You don’t try to build a wall, you don’t set out to build a wall. You don’t say I’m gonna build the biggest baddest wall that’s ever been built. You don’t start there. You say, ‘I’m going to lay this brick as perfectly as a brick can be laid.’ You do that every single day. And soon you have a wall. ☥ ☥ Will Smith ☥
About Water And Eggs
Science teaches us of the difference between physical and chemical changes. If we put water into the freezer, it becomes ice. The water has gone through a physical change because its molecules have been rearranged, but this change is temporary. If we heat the ice, it will turn back into water.
However, if we crack an egg and throw it into the frying pan, a chemical change takes place. The egg will not ever go back to its liquid state. As I have observed our responses to the most recent pandemic, I've marveled over how deeply we pay attention to the surface issues: wearing masks, washing hands, social distancing, struggles with educating children at home, working from home, missing family and loved ones, etc. Granted, these practices are important and must be taken seriously, but from the holistic perspective, no true healing or lasting change can occur unless we have the courage to dive into the deep waters of the root causes.
We believe to know the physical reasons for the pandemic. But nothing exists on the physical plane alone. Have we stopped to ask ourselves about the mental, emotional and spiritual reasons why we have found ourselves in a worldwide push to hit the reset button? What has happened to us mentally when we become so excited about making money that we accept lower sanitation standards and do not invest the resources required to ensure public safety? Those in the business of flying airplanes, selling movie tickets and filling up stadiums are having to rethink how business is done and, if it is to survive, what work will look like in a post-pandemic world.
What has happened to us emotionally that we find it easier to dive deeper into anesthetizing ourselves with alcohol consumption, social/multimedia bingeing, overeating, sexual or other addictions/distractions than to take the time to heal past traumas? Do we realize that holding on to our past traumas (i.e. unforgiveness, resentment) cause us to unconsciously act out and bring more of the same drama into our lives, causing more trauma? When we anesthetize ourselves, we are seeking short term "feel-fullment" which is sort of like heroin. It gives a jolt of instant relief, but it fuels the ego which is never satisfied and controls us by always beaconing for more. "Feel-fullment" leads to a life of cyclical drama, insecurity and pain - the type of pain that is passed on to others which causes more pain. It may be scary to dive into our emotions to heal them, but processing and transmuting them is the path to liberating ourselves from the grip that they've had on us so that we can take our power back and achieve true fulfillment.
Do we seek to understand and give spirituality the respect that it deserves through commitment to improved behavior? Going to church, attending spiritual retreats and workshops, reading spiritual literature, praying and meditating are all great ways to support our spiritual lives, but we hide behind these practices if the insights that we gain are not metabolized within us and put into practice on a continual basis to cause active engagement in the present moment and ongoing transformation in the way we think and behave. For example, if we find ourselves getting into the same types of relationship patterns or making the same financial mistakes over and over again, then we are hiding behind or within spirituality instead of learning the lessons and applying them to our lives.
When I was taking my first exam to become a Qigong teacher, I was amazed to learn that while I was expected to know the form, I was graded on my willingness to correct myself on the spot. As I taught the Qigong form, I was constantly interrupted and told what to do to adjust my posture or teaching style.
I was graded on my ability to stay humble, take the correction while maintaining my focus and, most importantly, seamlessly repeat the movement by integrating the correction that I had just received. The art of self-correction transcends pride, ego, feelings getting hurt and self-righteousness.
I had to take the correction and continue the exam. Students who were unable to self-correct in this way did not pass the exam. I now have an even deeper understanding of the wisdom that lies beneath that experience.
Spirituality exists in what we choose to say and what we choose to do in moments of peace, temptation and chaos throughout each day. It is our inner wisdom that tells us to make the better, higher choice and our ego that ignores that wisdom and tempts us to repeat habitual patterns of self-sabotage. Rickie Byars has a lyric in her song, A Radiant Faith, that says, "There's no hitchhiking on the highway, you gotta do the work." I have had many clients that just want to take an herb or meditate, but they don't want to change their behavior.
Changing our behavior is the purpose of our spiritual practice. What are we doing to stay grounded and centered so that we can make the decisions that enliven our spirit, clean up, heal, release our past and make better decisions moving forward? It can be challenging heart work that is tantamount to chopping wood. It takes effort, persistence and presence. The reward is everlasting fulfillment that no one will be able to take away from us.
So, let's go back to water and eggs. Our most recent pandemic represents a chemical change that has happened throughout the world. Our eggs have been cracked and fried. Though we resist and protest, we cannot go back to the way things were before the pandemic. We are being called to change. This change is not just about washing hands, wearing masks and social distancing. If we are not looking deeply within ourselves, asking challenging questions, leveling up our spiritual practices, forgiving our pasts and the misdeeds of others, releasing trauma, healing our relationships through transformative conversations, apologizing for our transgressions, taking responsibility for and improving our behaviors, healing our bodies, mastering presence and engaging in deep contemplative thought, then we are under the delusion that our lives can change while we stay the same. As Dr. Michael Beckwith would ask, are we holding on so tightly to the way things used to be (as if pre-pandemic times were like a typewriter), while refusing to see the potential co-creation of a better world (as if our new unknown is like the rise of computers)?
The Winter Solstice Opportunity
Nature is all around us, offering subtle suggestions to help us re-establish balance and find our way back to ourselves. There is an intelligence that maintains the balance in nature, along with all who exist in the natural realm. We struggle because we refuse to acknowledge the genius within this intelligence, and we work against it instead of choosing to engage in contemplative collaboration. We think we are smarter than the energy that created us, yet the trees will be here long after the pandemic has passed.
The winter solstice occurs December 20th, 21st or 22nd of each year in the Northern Hemisphere and June 20th, 21st or 22nd in the Southern Hemisphere. So, when the Northern Hemisphere is experiencing the Winter Solstice, the Southern Hemisphere is experiencing the Summer Solstice and vice versa. During the Winter Solstice, one of the earth’s poles is tilted as far as possible away from the sun, creating the shortest period of daylight and the longest night of the year.
From a spiritual perspective, the winter solstice is the optimal time for contemplation, spiritual rejuvenation, revitalization and taking inspired actions. Think about how things grow in nature. A seed needs to be surrounded by soil in complete darkness. That darkness offers the seed the proper environment for a transformation to occur which educes that seed’s potential and allows it to evolve and grow in the spring.
How Will We Choose To Move Forward?
The darkness of the winter solstice nurtures whatever seeds (showing up as our current mental, emotional, physical and spiritual behaviors) that we plant at this time. What will we choose to do? We know what happens when we keep doing the same thing while expecting different results. This winter solstice offers an auspicious opportunity to plant the seeds of powerful change - the type of change that begins from within us.
In the holistic healing world, we do not separate mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing, but for the sake of additional clarity, I will offer a few suggestions within each category for working in collaboration with nature to reset our lives so that we can emerge strong in the New Year. Even choosing to do just one practice in each category will cause a healing shift in our energy. Although the optimal time to engage in these practices is just before and during the winter solstice, any time during the winter season or whenever your intuition leads you to this blog is helpful. Trust in the wisdom of the energy that created you. Some people may choose to infuse these practices into holiday celebrations.
Physical Healing Practices
☥ Beginning on the 15th of the month (preferably earlier), eliminate all breads
(including gluten free), flours, pastas, alcohol, nuts, caffeine, nightshades
(eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, paprika), chocolate, dairy, baked goods and
saturated fats. This is to prep for the cleanse by beginning to take the pressure off
of the liver/gallbladder.
☥ Eat a serving of melons for breakfast with a pinch of cayenne. Prepare one melon
chopped, and add 1 tablespoon of cayenne, stir and store in the refrigerator (omit
the cayenne if pregnant). Eat the melons first thing in the morning and at least 20
minutes before eating any other fruit or food. Any melon is fine. Melons contain superoxide dismutase, a powerful anti-inflammatory agent which defends the
body against free radicals.
☥ Prepare a nourishing kichadi stew and eat it throughout the day. Eat it for lunch
and dinner as often as you'd like. It takes 3 days for your body to realize it is
cleansing, so make and eat kichadi for at least 5 days (a few days before, during
and after the winter solstice). Make different variations to avoid boredom (but
keep in mind that boredom comes from a lack of present awareness - when we
are in the present moment, we are never bored).
☥ Add a healthy serving of Kamitic Kultured Kraut to your kichadi for added flavor
and to promote a healthy microbiome.
☥ Drink 1/4 to 1/2 cup of inner fillet aloe vera juice (organic, low/aloin free) each
morning and evening. Lily of the Desert in the glass bottle is the cleanest that I've
found, but always check ingredients as sometimes great products are sold to
larger companies with lower standards. Start first with 1/4 cup. If bowels are not
too soft, work up to 1/2 cup.
☥ Take a food based probiotic each morning or evening (feel free to take more if you
are not making at least one large bowel movement per day).
Mental And Emotional Healing Practices
☥ Be still – practice silence (no speaking at all) for at least 2 days during the
solstice.
☥ Practice deep breathing exercises.
☥ Practice healing movements to assist in the removal of toxic emotions.
☥ Journal often. Review what is working in your life and look at how you can expand
your perceptions.
☥ Surrender to the excellence within you. Review what is NOT working in your life
☥ Order and download The Chakra Emotions Energy Wisdom Quick Start Toolkit to help
you identify and heal feelings as they arise.
Spiritual Healing Practices
☥ Create or extend your morning routine.
☥ Take long walks in nature.
☥ Increase the amount of oxygen that you breathe into your body through
breath/movement exercises such as Qigong.
☥ Take warm bath of Epsom Salt + Baking Soda + Sea Salt (add at least 1 cup of
each) for at least 30 minutes each day. This is a great time to learn how to use the
gua sha (increases circulation and diminishes scar tissue).
☥ Spend time in silent contemplation. Learn to transcend thoughts.
Keep your cleansing process simple and intuitive as you learn new strategies. My instructions are comprehensive. An easy way to get started is to eat in-season fruits and veggies, order vegan soups from Asian restaurants, put curry powder on your foods and spend the majority of your time in silence, meditation, contemplation and journaling.
Epilogue ☥ Your Treasure Map For Self-Care
Thank you for taking the time to actively engage in your own self-care. If you have ever spent time at a hammam ☥ steam room ☥ sauna, you will notice that it is a comfortable space because you are wearing minimal or no clothing and you can just be yourself. However, after a short time, it starts to get hot, and you begin to sweat. This is a good thing because you are helping your body to eliminate toxins. If you want to detoxify your body correctly you will:
☥ Breathe slowly and deeply to help your body adjust to the intensity of the heat.
☥ Sip water every 15 minutes to stay hydrated.
☥ Have a piece of fruit ☥ pumpkin seeds ☥ favorite healthy snack available.
☥ Take a shower after excessive sweating.
☥ Go into a cold room/take a cold plunge/cold water rinse off to cool down before doing
another sweat and to stimulate your lymphatic system.
☥ Go for a walk in nature, spend time in meditation ☥ contemplation, have a healthy meal
and give your body some time to complete the healing process (which could include
sending you messages through your intuition about your next steps).
As you journey through ☥ interact with the blogs ☥ other content on phyllishubbard.com, you might have an insight that causes you to suddenly feel mentally ☥ emotionally “hot” -- which could show up as:
☥ “Ah-ha” moments
☥ A hop-in-the-bed-and-cry-yourself-to-sleep or fetal position crying time of intensive
self-care
☥ Intense feelings of anger/regret about something in your past
☥ Disorientation caused by the realization of truth
☥ Strong reactions such as heightened senses, vomiting; an urge to release emotions
such as yelling/screaming, going outside for fresh air/to take a walk, punching a
boxing bag/pillow; a feeling of tightness in the chest, etc.
If you find yourself having a strong reaction, I encourage you to flow with it while helping your body to release mental ☥ emotional toxins by using the same five self-care strategies listed above for releasing physical toxins. Your body talks to you all the time, but unconscious adherence to social conditioning can mute its messages.
Strong reactions are your body’s way of letting you know that there is a deeper issue requiring your attention.
Keep revisiting the content ☥ utilizing the five self-care strategies until you no longer experience the strong reaction, release fears and have identified ☥ transformed ☥ removed the root cause of the issue. You will find additional strategies throughout this website that you can add to your mental health self-care toolkit.
Self-Care Sustainability Suggestions
☥ A Cross-Cultural Healing Haven – read this blog to understand the purpose of
phyllishubbard.com and the meaning behind its organization ☥ symbols.
☥ Revisit the content periodically and make a note of if/how your perceptions have
evolved.
☥ Check out the other pages on phyllishubbard.com:
other spiritual practices.
☥ Home - watch the videos. Click on the images in the Spiritual Guidance
section. Each image has a story that might assist your self-care journey. Learn
about other spiritual practices.
☥ About - Learn about my background ☥ reasons for co-creating
phyllishubbard.com
with Spirit. Explore healing through the image carousel and videos.
☥ Shop ☥ Kamitology - Purchase and download vital tools for your personal growth
☥ development.
☥ Reclaiming Our Humanity - Help us develop and disseminate video courses.
☥ Rise TV - Practice breathing and movement exercises and deepen your
understanding of healing through the experiences of community members.
Check back periodically to discover new/re-experience the content.
☥ Journey - This is your invitation to own the journey to radiance. Experience the
journey and download healing resources to share with your friends, family and
community.
When you share healing, healing comes back to and flows through you.
About Sharing ...
During my first presentation to an all-Black audience, I introduced 20-year-old research on the hazards of sitting. I presented the research because I noticed that people sat for way too long at convenings and realized that the information was not disseminated to Black ☥ Indigenous ☥ Immigrant communities. I was determined to intentionally include this research, often surprising participants by getting people up to stretch. After more than 13 years of intentional work, Black ☥ Indigenous ☥ Immigrant People are just barely beginning to normalize conscious movement. We still have a long way to go, and it is important that we share what we know as much as we can to prevent the disenfranchisement of wellness information to Black ☥ Indigenous ☥ Immigrant communities.
Please do not keep phyllishubbard.com to yourself. We will not co-create a better world until we heal our current, past/childhood traumas. We will not love others until we learn to love ourselves.
Be still ☥ Be well ☥ Be silent ☥ Be radiant
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☥ॐ☯
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☥ॐ☯
