foreign Language Reiki Corner How the Blue Bird Got It's Color |
Home / Reading Material / Newsletters / Food for Thought / Monthly Article / |
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Massage Therapy Integrated! -by Terry |
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| I’ve been in massage therapy school at West Houston Massage Institute since October, 2000. I am so excited about being able to integrate massage into the modalities of Reiki, Essential Oils and also CranioSacral Therapy, which I will talk more about later. I’ve learned an incredible amount of knowledge about the workings of the physical body in relation to the mind and soul which once again validates my belief that the three (body, mind, soul) cannot be separated. I have experimented and experienced the positive effects of massage and Reiki,as well as massage and the therapeutic essential oils. I can’t wait to get started! I begin my internship on May 7 at West Houston Massage. I will have to complete 40 massages before June 8th in order to sit for the state test next September. The cost of an intern massage is $30 (half of the cost of a regular massage). If any one would like to receive a massage during this time as well as help me out, I would be ever so grateful!! Please contact me at 713-864-3618 or by email at featherst@aol.com. After completing my internship I will receive my temporary registration and will be “open for business” for massage, Reiki, essential oils and craniosacral therapy! Wow! I’m excited! (can you tell...) | ||
Reiki E-group |
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| In the fall of 2000 the FeatherStone Reiki E-group was established. People who have attended our Reiki I, II or III trainings were invited to join as well as a few others that we included. The e-group was established to provide a safe and supportive arena for those to share Reiki experiences, ask questions or simply to support others. Rich and I have learned over the years that the more “involved” one becomes in the Spirit World, the more the Spirit World becomes “involved” in our lives. Let me rephrase that somewhat. I believe the Spirit World is always there for us, however, these days we have a much clearer broadcast medium to receive information. Some of the events or happenings for people can be quite scary and unsettling. I cannot tell you how many times people (now friends) have called to share an unusual experience and wanted to know if we have ever experienced anything like that. Many times the answer is no, but that certainly does not discount what the person has just shared. I usually answer, “No, but that is so cool”! Their experiences or happenings are just as unique to them as my own are. Yes, there can be some similarities but nothing that can be concretely established, except for the fact that the Spirit World does communicate with us. Reiki opens many doors for people and I am happy to say we now have about 30 members of our egroup. I encourage each member to share experiences….put it out there! Even though others may not have had that same experience, they may be able to identify with similar experiences or actually prepare them for future experiences or happenings! Things people experience for the first time are sometimes considered weird, bizarre, scary—simply because they are new. The more one experiences and acknowledges them, the more “normal” they will become. If you would like to join our egroup and have not done so, please email me and I will be happy to add you to our growing Reiki community! | ||
CranioSacral Therapy -by Terry |
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| In March of this year I attended an intensive training for CranioSacral Therapy, Level I, presented by the Upledger Institute. During the 4 days I learned about the rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and how to be able to tell not only if there is a block but how to make the adjustment to correct blockages. Dr. Upledger’s theory is that very light touch over an extended length of time is more effective than a deeper touch over a shorter period of time. The following is taken from Dr. Upledger’s book, Your Inner Physician and You- “After some years of research, we now know that each of us has a craniosacral system inside that is rhythmically moving all the days we are alive. Just as we are able to make certain inferences from heart rhythm and breathing activity about the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, we are now able to gather information about the condition and function of the craniosacral rhythm in and on various regions and parts of the human body. Using a light touch generally no greater than the weight of a nickel, practitioners today use CranioSacral Therapy to improve the functioning of the central nervous system, eliminate the negative effects of stress, strengthen resistance to disease, and enhance overall health”. Having experienced myself what is called the “10-Step Protocol”, I was amazed how peaceful and tranquil I felt, even in a conference room with 50 other people! Most of the steps are performed between the sacrum and cranial areas of the body while lying on a table, fully clothed in a supine position (face up). As stated above, the pressure used is no greater than the weight of a nickel (5 grams)! | ||
Learning a Foreign Language -by Rich |
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| Many years ago I read a book entitled Awakening Spirits, by Tom Brown. It was one of the most profound books that I have read concerning the spiritual world and its simplicity of truth. In speaking of the duality of spirit the book states we are born both in the world of the flesh and the world of the spirit. It has been our logical mind as well as our environment that has separated us from the Spiritual World. That world has become foreign to us. In the book, the teacher who was named Grandfather, talks about how the spiritual world communicates with us. He states that the spiritual world talks to us in thoughts, feelings, images and symbols. Over the course of time I have started to learn more and more what he means. It may be a song I hear in my head. It may be an image that flashes across my mind. It may be a feeling that wells up inside of me. A TV show called “Crossing Over with John Edward” has given me a clearer understanding of the way it works. John is a medium who is able to interpret the signs, symbols, and feelings that the Spirit World uses in its communication with him. He explains that if he sees a white rose it means that there has been a graduation, wedding or some event to be congratulated. If the person appears above, this is the sign of a parent or grandparent. If the person is to the side it is a cousin, sibling, or friend. If the person is below, it is a child, grandchild or younger person. He talks of emotional feelings he is getting or physical sensations. All are forms of communication from the Spiritual World. More than anything, John has given me concrete examples of the ways the Spirit World talks to us that Grandfather spoke of in Awakening Spirits. As I pay attention to my own thoughts, feelings, images and symbols I am starting to learn the spiritual sign language as it speaks to me. With this new found understanding and awareness the Spirit World seems to be talking to me more. Or, more likely, I am learning their foreign language. | ||
Reiki Corner |
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| Reiki is more than a healing modality with the use of energy, it is a path to enlightenment. We tell our students that more healing of the world will take place through practicing the Reiki Principles in their daily lives than the “hands on” healing one does with Reiki. One of the principles is: “Just for today I will let go of anger.” It is not saying to not have anger, but to let go of it. Anger is an important emotion to have. Letting go of it is not denying it either. Acknowledge it for what it is then release it. Think of all the people you come into contact with that may be impacted by your anger and have had nothing to do with it. Spread kindness, not anger! | ||
How the Bluebird and Coyote Got Their Color Stories as told by a Cherokee –by Gail Lang |
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| The bluebird is very blue, as blue as a brilliant lake. Many moons ago the bluebird used to be white. One day he was flying and came upon a lake and saw how blue and beautiful it was. He stopped and asked Grandfather, "Grandfather, can I be as blue as that lake?" So Grandfather gave him a song to sing. He told him what to do. Every morning for five mornings the bluebird would dive down into the lake singing the song taught to him by Grandfather then come back up. The whole time he was doing this the coyote was watching him. On the fifth day, the bluebird dove into the lake, and when he came back out, he was as blue as he is today. The coyote saw this and thought to himself, "Hmmmm... I'd like to be as blue as that bluebird." So he said to the bluebird, "teach me your song." So every morning for the next five days the coyote would take a bath and sing the song from Grandfather. And on the fifth day the coyote came out and was just as blue as the bluebird. The coyote looked at himself in the reflection of the water and thought, "my, I'm the prettiest coyote there is. There is none prettier than me." So he strutted down the road, not unlike a peacock, looking around to make sure all the other animals could see him and see how truly beautiful his color was. He was so intent on having everyone know how colorful and beautiful he was that he paid no attention to where he was going in the road. Coyote ran right into a tree. He hit the tree so hard he fell down into a dirt road, rolling and rolling around until he was finally able to come up. That's why, when you look today, he's brown and dirty. That's how he got the color of his fur. | ||
Story Telling Circle...by Rich |
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| I have been interested in storytelling for quite a few years now. My interest has grown stronger since my trip to India. While there, I heard countless stories about the origin of myths, legends and religions. I reflected back to think about the deep history of storytelling throughout the world. You see, storytelling goes to the soul of a person. The details of the story do not determine if the story is true or not. Truth comes from the meaning contained within the story. For Native Americans it was important not to tell the audience what they were supposed to get from the story. That would make the story of limited value. It would confine the possibilities for the audience. The true value of a story lies in the listener and how the story adds value and truth to their life. Stories can be used to teach life lessons. Others can be for sheer enjoyment. Enjoy the story presented above however you wish. | ||
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A Thousand Paths to Enlightenment |
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Waves Waves, Crashing, Relentless, Into the shore, Roar. |
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Campfire Proverbs for a Smile I don’t mind going nowhere as long as it’s an interesting path. Age doesn’t always bring wisdom, sometimes age comes alone… You don’t stop laughing because you grow old, you grow old because you stopped laughing. |
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What Does God Look Like? A kindergarten teacher was observing her classroom of children while they drew. She would occasionally walk around to see each child’s artwork. As she got to one little girl who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was. The little girl replied, “I’m drawing God.” The teacher paused and said, “but no one knows what God looks like.” Without missing a beat, or looking up from her drawing the girl replied, “They will in a minute!” |
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Marjoram - Origanum Majorana |
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Marjoram has become a favorite of mine and I wanted to share some information about the uniqueness of this particular essential oil. In historical times, marjoram was known as the “herb of happiness” to the Romans and “joy of the mountains” to the Greeks. Marjoram was used to warm the body and the emotions. Greek physicians treated rheumatism, muscle spasms, and fluid retention with marjoram, They also used it to ease breathing and as an antidote for poisoning. It was believed to increase longevity. Indications for use include: aches, arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, indigestions, constipation, cramps, insomnia, migraine headaches, neuralgia, rheumatism, and sprains. Other uses: Marjoram may be relaxing and calming to the muscles that constrict and sometimes contribute to headaches. It may help anxiety, nervous tension, bruises, burns, sores, cuts, circulatory disorders, respiratory infections, fungal and viral infections, menstrual problems, ringworms, shingles, shock, sores, spasms, sunburns, and fluid retention. Application: Diffuse or apply topically. Massage to calm stressed muscles. Safety Data: If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Above information taken from: Aromatherapy for Vibrant Health & Beauty, Roberta Wilson and Essential Desk Reference, compiled by Essential Science Publishing |
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| Terry’s Personal Uses for Marjoram: ~~~~~ apply directly to skin to ease sore, tight, tired muscles ~~~~~ place a drop of marjoram with a drop of lavender on wrists at night to help with insomnia! |
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