Animal Totems

About two years ago, I was driving down a country road when all of a sudden my inner voice told me to slow down. I had this overwhelming feeling that something was about to happen. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw this giant bird flying out of a ditch, in a direct path with my car. Life went into slow motion as this beautiful hawk flew as if it were about to T-Bone my car. But instead of hitting the side of my car, it grazed my windshield and as it did this, it turned its head and looked directly into my eyes. To say this experience was bizarre, is an understatement. I didn’t hurt the hawk, it simply flew away. It was almost like my windshield gave it a little “umph” to get it going. I even came to a stop to see if it somehow ended up behind my car on the road. It wasn’t there. I was in complete shock. The hawk looked right at me. It was the most bizarre feeling that I will never forget.That’s all I kept saying, over and over in my head. What the heck just happened..??

At this point in my Spiritual Path, I had just started a “coincidence” journal that was advised from a recent book I had read. The book preaches that in the grand scheme of things, everything is connected and every person or animal comes into our lives to teach us something. The way the journal works is like this : start writing down things that you keep seeing, or things that stick out to you. It could be an animal, a name of an old friend you keep thinking about, a course, ect... The goal is to follow these “coincidences”, as this is the universe trying to make you aware of something. 

The coincidence journal, is how I got to be where I am today. Almost everything I wrote down, I followed... including the school in which I am studying holistic health, Reiki, certain books, and even people. I can honestly say, that I would not be where I am today, if I did not follow “my path”. Even my husband keeps saying I should write a book about my path, because of how perfect everything fell together. It wasn’t that it “fell” together. I made everything happen by paying attention to what the universe was advising for ME. 

Anyways, I started seeing hawks, left right and center. They would dive bomb my car, be sitting on street signs when I would just decide to take an alternate route for no apparent reason...  one even showed up in my yard when I was an emotional wreck. I thought I was going crazy seeing hawks everywhere, and I'm sure everyone around me thought I was going crazy too. It wasn’t until I met my Reiki Teacher and told her about this, that I completely understood why hawks were coming around me. I will never forget what she said to me... “ Sarah darling, you couldn’t BE any luckier. People pay attention for years to figure out what their Totem Animal is, and yours flew right into your face! That doesn’t just happen! There is a REASON why the hawk is coming to you... so lets do some research.”

Hawks are visionaries and messengers. As a totem they help to open the higher chakras so that we may hear and see the visions and messages that Spirit and the Universe are always sending our way. There is never a moment when the Universe is not trying to get a message through to us but we are so often too busy or unaware of what it is we need to be watching for! Hawks helps us to not only be aware that we are receiving a message but how to interpret them. The Hawk is able to soar high above the earth to soar on the breath of Spirit, to commune with Spirit and thus understand through the intuitive level what the message means and with their keen eyesight, how to implement it once they return to earth through seeing the broader picture below. One of the greatest gifts a Hawk medicine person can give the world is their visions of a better and brighter future. Visionaries are always ahead of their time and it's not easy seeing what others are not ready to see. Often these people are not honoured and recognized for their work and efforts until long after they have crossed over. And yet their work lives on to touch and enrich the lives of people the world over! Honour the Hawk people you meet in your life. Encourage them to soar so they may bring their visions and messages back to earth that all may benefit. If you are a Hawk person yourself, understand that Spirit trusts you to a special task to hold the energy of what could be, of potentials that are waiting to be envisioned and thus expressed through the mass consciousness. ( There is MUCH more on the hawk totem! )

My jaw dropped as we read about the hawk. Just at a time in my life when I was trying to interpret the messages the universe was telling me, I had my own personal cheer team of hawks, showing their support. The hawk that flew into my windshield DID look into my eye and give me a message. And that message was FULLY received. “Pay attention... the Universe is showing you your path... it is time to wake up to your full potential.” 

Some may think this is all nonsense, but when it happens to you, you can’t ignore it or brush it off as nonsense. Since the beginning of time, many indigenous and Native cultures believe in the power and messages of animals. With a little help, I paid attention to what was put out there for me to see and I have never been more healthy, successful and happy because of it. I have never had a more powerful drive to accomplish my goals and I know I will be successful with them. I FINALLY know what I am supposed to do in life all because I started to pay attention and I didn’t let people calling me crazy get in my way of success. 

People can have more than one Animal Totem in their lifetime. They can show up to give you insight for a particular situation you may be going through in life. Pay attention to the creatures that you are drawn too, or ones that keep paying you unexpected visits... you never know what message they are trying to get across. Here a just a few common animal totems and their meanings: 

Butterfly: Overwhelmingly, cultural myth and lore honor the butterfly as a symbol of transformation because of its impressive process of metamorphosis.The butterfly unquestioningly embraces the chances of her environment and her body. This unwavering acceptance of her metamorphosis is also symbolic of faith. Here the butterfly beckons us to keep our faith as we undergo transitions in our lives.

Dove: Did you know doves produce their own milk? Yep, it's called "crop milk" or "pigeons milk." It's an rare thing in nature for birds to produce their own milk to feed their young. From this unique ability, we can glean symbolism of nurturing. In fact, doves are commonly considered a symbol of motherhood. The dove is commonly seen in Christian art with Mary as a symbol of care, devotion, purity and peace. 

Turtle :Those with the turtle as their totem can relate to the "sure and steady" message this creature brings to our lives. It is also a powerful totem for protection as withdrawing into it's shell is an amazing self-defense mechanism.The turtle has few predators, which gives it an innocent energy. This also increases its lifespan, and so holds the symbolic meaning for longevity in many cultures.

( The previous descriptions were taken from the website www.whats-your-sign.com . My favourite book on Animal Totems is : Animal Speak: The Spiritual & Magical Powers of Creatures Great & Small )

Be a Light Onto Yourself

It's been a while since my last blog entry. I took a break from writing because I have been incredibly busy with Thai Massage and other school work. As well, over the Christmas break a family member became very ill. It has been a very stressful few months, but I am happy to write that I still have my sanity... and I honestly have my lifestyle to thank for that.

I have been very fortunate not to experience death or illness in my immediate family. I have never known what those facing illness have gone through. You could say that life got VERY real all of a sudden over Christmas. My mother, who is the most amazing women I know, is in the process of being diagnosed with what could be a very life-threatening illness. I have never had to be so strong, as I have taken the role of her care-taker this past month. You never think that one day, you will have to be a mother to your own mother. But it has happened in my life.

If this happened 2 years ago, I would have broken down and been helpless to everyone in my family. I would have been a useless basketcase. I have to say, that everything I have done in the past 2 years in terms of Holistic Health and Meditation has prepared me to deal with this situation. It has given me the strength I need to be the rock that my family needs right now. I have never had a healthier state of mind than I do right now facing what could be a tragedy.

When we first found out that my mother was sick, I wanted to do everything in my power to help her heal. I offered every remedy, every treatment I could do for her... but my mother had no interest at the time. At first, I took it very hard because I wanted to heal her. I wanted to make it all go away for her. But after spending time in such a loving environment at school and through meditation, I came to realize that I cannot save her. The only life I have power over is my own. All I can do is be the best Sarah I can be and if that inspires others than that's a bonus.

"Be a light onto yourself" is the last words that Buddha spoke to his followers. It reminds me that we all need to shine a light onto ourselves to see our own amazing potential. You must know for yourself, the truth of yourself. You cannot realize it through another, not matter how great that other is. There is no other authority that can reveal your potential. If you live your life in this manner, you will be such a strong light that you will naturally inspire those around you.

That is what I have been practicing in my life. I can say that I have seen a huge change in my mother when I am around. I can't save her, but I can be such a light that it inspires her to find her own and begin the healing her own life.

Aromatic Christmas Ornaments

Oranges have been a traditional Christmas gift for centuries. Its origin stems from the rareness of these citrus fruits. Many years ago, it was very expensive to purchase oranges, and Christmas time was when they were "in season", so they could be purchased as elaborate and expensive gifts. As well, many children would put oranges, carrots and hay in their shoes for a gift for Santa's reindeer.

The Orange Christmas Ornament, is one of my favourite Christmas Traditions. I have previously mentioned how much I love Aromatherapy, and this gift has a fragrance that will fill your home with a wonderful warm aroma for about 2 weeks. It is also incredibly easy to make. 

Aromatherapy:

Orange Oil : Orange is delightfully bright, cheery, and a strong antidepressant! It is also refreshing and relaxing. Which makes it a perfect scent for the holidays!! 

Clove Buds : First, clove has a very valuable first aid benefit. It actually numbs the nerves, making it an emergency treatment for toothaches. It's scent is said to be an aphrodisiac in small quantities. It is also stimulating to the mind and memory, helpful in cases of fatigue and depression. It is also used for various pulmonary afflictions such as asthma, sinus infections and bronchitis. 

Pairing these two scents together will make a wonderful, uplifting scent for the Holiday Season.

What You Will Need :

- Oranges

- Bowl of clove buds ( best purchased in bulk from Bulk Barn )

- Ribbon

- Toothpicks

- Small ornaments for decoration

Step 1: Wrap the ribbon around the oranges in an "X" or cross pattern and trace out where your ribbon will be going to hold up the orange. This gives us a template for where we will be putting our cloves.

Step 2 : Use a toothpick and poke holes in the spaces where there will not be ribbon. I always do straight lines from top to bottom. It is MUCH easier to use the toothpick first instead of trying to push the cloves right in. Your fingers will get very sore if you don't use the toothpick! Once your holes are made, insert clove buds.

Step 3 : Repeat for all 4 sections

Step 4 : Wrap your ribbon around the orange, so that you can tie it at the top. I used two different styles of ribbon, so that the thicker style could be tied in a bow, and the thin style used to hang the orange.

Step 5 : Tie a small ornament onto the top of the orange for a decoration. I used small Christmas bells, purchased from Dollarama. 

Step 6 : Hang or give your ornament as a gift!!

These are an easy home-made gift done on a budget that everyone will love! They DO spoil, so they should not be kept longer than 2 weeks. Merry Christmas!! 

The Dr. Oz Show

I don't get the opportunity to watch very mutch day time television, but when I do I always try to catch the Dr. Oz Show. I personally enjoy the show because he tries to introduce people to the alternative styles of medicine and healing. As well, he is incredibly knowledgeable in nutrition. Now sometimes I must say, he can be a little over the top, but in all in all, this guy knows his stuff!

I would like to share a link to a video clip from his website. It is an Alternative Health Series and it focuses on Ayurvedic Medicine. It is a short segment but it will help to give you an idea of what Ayurveda is about! I practice quite a few healing modalities from Ayurveda and mention it on here quite a bit. I have found that my health has improved immensely since I started including some of the Ayurvedic principles into my routine, and most of them are easy enough for everyone to enjoy. In this video series, there's information on digestive issues, Alzheimer's prevention, anti-aging and much much more!! So check it out and enjoy some helpful information from a culture that has been taking care of their minds, bodies and spirits for thousands of years!!

Dr. Oz Alternative Health Series : India

Breathe Your Way To Better Health

I want you to pay attention to the way you are breathing as you read this. Are you breathing through your mouth? Does your chest rise and fall as you breathe? We are intelligent enough to figure out that we need to breathe to live, but do you know the way you breathe can influence your health? It may seem silly to write about the importance of breathing but this automatic response is not only necessary for life, it is also used in holistic medicine to help us to connect the mind and body through awareness.

When we get stressed we breathe shallowly, when we're startled we gasp. No matter the emotion, we experience it one breath at a time. Have you ever watched a an infant sleeping? Its abdomen rises and falls effortlessly as it breaths through the nose. Our breathing patterns have been altered by stress. Our breathing patterns are direct reflections of our physical, mental and emotions states of mind. Shallow breathing is associated with the body's flight-or-fight response. Habitual chest breathing causes the body to think it is in a constant state of stress. Breathing from the diaphragm however, sends a message to our body that everything is A-OK.

Full and efficient breathing forces the stomach to rise as air fills the diaphragm ( area between stomach and lungs ) and then the lungs. Proper breathing decreases anxiety, depression, irritability, muscle tension and fatigue. Having good breathing habits will enhance overall health, providing increased energy, better brain function, increased circulation and better nervous system function. 

The key to improving your breathing is to first take notice how you breathe. Make a point of checking it throughout the day. Again, the abdomen should inflate first, then chest and deflate with each exhalation. It's also important to breathe through your nose because if you breathe through your mouth, your lungs receive cold, unfiltered air. 

I would like to share one of my favourite breathing exercises that I use daily:

Alternate Nostril Breathing

We rarely ever breath out of just one nostril at a time. By doing this Ayurvedic breathing technique, not only does it have all the benefits I wrote previously, but it actually works in opening up the energy channels of the body. As well, breathing in through the left nostril alone will access the "feeling" hemisphere of your brain, and breathing through the right side will access the "thinking" side. Consciously breathing through each nostril at a time will allow you to energize and activate your whole brain. Not to mention it is INCREDIBLY relaxing and helps to clear out any stuffy noses.

Step 1: Breathe out fully through the nose, emptying the diaphragm and chest

Step 2: Use your right thumb to close off your right nostril 

Step 3: Breathe in deeply through the left nostril, filling the diaphragm first, then chest, until it is felt right up in the base of your neck

Step 4: Pause for a second or two

Step 5: Now close left nostril with your ring finger and release your right nostril

Step 6: Breathe out completely out of your right nostril

Step 7: Now inhale deeply through right nostril

Step 8: Pause

Step 9: Use thumb to close right nostril and release left nostril

Step 10: Breathe completely out of left nostril

You have just completed one round of Alternate Nostril Breathing. As a beginner, start with one or two rounds and try working up to five. Once you are done, sit quietly for a few minutes and return your breathing to normal. 

Including this exercise into your daily routine will make you feel great! It is a wonderful stress reliever and can even be done before bed to help get a relaxing night's sleep. Remember to try to breathe in fresh air whenever you can and combining breath awareness with nature walks or meditation is a great way to practice and appreciate the breath of life! 

All I Want For Christmas...

The past few years, my husband and I have struggled to get each other Christmas gifts. We both find it hard since we are fortunate to have incomes where we can make purchases for ourselves year round.  We also don't have any children, which allows us to live fairly selfishly... to be perfectly honest. Yet, regardless if we make a pact not to get each other a gift, I still find the holiday pressure makes me feel guilty for not participating. So this year we decided to do things differently...

This Christmas we decided to participate in the Adopt a Family program through our local Community Care Center. Instead of purchasing gifts for each other, we will be giving the gift of Christmas to a local family in need. Growing up, I was very fortunate to have a great big family dinner with presents that overflowed in our living room. It was an amazing feeling being a child, trying to stay up all night with the anticipation for Christmas morning. It breaks my heart to think that there are children that don't get to experience the joy of opening up gifts and sharing a Christmas dinner with their family. It's even sadder to think that there are parents that can't give this to their own children. It takes courage and strength to ask for help at this time of year. 

Last year alone, Community Care filled 3,800 tummies, assisted 50 families with utility costs ensuring warm beds, 820 people were assisted with their shelter needs and 3,200 families enjoyed a Christmas dinner with presents under the tree. Isn't that amazing?! To be able to participate in such a profound way of giving is the best gift of all in my eyes. Christmas isn't about how much money you spend on a gift or whom bought who the best gift... to me Christmas is about giving.... and sharing the giving with your family.

Whether it is some pocket change or maybe a donation to a food or gift drive, it all adds up and can make a huge impact on someone who is in need during the holidays. And trust me, giving back will make you feel wonderful... which is an emotional boost for your health!  


So this Christmas, make sure you tell all your loved ones how much they mean to you, and please keep in mind all of those less fortunate in our community this holiday season.... and when you have the opportunity to donate, please don't be a Scrooge! 

For more information, please visit : www.communitycarestca.ca

Now Offering Indian Head Massage

Massage is one of the oldest forms of natural medicine known to man and has been practiced for over thousands of years. The art of Indian Head Massage originates from Ayurveda ( pronounced : A· yur·ve·da ), which is the ancient East Indian system of medicine. This Sanskrit word can be translated as either the "science of life " or "knowledge of life ". The Ayurveda approach to health is the balance of the body, mind and spirit and the promotion of a long and happy life.

In India, massage plays an essential role in family life. It is an integral part of the daily routine and is highly recommended for everyone throughout all stages of life. It was originally developed by women as a part of their daily grooming routine, as they would massage oils into their scalps to ensure its health and to keep their hair long and lustrous. Over time, massage techniques become more elaborate to include the arms, shoulders, upper back, neck, face and scalp. As well as relaxing the muscles, we also work on the Energy Lines and Acupressure Points on the upper body, which can help produce wonderful benefits.

Possible Benefits of an Indian Head Massage

1. General relaxation

2. Improved blood circulation increases oxygen supply to the brain and drains away accumulated toxins

3. Calms, revitalizes and uplifts the spirit

4. Can create a more balanced state of being

5. Relaxes tight and painful muscles, eases stiffness and breaks down knots in muscles

6. Increase joint mobility

7. Improved lymphatic drainage, which helps in the removal of waste products and toxins

8. Can give your hair a healthy lustrous shin and improved skin condition

9. Encourages deeper breathing and deep relaxation : very enjoyable and triggers the release of " feel good " chemicals called endorphins creating an almost euphoric sensation

10. Promotion of hair growth

11. Helps to dissipate mental tiredness, stress, depressions resulting in greater mental alertness, concentration and clearer thinking

Can also help relieve the following conditions : Eyestrain, Tension Headaches, Migraines, Earaches, Tinnitus, Jaw Ache, Sinus Congestion, Insomnia, Disturbed Sleep

Many of these benefits are noticeable after only ONE treatment!!

A typical treatment usually lasts from 30 to 45 minutes and the treatments are a very relaxing experience. They can be done in your home, or can be done in my treatment room, whichever you feel more comfortable with. A treatment is given in a comfortable chair in the seated position, so that I may have easy access to all of the areas I will cover. There is also no need to disrobe, the massage is done over top of the clothes as well. I find it is best to wear a comfortable t shirt, without a collar. The cost of a treatment is $30.00.

I will also be putting a short video together to demonstrate the massage so that my readers can have a better understanding of what to expect during a treatment. Please expect that in the near future.

Indian Head Massage is an amazing way to pamper yourself. I know so many women, that LOVE to have their head, face and hair played with and massaged. If you are one of those women, this is for you! It is also not limited to women only, many men love the Indian Head Massage experience and will enjoy all the same benefits it has to offer.

For more information or to book an appointment, please contact myself through email or by phone :

the-happy-lotus@hotmail.ca or 905 380 6027

Mother Nature's Heartbeat

This past Sunday, my friend Franny and I were very fortunate to be able to attended a Hand Drum Workshop in St Catharines. "Dewegun" ( the living heart ) is how the drum is described. "It has been said that the one true path that will guide you home.... is the one that begins in your heart. "

When we first arrived at the studio, we were greeted with many smiling and welcoming faces. The workshop itself was led by Bill Russ and his partner Jackie Labonte joined us later in the afternoon. You could tell instantly that Bill would be an amazing Teacher. His passion and joy emanated from his being. We were also introduced to two other amazing Teachers, Earl and Jacqi, who would be guiding us in our wood burning instruction.

The class opened up with Bill singing a Native song and playing his drum. His voice was amazing! As soon as he started I had goosebumps all over my body. I could hardly wait to begin to construct the drum that was echoing inside of all of us.

We all picked out or drum bases and began to sand and wood burn our designs into them. Much respect goes into making the drums. We were guided to put all of our positive thoughts and intentions into every aspect of making the drums. It is a very large ritual to construct a drum, as we are giving life and a voice back to the Spirit of the animals and trees that were taken so that we could make it. Besides the small amount of glue holding the base together, everything that our drums would be made from is organic and once living materials. It is very important to honour the Spirit of the drum and to treat it with respect.

Wood burning was my favourite part, and I believe it was Franny's as well. It was unbelievably relaxing. The whole classroom was dead silent as we all burned intricate designs into our base. The smoke that was created during the process is seen as medicine in Native culture. Just like smudging, the smoke cleansed and calmed all of us. After we were finished, we moved on to making our striker stick. This was a very easy process.

After lunch, we were all eager to move on to the next step - making the lacing for our drums. Little did we know that we would be cutting it out of the imperfect pieces of deer skin that still showed signs of how the deer was killed. I had to hold back my lunch as the Teacher plopped down a folded up piece of fowl smelling skin that had bullet holes in it. We were to smooth out the skin and squeeze out any remaining "juices", then to cut it into 5 arms length strips. Everything smelt like death. It was an awful, awful smell, but we knew we had to suck it up and put on a brave face.

Once our lacing was cut, it was time to lace the main piece onto the base. Walnut oil was used to stain the drum covering, making each piece as individual as the person making the drum. Lacing was pretty confusing as first, but with team work, Franny and I were able to get the hang of it. Once it was finished, it was a huge relief not to have to handle the wet, stinky skin any longer.

Our drums were beautiful, there was no doubt about it. After everyone had completed theirs, it was time to Feast our drums. In Native Culture, it is very important to provide a feast to the Spirit as a sign of respect. We all shared berries and dripped some of the juices onto the drums. I took it a little too far, and actually rubbed my berry onto the dead skin then ate it....right before I was told to squeeze it on instead. Needless to say, my drum and I got a little personal. Closing the Ceremony, Bill led us in a drumming and Native song. It was a wonderful way to finish off the day.

The drumming workshop was an amazing opportunity for us to meet like-minded people and to share in this Native American tradition. Since the beginning of time, drums have been used to call people together. They were and still are the pulse of a community - or of Mother Earth. It is a universal language of peace, diversity, languages, understanding, joy, ect.. I could go on forever! The sound is a peaceful aid to use in meditatation and to bring us closer to the Earth.

We were very fortunate to be apart of this. I will never forget it and I will cherish my beautiful drum forever. I am so happy I was able to share this experience with my friend, Franny. It is a day I will never forget.

Please take the time to visit www.fireart.ca and learn more about wood burning art.

To view all the photos taken, please visit : http://www.flickr.com/photos/staysweetxo/