Joy
Adler, Blog
Joy Adler B.S.H.P.
Brennan Science Healing Practitioner
FBSH Leader for The Barbara Brennan School of Healing
Alternative Healing Arts, Autumn Solstice Newsletter 2011
from Joy Adler |
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A time for reconnection...
What a special time of year, after a glorious summer, and the tumult from weather systems that continued to challenge us in beautiful, yet difficult ways. I hope you are all well and looking forward to the autumn solstice which promises more shifts in consciousness as a people, as a planet. More opportunities to become your greatest self, which supports the earth and all it's people.
After the recent catastrophic hurricane, I noticed a pattern of loving care being offered and hands extended to others that suffered. This felt like a union of humanity. I have felt this extension and unification before, and for me, it was interesting timing. As we honored the anniversary of 9/11, I remembered the feeling then of people reaching beyond themselves to help each other. I remember the outpouring of love and connection that resulted from that great tragedy.
I had an amazing opportunity to experience that abroad, since I was in Europe during the10th anniversary of 9/11. What a great chance to gain some perspective from a more global perspective of those events that changed our world a decade ago. I had many conversations, and an outpouring of understanding from strangers that spoke to me of their compassion for Americans, and the global impact of those events not so long ago on them, and their countries and people.
Also, everywhere we traveled, people inquired with deep empathy about the recent storms in the US. Needless to say, I was immensely moved by this caring from supposed "strangers". Clearly what is devastating to us in America, is held and watched everywhere. I felt their concern, and I was reminded of two things that I want to share.
One, that these are changing times, with good reason. The earth cleanses herself organically. This we see, are in awe of, and fear simultaneously. This is a healthy fear, and yet, it compels us to respect her, her forces, which we are continually reminded are beyond our futile human attempts to control. When we can take a breath, release the fear, and see the beauty, we return our will to divine will, and we know all is well.
For truly the only thing that we can count on during these times, is ourselves, our own anchor to our root system, our own spiritual discipline which implores us to ground. Things are changing all around us. Perhaps you've experienced this sense that "things are out of our control" in your own world? A job lost, a move you hadn't counted on, a loved one faced with illness? Or a relationship or friendship that ends suddenly. When we are firmly anchored into our own "root system" and can continue to reconnect to our own center, again and again, we renew our committment toward our own spiritual discipline. Perhaps we learn that is what we have that is within our power, and it's all we have that we can count on consistently, and it is enough.
For when we do this, we realize that the world can turn on its axis, storms can rage in the world or in our private lives, and yet, when we are committed to reconnecting to our own source within, nothing can shake us. We will not waver, even as the storms of life blow all around us. We are the Tree of Life, of our own lives. And like the mighty tree of life, we can become unshakeable in our effort to remain calm and centered.
We can then go about the business of our lives. If we can do this, we will cease to be distracted by external forces and we get on with our master destiny. I firmly believe that when we do this, we hold the key to our greatest power. When we are centered within ourselves, when we are aligned with our own path, this sends out ripples of positive energy, which is the greatest thing, the most potent power in the universe to make positive, lasting change.
This raises our frequency, calms our inner storms...and thus sends this centered, peaceful energy from our inner sanctum, out to the mother of us all...the earth, and each other. We are a mighty power. What a great opportunity to get on with the business of why we are here: To live and work in ways that are fulfilling. When we're connected to ourselves, we are compelled to do what we we love to do, and we share that with the world.
That sense of personal satisfaction ripples out. If you've noticed, when you veer from this, you suffer. If you work in a job that is unfulfilling, you suffer. If you are in a relationship that is unfulfilling, you suffer. There is instant clarification in your world of when you are aligned with your path, and when you are out of alignment with your path. These are important times of instant reflection, instant creation. What do you long for? In the same way we are instantly reminded when we veer away from our path, that same energy supports our growth, and movement toward our destiny. For it is our destiny to live our longing, which is automatically supports the world in it's necessary shifts.
We all desired to come here at this time in my opinion, to do this. I feel like this is the greatest time to be alive in Earth's history! What an incredible opportunity we've set up for ourselves. And I am personally so honored and blessed to know each one of you. I am moved beyond tears- of the work you do, of how you reach to be your best self, even in the face of extraordinary challenges.
May we see these global shifts as necessary and exquisite. May we continue to help those that suffer from them...thus building bridges from our separate lives to a world where we are one tribe united by the limitations of being human and the triumph that emanates out from our eternal spirits.
May we continue to anchor into our earth as our own Tree of Life...in the forest of forever which brings us deep peace, and heals our world. Remember, in these changing times, it is the one thing that is constant...Much love, Joy
Tree of Life
by Joy Adler
C 1993
Tree of ancient limbs
I heed thee
of crushed minerals and soil
your roots doth claim
For a chosen strand of ivy
sets sail upon your terrain
where I too shall be tamed |
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THE
BODY AS A MAP OF CONSCIOUSNESS - 1/12/97
This
article was originally written and delivered by Joy when she was
television host of a program on Holistic Health, called “Awakening
Perceptions” in N.J.
Each
week on this program, we will take a look at an illness or affliction
from a Holistic viewpoint, and discuss it’s emotional connections,
and messages. We’ll then offer suggestions for discovering
some of the origins of the illness that may stem from faulty belief
systems.
We’ll also offer alternative methods of healing that are
free from side effects, which may help to alleviate some of the
symptoms of the illness. Of course you’ll always want to
seek your physician’s approval before you begin any new
treatment, to be certain of its compatibility with your system.
On this program, not only are we trying to educate the public
about both traditional as well as Alternative Healing Modalities;
but we wish to outline the Body as a map of consciousness,
so that we may begin to understand how our health gets out of
balance, sometimes causing illness, or dis-ease, due to unresolved
emotions held in that area of the body, and the message and gift,
it has for us!
As many well-known Authors such as Dr. Bernie Siegel, Dr. Barbara
Brennan or Dr. Deepak Chopra discuss, we are Body, Mind, Emotions
and Spirit. That being the case, our thoughts, or emotional state
prove to have a huge impact on our health.
We need only to look at the state our lives were in at any time,
emotionally speaking, at the time of illness, to begin tracking
the course to successful healing. Carolyn Myss,
best selling Author and Medical Intuitive says:
“Energy medicine is a holistic philosophy that teaches,
“I am responsible for the creation of my health. I therefore
participated at some level, in the creation. I therefore can
participate in the healing of this illness by healing myself,
which means simultaneously healing my emotional, psychological,
physical and spiritual being.”
In the “old medical paradigm”, the process of “curing”
is passive, the patient is inclined to give his or her authority
over to the physician and prescribed treatment instead of actively
challenging the illness, connecting to the emotions that are held
there and reclaiming health.
Healing on the other hand, is an active and internal process
that includes investigating one’s attitudes, memories, and
beliefs and emotions with the desire to release all negative
patterns or images, and unresolved feelings that prevent one’s
full emotional and spiritual recovery.
Today we’ll study lung issues from a holistic view.
The lungs are associated with the fourth, or Heart chakra, which
is an energy center. Therefore, we know that anything having to
do with the lungs has to do with some negative experience or negative
image about life in terms of relationships regarding ones heart.
For example fear of betrayal, loneliness, jealousy, vulnerability,
fear of following ones ‘heart‘s desire.’ Old disappointments,
frustrations or hurts, heartbreak and grief are all emotions associated
with the heart and are held in the heart and lungs and the rear
aspect of the physiology, the scapulae.
When as adults was the last time we gave ourselves the luxury of
having time to ‘feel,’ or process what has happened
to us in our lives? When have we had a cleansing “cry”?
Very often, we “stuff it down”, to "depress"
it, and keep moving along in life. And yet one day, the accumulation
of such held down disappointments, triggers a strong physiological
experience such as physical symptoms. This is because the lungs
can no longer accommodate, the “overflowing energy”
as they get “inundated” with unexpressed
emotion.
Once we process what is held there, (by stopping, dropping and feeling)
healing happens on multiple levels, including having “spontaneous
insights” as to the feelings that are lingering there. When
we bravely allow ourselves to express them. Suddenly the medication/antibiotics
we were prescribed, begin to be more effective, as a result of the
clearing of the old held down stagnant energy that takes the form
physically, of dense mucous. The energy then begins to “break
up, and release.” Hence, ‘healing the whole person.’
Difficulties with the lungs, or any kind of respiratory illness
such as asthma or bronchitis, in addition to the physical maladies,
are always calling the patient home to ‘feel what the lungs,
heart have been holding’. Once this is felt and released,
the patient heals much more rapidly. This is how a healer
interfaces with physicians, and acts as a bridge assisting a patient
with feeling the emotions held in these delicate organs, which in
turns lessons the physical symptoms, so a patient can respond better
to the medical treatment, or meds prescribed to assist in clearing
those organs on the physical level.
Doctors that have an understanding of the Holistic model of healing,
for example, may refer a patient to a healer knowing that in a healing
session, we work with the client or patient to “drop into
the heart” and “feel their feelings”, which helps
to release what is held there emotionally. Again, feelings like
unmourned grief, sadness, and fear, are then released from the lungs
that carry the burden of these formerly unexpressed emotions. Thus
freeing the client, opening the passageways to more air. Indeed
their physical symptoms were the body’s ‘red-flag system‘,
that the patient needed to come to terms with, (by finally experiencing
what was ‘held there’ or ‘depressed down’)
like fear, heart pain, such as grief.
According to Author Louise Hay, asthma may be “suppressed
crying“, or the “inability to breathe for oneself.”
Or feeling stifled. The process of healing begins when one can look
at the relationship that emotional issues or fears may have in regard
to this illness, and then be on the road to understanding the source
of the illness!
Some recommendations for asthma sufferer are:
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Vitamin A plus Beta-carotene for tissue repair
and immunity.
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B5 which is the anti-stress vitamin.
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B6 which relaxes the central nervous system.
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Magnesium which may stop the severe asthmatic episode
and
-
Also
Lobelia herbal extract is helpful during an asthma attack,
because it is a bronchial smooth muscle relaxant. For more suggestions
of Alternative Healing Prescriptions, I highly recommend the
Prescription for Nutritional Healing, by James and
Phyllis Balch.
Moreover, meditation techniques can greatly reduce
stress which may bring on severe bronchial attacks.
So as you can read here, healing is an active yet internal process
that includes investigating one’s attitudes, memories, and
beliefs with a desire to release all negative emotions and patterns
that prevent one’ s full expression of love and spiritual
recovery.
In conclusion, in every case of illness or pain in our bodies,
we need only to begin developing an inner dialogue with the area
in distress. Our bodies are like a unique red flag system, calling
out to us to take a look at that area of our lives that they represent
and to heal that which is unresolved, so that we may breathe freely,
and open to love and the fullness of life!
The
Body as a Map of Consciousness
Information
in reference to Massage Release and Wellness
- By
Joy Adler
Today
on the Body as a Map of Consciousness, I would like to
discuss some of the frequent problems with back and neck pain
that so many people suffer from today. In keeping with our theme
today on massage and release, I would like to take a look at some
of the areas of difficulty from a holistic point of view that
one might see a chiropractor, massage therapist, healer or doctor
for.
Aches and pains in the lower back can be a chronic problem. Doctors
believe that many cases are psychological in origin. These cases
may be from deep-seated emotional or stress-related problems.
Physical causes are poor posture, improper footwear, and walking
habits, slouching, or sleeping on a mattress that is too soft.
Kidney and bladder problems or female pelvic disorders may also
produce backache. Common causes of backache are arthritis/ rheumatism,
bone disease, a slipped disc, or an abnormal curvature of the
spine. Most back problems are associated with long-term habits
that eventually result in an acute attack. If the pain is persistent
after three days or radiates into the legs, seek medical advice.
Some of the emotional components of back pain according to Louise
Hay in her book “YOU CAN HEAL YOUR LIFE”
depend on the area of discomfort. In my practical experience as
a healer, I certainly concur with Louise in many of her assessments
of what the body is telling us about our emotional life, and what
gets held in the body. Although my training is to utilize the
knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the human energy field,
it’s energy centers, and how they correspond with that area
of the body-& then clearing what is held there. The discoveries
are the same. In my opinion, it is always some sort of unresolved
emotional pain.
This “held down emotion” eventually causes physical
pain and dis-ease.…This, in my experience, is the body’s
“red flag system,” for bringing our attention to an
area that longs to be healed and brought to balance and understanding…resolution
if you will. Therefore, I have often referred to Louise’s
groundbreaking work for validation in what I have experienced
with a client, based on what they release emotionally from those
areas of presenting complaint.
For example, If the pain is in the upper back then there may be
a “feeling” in the client or patient of a lack
of emotional support. Feeling as though “no one has
got your back.” Issues in one's life about feeling unloved.
Another version of this is when the person experiencing the body
tension or pain, is habitually holding themselves in such a way
as to “protect their vulnerable hearts” by holding
“back” love. This serves the individual with molding
their body, (in an effort to protect themselves from pain of “opening
their hearts again”) in unconscious efforts to “never
have to experience heart break again.”
As you can imagine, overtime this places too much pressure on
the lumbar, soft tissues, and nerves in that region. Thus, the
very thing the client is attempting to avoid, creates not only
their own “prison of pain” in the upper back, but
also adds to their sense of “not being supported in life”,
as they are equally terrified of “surrendering to love”
to avoid pain they once experienced, in their hearts.
With healing, we work to bring the client who holds their
defense in this manner, to drop the shoulders, pull them back,
to open the heart again, and what usually spills out, is all the
held-down, unresolved grief from disappointment in love, or someone
that was significant to the client. Once that is felt, it is released,
and they are relieved of chronic pain, and take risks to “open
to love and be supported” yet again! Such simple releases,
create such life changing experiences!
If the pain is in the center of the back, quite often the sufferer
is experiencing issues relating to guilt in their life. They have
a fear of moving forward in their future until these issues can
be resolved. In energy medicine this corresponds with a closed
rear aspect of the solar plexus energy center or “chakra”….There
is a major life issue, of not being fully nurtured by one’s
family of origin, which creates enormous tension and a deep emotional
dilemma in most cases.
People that suffer from pain in this region of the back, are usually
encouraged to take care of others habitually. and perhaps subtly
or not so subtly “shamed” for being “selfish”
for wanting something or some time for themselves for “self-care”.
This will result in a sense of “guilt” and the pressure
of that, “backs up” in this area of their body.
So holistically speaking, discomfort in the center of the back,
refers to a client’s family of origin “encouraging
caretaking” versus, independence, trusting self, to know
what one needs for self, and an imposed, “guilt” when
the individual seeks to do something solely for self. So the conflict
lives in this area of the spine in terms of “guilt of saying
no to others, in order to practice self-care.”
Pain in the scapulae or shoulder blades often indicates unresolved
issues in regard to relationships. The “sense” of
not being supported in one’s relationship. Therefore problems
in the shoulders, besides the physical ramifications, are a sign
that one is feeling overburdened with "shouldering too much
responsibility in the relationship."
Pain in the lower back is often associated with a fear of lack,
or a fear of money. Lack of financial support, or "held back"
or repressed sexual energy. Or "holding back" anger
or frustration, that builds up, and causes strain and or pain
in the lower lumbar region.
One of the opinions in the holistic model, for habitual neck pain,
is a persistent need to want to control ones life. An inability
to be flexible. To flow with life. Ultimately, “trust issues”,
the fear of opening to trust in a force higher than oneself. Questions
and concerns about career, or “your place in life”,
are also “up” when the cervical vertebrae is “out”.
Part of our work on life's journey is to listen to ourselves,
and to give ourselves time to relax as well as succeed in life.
Make no mistake about it. Pain is always a red-flag to
you that something is out of balance in your life. Of course you
must enlist the aid of your physician, healer, or chiropractor,
but you need only to look at where the pain or illness is to understand
what is going on in your life from a psychological and emotional
perspective as well as the obvious physical symptoms. This is
your rich opportunity to begin dialoging with yourself, to form
a better relationship with self. Body dialogue. What is your
body trying to tell you about you?
Where is the pain located? What does that indicate in reference
to this article? This research is your responsibility to yourself.
And if you suffer from any kind of back or neck pain. In addition
to your physician's suggestions, massage is a well-documented
aid in the recovery from such pain. Chiropractic care may help
relieve some of the discomfort, as well as accupuncture and energy
healing. A combination of all of these modalities, as well as
the clearance from your physician, will leave you feeling well
supported, cared for and on your way to opening your life to new
challenges, and moving toward all the things that once seemed
so hard to imagine!
Another thing that you you can do, is see your doctor for a supervised
exercise program. A lack of exercise may be the cause of back
pain, and you already know what it means emotionally! (Let‘s
review, too much taking care of other‘s, not enough “self-care“,
feeling your feelings of guilt, and realizing they don‘t
have to run your life, will help you to set better boundaries,
preserve time and needed energy for yourself to include time for
exercises that are good for the back include swimming, cycling,
walking, and rowing.
And when you begin your new fitness program, now that you’ve
dealt with some of the emotional debris that you had been holding,
never lean forward without bending the knees. Avoid lifting anything
that is more than twenty pounds. Don't sleep on your stomach.
And sleep on a firm mattress with your knees bent and your head
supported on a pillow.
Additionally, you may want to avoid meat or animal protein products
until healed, because of the uric acid content.
The herbs recommended for backache according to the Prescription
for Natural Healing by James and Phyllis Balch, are burdock,
horsetail, slippery elm, and white willow bark. Also recommended
is Arth-x a formula containing herbs, sea minerals, calcium, and
other nutrients for the bones and joints.
And do remember to always consult with your physician before trying
anything new, to make certain that it is compatible for your system.
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