Everyone has heard of the 12 days of Christmas. This year my family and I experienced the 4+ days of darkness.It was ironic because the day before the storm I was talking with my boys about what a pioneer Christmas would have been like, what their gifts were like, their meals etc. How they would have been grateful for the smallest of things. We have so much, so many conveniences, and so many 'things' we all take for granted. So it was a truly bizarre twist of fate not even 24 hours later to find ourselves without many of those conveniences we take for granted.
Like many others in our area after the ice storm, we experienced loss of power and no heat in the days leading up to Christmas. The ice storm left all of the trees encased in ice. They looked truly beautiful. That is until the weight of the ice caused them to crack and lose limbs and be completely torn apart. We lost several trees. I love trees. I have always loved trees and this to me was devastating, and hopeless. there was nothing to do to help. The ice was too thick to crack off the branches. We just had to wait and hope it would thaw.Being without power or heat. That was not devastating. That was an adventure. Evenings spent by candlelight playing boardgames as a family. Cooking on the campstove, getting creative as to what to make for dinner. Days spent hiking outside. It was as though we were all in a cocoon with one another for 4 days. My boys could not watch tv, or get on their devices, or play video games. I could not do my Christmas newsletter or answer emails or catch up on all of my work stuff. We simply were. Our lives became remarkably simple. Cuddling up at night to stay warm. Phone battery dying from no way to recharge it. We were cut off from the rest of the world. For a few days stores were closed, so there was no where to go, nothing to do. My boys did not complain once. Thank goodness they are used to camping.
Although cold and inconvenient we loved the adventure. We were certainly glad to have our power and heat restored on Christmas eve-especially since it was such a cold night that night, but overall we took the inconvenience and made something magical with it. I believe that in the years to come my children will remember this Christmas to be one of the simplest and most significant of all of our Christmases because we all spend huge amounts of quality time together. We shared and learned from one another.As for the other positives, I felt less guilty about my massive candle collection(I have a weakness for them), it was put to good use. Also I learned how to play chess a bit better. I hadn't played since I was 12 and all of my boys schooled me in the art of the game. They were merciless. Had out power not gone out we would not have had the experiences we had, the conversations we had, or the cuddling and bonding we all shared(my twins are 13 and oldest is 15 now-so those moments are rare!), and for that I am truly blessed.I am also grateful for those men and women who were out there working day and night to restore the power and services back for the rest of us, so we could be comfortable. They took time out of their holidays to help all of us.Now that the lights and the heat are back on, I am slowly re-entering the world outside. Earlier today I ventured into a store. I felt like I was from another planet as I wandered around for a solid 30 minutes just blown away by all of the things. Right now I have my computer back on and am trying to catch up on my to do list. Although it feels good to get things done, honestly right now I would rather be cuddled up in the dark with a few candles, a hot chocolate, and trying to defend my king from my crafty 13 year old.I hope no matter how busy things have been or continue to be, that you can all enjoy some quiet simple moments this holiday season.Big Blessings,Kerri
Castor Oil ~ Natures Cure All
castoroil
Recently I have been using castor oil packs on my legs to help with tight calf muscles from running. Kim Keresturi our RMT was the one who suggested it. Before that, I had only ever heard of castor oil packs on the abdomen. I have had great results with this method and thought I should share it.
What is Castor Oil?
Castor oil has a long history of traditional medical use dating back to ancient Egypt. Castor oil is derived from the castor bean (Ricinus communis). Although it used to be taken orally as a laxative, it's now known to be toxic and is used only externally over unbroken skin. It should only be used after consulting a health care professional.
What is a Castor Oil Pack?
A castor oil pack involves the use of cloth soaked in castor oil which is placed on the skin. It's used by some alternative practitioners to enhance circulation and to promote the healing of the tissues and organs underneath the skin. Alternative practitioners also use it to improve liver function, relieve pain, reduce inflammation and to improve digestion.
How is a Castor Oil Pack Made?
Closeup of young woman with hand on her stomach
Castor oil packs are made by soaking a piece of flannel in castor oil and placing it on the skin. The flannel is covered with a sheet of plastic, and then a hot water bottle is placed over the plastic to heat the pack.A castor oil pack can be placed on the following body regions:
The right side of the abdomen. Castor oil packs are sometimes recommended by alternative practitioners as part of a liver detox program.
Inflamed and swollen joints, bursitis, and muscle strains.
The abdomen to relieve constipation and other digestive disorders.
The lower abdomen in cases of menstrual irregularities and uterine and ovarian cysts.
Materials
Cotton flannel, or other 100% natural material large enough to cover the affected area
Castor oil
Plastic wrap cut one to two inches larger than the flannel (can be cut from a plastic bag)
Hot water bottle
Container with lid
A thin towel (I use a tea towel) (I prefer a thin towel so the heat can still get through)
If doing this in your bed lay on a towel or use older sheets. Castor oil may stain clothing and bedding.
castoroilpack
Method
1. Place the flannel in the container. Soak it in castor oil so that it is saturated, but not dripping.2. Place it over your whole abdomen (make sure to include the liver and the uterus), or if doing a pack on another area, place the pack over the affected body part.3. Place the piece of plastic on top and then place the towel.4. Place the hot water bottle over the pack. Leave it on for 45-60 minutes. Rest while the pack is in place.5. When you remove the pack, the remaining oil can be massaged into the skin or cleaned off using the other clean flannel cloth.6. Store the pack in the covered container in the refrigerator. Each pack may be reused up to 25-30 times.
7. Take it easy for a couple of hours after doing a Castor oil application.
Properties Of Castor Oil Therapy
Castor oil assists the body in the removal of inflammatory components like prostaglandins. This decreases pain during menses and pain associated with endometriosis, inflammation, and adhesions."Scientific studies have shown that Castor oil treatments can boost the immune system by increasing the number of total lymphocyte count."Castor Oil Packs Break Up Scar TissueCastor oil therapy can be effective in breaking up scar tissue and adhesions. Castor oil pack also loosens up masses or cysts and can remove toxins from as deep as 8 cm.Castor Oil Packs Aid Tissue DetoxCastor oil stimulates lymphatic drainage and removes waste products from the tissues and cells.
Other Benefits Of Castor Oil Therapy
The following conditions respond to the application of Castor oil packs:1. Menstrual dysfunction and painful periods.2. Liver, pancreas and gallbladder disorders.3. Digestive and stomach problems.4. Adhesion and scarring of the Fallopian tubes.5. Constipation and poor elimination through the bowels.6. Benign fibroids, endometriosis and ovarian cysts.7. Lymphatic congestion and swollen lymph nodes.8. Constipation, bowel impaction or adhesions.9. Bladder and vaginal infections.10. Fibrocystic breast disease (breast applications).11. Can be used to treat gynaecological disorders related to infertility, like endometriosis, fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome, etc.Castor oil is absorbed easily into the body through the skin and its healing components are delivered directly into the body tissues.
Safety Precautions
Do not apply a Castor oil packs on broken skin. Avoid doing castor oil pack during menses. In women who are actively trying to conceive, it is best to avoid castor oil therapy after ovulation has been detected. Avoid applying heat on the abdomen during early pregnancy as this can affect the developing baby. in fact, castor oil treatment are contraindicated in pregnant and nursing moms. If you have uterine bleeding or suffer from cancerous tumors do not do castor oil packs. For any serious conditions talk to your doctor before doing castor oil therapy.Kim Keresturi, our RMT at Circle of Light introduced me to Castor Oil a few years ago. Thank you Kim!
10 Life Lessons I Learned While Running
I like to run. Not for the fitness, or the exercise, or to train for anything. I just like the freedom it brings. For me it is pure joy. I was introduced to running when I was 9 years old and ever since then it has been in and out of my life. I usually go with no set distance in mind. I run until my body is 'done' sometimes it's 5km, sometimes closer to 20km. I sometimes take break from running as well. It is not something I 'need' to do. It is more of an intuitive experience I guess. So I am by no means what people would consider a 'good runner. I do it for the Love of it.Here are 10 lessons I learned while running that also apply to life. Enjoy!1. BreatheBreathe thru joy, difficulty, discomfort, hills and even when you feel you cannot breathe. Breathing stills the mind, it let's us know we are alive, our heart still beats. We let things go with the breath and with the breath we breathe new life in.2. Support is RequiredIn running, shoes can make all the difference in the world between feeling good or not so good. They can prevent or provoke injury. In life we also need the right support. There are different kinds of support just as there are different kinds of relationships. Some things work for some people and not for others. Finding the support that is right for you helps you negotiate life with more ease. 3. Never Give UpAlthough there may come a time in your life where you have exhausted all options and may feel you need to give up on someone or something-Never Give Up On Yourself.
4. Power of The MindThe mind determines the outcome.Yes the body can tire, but it's the mind that will decide if your body can take you that extra mile.5. Lack Of Commitment Is FatalA plan is needed in running and in life. A route. A time set aside. Failure to plan is a default plan to fail. Lack of commitment will result in you eventually giving up: on your dreams, on your life, on your future and on yourself.6. Enjoy The JourneyI feel this one is the most important. Sometimes in life we focus on goals or results and we may miss the joy or adventure of getting from A-B. This applies to running and life. Look around. Feel that sunset, breathe in the fresh air, connect with the trees. In whatever you do, do it for the Love of it7. Sometimes Its An Alone JourneyLearn to be o.k in your alone-ness. You can run with another or a group but that requires sometimes altering your pace to fit in. We all have our own unique pace and when you run alone you connect to that. Sometimes in life we need to work in groups or if we feel we are changing our pace too much for others, we may need to go it alone. Having the awareness of which one you need at any given time is important.
8. No One Can Do It For YouNo one can live your life for you. Just like no one can run for you. People can love and support and cheer you on (just like in life) but you are the one who has to put your shoes on and walk out that door and engage it.9. Its O.K. To Take A Time OutThere are days you are going to want to not run, to rest, to sit it out just like in life. Take that time if you really need it but do not let days become weeks and years. Life is for living not to sit on the sidelines and watch it roll by.10. Switch Up Your RouteChange your routine. Keep it fresh. Keep a bit of the unknown alive. Say yes to adventure. That side trail may be a dead end or a magical trail to a place you've never been.Most of all have fun!Love,Kerri
Are You 'Wearing' Your Illness?
Please do not ever wear your illness.What does that even mean?
I've noticed lately how we introduce ourselves has changed over the years. It used to be career or family or relationships that people identified with.Now people seem to introduce themselves with their illnesses or limitations. Whether its physical, mental, or emotional. At first I thought this was just happening to me. Once people realized I was a holistic practitioner, they would then proceed to share their medical history. But then it happened again the other day, with a person had never met me before, and did not know what I did for a living and it got me thinking. What is going on out there in the world that we feel the need to disclose personal health information with people we just meet? Is it that we are just more aware of our bodies? Or has social media created a world in which people interacting with one another feel the need to share Everything.While I celebrate our new found awareness that we are more aware of what's going on in our body, I do question if it's healthy to identify the Who in the 'Who We Are' with those things so thoroughly.Identifying with our illness solidifies it. It becomes part of the personality, and as a result becomes locked into the mind. In truth the mind is fluid. Things in the body are in constant change and flux. Some parts of the body actually change moment to moment. If you are going to grab onto a belief and identify yourself with it, please make it a positive one, a hopeful one. And don't use illness as an excuse for why you do not participate in life.(More on that Here)I would love for people to introduce themselves and share their dreams and goals. If they have to talk about their illnesses, to speak of them in fleeting transitory terms like 'You may have noticed I'm currently facing the challenge of (such and such) though it may be clearly visible to you, I want you to know I'm not letting this current situation define my life. I'm working with it to heal and balance it the best I can. And though you may see this about me first I want you to know that I am (this this and this) as a person. That's Who I Am.'I find people born with physical disabilities or have to deal with ones on a daily basis that are hard to miss are the first ones to Not define themselves by it. They do not want to. My father in law was in a wheelchair most of his life and he rarely if ever spoke of it. He was obviously in the chair. But he spoke of other things. He never let it stop him. He was still a scout leader. He invented a contraption to help him hang his basement drop ceiling. He swam, scuba dived, and could fix anything. Sure he almost injured himself a million different other ways doing some of these things but he LIVED life. He Never let his disability undermine his ability.I find people today use their (insert everything from ADHD to gluten allergy to back pain) to define them and prevent them from not only acknowledging their abilitie,s but in living their lives. When a group of unwell people are talking it can become almost a contest. No longer do people talk of jobs, cars, houses, or neighborhoods to brag of social status.(thank goodness) But they will list off all manner of illnesses and problems and the winner is the person with the most things wrong with them. They win the sympathy of the group. I'm just waiting for the day when those letters that some people send in lieu of Christmas cards do not tell you about that families trips or children's accomplishments, etc. but instead will list personal ailments. Or when those cute cartoon stick people families on the back of cars morph to have symbols representing everyones 'conditions'.Why am I even blogging about this? Who cares you say? Why not let everyone introduce themselves with their illness and limitations forevermore?
Because WHAT WE SAY MATTERS.Our Thoughts over time actually Become Matter.Please please before you speak, consider that you are ordering from that vast soup of potential-the quantum field. To say something out loud means you have had to think it for a very long time and The Thought is What Creates Your Reality.Believe me, I know illness is out there. I know some of us will face horrendous challenges and heartache in our lives. And that's hard.But if it happens to you, please do not let that illness, imbalance, or terrible life event claim and take over your mind. Keep your mind a sanctuary of peace and allow those other things to morph and change and heal and balance. And if they cannot or will not and they are life long please do not let them define or limit you. Leave a space in your mind that is hopeful, that will create a space for healing. Find a way to Live your Life and your Dreams despite your circumstance. You owe yourself that much.May you all have joy, love and perfect radiant health!Always,Kerri
What You 'Want' You Will Never Have
That above statement is not only true it is the law of attraction at work.What you 'want' you will never have because you are in the act of wanting it.The very act of wanting pushes it away.Do you really really Want something?Then Stop Wanting it and start BEING it.This applies to everything. abundance, health, relationships, career, family, etc.Wanting keeps you waiting. It keeps you a victim in your own life.Life is too short to waste time by not living it 100%.The fastest way to create something new in your life is to Stop Wanting It and start BECOMING it.How do you do that?1. Take action. What action would you be taking if that thing you wanted was already in your life?2. Have a plan. Have a few steps you can take forwards. You do not need to see the whole staircase remember? Just the first few steps.
3. End victimization. Throw your excuses and 'poor me' out in the trash where they belong. As long as you are seeing yourself as a victim of circumstance you will never take constructive action towards your future.4. Own it. Be ok with being that what you want. Don't judge your dreams. If your dreams come true it is not at the expense of anyone else. You are not stealing anyone else dreams or joy. There is enough love & abundance in the world for everyone, and thankfully we all have our own unique dreams.
5. Remove fear. The # 1 stumbling block of anything is Fear. Self doubt is fear with a different name-they are essentially one and the same thing. You want this remember? You don't have the time & energy to waste on being afraid of it. Take action-even baby steps forward will alleviate fear.6. Be flexible. It's ok to change your mind. That thing you want? As you get closer to it if you realize you don't want it after all and just thought you did- that's ok. Nothing is wasted. At least you have realized that now and not later. So scratch that dream off the list and replace it with something you feel you truly want.
Now go out there and do it!
I Don't Believe In Miracles ~ I Expect Them
Several years ago I was invited to speak at an event. The opening speaker was a native elder and he said something I will never forget.He said,"I don't believe in miracles I expect them."I was more than a bit surprised.What did he mean?What a bold thing to say!To 'Expect' miracles!Honestly!But today I realize what he said, it's SO TRUE!When we Trust and Love and Live in the Flow of Life Miracles Abound!When we are Present and Aware and live our lives in a state of Gratitude we soon realize Miracles are Everywhere and are Happening All of The Time!We simply need to take notice, to look and listen and feel what is happening around us.
I just wanted to share this with all of you. I hope it helps you pause and take notice of the miracles at work in your own life.I now live every day expecting miracles. I welcome and embrace them and am so grateful for them when they arrive.What miracles have you experienced this week?In love & service,Kerri
'I Can't' ~ Two Words That Will Get You Nowhere
Have you ever said 'I can't'? Most people have at one point in their lives.Those two words hold a lot of power. More than you realize.Just contemplate for a moment.....How often do you use them in your life?'I can't' can also appear as 'I won't', 'I don't want to', 'I'd rather not', 'I don't know how to', and 'I'm too afraid to''I can't' happens when we feel powerless, when we feel unable to make change or take a step forward.In truth we are Never powerless. It is only our fear that stops us from action.Sometimes it is necessary to stop and reassess and take stock of our lives, so uttering an 'I can't' can buy some time or result in a much needed 'time-out'.'I can't' can become problematic in your life when you find it is a recurring pattern and/or it is replacing the 'I can's'.'I can't' ultimately is an excuse not to participate in life. We are all here to participate in life. The body will not thrive in an environment of 'i can't' for long without some ill effects. 'I can't' is often used as an excuse to not act, to not decide, and to not change.
It is used as an excuse because it sounds so much better than I won't or I don't want to. 'I can't' doesn't invite argument. No one is going to say why can't you? Whereas people would easily say why don't you want to? Excuses are handy. They can be helpful when you need a break. But are your excuses killing you softly?The refusal to change out of a negative or toxic situation whether it's a job relationship or habit can slowly deplete you life-force energy over time. The early stages often manifest as fatigue, depression, anxiety, and can continue to affect organs and systems more directly as adrenal failure, chronic fatigue, cancers, heart disease.If you ever feel stuck in the 'I can't' but you know you need to make a change in your life then that is a great time to enlist the help of a professional to guide you through the process. Whether its a gentle nudge you need, or a complete overhaul, there are many wonderful healers, counselors, life coaches, lawyers, etc. out there who can help you. The good ones will never tell you what to do, but they will support and guide you to get to that place where you know what you want to/need to do.Sometimes just information gathering will make you feel more empowered. Education dissolves fear, and this will help you move towards making a choice.If you ever find yourself stuck in the 'I can't', taking action (any action!) will help move you out of that energy into the energy of 'I can' which will empower you and begin to move you forward.
This post is just about awareness. In my line of work I encounter a lot of people living in the mentality of 'I can't' and they do nto even realize it, nor do they realize the unique link it has to their wellness. Just start tracking your 'I can'ts' , just to notice where and when you use them. That alone is a very enlightening exercise. Then you can begin to try changing them to 'I can' or at the very least an 'I will try'.Lots of Love,KerriI created Circle of Light to support everyone on their journey. We have many helpful services and talented caring staff. As with anything else always use your intuition and meditate on it or contemplate in silence the best course of action for yourself. If you need us we are happy to be of service to you.www.circleoflightwellness.com
In Search of Sweetness ~ Reflections on Peru
I recently returned from Peru.Though I have been back for over two weeks I felt like I actually 'came back' (to earth) a few days ago. I was not there long but I may as well have been on the moon with the amount of time it has taken me to re-acclimatize. We spent most of our time in the Andes working closely with shamans and priests experiencing numerous ceremonies and healings and blessings.I was completely transformed by the experience. So much so that it has taken me a while to process everything. They were experiences I will always treasure.T
he shamans we worked with spoke Quechua. It is the Incan Andean language. Many also speak Spanish but the majority of people from the mountains or smaller communities only speak Quechua.Our guide was explaining a few years ago Quechua was dying out, not that many people spoke it. Today it is coming back. Most children will learn Quechua during their first few years and then they learn Spanish. He was very happy about this because he loved the language.(With Maria & Manuel ~ Q'ero Paccas (priests)He said it is a very Sweet language. He said this with such depth of feeling, we all took notice. I had never hear anyone describe a language as 'sweet' before and he was so sweet saying it. It was a moment that has stayed with me.After spending 15 days with people speaking Quechua I can say with certainty that our guide was absolutely right. It IS a Sweet language spoken by Sweet people.The people who speak it do so with love in their hearts; for their people, for their culture, for their brothers and sisters, and a reverence for the earth, and all of nature. The language is exactly as they are. Heartfelt and True.We learned many things on this trip but the love and the sweetness is what has stayed with me the most. 
Just as the hummingbird that collects the nectar from flowers, we all went through our own journey collecting our own sweet experiences and memories.Even in the Despachos (offerings for mother earth) there was always sweetness present in the form of flowers, sugar, candies and cookies. These are always a part of the offering because the people believe Pachamama (mother earth) is similar to a little girl and that she enjoys sweets.Reflecting on my past experiences with Pachamama I have never experienced her as a sweet candy loving young girl. In ceremony I have felt her as a loving mother, stern mother, wise teacher, healer, but I never as a little girl excited to get a treat. The image that conjured up made me smile. Why not? Aren't we all children at heart. Why would the earth mother be any different?
So many experiences on this trip, but right now what stands out the most is the connection I made with the earth, with the people, with the sacred places we visited, and with myself.ALL parts of myself but especially that little sweet child inside. The one who loves to throw her arms in the air on a sunny day and twirl. The one who says yes to everything. The one who springs out of bed at 6am because she is so excited what the day will bring. The one who loves breathing in the fresh air and being outside all day. The one who gets lost in playing. The one who loves everyone and everything. The one who sees the bright side of any situation. And much much more.I connected with my inner little girl on this trip and it feels really really good.Since I've been back I've been playing more, laughing more, creating more, and am more patient and loving in my relationships with others.
I think that Peruvian sweetness has rubbed off on me a little and it's all good. I find I am loving myself more-ALL parts of myself.This experience has changed and blessed my life and transformed my approach to life, and my goals and dreams for the future.They are as large and colorful as a Koricancha (Quechua for Rainbow)I have much more to share but have been at a loss for words to describe the depth of experiences I have had on this trip. I know! Me! A loss for words?! LOL. I will post more about Peru in the near future but for in the meantime a Very Large Solpayki, (‘thank you’ in Quechua) to my soul brothers and sisters who accompanied me on this sacred journey, the beautiful healers and teachers we met, our Amazing guides, Pachamama for holding us lovingly as we laughed cried and healed, the sacred Apus(mountains) for sharing their wisdom and magic and becoming a very large part of us, Inti (the sun) for shining every day we were there, and all of you reading this right now. Peru is Truly magical!I promise I will blog more about Peru once I integrate everything a bit better. : ) in the meantime I feel the pictures speak for themselves and you can see more HERE.If you are feeling you would like to have your own Peruvian experiences I will be taking another group next Spring and will have details soon. Email me if you would like more information.With Love,Kerri