Calling All Preschoolers! Toddler Hour at the Sanctuary Center!

Come enjoy weekly preschool adventures at the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, with book readings, show-and-tell, singing songs, and crafts!

Wednesday Mornings, 10-11 am

FREE!

Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

35 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

https://www.facebook.com/events/411161072915808/

What is the correlation between Meditation and Hypnosis?

Recently I received a comment on my YouTube video, A Simple Self Hypnosis Technique: What is the correlation between meditation and Hypnosis?

That's a good question! Both are relaxing; both help reduce stress, and both tend to lead the brainwaves to go down into theta - about 3-5 cycles a second.

There are many forms of meditation, although most are familiar with the concept of following one's breath to feel calm and centered, or allowing one's thoughts to just drift by, with simple awareness, but no attachment to the thoughts themselves. 

Hypnosis also takes many forms, but in essence is a relaxed, focused state of concentration known as going into trance (or the zone). In this state, the mind is open to suggestion, can review past traumas with emotional distance for healing purposes, and reinforce any positive habits or patterns that the client wants, whether the perfect golf swing or giving a public speech. 

In many ways, hypnosis is a guided meditation that has a specific intention. Some examples: age regressions or past life regressions; meet ancestors/guides; change a habit; hypnobirthing; experience emotional freedom; receive messages from the body; pain management; reduce insomnia, etc.

The correlation between them is they are both ways to experience more calmness and peacefulness, allowing the body to get out of "fight-or-flight" and back into the parasympathetic nervous system. They are both wonderful ways to create the mind-body connection as well as more mindfulness; manage emotions rather than having emotions manage you; and for many people, a spiritual practice offering comfort, guidance, and insight.

The Artist’s Creed

The Artist’s Creed

"I believe I am worth the time it takes to create

whatever I feel called to create.

I believe that my work is worthy of its own space,

which is worthy of the name Sacred.

I believe that, when I enter this space, I have the right

to work in silence, uninterrupted, for as long as I choose.

I believe that the moment I open myself to the gifts of the Muse,

I open myself to the Source of All Creation

and become One with the Mother of Life Itself.

I believe that my work is joyful, useful, and constantly changing,

flowing through me like a river with no beginning and no end.

I believe that what it is I am called to do

will make itself known when I have made myself ready.

I believe that the time I spend creating my art

is as precious as the time I spend giving to others.

I believe that what truly matters in the making or art is

not what the final piece looks like or sounds like,

not what it is worth or not worth, but what newness gets added

to the universe in the process of the piece itself becoming.

I believe that I am not alone in my attempts to create,

and that once I begin the work, settle into the strangeness,

the words will take shape, the form find life, and the spirit take flight.

I believe that as the Muse gives to me,

so does she deserve from me:

faith, mindfulness, and enduring commitment."

 by Jan Phillips

My Artists Creed

I once heard that there is no word for “art” in Bali because they simply make everything beautiful. Every Thing – every single bed, hidden doorway, ceramic flower pot, ubiquitous chamberpot – is somehow artistic, in its own way. I’m not sure if this is true, but it certainly could be my creed – Make everything beautiful. If I can’t paint it, I’ll put a sticker on it. If it is ugly, I’ll refurbish or get rid of it. If nothing else, I’ll put glitter on it. Oh yes, I will.

I can always tell when one of my clients is doing better, because they ask, “Has this always been here?” This could refer to the art-deco murals of trees in the front room, a lampshade carefully strung with lost earrings and broken pearls, the toilet in the guest bathroom that has been painted like sea kelp using enamel paints. No longer lost in their internal landscape of depression, anxiety and gloom, they take a moment to look around, perk up, observe their surroundings, become truly aware – and hopefully inspired, if not simply mindful. The random look of joy on their faces, a pleasant reminder for me that even though I am used to all this by now – it is a moment of wonder, a feeling of curiosity if not incredulity, a feeling of infinite possibility. My own mindful moment.

And the answer? Well, some twenty years ago, after going through a divorce and deciding to cancel cable TV, I found that I spent a lot of time worrying about my child or feeling frustrated by daily chores. Creating art, creating beauty, was a way to transform, to channel my energy into what I now call prayer – out of my suffering, grief, and depression, let something lovely be born. Khalil Gibran says, “Work is love made visible.” And as a result, let me be more present – with my child, my clients, my self.

And so every room is painted – I’m talking the resplendent four seasons became my hallway, gold and silver stars grace the ceilings, meticulous stencils of ripe red roses and palest lavender wisteria are a sharp contrast to the spongy backgrounds of blackberry bushes and underwater dreams. Embellished glass kitchen cabinets sing their songs with art-deco dragonflies, purring pussy willows, and golden outlines. Bored, I moved on from the big canvasses of white walls to the more intricate details. First, transformed common garden statues into marvelous radiant beings to celebrate my cronehood, then transcribed my horrible handwriting into cryptic runes onto tarot decks, and all along (yes, of course, this is Santa Cruz)- hosted a couple dozen new tattoos to inscribe art on my body, the ultimate illuminated manuscript.

I balk when people ask if I’m an artist (let alone a writer). I certainly am a dabbler, willing to try, to experiment. I perceive art as a lifestyle – much like being a Vegan, a Surfer, or my myth of the Balinese. While I don’t spend my time thinking about tofu, the temperature of the water, or whatever story someone s making up about me – I do try to create beauty, every day, in every way. As simple as a reworded email, as complex as the center of the Dolores Rose, who springs forth every January despite the chill to infuse my being with the scent of hope.

I struggle with that voice in my head says, “It’s not art if it’s not making money”. But it is beauty, and it is pleasing, and I know it makes this tiniest, tiniest, tiniest slice of this particular corner of the world an even better place. This is something I believe in, a practice, my particular artist's creed.

Blessed Be.

Managing Stress & Anxiety Naturally

Aromatherapy 

Lavender - The “Angel of Healing and Purification” (Neil S. Cohen) lavender is the most gentle and versatile of essential oils. Antiseptic, antibacterial, it enhances both the physical and psychic immune systems. Soothes the mind, heart and soul. Invites guidance, brings clarity, peace of mind, emotional balance.

Bergamot Orange - brings light, brightness, and cheerfulness. Has a normalizing effect - can either be sedating or uplifting. Regulates appetite, boosts the immune system, steadies nervous system, balances cycles. (Earl Grey Tea is flavored with bergamot.)

Grapefruit - calms the nervous stomach, aids in digestion, eases depression and moodiness. Clears the mind. Inspires confidence, joy, and cheerfulness.

Lemon - Why do you think they call it lemonade? Think Lemon- Aid, without all the sugar! Lemon strengthens the third chakra, solar plexus, place of will and empowerment. Energizing, purifying, uplifting. A digestive aid, liver tonic, helps regulate systems.

Chamomile - imagine putting a daisy chain around your heart. Soothing, gentle, calming, Chamomile tends to the inner child, offering comfort and reassurance. Helps with feelings of being overwhelmed. Promotes inner peace and security.

German Blue Chamomile - has the same properties, but it’s distinctive blue color also enhances the third eye, intuition, and visualization. Use sparingly, it may dye your skin.


Gemstones

Hematite - silver/grey, sometimes magnetic. Absorbs negativity. Very grounding, calming, encourages willpower, concentration, trust, and balance.

Onyx - black or brown. Increases vitality, energy, stamina, endurance, self-control. Encourages contentment.

Sugilite - dark purple, turns black over time as it absorbs energy. Soothes the mind, enhances conscious awareness, channeling, and healing. “Helps the idealist and the extremely kindhearted to remain unhurt by the shocks of the world.” -Dolfyn

Peridot - green. Soothes the heart. Renewing, comforting, relaxing. Increases intuition, recuperative abilities, and stress reduction. Said to heal the healer.

Rose Quartz - pink. Balances and comforts the heart. Enhances self-love, tolerance, and forgiveness. Fosters tenderness, gentleness, and peacefulness.


Other Recommendations
Bach Rescue Remedy - available as drops or spray, a combination of flower essences to reduce trauma - Rock Rose to alleviate terror and panic, Impatiens to mollify irritation and impatience, Clematis to combat inattentiveness, Star of Bethlehem to ease shock, and Cherry Plum to calm irrational thoughts.

St. John's Wort - takes time to accumulate before feeling any effect, anywhere from a week to a month. Promotes an even emotional keel, feelings of being able to manage one’s emotions rather than having them manage you.

BRAT diet - Bananas, Rice, Apples, Toast. Easy to eat and digestible when one is upset or has no appetite. Other easy foods: yogurt, boiled eggs, smoothies. Choose smart comfort foods to nourish yourself rather than indulging your inner child.


YouTube Videos
Simple Self Hypnosis Technique

Power of Affirmations

Power of Journaling

Helpful People Boxes

Chakra Balancing

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to diagnose or prescribe, nor is it a substitute for medical attention. Please consult your doctor first for any allergies, or do a skin patch test.

Self Blessing Ritual

Self Blessing Ritual 

Too Blessed to be stressed 
Too anointed to be disappointed - Unknown

 Anoint yourself each day with this simple ritual. You can use essential oils, perfume, holy water, or just tap your fingers on the points if you prefer to not use any scents. You don’t need much, a little goes a long way. During the day you might catch little whiffs which will remind you of starting the day feeling clear in your intentions.

 Please do consult your doctor first for any allergies, or do a skin patch test. Remember, less is more.

 Start by placing just a couple of drops on your fingertip, and begin by tapping each of these spots using these affirmations:

Crown of Head: I am balanced in my mind. I am focused and engaged in creative and productive ways.

Third Eye: I am balanced in my vision. I allow myself to dream and I follow through on my best ideas.

Behind the Ears and Bottom of the Throat: I am balanced in my communication. I listen attentively and I speak my truth compassionately.

Along the Sternum: I am balanced in my heart. I am here to give love and I am here to receive love.

Solar Plexus: I am balanced in my power. I am here to empower others and I am empowered by everything.

Top of Belly: I am balanced in my belly. I take in what I need to be healthy and I let go of what no longer serves me.

Bottom of Belly/top of pubic area (do not put essential oils in or on vagina!): I am balanced at the root of my being. I attract what I need and all my desires are fulfilled.

Behind the Knees: I am balanced in my bones. I have structure and I am flexible.

Around the Ankles: I am balanced on my path. I am grounded and centered. I know what steps to take.

Back of the Neck: I am balanced in my sense of security. I am safe. I am protected.

Lower Back: I am balanced in my boundaries. I know where I begin and where I end. I know my limits.

Each Wrist: I am balanced in my needs. I am willing to give and I am willing to receive.

Blessed Be.