Recently I did some extra kinesiology training to upgrade my skills in working with the heart brain and chronic conditions. Every so often I come to a place in my kinesiology consultations where I feel that I am missing something. In these moments I know that a revolution in the way I work is imminent. You may have experienced these kind of moments yourself - you feel like there is something more for you to learn or to know to support yourself, or something just feels amiss for you. These experiences have taught me to stay in the mindset of curiosity to find solutions and to trust my heart’s knowing in saying yes to the opportunities - courses, books, wisdom and knowledge etc. that show the answers. You may have had that experience where an opportunity keeps presenting to you or something keeps catching your eye or your attention. These small moments can be the big moments of saying yes to something which propels you in the best possible way.
I am so very grateful for this evolutionary process in myself and in my practice. It is a beautiful reminder that we are all being taken care of by a greater guiding force. It is the heart that is the messenger for these experiences, and this is the reason why I love working with the heart brain. It gives us the sense of right action. From this knowing we make great choices that support our growth and health.
I have worked a lot with the heart brain over the past few years and yet felt there was somehow more to explore and this is what this recent course offered. It works with the heart brain and the divergent meridians, which are the meridians in Chinese Medicine associated with hereditary patterns alongside defence and immune functions of the body. Many chronic illnesses can be rooted in genetics, nervous system disregulation and immune system disregulation. Most cases of chronic illness that I see in my clinic come down to these 3 influencing factors.
From a Chinese medicine perspective, we are born with pre-programmed sentiments and challenges in our genetic programming and it is in the body, heart and soul’s timing that we move into and through these challenges. There is learning and love gleaned along the way and this is where we need to put our focus. So if you are experiencing a chronic illness, please be kind to yourself. In this state we sometimes need to be reminded that our body is not wrong and self judgement or self-blame is not warranted. A focus on curiosity, self discovery and making the most of healing opportunities can show the way through such challenges. Chronic illness and chronic psychological challenges can feel like a very long path, so be sure to plant moments of love and joy for yourself along the way.
In using this work of the heart brain and divergent meridians, it has been nice to see people in their ‘aha’ moments. I love it when people can recognise the root cause of a chronic condition and be able to see a new way forward to recover. When we have this kind of connection, it also fosters a better relationship with the body. When we have lived through the moments where the body has done so much to protect us from pathogens, toxins, emotional trauma, there is a deeper appreciation for the intelligence and support that the body gives. Listening to the body’s whispers, or screams of pain or imbalance is a loving way of building a better relationship with self. Additionally, acknowledging the magnificence of the body and seeing what is good in our life can also be a boost for health.
To give you an example, I had an inspiring experience having an echocardiogram recently. You may wonder why I was having such a procedure. My brother’s specialist recommended his siblings receive genetic screening following a surprising stroke that he experienced last year. I am so grateful he survived and what an emotional ride it has been for him and his family- the highs and the lows. My experience with the radiographer was a defining moment. He shared with me the images of my heart on the screen. I was in absolute awe as I watched my beating heart with all its valves, the exit and entry of blood pulsing through. It felt as if the mere attention on my heart was uplifting for it. I left that appointment with new found inspiration and appreciation for this amazing organ. I also found it encouraging as he reported to me that I have a young heart. I can’t tell you how much that meant to me after all the efforts I have put into my health and fitness in the past 4 or more challenging years of perimenopause.
So in summary, these are my gifts to you for this month.
Your body is amazing and it is doing its best, so help it out by taking a moment each day to connect with it and appreciate it in some way. Self massage, hot bath, deep breathing, meditation, your favourite movement practice, bush walking, a dunk in the ocean…
Congratulations on showing up for yourself each and every day, especially on this beautiful planet that is rather challenged at the moment. In Shamanic principles, we are all a reflection of the web of life, so it is no surprise that many of us are feeling in our body and our psyche, some form of pain. It is in these moments that we come to value and align with, what is truly supportive in life.