Where Energy Flows

We think of winter as a time of stillness, reflection and a time to slow down as nature does.  It is understandable that our bodies sometimes choose to communicate with us in the form of illness at this time of year.   While illness can certainly be attributed to germs and lifestyle, it may require more internal energy to understand fully what is going on with you. 

This winter has been quite the learning opportunity for my family.   We began with our two year old falling ill in November, and not really getting better.  He is again battling his fourth ear infection, and I am told by his pediatrician that because the infections go away for a few weeks, even though he is still drippy and feeling bad, that we are not in the market for ear tubes at this time. My seven year old was okay until January, when her asthma reared its awful head for two weeks, followed by another week of flu-shot immune influenza A, and then followed by an ear infection. My husband has been battling allergies and trying very hard to stay away from the Zyrtek-D, which he has found, affect his mood negatively. 

Then there is myself, who was getting through all of the heartache with flying colors through yoga and meditation, until last week.   I have been diagnosed with a mystery liver infection.  My books tell me the liver is about anger and not taking enough time for myself.   Okay then….more time for me… hmmm… I have no problem listening and trying to learn from an illness – as an adult.  However, I do admit to having trouble remaining zen-like, calm, and feeling that everything is happening for a reason, when my little children are ill.   

After much quiet time dealing with liver pain, I have come to some realizations that I would like to share.   Part of a child’s illness is an immune system that needs to develop through dealing with germs.  Part of their illness may very well be a communication from their bodymind that they need more dedicated time from their adults.   

My sincere and heartfelt advice to you, dealing with illness in children and adults, is to slow down and allow deeper understanding and communication to occur.  If you, understandably so, become frustrated at your inability to help your loved ones, remember that by merely being there and giving love you are helping tremendously.  Be gentle with yourself, and be grateful that you are alive and able to be there for your loved ones.   My sincere hope is that you experience illness as an opportunity to learn, reflect and grow.

My children - My sweet children -They are terrors without doubt
The crazy ones that live with me - My hair? – I pull it out
It’s hard - It’s easy - I don’t know - They drive me crazy
All I want is sleep – yet I am sure I’m not too lazy

Oh exhaustion - I’m so tired - I’m so grouchy - I ‘m a mess
Something needs to change right now – there’s way, way too much stress
So I shall shift the energy - Creating what I focus on
I can get this right – I will - My mad, sad thoughts will all be gone

Balance – Beginners Mind – Patience – Good Thought Thinking
They’re only little once - They are a joy - I am not sinking
Wait – Cancel – Correct – I’m buoyant with so much love
That always surrounds me - From below and from above

Be gentle with myself - Who I am right now’s enough
Life is really good to me – It’s really not so tough
And if society pulls me down - I notice it – without a frown
As perfect parents don’t exist

I go outside – I make a list
Of all the good that’s in my life
And I let go of all the strife
Because – after all, Life is way too short - so why not have a ball.

 © Copyright Elise Rebmann, 2007. All rights reserved.

A few days ago I reviewed a great resource guide and DVD on reducing toxic exposures in the home for pregnant women and their babies. The title is Better Safe than Sorry - Hidden Exposures all Parents Need to Know, and it is put out by the Center of Education for Children’s Health and the Environment.

This is an excellent resource and very in tune with the Healthy Home part of the Certified Practitioner of Interior Alignment™ training. For many years Interior Alignment™ has stressed the importance of reducing toxins in the home. 

There have been so many changes in home environments in the last twenty to twenty-five years. Homes are more energy efficient and many do not naturally exchange air, unless we remember to open the windows or install an air exchange system. The huge increase of chemicals in our environment is creating chemical sensitivity in many people, and pregnant mothers, babies and young children are particularly at risk. 

Many of the products mentioned in the Better Safe than Sorry DVD are things you would not necessarily think about as being harmful but in fact most homes contain a complex cocktail of pollutants from many common household products (see Helen’s post Natural Cosmetics for a Healthy Home for example.) These common household products can include formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, ozone, radon, sulfur dioxide and particulates from cigarette smoke.

The Better Safe than Sorry guide tells you what products to avoid in the workplace while you are pregnant and what to use in your home — which are the safer plastics, what to look for when setting up your nursery, and how to read labels on cleaning and personal product labels to make informed choices. And there is much more.

You may be aware that a Certified Interior Alignment™ Practitioner can help you design a child-friendly environment (for example see  Brenda’s post on creating emotional safety for children through feng shui.

But did you know CPIA’s are also trained to do a Healthy Home assessment? We can help you to create a healthful environment for whatever stage of life you are in — from your 1st pregnancy and baby, to welcoming your new grandchild into your home.