Love Champions: Heart Chakra Healers

Ohio 2012 State HS Track Meet

“When you have love in your heart, you draw the very best out of everyone, for love sees only the best and therefore draws forth the best. Be not afraid; open up, hold nothing back, and let it all flow freely.” ~ Eileen Cady

“Always show more kindness than seems necessary, because the person receiving it needs it more than you will ever know.” ~ Colin Powell

 “Only when we give joyfully, without hesitation or thought of gain, can we truly know what love means.” ~ Leo Buscaglia

My son came home from the Ohio’s 2012 State High School Track Meet finals very excited.  He said I had to see the pictures he took on his cell phone: “It was so great.”  I initially thought it was a picture of one of his classmates winning one of the races or a field event.  He showed me his tiny cell phone screen; it was a picture similar to the Associate Press pick-up (Picture above).  He gave me a play-by-play commentary on how the West Liberty 3200 meter runner, Ms. Vogel, picked up the injured girl (her competitor) and helped her across the finish line.  Ms. Vogel was coming up from behind and then pushed her across the line before her.  His coach was quickly told the team: “This is what good sportsmanship is all about.  It’s what you keep talking about.”  My son then said the whole stadium crowd stood and applauded.  Looking at the picture, I thought no this is what love looks like.

That picture went viral.  People seemed to share Ms. Vogel’s act of kindness.  However, there were others who didn’t feel the same way.  Paraphrasing one American radio talk show host, he felt Ms. Vogel’s act was another indication of the decline in American culture which is suffering from a decline of “hard manliness” (Columbus Dispatch).   I sit back and wonder – when did kindness, caring and loving cease being a part of American’s core ideal?   Founding Father Thomas Jefferson stated: "Adore God. Reverence and cherish your parents. Love your neighbor as yourself, and your country more than yourself. Be just. Be true. Murmur not at the ways of Providence."

The backlash against someone doing showing kindness isn’t an isolated incident.  I’ve been seeing it on a more frequent basis – just turn on the news or drive in traffic during our heat record days.  Even on the PBP, some of the writers have received “nasty messages.”  Sadly, part of me believes if Mother Theresa would have demonstrated Ms. Vogel’s act of compassion even she would have received put-downs.   It is my belief that the decades of oppressive, cruel and hateful behavior are now enshrined as the Great American Archetype, the hero who has true grit and will stand their ground using these behaviors.  Somewhere, the pieces “about pulling together” and “helping someone up” has been cut out of the American quilt.  I also believe based on the work done by Caroline Myss, these behaviors exhibited, indicate symptoms to a greater problem – imbalanced chakras at both an individual and society level. 

~#~

7 Chakra Energy Centers

“Sometimes there’s more in the picture than meets the eye.”  Both my Grandmothers always used this phrase.  The same can be said about the human body.   We can see and touch the body that’s in a solid state, but what we can’t see are the numerous energy bodies both within and around the body (i.e., Etheric, Astral, Mental and Spiritual).  Each of these bodies gives off different electromagnetic wave frequency. 

Chakras are the seven major and 122 minor energy centers found in the body and provide the connection between physical body, its energy bodies and the cosmic source (Motherfather Spirit). 

Chakras have been described as specific types of flowers, spinning vortexes and wheels.  Each are spinning and emitting energy at different frequencies.  The seven chakras’ frequencies relate to the colors found in the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.   The size and brightness of a person’s chakras vary due to multiple factors such as age, physical condition, energy levels, disease, or stress.  Additionally, each chakra provides a specific challenge for one’s spiritual quest on this earthly plane.    

“The state of each chakra reflects the health of a particular area of your body. It also reflects your psychological, emotional and spiritual well-being.  Every thought and experience you've ever had in your life gets filtered through these chakra databases. Each event is recorded into your cells. In other words, your biography becomes your biology.  When chakra energy is blocked or misdirected, emotional and physical illness can arise” (Myss).

~#~

The Heart Chakra is an interesting energy center.  It contains lessons about our relationships with others, how we accept ourselves and our gifts, love, commitment and compassion, hatred, grief, and self-centeredness.   It also understood that the Heart Chakra maintains a sense of balance between the three chakras found above (experiences mentally and intellectually) and three chakras found below (experiences in the physical world).  It does this by providing stability to the mind and body by integrating the messages received by the other six chakras.  In many cultures and faith traditions, the Heart Chakra is considered the central home to the spirit or soul. 

One could say that their Heart Chakra is in balance if they if they have no problem with accepting themselves and others and having an understanding and ability to use and share their unique gifts and talents with the world.  This person understands that we are all interconnected and need to care for each other.  They are forgiving, trusting and nonjudgmental and people feel good around them.

If you are feeling or acting in the following manner: dishonest with money, possessive, jealous, reckless, angry, resentful, cruel, fearful  – your Heart Chakra is out of balance.  If people are avoiding you – you might self-reflect on these behaviors and emotions.

~#~

Activities that help heal my heart chakra

People move in and out of balance in all their Chakras.  For me, my imbalance is a result of forgetting to take care of myself.  This means: eating candy for stress rather than taking a walk; not taking a lunch break which includes a walk; not journaling; clutter overload because I plant myself in front of the TV.

I'm a firm believer in the phrase: "Healer - heal thy self first."  If you aren't together there's no way you will be able to help others, let alone help the world.  I'm also a believer in leading by example - in this case healing by example.  

Below are some of the tools I use on myself - you may find these helpful or find out what works for you.  As I've stated before in this blog, sometimes you may need some assistance in healing old wounds.  A CCWWW has no problem seeking a licensed counselor or a social worker to help out - (note the second W is for wise not weak). 

Good stones/crystals to meditate with - All the green stones – I’ve had good success with moss agate, green jasper.  Additionally, I have a nice piece of rose quarts that I use. 

A meditation I like in general.  There are many "healing the heart chakra" on youtube.  I really like meditating to Andreas Vollenweider.  

Journaling or a good hike in the woods.

Foods that health the heart chakra

•Leafy vegetables: spinach, kale, dandelion greens, etc.

•Air vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, celery, squash, etc.

•Liquids: green teas

•Spices: basil, sage, thyme, cilantro, parsley

Moosewood Green Goddess Dressing - served over a bed of mixed greens
Moosewood is my favorite restaurant in Ithica, NY.  If you are headed out to hike in the Adirondack or Vermont traveling from Ohio - a great place to stop.

1 cup vegetable oil (olive oil)

2 tablespoons cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon honey or 2 tablespoons apple juice

5 to 6 spinach leaves

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1 teaspoon fresh (or dried) basil

1 teaspoon fresh (or dried) marjoram

1 teaspoon salt

1 garlic clove, pressed

1 cup buttermilk

Blend all of the ingredients, except the buttermilk, for one minute. While the blender is running, slowly pour in the buttermilk. As soon as the dressing thickens, turn off the blender or the dressing will separate and become runny. It should be thick and creamy. Chill at least 30 minutes so the flavors have a chance to meld. Other herbs can be used to vary this dressing. Dill, tarragon, oregano, a dab of Dijon mustard and freshly ground black pepper are all possible additions or substitutions. Fresh herbs in season are always our choice when available. Yogurt or sour cream may be substituted for the buttermilk. However, buttermilk makes the creamiest and stable (non-separating) dressing. Refrigerated and tightly covered, it will stay fresh for up to a week. If the dressing separates, re-blend.

Makes about 2 cups (16 servings).

Approximate values per serving: 129 calories, 14 g fat, 1 mg cholesterol, 1 g protein, 1 g carbohydrates, 0 fiber, 152 mg sodium, 98 percent calories from fat.

Heart Healing Ice Tea

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup fresh lemon balm leaves

• 2 tablespoon fresh lavender buds

• 2 cups hot water

• 2 cups cold water and ice

1. Steep lemon balm and lavender in boiling water about 3    minutes.
2. Add cold water and ice to pitcher
3. Strain tea into pitcher
4. Serve over additional ice (lemon wedges are optional).

Note - I like my tea strong.  If this is too much for you dilute it.  

Bibliography:

Myss, Caroline. Anatomy of the Spirit. Crown Publishing Inc. 1996.

Myss, Caroline. “Chakras.” 2010. www.myss.com Web. 29, 2012. http://myss.com/library/chakras/  

“Body Be Houses - Sacred Ground of the Great Spirit”



Graphic from The Holy Book of Women's Mysteries Part II


“Virtually all involvement with our food except for chewing and eating is done for us.” Mary Farkas, RD, MS, MA – “Food Politics” in The Holy Book of Women’s Mystery

 

“People’s bodies be houses, sacred ground for the Great Spirit….People need to know how close they are with the Earth Mother, they need to see good foods…” No Eyes, Native American teacher and visionary in Earthway

~#~

In my family’s backyard in suburbia Cleveland, my dad had an extensive organic square foot garden and compost.  Back in the 1970’s it wasn’t about knowing where your food came from, living simply or eating organic.  Bottom line, money was tight on dad’s teacher’s salary and my mom’s part-time nursing jobs.  We grew our own food to save money.  My dad would draw out the squares; and tomatoes, beans, chard, squash and peppers would be planted uniformly.  Mom’s winter meals revolved around the available vegetables in the basement freezer.  

Back then, I was totally embarrassed that vegetables were growing in the backyard and not a nicely mowed green lawn.  I wanted to be like the kids in my neighborhood who’s Moms shopped at Krogers or Rini’s.  I wanted summers that didn’t include planting, watering the garden, pulling weeds, picking beans in the humid weather, and being part of an assembly line for blanching and freezing.  I wanted to be like the Brady Bunch and not Green Acres or Little House on the Prairie.

~#~

Two weeks ago I attended a class at one of Columbus’ local food pantries.  Sadly, I found out my beloved Ohio has managed to climb to 6th worst in the nation for hunger (US Department of Agriculture).  I was told 1 in 6 households struggled last year to get enough to eat.  Local food pantries have seen a 200% increase in usage.  As the statistics for Ohio kept being rattled off, I sat dazed.  This seemed unfathomable because one of Ohio’s big exports is food and food production.  (If you aren’t familiar with my state - we have 3 major cities and some minor cities but the majority of the state is made up of farmland).  I kept asking how we got into this mess of not being able to feed our people.  (Yes, finger pointing came to mind – corporate greed, selfishness, apathy – you fill in the blank)

The second half of the class I got to experience what it was like to shop at a food pantry.  We drew names and a story of who we’d be.  The instructor told us the descriptions were based on current clients who came to the pantry.  The stories weren’t how the media portrays food pantry consumers.  The majority were families who had lost a job or had a major health problem.  I pulled an elderly couple on a fix income.  Both had major health problems and were living off his fixed retirement.  This couple didn’t have enough money to pay for their medication and food.     

I immediately looked at my food choices (i.e. ingredients) on a first walk through.  I learned that my approach in shopping was much different from the normal clients and my fellow classmates.  I drew out a meal plan for the week and created meals with the ingredients.  I also felt I could possibly make my food choices stretch over two weeks.   The instructor told me people usually come and take the quantities of the food they like and don’t see it as making meals.  She said some the choices were based on stress and guilt of living with poverty.  However, she felt it also had to do a lot not having the skills to cook or know how to plan a meal by choosing ingredients. 

She showed me the crates of heirloom tomatoes and dried red peppers mainly undisturbed.  My instructor stated that people don’t know what to do with them.  These tomatoes don’t look like the uniform red ones acquired at the groceries.  And the red peppers, people don’t realize that if you smash them up they’re the same as found in the spice section jars.

~#~

After I graduated with a degree in health education, I became interested in holistic medicine – the connection of mind, body and spirit.  My specific interests were centered on women’s health.  Most of the books I found written on this subject were either from the Native American traditions or Ayurveda medicine.    Unlike Western medicine that was starting to talk about mind and body, these traditions included spiritual health. 

Looking back three of the most influential books to me were: Mary Summer Rain’s Earthway; Z. Budapest’s Holy Book of Women’s Mysteries and Diane Stein’s: All Women are Healers.  These books talked about how we've become disconnected from Mother Earth and the food she provides us.  We had become wrapped up with convience and ease that our food was becoming very processed.  In Rain's book, No Eyes discussed how you need to use the whole potato - skin and all to recieve the health benefits from Mother Earth and the Great Spirit (Rain, 46-94).  The whole food is what keeps us healthy and functioning and allows us to do spiritual work. 

All three books discussed daily spiritual practice as having autonomy and knowing how to care for yourself.  Their three key points being: know where your food comes from, know how to cook and eat only the whole foods which promotes health.  For me, their whole foods lists didn't include my favorite treats Jeni's ice cream, Little Debbie's oatmeal cookies and German dark chocolates, and Anthony Thomas chocolate mints.    The books encouraged people to touch the earth by laying in the grass, grow herbs in a window box, go to a farmer’s market, or dig up your backyard and plant a square foot garden.  And those treats I mentioned were to be eaten in moderation.

At the time I was living in an apartment complex.  At my back stoop there as a 2 foot (.61m) by 2 foot patch of dirt that I ask the manager to use - if I recall his response was 'yea whatever.'  I went out and bought a shovel and two tomato plants, 4 marigolds and 1 basil plant.  Digging down a foot, I pulled out pieces of concrete and an aluminum can.  Immediately, I realized that dirt would not support those plants (Green Acre experience as a child).  I went to a garden shop and bought a bag of manure.  Back at the plot, I layered the dirt and manure, then planted.  The whole summer I played in the dirt and took care of those plants.  And, if you haven't experienced a sun ripened tomato  - they're like German dark chocolates - nature's candy eaten as you picked.  For me, when I was out there just looking at the plants or watering them - time seemed to stand still.  I felt connected to something bigger.

~#~

Recipe for fresh pesto

4 cups of fresh basil leaves
6 sprigs of parsley
2 cloves of garlic
1 medium onion
1/2 cup of olive oil
1/2 cup of pine nuts
1/2 cup of fresh graded Parmesan

(In a blender/food processor place garlic and onion and pulse till chopped.  Add basil, parsley and olive oil and blend till chopped fine.) * Place pine nuts in a heated pan and toast lightly.  Add basil mixture.  Dump on pasta of your choice.  Add cheese

*I freeze this basil mixture in plastic containers.  I take them out and thaw; using them in soups, my tomato sauce, and as pesto over pasta.

~#~

Activities:

Learn how to read a food label. 

Cooking on a budget - one of my favorite cooking blogs shares ideas - Simply Recipe.  I also like this UK site called Student Cook.

There are many weekly meal planning tools out on the web.  I use it because I work full time, go to school and a Mom.  Mainly, it is one less thing I have to think about.  One site - Meal Planning Made Simple.

Check out seed catalogs - especially if it is snowy outside.  Nice dream of summer activity.

Go to a local farmer's market.

Plant a basil plant in a pot.  Depending on the size of the pot - you can get a basil bush.  When it begins to flower cut it back.  You can use the flowers to make the pesto too.

Watch a kitchen witch/kitchen goddess/food deva on the food network.  Teach yourself and your children how to cook meals with whole foods.