I felt the need to post this today.
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Veteran Support
Almost since the very dawn of civilization, humans – both men and women – have engaged in wars against each other. These battles, whether fought for religious and political freedoms, civil rights, independence or merely greed, always seem to have the same lasting effect. For those on the front line of these conflicts, the emotional wounds can leave a scar that is often times greater than the actual physical injuries themselves.
For many combat veterans, the biggest battle begins after the actual conflict is over. Upon returning home, these brave men and women who fought so hard for others, are left to fend for themselves. They often find themselves feeling alone, isolated and unable to reconnect with and adjust to the life they once led. For these warriors, the psychological wounds sustained on the battle field become too overwhelming and begin to take control of their lives.
Without a good support system, veterans of war can quickly find themselves severely depressed and unable to cope. They begin to experience what is called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or what is also commonly referred to simply as PTSD. There are many manifestations of PTSD. Some of the symptoms can include extreme anxiety, anger, hopelessness, alcohol and drug abuse, suicidal thoughts and many other forms of self destructive behavior.
The road to recovery isn’t going to be easy, but for those combat veterans wanting some assistance moving forward with their lives, there is help. Reiki and/or Seichem is a wonderful therapeutic remedy which comes in the form of energy or hands-on healing. Energy healing can assist with PTSD by immediately alleviating some of the excess emotional baggage these veterans are dealing with. It can improve sleep and relaxation, irritability and anger, feelings of guilt or shame, memory and concentration. Simply put, it can help to lighten the load, and do so immediately!
If you are a combat veteran or know someone that is having problems re-adjusting to life after war, I would like to extend a special offer of service to you/them. If you/they are willing to step out of the box of traditional medicine and would like to try this alternative form of holistic healing, then please contact me at:
The first healing session will be given free of charge. After that, any healing may be payable by donation (whatever you/they can afford) or by an alternative “exchange of energy”. If you’re not sure and you would like to learn more about the benefits of energy healing or have other questions, please visit my website at www.kathleen-a-mccoy.com . I am mostly located in the San Antonio, Texas area (closest to Lackland Air Force Base) or near Pittsburgh, Beaver County, Pennsylvania. In some cases, I am willing to travel.
Healing for Canine Combat Veterans
I want to make sure our furry veterans are also remembered for their loyal and heroic service on the front lines. Military working dogs also experience trauma and PTSD, so I am extending this offer of energy healing to include any and all canine combat veterans or service and rescue dogs. As you already know from your experience working with them on the front lines, they are loyal, sentient beings who deserve to benefit from this energy healing as well.
Wishing you Peace,
kathleen xx
Looking for a few good Men or Women
Hello! If you are a holistic therapist, healer, or any other business that can provide a free or discounted service to benefit our Combat Veterans, please join with me in the helping and healing. If you would like your website or business included in my links section, please let me know. Thank you!
Did you know that by simply having an animal companion living in your home that you are practicing good Feng Shui? That’s right! By merely having a beloved little (or big) furry, feathery or scaly companion as a roommate, you – or should I say they – are automatically increasing the positive flow of Chi in your home.
Last month we learned that the basic principle of Feng Shui was all about the placement of objects such as buildings, houses, furniture, plants etc. in such a way as to maximize the flow of energy or Chi. When the best possible environment is created, this Chi will flow harmoniously and help with happiness, mental well-being and good fortune.
So where does little Fido or Miss Kitty fit into the mix and help with the positive flow of Chi in our homes? Well, basically, by simply being themselves. By being their loyal, loving, affectionate selves – accepting us unconditionally without hesitation – they exude a wonderful pure and positive energy which facilitates the flow of Chi. Absolutely amazing isn’t it?
We are all consciously aware that our animal companions enhance our lives in many ways. We also know, that no matter what is happening in our personal lives, whether the chips are up or down, they are there for us. Let’s face it, they are often our most trusted advisors, loyal confidants, spiritual gurus and – although a bit embarrassing to admit – even our shrinks!
Sometimes however, our animal friends improve our lives in ways we can not even remotely imagine. Enter Feng Shui! Animals help aid and assist with the positive flow of Chi, thus making our environment more harmonious and peaceful. In turn, this pleasant setting created by them, is conducive to our mental health, quality of life and well-being. Thank you Fido, Miss Kitty, and all you other wonderful animal companions out there!
Okay, so now that we have discussed all of the wonderful ways our beloved little (or big) furry, feathery or scaly friends add to our lives, what can we do in return to make their lives better? Well, we can start giving back and returning some of the energy by making their living environment as peaceful and harmonious as possible. How can we do this? We can achieve this goal by practicing a few simple Feng Shui techniques.
When followed on a daily basis, these easy techniques will help to ensure a positive flow of Chi in your companion’s environment, thus enhancing their quality of and outlook on life, mental health and overall well-being.
8 simple Fido Feng Shui techniques
1. Clean bed and bedroom area – Make sure that your animal friend has their own bed and a little nook they can call their own. Make sure the bed is clean, relaxing and in an area that is clutter free. No one wants to sleep in a messy, disruptive, cluttered-up environment. Do you get a good night sleep when your room is in a state of disarray? I think not!
2. Private space for some Fido ‘me time’ – make sure that you provide a peaceful, comfortable area in your house where your companion can chill out and unwind. Once again, the area should be free of clutter and it should be in a place where your friend doesn’t have to worry about humans trampling over or across them. An area right by the door or anywhere in the direct line of human traffic would not be a good place.
3. Quiet and peaceful environment – Animals are much more psychically sensitive and in tune than we are. Not only do they have amazing hearing, their intuition and psychic ability is tops. They get us and if we are in a state of chaos or personal trauma and drama ourselves, then our companions will be thrown off balance. Loosely translated, this means keep any loud screaming, arguments, temper tantrums or loud obnoxious music to a minimum please! Your little (or big) Fido likes to practice a Zen lifestyle so try to follow his lead in your own life.
4. Clean water bowl and food dish – Always, always provide a clean food dish and water bowl for your companion! This should be a must do on your list. Replace the water and clean out any uneaten food frequently. Would you like to drink water with hair and dust floating around in it? Or perhaps eat off a plate encrusted with old food? A big resounding YUCK! You think it sounds gross? So does Fido! (ps. No plastic bowls please!)
5. Change food up a bit – even if you stick to same basic food, mix it up by adding some tasty gravy or whatever is appropriate for your companion. Give them a variety of different treats etc. After all, would you want to eat the same boring, bland food everyday? Again, a bigger resounding YUCK! (The happier your companion is, the better energy they will emit – hence, better flow of Chi all around.)
6. A room with a view – make sure your companion has access to a window so he or she can look out when no one is home. Everyone needs visual stimulation, and that most definitely includes your beloved friend! Even if your friend is a fish or turtle, they still need variety and some visual stimulation. Put aquariums in places where they can see some action. Perhaps in a family room etc.
7. Electronic pollution free zone – in locating a peaceful area for your companions bed or chill out space, make sure it is away from plug outlets, television sets, computers or anything else that leaks radiation, irritating low level noises, flashing lights and the like. This goes double for you! Use the same rule of thumb when placing your bed or creating your chill out space. Believe me, if you have a space full of electronic gizmos and gadgets, you won’t be doing much chill-axing!
8. Exercise – While this last one isn’t really directly Feng Shui, it is important for spiritual health and well-being. All of us, including and especially your animal companion need to get physical. Exercise helps strengthen our muscles, as well as helping with our mental outlook. If your friend is a dog, try to give them at least one good walk a day so they can keep their muscles tone, plus get some mental stimulation. For indoor cats, at least let them sit with you outside in the garden or something. Being one with nature will help your outlook as well!
So there you have it! 8 simple techniques to improve the life of your little (or big) animal companion. Pretty easy rules to follow, yet so beneficial for your best friend. So what are you waiting for? Go get started making those little changes and watch the energy shift! Believe me, your animal companion and best friend will appreciate the effort and love you even more than they already do right now. (If that is even possible! P:)
One last tip:
When your trying to implement the techniques, don’t get bogged down in details or in trying to do too much. There are a multitude of other Feng Shui principles we could consider, but for now – let’s just keep it simple! Getting frustrated and confused will only be counterproductive. Just remember this simple rule of thumb: If it feels relaxing and peaceful to you, then it should feel the same for your furry, feathery or scaly friend!
Feng Shui, which literally means wind and water, is an ancient Chinese Art that has been practiced for centuries. The principle of Feng Shui is all about the placement of objects such as buildings, houses, furniture, plants etc. in such a way as to maximize the flow of energy or Chi. When the best possible environment is created, this Chi will flow harmoniously and help with happiness, mental well-being and good fortune.
Learning this ancient art and knowing how to increase the flow of Chi in any setting involves a myriad of tools and essentials. First there is the Bagua – which acts a bit like a map. Second, you have the eight principle directions. And last, comes learning about the five elements – which are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Oh, and let’s not forget, eventually you will have to know how to use color, crystals, plants and those groovy little indoor waterfalls!
As you can already see, the list of nuts and bolts needed for Feng Shui can go on forever and ever. Truth be told, it can get pretty confusing, pretty fast! Even Chinese Astrology and Numerology can be thrown into the mix when attempting to create a healthy space. Are you confused yet? Join the club!
If you are anything like me, ex. Jack of all trades master of none, then you probably just want to start with something basic that can help you in your everyday life, minus the trauma and drama of learning the ins and outs of Feng Shui. Am I right? Okay, let me start with a basic – a basic that will change your life! Ready? Drum roll please…
Close the lid and change your life!
Put the lid down and my life will change? Nah! It can’t be, that is just too easy! Yes, I hear you and I know it sounds way too easy – but believe me, it works! For years I have practiced this easy rule on an everyday basis and have noticed a real difference not only in the energy of my home, but also the energy in my life.
You see, in the practice of Feng Shui, water is very important. And, all things water and plumbing related, are symbolic of both money and resources in general. For example, if you have a leaky faucet which wastes water, then you will also be wasting money and/or resources. The upshot? Get your leaky plumbing fixed!
Since the principles of Feng Shui dictate that there really isn’t even a favorable placement for a toilet or bathroom in a home, it is extremely important how you interact with your bathroom space. As well, it is a primary belief that by leaving the toilet seat up – depending on what sector of your home it’s in – ex. love, career etc. – you will literally flush away any benefits you may have had.
Haven’t had a date in 12 years? Perhaps your toilet is in the love sector of your home, and your not closing the lid!
Okay, you’re probably still thinking this all sounds a bit too easy, and perhaps even a bit too cheesy – but it really does work! In fact, not only will you notice a real difference in the quality of energy throughout your home – you’ll notice more harmony and abundance coming into whichever area of life your toilet is located in.
With time, you will even get so psychically attuned to the enhanced energy that you will immediately notice when someone used your facilities and left the seat up. (Hopefully you won’t be like me and turn into the toilet seat Po-Po – but hey, fair warning, it may happen!)
So what else do we need to know about implementing Toilet Feng Shui in our home, office or place of business? Nothing. Nothing at all! Just start being vigilant about closing those lids and watch as the energy shifts and new prosperity enters your life.
Last month we talked about toxic people and why it’s advantageous to get them out of our lives. How about this time we change gears a bit and talk about something a bit more positive and upbeat? That’s right! I am talking about healthy people – the ones who are a bit more beneficial to our everyday lives and help us in fulfilling our spiritual purpose.
Like toxic people, healthy people also come in all shapes and sizes. However, unlike toxic people – they aren’t really sneaky little buggers. Quite the contrary! Healthy people emit a brilliant light, and much like a lighthouse beacon, can be seen for miles. They can be easily recognized not only by their wonderful energy and auras, but, by the way they make you feel.
Generally speaking, healthy people will give you a sense of being built up, not torn down. They will give you a sense that nothing about you – not even your quirky mannerisms or those far-out thoughts you normally keep to yourself – are too silly or off limits. These delightfully healthy and happy people plug you in, so that you too can shine and be the soul you came here to be.
Hmm, that sounds easy enough right? Well, hold on just a minute. Although healthy people are fairly easy to recognize by their radiant energy and aura, there can be one slight drawback for us. If we are in an unhealthy place at the moment ourselves, we may have a difficult time recognizing their sparkle. So what can we do? How do we get better at recognizing these people and bringing more of them into our lives?
No worries! If you find yourself feeling uplifted, energized and enjoy being around someone – chances are, they may be a healthy person. However, if you’re not sure, ask yourself some of the following questions:
Does this person take an eager interest in who I am as a person?
Do they value me as a fellow human being, appreciating me as a unique individual soul?
Do they look beyond the superficial trivialities of life such as what I do for a living, my financial portfolio or how many ‘things’ I may or may not have acquired in my lifetime?
Does there seem to be an equal exchange of energy in all of our interactions?
Do they have good intentions and have my best interest at heart?
Most importantly, are they respectful and sincere?
If you answered yes to the above questions, and unless the person under consideration is a brilliant con-artist, then yahoo! You’ve got yourself a genuine healthy friend, acquaintance, relationship etc!
What’s next?
Okay, so now we know the basic characteristics and qualities of a healthy person. But, how do we go about attracting more of these people into our lives and where do we look for them? Well, if you read my last blog, you know that first and foremost we have to clear out some of those toxic people, so the healthy ones have space to enter our lives.
The second thing is to make sure that we ourselves are working on our own being healthy issues and that we are not still exuding toxic fumes. As we all know, depending on the circumstances at any given moment in our lives, sometimes that is easier said than done! Some of us may never be completely toxin free, but we have to keep trying. Remember, a healthy person isn’t going to stay around us very long if they perceive us as a toxin.
Number three? Don’t limit your thinking about finding healthy people. Healthy people are everywhere and they can enter our lives at any given moment, and for any length of time. You don’t always have to have brilliant everlasting healthy friendships or relationships to sustain yourself either. It’s wonderful to have them, but if you don’t – look elsewhere for your healthy fix.
Surrounding yourself with healthy everyday situations can work just as well until you acquire some of those closer, more permanent relationships you desire and dream about. Let me ask you something: Do you frequent businesses where the employees are always rude and treat you like crap? Or, do you go to the business where the employees are always friendly and treat you like a human being? I don’t know about you guys, but I will always pick the latter of the two choices!
Okay, this might be a good place for me to insert another one of my infamous little example stories. (You knew I had to get one in there somewhere!) So, here it goes:
When I lived in London, sometimes I used to get on a bus, take a tube and then walk a mile just so I could go to this little café in southeast London. The café itself was pretty nondescript. In fact, all I ever ordered was a jacket potato (baked). The potato itself, although good, really was not particularly memorable either. Baked beans, cheese, a side of grilled mushrooms – and that’s it. Pretty boring aye?
So why did I go out of my way to go there? What would possibly possess a person to travel over an hour, taking a bus, a tube and on foot, just for a potato? Were they magic potatoes? Better yet, were they secretly serving me magic mushrooms and I had some type of addiction I was unaware of? Nope, none of the above!
I went there because the café was a happy, healthy situation. The owners, a lovely Turkish family, exuded pure love – not only for each other – but, for all their customers as well. They made you feel valued and appreciated, as though you were part of their family. Never mind how busy they were, when you walked into their café, you could always count on them greeting you by name and taking an interest in how you were doing.
Perhaps you are shaking your head at the moment thinking, that’s a long way for just a potato! Well, yes, perhaps it was a long way for a potato, but it wasn’t too out of the way to be in a healthy situation. You see, some of us aren’t always fortunate enough to have healthy situations at our doorstep. Sometimes, we need to make a bit of an effort. If we have to drive 20 miles to Starbucks or wherever, just so we can hang out and be around some happy, healthy people – than hey, so be it!
Time to get healthy and happy!
So, are you one of those unfortunate people that find yourself mired in toxic relationships and situations? If the answer is yes, then it may be time to make some adjustments in your life. Perhaps it’s time to consciously get a grip on healthy and pull yourself out of that toxic bog that you have become so accustomed to.
While you’re on your quest for more healthy, make sure you don’t get discouraged and definitely don’t be too hard on yourself. Believe it or not, although many of us may be reluctant to admit it, we have all been there!
Take things slow, one step at a time. Remember, it doesn’t matter whether you have permanent or temporary healthy relationships with people or you surround yourself with healthy situations. Healthy begets healthy period!
So what should you do now? Well, for starters, you can get off this computer and go about the task of bringing healthy into your life! Get out there and find those healthy people and situations that plug you in! Work on surrounding yourself with healthy, happy and shiny. Believe me, once you go healthy dude or dudette – you won’t ever turn back! P:)
World Peace, over and out!
kathleen xx
Warning: Surrounding yourself with healthy people and situations can be extremely addictive. Possible side-effects may include, but are not limited to feelings of bliss, contentment, delight, euphoria, happiness, joy, pleasure and an overall renewed sense of well-being.
The writer of this blog does not assume any liability should such side-effects occur.