Do you EAR me?
Did you know in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the ear is a microcosm of the whole body? You will find TCM all throughout East Asia and many Southeast Asian countries. One of the predominate treatments is acupuncture.
We can treat the whole body via the ear such as skeletal issues, pain, headaches, immunity, addiction, emotional stress, digestion issues, insomnia etc. How cool is that! Generally, I like acupuncture needles, but I may use ear seeds or metal pellets for children or those that are sensitive and there is also a little pen that gives a teeny tiny electrical charge to the points without use of a needle.
Outside of my private practice, I travel like a food truck or a superhero at a kid’s party (ha, ha, ha) to do events, parties (home or office) and fundraisers. No getting undressed, just sitting down for a quick ear treatment. Traditional Chinese Herbal Teas also available.
What a wonderful way to say thank you to your staff. Invite me in for the day and they can drop by for a quick treatment.
#NeedlesandTeas #EarMe #IEarYou #NaturalMedicine #AncientWisdom #TraditionalChineseMedicine #Acupuncture #Events #Parties #Fundraisers #HealingHands #MicrocosmTreatment
If you are interested, message me.
Mostly Los Angeles but I may travel to Ventura, Santa Barbara & San Diego Counties. When it is a big event there are 3 Licensed Acupuncturists I travel with.
Effort.
It is an interesting thing to ponder and I love pondering.
Always choose the path of effort. Enough said, I could stop right here, but I won’t.
When we put forth effort or labor, we reap the fruits of our labor. Without effort there is no fruit, no reward, no blossoming, no gift. Sustenance is built. We build our lives on every level with our effort. We work with energy, sincerity, focus & effort in order to bloom to our potential.
Don’t Put Things Off.
Anytime you find yourself justifying putting something off then stop and do it immediately. Of course, there are exceptions but when we resist putting forth effort then we are building resistance itself. If we have a negative response to effort then we must change our thoughts and our emotional responses toward effort.
What Happens When We Don’t put forth Effort?
Do you want to drive a car that wasn't properly built because someone didn’t put forth the effort to safely design or build it? Do you want to send your kids to a school where the teacher doesn’t have a lesson plan, because they didn’t want to put forth the effort?
How do you think about Work, Tasks, or Jobs?
Many of us have trained ourselves to resist and procrastinate or sloppily do a task. It is not who we are but after a while we believe it is. It is a learned behavior, a habit, that is all. Behaviors can be learned and unlearned, but it takes effort and persistence.
Work and Effort in your work are not awful unless you think them to be so. Learn a new skill that you think you could not, take care of your mind, body, and spirit. Cultivate your heart through service, exercise your body and use your mind to grow.
You must discipline yourself. Let’s not confuse discipline with rigidity. They are entirely different. Disciple is the root of the word discipline. We want to be followers on the path of being our best selves by being disciplined.
Procrastination also known as Resistance.
Procrastination is not an attribute.
Steven Pressfield, in “The War of Art,” wrote that resistance is pointing the direction to the action you need to take.
It Matters, because You are Worth It.
Make your home rise up to meet your spirit. Treat your body as a temple for that spirit.
You may think, who cares if my bed is made? Why does my home have to be clean? I will do the laundry later. When is later? It doesn’t exist. If it isn’t in your planner or calendar to be done and if it is not given a time to do it and perhaps a reminder like a gentle alarm on your phone, then it most likely won’t get done. Cook healthy meals and exercise. Don’t diminish the value of hygiene and cleaning your living and working space. Organize and beautify your life with whatever budget you have. Put forth the effort, it is an act of self-care.
No Cheating & Be Honest with Yourself.
And perhaps you have felt, “it’s easier to cheat than do the work “. Wrong thinking. How would you feel if your Medical Doctor cheated their way through medical school? Would you want to befriend or do business with someone who had a propensity of cheating?
Be honest about your true intentions even if they are negative. If you are negative then own it, forgive it, bless yourself, seek help and strive to do better. You can’t change things you do not acknowledge. If you are wrapped up in negative thought, then be honest about it, so that you can change it.
Effort in Communication
You can be strong and speak up without being reactive or aggressive against someone or something. You can also listen and be compassionate toward yourself and others without being a doormat or manipulated. Being true to ourselves, our true nature creates balance. It takes away the need to implode or explode. It takes effort to cultivate excellent communication skills, but it is worth it.
Effort in Focus & Understanding.
You may have trouble paying attention or understanding something but there is a way through every obstacle, so find someone or something that can teach you what you need to learn. Seek in sincerity and not in desperation or frustration even if you are challenged in an area.
Effort to Live a Balanced Life.
Knowing when to rest, work and play are important. There is balance to everything.
Effort takes energy and focus and sometimes we don’t feel we have either, but we can find it if we dig deep, if we require it of ourselves and if we don’t take the easy way out and numb or space out with whatever vice we fancy. Everything must be in balance and when we want to change our lives we must put forth the effort. Figure out what is out of balance in your life and find your way back harmoniously.
Finish What you Start.
Complete your tasks. Give yourself a sense of completion with the gift of accomplishment.
Judgement.
Don’t Judge your effort or lack thereof. Just observe it. If others are judging, remember it is a reflection of their minds and hearts, not yours.
Forgiveness.
Lastly, always forgive yourself and others. Every breath is a new chance to start again. Sometimes we have to stop behaviors or end certain relationships because they are toxic. We can walk away with compassion if need be.
Like all positive mental and emotional states, acceptance must be practiced regularly. I have yet to meet a human being that lives in a blissful peaceful state of acceptance at all times.
A situation happens. Maybe it is health issue, maybe it is financial, relationship or maybe it is a death. No matter what it is, it takes a while to get to acceptance.
Acceptance is different than tolerance. We often think of tolerating as “putting up with” something we don’t want to or don’t approve of. Like how some religious people tolerate other religions but think they are wrong, and their way is the only “right” way, lacking the peaceful or loving acceptance of others that their own religion calls for. Or we tolerate our Crazy Uncle and his rude comments at holiday meals when we wish he just wouldn’t come to them, but it is important to our parents he is welcomed and accepted. We tolerate a leaky roof because we don’t have the money to fix it yet. We tolerate a health issue because we don’t have a choice.
But we do have a choice to some degree. If we see all life circumstances as our spiritual lessons, then we can add gratitude to them. Once that element is there then we have a stream even if a small one of acceptance flowing in. It is a practice. It is sitting in meditation or deep contemplation and finding what this situation has taught us and given us. That can be difficult when it is something dire, but it can be done. The body holds on to memories, so it remembers the past all too well which disturbs our nervous system and state of being, so we have to practice acceptance daily and whenever our upset is triggered.
Meditation is like taking a shower. You have to do it daily. You brush your teeth daily , so why wouldn’t you cleanse your mind daily? Take out the mental emotional garbage and fill it with peace. Even if you don’t find peace right way. Keep looking for a particular mediation that has worked for you or can hold your attentions. I would rather someone meditate 3 minutes daily then an hour once a week. Because we are what we repeatedly do. So even if your meditation is unfocused or feels negative remember you’re sitting with yourself and working with where you are. Don’t give up and run from it. When I am distracted I say internally, “wow I am really distracted” and I let it go. If I am angry or hurt I say the same thing and then I let it float downstream. That is where having a mantra or a mental focus or breathing technique can help bring the mind to a focus.
If acceptance is difficult for you start with something you already accept easily and then move on to something that isn’t too difficult. I accept I have gained weight, because I have compassion for the part of me that was struggling. I accept I had difficult financial loses over the pandemic because I have faith in myself and the infinite to find balance is more important than money. I accept I have grief I have for the death of my brother and mother because I feel they are at peace. Sometimes I am peaceful about it, sometimes sad and sometimes angry. I accept that. Like I accept I have to pay taxes. I would rather see a flat tax across the board. I think we should get more for our taxed money like better education and free education preschool through college or trade schools ( if upper education is desired) and I like knowing we have fire fighters and roads being repaired even if our infrastructure has not been properly kept up. You see those are things that I haven’t quiet let go of, that still stir me, but I am able to add in acceptance to the pot.
A drop of acceptance can color the waters into a different more peaceful tone. WE have to practice acceptance, peace and stillness in order to find it. We don’t create it, we uncover it, because it resides within us and is waiting to be brought forth and cultivated.
It is easier to cultivate acceptance if you practice gratitude daily, so that space already exists in our hearts and minds for peace.
Namaste Everyone - the light in me acknowledges the light in you.
While we all can debate whether January 1st really has a seasonal aspect of newness, it is definitely a new beginning. After the past few years of the pandemic, we could all use that. Remember that every day is a new beginning with every breath and every moment, so we are never without momentum or inspiration for the future.
Later this month on January 22nd we will move into the Lunar New Year. Lunar often called Chinese New Year is well celebrated in many eastern countries of Asia. It falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice which is around December 21 every year.
This year it will be year of the Rabbit and Water rabbit to be precise. Year of Water Rabbit will be about prosperity & diplomacy. Perfect timing. Water is extremely adaptable as an element. It can soften even the roughest edges over time making them smooth. It carries or reflects emotions. It rules the organs and channels of the Kidneys and Urinary Bladder in Chinese Medicine. It has the ability to cleanse so that the brightness of the UB channel and Essence of the Kidneys shine through without fear or rigidity. Living in our essence from our truth and shining the brightness of our soul is imperative for our health and happiness.
Rabbits gentle nature and extreme auspiciousness means it is a good time to end wars and unrest. The generous nature of rabbit will bring about more to give, and we will see countries that have unrest start to listen to their people. It can also aid in the beginning of healing political divides. Rome wasn’t built in a day as they say, so don’t expect it all to happen at once. It begins the shift of change.
Come March in western astrology Pluto which has been in Capricorn since 2008 will move into the sign of Aquarius. Pluto rules death, power, and transformation. Capricorn - rules structure, tradition, and institutions. Aquarius – rules humanitarianism, technology and innovation. The opportunity to change power structures for the good of all will be born this year and continue. Pluto takes 248 years to circle the sun and has an elliptical orbit, which means that it stays in the sign it rules which is Scorpio for 12 years and the sign of its fall Taurus for 30 and every other sign somewhere in between. We will see Pluto move into Aquarius and retrograde back into Capricorn once more then it will be in Aquarius for quite some time before moving on to Pisces in 2043.
So, 2023 will birth good in a lot of ways for many years. But remember when power shifts there is fear which brings pushback from those who don’t want to let go or are afraid of change. When Pluto enters a sign, it must change. The need for better privacy protections will start this year with media and technology. There is no choice, change for the better or it'll take you down. Aquarius will give us surprises but whether they are positive or negative it is how we deal with them that matters. Rabbit energy will help transform power globally in a gentler and better way with the graceful fluidity, and power of water clearing the way.
Cheers to you all. To the Health & Well Being of All People & All Life.
I took this photo of this beautiful green plant with dazzling yellow flower from my driveway and rusty (destressed- ha-ha) gate. It makes me so happy I cannot even explain in words the happiness and peace it gives me. I suppose it gives me hope.
Through the hard concrete driveway nature springs forth with beauty making me realize our resilience & strength. This is the graceful prevailing beauty of our truth, our true being, our true nature.
It reminds me of that quote from Nickelodeon's TV show "Avatar the Last Airbender" when Uncle Iroh says to Prince Zuko, "You must never give into despair. Allow yourself to slip down that road, and you surrender to your lowest instincts. In the darkest of times HOPE is something you give yourself. That is the meaning of INNER STRENGTH.
We must slow down even for a minute every day to see what we can learn from nature for this beautiful green and yellow flower gives me hope, strength, peace, and gratitude. I didn't need the lottery or a magic wand, just the powers of observation.
Go forth and observe.
So how is the New Year treating you thus far? We have made it through the first month of 2022 and embarked yesterday into the Lunar or Chinese New Year. Year of the Tiger. For those of you who have set goals or implemented resolutions for the year to come let me plant this seed.
Plan everything! Organize Everything (even your down time)! Schedule your time to watch Netflix, your shopping time, your shower, going through daily mail/email, cooking, cleaning, and eating, exercise, meditation, work, commutes, chores…you get the picture. Life will throw us a few curve balls that we will have to adapt to but that should not impede your focus.
The mind benefits and can focus when the environment is set up for it to focus. The ancient art of Feng Shui is the placement of items to better balance a living space so one can benefit from and live in harmony with the energy of a space. When you have a stack of clutter the overwhelm can actually paralyze you into non action. The way to Trick the Resistance and Overwhelm is by taking Baby Steps. Break the task down into something so miniscule that you set yourself up for success. If you feel overwhelmed ask a friend to come help you and you in turn, go and help them. It is always easier to organize when you have help.
We have the need for organization even on our computers, keep files for specifics such as utilities, banking. Organize photos by years and clean out the unwanted email daily and unsubscribe to advertising.
After planning your day and week whether in a paper planner or your phones calendar you will come to get a better idea of how long certain tasks actually take you. Which makes it easier for next time.
If I show you a mountain and I say go over that mountain. You may wonder how? But if there is a road or a path then you will know precisely how you will go over the mountain. It gives you a clear focus and direction. That is what keeping a planned schedule and organizing your space does. Planning and organizing creates a space for the mind to function just as the road creates a clear pathway for action. Create a pathway for your mind to function by organizing your living and workspace & organizing your day with a schedule.
The majority of overwhelming anxiety and curmudgeonly resistance comes in the avoidance not in the doing. The more you delay the thicker that wall of resistance comes. So, when I ask you to climb the mountain you will only see the cement wall you have built that blocks your view.
There is a Chinese saying, “there can only be one tiger on the mountain.” That means one who is in command. Take command of your own life with scheduling and organizing. Maybe you will follow through 100 percent. Maybe you will struggle and follow through 30 percent. But keep working at it because you deserve to live as majestically as the mountains with that elevated clear view and perspective. Have dominion over your own life and living space this year with the power, ability, courage, and grace of the Tiger.
Tuesday February 1st, 2022 is the Lunar New Year also known as Chinese New Year. It is the year of the Tiger. We transition from the steadfast and hardworking Ox to the Courageous and Adventurous energy of the Tiger.
Tigers are the third in the Chinese Zodiac. According to legend, Tiger was confident that no one could compete with its speed and vigor for the celestial race that would decide the order of the zodiacs. However, when Tiger climbed out of the river, thinking it was first, it was informed that Rat placed first for its cunning and Ox placed second for its diligence. This left the king of the jungle having to settle for third place. A little humble pie is always good now and again to check one’s ego.
There is a fierce independence to Tiger energy, but also a rebelliousness and stubborn energy. While Tigers are grand, they are also noble. They are loyal and fiercely protect those who are in their care. They tend to be self-confident and successful. We could see meaningful change and expansion with a Tiger year.
The element this year is water. Water symbolizes wealth and vital force, emotional depth and memory. Expansion could be tumultuous and come through conflict due to Tigers fierce quality. But expansion it will be no matter how it comes. Because Tiger is powerful and dynamic. It comes with purpose, strength & fearlessness.
Use its energy and prowess to take care of your health and physical wellbeing. Be mindful to not over do things. Watch extremes with emotions, diet, and money. Apply conscious breathing to your actions and mindful integrity to your motivations. This will be a year full of energy and the perfect to time to take care of one’s health.
It’s time to move our collective consciousness out of any stagnation, complacency, and fears. It is time to carve a new path with the force of this vital, Water Tiger so that we can change where we have been stuck. It takes force to move things and Tiger and Water both have it.
In short- keep your ego in check. Take care of your health and your wealth. It is time to change what needs to be changed and don’t sweat the bumps along the way. Protect what is yours and those you love. Go ahead and expand your possibilities. Do not resist or rebel merely because you can. Your strength will be in the dignified way you will conduct yourself to make the needed changes this year with integrity. It is time to show your stripes via gifts & skills. It is time to act and we all will be gifted the energy to do just that!
