May 2005, Issue No. 29 ~ Clearing the Cobwebs from Your Mind and Life

This month our family moved. We rolled up our sleeves and dug in to do massive Spring-cleaning in our new (old) house. As I've cleaned the dust and cobwebs from closets, nooks, corners, and crannies, I've silently repeated this mantra: I'm clearing the cobwebs from my mind. Once our home is cleaned and painted, we will take steps toward clearing any stagnant and negative energy from the house as well. If this notion peaks your interest or you are ready to embrace some spring cleaning yourself, you'll want to read our Feng Shui instructor Deborah Redfern's article on this topic below.

Also this issue, check out our featured flash show on Common Dream Themes. The special effects Mike, our wonderful web master, created are dreamy! We also congratulate our own Romance Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway on the publication of her new book entitled Wedding Goddess: A Divine Guide to Transforming Wedding Stress Into Wedding Bliss!

Whether you are feeling joyous or sorrowful these days, this season is often deemed a time for renewal and new beginnings. See if one of our courses might support you on your healing journey or help you clear the cobwebs from your mind and life. We hope you enjoy this issue of articles, tips and blips.


Blessings for Health & Healing,



June Soyka Cook
Self-Healing Expressions (S-HE)

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Common Dream Themes

Do you understand you nightly dreams? What does it mean if you miss a plane, train or ride… Are being chased? Enjoy our new Flash Show on common dream themes, excerpted from Laura Grace's "Dreams for Healing" course. As always, if so moved, we invite you to pass this link on and on... Know we are grateful for this small act of kindness. View here.

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Holistic Housekeeping: Spring Cleaning With Intent By Deborah Redfern Whistling while I work does not come naturally for me, how about you? Especially during those repetitive tasks -- like washing dishes and sweeping floors. This is a pity because simply put, cleaning shifts energy. Making each room sparkle has an uplifting effect. Consider that if house cleaning alone shifts energy, cleaning with intent has an even greater effect. Put this theory to the test to make your spring cleaning more meaningful, enjoyable and uplifting this year... Read on. Deborah is a certified Practitioner and Master Teacher of Interior Alignment©. She is the creator and instructor of Healing with Feng Shui and Color. Learn how to use feng shui and colors for healing.

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How You Can Pray: It's a Matter of Atmosphere and Resonance By Rev. Elizabeth A. Reed, Ph.D. No matter what your religious background was or what your present spiritual path now is, we all have a deep yearning to connect day-to-day or even moment-to-moment with the Source of All. Prayer as a spiritual practice is taught by teachers of most any world religion. And while there is a fundamental agreement amongst religious teachers that prayer is a means of communication or union with the Divine, there are innumerable ways and means to pray... Read on. Elizabeth A. Reed co-created with Neil Douglas-Klotz A Healing Journey with the Aramaic Lord's Prayer: Reclaiming the Mysticism of Jesus through His Native Language.

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Things That Make You Go Ommm. . .

Self-Hypnosis Online Tool
You're truly one-of-a-kind. Your hypnosis could be, too. At HypnoSoft™, we think the "self" in self hypnosis is important. Join the thousands of people who have used our online hypnosis software. Create a self hypnosis that's just right for you, in total privacy. This unique and affordable online tool has helped others overcome anxiety, fibromyalgia symptoms, post surgery healing, break-ups, and substance abuse - to name a few. Visit HypnoSoft today!

Newly Released Book for Teens and Pre-Teen!
The Road to TeenVision: How to Find Your Passion and Follow Your Dreams
It's challenging for today's teens to pursue their dreams in a world where success is often measured superficially by beauty, money, or status. The Road to TeenVision is ready to change this perspective. Give your favorite teen or preteen this book with step-by-step guidance and inspirational interviews designed to help them discover their inner gifts and develop the inner strength to live their dreams. See www.planetgiggle.com/theroadtoteenvision.htm

Holistic Prayers: Healing the Mind, Body and Spirit Through Prayer
Subscribe to this (no fee) uplifting Self-Healing Expressions e-course and get a sense of how our self-paced delivery system works while being inspired by interfaith prayers. Enroll now.

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Comments from YOU: Here's What You're Saying About our Courses...

"This is a very powerful course--filled with useful and practical information. Every lesson was power-packed and got me thinking about my life and what I already knew about purpose in a new way. The lesson on manifestation, in particular, rocked my world! I went out and got the book Melanie recommended right away, and my life has been skyrocketing in wonderful new directions ever since. My only suggestion would be to sign-up to receive one lesson per week as the level of information is so thorough it can be a bit overwhelming taken on a daily basis. I highly recommend this program to anyone seeking to expand their life perspective in powerfully wonderful ways." ~ Laurie Smith, New Jersey ( Life Purpose course)


"I found the course very rich and dense, ranging from subtle discussion of particular Aramaic words to experiential practices using breath, voice, sound, sensory awareness, imagination. Scholarship and practices are skillfully woven together, giving a strong feeling of the power and life the Aramaic words carry. Working with the Aramaic over time, along with translations and practices like the ones offered here, has completely transformed my experience of Jesus' prayer." ~ Jo Curtz, Washington ( Aramaic Lord's Prayer)


"My beloved dog, Stanley, died on Jan.31 after being hit by a car. The extent of my grief was almost unbearable and unimaginable. My husband and I signed up for this course about 4 weeks after he died and I've found the weekly lessons extremely comforting and helpful. I was relieved at the level of respect and understanding of the deep a bond I had formed with Stanley and the gentle guidance provided to lead me through my bereavement. Thank you." ~ Mara L., California ( Pet Loss course)

Thanks for writing in!

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Living With Purpose: The Cure is a Connection to All Things By Melanie Votaw A movie called I Heart Huckabees recently came out on DVD. It's quite a zany ride, but it deals with the concept of all things being connected to one another. This is a basic metaphysical concept that is a part of many of the world's religions. If you've ever experienced telepathic communications (e.g., knowing what someone was thinking before they told you), then you know our connection to one another is very real... Read on. Melanie Votaw is the instructor for the course Discovering Your Life Purpose: Living the Life You Were Born to Live.

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Reiki: An Introduction... or Review By Maggie Wahls Reiki is more than a healing method. Reiki is a way of life. Reiki is a connection with the ever-flowing light energy of the universe. And is the greatest teacher for those who are willing to listen and learn. Reiki is pronounced "Ray - Key". Rei is the Japanese word, which means "universal" and is referring to a higher dimension of light and soul. Ki is the Japanese word, which means the vital life force energy - which interpenetrates and connects everything in this Universe. Ki has also been called... Read on. Reiki Master Teacher Maggie Wahls is the creator and instructor for the course Reiki for Healing: Level I.

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This month's featured Recipe: Asparagus Risotto with Oyster Mushrooms and Ginger By Julianne Koritz, registered, licensed dietitian Asparagus are a good source of folacin (a.k.a. folic acid), Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Folacin is necessary for blood cell formation, growth, and prevention of liver disease. It is important for nucleic acid metabolism in the body. Anemia, diarrhea, and neural tube defects in fetuses can result from insufficient folic acid. Vitamin A promotes... Read on and find recipe here. Julianne Koritz is the creator of The Healing Power of Food: The Energized Body Plan.

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	Expressing Your Love In A Sacred Wedding Ceremony By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway Every time I officiate at a wedding ceremony I am awed by the extraordinary energy that becomes available when two people in love literally step up to commit themselves to sacred union. Because I am frequently called upon to solemnize marriage vows outside of traditional religious settings, I have seen time and again that a holy temple can be created anywhere love is present... Read on.
Rev. Laurie Sue is the creator and instructor of the Self-Healing Expressions course Find Your Spiritual Soul Mate: Transforming Your Romantic Destiny with A Romantic Resumé and author of Wedding Goddess: A Divine Guide to Transforming Wedding Stress Into Wedding Bliss.

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Laughter and The Healing Process By Lynn Shaw, Laugh Therapist

In my experience as a psychotherapist, I have had the privilege of listening to thousands of stories. People entrust me with their innermost thoughts, desires, joys, and concerns. Some of the stories move me to tears and some to laughter. What continually amazes me is how much laughter is a part of the healing process for my clients. I can count on laughter entering the counseling session within... Read on. Lynn Shaw is the creator and instructor of the course Laughter for the Healing Heart.

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Dear Marty ~ Mother Loss: When Will the Crying Stop? Q & A by Bereavement Counselor Marty Tousley

Question: I just wish for the day when I can think of my mom without crying. Why does it seem to last for so long? It's been 5 months since my mom passed and I still can't think of her without bawling. I've been very depressed lately and some days are better than others, but it often feels if I'm on a roller-coaster. I just want to keep it together for my daughter. I don't like falling apart in front of her. I wish there was an easy solution to all of this pain. I just want my mom back in my life. I want her to be here for me! I want my dad to not be lonely. I know he is. I don't know if writing this allows me to express how I feel, or is it just a reminder of how much I've lost? Read Marty's response here. Marty Tousley is the instructor of The First Year of Grief: Help for the Journey and A Different Grief: Coping with Pet Loss.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS


A BIG Thank You!
Self-Healing Expressions gratefully acknowledges these sites for their help in raising awareness of our recent Writing Contest:

Inspiration Line
Lucia Luna, MSC, Midlife Midwife & Spiritual Coach
Web Wise News

We encourage you to check out these TERRIFIC sites (and people)! The winning entry for our Spring Writing Contest can be found here.

We appreciate your feedback!
If you've taken one (or more) of our courses, we would be sooo grateful for your feedback! You can use this easy online course survey form.

Other S-HE courses to check out!
More Power to You: Personal Power Through Self-Awareness
Discovering the Shaman Healer Within: Apprentice Course
Healing the Environment: Saving the Planet Starts at Home
The Joy Of Coping: Overcoming The Stress of Dis-ease

Find our complete course catalog here.

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Closing Thoughts

Spring in California is a colorful season with flowers blossoming. Permit yourself to enjoy the spring beauty no matter what your state of health. We can choose to take the time to enjoy today and not dwell on tomorrow. Breathe deeply and slowly and inhale the fragrance of beauty.
~ Arthur Soissons-Segal, Ph.D., author of The Joy Of Coping: Overcoming The Stress of Dis-ease

This Month's Holistic Prayers

"May you always walk in Beauty."
~ Ancient Prayer


May the Warm Winds of Heaven
Blow softly upon your house.
May the Great Spirit
Bless all who enter there.
May your Moccasins
Make happy tracks
in many snows,
and may the Rainbow
Always touch your shoulder.
~ Cherokee Prayer Blessing

Peace, Love and Light,

Your Friends at Self-Healing Expressions



Disclaimer

About Self-Healing Expressions

Self-Healing Expressions Self-Healing Expressions provides self-paced email courses on holistic topics. Site features guided meditation and healing prayers. Course topics include Dreams for Healing, Romantic Resumé, Grief Healing, Pet Loss, Nutrition, Laugh Therapy, Healing the Earth, More Power to You and more. Its popular (free) Holistic Prayers email course contains interfaith prayers, worldwide prayer vigil announcements and inspiring quotes.