Dear Lacking Visual Contact,

I know how frustrating it can be to have someone not really connect with you. Connection, which is likely the deeper issue here, is a heart thing. The first thing that will help you is to understand what is going on for the person who is not making visual contact. If you can view this challenge from their perspective you are more likely to either not be as bothered, or you can find a way to work through the challenge.

Looking someone square in the eyes or even make visual contact for American’s is an absolute must in our culture. In other culture’s, not so much, in fact it can be a sign of disrespect. If you are speaking to someone who is well versed in American culture, then you may be looking at someone who may manifest signs of insecurity, or discomfort with you.

If the person has low self-esteem, give up trying to make them look at you, start by instilling confidence, love and a sense of joy when you are around them. People with low self-esteem can lack the confidence to really think they are of value to others, you can show their value to them by the way you treat them and talk to them. This could be a long process, are they worth it? Sure they are. Are you patient enough to do this? Sure you are!

If your coworker is intimidated, it is time for a different tactic. Do you remember as a child when your parent would stare at you until you got so uncomfortable you felt forced to look at them? Then you would see your disapproving parent glare at you and then the toy they want you to put away. You got the message loud and clear. Parents have a patented technique of teaching children to subconsciously read their disapproval.

We each have the keenest ability to feel condemnation from others. Check your motives and judgment to be sure you are not subtly passing that on to your coworker. If you are intimidating them in any way – go back to the self-esteem paragraph.

So many people today do not feel loved, heard or valued. The greatest gift we can give is to truly and sincerely value someone we wouldn’t normally value.

You are the best and so is your coworker!

Do you have a question about better managing your relationship with your clients, colleagues, or friends and family? Email us at newsletter@healertoday.com


For More information about Pamela visit her site at http://www.communicatewithclass.com

As a nutritional therapist, I am concerned about helping people get sugar, chemicals, and all manner of processed foods out of their diet. So where do I stand on coffee? Before I take a stance on this beloved beverage, let’s look at the effects of coffee on the body.

Coffee - The Bad and the Ugly
Coffee is a narcotic beverage in the same alkaloid group as morphine, cocaine, and strychnine. The caffeine can combine with your stomach acid to form a more potent toxin called caffeine hydrochloride. As this toxin absorbs into your portal circulation and hits your liver, bile is released in an attempt to flush it from your system. This is what creates “bowel regularity” among coffee drinkers.

Heavy coffee use depletes the body of Thiamin or B1. This can result in fatigue, nervousness, aches and pains and headaches.

Regular use of coffee inhibits vitamins and minerals from being properly absorbed in the small intestine. Coffee causes excretion of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and trace minerals into the urine, causing a diuretic effect that also contributes to dehydration. These minerals are all essential to good health and specifically bone health.

Caffeine is a nervous system stimulant and causes the adrenal glands to secrete adrenaline, a hormone needed for a rapid fight or flight response. When coffee is over used, the adrenal glands can become exhausted. Exhausted adrenal glands create endocrine distress, blood sugar imbalances, and the inability to handle life’s day to day stress.

Over 208 acids in coffee contribute to indigestion and a wide variety of health issues including arthritis, allergies, skin irritation and general pain and inflammation throughout the body. Coffee breaks down into a by product called uric acid, and this acid is known to burden the kidneys, contributing to kidney stones and gout. Coffee contains naturally occurring carcinogens such as trichloroethylene (a solvent and degreasing agent) and nitrosamine, and many other compounds that are hard on the liver.

We must acknowledge that coffee is specifically contraindicated for those with high blood pressure, chronic headaches, insomnia, gout, heart disease, tinnitus, irritable bowel problems, acid indigestion, chronic fatigue syndrome, osteoporosis, liver disease, and autoimmune disease just to name a few.

Some Tips for Healthier Coffee Drinking:
Okay, you have probably figured out that it would be virtually impossible for me to endorse coffee as a healthful beverage. On the other hand, if I told my clients that they had to give up coffee entirely, some may never come back. So, here are 8 tips for the middle road:

#1 Choose Organic
Conventional coffee is heavily sprayed with pesticides.

#2 Get the Sugar Out
Use stevia or xylitol or just enjoy the sweet taste of some cream or coconut milk in your coffee as it will provide natural sweetener and some healthy fats.

#3 Avoid Coffee Concoctions
Ditch the flavored creamer concoctions as they are made with hydrogenated vegetable oils and corn syrup.

#4 Try Coffee Alternatives
Roobios tea (rich red tea from South Africa), teeccino (teeccino.com), Inka (inkacoffee.com/index2.htm), as well as green and black tea and yerba mate are great substitutes that are rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Trying these alternatives is a great way to cut down coffee usage to one cup per day or eliminate entirely over time. Sei Mee Tea is another alternative that exists made from brown rice(1-866-844-9448).

#5 Take Coffee Holidays
Everyone should know how they feel without coffee! You will only know the true state of your health when you are not propped up with caffeine. A coffee holiday would also be a good time to eliminate sugar and processed foods for a week to a month depending on your wellness goals.

#6 Reduce to One Cup of Naked Coffee Per Day
Naked coffee - this got your attention right? One cup a day does not mean a mega-grande French vanilla frappuccino with caramel and chocolate syrup. Keep it simple and enjoy the real taste of the unadulterated coffee.

#7 Only Use Freshly Ground
Coffee beans will become rancid when exposed to light and oxygen. Grind your coffee fresh daily and store beans in the refrigerator or freezer.

#8 Eat Before or With Coffee
Coffee spikes blood sugar and decreases appetite. Your body needs fuel to run the day, so drink your cup of coffee with a protein rich, nutrient dense breakfast.

The ideal is that we can all function well and have abundant energy without caffeine or sugar to prop us up, however, if you must have your one cup of coffee per day ENJOY IT WITHOUT GUILT (assuming you are in decent health) and incorporate some of the above tips.

© Ellen Syversen, Pathways for Health, LLC, pathwaysforhealth.net. (541) 912-8624. 2011.

Traditionally MASSAGE THERAPISTS have been resourceful attracting business through word of mouth referrals and networking through local groups. Today, more and more massage therapists are utilizing the internet to, not only grow their businesses, but also to attract new clients, keep updated on changes in their industry, research complementary products and services, connect with other CAM providers, learn new techniques, and find educational and training opportunities. “Massage Magazine” reports that “more than 40 percent (of their) readers go online several times a month or more to do general research for their practice…more than 50 percent use the internet for social networking…almost 18 percent go on line several times a day” to promote their business. The growth of the internet daily-deal, such as Groupon, has added another layer for online marketing and acquiring clients.

As Americans continue to experience high stress levels, and the medical maladies that are a result of that stress, the future growth of the massage therapy industry is predictably UP! An icon in the world of MASSAGE THERAPY is CREST MASSAGE CENTER, Eugene, OR, started by Marlene Varady around 1988. Marlene, LMT #1971, is the ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION SPOTLIGHT MEMBER FOR JANUARY, 2012. She and husband/business partner, Richard Wohlberg, LMT #4121, another OWA member in good standing, are well known in the Lane County Oregon area for not only the great services they offer, but also for their commitment for making their community better, safer, and healthier. Learn more about Marlene, Richard, and the rest of the CREST MASSAGE CENTER at: www.crestmassagecenter.com.

Massage therapy can be found with individual therapists that have private offices and may include home and office visits. Massage therapy is also offered in hospitals, spas, treatment centers, and worksites. The Duke University Health System has a center to integrate medical disciplines with other CAM disciplines such as massage therapy with chiropractic. Insurance companies are beginning to pay for massage therapy for their policyholders.

As Americans continue to experience high stress levels, and the medical maladies that are a result of that stress, the future growth of the massage therapy industry is predictably UP! An icon in the world of MASSAGE THERAPY is CREST MASSAGE CENTER, Eugene, OR, started by Marlene Varady around 1988. Marlene, LMT #1971, is the ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION SPOTLIGHT MEMBER FOR JANUARY, 2012. She and husband/business partner, Richard Wohlberg, LMT #4121, another OWA member in good standing, are well known in the Lane County Oregon area for not only the great services they offer, but also for their commitment for making their community better, safer, and healthier. Learn more about Marlene, Richard, and the rest of the CREST MASSAGE CENTER at: www.crestmassagecenter.com.

“Remember always that you have not only the right to be an individual; you have the obligation to be one."
 - Eleanor Roosevelt
_________________________________________________________________
Taurus Aromatherapy Blend

My aromatherapy synergy for this month is Taurus - a satisfying and soothing blend that enhances practical creativity and self-esteem. Anise top note is warm and sweet. Middle notes of Cardamon and Ylang Ylang relax and rejuvenate the body while stabilizing moods. Oakmoss bass note provides a deep, comforting connection to the earth.

Taurus Aromatherapy blend is available as a convenient room spray in three sizes:

2 oz. $ 8.00
4 oz. $15.00
8 oz. $30.00

Also available in a jojoba oil base to use as a perfume, anointing oil, or in a diffuser.

1/2 oz. $6.00

An additional charge will be applied for shipping. E-mail or phone Mary Jo to order.
_______________________________________________________
Healing with The JourneyTM

If you would like to heal your body, mind and spirit, Journeywork may be for you. Journeywork is a way to access the root cause of an issue so it can be resolved and released.

As an Accredited Journey Practitioner I use guided meditations
to help you clear cell memories and experience greater health, well being and inner peace.

For more information about The Journey please go to www.thejourneyusa.com or contact me. A variety of sessions are available in person, by phone or Skype to address your needs.
_______________________________________________________
Learn more about Mary Jo Weavers at her website: http://www.maryjowevers.com
________________________________________________________
ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION is dedicated to promoting member websites. Have you applied for membership? Apply now at: http://www.onlinewellenssassociation.com

Aquarius: The Innovative Visionary

“True originality consists not in a new manner but in a new vision."
 Edith Wharton

Friday evening the Sun will leave the grounded, disciplined earth sign of Capricorn and enter the humanistic, innovative air sign of Aquarius. Each succeeding sign of the zodiac provides the means to rectify or redirect the energy of the previous sign. Aquarius turns it rational mind toward the future and seeks to reform and advance the achievements and constructs of Capricorn to benefit humanity. In the month ahead our consciousness will be directed toward group relationships, altruism, social and political reform, and humanitarian causes.

The symbol for Aquarius is a figure carrying an urn of water, from which flows rational thought, universal love, and equality for all humankind. Aquarius is individualistic, original, even different and unusual, and celebrates the uniqueness of individuals. It is tolerant and inclusive of “fringe elements", minorities and the disenfranchised.

“Question authority” is an Aquarian catchphrase. It does not accept a hierarchical separation of people, where individuals at the top have more rights and advantages than those below. Instead, Aquarius promotes a society built on a horizontal network of individuals, all being equal members and participants. Aquarius rules groups of like minded people coming together in this way to advance a common cause.

Although Aquarius loves humanity, it has difficulty in one-to-one relationships because of its emotional detachment. It can appear distant, disconnected, cerebral, awkward and unfeeling. Aquarius can often feel like an outsider, not fitting in and even feeling rejected by traditional, established society and conventions.

Being a futuristic, idealistic, reform-minded visionary, Aquarius can also shock, shake up conventional standards, and act in socially unacceptable ways. It can be rebellious, erratic in its behavior, and inflexible. Archetypes for Aquarius include the Anarchist, the Revolutionary or Rebel, and the Liberator.

At its best, intellectual Aquarius is open minded, philosophic and scientific. It bestows reason, clarity, insight and invention. A key phrase for Aquarius is “I know", descriptive of its lightening fast intuitive insight. Its brilliant mind quickly grasps abstract concepts, makes connections and recognizes patterns in thoughts and ideas.

Aquarius “thinks outside the box.” It breaks new ground in science and technology. Aquarius rules advances in computer technology, electronics, new sources of power, air travel and space exploration. Additional archetypes for Aquarius include the computer geek, the “mad scientist", and the inventor.

Examples of Aquarian visionaries and inventors include Thomas Alva Edison, a pioneer in electric power generation and distribution and the creator of the light bulb. Edison’s natal Mercury, Sun and Neptune in Aquarius contributed to him becoming the fourth most prolific inventor in history. Albert Einstein had Jupiter and his North Node in Aquarius. A revolutionary in the field of physics, his work lead to the development of quantum physics. More recently, we lost Steve Jobs, an Aquarian innovator viewed by many as one of the greatest minds of the last century. A leader in the computer revolution, Jobs held unique visions of how computer technology could be used by the masses. Jobs had both Mercury and Chiron in Aquarius.

The color for Aquarius is bold electric blue. Its gem is aquamarine. Its metals are uranium and aluminum. Large birds such as the emu are Aquarian animals. Fruit trees and orchids are plants symbolic of Aquarius. Parts of the body ruled by Aquarius are the ankles and lower legs, the circulatory system and blood pressure.


“Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn’t really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while. That’s because they were able to connect experiences they’ve had and synthesize new things."
 -Steve Jobs


Uranus, Ruler of Aquarius

Aquarius is ruled by the planet Uranus, the Great Awakener. Uranus represents the urge toward freedom, independence, originality and individuation. It symbolizes intuition in the form of lightening fast insights, a connection to the Mind of God from which all creative invention comes.

Uranus rules sudden, unexpected changes of a radical and shocking nature that shake our foundations. It stops our world as if to say, “Things have to change!” The force of Uranus rushing through our lives and disrupting our routines can feel disquieting, unsettling, even traumatizing. Its purpose is to take down whatever structures have outlived their usefulness. It liberates us from the confines of convention and urges us to create anew. Earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and the atomic bomb are ruled by Uranus.

On March 13, 2011 the planet Uranus began its seven year journey through the first sign of the zodiac, Aries. This is a cosmic new beginning, ushering us into the 2000 year Age of Aquarius. In the sign of Aries, Uranus encourages and inspires us to become more confident, self-aware, self-contained, and action oriented. It urges us to embrace our independent, pioneering, assertive energy and take risks in life. It fills us with new energy, vitality, courage and creativity as we explore this New Age.

“Know whatever comes unexpectedly to be a gift from God, and surely it will serve you."

_________________________________________________________________
Taurus Aromatherapy Blend

My aromatherapy synergy for this month is Taurus - a satisfying and soothing blend that enhances practical creativity and self-esteem. Anise top note is warm and sweet. Middle notes of Cardamon and Ylang Ylang relax and rejuvenate the body while stabilizing moods. Oakmoss bass note provides a deep, comforting connection to the earth.

Taurus Aromatherapy blend is available as a convenient room spray in three sizes:

2 oz. $ 8.00
4 oz. $15.00
8 oz. $30.00

Also available in a jojoba oil base to use as a perfume, anointing oil, or in a diffuser.

1/2 oz. $6.00

An additional charge will be applied for shipping. E-mail or phone Mary Jo to order.
{____________________________________________________

Healing with The JourneyTM

ould like to heal your body, mind and spirit, Journeywork may be for you. Journeywork is a way to access the root cause of an issue so it can be resolved and released.

As an Accredited Journey Practitioner I use guided meditations
to help you clear cell memories and experience greater health, well being and inner peace.
____________________________________________________
For more information about The Journey please go to www.thejourneyusa.com or contact me. A variety of sessions are available in person, by phone or Skype to address your needs.

Massage therapy promotes healing, relaxation and well being through a manipulation of superficial and layers of muscle and connective tissue. In addition, peer-review reports include pain relief, improves sleep, depression, and anxiety.

As Americans continue to experience high stress levels, and the medical maladies that are a result of that stress, the future growth of the massage therapy industry is predictably UP! An icon in the world of MASSAGE THERAPY is CREST MASSAGE CENTER, Eugene, OR, started by Marlene Varady around 1988. Marlene, LMT #1971, is the ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION SPOTLIGHT MEMBER FOR JANUARY, 2012. She and husband/business partner, Richard Wohlberg, LMT #4121, another OWA member in good standing, are well known in the Lane County Oregon area for not only the great services they offer, but also for their commitment for making their community better, safer, and healthier. Learn more about Marlene, Richard, and the rest of the CREST MASSAGE CENTER at: www.crestmassagecenter.com.

The Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP), and the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) compiles statistical data about the massage therapy profession. Massage therapists are trained by one of the almost 1,500 programs around the country. In the US the training programs require 500-1000 hours in classroom and hands-on experience.
There is purported to be approximately 300,000 licensed massage therapists in the United Sates. In a four year span, the number of visits to a massage therapist went from 91 million to 136 million generating a reported $11 billion. At least thirty nine states and four Canadian provinces have credentialing requirements in the form of license, certifications, and/or registrations. The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork generally set the standards used by States to set criteria.

As Americans continue to experience high stress levels, and the medical maladies that are a result of that stress, the future growth of the massage therapy industry is predictably UP! An icon in the world of MASSAGE THERAPY is CREST MASSAGE CENTER, Eugene, OR, started by Marlene Varady around 1988. Marlene, LMT #1971, is the ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION SPOTLIGHT MEMBER FOR JANUARY, 2012. She and husband/business partner, Richard Wohlberg, LMT #4121, another OWA member in good standing, are well known in the Lane County Oregon area for not only the great services they offer, but also for their commitment for making their community better, safer, and healthier. Learn more about Marlene, Richard, and the rest of the CREST MASSAGE CENTER at: www.crestmassagecenter.com.

MASSAGE THERAPY is viewed by many people as a “preventative” approach to their health and well-being. When choosing a massage therapist, consider these factors:

-qualifications: credentials, background check, reputation/references
-meet your needs: type of massage offered;
-the environment—calming, soothing, healing;
-personalities: calming, trustworthy, ethical;
-cost: insurance provider, individual session, package rates, senior discounts, sliding scale
-availability: days, evenings, weekend hours;
-location: at their office, at your office, at your home

As Americans continue to experience high stress levels, and the medical maladies that are a result of that stress, the future growth of the massage therapy industry is predictably UP! An icon in the world of MASSAGE THERAPY is CREST MASSAGE CENTER, Eugene, OR, started by Marlene Varady around 1988. Marlene, LMT #1971, is the ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION SPOTLIGHT MEMBER FOR JANUARY, 2012. She and husband/business partner, Richard Wohlberg, LMT #4121, another OWA member in good standing, are well known in the Lane County Oregon area for not only the great services they offer, but also for their commitment for making their community better, safer, and healthier. Learn more about Marlene, Richard, and the rest of the CREST MASSAGE CENTER at: www.crestmassagecenter.com.

MASSAGE THERAPY has many methods including:

• Acupressure massage
• Anma massage
• Ayurvedic massage
• Balinese massage
• Barefoot deep tissue massage
• Bowen Therapy
• Breema massage
• Champissage massage
• Deep tissue massage
• Esalen massage
• Hilot massage
• Lomi Lomi and indigenous massage of Oceania
• Medical massage
• Meso-American massage
• Mobile massage
• Myofascial release massage
• Myomassology
• Postural integration (PI)
• Reflexology massage
• Self massage
• Shiatsu
• Stone massage
• Structural integration
• Swedish massage
• Thai massage
• Traditional Chinese massage
• Trager approach
• Trigger point therapy
• Visceral manipulation
• Watsu

As Americans continue to experience high stress levels, and the medical maladies that are a result of that stress, the future growth of the massage therapy industry is predictably UP! An icon in the world of MASSAGE THERAPY is CREST MASSAGE CENTER, Eugene, OR, started by Marlene Varady around 1988. Marlene, LMT #1971, is the ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION SPOTLIGHT MEMBER FOR JANUARY, 2012. She and husband/business partner, Richard Wohlberg, LMT #4121, another OWA member in good standing, are well known in the Lane County Oregon area for not only the great services they offer, but also for their commitment for making their community better, safer, and healthier. Learn more about Marlene, Richard, and the rest of the CREST MASSAGE CENTER at: www.crestmassagecenter.com.

MASSAGE THERAPY is a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)—a broad and constantly re-defining field made up of diverse medical, health care, and healing care systems. Approximately 38 percent of American adults seek CAM pursuing optimum health and well-being. Safety and regulation of the growing CAM industry is overseen, in part, by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). NCCAM has five classifications for the CAM system:

1. Mind-Body Intervention
2. Biologically Based Therapy
3. Biologically Based Massage Heights
4. Manipulative Methods
5. Energy Therapy

As Americans continue to experience high stress levels, and the medical maladies that are a result of that stress, the future growth of the massage therapy industry is predictably UP! An icon in the world of MASSAGE THERAPY is CREST MASSAGE CENTER, Eugene, OR, started by Marlene Varady around 1988. Marlene, LMT #1971, is the ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION SPOTLIGHT MEMBER FOR JANUARY, 2012. She and husband/business partner, Richard Wohlberg, LMT #4121, another OWA member in good standing, are well known in the Lane County Oregon area for not only the great services they offer, but also for their commitment for making their community better, safer, and healthier. Learn more about Marlene, Richard, and the rest of the CREST MASSAGE CENTER at: www.crestmassagecenter.com.

People who are natural confronters are more direct in their approach. They often look for non-confrontive people to release their frustration on – especially when they are in pain or are not as emotionally mature in their release of pain or frustration.

Compassionate people tend to allow barking; they may see it as a release – or they may not know what to do.

• If you see this kind of behavior as a pattern in an individual, it is time to disrupt their delivery pattern through boundary setting.

• If blunt or demeaning comments seem to happen regularly to you, it is time to disrupt your receiving pattern through boundary setting.

Setting boundaries can be very challenging because your nature is to be open, caring, warm and thoughtful. The smartest and safest thing you can do for yourself is set firm boundaries that say, “take one step further and we will no longer be working together.” When you meet a bold and direct person, it is imperative that you set those boundaries as soon as you recognize it – which is usually right away.

How to set the boundaries?
For instance, you finished up with the former client just a few minutes late and your next client (who is more gruff by nature) makes a condescending comment like: “What is the sense of setting an appointments with you if you can’t keep them?” Zingggg! Here is when you must act, and act fast.

#1. Acknowledge their comment. Give No defense – No explanations – No justifications! They will only cause the person to go deeper into their accusations. “I did go over time with my last client, I apologize for making you wait.” (It doesn’t matter if this is the first time in 20 years a client had to wait in your office. nothing you say will make the other person feel better about you because of it.)

#2. Move forward as quickly as possible. “Shall we get started? We don’t want to waste one more precious moment.” Say this lightly, and with great confidence. (Fake it at first until you gain confidence in this type of assertion).

#3. Change the subject and be very confident, straightforward and self-assured. The gruffer person will settle down in no time once he or she sees there are no more opportunities for jabs.

Once you take the lead, you must keep it. If you allow the other person to lead in your business, it will take you months to get it back, if they ever come back. You see Aggressive people respect people who will not cave. It doesn’t mean you are aggressive back; that will only make things worse. Showing confidence is what they are looking for and expect.

If this is a receiving pattern for you, check out some of the excellent healers who are OWA certified that can expertly assist you with boundary setting.

May you always communicate with class!
Pamela

PS. If you want to learn more about your patterns with others, I invite you to check out behavioral styles that will show you more about how you like to communicate with others and how to adapt when necessary.

To learn more about Pamela visit her site at http://www.communicatewithclass.com

Do you have a question about better managing your relationship with your clients, colleagues, or friends and family? Email us at newsletter@healertoday.com

Even though massage therapy may not reach the “gold standard” of scientific research, regular controlled trials are reported in peer reviewed medical journals. The reported therapeutic effects are reproducible which adds credibility to the profession. A list of worldwide research studies being conducted around the world that are exploring the benefits and mechanisms of massage were recently published in the “MASSAGE Magazine”, Issue 188, 2012: to see the list go to www.massagemag.com. Massage therapy is one of the most used CAMs in hospitals, approximately 42% of US hospital, for both patients and staff. Therefore, Online Wellness Association includes Massage Therapy as a legitimate approach for healing and qualifies massage therapists as potential members.

As Americans continue to experience high stress levels, and the medical maladies that are a result of that stress, the future growth of the massage therapy industry is predictably UP! An icon in the world of MASSAGE THERAPY is CREST MASSAGE CENTER, Eugene, OR, started by Marlene Varady around 1988. Marlene, LMT #1971, is the ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION SPOTLIGHT MEMBER FOR JANUARY, 2012. She and husband/business partner, Richard Wohlberg, LMT #4121, another OWA member in good standing, are well known in the Lane County Oregon area for not only the great services they offer, but also for their commitment for making their community better, safer, and healthier. Learn more about Marlene, Richard, and the rest of the CREST MASSAGE CENTER at: www.crestmassagecenter.com.

The sugar habit is an addiction for many people. It can cause physical changes in the form of nutrient depletion as well as behavioral changes resulting from blood sugar imbalances. After the extraction process, most of the nutrients are gone. So, we are left with a potent, crystallized concentrate not unlike cocaine or opium. Overconsumption of sugar can cause brain chemistry imbalances that fuel the sugar addiction and literally rewire the brain. This is serious stuff!

Never before in the history of mankind have we had such an emergency need to lower blood sugar. We know that in 1812 the average person consumed 10 pounds of sugar a year compared to 141 pounds of sugar per year in 2004! That is a lot of dietary stress. If you think about this from an evolutionary perspective, it becomes clear that our bodies were NEVER meant to handle this sugar load.

So, what is a sugar addict to do? I think the first step is to understand how sugar harms the system. There is a wonderful little book called “Lick the Sugar Habit Sugar Counter” by Nancy Appleton. Not only does it help you assess the sugar that is hidden in every day foods, but it also lists 100 reasons to avoid sugar. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Sugar can suppress the immune system.
2. Sugar upsets the balance of minerals in the body, contributing to osteoporosis.
3. Sugar can produce a significant rise in triglycerides.
4. Sugar leads to cancer of the breast, ovaries, and prostate.
5. Sugar can cause arthritis and asthma.
6. Sugar can cause premature aging.
7. Sugar can contribute to diabetes.
8. Sugar can cause depression.

The next step is to admit there is a problem & make a plan to beat the sugar habit just as you would for any other addiction. Try these ideas:
Clear the sugar out of your life and out of your cupboards.
Bring your own healthy snacks with you to social events.
Eat balanced macronutrient ratios (30/30/40 model). This will help balance your blood sugar and reduce cravings for sweets.
Use low glycemic natural sweeteners like stevia.
Include lots of healthy fats in your diet.
Switch from juice to herbal teas.
Keep the benefits of low sugar intake in mind; healthier weight, better brain function, stronger immune system, and improved digestive function.

© Ellen Syversen, Pathways for Health, LLC. (541) 912-8624. 2011.
To learn more about Ellen and to get more information about nutrition please visit her site at: http://www.pathwaysforhealth.net

January 14, 2012 @ 9 am to 12 noon DR. ILENE CUMMINGS,
FORGIVENESS: THE ULTIMATE CHOICE/THE ULTIMATE FREEDOM
Embrace the holy craft of forgiveness.

January 14, 2012 @ 1 pm to 4 pm FREDERICK M. DYGERT, MSW, ACSW, CADCIII
ANGER DEALS WITH YOU
“Anger doesn’t cause you problems.” You can take charge of your life and not let circumstances control you.

January 21, 2012 @ 9 am to 12 noon ELLEN SYVERSEN, MPH, CHES, NTP
NUTRITIONAL WISDOM FOR OPTIMAL HEALTH
your health, have more energy, improve stamina, and clearer thinking.

January 21, 2012 @ 1 pm to 4 pm MAx FABRY, BA, CADCII
GRIEF & LOSS: GOING TO DEPTHS OF THE EXPERIENCE
Learn the language of letting-go: “To “let go” is not to regret the past, but to grow and live for the future.”

January 28, 2012 @ 9 am to 12 noon AVA STOECKER
EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUE (EFT): “IT WORKS, IT WORKS, IT REALLY WORKS”
EFT is the WD40 for all those “things” you have been carrying with you that keeps you stuck.

January 28, 2012 @ 1 pm to 4 pm MARY THIMMESCH, MSOM, L.Ac.
ACUPUNCTURE FOR HEALTH
Restore balance and flow of vital energy through acupuncture.

Cost is $29.00/workshop or $150 ALL 6
Please Email info@onlinewellnessassociation.com to reserve your seat.

Location: Garden Way Retirement Community
175 South Garden Way, Eugene, OR

CELESTIAL EVENTS

The Month Ahead

As the Sun moves into Sagittarius Tuesday it squares Mars in Virgo and is inconjunct retrograde Jupiter in Taurus. Our optimistic and expansive personal energy, will and vitality will need to be tempered by taking action in realistic, practical and down-to-earth ways.

The Sun in Sagittarius disposits to Jupiter in Taurus, which forms a Grand Earth Trine with Mars in Virgo and Pluto in Capricorn. We can benefit by directing our visionary enthusiasm and wisdom to rebuilding political and monetary structures that are of service and provide wealth and security for all.

THANKSGIVING

It is fitting that we celebrate Thanksgiving when the Sun is in Sagittarius. This is a time to be generous with others, and to express gratitude for all our good fortune and blessings. Jovial Sagittarius loves getting together with friends and family to enjoy good food and drink.

While Sagittarius lends its fiery warmth, good cheer and love of fun to our winter holiday celebrations, it sometimes believes there can never be too much of a good thing! It can become over-indulgent and extravagant. Rein in excessive and irresponsible attitudes and behaviors during the holidays. Give thanks for all you have and are able to share with others. Stay connected to your deeper truths and what is genuinely meaningful in your life.

MERCURY RETROGRADE IN SAGGITTARIUS

The evening before Thanksgiving the planet Mercury will station retrograde at 20 degrees Sagittarius, broadly conjunct Venus and the transiting North Node. It will continue its retrograde motion until December 13th when it stations direct at 4 degrees Sagittarius.

This retrograde period will be a good time to go within and examine attitudes and beliefs that color your perception of life. How optimistic are you? Do you trust in grace and believe in serendipity? Review how you share your truths and vision of life with others. Check tendencies to be overly expansive, preachy, or attached to being “right” before you expound on your philosophy.

We will be wiser and better prepared to move back into the world when Mercury stations direct on December 13th if we have taken the time to review, reflect, and resolve any problems in these areas. Then we can move forward into the new year sharing our ideas, knowledge and philosophy from a higher vantage point. As Mercury crosses over the transiting North Node once again later in December we will be blessed with a truer vision of life that is more deeply connected to spirit.

SOLAR ECLIPSE NEW MOON IN SAGITTARIUS

A New Moon occurs when the Sun and the Moon conjoin overhead from our perspective on Earth. This represents the fusion of our outer consciousness and awareness, symbolized by the Sun, with our inner emotional and unconscious self, symbolized by the Moon. This is a fertile time for new beginnings, for sowing the seeds of your new projects and endeavors.

The next New Moon will occur on Thanksgiving, Thursday November 24th at 10:10 p.m. (PST). This New Moon will be at 2 degrees Sagittarius, trining Uranus in Aries, squaring Mars in Virgo, and semi-sextile Pluto in Capricorn. This is an opportunity for us to create a new expansive vision for ourselves that is connected to grace and benevolence and frees us to be our individuated selves. We will be challenged to act in practical ways that serve others as well as ourselves, while continuing to see old structures that seemingly provided stability and security erode away.

The area of your astrological chart where 2 degrees Sagittarius falls represents the area of your life where you can consciously create new beginnings to explore truth and gain a higher perspective of life. Set aside time to reflect on how you can create new beginnings in the areas of higher education, travel, religion, and philosophy. How can you expand your vision of life and learn how to believe? How can you best connect to your inner truth? Where can you experience grace and serendipity in your life?

You may wish to set some new goals or create some Sagittarius affirmations on this Thanksgiving New Moon. Examples are: “I use my enthusiasm and love of learning to expand my understanding and wisdom.” “I connect with my spiritual truth, have faith in Grace, and trust in serendipity.” “I respect the spiritual path and Truth of others as I travel my own path.” “I expand and broaden my vision of the world as I journey through life.”

You will begin to see evidence of the seeds you sow on this New Moon as they come to fruition on the following Lunar Eclipse Full Moon in Gemini on December 10th. This Full Moon will reward you with new ways you can communicate your inner Truth and share your philosophy to uplift others.

“Truth is not defined by political power, nor by religious conviction . . . Truth is not determined by human desire, nor by human decree. Truth is the harmonization of the human mind and heart with what is.”
- Rev. Terrance A. Sweeney, Ph.D.
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ASTROLOGICAL SERVICES

“When we know and are aware of the planetary movements and conditions, and integrate them into our lifestyles, we can then be in alignment with the energies that they bring to support us.”

- Karen Bishop in
Staying in Alignment
___________________________________________________________
An astrological consultation provides perspective and understanding of your personality and life. It provides insight into ways you can resolve problems and live more effectively. Sessions are available in person, by phone or Skype to address your specific needs.

• Birth chart interpretation

• Soul Mission packets describe your life task

• Solar Return charts for birthdays and the year ahead

• Transits & progressions to understand life’s phases and cycles

• Relationship astrology

• Event charts for personal and business ventures

• Dream analysis

• Astrology classes and workshops
Learn more about Mary Jo Wevers at her website: http://www.maryjowevers.com
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ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION is dedicated to promoting member websites. Have you applied for membership? Apply now at: http://www.onlinewellenssassociation.com

“Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens."

- Carl Jung

Tuesday the Sun will leave the dark, watery and mysterious sign of Scorpio and enter the optimistic, expansive fire sign of Sagittarius. The positive polarity of Sagittarius gives it an outwardly directed enthusiasm for exploring the world and acquiring new experiences. An idealistic philosopher, Sagittarius searches far and wide for knowledge, wisdom and a higher perspective in life. Goal directed and far seeing, Sagittarius is the archer, setting his aim for the stars.

Through Sagittarius the intellect is illuminated by the light of spirit. Sagittarius asks us to expand our view, seek higher learning, and find a broader perspective on life. The key phrase for Sagittarius is “I Understand.” Sagittarius knows a problem cannot be solved on the level it was created. It needs to be approached from a higher level, where we have a larger and more complete point of view. When we see the bigger picture we can find answers and possible solutions.

A seeker of truth, Sagittarius rules religions, institutions of higher learning, philosophy, ethics and the law. It rules foreign countries and languages, and traveling long distances to experience other cultures. Through these avenues Sagittarius expands its understanding of the world and uplifts its personal beliefs and philosophy of life.

Sagittarius loves adventure, physicality, freedom, wide open spaces, and the outdoors. The natural world and animals, especially horses and deer, are symbols of Sagittarius. It rules outdoor pursuits such as hunting, natural history and the science of ecology.

Sagittarius loves wide open spaces and can become claustrophobic and commitment phobic if it senses it is losing the mental, emotional and physical freedom it craves. Always on the move looking for the next new adventure beyond the horizon, Sagittarius easily becomes bored and restless. Lacking patience and focus, it misses details and lacks the staying power to see a project through to completion. It prefers to see the forest, and not the trees.

Sagittarius is friendly, direct, and values honesty. It is generous and willing to share. Fun-loving Sagittarius has a sense of humor. It inspires others to lighten up and be optimistic.

The Sagittarius love of expounding on its philosophy can lead to preaching, close-mindedness and fundamentalism if unchecked. Problematic Sagittarius can become attached to being “right", to being an expert, or a wise person or authority. In this way Sagittarius can cut itself off from exploring other points of view, beliefs or philosophies that might expand its own world view and spiritual vision of life.

Areas of life ruled by Sagittarius include our personal beliefs and philosophy, our vision of life. The higher mind and the ways we gain wisdom, such as formal education, religion, and long distance travel are in the domain of Sagittarius. Moral and ethical standards, the law, legal affairs, and publishing are Sagittarian.

Archetypes for Sagittarius include philosophers, college professors and teachers, clergy, spiritual leaders, visionaries and shamans. Travelers and wanderers such as the cowboy riding off into the sunset are Sagittarius archetypes. Parts of the body ruled by Sagittarius include the hips, upper legs and thighs, the pancreas and fatty tissues. The gem for Sagittarius is turquoise. Its metal is tin. Sagittarius plants are birch trees and dandelion flowers. The color for Sagittarius is royal purple.

“To tell the truth is revolutionary.”
- Antonio Gramsci

JUPITER, RULER OF SAGGITTARIUS

The planetary ruler of Sagittarius is Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system. In astrology Jupiter symbolizes expansion, enthusiasm, and opportunity. In the astrological chart it represents good fortune, prosperity and blessings. It shows us how we can build trust and faith in ourselves, and how we can develop inner strength and confidence.

Jupiter and Sagittarius rule serendipity, an unexpected outcome that results from taking action. When we take a leap of faith, and let go of our expectations for a specific result, Jupiter is free to grace us with more luck and benevolence than we might have expected! When you develop a vision and set goals, stay open and receptive to other possibilities and outcomes. Trust that far-seeing Jupiter can see something better for you down the road.

Jupiter began its exceptionally long transit through the sign of Taurus in early June of this year. It stationed retrograde at the end of August at 10 degrees, and continues to move retrograde. On Christmas day it will station direct at 0 degrees and begin moving forward through the sign of Taurus once again. It will reach 10 degrees for a second time in mid-March 2012.

A retrograde period is time for review, reflection, reconsidering and revamping. It is a time to be more internal, rather than manifesting outwardly in the world. Jupiter retrograde in the sign of Taurus is a time to reflect on our personal philosophy and beliefs about the physical world, money, and material resources. What level of personal security do you need to maintain a higher vision of life and stay spiritually connected? Can you stabilize excessive needs? How can you make wiser, more efficient use of the resources you have? How can you effectively create feelings of serenity and security, of self-worth and value?

If we wisely do our work during this retrograde period, we will be in a better position to move forward this coming spring and create real security that aligns our material with our spiritual values. We will have a higher vision of life that is more stable and practical, that is spiritually connected to the earth and the resources she provides.
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SAGGITTARIUS AROMATHERAPY BLEND

My aromatherapy synergy for this month is Sagittarius - An uplifting blend for expanding your vision and moving toward the future with optimism. Top notes of Juniper Berry, Bay and Pink Grapefruit purify and lighten your spirit. Spicy, rich and warming middle notes of Sweet Basil and Clove Bud improve mental focus. Frankincense bass note enhances spiritual growth.

Sagittarius Aromatherapy blend is available as a convenient room spray in three sizes:

2 oz. $8.00
4 oz. $15.00
8 oz. $30.00

Also available in a jojoba oil base to use as a perfume, anointing oil, or in a diffuser.

1/2 oz. $6.00

An additional charge will be applied for shipping. E-mail or phone Mary Jo to order.
________________________________________________________
HEALING WITH THE JOURNEY TM

If you would like to heal your body, mind and spirit, Journeywork may be for you. Journeywork is a way to access the root cause of an issue so it can be resolved and released.

As an Accredited Journey Practitioner I use guided meditations
to help you clear cell memories and experience greater health, well being and inner peace.

For more information about The Journey please go to www.thejourneyusa.com or contact me. A variety of sessions are available in person, by phone or Skype to address your needs.
___________________________________________________
Learn more about Mary Jo Weavers at her website: http://www.maryjowevers.com

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION is dedicated to promoting member websites. Have you applied for membership? Apply now at: http://www.onlinewellenssassociation.com

I love your question!

Something I learned about you right away is that cooperation or collaboration is a high value for you. In your point of view similar practitioners should have a similar approach to business; after all, it is fair and just – right? Unfortunately, only half of the world sees it your way and to make things worse, in America, we reward competition and winning, not effort, not best intentions and not cooperation (unless it causes you to win).

In working with behavioral styles, this value is split right down the middle with collaboration being important for people who are warmer, more accepting, people focused personalities. The more logical, skeptical, task driven people have a less collaborative approach and naturally for them may see your complimentary business as competition.

I suggest you approach those practitioners from their perspective instead of your own. If you are both therapists with a similar clientele, what is it that you each offer that is uniquely different than the other and would naturally advance your clients into the other? You will have to do the research (because you want the cooperation) to determine how your businesses can compliment one another. Then build an approach they cannot refuse.

Contact the other practitioners (one by one) and give them your affiliative business plan. Before you do, get help from a more task driven colleague to learn exactly what will work for those practitioners. I promise you that if your plan makes sense, and it shows the $ profit for both of you, those competitive practitioners will give you a second look. In fact, they just might validate you through promoting you to their clients - when they see you as a stepping-stone instead of a threat.

May you always communicate with class!
Pamela

RESOURCES: If you are really curious about the differences, I invite you to check out this page on my website.
If you want to learn more about affiliate practices in order to promote it to wary practitioners, I guarantee you will find great answers on the web, just Google it.

Do you have a question for Pamela? Send questions to Newsletter@healertoday.com

And Remember, TOGETHER WE ARE BETTER!!!

https://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Water is so abundant, especially in rainy Oregon, that many of us take it for granted. At the beginning of any client appointment, I offer a nice big glass of water as many people are dehydrated as they walk into my office. I like to then educate clients about water’s numerous roles in the body including removing wastes, flushing toxins, transporting nutrients, lubricating joints, cushioning bones, and regulating body temperature. According to Dr. F. Batmanghelidj, MD, author of Your Body’s Many Cries for Water, early signs of dehydration, just a 2% drop in the body’s water content, can cause fatigue, dizziness, anxiety, irritability and depression. Isn’t it wonderful that simply drinking enough of the right fluids can improve your mood? More mature signs of dehydration include migraines, fibromyalgia, constipation, joint and back pain. Yes, for some individuals, back pain can be diminished or relieved just by achieving adequate hydration!

So how do you know how much water to drink? The “hydration formula” is your body weight divided by two equals the number of ounces of water you should drink in one day. So, for a person that is 160 pounds, they should drink 80 ounces of water per day. The catch is that you have to add an additional 1.5 ounces of water for every ounce of caffeine, sugar, or alcoholic containing beverage that you drink. Unfortunately, these diuretic beverages are dehydrating and cancel out the hydration that water provides. The truth is when you keep this in mind, most Americans end up dry according to Steve Meyerowitz, author of Water the Ultimate Cure.

Do other liquids count as water? I still remember clearly that my grandparents would never drink water. They would drink black tea, soda, and an afternoon cocktail. I can’t help wonder now if my Grandmother’s osteoporosis and my Grandfather’s digestive issues could have been prevented by adequate hydration. If I knew what I know now, I would have told them that they could also consume soup broths, vegetable juices, milk or a milk alternative, and herbal teas. I do like to caution people about fruit juices as most are too high in sugar to count, unless they are fresh squeezed or diluted. Another wonderful beverage is coconut water as it is naturally sweet and a natural electrolyte, electrolytes being minerals that help with the absorption of water in the body.

What other therapeutic benefits does water have? Dehydration renders the immune system less effective and responsive, and that is why adequate hydration is especially important during cold and flu season. For those who suffer from asthma and allergies, it is helpful to know that water is a natural anti-histamine, and that for an acute attack a few glasses of water can diminish symptoms. Adequate hydration has also been shown to prevent the formation of kidney stones, keep our skin supple and help our bones from becoming brittle. To sum it all up, Dr. Batmanghelidj states, “Chronic cellular dehydration of the body is the primary etiology of painful, degenerative diseases.”

A few key tips for water consumption:
• Start your day with ½ to 1 quart of water to flush your digestive tract and rehydrate your system from the overnight fast.
• Sipping water throughout the day will help prevent too many visits to the bathroom and will help you reap more of the benefits of adequate hydration. If you follow this advice and still have frequent urination, adding ¼ tsp. of good quality sea salt to every quart of water can provide the electrolytes to help you retain the fluids that you drink.
• In addition to the “hydration formula” listed above, note that your urine should be a neutral color and smell. Dark urine can mean that you are not drinking enough water.
• Increase water intake with increased stress and exercise.
• Illness robs your body of water as can prescription medications. Drink more when you are ill or when taking numerous medications.
• Do not wait until you are thirsty or have dry mouth to drink. These are indicators that you are already dehydrated.
• Too much water during a meal can dilute digestive enzymes. Also avoid icy cold water as it shocks the stomach making it difficult to secret enzymes.
• If you are trying to loose weight, water is a wonderful appetite suppressant.

Is water the fountain of youth? Maybe and maybe not, however, the therapeutic benefits of adequate hydration are well documented. A drink of water to your health! Cheers!

To contact Ellen Syversen for more information about the benefits of water or about other nutrition information please visit her site at http://www.pathwaysforhealth.net

And remember, TOGETHER WE ARE BETTER!!

https://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Credentials: 5 Master trainer of trainer certifications, Mediation training, Phys Ed k-12 degree, lots of wall plaques that say I’ve been there done that.

Where were you born? Eugene, Oregon – Sacred Heart

Where did you grow up? Springfield, Oregon

Hobbies? Ballroom dance, West Coast Swing

Married/Single? Kids? If married, how did you meet? Married and deeply in love with my incredibly handsome husband of 13 years. We met at a crime-prevention academy – he was a rogue, a former federal agent, protected 2 presidents and just had so much mystique around him. It was like dating a caged tiger, I loved the sense of adventure he brought to me. I totally drove him nuts with my expectation that the world revolved around me and of course, he fell right into my spell. I haven’t released him yet…
2 lovely daughters – Chantel is local and does image consulting for my company – she can make anyone look like a million bucks! Aimee is in the middle of raising her babies, Anja is three and her sister should appear in November, we are all very excited about that!

Education: Graduate of Marist High School, Graduate of the U of O, K-12 Phys Ed Instruction, B.S. degree

What did you want to be when you grew up? The best horseback riding instructor in the world. I specialized in working with people who had a lot of fear. I learned that I especially loved to work with the students through the horses and watched the way they communicate. The horse did not always get the same message they thought they were sending. That is where I did my magic. It was a natural fit to move into communication.

What did you do before you became a Communication Guru? I was a crime-prevention specialist and then went into community policing. I became a national community policing consultant and taught people how to work together in their communities; community activists, law enforcement, neighbors, politicians, government, business, educators and youth. I LOVED this work and eventually spent two tours in Kosovo as a community policing consultant helping communities come together and build community safety action teams.

How did you get started in Communications? In my law enforcement career, I learned that I got more out of people than most. I was safe for them to talk to. I even got a murder confession from a woman when I was in police work because I was so easy to talk to. Facilitating meetings and tough groups was my greatest challenge and I loved it. That and training. I LOVED training others to do things practical and useful and get beyond their fear.

Why Communications? People keep telling me I say things so well, I am so good at handling situations and people. If you are looking for what your gifts are, just ask those around you, they see them and can put a finger on it. That’s what my friends and total strangers did for me. Interpersonal skills are where I shine and coaching others to do the same thing in simple ways that make profound differences.

If you could tell people one thing about Communications, what would it be? No matter how bad you might think you are at communicating, the more you come from pure sincerity and curiosity, the better you will be received. Those two words move mountains.

Anything else people should know? Now you are asking for a pitch! If you want to understand people, learn more about their communication style. Learning that has changed my world. I can talk to most anyone and quickly identify what is important to them and can relate in such a way that I gain trust and cooperation. This is a vital tool that everyone needs and few people really have. Check out my Successful Communication Workshop series coming up October 13th. Early bird registration is Oct 6th. It will change the way you communicate with others for good and you will love the learning.

How can people contact you? Through my website: www.communicatewithclass.com to learn more about interpersonal skills
If you want to improve your public speaking, check out: www.presentwithclass.com

If the whole world were listening what would you say? Laugh often, love with passion and be kind to others, it will come back to you!

CELESTIAL EVENTS
The Month Ahead

As the Sun moves into Scorpio Sunday it opposes retrograde Jupiter in Taurus. Our personal energy, will and vitality will be intensely focused in uncovering that which has been hidden from us, especially in the areas of politics, shared wealth and power. We need to review our own values and needs for money and material wealth in order to reach a higher understanding and see the bigger picture. Only then can we begin building new foundations and organizations which nurture and provide for all as we move ahead.

PLUTO IN CAPRICORN

The Sun in Scorpio disposits to Pluto in Capricorn. During Pluto’s slow 15 year transit in the sign of Capricorn, institutions and organizations that consolidate material wealth, power and resources are subject to Pluto’s influence. As we sift through the ashes of old economic systems that are currently crumbling, we have an opportunity to eliminate that which is not honest, responsible, and in integrity. We are reminded that Capricorn responsibility is the balance to Plutonian power.

As we observe events in the outer world, it is important to look within and recognize the parts of ourselves that are also degenerating and need to be eliminated or transformed. This is a time for us to eliminate immature parts of ourselves so that we may be spiritually reborn as wiser, more responsible, self-reliant individuals. Rather than give away our power and authority to others and then resent them for it, it is time to reclaim our own power as a wise, compassionate Spiritual Father to our self. Use self-discipline in exercising your power. Be honorable and respectful of others.

SAMHAIN ON MONDAY NOVEMBER 7th

Halloween has its roots in the Celtic celebration of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season. Samhain was believed to be the time during the year when the veil between the living world and the world of the dead was the thinnest. In other cultures it is a time when ancestors and departed
souls are remembered and honored.

Samhain is celebrated on the day the Sun is at 15 degrees Scorpio, or half way through its transit of this sign. This year Samhain falls on Monday November 7th. You may wish to mark this day spending some time in meditation. Going within, honor those that have passed over, or perhaps parts of yourself that have “died” so you could be reborn.
NEW MOON IN SCORPIO

A New Moon occurs when the Sun and the Moon conjoin overhead from our perspective on Earth. This represents the fusion of our outer consciousness and awareness, symbolized by the Sun, with our inner emotional and unconscious self, symbolized by the Moon. This is a fertile time for new beginnings, for sowing the seeds of your new projects and endeavors.

The next New Moon will occur on Wednesday October 26h at 12:56 p.m. (PDT). This New Moon will be at 3 degrees Scorpio, opposing retrograde Jupiter in Taurus and sextile Pluto in Capricorn. This is a new opportunity to balance our need for personal material wealth with sharing joint resources. By making wise and more efficient use of the resources we have and eliminating our need for things that are not essential, we can lay foundations for security for all.

The area of your astrological chart where 3 degrees Scorpio falls represents the area of your life where you can consciously create new beginnings that are powerful, penetrating and transformative. Set aside time to reflect on how you can create new beginnings in the areas of shared resources, mysteries and spiritual regeneration. What emotional ties and issues around control do you have with others that need to be examined and purified? How can you transform obsession into personal power and courage? How can you reclaim your intensity and passion for life?

You may wish to set some new goals or create some Scorpio affirmations on October 26th. Examples are: “I penetrate into the heart of the matter with controlled intensity, using my inner strength.” “I transform myself with evolving self reliance.” “I release old toxins so that I may regenerate anew.” “I face my Shadow, probe its hidden depths with insight, and reclaim my personal power.”

You will begin to see evidence of the seeds you sow on this New Moon as they come to fruition on the following Full Moon in Taurus on November 10th. This Full Moon will reward you with security, serenity, and a greater connection to the earth through your senses.

“Most powerful is he who has himself in his own power."

- Seneca
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Taurus Aromatherapy Blend

My aromatherapy synergy for this month is Taurus - a satisfying and soothing blend that enhances practical creativity and self-esteem. Anise top note is warm and sweet. Middle notes of Cardamon and Ylang Ylang relax and rejuvenate the body while stabilizing moods. Oakmoss bass note provides a deep, comforting connection to the earth.

Taurus Aromatherapy blend is available as a convenient room spray in three sizes:

2 oz. $ 8.00
4 oz. $15.00
8 oz. $30.00

Also available in a jojoba oil base to use as a perfume, anointing oil, or in a diffuser.

1/2 oz. $6.00

An additional charge will be applied for shipping. E-mail or phone Mary Jo to order.
_________________________________________________________
Healing with The JourneyTM

If you would like to heal your body, mind and spirit, Journeywork may be for you. Journeywork is a way to access the root cause of an issue so it can be resolved and released.

As an Accredited Journey Practitioner I use guided meditations
to help you clear cell memories and experience greater health, well being and inner peace.

For more information about The Journey please go to www.thejourneyusa.com or contact me. A variety of sessions are available in person, by phone or Skype to address your needs.
_______________________________________________________
Learn more about Mary Jo Wevers at her website: http://www.maryjowevers.com

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION is dedicated to promoting member websites. Have you applied for membership? Apply now at: http://www.onlinewellenssassociation.com

“Change is the constant, the signal for rebirth, the egg of the phoenix."

- Christina Baldwin

On Sunday the Sun will leave the social and refined air sign of Libra and enter the passionate and perceptive water sign of Scorpio. Each succeeding sign of the zodiac provides the means to rectify or redirect the energy of the previous sign. Scorpio ventures into the deeper levels of Libran relationships to transform and regenerate itself.

The negative polarity of Scorpio gives it an introspective, investigative energy that is secretive and penetrating. Scorpio has a passionate desire to probe the depths of life’s mysteries. It uses its determination, intensity and insight in resourceful ways to overcome its fears and face the darkness, including its “Shadow Side.” It strips away the extraneous, the unessential, and the false to reveal the “bare bones.” It uncovers deeper truths, and discovers its true nature or real essence. It uses its power to transfigure itself and be reborn.

The emotional nature of Scorpio is expressed in powerful ways. The key phrase for this fixed water sign is “I Desire.” Scorpio is magnetic and sexual. It is strong willed, persistent, and has difficulty letting go. It can be extreme, obsessive, a lover of chaos, pain and suffering. It is attracted to catharsis for its drama and intensity.

Ultimately Scorpio comes to understand that true power cannot be gained by exerting power and control over others. Exercising self-control, being insightful and inscrutable allows us to reclaim our own power and use it to transform and regenerate ourselves.

Scorpio is not afraid to deal with death. It is resurgent. Just as a snake sheds its skin, we too need to periodically shed parts of ourselves so we can spiritually transform. Scorpio asks us to venture into the deepest parts of our subconscious, face our shadows, and experience the “death” of our ego-identified self so we can evolve at the soul level.

Scorpio is represented by different colors and symbols according to the spiritual level of its expression. The black scorpion represents the lowest level of Scorpio. When threatened, it inflicts pain with the venom injecting barb at the end of its tail. The deep red phoenix rising from the ashes represents the regenerative power of Scorpio. The eagle soaring on high with its piercing depth of vision symbolizes Scorpio’s ability to see clearly into the heart of the matter while keeping an objective distance above emotional chaos. Having transcended death itself, the white dove symbolizes the highest and purest spiritual expression of Scorpio.

Areas of life ruled by Scorpio include other people’s values, shared possessions, joint assets and wealth, as well as power struggles over shared resources and sexuality. Death, mysteries, secrets and hidden things fall under Scorpio. Significant breakthroughs and other deeply transforming emotional experiences are in its domain.

Archetypes for Scorpio include private investigators, criminologists, researchers, surgeons, psychiatrists, pathologists, organized crime, terrorists, sex workers, occultists and vampires. Parts of the body ruled by Scorpio are the organs of reproduction and elimination. The gem for Scorpio is onyx. Its metal is plutonium. Thorn-bearing shrubs and chrysanthemums are Scorpion plants.

“Any transition serious enough to alter your definition of self will require not just small adjustments in your way of living and thinking but a full-on metamorphosis."

- Martha Beck
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PLUTO, RULER OF SCORPIO

The movement of the Sun into the sign of Scorpio marks the time of year when vegetation dies as winter approaches. In mythology Pluto, ruler of Scorpio and “Lord of the Underworld", welcomes the return of his wife Persephone. She has been dwelling for six months above ground in the world of the living with her mother Ceres. Now she returns to Hades to preside over the dead with her husband.

The name Pluto means “riches", and refers to the gems, minerals, oil and radio-active substances found under the surface of the earth. Pluto represents power: the potent, intense, passionate, and sometimes explosive energy that can be destructive as well as regenerative and life-giving.

The dwarf planet Pluto was discovered in 1930, the same year as the discovery of radiation which lead to the development of the atomic bomb. This marked a new development in human consciousness. We became aware of the destructive potential of a new source of powerful energy, deep inside of us as well as in the earth.

Pluto rules what is buried and hidden in our depths, in our subconscious. This wealth of material is fertile ground for us to probe and mine. It contains our deepest fears and phobias, obsessions and passions that need to be brought up into the light of consciousness. Once we summon our courage and descend into our subconscious to uncover its hidden mysteries and secrets, we can face them, transform them and become empowered.

With the help of Pluto and Persephone, we can wade through our turbulent, swampy underworld, probing the depths of our psyche. Coming face-to-face with our Shadow, we can discover its true nature and reclaim our power. We can then emerge from our underworld with new self-knowledge, transformed, revitalized and reborn.

“Evil understood is power gained.”
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Scorpio Aromatherapy blend is available as a convenient room spray in three sizes:

2 oz. $8.00
4 oz. $15.00
8 oz. $30.00

Also available in a jojoba oil base to use as a perfume, anointing oil, or in a diffuser.

1/2 oz. $6.00

An additional charge will be applied for shipping. E-mail or phone Mary Jo to order.
_________________________________________________________________
Astrological Services

“When we know and are aware of the planetary movements and conditions, and integrate them into our lifestyles, we can then be in alignment with the energies that they bring to support us.”

- Karen Bishop in Staying in Alignment

An astrological consultation provides perspective and understanding of your personality and life. It provides insight into ways you can resolve problems and live more effectively. Sessions are available in person, by phone or Skype to address your specific needs.

• Birth chart interpretation

• Soul Mission packets describe your life task

• Solar Return charts for birthdays and the year ahead

• Transits & progressions to understand life phases and cycles

• Relationship astrology

• Event charts for personal and business ventures

• Dream analysis

• Astrology classes and workshops
_____________________________________________________
Learn more about Mary Jo Wevers at her website: http://www.maryjowevers.com

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION is dedicated to promoting member websites. Have you applied for membership? Apply now at: http://www.onlinewellenssassociation.com

http://www.communicatewithclass.com/

The reason people don’t raise workplace concerns to the persons directly is that often those who are avoiding bringing up the concern don’t feel safe to have the conversation. Addressing unstated concerns is perhaps one of the more challenging ways to communicate with class.

I recommend you first address these three questions:

•Should I call the elephant out in the room?

If you are obviously uncomfortable and see that nothing is changing because you both continue to skirt around the issue, it is time to call it out.

•When do I call it out?

It’s true; timing is everything. The longer you hold on to “hoping things will change,” really only gives more fuel to the elephant and make it larger. Waiting may border on unprofessionalism.

•How do I call it out?

Always start from sincere curiosity and look for ways to resolve rather than blame:

•“I’d like to discuss the effects of our last marketing campaign, may we have a meeting to work through our concerns and plan for our next approach?”
•“I haven’t seen your company’s payment come through yet, how soon can I expect it?”
•“In looking through the ledger, I noticed that our largest account was not billed for the last three months, will you fill me in on the details?”
•“I’ve felt strained and uncomfortable at work over the past several months, may we talk about that?”
•“We have several committee assignments that haven’t been completed. May we discuss ways to get them accomplished?”

Don’t let defensive body language or accusations stop your curiosity, you must be sincere and curious throughout – keep the safety.

As a professional facilitator, I’ve learned that when I provide safety by sincerely and innocently asking about the invisible elephant it opens the door to discussing the ‘un-discussed.’ Often people stumble over themselves to talk about the once unspeakable. When things are out in the open, it is so much easier to work through. Because truly, no one likes living with ‘invisible elephants,’ they take up a lot of space and are never completely invisible.

Please feel free to ask how you can discuss your invisible elephants on our forum.
May you always communicate with CLASS!

This article was written by Pamela Cournoyer, Communicate with Class. You can learn more about Pamela at http://www.communicatewithclass.com

And remember, Together We Are Better!!

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

We want to start growing our website. We think we have most of the kinks identified (most are even worked out), and we are now ready to really start recruiting new members.

Here is what you can do to earn one year FREE membership:

-Think of ten wellness practitioners that you know that might qualify to become members.
-Contact them to let them know you are referring their names for membership
-E-mail us the information: e-mail address, website address, phone number

-Once they are approved for membership, OWA will send you $50—no limit through December 31!
______________________________________________
Learn more about the OWA membership requirements at:

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

CAPRICORN RISING NEWSLETTER
September 2011 Libra Edition
Mary Jo Wevers, PhD
Celestial Events

Transpluto Persephone Changes Sign

Astronomers have estimated the size, location and orbit of the transplutonian planet Valerie Vaughan calls Persephone. From this information the monthly positions of this unknown planet in the zodiac have been calculated. Because of its great distance from the Sun it spends many decades in one zodiac sign.

Persephone has been in the sign of Leo since 1937. It is estimated that it will leave Leo and move into the sign of Virgo this November. This once-in-a-lifetime event is noteworthy and deserves our consideration and reflection.

In Leo, Persephone has been “acting out” her needs for self-expression, self-mastery, and development of her own identity separate from her mother. In her process of becoming an individual, of finding her own ego-self, authority and power, she experienced the pain of separation from her mother and ventured into the Underworld, assuming her role as Queen of the Dead. Here she learned compassion for those souls and gave them comfort and hope.

Has humanity matured into a wiser, more evolved stage since the onset of the Plutonian age of the atom bomb and nuclear war in the 1930s? Have we transcended our ego needs? Do we now have enough respect for the destructive power nuclear weapons have to annihilate not only humanity but life on earth? How can we move our relationship with this atomic force to a higher and more mature level?

What will the next era of Persephone in Virgo bring for humanity? In Virgo, we might expect to experience the pain of separation from others due to ecological disasters, environmental pollution and health epidemics. In her highest expression in Virgo, Persephone will use her relationships to be of greater service to others, help improve their conditions, and to heal the planet.

AUTUMN EQUINOX

The cardinal signs correspond to seasonal transitions. In the northern hemisphere Libra marks the beginning of fall, the end of the growing season and the beginning of the “dying” season. Day and night are equally balanced for a brief while. We leave the long, languid days of summer behind and prepare for the colder, harsher winter ahead. This is the time of year when Persephone leaves her mother’s world where she has been helping tend the crops and harvest the grain, and prepares to return to the underworld to fulfill her role as wife and Queen of Hades.

Like Persephone, it is fitting that we use this time to prepare to make a transition ourselves, from our outer conscious awareness of the world to a deeper, darker, internal place. Just as Persephone, in the spring we will emerge from our time spent in the depths with greater self-awareness and the seeds of renewal for rejuvenating our life.

THE MONTH AHEAD

As the Sun moves into Libra Friday it conjoins Mercury in Virgo, opposes Uranus in Aries, and squares Pluto in Capricorn. Our personal energy and vitality will be focused on relationships, how we compromise, negotiate and meet the needs of others in balanced ways. Communicate with practical realism and strive to fix problems and heal your relationships where needed. Any urges to break out of conventional roles in order to express your unique self will need to be balanced with awareness and sensitivity towards others. We may feel pressured to make hard decisions, to be held accountable, and to eliminate anything superfluous that previously gave us material security as we work towards justice and fairness for all.

SATURN IN LIBRA

As the Sun moves through Libra this month it will conjoin Saturn, illuminating ways we can take more responsibility for improving our relationships. Respect yourself and be mature. Have integrity and do the right thing. Be diplomatic and cooperate with others.

Saturn continues its two year transit of the sign of Libra until October 2012. This cycle is a time to organize and structure our lives in more balanced ways. Saturn asks us to take responsibility for creating fairness and harmony in our personal relationships. Can you be fair to yourself as well as to others? How can you use negotiation and compromise wisely?

NEW MOON IN LIBRA

A New Moon occurs when the Sun and the Moon conjoin overhead from our perspective on Earth. This represents the fusion of our outer consciousness and awareness, symbolized by the Sun, with our inner emotional and unconscious self, symbolized by the Moon. This is a fertile time for new beginnings, for sowing the seeds of your new projects and endeavors.

The next New Moon will occur on Tuesday September 27 at 4:09 a.m. (PDT). This New Moon will be at 4 degrees Libra, conjoining Mercury. This is a new opportunity to communicate harmoniously and share thoughts and ideas with others with fairness and refinement. Listen to the needs and concerns of others with consideration. Use compromise to balance your needs and desires with those of others.

The area of your astrological chart where 4 degrees Libra falls represents the area of your life where you can consciously create new beginnings that are relational, balanced and harmonious. Set aside time to reflect on how you can create new ways to relate to others, balance seemingly conflicting needs, and experience self-transformation. What do your relationships tell you about yourself? How can you better understand the reflections others show you? Where can you cooperate with others? How can you inspire and aid others in their self growth?

You may wish to set some new goals or create some Libra affirmations on September 27th. Examples are: “I balance my needs with the needs of others in cooperation and fairness.” “I honor and respect my soul contracts with others.” “I create beauty and harmony in my interactions with others.” “I transform myself through my relationships.”
___________________________________________________________
SERVICES: Improve your Relationships with The JourneyTM

Do you want to improve your relationships? Are unresolved issues from the past sabotaging them? Is something getting in the way of creating a healthy new relationship? Journeywork is a way to access the silent saboteurs hidden in our subconscious so we can resolve and release them.

As an Accredited Journey Practitioner I use guided meditations to help you clear cell memories and experience greater health, well being and inner peace. For more information about The Journey please go to www.thejourneyusa.com or contact me. A variety of sessions are available in person, by phone or Skype to address your needs.
_______________________________________________________________

PRODUCTS: Libra Aromatherapy Blend

My aromatherapy synergy for this month is Libra - A balancing, harmonious synergy for enhancing relationships and cultivating social graces. Rich top notes of White Rose and Spearmint are clear and calming. Middle notes of Hay, Jonquil and Geranium are sweet, youthful and balancing. Frankincense bass note stabilizes the emotions.

Libra Aromatherapy blend is available as a convenient room spray in three sizes:

2 oz. $8.00
4 oz. $15.0
8 oz. $30.00

Also available in a jojoba oil base to use as a perfume, anointing oil, or in a diffuser.

1/2 oz. $6.00

An additional charge will be applied for shipping. E-mail or phone Mary Jo to order.
Learn more about Mary Jo Wevers at her website: http://www.maryjowevers.com
_____________________________________________________
ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION is dedicated to promoting member websites. Have you applied for membership? Apply now at: http://www.onlinewellenssassociation.com

CAPRICORN RISING NEWSLETTER
September 2011 Libra Edition
Mary Jo Wevers, PhD

LIBRA, SIGN OF HARMONIOUS RELATIONSHIPS

“Whatever relationships you have attracted in your life at this moment, are precisely the ones you need in your life at this moment. There is a hidden meaning behind all events, and this hidden meaning is serving your own evolution.”
- Deepak Chopra

Early Friday morning the Sun will move out of the modest, pragmatic and improving earth sign of Virgo and into the social air sign of Libra. Each succeeding sign of the zodiac provides the means to rectify or redirect the energy of the previous sign. Libra refashions the service-oriented energy and non-attachment of Virgo to create beauty and cultivate relationships.

The positive, outgoing polarity of Libra is expressed in its desire to connect with others. Libra believes that personal interaction is the basis for all major insight and advances in humanity. Libra desires a civilized, cooperative meeting of the minds in an atmosphere of refinement, reasonableness and harmony.

The symbol of Libra is the Scales, an instrument used to measure or weigh. The key phrase for Libra is “I Balance.” Libra uses its intellect to understand opposing perspectives and to find ways to extend fairness to all. Libra is a diplomatic mediator, a just peacemaker.

Keenly aware of other people’s preferences and desires, Libra strives to please others. It avoids offending or displeasing others at all costs. It can be passive, flattering and phony out of fear of discord or conflict.

Libra touts honesty, but shies away from holding opinions. Libra often appears to be indecisive. Poised, gracious and charming, Libra can appear superficial and frivolous when avoiding issues that may provoke disagreement or anger.

Libra can become out of balance by putting other people’s needs and desires ahead of its own. When it avoids confrontations out of its desire for peace at any price it gives up its own identity. As it compromises its self, its personal identity fades into the “we” of partnership. Libra can then become miserable dwelling on the lack of fairness and justice for itself.

Areas of our life ruled by Libra include all face-to-face relationships including business and marriage partnerships, peers and open enemies. Libra governs our interpersonal skills, cooperation, and working with the public. It rules our inner attitudes about compromise, harmony and agreement. Contracts, agreements, and joint endeavors fall under its domain.

Libra represents the search for greater self-awareness and understanding through relationships. We project onto others the parts of ourselves we have difficulty accepting. In face-to-face relationships the other mirrors back to us elements of our self we are not aware of, or do not wish to acknowledge.

We have opportunities to learn more about our self through family relationships and business and marriage partnerships. Problematic issues arise and we must find ways to resolve and reconcile them. We learn how to balance our needs with the needs of others. We discover ways to share power, and to give and take. In the crucible of relationships we are subjected to forces that result in our growth and transformation.

Colors for Libra are deep rose pink and magenta. The gem for Libra is opal. White roses, cosmos, hydrangeas and poppies are Libra flowers. Lizards are Libran animals. Parts of the body ruled by Libra are the lower back and kidneys.

“All relationships we encounter are significant and have a purpose. Through relating we have an opportunity to learn, to teach each other, to grow, and to expand our awareness of possibility.”
- Alana
PERSEPHONE AS RULER OF LIBRA

The planet Venus is the traditional ruler of both Libra and Taurus. Astrologer and mythologist Valerie Vaughan makes a compelling argument for assigning modern rulership of Libra to the as yet undiscovered planet beyond Pluto she names Persephone.

In Greek mythology Persephone is the daughter of Demeter, who is known to the Romans as Ceres, goddess of grain fields and crops. Persephone enjoyed an idyllic childhood, raised by her nurturing and loving mother.

One day as the maiden Persephone played in a meadow, she became captivated by a narcissus flower. Perhaps in wanting to know herself better and to claim her own identity, she plucked the flower. With this act she unleashed the forces of the underworld. Through a gaping crack in the earth came Pluto in his chariot, who carried her off to the underworld.

Her mother Ceres was stricken with grief and mourned her loss, causing the crops to wither and die. Famine threatened humankind. Through negotiations with the gods on Mount Olympus, a compromise was brokered to save humanity. It was decided that Persephone could return to her mother so long as she had not eaten any food during her time with Pluto in Hades.

Not wanting to lose his wife, Pluto offered Persephone a pomegranate as she was preparing to leave, and she ate some of its seeds. Her action prevented her from returning to her mother and resuming her role as daughter and maiden. Again, another compromise was reached between the gods resulting in Persephone spending part of the year above ground with her mother, and part of the year in the underworld with her husband Pluto.

Persephone is a goddess of duality. She is “the Goddess of the twofold name", both Maiden and Queen of the Underworld. She divides her time between the upper world and the underworld, fulfilling both roles of daughter and wife. Through compromise she balances and mediates the needs of her mother and her husband. In crossing the border between worlds, experiencing separation and reunion in a yearly cycle, she unifies the two worlds, balances her relationships, and creates wholeness in herself.

Persephone also represents the potential in each of us for growth and maturation, death and rebirth. She symbolizes transitions from one kind of relationship into another, and the inherent self-transformational power they contain. When we move from childhood into adulthood, from being single into marriage, from parenthood into the “empty nest", from partnership into loss of a partner, we experience emotional struggles. When we step back, separate from others and do our own inner work, we can reconnect with greater understanding, maturity and insight. We can raise our relationships to a higher and more evolved level, from co-dependence to co-independence.

Perhaps once this planet beyond Pluto is discovered we will become more conscious of our own powers of renewal within the cycles of birth, death and regeneration in our life. We will value relationships as vehicles for greater self-discovery and growth. We will embrace opportunities to descend into our unconscious to do the work that is needed, so we can gain understanding and emerge once again with greater self-awareness.
_________________________________________________________

SERVICES: Mary Jo Wevers, PhD
Soul•Personality Integration & Healing
Jungian Karmic Astrologer, Accredited JourneyTM Practitioner, Licensed Spiritual Health Coach

www.maryjowevers.com

phone (541) 740-8081
__________________________________________________________
PRODUCTS: Libra Aromatherapy Blend

My aromatherapy synergy for this month is Libra - A balancing, harmonious synergy for enhancing relationships and cultivating social graces. Rich top notes of White Rose and Spearmint are clear and calming. Middle notes of Hay, Jonquil and Geranium are sweet, youthful and balancing. Frankincense bass note stabilizes the emotions.

Libra Aromatherapy blend is available as a convenient room spray in three sizes:

2 oz. $8.00
4 oz. $15.0
8 oz. $30.00

Also available in a jojoba oil base to use as a perfume, anointing oil, or in a diffuser.

1/2 oz. $6.00

An additional charge will be applied for shipping. E-mail or phone Mary Jo to order.

www.maryjowevers.com

phone (541) 740-8081
________________________________________________________

Learn more about Mary Jo Wevers at her website: http://www.maryjowevers.com

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION is dedicated to promoting member websites. Have you applied for membership? Apply now at: http://www.onlinewellenssassociation.com

As the Sun moves into Virgo it conjoins Venus, opposes Chiron in Pisces conjunct Neptune in Aquarius, trines Pluto in Capricorn, and is inconjunct Uranus in Aries. Our will and desire to improve ourselves and our conditions are supported by a love and appreciation for that which is real and tangible, definable, quantifiable, and practical. Our efforts to heal ourselves and our earth may be undermined by undefinable, unconscious fears of becoming hurt or devastated if we act in innovative or unconventional ways. We need to change our attitudes around being too freedom-loving and independent to the point of creating conflict with others. Probing the depths of our feelings and attachments to old structures and security will reveal areas we can actively work to heal and restore.

Retrograde Mercury Stations Direct

The Mercury retrograde period we have been experiencing this month is coming to an end on August 26th when it stations direct at 19 degrees Leo. Have you made productive use of this time to review your interactions and communications with others?

Use your Virgo sense of discernment to take note of what you still need to fix or improve. Are you communicating with others without being autocratic or dominating? Are you expressing yourself from a loving and generous heart-centered place? Can you be more creative and inspiring when speaking with others? As Mercury travels a third time through the late degrees of Leo we have another opportunity to apply our new and improved communication skills and habits.

Jupiter Moves Retrograde

Jupiter in Taurus stations retrograde on August 30th for four months. Jupiter represents broadening our horizons, gaining a higher perspective and greater understanding of life. It provides opportunities for growth and expansion so that we may connect with something larger than ourselves.

In Taurus, Jupiter bestows its opportunities for growth and good fortune in the areas of personal wealth and material resources. When overly expansive, Jupiter in Taurus can be excessive in its appetite for accumulating money and assets. It indulges its need for material security without regard for its own health or fairness to others.

This retrograde period is a time for us to reflect on our personal philosophy and beliefs about the physical world, money, and material resources. What level of personal security do you need to maintain a higher vision of life and stay spiritually connected? Can you stabilize excessive needs? How can you make wiser, more efficient use of the resources you have? How can we conserve and use our planetary resources more wisely?
Jupiter will station direct at 0 degrees Taurus in late December. We will have a new opportunity to move through the early degrees of Taurus once again. Use this retrograde period to gain a higher vision of life through a more stable, practical, and spiritual connection to the earth and her resources.

New Moon in Virgo

A New Moon occurs when the Sun and the Moon conjoin overhead from our perspective on Earth. This represents the fusion of our outer consciousness and awareness, symbolized by the Sun, with our inner emotional and unconscious self, symbolized by the Moon. This is a fertile time for new beginnings, for sowing the seeds of your new projects and endeavors.

The next New Moon will be on Sunday August 28th at 8:04 p.m. (PDT) at 5 degrees Virgo. This New Moon will conjoin Venus in Virgo, oppose Chiron in Pisces, and form a Grand Earth Trine with Jupiter in Taurus and Pluto in Capricorn. The new beginnings we put into motion in the areas of work-related skills, personal health and improvement will be supported by opportunities for practical creativity and restructuring our wealth. Use courage to surmount fears of victimization. Take action in new ways to provide the security in life and connections with others you need.

The area of your astrological chart where 8 degrees Virgo falls represents the area of your life where you can consciously create new beginnings that are discriminating, logical and practical. In what ways can you improve your health? How can you bring order and efficiency into your life? What new practical work-related skills can you develop? Are you embracing your vocation, or call to service in life? What parts of you or your life need to be better integrated so you can feel whole? How can you connect to the sacred earth, nurture her and feel nurtured by her?

You may wish to set new goals or create Virgo affirmations on this New Moon. Examples are: “I take take practical steps to improve the health and well being of my body, mind and spirit.” “I am nurtured by the earth and my material reality.” “I release the need for external perfection and embrace the Divine Order within.” “I discern with intuitive wholeness.”

You will begin to see evidence of the seeds you sow on this New Moon as they come to fruition on the following Full Moon. The Harvest Full Moon in Pisces on September 12th will reward you with a deeper spiritual connection to humanity and the planet.

“Wisdom is experience digested.”

_________________________________________________________________Virgo Aromatherapy Blend

My aromatherapy synergy for this month is Virgo - A cleansing, healing and nurturing blend to aid in practical discrimination and assimilation. Cypress top note comforts loss and grief. Clary Sage middle note reduces stress and anxiety. Bass notes of Oakmoss and Patchouli are grounding and help heal old wounds.

VIrgo Aromatherapy blend is available as a convenient room spray in three sizes:

2 oz. $8.00
4 oz. $15.00
8 oz. $30.00

Also available in a jojoba oil base to use as a perfume, anointing oil, or in a diffuser.

1/2 oz. $6.00

An additional charge will be applied for shipping. E-mail or phone Mary Jo to order.
Astrological Services

“When we know and are aware of the planetary movements and conditions, and integrate them into our lifestyles, we can then be in alignment with the energies that they bring to support us.”
- Karen Bishop in Staying in Alignment

www.maryjowevers.com phone (541) 740-8081
________________________________________________________________
An astrological consultation provides perspective and understanding of your personality and life. It provides insight into ways you can resolve problems and live moreeffectively. Sessions are available in person, by phone or Skype to address your specific needs.

• Birth chart interpretation

• Soul Mission packets describe your life task

• Solar Return charts for birthdays and the year ahead

• Transits & progressions to understand life phases and cycles

• Relationship astrology

• Event charts for personal and business
ventures

• Dream analysis

• Astrology classes and workshops
www.maryjowevers.com phone (541) 740-8081
_________________________________________________________________

Mary Jo Wevers, PhD
Soul•Personality Integration & Healing
Jungian Karmic Astrologer, Accredited JourneyTM Practitioner &
Licensed Spiritual Health Coach

www.maryjowevers.com

phone (541) 740-8081
____________________________________________________________
MARY JO WEAVERS is OWA SPOTLIGHT THERAPIST for SEPTEMBET, 2011:

Learn more about Mary Jo Weavers at her website: http://www.maryjoweavers.com

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION is dedicated to promoting member websites. Have you applied for membership? Apply now at: http://www.onlinewellenssassociation.com

Tomorrow August 23rd the Sun will move out of the self-aware and fun loving fire sign of Leo and enter the modest and helpful mutable earth sign of Virgo. Each succeeding sign of the zodiac provides the means to rectify or redirect the energy of the previous sign. Virgo asks us to move our attention away from our individualized self and to be of service to others.

The negative polarity of Virgo gives her a receptive, internal nature. She is a humble, practical archetype, striving to be of service through self-improvement healing, and mentoring. She wants the earth and its inhabitants to function more efficiently and healthily. She mentors others by passing along her skills and practical wisdom. Virgo “tends the seed” with dedication and dependability.

The key phrase for Virgo is “I Analyze.” Virgo studies the objects of her attention carefully and precisely, assimilating essential facts. Her focus is on the details, symbolized by the individual grains of wheat on a stalk. Virgo analyzes and categorizes in logical, methodical ways. She is scientific, conscientious and thorough in her efforts to create order and perfection. Discriminating and discerning, Virgo can efficiently divide a task into manageable parts. She is a careful planner, capable of integrating diverse aspects of her projects.

Virgo rules areas of our life which prepare us for being of service in the world, including our work related skills and habits. Virgo strives to improve and perfect herself so that she can serve in higher and better ways. She learns new skills and works diligently to refine and apply them. Virgo rules people in the service industries, law enforcement, military, and organized labor and unions.

Virgo also rules our physical well being and health-related habits such as diet and exercise. Virgo serves others with her healing skills, and is represented in the health profession by doctors, nurses, and nutritionists. Parts of the body ruled by Virgo are the organs of digestion and assimilation, including the intestines and gall bladder. With Mercury as her traditional ruling planet, Virgo also governs the nervous system.

The domestic sciences are in Virgo’s domain. Housekeeping and household chores including cleaning, laundry, preserving and putting away food for the winter are Virgo activities. Virgo creates useful items of practical beauty through her crafts, sewing and weaving. She tends domestic animals and pets, and through animal husbandry produces food and useful products.

We cultivate our Virgo energy when we tend to our pets and domestic animals. By feeding, exercising and caring for their needs, we contribute to their health and well being. We learn the meaning of dedication and duty. We come to understand the importance of methodical, efficient habits and routines. Our animals become our teachers and healers in life.

Virgo archetypes are the Divine Feminine, the Earth Mother, Goddess of Fertility, and the Virgin. Isis and Mother Mary embody the energy and healing power of Virgo. Colors for Virgo are navy blue, gray and orange. Navy blue and gray are the colors of the uniforms worn by workers in the service industry. Orange is the color of the late summer harvest. Gems for Virgo are sapphires, agates and jasper. Pansies and nut-bearing trees are Virgo plants.

“You cannot hope to build a better world without improving the individuals. To that end each of us must work for his own improvement, and at the same time share a general responsibility for all humanity, our particular duty being to aid those to whom we think we can be most useful.”
- Marie Curie

Planetary Rulers of Virgo

While the traditional ruler of Virgo is Mercury, many modern astrologers feel the more appropriate rulers are the asteroids. The asteroid belt lies between Mars and Jupiter and consists of what some astronomers believe to be innumerable pieces of a planet which broke apart and fragmented. These fragments symbolically represent the different parts of ourselves that have become disconnected, compartmentalized, fractionated, or wounded and hurt. Through Virgo, we find and reclaim these parts, heal, and become whole.

Ceres was the largest of the asteroids, before its reclassification and promotion to ‘dwarf planet’ in 2006. In Roman mythology Ceres is the goddess of the abundance of the land, agriculture, and the harvest. She is known as the Goddess of Grain. Her name in earlier Greek mythology is Demeter, which means “earth mother.”

In the astrological chart Ceres represents the need for nurturing as well as the capacity for nurturing others. Ceres shows what we need from ourselves and others to feel unconditional love. As a ruling planet of Virgo, Ceres governs mother-child relationships, attachment and dependency, mentoring and caretaking of all living things.

The asteroid Chiron was discovered in 1977. In mythology the centaur Chiron is the Wounded Healer who strives to heal himself. He becomes the Sacred Teacher, helping others heal their own wounds. Chiron in the astrological chart reveals our own unconscious sense of woundedness and devastation. We carry our personal Chiron wounds, the pain and hurt, from old experiences of rejection, abandonment, deprivation, abuse and loss.

Awareness of our Chiron wound sets us on a path of healing in order to become whole. We begin our healing journey by engaging our Virgo energy to seek relief: we discern the nature of our wound and take practical, methodical steps to resolve and heal our pain. In doing so we transform our wound into our greatest asset. When we emulate the Sacred Healer we give the gift of healing and wholeness to others.

“Healing takes courage, and we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it.”
- Tori Amos

_________________________________________________________________
Healing with The JourneyTM: http://www.thejourneyusa.com

Your body is a vessel for your emotions. An unexpressed emotion resulting from an intense experience leaves an impression in your body, called a cell memory. Cell memories interfere with your emotional and physical health by shutting down your inner truth and impeding the healthy function of your tissues and organs. Cell memories keep us from being in the moment: fresh, open and present to new life experiences.

As an Accredited Journey Practitioner I use guided meditations to help you clear cell memories and experience greater health, well being and inner peace. For more information about The Journey please go to www.thejourneyusa.com or contact me. A variety of sessions are available in person, by phone or Skype to address your needs.
_______________________________________________________________
Virgo Aromatherapy Blend

My aromatherapy synergy for this month is Virgo - A cleansing, healing and nurturing blend to aid in practical discrimination and assimilation. Cypress top note comforts loss and grief. Clary Sage middle note reduces stress and anxiety. Bass notes of Oakmoss and Patchouli are grounding and help heal old wounds.

VIrgo Aromatherapy blend is available as a convenient room spray in three sizes:

2 oz. $8.00
4 oz. $15.00
8 oz. $30.00

Also available in a jojoba oil base to use as a perfume, anointing oil, or in a diffuser.

1/2 oz. $6.00

An additional charge will be applied for shipping. E-mail or phone Mary Jo to order.
_________________________________________________________________Astrological Services

“When we know and are aware of the planetary movements and conditions, and integrate them into our lifestyles, we can then be in alignment with the energies that they bring to support us.”

- Karen Bishop in Staying in Alignment

An astrological consultation provides perspective and understanding of your personality and life. It provides insight into ways you can resolve problems and live more effectively. Sessions are available in person, by phone or Skype to address your specific needs.

• Birth chart interpretation

• Soul Mission packets describe your life task

• Solar Return charts for birthdays and the year ahead

• Transits & progressions to understand life phases and cycles

• Relationship astrology

• Event charts for personal and business
ventures

• Dream analysis

• Astrology classes and workshops
_________________________________________________________________
MARY JO WEAVERS is OWA SPOTLIGHT THERAPIST for SEPTEMBET, 2011:

Learn more about Mary Jo Weavers at her website: http://www.maryjoweavers.com

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION is dedicated to promoting member websites. Have you applied for membership? Apply now at: http://www.onlinewellenssassociation.com

Many of you may know Kent from his tenure at Rapport Leadership International where he served as a Leadership Breakthrough One and Leadership Breakthrough Two trainer. His 16 + years as a trainer for Rapport taught him that deep down all people yearn to find a balance in their lives between the person they are now and the person they want to become, as well as between their personal and professional obligations. Click here to read Kent’s full bio: http://edgeofchange.com/kentferguson

Please join us in giving Kent a big, enthusiastic welcome to the Edge of Change team. I know that I am over the moon to have such an amazing person working with me once again!

We are looking for success stories. Please send yours. There is NO success too small. I would really like to know what you are up to.

Thank you for your trust, support and confidence in our business. It is my ultimate pleasure to do business with you.

Make it a great day!

Learn more about EDGE OF CHANGE, Leadership Relationship Coach Authorized Facilitator Team Diagnostic and owner Corinne McElroy CCPC,ORSC at

www.edgeofchange.com
www.corinnesblog.com
www.facebook.com/edgeofchange
541-344-8639
___________________________________________
A benefit of becoming an OWA member is that we help promote you whenever we have an opportunity. Have you checked to see if you are eligible to be a member?

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Credentials: Masters in Public Health (MPH)
Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)
Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP)

Where were you born? Hartford Connecticut

Where did you grow up? Rochester, New York

Community Activities? Volunteer at Adams Elementary School and Village School.
Volunteer at Growers Market Cooperative providing orientation services to new members.

Hobbies? Married/Single? Kids? If married, how did you meet? I have been married for 16 years to a wonderful man (Chris Bayham) that I met during my Peace Corps Service in Niger, West Africa. I have two beautiful children, two girls aged 7 and 10 that provide me with incredible joy. We have a wonderful blue heeler lab dog named Stormy who is 14.
I love to camp, hike, cross country ski, read, travel and cook healthy nutrient dense food and healthy treats for my family.

Education: BA in psychology Ohio Wesleyan University
Masters in Public Health from Tulane University School of Tropical Health and Medicine
Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Nutritional Therapy Association

What did you want to be when you grew up? A veterinarian when I was young, and when I was older a psychologist. It was in Peace Corps that I learned about nutrition, and I was hooked.

What did you do before you became a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner? Upon moving to Eugene, I worked for OSU Lane County Extension Nutrition Education Program as a program director and educator. I loved my job, but when my first daughter was born I knew that I had to stay home and be a full time parent. I have never regretted leaving the working world to enjoy the wonderful work of mother hood which is more than a full time job.

How did you get started in Nutritional Therapy? My husband is a natural resource planner and ecologist and he has always insisted that we buy organic food as it is grown in a way that is healthy for the environment. After my children were born, I became really interested in natural health, and I did a lot of research to figure out the best natural household products, natural hygiene products and how to treat my children naturally without medications. When I learned about the nutritional therapy program it seemed like a natural fit. My background is in health and nutrition, but this program allowed me to bring it to the level of holistic health and provided the opportunity to start my own business.

Why Nutritional Therapy? Nutritional therapy is the wave of the future. As more and more people become tired of being sick and tired, they will realize that they can heal through diet and lifestyle changes as well as targeted nutrients and high quality nutraceuticals. Nutritional therapy promotes the wisdom of traditional diets, a holistic approach to wellness and biochemical individuality (no one diet, food or supplement is right for everyone). As a nutritional therapist, I use assessment techniques to find out what food, herbs and supplements will work for an individual. The end result is a personalized nutrition program that is designed for the individual and their needs.

If you could tell people one thing about Nutritional Therapy, what would it be? Everyone can benefit from nutritional therapy, as we all need to assess our symptoms and imbalances before they become chronic issues. Nutritional therapy is an awesome place to start to work on your health. Other modalities will not work as well until you get your diet, digestion, blood sugar, essential fatty acids and minerals in balance.

How can people contact you? Call me at 541-912-8624, email me at pathwaysforhealth@gmail.com or visit my site at: www.pathwaysforhealth.net

Anything else people should know? I walk the talk and I really believe in what I do, it has helped my clients, myself and my family, and it can help you too!

If the whole world were listening, what would you say? Opt out of the scam of sugar, refined foods, fake fats, overuse of prescription drugs, and an overstressed lifestyle. Reclaim your health and your life!

For more information about Ellen visit her site at www.pathwaysforhealth.net

And remember, Together We Are Better!!
http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

“I have a Masters Degree in Public Health from Tulane University School of Public Health and over 10 years of experience as a certified health educator. Combined with my training as a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, I offer clients holistic nutrition counseling, therapy and education with the goal of correcting imbalances in body chemistry, and achieving optimal wellness naturally.”

To find out more about Ellen and what she does please visit her site at

http://www.pathwaysforhealth.net

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION welcomes all qualified wellness practitioners that address areas of MIND, SPIRIT, BODY healing. It takes diverse talented people, like Ellen Syversen, to support a mission that recognizes that it takes wellness practitioners working together for the healing benefits of individuals. Ellen Syversen believes and supports the idea that:

TOGETHER WE ARE BETTER!!!

Can you meet the criteria for membership with ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION? To see if you qualify go to

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

CONGRATULATIONS, ELLEN SYVERSEN, ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION SPOTLIGHT THERAPIST!!

http://www.pathwaysforhealth.net

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

_______________________________________

Want a hot summer membership deal? Contact OWA President, MAx Fabry: maxfabry@onlinewellnessassociation.com. Subject: HOT DEAL

The area of your astrological chart where 7 degrees Leo falls represents the area of your life where you can benefit from cultivating new beginnings by being confident, heart-centered and generous. How do you connect with your divine inner light? In what ways can you use your creativity to enhance your self-esteem and self-expression? How can you be more generous and magnanimous in your life?

You may wish to set new goals or create Leo affirmations on this New Moon. Examples are: “I create inner strength and self-reliance.” “I courageously embrace life and all it has to offer.” “I open my heart to generously connect with others.” “I radiate vitality and light!” “I align my will with divine will.”

You will begin to see evidence of the seeds you sow on this New Moon as they come to fruition on the following Full Moon. The Full Moon in Aquarius on August 13th will reward you with a new, innovative, visionary connection to humanity.
______________________________________________________________

Leo Aromatherapy Blend

My aromatherapy synergy for this month is Leo - A sunny, heart-centered blend to encourage creativity and self-expression. Cheery and majestic top notes of Tangerine, Sweet Orange and Cedarwood enhance self-confidence.

Rose absolute provides a middle note that opens the heart. Frankincense base note has a calming and centering effect.

Leo Aromatherapy blend is available as a convenient room spray in three sizes:

2 oz. $8.00
4 oz. $15.00
8 oz. $30.00

Also available in a jojoba oil base to use as a perfume, anointing oil, or in a diffuser.
1/2 oz. $6.00

An additional charge will be applied for shipping. E-mail or phone Mary Jo to order.
______________________________________________________________

“The highest expression of love is creativity.”
- Deepak Chopra
____________________________________________________________
Healing with The JourneyTM

Are emotional, physical or relationship issues keeping you from experiencing peace, love and joy in your life? The Journey is a method that allows you to access cell memories and clear the emotional root cause of your issue.

As an Accredited Journey Practitioner I use guided meditations to help you experience greater health, well being and inner peace. For more information about The Journey please go to www.thejourneyusa.com or contact me. A variety of sessions are available in person, by phone or Skype to address your needs.
_________________________________________________________
Astrological Services

“When we know and are aware of the planetary movements and conditions, and integrate them into our lifestyles, we can then be in alignment with the energies that they bring to support us.” - Karen Bishop in Staying in Alignment
_________________________________________________________
An astrological consultation provides perspective and understanding of your personality and life. It provides insight into ways you can resolve problems and live more effectively. Sessions are available in person, by phone or Skype to address your specific needs.

• Birth chart interpretation

• Soul Mission packets describe your life task

• Solar Return charts for birthdays and the year ahead

• Transits & progressions to understand life phases and cycles

• Relationship astrology

• Event charts for personal and business ventures

• Dream analysis

• Astrology classes and workshops
_________________________________________________________
Learn more about Mary Jo Weavers at her website: http://www.maryjoweavers.com

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION is dedicated to promoting member websites. Have you applied for membership? Apply now at: http://www.onlinewellenssassociation.com

Leo: Divine Inner Light and Love

“Joy is not in things; it is in us.”
Richard Wagner

Friday July 22nd the Sun will move out of the sensitive and reflective water sign of Cancer and enter the exuberant and courageous fixed fire sign of Leo. Each succeeding sign of the zodiac provides the means to rectify or redirect the energy of the previous sign. Leo asks us to take leave of the inner emotional realm of Cancer and turn our face towards the Sun to bask in its warmth and vitality.

The positive polarity of Leo gives it an enthusiastic, sunny, and expansive energy. Having a flair for drama and passion, Leo is a great actor and performer. It loves being on stage and in the spotlight. Leo needs attention, approval, love, respect and applause from others.

The key phrase for Leo is “I Will.” Having abundant courage, Leo does not hesitate to act, especially in undertakings in which personal recognition is desired. It participates in life fully and completely. At its best, Leo is generous, heart-centered, and gives to others in loving ways. Leo must guard against being insecure, arrogant, dominating and having an inflated ego.

Proud, regal, and dignified, Leo respects itself. It values honor and is loyal to others. Leo’s animal magnetism and charisma make it a confident and influential leader. Leo’s goal is to inspire others to become leaders and shine in their own right.

In many cultures Leo symbolizes the ultimate authority, God on earth, represented by the crown and throne and personified by kings and queens. The symbol for Leo is the majestic lion, representing power and authority. Positive archetypes for Leo include the benevolent ruler, kings and queens who model courage and strength to their people.

Leo governs the ego and the conscious process of becoming an individual. When we have a healthy ego, we connect with our own inner light and find creative forms of self expression. We learn self-mastery by setting goals and directing our energy and enthusiasm towards them. We are generous in sharing our creativity and love of life with others.

Psychologically, Leo rules our Inner Child: the joyful, creative, spontaneous part of our self who is both playful and sophisticated at the same time. Staying connected to our Inner Child in loving ways connects us with our own spark of divine light. We have more exuberance, and find ways to use our individual energy and vitality in creative, whimsical self-expression. We discover amusements and pleasures, enjoy recreational activities such as games, sports, vacations, holidays, and parties. We have fun as we learn self-mastery in the world.

Spiritually, Leo represents the generous heart-centered out-pouring of love. A candle flame used to light many other candles is not diminished by its sharing. The more that is expressed and freely given, the more there is in the world.

Leo rules our spiritual life purpose, that which gives us joy. Staying connected to our own individual spark of divine light allows us to create out of joy so we can share our love with others. What do you love to do? What kind of activities excite and replenish your heart?

The color for Leo is golden yellow, the radiant color of the Sun. Visualize the color gold when you want to build self-love and self-respect, build confidence, or create warm connections with others. The gem for Leo is ruby. Gold is its metal. Sunflowers, marigolds, orange and citrus trees are Leo planst. Lions, cats and peacocks are Leo animals. Actors, comedians, stage performers and entertainers personify Leo. Parts of the body ruled by Leo include the heart, upper back, spine, solar plexus and spleen.

” Offering a gift of your Leo energy to another person means not a rejection of our own power, or a relegation to living in the shadows of another. It is a dramatic and powerful affirmation of life for all. Inspire them to join you on the stage of life. - Linda Brady, Astrologer

The Sun

Leo is ruled by the Sun, the center of our solar system. The gravitational pull of the Sun keeps the planets in orbit around it. It is the central force linking and binding all the planets, luminaries and other celestial bodies into a cohesive whole.

The Sun is the most personal of the luminaries in astrology. It is the center of our identity and unites the other psychological urges, drives and needs of our multi-faceted personality. It represents our individuality, our ego self, and our conscious focus in life.

The Sun in our astrological chart is a symbol of our creative ability, self-expression, determination, self-mastery and confidence. It describes our physical vitality, our spark of life and radiation of spirit. It grants us authority, honor, ambition, pride, dignity and leadership capabilities. It is your unique, individual frequency of divine light.

When we actively work with our Sun sign energy we feel alive and powerful. We have fun and find joy in life. We feel empowered to use our divine inner light and energy to express ourselves as individuals. We “shine.”
_________________________________________________________________
Astrological Services

“When we know and are aware of the planetary movements and conditions, and integrate them into our lifestyles, we can then be in alignment with the energies that they bring to support us.”

- Karen Bishop in Staying in Alignment

An astrological consultation provides perspective and understanding of your personality and life. It provides insight into ways you can resolve problems and live more effectively. Sessions are available in person, by phone or Skype to address your specific needs.

• Birth chart interpretation

• Soul Mission packets describe your life task

• Solar Return charts for birthdays and the year ahead

• Transits & progressions to understand life phases and cycles

• Relationship astrology

• Event charts for personal and business ventures

• Dream analysis

• Astrology classes and workshops
_________________________________________________________________
Leo Aromatherapy Blend

My aromatherapy synergy for this month is Leo - A sunny, heart-centered blend to encourage creativity and self-expression. Cheery and majestic top notes of Tangerine, Sweet Orange and Cedarwood enhance self-confidence.

Rose absolute provides a middle note that opens the heart. Frankincense base note has a calming and centering effect.

Leo Aromatherapy blend is available as a convenient room spray in three sizes:

2 oz. $8.00
4 oz. $15.00
8 oz. $30.00

Also available in a jojoba oil base to use as a perfume, anointing oil, or in a diffuser.
1/2 oz. $6.00

An additional charge will be applied for shipping. E-mail or phone Mary Jo to order.
______________________________________________________________
Learn more about Mary Jo Weavers at her website: http://www.maryjoweavers.com

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION is dedicated to promoting member websites. Have you applied for membership? Apply now at: http://www.onlinewellenssassociation.com

Prior to starting ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION, OWA, I had founded a success private practice, LIFE STYLE CHANGES COUNSELING. The idea of building ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION came to me in 2006 when I had decided to expand the long-distance counseling portion of my practice. When I went to launch the website for my private practice, I realized there was no one in the wide world of the internet to hold me accountable for professional ethics and practices. I was surprised that there was no organization verifying credentials and able to assure the potential client that I was, in fact, a real counselor, with real credentials. The reality was, in 2006 there was no organization to help keep the predators posing as counselors, therapists, and other wellness practitioners away from vulnerable people. I ceased the opportunity to develop an internet platform that would be safe for both professionals and potential clients. The result: ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION.

While developing the business and website concept I knew that I wanted to be inclusive of all “qualified” wellness practitioners. What worked in my private practice was to have a resource list of experts in both Western and Holistic disciplines. I was aware that some Holistic healers do not require certain educational and licensing criteria, nor are not necessarily recognized by a formal association. I developed the membership criteria requiring four recent professional references in addition to credential and background checks. To date, the reference checks are our best form of checking reliability and credibility.

Finally, I wanted a way for the public to have an immediate visual to indicate the wellness practitioner they are considering is safe, real, and credible. Thus, the OWA SEAL OF APPROVAL was developed. A Seal for is generated for each new member; the Seal is unique ONLY to that member’s website. The goal is for all consumers to know: “If the site has an OWA SEAL, the practitioner is REAL.”

WELCOME ALL QUALIFIED WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS
TO THE 21st CENTURY!
____________________________________________________

Do you meet the criteria for OWA membership? To find out, go to:

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com
___________________________________________________

Learn more about MAx Fabry, OWA President, at

http://www.lifestylechangescounseling.com

Do you know who Steven Demink is, and, why he is evil?

What are “integrated services”?

Are you qualified to be an ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION MEMBER?

All the answers are in this month’s OWA: HEALER TODAY NEWSLETTER!

Request an electronic copy from:

Elizabeth@onlinewellnessassociation.com
_____________________________________________________________
Apply for membership at:

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Credentials: Oregon Licensed Massage Therapist #10801, Reiki Master Teacher, Karuna Reiki and Sacred Childbirth with Reiki Practitioner

Where were you born: Holland, MI

Where did you grow up: Holland, MI

Community Activities: I volunteer in the Integrative Therapies Program at Cascade Hospice doing Massage, Aromatherapy, and Reiki. I also volunteer annually for Sophia’s Sanctuary International Women’s Day event doing massage and Reiki. I am an active member of the Emerald Valley Time Exchange. I am a part of a massage booth called Magic Hands at the annual Oregon Country Fair in Veneta, OR.

Married/Single? Kids? If married, how did you meet: I am in a sweet partnership with a man interested in healing and self growth like me. We hope to collaborate professionally in the future to design and manage a healing retreat center. No children yet, but I hope so in the next few years.

Hobbies: Ecstatic Dance, Contact Improv, appreciating and honoring nature, gardening, self improvement, art, travel, reading, ritual, and studying conscious childbirth and child rearing.

Education: Lane Community College for Massage Therapy plus many ongoing trainings in the field of holistic bodywork, health, and spirituality.
What did you do before you became a healing arts practitioner: I spent a few terms at U of O for Environmental Studies, worked in cafes, and working for the US Forest Service maintaining back country trails.

How did you get started in the healing arts/bodywork: A friend showed me a book on Reiki (a gentle, non-invasive, Japanese Energy Medicine modality) when I was a senior in high school. It resonated with me, so I found a local teacher and took a class to learn how to do it. It wasn’t something I had to think about, but something that I easily began practicing on friends and family. After moving to Eugene and studying a few terms at U of O, I realized I was not enjoying my field of study or foresaw a happy future in academia, so I promptly enrolled in the Massage Therapy program at LCC and never looked back. I received my license January 2004.

Why Massage Therapy and Reiki: I want to spend my life helping people feel good in their bodies, experiencing healing, nurturing touch, (something I believe our culture has been separated from but now seems to be reclaiming), and working in a field where I can always learn more, benefiting both my own growth as well as my client’s. Using both modalities together allow me to address core imbalances in a client by working in the physical as well as the subtle, energetic realms of a person. Having a massage just plain old feels good, and Reiki adds that extra dimension that helps to heal the emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of acute to long standing issues. I have enjoyed working with clients who are prescribed massage therapy to heal from car accident trauma, which is both enjoyable and effective for lasting healing. It is also still amazing to me to work with people who have physical pain, and I can use Reiki without even touching their body and experience a resolution.

What did you want to be when you grew up: An artist mostly. A lawyer at one point.

If you could tell people one thing about Reiki and Massage, what would it be: Both qualify as Preventative Healthcare as an enjoyable, truly whole-person oriented type of insurance you can invest in for countless benefits including strengthening your immune system, lowering stress, sleeping better, and lowering the likelihood of injury. They will actually save you money and improve your quality of life, with the major side effect being FEELING GOOD!

How can people contact you: Email: awakenyourpotential@gmail.com or Phone: 541-431-7317. More information at my website: http://www.newaeonhealingarts.com

Anything else people should know: I take my role and profession as a healer seriously. I operate my practice with as much integrity, honesty, and care as possible. It is not only my career, but my passion. I encourage clients to voice their needs, and I do my best to listen and offer respect and non-judgment. The education and self-empowerment aspect of my practice are vital to me, so clients can better learn how to take care of themselves and listen to know what their own body’s needs are. Anyone can learn Reiki, and I teach both private and group classes.

If the whole world were listening what would you say: Turn off the news and media to block out what “out there” is telling you to believe, and then go inside and ask you unique inner truth what your true passions and gifts are that you are meant to share in this life. Put your money where your values lie. Trust yourself. Be kind. Breathe deeply, from your belly. Grow plants and talk to them. Stand up for children’s rights. Forgive. Eat organic. Love yourself so that you may love others.

To learn more about what Meghan does visit her site at http://www.newaeonhealingarts.com

And remember: Together We Are Better!!!

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

-WEBSITE
-One Year Hosting
-Social Networking Links
-Monthly Updates/Changes on Site
-First Year Membership

+$100 CREDIT Towards Upgrade

Are you eligible for membership with ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION? To find out, go to: http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Transition/Life Coaching: transitions represent a passage from one state to another emotionally, professionally, or situational. Consciously addressing these passages with a coach can be both challenging and an opportunity to move beyond where you are now physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially. Life transition coaching can empower you to focus on successfully moving toward the next chapter of your life by creating a vision and an action plan in order to realize your potential and facilitate positive changes. A life coach will use a variety of methods, tailored to you, to move you through the process of setting and reaching goals. Coaching is not targeted at psychological illness, and coaches are not necessarily therapists. Coaches are adept at giving clear, concise directives which stimulate creative ideas by which you can step out of your ‘box’ and move forward in life.

Go to our HEALTH SERVICES site: http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com, to meet some of our TRANSITION/LIFE COACHES:

MAx Fabry, Lifestyle Changes Counseling
Ava Stoecker, EFT Healing Touch
Mary Joe Weavers, Soul: Personality Integration & Healing
Dr. Ileen Cummings, Human Development Counselor
Pamela Cournoyer, , Communications Expert
And more…..

Find your TRANSITION/LIFE COACH at http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Are you eligible for membership with ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION? Go to

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com “become a member”

The Institute for Functional Medicine, http://www.functionalmedicine.org, offers this definition of “Functional Medicine”: “Functional medicine is personalized medicine that deals with primary prevention and underlying causes instead of symptoms for serious chronic disease. It is a science-based field of health care that is grounded in the following principles:

•Biochemical individuality describes the importance of individual variations in metabolic function that derive from genetic and environmental differences among individuals.

•Patient-centered medicine emphasizes “patient care” rather than “disease care,” following Sir William Osler’s admonition that “It is more important to know what patient has the disease than to know what disease the patient has.”

•Dynamic balance of internal and external factors.

•Web-like interconnections of physiological factors – an abundance of research now supports the view that the human body functions as an orchestrated network of interconnected systems, rather than individual systems functioning autonomously and without effect on each other. For example, we now know that immunological dysfunctions can promote cardiovascular disease, that dietary imbalances can cause hormonal disturbances, and that environmental exposures can precipitate neurologic syndromes such as Parkinson’s disease.

•Health as a positive vitality – not merely the absence of disease.

•Promotion of organ reserve as the means to enhance health span.”
___________________________________________________________

OWA welcome all qualified FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE PRACTITIONERS to apply for membership at:

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com.

“I have been studying and practicing healing arts since early 2000. My sessions bring a unique depth of healing and relaxation; sessions that soothes and also allows the body valuable time to repair and renew itself. I enjoy volunteering my healing services with Cascade Hospice and the Willamette Valley Cancer Center. In addition to my private practice, I offer classes on Reiki, essential oils, and wellness.”

To find out more about Meghan and what she does please visit her site at

http://www.newaeonhealingarts.com/

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION welcomes all qualified wellness practitioners that address areas of MIND, SPIRIT, BODY healing. It takes diverse talented people, like Meghan Quinn, to support a mission that recognizes that it takes wellness practitioners working together for the healing benefits of individuals. Meghan Quinn believes and supports the idea that:
TOGETHER WE ARE BETTER!!!

Can you meet the criteria for membership with ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION? To see if you qualify go to

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

CONGRATULATIONS, MEGHAN QUINN, ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION SPOTLIGHT THERAPIST!!

http://www.newaeonhealingarts.com/

Are you a SPIRITUAL GUIDE? Do you qualify for membership in ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION? To find out, go to:

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Elizabeth@onlinewellnessassociation.com

Have you applied for membership to ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION? To see if you can qualify for membership, go to:

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com “become a member”

Mary Jo Wevers, PhD

CANCER: SIGN OF EMOTIONAL FOUNDATIONS-PART 2 OF 2

CELESTINE EVENTS

The Month Ahead

As the Sun moves into Cancer on the Summer Solstice it opposes Pluto in Capricorn and squares Uranus in Aries and Saturn in Libra. This Grand Cardinal Cross signifies major structural changes, and can feel challenging and stressful. It is a new beginning, a turning point asking us to take action during the month and summer ahead to balance and integrate the seemingly disparate forces and energies.

While being consciously aware of your feelings and sensitivities, reclaim your power by eliminating old structures in your life which previously provided stability but are no longer practical or realistic. Saturn in Libra recently stationed direct after four months of moving retrograde. Now is the time to move forward and implement ways to create more fairness and balance in your life, especially in your relationships. Have the courage to take action during these unsettling times. By using your intuition
you can gain insight into how you can gain more freedom and independence in your life.

The Sun in Cancer loosely conjoins Mercury. Check in with your intuition when processing information and communicate with sensitivity. The Sun in Cancer trines Neptune, Chiron and the Moon in Pisces. Our feelings are best expressed in spiritual ways that transcend illusions of separateness and heal old wounds. We can heal ourselves and become the Sacred Healer for others through empathy, compassion and forgiveness.

Solar Eclipse New Moon in Cancer

A New Moon occurs when the Sun and the Moon conjoin overhead from our perspective on Earth. This represents the fusion of our outer consciousness and awareness, symbolized by the Sun, with our inner emotional and unconscious self, symbolized by the Moon. This is a fertile time for new beginnings, for sowing the seeds of your new projects and endeavors.

The next New Moon will be a Solar Eclipse New Moon on Friday July 1 at 1:54 a.m. (PDT). This is the second Solar Eclipse New Moon in a row, after the Lunar Eclipse Full Moon we experienced this past week. These eclipses have been particularly potent, shaking up old emotional material buried deep in the subconscious so it can surface into consciousness. This is a time of major endings and new beginnings. What old issues must be resolved, transformed or left behind in order for you to move ahead? What is waiting to be birthed?

This Solar Eclipse New Moon will be at 9 degrees Cancer opposing Pluto in Capricorn, trining Neptune and Chiron in Pisces, and squaring Uranus in Aries and Saturn in Libra. The new beginnings we create to become more sensitive, compassionate, empathetic and forgiving must be balanced with reclaiming our personal power in wise, realistic, and responsible ways. Have the courage to take action to create needed changes while creating more fairness and balance in your relationships.

The area of your astrological chart where 9 degrees Cancer falls represents the area of your life where you can benefit from cultivating new beginnings by being sensitive, caring, protective and nurturing. What areas in your life need nurturing and protection so you can grow emotionally? How do you honor your emotional experience of the world? How can you be more supportive for yourself as well as for others? Where do you need to be more self-sufficient outside of your home and family influence?

You may wish to set new goals or create Cancerian affirmations on this New Moon. Examples are: “I honor, nurture and protect my creative Inner Child.” “I am becoming more and more emotionally self-reliant.” “I create emotional security for myself.” “I take responsibility for building the emotional foundations I need in my life.”

You will begin to see evidence of the seeds you sow on this New Moon as they come to fruition on the following Full Moon on July 14th. This Full Moon in Capricorn will reward you with emotional stability, maturity and self-sufficiency.

“I love people. I love my family, my children . . . but inside myself is a place where I live all alone and that’s where you renew your springs that never dry up.” - Pearl S. Buck
_______________________________________________________________
Learn more about Mary Jo Weavers at her website: http://www.maryjoweavers.com

SERVICES:

An astrological consultation provides perspective and understanding of your personality and life. It provides insight into ways you can resolve problems and live more effectively. Sessions are available in person, by phone or Skype to address your specific needs.

• Birth chart interpretation

• Soul Mission packets describe your life task

• Solar Return charts for birthdays and the year ahead

• Transits & progressions to understand life phases and cycles

• Relationship astrology

• Event charts for personal and business ventures

• Dream analysis

• Astrology classes and workshops
_______________________________________________________________

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION is dedicated to promoting member websites. Have you applied for membership? Apply now at: http://www.onlinewellenssassociation.com

June 2011 Cancer Edition

Mary Jo Wevers, PhD

CANCER: SIGN OF EMOTIONAL FOUNDATIONS

Tuesday June 21st we mark a power point in the calendar year, the seasonal transition we call the Summer Solstice. The Sun will move out of the inquisitive and communicative masculine air sign of Gemini and enter the sensitive and reflective feminine cardinal water sign of Cancer. Each succeeding sign of the zodiac provides the means to rectify or redirect the energy of the previous sign. Cancer asks us to shift our awareness from the realm of the mind and tune in to our feelings.

The negative, or receptive, polarity of Cancer gives it an internal, inwardly directed energy. A key phrase for Cancer is “I Feel.” Cancer is sensitive, intuitive, empathetic, vulnerable and sentimental. Cancer governs our inner sense of self, our instincts and emotional attitudes that form the foundation of our psyche.

Considered the youngest sign of the zodiac, Cancer rules our beginnings: infancy and early childhood. The glyph for Cancer is two gametes, male and female, representing fertility and new life. It is symbolic of the deep, creative, imaginative wellspring of life.

Home-loving and maternal, Cancer values family and its ancestral past. Cancer’s domain includes the home, family history and origins, hereditary traits, and ethnic and cultural traditions. On a broader scale, nations and states, citizens, public opinion, and humankind are Cancerian. Cancer is motivated to seek security in its family, clan, tribe, or community. It fears exclusion and needs acceptance from others. Its challenge is to learn self-sufficiency outside of the confines of home, family and community.

Cancer can be retentive, tenacious and shrewd. It stores early life experiences, especially those that are emotionally charged, deep in the subconscious. It allows these emotional memories from the past to color its present experiences, reacting with unconscious, pre-conditioned responses to events and people. Cancer can be overly sensitive, easily hurt, needy and dependent on others. Its tendency to be passive can lead to emotional co-dependency which interferes with its ability to develop self-sufficiency.

The symbol for Cancer is the Crab, a water dwelling animal with a protective shell. Just as a hermit crab, Cancer retreats into its shell when it feels vulnerable or threatened. It guards its privacy and personal matters. It is evasive, preferring not to confront life directly. Ike a crab, Cancer moves sideways, side-stepping to escape perceived danger or attacks.

Cancer shows its devotion and care in loyal, nurturing, protective, supportive and domestic ways. Archetypes for Cancer include the primordial Goddess or Female Principal, and the Mother and Child. Wet nurses, cooks, kitchen workers, homemakers and women in general embody the energy of Cancer. History, genealogy and archiving the past are Cancerian occupations and activities.

The color for Cancer is calming and soothing watery silver-blue. Silver is its metal. Pearls and coral are its gems. Willows and trees rich in sap are Cancer plants.

Parts of the body ruled by Cancer include the breasts and the stomach. Bodily fluids such as tears and saliva, and fluid flow and retention are governed by Cancer.

Cancer rules the beginnings and endings of all the cycles of our life. We are born from the Cosmic Womb and we return to it when we die. Cancer defines the ways our beginnings and endings play out in our lives.

“Whatever begins, also ends”………………….Seneca

THE MOON

The Moon is the ruling “planet” of Cancer. Next to the Sun, the Moon is the most personal of the luminaries in astrology. The Moon reflects the light of the Sun, just as our inner emotional self is reflective of our outer, conscious experiences in the world.

The closest celestial body of the earth, the Moon exerts a strong magnetic pull affecting oceans, lakes, and other bodies of water. Our physical bodies are at least 70% water, and the Moon exerts a strong influence on the physical water element in us. It also affects our emotional attitudes, instincts, and subconscious motivations.

The Moon moves through the 12 signs of the zodiac very quickly, changing sign every 2.5 days. This is why our feelings can change so rapidly, or in a short period of time. Emotions truly are “energy in motion.” Like water, it is best to allow them to ebb and flow, rather than contain them or bottle them up.

In astrology the Moon represents our Inner Child, an early pre-verbal emotionally based part of ourselves that responds automatically to life experiences. If we tend to repress our emotions, our Inner Child is also repressed and unconscious. Then it acts out and creates chaos in our lives.

Learning to parent our Inner Child out of love and respect is crucial to our emotional and spiritual health. We can experience our emotions healthily by simply feeling them. We must then engage the intellect and make rational, conscious choices before taking action. When we embrace our Inner Child and wisely parent them we can experience the joy, spontaneity, innocence, wonder and creativity they bring to our life.

The Moon’s South Node

Masaru Emoto describes in his book The Hidden Messages in Water how water is affected by our thoughts, words and feelings. Water has the ability to copy, memorize, and transfer emotional information. The ability of water to retain emotional memories and carry them forward in time and space is symbolized in astrology by the South Node.

The Moon’s South Node is a point in the astrological chart that represents the accumulation of experiences from our karmic past. It contains ingrained patterns of behavior, attitudes and beliefs that are tied to our emotional body. It reveals our unconscious, pre-conditioned emotional responses and reactions to the world. It is our “default setting", or path of least resistance we fall back into time and time again.

Learning about our South Node and becoming aware of it operating in our life enables us to consciously redirect our attitudes and behaviors. We can decide to transform problematic expressions of our South Node. We can take steps to embrace and embody the energy of our North Node, our soul’s spiritual destination for us in this life time.
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Learn more about Mary Jo Weavers at her website: http://www.maryjoweavers.com

SERVICES:

An astrological consultation provides perspective and understanding of your personality and life. It provides insight into ways you can resolve problems and live more effectively. Sessions are available in person, by phone or Skype to address your specific needs.

• Birth chart interpretation

• Soul Mission packets describe your life task

• Solar Return charts for birthdays and the year ahead

• Transits & progressions to understand life phases and cycles

• Relationship astrology

• Event charts for personal and business ventures

• Dream analysis

• Astrology classes and workshops
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ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION is dedicated to promoting member websites. Have you applied for membership? Apply now at: http://www.onlinewellenssassociation.com

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) tracks information on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). According to their information, the number of people offering CAM, and the number of people accessing CAM is growing. Integrating CAM with traditional approaches to wellness is well on its way of becoming a large part of a trillion dollar wellness business model.

According to the CDC “In 2007, approximately 38% of adults aged >18 years reported using CAM during the preceding 12 months. Women (43%) were more likely than men (34%) to use CAM, and men and women differed in their use of CAM for certain conditions. Women were more likely than men to use CAM for neck pain, arthritis, and anxiety; men were more likely than women to use CAM to reduce cholesterol.” SOURCE: National Health Interview Survey, 2007. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis.htm.

The ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION defines “Alternative Wellness”: “alternative wellness describes practices used in place of, or complementary to, conventional medical treatments and modalities. Alternative wellness is also referred to as complementary medicine which describes practices used in conjunction and cooperation with conventional medicine. The term complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is an umbrella term for both branches. Alternative medicine includes practices that incorporate spiritual, metaphysical, or religious underpinnings, non-European medical traditions, or newly developed approaches to healing. Examples of alternative therapies include, but are not limited to: massage therapy, folk medicine, herbal medicine, homeopathy, faith healing, new age healing, chiropractic, acupuncture, naturopathy, music therapy, Reiki, and meditation.”

MEET A FEW OF OWA “ALTERNATIVE” MEMBERS:

SUSAN TYLER, Quantum Biofeedback Specialist/Licensed Spiritual Health Coach, also known as “The Stress Detective”. “Since 2001 I have helped hundreds of clients on their own wellness journeys. It is your life, only better.” Services offered by Susan include stress management, nutritional consulting, and holistic weight release. Susan is located in Oregon, but offers long-distant consultations.

JEAN CURRY, Transition/Life Coach: Jean’s self-description “On my experience as a facilitator, energy worker, writer and motivational consultant, I promote self-awareness and renewal through inspiring and creative activities.” Jean is located in Oklahoma; she does both long-distant consultations, and on-site retreats and conferences.

MEGHAN QUINN, Licensed Massage Therapist, “I have been studying and practicing healing arts since early 2000. My sessions bring a unique depth of healing and relaxation; sessions that soothe and also allow the body valuable time to repair and renew itself.” In addition to a lucrative private practice, Meghan offers classes on Reiki, essential oils, and wellness.
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Learn more about these ALTERNATIVE MEMBERS at

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com “Professional Directory” of “Health Services” “Alternative Wellness”

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A benefit of being a member in good standing with ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION is that we promote you whenever we have an opportunity. Apply to see if you are eligible for membership at

http://onlinewellnessassociation.com “become a member”

$169 per year= less than 50 cents per day for online visibility

$169 per year= what is the cost of a local ad per month?

$169 per year= what is the cost of an internet ad?

$169 per year= Visibility, legitimacy, establish expertise

$169 PER YEAR = VALUE FOR YOUR MARKETING DOLLARS

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Are you qualified to be an ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION MEMBER?
To apple go to: http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Here is an example of how member’s integrating their services works:

NUTRITION AND ADDICTION
ELLEN SYVERSEN, MPH, CHES, NTP, Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, with Pathways for Health, LLC (Holistic Nutritional Counseling and Therapy), www.pathwaysforhealth.net, teamed up with MAx FABRY, BA, CADCII, Lifestyle Changes Counseling, www.lifestylechangescounseling.com. The two of these companies collaborated for almost a year developing a NUTRITION FOR RECOVERY workshop. Over the period of time they worked together, each of them got to know more about the other’s business and who and how to refer to each other. The NUTRITION FOR RECOVERY workshop has been well accepted in the addiction recovery community, and, both Pathways for Health and Lifestyle Changes are now better known in the health and wellness field.

TOGETHER WE ARE BETTER!!!

Have you applied for membership with ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION? For more information on how to apply go to

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

BEATING THE SUGAR BLUES
Most of us know that sugar is bad for us, but many people struggle with eliminating sugar from their diets. I just did a workshop on how nutrition can support those in recovery from drugs and alcohol. One of the big ideas that I stressed to the workshop participants is that food addictions and alcohol and drug addiction are the same kinds of biochemical processes.

The sugar habit is an addiction for many people. It can cause physical changes in the form of nutrient depletion as well as behavioral changes resulting from blood sugar imbalances. After the extraction process, most of the nutrients are gone. So, we are left with a potent, crystallized concentrate not unlike cocaine or opium. Over consumption of sugar can cause brain chemistry imbalances that fuel the sugar addiction and literally rewire the brain. This is serious stuff!

Never before in the history of mankind have we had such an emergency need to lower blood sugar. We know that in 1812 the average person consumed 10 pounds of sugar a year compared to 141 pounds of sugar per year in 2004! That is a lot of dietary stress. If you think about this from an evolutionary perspective, it becomes clear that our bodies were NEVER meant to handle this sugar load.

So, what is a sugar addict to do? I think the first step is to understand how sugar harms the system. There is a wonderful little book called “Lick the Sugar Habit Sugar Counter” by Nancy Appleton. Not only does it help you assess the sugar that is hidden in every day foods, but it also lists 100 reasons to avoid sugar. Here are a few of my favorites:
•Sugar can suppress the immune system.
•Sugar upsets the balance of minerals in the body, contributing to osteoporosis.
•Sugar can produce a significant rise in triglycerides.
•Sugar leads to cancer of the breast, ovaries, and prostate.
•Sugar can cause arthritis and asthma.
•Sugar can cause premature aging.
•Sugar can contribute to diabetes.
•Sugar can cause depression.

The next step is to admit there is a problem & make a plan to beat the sugar habit just as you would for any other addiction. Try these ideas:
•Clear the sugar out of your life and out of your cupboards.
•Bring your own healthy snacks with you to social events.
•Eat balanced macronutrient ratios (30/30/40 model). This will help balance your blood sugar and reduce cravings for sweets.
•Use low glycemic natural sweeteners like stevia.
•Include lots of healthy fats in your diet.
•Switch from juice to herbal teas.
•Keep the benefits of low sugar intake in mind; healthier weight, better brain function, stronger immune system, and improved digestive function.
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© Ellen Syversen, Pathways for Health, LLC. (541) 912-8624. 2011.

Nutritional Therapy can help: Contact Ellen Syversen to learn more:

http://www.pathwaysforhealth.net/

Interested in scheduling a NUTRITION FOR RECOVERY workshop for your staff? Contact MAx Fabry, Lifestyle Changes Counseling Services:

http://www.lifestylechangescounseling.com

Spiritual Guidance: facilitating the search for meaning in one’s life throughout its various transitions; a journey inward in search of self-discovery and awareness leading to enlightenment and change – not necessarily a religious journey, but it may be, depending on the individual. The journey usually begins with what may be your personal experience of the holy, the sacred, the divine, the mysterious. A goal may be to integrate prayer and life, reflection and action, faith and justice with compassion. You gain insight into what values guide you along your journey. Core beliefs explored during spiritual guidance are, the existence of God, the interconnectedness of all things, the existence of ‘spiritual beings’, the vast powers of the mind to ‘create your own reality’, the purpose of individual life, the meaning of lessons to be learned, and the possibilities of life after death. Spiritual guides are known by many names: Reverend, Shaman, Crone, Priest, Minister, Rabbi, etc.

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION encourages anyone in the “spiritual guide” profession to apply for membership. Please visit our HEALTH SERVICES link on the OWA HOME PAGE to see who has already become members from the spiritual healing world.

Have you applied for membership on ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION? To see if you are eligible, go to

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Have you applied to be a member of ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION?
Go to: http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com to see if you qualify for membership.

Learn more about MAx Fabry at http://www.lifestylechangescounseling.com

MAx is presently taking new clients in the Lane County OR area and global long-distance counseling via Skype, e-mail, or phone:

541-510-2548 or maxfabry@lifestylechangescounseling.com

“My passion is to bring healing and new direction into the lives of my clients. I am a Christian and my use of Christian principles is a strong part of my therapeutic approach. I will however, never expect or pressure my client to accept or convert to my belief. My goal is to help bring negative belief patterns out and replace them with a positive and solid foundation of acceptance, awareness and love.”

To find out more about Terri and what she does please check out her profile at

https://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com/therapists.php?spotlight=10036

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION welcomes all qualified wellness practitioners that address areas of MIND, SPIRIT, BODY healing. It takes diverse talented people, like Terri Madsen, to support a mission that recognizes that it takes wellness practitioners working together for the healing benefits of individuals. Terri Madsen believes and supports the idea that:

TOGETHER WE ARE BETTER!!!

Can you meet the criteria for membership with ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION? To see if you qualify go to

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

CONGRATULATIONS, TERRI MADSEN, ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION SPOTLIGHT THERAPIST!!

https://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com/therapists.php?spotlight=10036

If you would like additional information on this workshop, contact OWA Member Ellen Syversen at

pathwaysforhealth@gmail.com

www.pathwaysforhealth.net
____________________________________________
Have you applied for membership with OWA. Apply for membership at

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Credentials: LMT # 10184, BS in Interdisciplinary Studies

Where were you born? Ketchikan, Alaska

Where did you grow up? Eugene/Springfield area

Community Activities? Very involved with various ministries through my parish – St. Mary Catholic Church

Hobbies? Photography, Hiking/Camping, Traveling, Golf

Married/Single? Kids? If married, how did you meet? Married for almost 1 ½ years, expecting 1st child in October. =) Met on CatholicMatch.com, I had to fly to Indonesia for our first date! =)

Education: Graduated from Thurston High in 1992 with honors. Received BS in Interdisciplinary Studies at Southern Oregon University in Ashland, OR in 1997. Received Massage License in 2003 from the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists.

What did you do before you became a Massage Therapist? Believe it or not I was a logger! Worked for my Dad’s Logging Company – Skyline Thinning. Massage is just a bit more refined. =)

How did you get started in Massage Therapy? I wanted/needed a career change. (Logging is way too hard!) Something that was related to what I studied in Collage (physical therapy)

Why Massage Therapy? I’ve always wanted to help people in some way. I believe massage therapy is a wonderful way to do just that.

What did you want to be when you grew up? Wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins & an astronaut. Also an architect. I still love the dolphins and have a great appreciation for architecture .

If you could tell people one thing about Massage Therapy, what would it be? Massage is therapy and can often make a dramatic difference in your life.

How can people contact you? Either by phone (541) 912-1400 or email: RBailey@greenwaymassage.com

Anything else people should know? There are far too many people out there living in pain. Most of these people have no idea that massage therapy can fix their problem. Please contact me to find out if I can help, if I can’t I promise I know someone who can.

If the whole world were listening what would you say? If everyone got a massage then the world would be a much better place!

As the Sun moves into Gemini on Saturday it squares Neptune conjunct Chiron in Pisces. Allowing our conscious awareness to shine through when interacting and communicating with others can be difficult when fear and confusion cloud our thinking. Trust in the universe and incorporate empathy, compassion and forgiveness in your thought processes and communications.

The Sun in Gemini deposits to Mercury in Taurus, suggesting we take in information through all our physical senses and communicate in a deliberate, patient, and grounded manner. Mercury in Taurus is closely conjunct Mars and Venus, suggesting we can create physical connections with the earth in several ways to create more stability in our lives. Take action creatively, building slowly and thoroughly, and finishing what you start. Take time to value, love, appreciate and enjoy the creature comforts you have.

On June 4th the planet Jupiter moves into the sign of Taurus, giving us even more impetus to keep our feet on the ground and be practically creative in our lives. Jupiter spends approximately one year in a sign. The year ahead is a time to create a higher vision of life that is solid, secure and dependable. Use all your senses to connect with the earth and get in touch with what is good, true, and beautiful for you. This will help you clarify your values, and assist you in identifying what is truly important materially. It will help you integrate your material and spiritual values.

Solar Eclipse New Moon in Gemini

A New Moon occurs when the Sun and the Moon conjoin overhead from our perspective on Earth. This represents the fusion of our outer consciousness and awareness, symbolized by the Sun, with our inner emotional and unconscious self, symbolized by the Moon. This is a fertile time for new beginnings, for sowing the seeds of your new projects and endeavors.

The next New Moon will be on Wednesday June 1 at 2:03 p.m. (PDT). This Solar Eclipse New Moon will be at 11 degrees Gemini trining retrograde Saturn in Libra. The new beginnings we create will support our efforts to create more balance in our lives and more fairness in our relationships.

The area of your astrological chart where 11 degrees Gemini falls represents the area of your life where you can benefit from cultivating new beginnings by being flexible, adaptable, and seeing other points of view. How can you be more responsive to your immediate environment? How can you communicate more effectively with others? Where do you need to create some change or movement in your life?

You may wish to set some new goals or create Gemini affirmations on June 1st. Examples are: “I express myself in open-minded ways as I share information with others.” “I embrace change through movement and adaptation.” “I use my communication skills to be a spiritual messenger.”

Lunar Eclipse Full Moon in Sagittarius
You will begin to see evidence of the seeds you sow on this New Moon as they come to fruition on the following Full Moon in Sagittarius on June 15th. This Lunar Eclipse Full Moon will conjoin the transiting Moon’s North Node, impelling us to align with a greater Truth, communicate our vision of life to others, and become the Spiritual Messenger.

“Become a student of change. It is the only thing that will remain constant.”
- Anthony J. D’Angelo

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Astrological Services

“When we know and are aware of the planetary movements and conditions, and integrate them into our lifestyles, we can then be in alignment with the energies that they bring to support us.”
- Karen Bishop in Staying in Alignment

An astrological consultation provides perspective and understanding of your personality and life. It provides insight into ways you can resolve problems and live more effectively. Sessions are available in person, by phone or Skype to address your specific needs.

• Birth chart interpretation

• Soul Mission packets describe your life task

• Solar Return charts for birthdays and the year ahead

• Transits & progressions to understand life phases and cycles

• Relationship astrology

• Event charts for personal and business ventures

• Dream analysis

• Astrology classes and workshops
________________________________________

Mary Jo Wevers, PhD
Soul•Personality Integration & Healing
Jungian Karmic Astrologer, Accredited JourneyTM Practitioner &
Licensed Spiritual Health Coach
www.maryjowevers.com
541-740-8081
_______________________________________
Learn more about Mary Jo Weavers at her website: http://www.maryjoweavers.com

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION is dedicated to promoting member websites. Have you applied for membership? Apply now at: http://www.onlinewellenssassociation.com

To find out more about Richard and what he does Please visit his site at

http://www.greenwaymassage.com

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION welcomes all qualified wellness practitioners that address areas of MIND, SPIRIT, BODY healing. It takes diverse talented people, like Richard Bailey, to support a mission that recognizes that it takes wellness practitioners working together for the healing benefits of individuals. Richard Bailey believes and supports the idea that:
TOGETHER WE ARE BETTER!!!

Can you meet the criteria for membership with ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION? To see if you qualify go to

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

CONGRATULATIONS, RICHARD BAILEY, ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION SPOTLIGHT THERAPIST!!

http://www.greenwaymassage.com

Gemini rules our side-by-side relationships with siblings, peers and neighbors. Social Gemini shares its information and ideas with others. While talkative, Gemini can also be a good listener. It is a communication chameleon, adapting itself to changing situations and people. Gemini engages its intellect to work quickly and come up with easy solutions and answers to problems.

Gemini rules our early childhood and grammar school education, when we learn the skills we need in order to adapt and move about in our small corner of the world. We acquire and refine our motor skills, learning how to tie shoes, play catch and team sports. We are taught language skills and how to read and write. We learn how to interact in socially acceptable ways with siblings, playmates, and other children at school. We master using the telephone and the computer to communicate with family and friends.
While Gemini appears changeable on the surface, it often lacks depth and persistence to make lasting changes. It has a short emotional memory and often fears the lesser known, deeper parts of itself. When it feels uncomfortable it changes the subject, or finds a back door to escape. Sometime appearing to lack good judgment, Gemini needs to learn to take responsibility for its feelings and actions.

Gemini’s restless intelligence becomes bored easily and it can lack follow-through. When it lives exclusively in the realm of the mind, it can neglect the body and practical, worldly matters. Because the breath helps unify the mind and body, deep breathing exercises can be very grounding, centering and restorative for cerebral Gemini.
Archetypes for Gemini are twins, Peter Pan, the Fool, Coyote the Trickster, jesters and mischievous imps and sprites. Writers and journalists, novelists and book sellers, elementary school teachers, news commentators, weather forecasters, telephone operators, taxi drivers, and messengers of all sorts embody the energy of Gemini.

The color for Gemini is lemon yellow, which stimulates mental processes and encourages movement. Visualize yellow as you move about in your environment, in your car or on your bicycle. Malleable and flowing quicksilver is the metal for Gemini. Citrine is its gem. Ferns and Lily of the Valley are Gemini plants. Butterflies, small birds and monkeys are Gemini animals. Parts of the body ruled by Gemini are the hands and arms, the lungs and respiratory system.
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MERCURY, PLANETARY RULER OF GEMINI

The sign of Gemini is ruled by the planet Mercury. Mercury in our astrological chart describes our information filter to the world: how we take in information from our immediate environment, how we process it, and what we do with it. Perhaps you are familiar with other models that describe the ways in which we relate to the world, such as the Myers-Briggs types or the 4MAT learning styles. In astrology we turn to the planet Mercury in a person’s chart. Its sign and House location reveal a person’s primary mode and arena of interacting with their environment, and how they think, learn, and communicate. The relationship of Mercury to other planetary energies in the chart further refines its nature and expression.

Mercury expressed through each of the 12 signs of the zodiac represent 12 different languages, or 12 different intellectual approaches to life. The 12 signs are classified by element. The fire signs are action-oriented, willful, inspirational and spontaneous. Earth signs are concrete, practical, material and sensation oriented. Air signs are intellectual, communicative and relational. Water signs are emotional, sensitive and creative in nature.

As the planetary ruler of communication and movement in our life, Mercury asks how well do we use our communication filter in perceiving the world around us? Can we be open-minded, adaptive and tolerant in a changing world? Can we be flexible, receptive, and accommodating of others’ communication styles? How can we use our relationship skills to be a spiritual messenger?
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Gemini Aromatherapy Blend

My aromatherapy synergy for this month is Gemini - a light and airy blend for improving communication and mental dexterity. Top notes of Lemon and Sweet Fennel cleanse and disperse emotional confusion. Refreshing middle notes of citrusy Litsea-May Chang and Peppermint enhance clarity of thought. Hay absolute bass note invokes images of warm, breezy days outdoors. Use to enhance learning while reading or studying.

Gemini Aromatherapy blend is available as a convenient room spray in three sizes:

2 oz. $8.00
4 oz. $15.00
8 oz. $30.00

Also available in a jojoba oil base to use as a perfume, anointing oil, or in a diffuser.

1/2 oz. $6.00

An additional charge will be applied for shipping. E-mail or phone Mary Jo to order.
_________________________________________________________Mary Jo Wevers, PhD
Soul•Personality Integration & Healing
Jungian Karmic Astrologer, Accredited JourneyTM Practitioner &
Licensed Spiritual Health Coac
www.maryjoweavers.com
541-740-8081
_________________________________________________________
Learn more about Mary Jo Weavers at her website: http://www.maryjoweavers.com

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION is dedicated to promoting member websites. Have you applied for membership? Apply now at: http://www.onlinewellenssassociation.com

A class will be starting this week and be either in the morning or evening, depending on the need. Please call me at 541-686-6146 and I will be happy to address any concerns/questions that you might have.

Heirlooms is taking your place in the sun. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “Most people die with their song still inside them.” The Heirloom class is your opportunity to sing your song, by letting your heirs know what tugged at your heart, called your forth, brought tears of joy and tears of pain. No one will ever have to ask, “Who was she, really?” They will know who you were because you will have told them, who you were. What more precious gift could you give?

Love and Grace, Ilene
———————————–
Dr. Ilene M. Cummings
Human Development Consultant & Speaker
910 17th Ave. Eugene, Oregon 97402
541-686-6146
ilene2000@aol.com
http://thebeautyconversation.com/
www.myheirloommemoirs.com

Taurus, Sign of Creative New Growth

Celestial Events

The Month Ahead

As the Sun moves into Taurus it forms a sextile with Neptune in Pisces, illuminating ways we can appreciate and value our physicality for the ways it connects us to spirit. This is an opportunity to reconnect with our spiritual nature through our physical senses and our relationship to the earth.

The Sun trines Pluto in Capricorn, bringing to consciousness the need for patience and steadfastness as we eliminate or transform structures and institutions in the world that previously seemed to provide security and stability.

The Sun in Taurus semi-sextiles and disposits to Venus, which is moving from the sign of Pisces into Aries. Venus in her Morning Star position in Aries will be more assertive and self-focused in the month ahead. Conjunct unpredictable Uranus she may express her urges in fiery, unexpected, even shocking ways. The incompatibility of the Sun and Venus in these signs creates tension and strain, forcing us to find ways to integrate their energies. Avoid acting impulsively or aggressively when you seek to satisfy your needs. Be patient with others, warm-hearted and affectionate. Channel your ambition and energy in practically creative ways.

New Moon in Taurus

A New Moon occurs when the Sun and the Moon conjoin overhead from our perspective on Earth. This represents the fusion of our outer consciousness and awareness, symbolized by the Sun, with our inner emotional and unconscious self, symbolized by the Moon. This is a fertile time for new beginnings, for sowing the seeds of your new projects and endeavors.

The next New Moon will be on Monday May 2 at 11:51 p.m. (PDT). This New Moon will be at 12 degrees Taurus trining retrograde Pluto in Capricorn, sextile Ceres in Pisces, inconjunct retrograde Saturn in Libra, and semi-sextile Mercury and Venus in Aries. The new beginnings we create to find peace and serenity with our physical selves can be supported by eliminating or transforming old structures in our life. They will segue into a more nurturing spiritual connection. We may need to change our attitudes concerning relationships, and take responsibility for creating more fairness for ourselves. Check tendencies to act reckless when satisfying your needs. Communicate your new ideas and plans to others with patience and practicality.

The area of your astrological chart where 12 degrees Taurus falls represents the area of your life where you can benefit from cultivating new beginnings through patience and stability. How can you form a healthy relationship with the physical world? How can you build more security, self-worth and self-esteem in practical, grounded ways and through stewardship of the earth?

You may wish to set some new goals or create Taurus affirmations on May 2nd. Examples are: “I attract the material resources I need to build my life in dependable, creative ways.” “I create self-reliance and serenity through my connection to the earth.” “My material values are in alignment with my spiritual values.”

You will begin to see evidence of the seeds you sow on this New Moon as they come to fruition on the following Full Moon in Scorpio on May 17th. This Full Moon will reward you with a deeper, more profound connection to your transformed spiritual self.
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Taurus Aromatherapy Blend

My aromatherapy synergy for this month is Taurus - a satisfying and soothing blend that enhances practical creativity and self-esteem. Anise top note is warm and sweet. Middle notes of Cardamon and Ylang Ylang relax and rejuvenate the body while stabilizing moods. Oakmoss bass note provides a deep, comforting connection to the earth.

Taurus Aromatherapy blend is available as a convenient room spray in three sizes:

2 oz. $ 8.00
4 oz. $15.00
8 oz. $30.00

Also available in a jojoba oil base to use as a perfume, anointing oil, or in a diffuser.

1/2 oz. $6.00

An additional charge will be applied for shipping. E-mail or phone Mary Jo to order.
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Healing with The JourneyTM

If you would like to heal your body, mind and spirit, Journeywork may be for you. Journeywork is a way to access the root cause of an issue so it can be resolved and released.

As an Accredited Journey Practitioner I use guided meditations
to help you clear cell memories and experience greater health, well being and inner peace.

For more information about The Journey please go to www.thejourneyusa.com or contact me. A variety of sessions are available in person, by phone or Skype to address your needs.
_______________________________________________
Learn more about Mary Jo Weavers at her website: http://www.maryjoweavers.com
________________________________________________
ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION is dedicated to promoting member websites. Have you applied for membership? Apply now at: http://www.onlinewellenssassociation.com

Taurus, Sign of Creative New Growth

“Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help."? May Sarton

Wednesday April 20th the Sun will leave the adventurous, energetic fire sign of Aries and enter the stable, placid earth sign of Taurus. Each succeeding sign of the zodiac provides the means to rectify or redirect the energy of the previous sign. Without the solidity, fortitude and cohering power of earth, the energy of fire dissipates or burns unchecked.

Taurus grounds and utilizes the fire energy of Aries to create life on planet Earth. The barren winter landscape becomes lush and green with new vegetative growth. Grazing animals enjoy fresh, verdant pastures. Lightly scented pink and white blossoms on fruit trees beckon insect pollinators. Farmers and gardeners till the soil and plant the first crops. This month is a fertile and productive time.

Taurus engages the world through its physical senses. Taurus rules the ears, throat and neck, as well as the senses of hearing, taste, smell and touch. Slow-moving Taurus invites us to relax, settle in, and enjoy the beauty of this earth. Listening to the birds singing, feeling the soft breezes, and smelling the fragrance of flowers delight Taurus. Musical Taurus enjoys playing instruments, singing and chanting. The tactile arts of pottery, sculpture, carving and painting are creative expressions of practical beauty for Taurus.

The key phrase for Taurus is “I Have.” Taurus rules the creation, accumulation and use of personal wealth: our money, possessions, property, and other material resources. Tangible wealth provides comfort and security in the physical world. Having the material resources we need provides us with self-worth, which in turn gives us self-esteem. Taurus governs the value of the goods and services we offer in our work, and the monetary compensation we want for them.

A fixed sign, Taurus perseveres, endures, and sticks with a project until completion. Taurus plods away in its deliberate, dependable manner. It is patient, persistent and resolute. It can find it difficult to overcome its own inertia and sometimes gets stuck in a rut. Because it dislikes change, it stubbornly refuses to try a new way or create a fresh start when approaching a project that is stale or bogged down. When challenged, Taurus holds its ground. It is strong, loyal, and conservative.

Taurus rules our personal values, what we love and appreciate. Do you use your money and resources in ways that are in alignment with your personal values? Taurus asks us to examine how well we integrate our material and spiritual values. Are you fulfilled both materially and spiritually? Or do you feel you must be poor in order to be spiritual? Taurus demonstrates how we can embody the energy of the Buddha: valuing the gifts of the earth and our physical existence for the serenity, peace, warmth, love and spiritual connection they bring.

Archetypes for Taurus include bankers, gardeners, opera singers and estheticians. Colors for Taurus are green and spring pastels such as mauve and pale blue. Pink-tinted malleable copper is its metal. The gem for Taurus is emerald. Apple trees and violets are its plants. Cattle and the bull are Taurus animals.

“The senses do not deceive, judgment deceives.” - Goethe

Venus, Ruler of Taurus

Taurus is ruled by the planet Venus, named after the Roman goddess of beauty and love. Venus is the second planet from the Sun. Its proximity to earth makes it the brightest celestial object in the sky after the Sun and the Moon. It appears as the Morning Star in the hours around dawn, or as the Evening Star at twilight.

The glyph for Venus, sometimes called the “Mirror of Venus", is the circle of spirit over the cross of matter. It represents the infusion of spirit into the material world through love.

In the astrological chart Venus represents our social urges, the first stages of social interaction via our senses. It defines what we are attracted to, what we find beautiful and gratifying. It reveals our natural talent for experiencing pleasure.

Venus also represents our attitude towards the physical world: what we appreciate, love and value in life. She defines how we manifest our highest values in the world through our creative endeavors.
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Taurus Aromatherapy Blend

My aromatherapy synergy for this month is Taurus - a satisfying and soothing blend that enhances practical creativity and self-esteem. Anise top note is warm and sweet. Middle notes of Cardamon and Ylang Ylang relax and rejuvenate the body while stabilizing moods. Oakmoss bass note provides a deep, comforting connection to the earth.

Taurus Aromatherapy blend is available as a convenient room spray in three sizes:

2 oz. $ 8.00
4 oz. $15.00
8 oz. $30.00

Also available in a jojoba oil base to use as a perfume, anointing oil, or in a diffuser.

1/2 oz. $6.00

An additional charge will be applied for shipping. E-mail or phone Mary Jo to order.
____________________________________________________

Astrological Services

“When we know and are aware of the planetary movements and conditions, and integrate them into our lifestyles, we can then be in alignment with the energies that they bring to support us.”
Karen Bishop in Staying in Alignment

An astrological consultation provides perspective and understanding of your personality and life. It provides insight into ways you can resolve problems and live more effectively. Sessions are available in person, by phone or Skype to address your specific needs.

• Birth chart interpretation
• Soul Mission packets describe your life task
• Solar Return charts for birthdays and the year ahead
• Transits & progressions to understand life’s phases and cycles
• Relationship astrology
• Event charts for personal and business ventures
• Dream analysis
• Astrology classes and workshops
____________________________________________________

Learn more about Mary Jo Weavers at her website: http://www.maryjoweavers.com

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION is dedicated to promoting member websites. Have you applied for membership? Apply now at: http://www.onlinewellenssassociation.com

-A report of child abuse is made every ten seconds.

-Almost five children die everyday as a result of child abuse.

-More than three out of four are under the age of 4.

-It is estimated that between 60-85% of child fatalities due to maltreatment are not recorded as such on death certificates.

-90% of child sexual abuse victims know the perpetrator in some way; 68% are abused by family members.

-Child abuse occurs at every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions and at all levels of education.

-31% percent of women in prison in the United States were abused as children.

Jasper Mountain, located in Lane County, Oregon, offers hope for victims of child abuse. “Jasper Mountain’s mission is to bring hope and healing to traumatized children and their families, and to enhance the physical, emotional and spiritual health of its clients and staff.”

Learn more at http://www.jaspermountain.org/mission.html.

One dedicated Jasper Mountain volunteer, Gregory Ahlijan, has found a way to contribute more than his time: he has published a children’s book “The Large Rock and the Little Yew” donating ALL the profits from the book to Jasper Mountain. He states that the story was inspired by the children of Jasper Mountain Center. The story is about “courage, perseverance, self-respect, and hope”.

The struggles and hardships of many emotionally disturbed children and their determination to conquer the hardships of life is brilliantly metaphorically illustrated in this beautiful hardbound book. According to the author: “The underlying message contained in this story is powerful and motivational.Simply put, the added challenges children of abuse (or other less-than-ideal growing conditions) face and choose to conquer, often enable them to achieve a deeper level of self-discovery.”

I would like to encourage any reader to contribute to Jasper Mountain by making a purchase of this beautiful book: Retail suggested price $17.95.

To purchase the book and to learn more about Mr. Ahlijan, the book, and Jasper Mountain, to:

http://littleyewtree.com/

Learn more about me, MAx Fabry, at http://www.lifestylechangescounseling.com, or
At http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com “Words from our Founder”

“Bio-Feedback is a quantum technology that interfaces with the body at biological speeds, providing results within minutes. Quantum Bio-Feedback in non invasive drugless relaxation for stress and pain management.
Quantum Bio-Feedback is recommended for Stress Reduction, Pain & Migraine Relief, Weight Loss, Improved Sexual Health.
Sessions are done in office, Virtual or Skyped.”

To find out more about Tammy and what she does Please visit her site at

http://quantumvalleywellness.vpweb.com

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION welcomes all qualified wellness practitioners that address areas of MIND, SPIRIT, BODY healing. It takes diverse talented people, like Tammy Seat, to support a mission that recognizes that it takes wellness practitioners working together for the healing benefits of individuals. Tammy Seat believes and supports the idea that:

TOGETHER WE ARE BETTER!!!

Can you meet the criteria for membership with ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION? To see if you qualify go to

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

CONGRATULATIONS, TAMMY SEAT, ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION SPOTLIGHT THERAPIST!!

http://quantumvalleywellness.vpweb.com

Celestial Events

The Month Ahead

As the Sun moves into Pisces it conjoins Chiron and opposes the Full Moon in the last degree of Leo and the early degrees of Virgo. Our conscious awareness and will is focused upon the grief and suffering in the world. Our collective fears around being spiritually centered, flowing and adaptive, and transcendent of the material world are illuminated. We are challenged to face our own fears of pain and devastation, of being victimized. We may feel pulled in the opposite direction by emotional needs to express our individual self in creative ways, or to be practical and efficient as we focus on physical ways to improve and heal the material world.

The energies of the Sun and Chiron in Pisces are expressed through Neptune in Aquarius, conjunct Mars and Mercury. Neptune in Aquarius continues to provide a spiritually driven sense of urgency to recommit to freedom, equality, and tolerance for all people. Mars and Mercury give us the energy, drive and methods for taking action.

The Moon’s Nodes Change Sign

The Moon’s Nodes in the astrological chart are not planets or luminaries, but points in space that mark where the orbit of the Moon around the Earth intersects with the ecliptic. Like the planets, the Moon’s North and South Nodes travel through the signs of the zodiac. It takes nearly 19 years for the Moon’s Nodes to travel through the entire zodiac, or a little over 1.5 years in each sign.

The Moon’s South Node represents our spiritual starting point in this life. It is an amalgamation of many incarnations and tells us who we have been in the past. It contains patterns, behaviors, and attitudes that are very familiar and comfortable for us, that are easy for us to slip into. The North Node represents the energy we need to bring into our life for balance and growth, our spiritual destination.

Since August 2009 the Moon’s South Node has been transiting the sign of Cancer, while the North Node has been in the opposite sign of Capricorn. This has been a time for us to grow up, become more mature and wise. It has been an opportunity for us to take responsibility for ourselves and our lives. Have we learned to let go of nostalgically clinging to the past and move forward, to establish foundations and structures for our lives based on wisdom, prudence and integrity?

On February 14 the transiting South and North Nodes left these signs and entered Gemini and Sagittarius, respectively. This new 1.5 year cycle will provide us with opportunities to connect with our inner Truth and develop a new vision of life. It is a time to let go of being distracted, scattered, unfocused and cynical so we can set our sights on our goals for the future.

New Moon in Pisces

A New Moon occurs when the Sun and the Moon conjoin overhead from our perspective on Earth. This represents the fusion of our outer consciousness and awareness, symbolized by the Sun, with our inner emotional and unconscious self, symbolized by the Moon. This is a fertile time for new beginnings, for sowing the seeds of your new projects and endeavors.

The next New Moon will be on Friday March 4th at 12:46 p.m. (PST). This New Moon will be at 13 degrees Pisces. Chiron, Mars, Mercury and Uranus will also be in the sign of Pisces. This is an opportunity to create new beginnings that are spiritual, flowing, adaptable and forgiving. How do you connect to your inner spirituality and grace? How can you receive compassionate insight from a spiritual source and communicate it to others? What do you need to forgive? What old belief systems are keeping you enslaved and need changing?

The area of your astrological chart where 13 degrees Pisces falls represents the area of your life where you can become more spiritual, where you can create new ways to immerse yourself in Source, receive insight, and connect with all of humanity.

You may wish to set some new goals or create Pisces affirmations for yourself on March 4th. Examples are: “I have faith and surrender to the flow of life.” “I am one with all that is.” “I integrate my body, mind and spirit in wholeness with my earthly reality.”

You will begin to see evidence of the seeds you sow on this New Moon as they come to fruition on the following Full Moon in Virgo on March 19th. This Full Moon will reward you with practical ways you can improve yourself and be of greater service in the world.

“Forgiveness is the key to action and freedom."?
- Hannah Arendt
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Pisces Aromatherapy Blend

My aromatherapy synergy for this month is Pisces - a flowing, serene blend to enhance spiritual connection. Lavender provides a healing top note. Peaceful middle notes of Blue Lotus, Palmarosa and Sandalwood enhance trust, faith and open the heart to higher consciousness. Base notes of Spikenard and Benzoin encourage forgiveness and steady the mind for meditation.

Pisces Aromatherapy blend is available as a convenient room spray in three sizes:

2 oz. $4.00
4 oz. $7.50
8 oz. $15.00

Also available in a jojoba oil base to use as a perfume, anointing oil, or in a diffuser.

1/2 oz. $3.00

An additional charge will be applied for shipping. E-mail or phone Mary Jo to order.
_________________________________________________________
Learn more about Mary Jo Weavers at her website: http://www.maryjoweavers.com

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION is dedicated to promoting member websites. Have you applied for membership? Apply now at: http://www.onlinewellenssassociation.com

This Friday the Sun will leave the innovative, rational air sign of Aquarius and enter the empathetic and flowing water sign of Pisces. Each succeeding sign of the zodiac provides the means to rectify or redirect the energy of the previous sign. Pisces lends its spiritual values of compassion, sacrifice and charity to the reforms and advancements of Aquarius. Its generous nature is devoted to easing the grief and suffering of others. In the month ahead our consciousness will be directed toward a sensitivity and appreciation for the oneness of all of humanity.

A changeable and adapting mutable sign of negative polarity, receptive Pisces experiences the world through an emotional and idealistic filter. Creative and romantic, Pisces expresses itself through poetry, music and the arts. Its sensitive and intuitive nature is strongly effected by the emotions and energies of others. Impressionable and susceptible to outside influences, it can feel overwhelmed and retreat into itself or seek escape through addictive substances and behaviors.

Empathetic Pisces has much sympathy and forgiveness for humanity with all its imperfections. Pisces can feel inadequate dealing with the physical world and the day-to-day realities of life, and is often fearful or careless when doing so. Being humble, Pisces feels guilt and consequently a need to atone for past sins. In relationships Pisces can be timid and submissive. It can be unrealistic, illusional, naive and co-dependent.

The symbol for Pisces is two fish swimming in opposite directions, symbolizing the struggle to reconcile the polarity of the material and spiritual worlds. Pisces asks us to balance and integrate our spiritual self with our physical existence in the material world.

Pisces rules the ocean, the source of all life on this water planet. Pisces teaches us that like so many drops of water in the ocean, we are all individuals and at the same time we are all one. Pisces challenges us to find a balance between defining the boundaries of our identity and physical experiences, and dissolving our self-hood and merging into oneness. Pisces asks us to be aware of our connectedness to humanity as we live our individual lives.

Pisces rules mystical experiences where the boundaries that define us and our material reality become nebulous and hazy. Spiritual practices fall in this realm, including meditation, prayer, and vision quests. In these practices we merge into Oneness and connect with Source. Pisces also rules sleep and our dream world, our subconscious and the collective unconscious, karma and spiritual debts. Dream analysis, past life regression, and hypnotherapy fall under its jurisdiction.

This final sign of the zodiac governs the final stage of life, when that which is corporal or material falls away, dies, and dissolves. The physical realm is transcended and we return as spirit to Source. Pisces teaches us to let go and have faith. The key phrase for Pisces is “I Believe.”

Colors for Pisces are lavender and aquamarine. Platinum is its metal. The gem for Pisces is amethyst. Water lilies and lavender are its flowers. Parts of the body ruled by Pisces are the feet and toes, lymph and white blood cells. Fish, whales and dolphins are Pisces animals. Archetypes for Pisces include artists, religious pilgrims and spiritual seekers, beggars and the poor, drug addicts and alcoholics, social and welfare workers. Sanctuaries, hospitals, convents and monasteries, prisons and penal colonies are Pisces places.

The Age of Pisces

History is divided into 12 astrological ages corresponding to the 12 signs of the zodiac. Each age lasts approximately 2,000 years. At the completion of one cycle of 12 ages, the cycle repeats. Each age has themes, symbols and expressions of its sign that affect humanity.

The Age of Pisces occurred from approximately 3 AD - 1998 AD. Positive experiences and lessons the Age of Pisces gave us include humility, having empathy, compassion, and extending forgiveness to others.

Problematic beliefs and patterns of behavior from the Age of Pisces include sacrificing to the extent of being a martyr, or feeling victimized in order to feel “spiritual.” Suffering from guilt and shame are counterproductive Pisces expressions. When we feel inadequate, fearful and try to escape reality by indulging in addictive behaviors we are indulging in detrimental Pisces behaviors.

Being illusionary, lacking healthy boundaries and being co-dependent on others are other examples. Deluding ourselves that in order to become spiritual we must place ourselves “above” a material world we believe is imperfect and tainted is also problematic Pisces.

Uranus in Pisces

The Age of Pisces is ending and a new beginning is upon us. The planet Uranus has been preparing us for the transition from the Age of Pisces into the Age of Aquarius. Uranus, the Great Awakener, represents the voice of the Universe coming to us as inspiration, intuition, disruptions and unexpected experiences.

During its transit in Pisces the past 8 years Uranus has been asking us collectively and individually to throw off the shackles of victim-hood and suffering, to release our naive, escapist and self-delusional beliefs about the world, and to become spiritual adults. It has been urging us towards spiritual freedom and a higher expression of our spirituality.

Uranus is finishing up its transit of Pisces this next month. We may experience further sudden, shocking and unpredictable events that are meant to show us what ancient Piscean values and beliefs we still need to claim and reconcile, or that no longer serve us. What problematic Pisces traits do we still need to resolve and transform? What positive lessons from the Age of Pisces can we take forward into the Age of Aquarius?

“Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it."? - Helen Keller

****************************************************
Astrological Services

“When we know and are aware of the planetary movements and conditions, and integrate them into our lifestyles, we can then be in alignment with the energies that they bring to support us.”
Karen Bishop in Staying in Alignment

An astrological consultation provides perspective and understanding of your personality and life. It provides insight into ways you can resolve problems and live more effectively. Sessions are available in person, by phone or Skype to address your specific needs.

• Birth chart interpretation
• Soul Mission packets describe your life task
• Solar Return charts for birthdays and the year ahead
• Transits & progressions to understand life’s phases and cycles
• Relationship astrology
• Event charts for personal and business ventures
• Dream analysis
• Astrology classes and workshops
******************************************************
Learn more about Mary Jo Weavers at her website: http://www.maryjoweavers.com

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION is dedicated to promoting member websites. Have you applied for membership? Apply now at: http://www.onlinewellenssassociation.com

My name is Elizabeth and I’m working as the intern for OWA!! I am Tech Support and social networker for the site, so if you have any questions about the site, events, blogs or articles, please feel free to email me at owamac103@gmail.com

I will Blog for you, just send me a word document with a title and what you want put on the blog.

I will also be posting events, and articles for all members. I will need at least 2 weeks notice for the events, and you can send them to me up to a year in advance! Please send me what you want posted exactly how you want it to look as I will be copying and pasting it on the site, I won’t be editing it so please make sure it is exactly how you want it.

All entries will link back to your directory which will link back to your site.

This will help increase SEO!!!

If there is anything I can help you with please let me know and I will do my best to help.

Have a Great Day!!!!

Elizabeth

“Attitude determines altitude.”

Saturn Retrograde in Libra

The planet Saturn will begin its retrograde movement through Libra on January 25th. It will station direct on June 12th. Retrograde periods are a time to review, reflect and resolve. In the coming months Saturn in Libra asks us to reconsider how balanced, fair, and cooperative we are in our life and in our relationships.

Use this review period to assess where you may engage in extremism, or all-or-nothing thinking and beliefs. How can you balance seemingly opposing needs and desires? Are you taking responsibility for creating a balanced, beautiful life by taking care of your body, mind and spirit? Can you create more harmony in your relationships with others, while ensuring your needs are met?

Once we assess and evaluate our situation, we can make plans and begin creating the structure and organization that will provide more balance, harmony and beauty in our life. We can take responsibility for being mature and realistic in our relationships, as we use cooperation and diplomacy to achieve our personal goals.

New Moon in Aquarius

A New Moon occurs when the Sun and the Moon conjoin overhead from our perspective on Earth. This represents the fusion of our outer consciousness and awareness, symbolized by the Sun, with our inner emotional and unconscious self, symbolized by the Moon. This is a fertile time for new beginnings, for sowing the seeds of your new projects and endeavors.

The next New Moon will be on Wednesday February 2nd at 6:31 p.m. (PST). This New Moon will be at 13 degrees Aquarius conjunct Ceres and Mars and trine Saturn in Libra. This is an opportunity to take action to care for and nurture others in ways that are innovative, humanitarian and rational. It supports our efforts and work to create more harmony and balance in our lives.

The area of your astrological chart where 13 degrees Aquarius falls represents the area of your life where you can be more inventive, visionary, and open to change that creates more freedom in your life. What political, social and spiritual causes help you develop your uniqueness and individuality? How can you detach emotionally and be more objective, seeing yourself as an individual connected to all of humanity? In what ways can you network and work together with others for a common cause?

You may wish to set some new goals or create some Aquarian affirmations on February 2nd. Examples are: “I connect with others in my community in rational, open-minded, friendly ways.” “I network with others in a spirit of equality to advance our common goals.” “I manifest my hopes and dreams for the future with innovation and intuition.”

You will begin to see evidence of the seeds you sow on this New Moon as they come to fruition on the following Full Moon in Leo on February 18th. This Full Moon will reward you with heart-centered confidence to connect with others in creative, inspiring ways.

“Remember always that you have not only the right to be an individual; you have the obligation to be one.” Eleanor Roosevelt
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Mary Jo is also a Journey Practitioner:

Healing with The JourneyTM

Being able to view the world and our personal lives from a more detached and rational perspective can be difficult when we feel trapped by our emotions. Aquarius helps us break free of old unconscious routines, or automatic ways of reacting.

Journeywork is a way to access the root cause of an issue so it can be resolved and then released. As an Accredited Journey Practitioner I use guided meditations to help you clear cell memories and experience greater health, well being and inner peace. For more information about The Journey please go to www.thejourneyusa.com or contact me. A variety of sessions are available in person, by phone or Skype to address your needs.
Learn more about Mary Jo Weavers at her website:

http://www.maryjoweavers.com
_______________________________________________________

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION is dedicated to promoting member websites. Have you applied for membership? Apply now at:

http://www.onlinewellenssassociation.com

Aquarius: Leading the Way into the Future

“True originality consists not in a new manner but in a new vision."? Edith Wharton

Early this morning the Sun left the grounded, disciplined earth sign of Capricorn and entered the humanistic, innovative air sign of Aquarius. Each succeeding sign of the zodiac provides the means to rectify or redirect the energy of the previous sign. Aquarius turns it rational mind toward the future and seeks to reform and advance the achievements and constructs of Capricorn to advance and benefit humanity. In the month ahead our consciousness will be directed toward friendships, group relationships, altruism, social reform and humanitarian causes.

The symbol for Aquarius is a figure carrying an urn of water, from which flows rational thought, universal love, and equality for all humankind. Aquarius is individualistic, original, even different, and celebrates the uniqueness of individuals. It is tolerant and inclusive of “fringe elements", minorities and the disenfranchised.

It does not accept a hierarchical separation of people, where individuals at the top have more rights and advantages than those below. Instead, Aquarius promotes a society built on a horizontal network of individuals, all being equal members and participants. Aquarius rules groups of like minded people coming together in this way to advance a common cause.

Although Aquarius loves humanity, it has difficulty in one-to-one relationships because of its emotional detachment. It can appear distant, disconnected, cerebral, awkward and unfeeling. Aquarius can often feel like an outsider, not fitting in and even feeling rejected by traditional, established society and conventions.

Intellectual Aquarius is open minded, philosophic and scientific. It bestows reason, clarity, insight and invention. A key phrase for Aquarius is “I know", descriptive of its lightening fast intuitive insight. Aquarius quickly grasps abstract concepts, makes connections and recognizes patterns in thoughts and ideas.

Aquarius “thinks outside the box.” It breaks new ground in science and technology. Aquarius rules advances in computer technology, electronics, new sources of power, air travel and space exploration. Archetypes for Aquarius include the computer geek, the “mad scientist", and the inventor.

Being a futuristic, idealistic, reform-minded visionary, Aquarius can also shock, shake up conventional standards, and act in socially unacceptable ways. Additional archetypes for Aquarius include the Anarchist, the Revolutionary or Rebel, and the Liberator.

The color for Aquarius is bold electric blue. Its gem is aquamarine. Its metal is uranium. Large birds, fruit trees and orchids are animals and plants symbolic of Aquarius. Parts of the body ruled by Aquarius are the ankles and lower legs, the circulatory system and blood pressure.


Uranus, Ruler of Aquarius

Aquarius is ruled by the planet Uranus, the Great Awakener. Uranus represents the urge toward freedom, independence, originality and individuation. It symbolizes intuition in the form of lightening fast insights, a connection to the Mind of God from which all creative invention comes.

Uranus rules sudden, unexpected changes of a radical and shocking nature that shake our foundations. It stops our world as if to say, “Things have to change!” Earthquakes, tornadoes and the atomic bomb are ruled by Uranus.

Last days of Uranus in Pisces

Uranus has been in the sign of Pisces since March 2003, urging us to reform our spiritual traditions and beliefs from the last 2000 year Age of Pisces. Positive lessons the Age of Pisces gave us include humility, having empathy and compassion, and extending forgiveness to others.

Problematic beliefs, values, and patterns of behavior from the Age of Pisces include feelings of inadequacy, passivity and fearfulness, and trying to escape reality by indulging in addictive behaviors. We can be illusionary, lack healthy boundaries and become co-dependent on others. We delude ourselves that in order to become spiritual we must place ourselves “above” a material world we believe is imperfect and tainted. We suffer in guilt and shame. We often sacrifice ourselves to the extent of being a martyr, or feel victimized by others.

During its transit in Pisces, Uranus has been asking us collectively and individually to throw off the shackles of victimhood and suffering, to release our naive, escapist and self-delusional beliefs about the world, and to become spiritual adults. Uranus has been helping us transition from the Age of Pisces into the Age of Aquarius by reforming our old Piscean ways.

We have just a few short weeks to finish our work before Uranus leaves Pisces. What ancient Piscean values and beliefs do you still need to claim, resolve, and transform in your life? What positive lessons have you learned from the Age of Pisces that you can carry forward into the Age of Aquarius?

Uranus in Aries: A Cosmic New Beginning

On March 13, 2011 the planet Uranus will begin its seven year journey through the sign of Aries. This is a cosmic new beginning, ushering us into the 2000 year Age of Aquarius.

In the sign of Aries, Uranus will encourage and inspire us to become more confident, self-aware, self-contained, and action oriented. It will urge us to embrace our independent, pioneering, assertive male energy and take risks in life. It will fill us with new energy, vitality and creativity as we explore the New Age we are entering.

“Know whatever comes unexpectedly to be a gift from God, and surely it will serve you."?
____________________________________________________
NEXT: PART 2/2: Aquarius: Celestial Events

Mary Jo Wevers, PhD
Soul•Personality Integration & Healing
Jungian Karmic Astrologer, Accredited JourneyTM Practitioner &
Licensed Spiritual Health Coach

www.maryjowevers.com

phone (541) 740-8081

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION is dedicated to promoting member websites. Have you applied for membership? Apply now at: http://www.onlinewellenssassociation.com

http://www.jedreay.com

TUNE IN to THE SUCCESSFUL CURVE TRANSFORMATION MEDIA” every Wednesday, 7PM PST. More details at
http://www.jedreay.com

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION welcomes all qualified wellness practitioners that address areas of MIND, SPIRIT, BODY healing. It takes diverse talented people, like JED REAY, to support a mission that recognizes that it takes wellness practitioners working together for the healing benefits of individuals. JED REAY believes and supports the idea that:

TOGETHER WE ARE BETTER!!!

Can you meet the criteria for membership with ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION? To see if you qualify go to

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

CONGRATULATIONS, JED REAY, ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION SPOTLIGHT THERAPIST!!

http://www.jedreay.com

2011 will focus on opening membership to ALL wellness practitioners, EDUCATING the public of the importance of the OWA SEAL on practitioners sites, and promoting safety on line.

CONRATULATIONS to all the new members that came aboard in 2010. OWA looks forward to promoting you as a verifiable wellness practitioner.

Have you applied for membership? Do you qualify? Go to

http://www.onlinewellessassociation.com “Join now”

Reichard Bailey, BS, LMT 10184, Green Way Massage, Massage Therapist,
http://www.greenwaymassage.com

Marie Cavaroc, RN, LMT, Advanced Cranio Sacral Therapy and Beyond, marie@efn.org

Marilyn Rice, “abbi” Aestitician, mar.rice@gmail.com

Joan Gross, Anti-Aging Consultant, http://joan.mynustystem.com

Dr. Tom Ruckman, DC, Pioneer Chiropractic Clinic, tom5809@live.com

Terry Sears, Certified Fitness Trainer, TLS Networks, tlsears01@gmail.com

Tammy Seat, CBSS, Quantum Valley Wellness Center, Quantum Biofeedback, http://www.theqvwc.com

Inge Tarantola, Unity Interfaith Minister, God’s Healing Gift, http://www.goshealinggift.co,

Chris Volker, CBT #5263 From the Heart Wellness, Quantum Biofeedback, http://www.fromtheheartwellness.com

Notice the wonderful diversity of the OWA members. OWA believes that no one wellness practitioner has everything a client needs to be healthy. Forming relationships with other wellness practitioners that have different approached to healing, lends to the validity of each modality. OWA truly believes that TOGETHER WE ARE BETTER.

It is not too late to become a member of ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION at the special 2010 Launch cost of only $69!!Membership is valid through 12/31/10. This full membership offer expires 12/31/10.

Start your membership application at:

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com/index.php?v=requirementssub

We celebrate the movement of the Sun into the sign of Capricorn as the Winter Solstice. A strong cardinal sign of negative polarity, the energy of Capricorn moves inward, into the earth, and marks the seasonal transition into winter. The cold of winter compels life to contract. Water crystalizes into ice. Plants go dormant. Animals seek shelter, some to hibernate.

We, too, are called to go deeply inward. This is a time to assess our life, to take stock of where we need to be more responsible and realistic. We can set priorities, and make commitments. We solidify and concretize our intent with New Year resolutions.

The mighty oak, a tree of great strength and longevity, had its humble beginning in a small acorn. Like the acorn, the seeds we plant now will rest in the earth, grow roots, and finally sprout and emerge in the spring. If we tend to them regularly with diligence and perserverance, they will one day become our accomplishments.

The Month Ahead

As the Sun moves into Capricorn this Winter Solstice it conjoins the transiting North Node, Pluto and Mars, and opposes the Moon in Cancer. This very powerful stellium in Capricorn illuminates and reveals old structures and organizations that are no longer serving us and need to be eliminated, while calling us to action to lay new foundations for the future that are responsible, honorable and fair.

Pluto in Capricorn has been a powerfully disruptive and purging agent since January 2008, and will continue to be for many more years, until 2023. So far we have experienced eruptive revelations and chaotic fallout in the banking industry, stock market, real estate and housing market, in large corporations and government institutions. We can expect more destruction and elimination of the corrupt and decrepit in the years ahead, before we can fully manifest new foundations and societal structures that will last.

The Moon in Cancer opposing the stellium of planets in Capricorn represents the public feeling vulnerable and unprotected as it clings to old systems and ways that provided security in the past. Conjunct the transiting South Node, our task is to leave old immature dependencies behind and take personal responsibility for creating our own security and stability. Rather than give away our power and authority to others, and then resent them, this is a time for us to reclaim our power as mature, self-reliant, realistic individuals. It is a time for us to manifest our vision of fairness in the world and take action responsibly.

Mercury Retrograde

Mercury, the planet that rules communication, thought and movement, recently stationed retrograde in the sign of Capricorn. It will continue its retrograde motion until December 30 when it stations direct at 20 degrees Sagittarius. During its retrograde, Mercury will conjoin the Sun at 28 degrees Sagittarius two days before the Winter Solstice.

Retrograde periods are times for us to slow down, reflect and reconsider recent events and activities. This retrograde period will be a time to review how we communicate and interact with our environment with responsibility, wisdom and maturity as we connect with our inner Truth. Exercise self-control rather than using your power to control others with your words. Work towards your goals one step at a time with caution and discipline. Take action after carefully considering consequences. Retrograding Mercury conjunct the Sun in Sagittarius emphasizes a need to reconsider how we use our vitality, will and life force to promote our own beliefs and vision of life. Rein in tendencies to be overly expansive, preachy, or attached to being “right” before you expound on your philosophy.

We will be wiser and better prepared to move back into the world when Mercury stations direct on December 30 if we have taken the time to review, reflect, and resolve any problems in these areas. Then we can move forward into the new year with integrity and honor, sharing our ideas, knowledge and philosophy with enthusiasm.

New Moon in Capricorn

A New Moon occurs when the Sun and the Moon conjoin overhead from our perspective on Earth. This represents the fusion of our outer consciousness and awareness, symbolized by the Sun, with our inner emotional and unconscious self, symbolized by the Moon. This is a fertile time for new beginnings, for sowing the seeds of your new projects and endeavors.

The next New Moon will be a Solar Eclipse New Moon on Tuesday January 4 at 1:03 a.m. (PST). This New Moon will be at 13 degrees Capricorn conjunct Pluto and Mars, and squaring Saturn in Libra. This is an opportunity to establish new foundations for our future based on realistic and long-lasting values that incorporate fairness and honesty, harmony and balance.

The area of your astrological chart where 13 degrees Capricorn falls represents the area of your life where you can take responsibility for creating new structures and organization. Set aside time to reflect on what new foundations you can create that are realistic, grounded, self-reliant and self-sufficient. Where do you need to take more responsibility in your life? How can you organize your goals this year to achieve personal maturity and self-recognition? How do you create a reputation of integrity and honor?

You may wish to set some new goals or create some Capricorn affirmations on January 4th. Examples are: “I achieve my goals with emotional self-reliance.” “I take responsibility for my material security.” “I exercise my authority in wise, responsible, fair ways in my relationships with others.”

You will begin to see evidence of the seeds you sow on this New Moon as they come to fruition on the following Full Moon in Cancer on January 19th. This Full Moon will reward you with nurturing intuition and sensitivity for others.
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“Our character … is an omen of our destiny, and the more integrity we have and keep, the simpler and nobler that destiny is likely to be."- George Santayana
Healing with The JourneyTM

Would you like to take responsibility for your life, your health, your relationships? Would you like to feel successful and secure?

Journeywork is a way to access the root cause of an issue so it can be resolved and released.
As an Accredited Journey Practitioner I use guided meditations to help you clear cell memories and experience greater health, well being and inner peace. For more information about The Journey please go to www.thejourneyusa.com or contact me. A variety of sessions are available in person, by phone or Skype to address your needs.
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Astrological Services

“When we know and are aware of the planetary movements and conditions, and integrate them into our lifestyles, we can then be in alignment with the energies that they bring to support us.”
Karen Bishop in Staying in Alignment
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An astrological consultation provides perspective and understanding of your personality and life. It provides insight into ways you can resolve problems and live more effectively. Sessions are available in person, by phone or Skype to address your specific needs.

• Birth chart interpretation
• Soul Mission packets describe your life task
• Solar Return charts for birthdays and the year ahead
• Transits & progressions to understand life’s phases and cycles
• Relationship astrology
• Event charts for personal and business ventures
• Dream analysis
• Astrology classes and workshops
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Learn more about Mary Jo Weavers at her website: http://www.maryjoweavers.com

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION is dedicated to promoting member websites. Have you applied for membership? Apply now at: http://www.onlinewellenssassociation.com

“Do not entertain hopes for realization, but practice all your life."?
- Milarepa

This coming Tuesday the Sun will leave the expansive and visionary fire sign of Sagittarius and enter the hard working earth sign of Capricorn. Each succeeding sign of the zodiac provides the means to rectify or redirect the energy of the previous sign. Capricorn brings Sagittarius’ vision down to earth with its gravity, and works with care, discipline and maturity to make it a reality.

The contracting and crystallizing forces of Capricorn help us define our visions and dreams in concrete ways. In order to manifest our visions we need to be prudent, pragmatic and anchor them in reality. We must delineate our objectives, set goals, develop plans, and do the work. We overcome obstacles through diligence and resourcefulness. Like the sure footed mountain goat climbing upwards, Capricorn teaches us to use our stamina, drive and ambition carefully and methodically to be successful and reach our goals. In time we achieve our dreams.

Capricorn is grounded in material reality. Having practical wisdom gained from experience in the real world, Capricorn is a capable and competent business manager. He respects boundaries and knows limitations. He is dependable and reputable, accountable for his actions and achievements. As a business executive Capricorn is principled and has integrity. He is focused and productive. Hierarchical, he delegates tasks to others in order to make wise use of time and resources. Through his enterprise, hard work, and economy Capricorn builds wealth.

The key phrase for Capricorn is “I Use.” Capricorn uses wealth and material resources to build foundations and create structures and organizations that provide long-lasting security for others. He is loyal, traditional, and committed. He is dedicated to his family and his community, and demonstrates social responsibility.

Serious and reserved, Capricorn finds it difficult to relax, have fun and experience joy in life. Being self-reliant, self-sufficient, and focused on working his way to the top, Capricorn often feels lonely. He can appear aloof, shy or awkward. He has difficulty with feelings and can be prone to depression, doubt and pessimism.

Archetypes for Capricorn include the Wise Father, the biblical King Solomon, elders, CEOs and executives, and all authority figures. Parts of the body ruled by Capricorn include the knees, the skeletal system, ligaments, teeth and skin. The gem for Capricorn is garnet. Lead and pewter are its metals. Oaks, pines and holly are Capricorn trees and plants. The color for Capricorn is brown. Calendars and clocks marking the passage of time are additional Capricorn symbols.

“When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure."- Peter Marshall

Saturn, Ruler of Capricorn

Capricorn is ruled by the planet Saturn, the Lord of Karma, who keeps us on the path of spiritual evolution. Saturn asks us to give up the illusions of youth, to show restraint, and grow up. It demands that we “come down to earth” and “get real.” Saturn teaches us maturity through patience. We gain strength through perseverance and determination. We are rewarded for our consistent, diligent efforts with respect. We gain a reputation as a wise, mature authority.

Saturn takes approximately 2.5 years to move through a sign. In late October 2009 Saturn moved into the sign of Libra. During its transit in Libra, Saturn is asking us to take responsibility and use self-discipline and wisdom to create more balance and harmony in our life. Where and how do we need to modulate extreme attitudes or behaviors? Do we balance work and play, personal pursuits, family and social life?

Saturn is especially taking us to task for our relationships. It is giving us opportunities to improve our social and face-to-face interactions with others. Are we taking responsibility for our relationships by taking responsibility for ourselves? Are we wisely using cooperation and mediation to create fairness and balance while meeting the needs of all? Are we being fair to ourselves, or are we dependent on what others think or want before we act? This is a time to respect and honor relationships as vehicles for personal growth and maturation.
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Capricorn Aromatherapy Blend

My aromatherapy synergy for this month is Capricorn - an earthy blend to enhance stability and security while promoting self-discipline and achievement. Pine top note provides deep strength and wisdom. Cypress middle note invokes long life and natural riches. Bass notes of Patchouli and Vetiver are grounding, centering, and provide protection.

Capricorn Aromatherapy blend is available as a convenient room spray in three sizes:
2 oz $4.00
4 oz. $7.50
8 oz. $15.00

Also available in a jojoba oil base to use as a perfume, anointing oil, or in a diffuser.
1/2 oz. $3.00

An additional charge will be applied for shipping. E-mail or phone Mary Jo to order.
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Learn more about Mary Jo Weavers at her website: http://www.maryjoweavers.com

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION is dedicated to promoting member websites. Have you applied for membership? Apply now at: http://www.onlinewellenssassociation.com

As noted on our membership application, cost of becoming an OWA member is $80 initial fee+$169 yearly membership. For any PRIVATE CARE GIVER that applies prior to January 31, 2011, ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION will waive the initial $80. Total membership costs $169! less than a background check and classified ad that runs for one year! AND, You are under no obligation to join the second year!

PRIVATE CARE GIVERS join ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION for ONLY $169!!!

This membership offer will end on January 31, 2011. JOIN NOW!!

To see if you qualify, go to:

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com “become a member”

For any PRIVATE CARE GIVER that applies prior to January 31, 2011, ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION will waive the initial $80. Total membership costs less than a background check and classified ad that runs for one year!

Apply for membership now at:

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com/index.php?v=requirementssub

For additional information please contact Chrz Redmond, OWA Sales Director, 541-767-6890, or e-mail at: marketingowa@gmail.com

GARDEN WAY RETIREMENT COMMUNITY is part of the SUNSHINE RETIREMENT LIVING, Senior communities and management services. “Sunshine Retirement Living offers management services to retirement communities. We are committed to assuring that each community we operate delivers outstanding resident services.” Sunshine Retirement Living centers are located in OR, CA, AZ, TX, AR, LA, and GA. The mission of SUNSHINE RETIREMENT “is to the preferred senior living provider by offering value, choice and independence while promoting health and social interactions so as to exceed our residents’ expectations and enrich the lives of those we serve and employ.” There vision is to creat a safe, happy place to call home.”

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION fit perfectly in supporting the SUNSHINE RETIREMENT mission, especially at the GARDEN WAY RETIREMENT COMMUNITY: GARDEN WAY has a COMMUNITY WELLNESS CENTER COMPONENT. This is a resource located within the beautiful facility for educating and promoting wellness among residents and staff. “It offers scheduled visits by professionals to perform health screenings….as well as answers to general health related questions……seminars are scheduled that focus on topics such as nutrition, weight management, medication use, and sleep.” Services include culinary services, physical fitness, recreational activities, travel program, community service, and intellectual and cultural services. The GARDEN WAY staff was able to pick and choose members off the OWA PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY understanding that they have met the standards and criteria of membership for OWA. As one staff member said, “It’s not so much about the background and credential check as it is about a group of diverse wellness practitioners agreeing to be under one umbrella to work together.”

Since GARDEN WAY RETIREMENT COMMUNITY is also located in Eugene, OR, home of ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION, we were able to lend our staff to help with getting their OPEN HOUSE PARTY together for November 14, 11-4 PM. The entire community is invited for a tour of the facility, music, food, door prizes. The elegant GARDEN WAY is located at 175 S. Garden Way, Eugene.

If you are unable to visit the Eugene location, I encourage you to learn about other locations at

http://www.sunshineretirementliving.com

Remember: TOGETHER WE ARE BETTER!—GARDEN WAY RETIREMENT got it!
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Promoting our members is a benefit of membership with ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION. GARDEN WAY RETIREMENT COMMUNITY discovered us online and understood the asset available. Do you qualify for membership? Go to

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION Criteria #9 for membership says:

9. Agree to Background Check: a background check will be completed by a third party online agency. OWA will only receive communication that you have either passed your background check, or that we ‘need to discuss the findings’. OWA does not receive any of the information needed to complete this background check. Having a felony conviction does not necessarily exclude you from being a member of OWA, particularly if you are already actively working in your field. However, the following felony convictions will exclude you from membership in OWA: Pedophilia, Domestic Violence, Rape, Stalking, and Technology Related Crimes. In addition, you may also be excluded if you have lost your license based on ethical misconduct.

The biggest benefit being a member of ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION is the SEAL OF APPROVAL. This SEAL certifies to the public seeking wellness service that you are legitimate and safe to work with. It would not be responsible of OWA to issue this SEAL without conducting our own homework to have on file. Thus, credential checks, professional reference checks, and background checks done through OWA is necessary. When we issue the SEAL to you, we become accountable for the safety of the public.

Background checks are done through a third party: Douglas International. As detailed above, OWA does not ever see the report; Douglas International is responsible for storing records and the confidentiality of those records. No one at OWA knows what the negative findings are unless we hear it directly from the applicant.

Background checks are not like credit checks where they are monitored every time you request one. Background checks are being done more and more in the work place; OWA provides this service to individuals and organizations at no cost: if you are in the Professional Directory the public knows you have met the standards and criteria for membership—which includes passing a background check.

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION stands by each and every one of its members evidenced by the OWA SEAL OF APPROVAL.
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Have you applied to be a member of ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION? Apply now at

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Why is this the ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION (OWA) tag line?

As I was creating the mission for OWA I pulled a successful key component from my private practice: integrated health services. I am an addiction counselor. Addiction is a complicated problem that is multi leveled in nature: mind, body, spirit. While in most cases, I have the experience and education I need to address the “mind”, I don’t have the rest of the answers for the “body” or “spirit”. In my practice I refer my clients to wellness practitioners that will have the knowledge needed to address other areas for my clients. I pull from traditional Western medicine (psychiatrists, psychologists, medical doctors, nutritionists, physical trainers) to Eastern practices (energy workers, yoga, acupuncturist, EFT).

When the decision had to be made of WHO was going to be invited for membership, I went with the model I know works in the 21st Century. That is why on the Professional Directory of ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION you will find Counselors listed with Soul Motivators, EFT Specialists with Biofeedback practitioners. The 21st century consumer is more diverse and more informed. I believe it is important for perspective clients/patients to know what all the options are for their wellness plan and how to contact their options with confidence.

Part of the problem bringing different wellness practitioners together is the monoculture that presently exists among the different disciplines. I have had wellness practitioners say “I don’t want to be on a site with THAT practice.” What if “THAT” practice could benefit your client? Wouldn’t be good to have immediate access to reputable practitioners.

I received this e-mail from an acupuncturist: “I’ll decline to join for the moment.

Partly because it’s not clear that I fit in with the professions I see in the current
directory. Not many licensed professionals. Many folk with degrees or certifications
without links to explain what those certs actually mean on their sites. OK you check
they have the piece of paper but what did they do to get it? Do they need to stay
current to maintain certification? Was the training at a legitimate school for that
profession?

I feel like at the moment I want to be listed and branded only with folk who take the
time and trouble to keep a license and all the continuing education and official scrutiny
that a license implies. At least, to begin with. Maybe it’s not important at all but it
feels right to start there.”

Of course, since I am listed in the Professional Directory, I took offense to his entire e-mail. He obviously didn’t know what I had to do in order to become a CADCII, or what requirements I have to retain that designation. I don’t believe he knows about the other professionals listed. I suspect he is just too taken with himself to learn more.

I also question whether this guy really understands what OWA is about. I also recognize that he is stuck in a wellness paradigm that no longer works: single modality, single office. Perspective clients/patients have more access to information about what supports good health; they are making informed decisions based on what all their options are.

Dr. Stephen Shortall, Dean, School of Public Health, U of California-Berkeley, stated “There is emerging evidence that more integrated systems of care provide higher quality of care.”

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION’s mission is to provide QUALITY WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS to promote those integrated systems.

What are your thoughts on integrated services? Leave a comment, or e-mail me directly at

maxfabry@onlinewellnessassociation.com
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Mary Ann “MAx” Fabry is Founder of ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION and LIFESTYLE CHANGES COUNSELING SERVICES. She is a graduate of the University of Oregon and holds a “Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor II” from the Addiction Counselor Certification Board of Oregon. Learn more about MAx at

http://www.lifestylechangescounseling.com

Have you started your application process to be a member on ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION? Do it now at http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com “become a member”, “apply”

One of the HEALTH SERVICES categories is ALTERNATIVE WELLNESS: alternative wellness describes practices used in place of, conventional medical treatments and modalities. Alternative wellness is also referred to as complementary medicine which describes practices used in conjunction and cooperation with conventional medicine. The term complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is an umbrella term for both branches. Alternative medicine includes practices that incorporate spiritual, metaphysical, or religious underpinnings, non-European medical traditions, or newly developed approaches to healing. Examples of alternative therapies include, but are not limited to: massage therapy, folk medicine, herbal medicine, homeopathy, faith healing, new age healing, chiropractic, acupuncture, naturopathy, music therapy, Reiki, and meditation.

AVA STOCKER, October’s SPOTLIGHT THERAPIST, offers a form of Alternative Wellness known as EFT. Learn about this alternative modality at:

http://www. EFTHealingTouch@comcast.net
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ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION invites ALL wellness modalities to apply for membership. OWA believes that no one modality has all the answers for an individual. Learning to comfortably integrate other services with your own is a educational goal of OWA. To see if you are eligible for membership, go to:

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

As we observe events in the outer world, it is important to look within and recognize the parts of ourselves that are also degenerating and need to be eliminated or transformed. This is a time for us to eliminate immature parts of ourselves so that we may be spiritually reborn as wiser, more responsible, self-reliant individuals. Rather than give away our power and authority to others and then resent them for it, it is time to reclaim our own power as a wise, compassionate Spiritual Father to our self. Use self-discipline in exercising your power. Be honorable and respectful of others.

Samhain on Sunday November 7th

Halloween has its roots in the Celtic celebration of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season. Samhain was believed to be the time during the year when the veil between the living world and the world of the dead was the thinnest. In other cultures it is a time when ancestors and departed souls are remembered and honored.

Samhain is celebrated on the day the Sun is at 15 degrees Scorpio, or half way through its transit of this sign. This year Samhain falls on Sunday November 7th. You may wish to mark this day spending some time in meditation. Going within, honor those that have passed over, or perhaps parts of yourself that have “died” so you could be reborn.

New Moon in Scorpio

A New Moon occurs when the Sun and the Moon conjoin overhead from our perspective on Earth. This represents the fusion of our outer consciousness and awareness, symbolized by the Sun, with our inner emotional and unconscious self, symbolized by the Moon. This is a fertile time for new beginnings, for sowing the seeds of your new projects and endeavors.

The next New Moon will occur on Friday November 5th at 9:52 p.m. (PDT). This New Moon will be at 13 degrees Scorpio, sextile Juno in Virgo and semisextile Saturn in Libra. This is a new opportunity to focus our collective will with passion and intensity so that we can refine and improve ourselves and be of greater service in the world. The intensity and drive of Scorpio feels incompatible with living a balanced life. Find new ways to use self-transformation to create more harmony and balance within yourself and in your relationships.

The area of your astrological chart where 13 degrees Scorpio falls represents the area of your life where you can consciously create new beginnings that are powerful, penetrating and transformative. Set aside time to reflect on how you can create new beginnings in the areas of shared resources, mysteries and spiritual regeneration. What emotional ties and issues around control do you have with others that need to be examined and purified? How can you transform obsession into personal power and courage? How can you reclaim your intensity and passion for life?

You may wish to set some new goals or create some Scorpio affirmations on November 5th. Examples are: “I penetrate into the heart of the matter with controlled intensity, using my inner strength.” “I transform myself with evolving self reliance.” “I release old toxins so that I may regenerate anew.” “I face my Shadow, probe its hidden depths with insight, and reclaim my personal power.”

You will begin to see evidence of the seeds you sow on this New Moon as they come to fruition on the following Full Moon in Taurus on November 21st. This Full Moon will reward you with ease, serenity, and a greater connection to the earth through your senses.

“Most powerful is he who has himself in his own power."?…… - Seneca
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Learn more about Mary Jo Weavers at her website: http://www.maryjoweavers.com

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION is dedicated to promoting member websites. Have you applied for membership? Apply now at: http://www.onlinewellenssassociation.com

“Any transition serious enough to alter your definition of self will require not just small adjustments in your way of living and thinking but a full-on metamorphosis."?
Martha Beck

On Saturday the Sun will leave the social and refined air sign of Libra and enter the passionate and resourceful water sign of Scorpio. Each succeeding sign of the zodiac provides the means to rectify or redirect the energy of the previous sign. Scorpio uses the relational energy of Libra to transform and regenerate itself.

Scorpio has a passionate desire to probe the depths of life’s mysteries. The negative polarity of Scorpio gives it an inward, penetrating energy that is secretive, investigative and perceptive. It uses its determination, intensity and insight in resourceful ways to face the darkness, discover its true nature, and regenerate anew.

The emotional nature of Scorpio is expressed in powerful ways. The key phrase for this fixed water sign is “I Desire.” Scorpio is magnetic and sexual. It is strong willed, persistent, and has difficulty letting go. It can be extreme, obsessive, a lover of chaos and suffering. It is attracted to catharsis for its drama and intensity.

Ultimately Scorpio comes to understand that true power cannot be gained by exerting power and control over others. Exercising self-control, being insightful and inscrutable allows us to reclaim our power and use it to transform and regenerate ourselves.

Scorpio is resurgent, not afraid to deal with death. Just as trees shed their leaves and snakes shed their skin, we too need to periodically shed parts of ourselves so we can transform and evolve. Scorpio asks us to venture into the deepest parts of our subconscious, face our shadows, and experience “death” of parts of our ego-identified self so we can transform.

The energy manifested by Scorpio is represented by different colors and symbols. The black scorpion represents the lowest level of Scorpio. When it feels threatened it uses its venom injecting barb at the end of its tail to inflict pain. The deep red phoenix rising from the ashes represents the regenerative power of Scorpio. The eagle soaring on high with its piercing depth of vision symbolizes Scorpio’s ability to see clearly into the heart of its target while keeping an objective distance above emotional chaos. Having transcended death itself, the white dove symbolizes the highest and purest spiritual expression of Scorpio.

Areas of life ruled by Scorpio include other people’s values, shared possessions, joint assets and wealth, as well as power struggles over shared resources. Death, mysteries, secrets and hidden things fall under Scorpio. Sex and other deeply transforming emotional experiences are in its domain.

Archetypes for Scorpio include private investigators, organized crime, sex workers, terrorists, psychiatrists, pathologists, occultists and vampires. Parts of the body ruled by Scorpio are the organs of reproduction and elimination. The gem for Scorpio is onyx. Its metal is plutonium. Thorn-bearing shrubs and chrysanthemums are Scorpion plants.

“Change is the constant, the signal for rebirth, the egg of the phoenix."?………………Christina Baldwin

Pluto, Ruler of Scorpio

The movement of the Sun into the sign of Scorpio marks the time of year when vegetation dies as winter approaches. In mythology Pluto, ruler of Scorpio and “Lord of the Underworld", welcomes the return of his wife Persephone. She has been dwelling for six months above ground in the world of the living with her mother Ceres. Now she returns to Hades to preside over the dead with her husband.

The name Pluto means “riches", and refers to the gems, minerals, oil and radio-active substances found under the surface of the earth. Pluto represents power: the potent, intense, passionate, and sometimes explosive energy that can be destructive as well as regenerative and life-giving.

The dwarf planet Pluto was discovered in 1930, the same year as the discovery of radiation which lead to the development of the atomic bomb. This marked a new development in human consciousness. We became aware of the destructive potential of a new source of powerful energy, deep inside of us as well as in the earth.

Pluto rules what is buried and hidden in our depths, in our subconscious. This wealth of material is fertile ground for us to probe and mine. It contains our deepest fears and phobias, obsessions and passions that need to be brought up into the light of consciousness. Once we summon our courage and descend into our subconscious to uncover its hidden mysteries and secrets, we can face them, transform them and become empowered. We can rise like the phoenix from the ashes, regenerated and renewed.

With the help of Pluto and Persephone, we can wade through our turbulent, swampy underworld, probing the depths of our psyche, and find our Shadow Self. Once we are face-to-face with it, we can eliminate parts of our Shadow that are no longer serving us and reclaim its true power. In the spring, with Persephone at our side, we can emerge from our underworld with new self-knowledge, transformed, revitalized and reborn.
“Evil understood is power gained.”
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NEXT: CELESTINE EVENTS COMING IN NOVEMBER: Learn more about Mary Jo Weavers at her website: http://www.maryjoweavers.com

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION is dedicated to promoting member websites. Have you applied for membership? Apply now at: http://www.onlinewellenssassociation.com

Our Spotlight member, Ava Stoecker, is passionate about her work using EFT. This month she is particularly focused on working with people facing cancer challenges. Be sure to visit Ava at her website for more information on EFT:

http://www.efthealingtouch.com

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION promotes their members whenever there is an opportunity. Let us help promote you practice. To learn if you qualify as a member go to:

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

TOGETHER WE ARE BETTER.

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

TOGETHER WE ARE BETTER!!

Learn if you are a qualified candidate for membership at

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Libra, Sign of Balance and Harmony
“Whatever relationships you have attracted in your life at this moment, are precisely the ones you need in your life at this moment. There is a hidden meaning behind all events, and this hidden meaning is serving your own evolution.”
- Deepak Chopra

On Wednesday evening the Sun will move out of the pragmatic and productive earth sign of Virgo and into the social air sign of Libra. Each succeeding sign of the zodiac provides the means to rectify or redirect the energy of the previous sign. Libra uses the practical and improving energy of Virgo to create beauty and harmony and to cultivate relationships.

The positive, outgoing polarity of Libra is expressed in its desire to connect with others. Libra believes that personal interaction is the basis for all major insight and advances in humanity. Libra desires a civilized, cooperative meeting of the minds in an atmosphere of reasonableness, refinement and harmony.

The symbol of Libra is the Scales, a mechanical instrument used to measure or weigh. The key phrase for Libra is “I Balance.” Libra uses its intellect striving to understand opposing perspectives and to extend fairness to all. Libra is a diplomatic mediator, a just peacemaker. Keenly aware of other people’s preferences and desires, Libra tries to please others.

Libra touts honesty, but may be indecisive, passive, flattering and phony out of fear of conflict or displeasing others. Poised, gracious and charming, Libra can appear superficial and frivolous when avoiding issues that may provoke disagreement or anger.

Libra can become out of balance by putting other people’s needs and desires ahead of its own. When it avoids confrontations out of its desire for peace at any price it gives up its own identity. As it compromises its self, its personal identity fades into the “we” of partnership. Libra can then become miserable dwelling on the lack of fairness and justice for itself.

Areas of our life ruled by Libra include all face-to-face relationships including business and marriage partnerships, peers and open enemies. Libra governs our interpersonal skills, cooperation, and working with the public. It rules our inner attitudes about compromise, harmony and agreement. Contracts, agreements, and joint endeavors fall under its domain.

Libra represents the search for greater self-awareness and understanding through relationships. We project onto others the parts of ourselves we have difficulty accepting. In face-to-face relationships the other mirrors back to us elements of our self we are not aware of, or do not wish to acknowledge.

We have opportunities to learn more about our self through family relationships and business and marriage partnerships. Problematic issues arise and we must find ways to resolve and reconcile them. We learn how to balance our needs with the needs of others. We discover ways to share power, how to give and take. In the crucible of relationships we are subjected to forces that result in our growth and transformation.

Colors for Libra are deep rose pink and magenta. The gem for Libra is opal. White roses, cosmos, hydrangeas and poppies are Libra flowers. Lizards are Libran animals. Parts of the body ruled by Libra are the lower back and kidneys.

Persephone as Ruler of Libra

The planet Venus is the traditional ruler of both LIbra and Taurus. Astrologer and mythologist Valerie Vaughan makes a compelling argument for assigning modern rulership of Libra to the as yet undiscovered transplutonian planet she names Persephone.

In Greek mythology Persephone is the daughter of Demeter, who is known to the Romans as Ceres, goddess of grain fields and crops. Persephone enjoyed an idyllic childhood, raised by her nurturing and loving mother.

One day as the maiden Persephone played in a meadow, she became captivated by a narcissus flower. Perhaps in wanting to know herself better and to claim her own identity, she plucked the flower. With this action she unleashed the forces of the underworld. Through a gaping crack in the earth came Pluto in his chariot, who carried her off to the underworld.

Her mother Ceres was stricken with grief and mourned her loss, causing the crops to wither and die. Famine threatened humankind. Through negotiations with the gods on Mount Olympus, a compromise was brokered to save humanity. It was decided that Persephone could return to her mother so long as she had not eaten any food during her time with Pluto in Hades.

Not wanting to lose his wife, Pluto offered Persephone a pomegranate as she was preparing to leave, and she ate some it its seeds. Her action prevented her from returning to her mother and resuming her role as daughter and maiden. Again, another compromise was reached between the gods resulting in Persephone spending part of the year above ground with her mother, and part of the year in the underworld with her husband Pluto.

Persephone is a goddess of duality. She is “the Goddess of the twofold name", both Maiden and Queen of the Underworld. She divides her time between the upper world and the underworld, fulfilling both roles of daughter and wife. Through her relationships she balances and mediates the needs of others. In crossing the border between worlds, experiencing separation and reunion in a yearly cycle, she unifies the two worlds and creates wholeness in herself.

Persephone also represents the potential in each of us for growth and maturation, death and rebirth. She symbolizes transitions from one kind of relationship into another, and the inherent self-transformational power they contain. When we move from childhood into adulthood, from being single into marriage, from motherhood into menopause, from marriage into loss of a partner, we experience emotional struggles. When we step back, separate from others and do our own inner work, we can reconnect with greater understanding and gain insight. Then we can raise our relationships to a higher level, from co-dependence to co-independence.

Perhaps once this planet beyond Pluto is discovered we will become more conscious of our own powers of renewal and the cycles of birth, death and regeneration in our life. We will value relationships as vehicles for greater self-discovery and growth. We will embrace opportunities to descend into our unconscious to do the work that is needed, so we can gain understanding and emerge once again with greater self-awareness.

Celestial Events

Autumn Equinox

The cardinal signs correspond to seasonal transitions. In the northern hemisphere Libra marks the beginning of fall, when day and night are equally balanced. We leave the long, languid days of summer behind and prepare for the colder, harsher winter ahead. This is the time of year when Persephone leaves her mother’s world where she has been helping tend the crops and harvest the grain, and prepares to return to the underworld to fulfill her role as wife and Queen of Hades.

Like Persephone, it is fitting that we use this time to prepare to make a transition ourselves, from our outer conscious awareness of the world to a deeper, darker, internal place. Just as Persephone, in the spring we will emerge from our time spent in the depths with greater self-awareness and the seeds of renewal for rejuvenating our life.

The Month Ahead

As the Sun moves into Libra Wednesday it conjoins Saturn, opposes the Moon, Jupiter and Uranus in Pisces, and squares Pluto in Capricorn. Our personal energy and vitality, will, sense of honor and duty will be focused on balance, compromise, and meeting the needs of others. Being sensitive, empathetic and having a spiritually driven urge to be forgiving and charitable to others will prove to be challenging if we do not first free ourselves from tendencies to become sacrificial and martyristic in the process. We will feel pressured to make realistic, practical decisions, to be held accountable, and to eliminate anything superfluous as we lay foundations for justice and fairness.

The Sun and Saturn in Libra are inconjunct Neptune and Chiron in Aquarius. Neptune gives us spiritual incentive to work collaboratively towards humanitarian goals while Chiron reveals our fear of being victimized by being unique and different, outside of the mainstream. An attitude adjustment is needed for us to be realistic about perceived fears before we can consciously and effectively work for equality, peace and justice in our individual ways.

Saturn in LIbra

Saturn re-entered the sign of Libra on July 21st and will remain in it until October 2012. This two year cycle is a time to organize and structure our lives in more balanced ways. We are also asked to take responsibility for creating fairness and harmony in our personal relationships.

As the Sun moves through the early degrees of Libra in the next week or two it will illuminate ways we can take more responsibility for improving our relationships. Respect yourself and be mature. Have integrity and do the right thing. Be diplomatic and cooperate with others.

New Moon in Libra

A New Moon occurs when the Sun and the Moon conjoin overhead from our perspective on Earth. This represents the fusion of our outer consciousness and awareness, symbolized by the Sun, with our inner emotional and unconscious self, symbolized by the Moon. This is a fertile time for new beginnings, for sowing the seeds of your new projects and endeavors.

The next New Moon will occur on Thursday October 7 at 11:44 a.m. (PDT). This New Moon will be at 14 degrees Libra, conjoining Mercury and Saturn in LIbra. This is a new opportunity to communicate harmoniously and share thoughts and ideas with others with wisdom and maturity. Listen to the needs and concerns of others with consideration. Use compromise to balance your needs and desires with those of others.

The area of your astrological chart where 14 degrees Libra falls represents the area of your life where you can consciously create new beginnings that are relational, balanced and harmonious. Set aside time to reflect on how you can create new ways to relate to others, balance seemingly conflicting needs, and experience self-transformation. What do your relationships tell you about yourself? How can you better understand the reflections others show you? Where can you cooperate with others? How can you inspire and aid others in their self growth?

You may wish to set some new goals or create some Libra affirmations on October 7th. Examples are: “I balance my needs with the needs of others in cooperation and fairness.” “I honor and respect my soul contracts with others.” “I create beauty and harmony in my interactions with others.” “I transform myself through my relationships.”

You will begin to see evidence of the seeds you sow on this New Moon as they come to fruition on the following Full Moon in Aries on October 22nd. This Full Moon will reward you with more self-awareness, courage and confidence.

“The greatest relationship that we can have is the one we have with ourselves, for it will determine the quality of the relationships that we will have with others.”
- Alana

LEARN MORE ABOUT Mary Jo Wevers, PhD, Soul•Personality Integration & Healing Jungian Karmic Astrologer, Accredited JourneyTM Practitioner, Licensed Spiritual Health Coach at: http://www.maryjowevers.com or call (541) 740-8081

Are you eligible to be an ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION MEMBER. To find out go to http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com. After browsing, be sure to contact OWA for a special extraordinary membership offer!

On September 12 Mercury stations direct at 5 degrees Virgo, trining Pluto in Capricorn. Using this review period productively will provide us with better information, methods and plans for building new foundations for our personal and global health and well being, and for our long-term stability and security. What old structures and organizations have we been dismantling and eliminating? What kind of new foundations have we been considering? Are they wise and responsible? Are they prudent? Will they be effective? This is our opportunity to assess, analyze, and improve the plans we have for ourselves, for our nation, and globally before we move ahead.

New Moon in Virgo

A New Moon occurs when the Sun and the Moon conjoin overhead from our perspective on Earth. This represents the fusion of our outer consciousness and awareness, symbolized by the Sun, with our inner emotional and unconscious self, symbolized by the Moon. This is a fertile time for new beginnings, for sowing the seeds of your new projects and endeavors.

The next New Moon will be on Wednesday September 8 at 3:30 a.m. (PDT) at 15 degrees Virgo. This New Moon will occur at the end of the Mercury retrograde in Virgo, giving us a potent opportunity for beginning our new activities more effectively and efficiently after completing our work reviewing, reflecting, and resolving old issues.

The area of your astrological chart where 15 degrees Virgo falls represents the area of your life where you can consciously create new beginnings that are discriminating, logical and practical. In what ways can you improve your health? How can you bring order and efficiency into your life? What new practical work-related skills can you develop? Are you embracing your vocation, or call to service in life? What parts of you or your life need to be better integrated so you can feel whole? How can you connect to the sacred earth, nurture her and feel nurtured by her?

You may wish to set new goals or create Virgo affirmations on this New Moon. Examples are: “I take take practical steps to improve the health and well being of my body, mind and spirit.” “I am nurtured by the earth and my material reality.” “I release the need for external perfection and embrace the Divine Order within.” “I discern with intuitive wholeness.”

You will begin to see evidence of the seeds you sow on this New Moon as they come to fruition on the following Full Moon. The Full Moon in Aries on September 23 will reward you with courage, strength and energy to take action and move ahead in the world with confidence.


“It’s important to know that words don’t move mountains. Work, exacting work moves mountains.” Danilo Dolci

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Mary Jo Wevers, PhD, is a member in good standing with ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION. Her wellness practice includes: Soul•Personality Integration & Healing, Jungian Karmic Astrologer, Accredited JourneyTM Practitioner & Licensed Spiritual Health Coach. Dr. Wevers’ contact information is: www.maryjowevers.com or phone (541) 740-8081. You can also visit Dr. Wevers’ bio on the OWA PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY: http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION promotes members through posting blogs and articles. Check out other benefits at
http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Planetary Rulers of Virgo

The traditional ruler of Virgo is Mercury. Many modern astrologers feel the more appropriate rulers are the asteroids. The asteroid belt lies between Mars and Jupiter and consists of what some astronomers believe to be innumerable pieces of a planet which broke apart and fragmented. These fragments symbolically represent the different parts of ourselves that have become disconnected, compartmentalized, fractionated, or wounded and hurt.

Ceres was the largest of the asteroids, before its reclassification as a dwarf planet in 2006. In Roman mythology Ceres is the goddess of agriculture, the harvest, and abundance of the land. Her name in earlier Greek mythology is Demeter, which means “earth mother.” In the astrological chart Ceres represents the need for nurturing as well as the capacity for nurturing others. Ceres shows what we need from ourselves and others to feel unconditional love. As a ruling planet of Virgo, Ceres governs mother-child relationships, attachment and dependency, and caretaking of all living things.

The asteroid Chiron was discovered in 1977. In mythology the centaur Chiron is the Wounded Healer who strives to heal himself. He becomes the Sacred Teacher, helping others heal their own wounds. Chiron in the astrological chart reveals our own unconscious sense of woundedness and devastation. We carry our personal Chiron wounds from old experiences of rejection, abandonment, deprivation, abuse and loss. Awareness of our Chiron wound sets us on a path of healing in order to become whole. We begin our healing journey by engaging our Virgo energy to seek relief: we discern the nature of our wound and take practical steps to resolve and heal our pain and hurt.

“Healing takes courage, and we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it.”
- Tori Amos

NEXT: PART III: Celestial Events
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Mary Jo Wevers, PhD, is a member in good standing with ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION. Her wellness practice includes: Soul•Personality Integration & Healing,
Jungian Karmic Astrologer, Accredited JourneyTM Practitioner & Licensed Spiritual Health Coach. Dr. Wevers’ contact information is: www.maryjowevers.com or
phone (541) 740-8081. You can also visit Dr. Wevers’ bio on the OWA PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY: http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Virgo: Health, Healing and Service

“I slept and I dreamed that life is all joy.
I awoke and I saw that life is all service.
I served and I saw that service is joy” - Rabindranath Tagore

Sunday evening August 22nd the Sun will move out of the exuberant and courageous fire sign of Leo and enter the modest and discerning mutable earth sign of Virgo. Each succeeding sign of the zodiac provides the means to rectify or redirect the energy of the previous sign. Virgo asks us to move our focus and attention away from our individualized self and to be of service to others.

The negative polarity of Virgo gives her a receptive, internal nature. She is a modest, practical archetype, striving to be of service through healing, mentoring and self-improvement. She wants the earth and its inhabitants to function more efficiently and healthily. She mentors others by passing along her skills and practical wisdom. Virgo “tends the seed” with dedication and dependability.

The key phrase for Virgo is “I Analyze.” Virgo studies the objects of her attention carefully and precisely, assimilating essential facts. Her focus is on the details, symbolized by the individual grains of wheat on a stalk. Virgo analyzes and categorizes in logical, methodical ways. She is scientific, conscientious and thorough in her efforts to create order and perfection. Discriminating and discerning, Virgo can efficiently divide a task into manageable parts. She is a careful planner, capable of integrating diverse aspects of her projects.

Virgo rules areas of our life which prepare us for being of service in the world, including our work related skills and habits. Virgo strives to improve and perfect herself so that she can serve in higher and better ways. She learns new skills and works diligently to refine them. Virgo rules people in the service industries, law enforcement, the military, and organized labor and unions.

Virgo also rules our physical well being and health-related habits such as diet and exercise. Virgo serves others with her healing skills, and is represented in the health profession by doctors, nurses, and nutritionists. Parts of the body ruled by Virgo are the organs of digestion and assimilation, including the intestines and gall bladder. With Mercury as her traditional ruling planet, Virgo also governs the nervous system.

The domestic sciences are in Virgo’s domain. Housekeeping and household chores including cleaning, laundry, preserving and putting away food for the winter are Virgo activities. She creates useful items of practical beauty through her crafts, sewing and weaving. She tends domestic animals and pets, and through animal husbandry produces food and useful products.

We cultivate our Virgo energy when we tend to our pets and domestic animals. By feeding, exercising and caring for their needs, we contribute to their health and well-being. We learn the meaning of dedication and duty. We come to understand the importance of methodical, efficient habits and routines. Our animals become our teachers and healers in life.

Virgo archetypes are the Divine Feminine, the Earth Mother, Goddess of Fertility, and the Virgin. Isis and Mother Mary embody the energy and healing power of Virgo. Colors for Virgo are navy blue, gray and orange. Navy blue and gray are uniform colors for workers in the service industry. Orange is the color of the late summer harvest. Gems for Virgo are sapphires, agates and jasper. Pansies and nut-bearing trees are Virgo plants.

“Work is love made visible.”

- Kahlil Gibran

NEXT: PART II: Planetary Rulers of Virgo
________________________________________________________
Mary Jo Wevers, PhD, is a member in good standing with ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION. Her wellness practice includes: Soul•Personality Integration & Healing,
Jungian Karmic Astrologer, Accredited Journey TM Practitioner & Licensed Spiritual Health Coach. Dr. Wevers’ contact information is: www.maryjowevers.com or
phone (541) 740-8081. You can also visit Dr. Wevers’ bio on the OWA PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY: http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

“Stress impacts your health, your wealth, your attitude and your well being. It can make you fat, sad, angry or give you pain and even contribute to cancer and death.”

Susan Tyler, The Stress Detective

STRESS Versus WELLNESS

Did you know that when you are experiencing stress, your body stops digesting and the organs shut down? This is so it can send all it’s resources to the Adrenal Glands to help you get out of that stressful situation. This is called the fight or flight response and after years of having unmanaged stress, that response can burn out your ability to return to normal. I know, it happened to me.

Imagine you are living in early times of human development. You are snuggled warmly inside your cave, feasting on a delicious catch of grilled meat when a lion enters your cave. Sensing danger, your body would automatically stop digesting, leaving your meal to sit in your stomach. Because all digestive functions have now shut down, you no longer are breaking down that food to be used as energy. Right then, your body’s focus is in getting you away from that lion so that you may live another day to enjoy another meal.

In today’s high stressed environments, we aren’t normally running into lions in our living room, but we are experiencing a constant bombardment of negative news, unhappy people, disgruntled employees, road rage, violence on television and in movies; constant exposures to Electro Magnetic Frequencies from Cell Phones, Computers, TV’s and Game Stations. All around us it seems there is little room for good or happy news. These constant negative exposures creates damaging stress to our body, mind and spirit, bit by bit, over time until we don’t even recognize ourselves anymore. Gastric Reflux anyone?

Get the answers you need to balance the stress in your life from SUSAN TYLER, THE STRESS DETECTIVE: http://www.stressdectective.net. Live a healthy life!

SUSAN TYLER is a member in good standing with ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION. Look at her information in the OWA PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY:

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com.

Have you applied for your membership? Become one of our 1000 new members for only $69! Begin your application online at

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com “Join now”!

TOGETHER WE ARE BETTER!!

Is this all accurate? Find out by listening to the July audio ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION Teleseminar by member Keesha Mayes-Washington, Spiritual Guide at INNER WISDOM’S WAY, http://www.innerwisdomsway.com/. Keesha talks about how YOU can find your soulmate.

Go to: http://onlinewellnessvideos.com/.

Let ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION help promote your work. Membership being offered for $69! Visit http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com to “join now”.

$69 doesn’t even buy an ad for a week anywhere. For $69 you will get a membership through DECEMBER 31, 2011 with all the benefits.

The four opportunities to increase the SEO is well worth this amount. I am doing this because once you join, I know that you will see the value in the belonging to this wellness community.

What more do I need to convince you?

Review our new videos to hear, again, why YOU need to join. Feel free to send the videos to other wellness practitioners you know:

http://www.onlinewellnessvideos.com and on YouTube.

Also, be sure to listen to our monthly Teleseminars now available on our video site:
http://onlinewellnessvideos.com/?page_id=56

(1) NEED TO POPULATE THE SITE: Need a real push to contact potential new members to let them know OWA is making it attractive for them to join now!

(2) ECONOMICS: Develop an OWA economic stimulus package for all qualified wellness practitioners to join now!

(3) VALUE: The present benefits of being a member of OWA are extensive, but, we need to keep adding value based on what we hear from our members.

SO HERE IT IS: IF YOU MEET THE QUALIFICATIONS, WE WANT YOU TO BECOME AN OFFICIAL ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION MEMBER FOR $69! $69! CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS!?!

WAIT THERE IS MORE! THE $69 WILL GIVE YOU A FULL MEMBERSHIP THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2011!!! 18 months if you join in July! $69!

VALUE: YOU HAVE FOUR OPPORTUNITIES TO INCREASE YOUR SEO: PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY LISTING, HEALTH SERVICES LISTING, BLOGGING, AND POSTING ARTICLES. PLUS, PARTICIPATE IN THE MONTHLY TELESEMINARS!! $69!

Want to hear more about the value: go to

http://www.onlinewellnessvideos.com

Summer is here; the heat is on: 1000 members before the colors of fall. ARE YOU READY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS OFFER? IF YOU ARE READING THIS AND THINK YOU CAN QUALIFY TO GET THE OWA SEAL OF APPROVAL ON YOUR SITE, GO TO:

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com “join now".

$69 SUMMER MADNESS AT ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION $69

P.S. Sorry for shouting, I am just so excited about being able to make this offer………MAx Fabry, President, ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION.

http://www.site.stressdetective.net.

Promoting our wellness practitioners is a benefit of ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION members. Have you applied for your membership:

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

I am the founder and proud member of ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION:

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Learn more about me, MAx Fabry, and my private practice at:

http://www.lifestylechangescounseling.com

The next GLOBAL COMMUNITY ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION TELECONFERENCE will be June 1, 2010.

Have you applied for your membership?

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Before you apply, be sure to check out the video:

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.org

This article was submitted by ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION MEMBER: SUSAN TYLER, Stress Detective. SUSAN TYLER is a certified Biofeedback Diplomate Instructor specializing in natural wellness, pain and stress management, nutritional consulting and lifestyle coaching. SUSAN TYLER is a member in good standing with ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION.

Learn more about SUSAN TYLER at:
http://www.stressdetecticve.net.

Read the complete article FREE at
http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com “Article Directory”

“Hi, I’m Susan Tyler, The Stress Detective. I got that name because in 1991, I was working my way up the ladder of success, but previous years of unmanaged stress broke down my body’s ability to handle the trauma when I had a car accident that I could not properly recover from Through trial and error, I found my way to a life of wellness using Quantum Biofeedback, Nutrition and Lifestyle Changes……I credited Quantum Biofeedback with saving my life because it helped me understand that I had total responsibility for my health, and that I was the only one who could make the choices that would get me there. Stress that is left unmanaged can cause so much damage, it can even cause death. Don’t wait until it is too late to make changes.”

Susan’s personal experiences have now morphed into a mission of helping others with their stress and stress related problems.

Susan Tyler’s credentials include: Biofeedback Specialist, Diplomate Instructor and Community Educator, certifications as a Nutritional Consultant, Weight Loss Coach, and Spiritual Health Coach.

There is so much more about Susan Tyler for you to get to know. Visit her websites to learn more:

Susan Tyler, CQBS, Diplomate, Holistic Weight Release Coach
When was your last Stress Check?
http://www.stressdetective.net

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SPOTLIGHT THERAPIST is a benefit of membership with ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION. Throughout the month the SPOTLIGHT THERAPIST will be included in marketing opportunities with ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION.

Have you applied for membership with ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION? Go to

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Pamela gave me permission to reprint her recent Newsletter article on “Where Does Sarcasm ‘Fit’ In Your Workplace?”
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There are so many sweet opportunities to take a jab at others. It’s all in good fun, isn’t it? I hate to break it to you; if you lead as a supervisor, manager, department head or business owner – sarcasm does not belong anywhere you are. Aspiring to a leadership or management position? No sarcasm for you either.

‘Oh, Pamela, you just took the fun out of everything, why so adamant?’

Why do I suggest you leave cynicism at the door? Let’s start with Merriam-Webster’s definition of ‘sarcasm:’ ‘tearing of flesh, bite the lips in rage, sneer.’ 1: a sharp and often satirical or ironic utterance designed to cut or give pain. 2: a mode of satirical wit depending for its effect on bitter, caustic, and often ironic language that is usually directed against an individual. These are sobering definitions.

When I am called into a workplace to improve relationships, one of the trouble indicators I look for is the use of sarcasm by management and supervisors. Sarcasm is never uplifting, it is never encouraging and it is always at someone’s expense. Those who use sarcasm towards their children have no idea of the depth of wounding they may inflict. Sarcasm towards yourself doesn’t say much about how you feel about you, either.

The idea is to find a way to laugh and have fun, not at anyone else’s expense. Natural humor is all around us. If you consider yourself as a leader, then I’m sure you will find a healthy way to replace sarcasm in your workplace.

CLASS E-Tip: Sticks & stones may break your bones – sarcastic words and their tone will bleed you out. A positive word is like an elixir, healthy, constructive and empowering!

May you always Communicate with CLASS,

Pamela Cournoyer, Communicate with CLASS
http://www.communicatewithclass.com

Promoting you, your business, and your philosophy is a member benefit of ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION. Have you applied for your membership? Go to:

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

EFTHealingTouch.com

Remember EFT is excellent for reducing stress, PTSD issues, and moving you out of your stuck-zone. Did you know that Ava offers these services long distance? And, once you learn HOW, you can do it yourself any time, any place.

To learn more about AVA STOCKER and the EFT process, contact her at:

· 541-461-6161
· EFTHealingTouch@comcast.net

Try a long-distance EFT experience!!

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION is not only a professional Association, we are creating a global wellness community. Membership is very inexpensive, you get increased visability, and you get to interact with other practitioners around the world. Apply for membership today at

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Jamie and her husband of 32 years reside in Eugene, OR; they have two adult sons whom they both still enjoy. And, perhaps, where Jamie got her passion for helping parents parent teens?

Jamie has a B.A. in Elementary Education and a Masters in Counseling from San Diego State University; she also holds a Licensed Professional Counselor Credential in Arizona. Jamie is always updating her education and information.

She has combined her life experience, education, and over 30 years of counseling and education experience to found STRONG FAMILIES EUGENE. STRONG FAMILIES EUGENE is “dedicated to improving relationships and strengthening bonds with families” by “empowering and supporting healthy families” through classes and seminars. Her classes include: Parenting Teens with Success and Couples Clarity. Jamie’s seminars include: Stress Management, Creating Work-Life Balance, Assertive Communication, and Conflict Resolution.

On of the testimonials for a Parenting Teens with Success class was:

“The entire six-week class has been incredibly informative, insightful and motivating. Because of my changes, things are much calmer at home and my 12 year old is happier and more confident.”

If you would like to learn more about JAIME GUYN, STRONG FAMILIES EUGENE, register for classes/seminars, or “gain the skills that create a strong, positive family” go to

http://www.strongfamilieseugene.com

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION takes every opportunity to promote its community members. Have you applied to become a member of the ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION global community? If not, apply today

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Learn more about ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION member benefits at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a78_kBGKUIQ&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTJW03URgnY&feature=related

______________________________________________________________________
FEATURED MEMBER: SUSAN TYLER, STRESS DETECTIVE

SUSAN TYLER will give a presentation on her business:

http://www.site.stressdetective.net

Be sure to visit Susan’s site before the conference–she will be open to questions about her background, her practice and her internet presence.

_____________________________________________________________________
RICHARD BLACKSTONE, OWA VP of MARKETING, will be discussing the NEW ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION WEBSITE coming soon—he is going to ask YOU for input to improve the ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION presence online.

Richard wants to know:
-What would you like to see added to ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION to improve the value of your membership?
-What does “creating a global wellness community” mean to you?
-Why are you, or are not, a member of ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION?

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DIRECTIONS TO PARTICIPATE ON THE TELECONFERENCE CALL:

A little before 6 PM PT call: 605-475-4261 enter code: 334213428

When asked “Who is with us this evening?” Be sure to jump in with: YOUR NAME, BUSINESS NAME, and LOCATION (ie: Eugene, OR), and let us know how you knew about this conference: invitation, referred by (name friend), network function (live/virtual)

__________________________________________________________________

Be sure to visit one of our newest marketing tools:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a78_kBGKUIQ&feature=related
___________________________________________________________________

I am so looking forward to this first virtual gathering of our global wellness community!!

Be well,
MAx Fabry, President
ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION

In the “real world” your website is equivalent to building an office space to conduct business. Next to marketing, your website is one of your most important, and costly business investments. Your website needs to cover everything from your business plan that involves marketing YOU.

As you are building, or rebuilding, your websites, consider including video capability. YouTube is no longer for the teens complaining about their parents, or a place to post family messages. YouTube has become a valuable tool to promote your business. For a demonstration on how to promote your business on YouTube, click this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a78_kBGKUIQ&feature=related

Not only will video allow you to PROMOTE your internet business, you will also be able to offer TRAININGS/EDUCATION, and SHOW AND TELL your PRODUCTS. The internet is transitioning—having started with written text, then came audio, and now VIDEO!

Work with your web designer/manager to include, or add video to your website.

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION offers ongoing business tip for our members. Have you applied for membership:

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Sarah presently lives in Davis, CA, with her husband, Juan, and infant son, Juna Carlos. In addition to being a nutritionist, Sarah is an accomplished concert pianist. She and her family enjoy outdoor adventures, cooking, and traveling.

Sarah can help you with various nutritional areas including pediatric nutrition, balanced diets for healing and preventing disease, vegetarian diets, weight issues and food allergies. Don’t live in the Davis, CA, area? No problem! Sarah does long-distance nutritional coaching.

Have questions about your diet? Wondering about supplements? Worried about getting enough calcium? Schedule an appointment or, send your questions to Sarah:

sarah@nutritionelements.net.

Visit Sarah at her website: http://www.nutritionelements.net.

We are proud to have SARAH VANEGAS as a member of ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION (OWA). Apply for membership to be a part of the growing OWA Wellness Community:

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com “become a member”

TOGETHER WE ARE BETTER!!!

We are living in a time when Western medicine and Eastern medicine may finally be converging. This convergence may be attributed to at least three variables: people’s ability to be open minded to new wellness ideas, a fragments wellness community, and the internet.

One of the problems that has existed with Eastern medicine is that it seemed so mysterious and witch-crafty: EFT, Reiki, hypnosis. Some wellness practices have had early social stigmas attached: massage was more attached to prostitution then wellness. It took the chiropractic profession, a practice of drug-free healing of diseases, from 1895 to well into the late 20th century to find its place as legitimate among Western physicians, and to be “blessed” by the US insurance companies. Naturopathic and acupuncture share a similar history, but, today has also become mainstream.

In the mid 20th century, various types of “non-traditional” “alternative” approaches to healing started coming out of the shadows and sprouting up around the US: energy work, aromatherapy, yoga, cranial sacral, guided imagery, yoga.

The next problem that cropped up with the integration of Easter medicine and approaches to healing is that practitioners became fragmented. An atmosphere of competition seemed to be the business model. Each practice became an entity unto itself. No body seemed to be working together for the benefit of all.

The internet, and other media sources, have helped alternative medicines grow. Movies like “What the *@% Do I Know” stimulated thinking toward integrating methods that would cover the mind, body, and spirit for complete healing. Wellness practices have started advertising on line, explanations of methods are detailed for self-education—Western and Eastern medicine finally have an opportunity to merge because of the internet.

Enter: ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION. OWA recognizes that cooperation vs competition is a key point to growing wellness practices. OWA understands that TOGETHER WE ARE BETTER. Today OWA is creating a global wellness community to have ALL wellness practitioners become educated on the power of the internet, expand their marketing abilities to attract clients, and to share information WORLDWIDE to strength the healing process for everyone.

If you are a qualified wellness practitioner, please become a member of this new global wellness community. Learn more at

http://www.onlinewellnessvideos.com

Or, become a member now at

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com “become a member”

Let me begin this idea in mind. If you are in business at some level, and you use the internet to attract business, there is a very simple way to do such. I am sure you have heard that if you build it they will come, in relationship to writing articles and blogging. Well this is not exactly correct.

Yes you can write articles, get them submitted, you can blog on your favorite topic submit them as well, but let me say that this process is long in coming, arduous and time consuming.

There are ways to decrease the time commitment, in writing, submitting, and growing your readerships and your business in the long run. I will be addressing one very effective way today and promise you more another next time.

Today we are going to talk about social bookmarks. According to Wikipedia, “Social bookmarking is a method for Internet users to share, organize, search, and manage bookmarks of web resources.” Wikipedia offers more detailed information on social bookmark; I recommend that you take a look at their page to understand the advantages and disadvantage of social bookmarking: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_bookmarking.

Let’s say you have an article submitted on ezine articles dot com this site is the largest most sophisticated and prestigious article submission site on the web. I would HIGHLY recommend you start here. It is one thing to write an article, submit it to ezine articles dot com AND THEN WHAT? It is just going to sit there until someone finds you—NOT, or you can use the social book marking systems to chat with the world about your passionate subject. For example, you write an article on energy healing, you have submitted it, and now you log in to you bookmarking accounts. Here is a list of several such accounts:
Ask
Blinklist
Blue Dot
BookmarkSync
Diigo
Facebook
Google Bookmarks
Jumptags
Multiply
MySpace
My Web Yahoo
Newsvine
Propeller
Reddit
Simpy
Slashdot
Twitter

You could log in to each account or you could use a service called “Only Wire”: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_bookmarking, where you submit once and let the service do the rest. While in these bookmarking sites most of them ask for similar information. Let’s use a Digg for example (I will do a video post on this subject in the coming days.) Start by signing in. Then submit new: then you are asked for the URL location, that is the location of the article, video or image. Then you write a quick brief and submit! WELA! That simple. The nice thing is that your article is now submitted and will be seen by millions of potential readers all over the word.

THIS IS ALSO CRITICLE: you need to spend a few hours each week commenting on other similar articles in the social bookmarking systems. If you are seen as someone who is not part of the conversation of others your voice will not grow as fast or effective. This is all about building a wellness community because, as ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION emphasis: TOGETHER WE ARE BETTER.

I will be putting on 1 hour classes on this subject and other similar blogging topics soon. For information and registration you can contact me at jed@jedreay.com.

Jed Reay Signing Off
www.jedreay.com
jed@jedreay.com

We are putting together a global community of wellness practitioners so that we can use the power of the “Law of Attraction” and raise the consciousness of all humanity. Now, isn’t that something you want to be associated with?

Here is how it all works. You begin by being the absolute best person you can be and then share that with all you come in contact with. It all starts with you and continues on through your service to others. So start yourself by living in the love that you want to share with the world.

We each have our own special gifts and talents that we can use to heal ourselves and the world. Let’s use those gifts in a cooperative manner through the “Online Wellness Association.”

Use the one gift that we all possess and that is Love. Fill yourself with love and give that love out to everything that makes up your world. Don’t worry you can never give it all away because you are a never ending fountain of love. Besides, it is so much fun.

Together we are better.

Live in love,
Richard D. Blackstone

Richard Blackstone is a living example of our ability to create our lives anew. A self-confessed hedonist for the first 40 years of his life who always thought that life was happening TO him. Once he woke up to his true authentic self he began the process of CONSCIOUSLY CREATING his life. Richard has transformed his life experience from one of quiet desperation to active manifestation of his every dream and desire. He now lives a three-fold message of LOVE, ONENESS & CREATION.

Richard is an award-winning author and international speaker who focuses on teaching you how to intentionally and consciously create abundance, health & harmony through simple manifesting techniques. His message of LOVE, ONENESS & CREATION has transformed lives around the world. Richard is praised internationally for his passion, humor and clarity when presenting these life-transforming concept.

Richard shares is wisdom on a 12 CD set “Master Your Life: The Art of Conscious Creation”; in his award-winning book “Nuts & Bolts of Spirituality: Waking up the Sleepwalkers”, and his very recently completed book “Seven Spiritual Laws of Golf: Golf is a Metaphor of Life”.

Find more information on RICHARD BLACKSTONE in our Professional Directory at
http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com “become a member". BE SURE to complete STEP 2!

Apply for membership today:

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Apply for membership today at
http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

I am MAx Fabry, Founder and President, Online Wellness Association.

Niche marketing is simply taking your message to a very specific market place called a ‘Niche.’ Niches can be general or very specific. A general niche market would be ‘Dog Training.’ A very specific niche would be ‘Dog Training for Cocker Spaniels from 0-6 months old.’

The more specific your niche the easier it is to market to that audience. As a Wellness Practitioner it is important to define your practice in very specific and narrow terms. When you try to market your services to everybody as a cure-all for everything you dilute your message and nobody identifies with your core services.

When you identify yourself as a specialist in a very specific manner you will attract those people who are looking specifically for your services and you will stand out from all the other general practitioners.

The beauty of being a wellness practitioner is that you get to fine tune your specialty as you gain more and more experience. Find out what really turns you on in your genre of wellness and then focus on that which you really enjoy being and doing.

You serve yourself and you serve your clients at the highest of levels when you become the expert in a very narrow niche. The key always comes down to service doesn’t it?

Live in love,
Richard D. Blackstone

OWA promotes our members on a regular basis. This is one of the valuable benefits that comes with the membership. Blogs, like this, increases your SEO.

Do you meet the standards and criteria for membership in ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION? Go to

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

I live in one of the most beautiful areas of the world. It is at the bottom end of the Willamette Valley on the western side of the state of Oregon in a rural setting outside of a little town called “Pleasant Hill.”

Sounds good to just say ‘Pleasant Hill’ doesn’t it? Well, here in the Pacific Northwest we are blessed to have temperate weather that is not too extreme and allows us to live with lush green forests and amazing soils that are verdant and abundant. We can grow just about anything here except tropical fruits because of these natural conditions.

One of these natural conditions is ‘rain.’ It is raining right now outside my office window and it has been raining pretty steady for the last couple days. I have a river, the ‘Coast Fork of the Willamette River’ that runs right in front of my house and you can tell how much it is raining by watching how high the river gets.

Well, the river is quite high right now and it is going to get higher because we are in for steady rain for the next few days at least. Wow, aren’t we blessed?

I was laying in bed last night listening to the rain and just thinking about how nature takes care of this garden of paradise we live on called ‘Planet Earth.’ The earth is three quarters water and for a very good reason. The way the game is set up here on planet earth we must have water to survive.

Just as the earth is three quarters water so is our bodies. We are mostly water and just as we must hydrate ourselves so too must the earth stay hydrated and it does this through the phenomenon known as rain. As I was laying in bed I was just imagining how nature was taking a huge water bucket and sprinkling this area of the country with this life giving water. Just like watering your garden so does nature water this big garden called planet earth.

It is a lot of water and it fills the lakes and rivers and all the water reservoirs that lie beneath the surface. It is life fulfilling, life sustaining and life affirming.

We are so blessed by these simple things that nature does for us on an on-going basis that we rarely think about that allow us to live in the splendor that we live in.

Go turn on your tap water, fill your glass, drink it down and give thanks for the rain.

Live in love,
Richard D. Blackstone

“I noted the verifications you do are essentially the same as for LMT’s to get their massage license (as to back ground check, etc). Thus, I am not perceiving membership in OWA as of particular value to me, or those in my industry, (since we are already thoroughly checked out). I do see it as valuable to those offering their services who don’t have such oversight.”

“VALUE” this is the key selling point for all of us, isn’t it. We at OWA want to create the most value for our members. OWA is NOT just about verification; most service providers have “oversights” for their certification process. Please keep in mind the general public doesn’t know that; the OWA SEAL lets them know you are legitimate. Verification for the new energy workers that are just beginning to set their own standards will be an immediate VALUE to help them become part of the wellness community. We don’t want anyone left behind. Creating a global wellness community is our goal because “TOGETHER WE ARE BETTER”

Fully understanding the present state of the global economy, Richard Blackstone, OWA’s new VP of marketing, has made it easy for people to join by setting the costs at $80 initial fee + $15 first month, then, $15 per month after that. Let’s review just some of the VALUE added benefits that are presently in place:

SEAL OF APPROVAL: Visual on your website to let the public know that you are legitimate. Remember, anyone can put a website up and say they are anything they want to be. The SEAL legitimizes the person offering services.

TWO DIRECTORIES: One alphabetized, one categorized. This is equivalent to putting an add in a global publication. Cost: Hundreds of dollars!

SPOTLIGHT THERAPIST: Every time someone visits our website, the first thing they see is the picture of our Spotlight Therapist; we also blog and mention our therapist throughout the month. Added VALUE.

BLOG: Members have the ability to blog directly on to the OWA blog. More VALUE

ARTICLES: OWA posts member articles on the OWA site, PLUS 40-50 other directory site. GREAT Internet presence.

SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION: Two directories, spotlight therapist, blogging, and articles all help to increase your SEO. These services can cost a minimum of $100 per month.

Any business person would agree that membership in ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION offers VALUE well worth the $15/month membership.

WE ARE SO MUCH MORE THEN VERIFIERS! WE ARE THE BEST VALUE FOR ANY WELLNESS PRACTITIONER WANTING TO ESTABLISH A LEGITIMATE PRESENCE ONLINE AND BELONG TO A GLOBAL WELLNESS COMMUNITY.

Have you applied for your membership?

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

TOGETHER WE ARE BETTER!

When the model for the Online Wellness Association was being developed, many “association” websites were visited to determine what was really needed. Most associations tended to be segregated, or targeted. For instance, all Chiropractors were on one website visited; on another there tended to be psychologists & psychiatrists. It appeared that communication between traditional and complimentary healers was often fragmented, or split all together: another words, many times one held itself higher then the other. So, the question came up: what about all the complimentary healers that are becoming more legitimate, but don’t necessarily have official “certification” boards (yet). Looking at the early development data there appeared to be a need to legitimize the “obscure”, “new age”, “complimentary” healers, as well as the traditional healers. That is why one of the requirements every OWA applicant needs to fulfill are at least three RECENT PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES. This was a way for OWA to be able to validate the alternative healers.

OWA defines “wellness practitioner” as anyone who contributes to the health and well being of another. This includes medical doctors as well as Reiki Masters; counselors as well as psychiatrists. Online Wellness Association’s goal is to create a global wellness community because TOGETHER WE ARE BETTER.

Have you submitted your application yet? To see if you qualify go to

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Novices often confused as to what is a search engine vs a website host. Yes, this may be hard for all of you techies out there to believe, but “search engine” is still a new word to those folks that are just turning on their first computers. As a matter of fact, until I started ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION, I hardly spoke any techy at all, AND, was totally lost trying to get my site built because I didn’t speak the language. That is why I want to blog this series every Wednesday until you, too, speak techy.

Here are two official definitions provide by answers.com:

Noun: 1. A software program that searches a database and gathers, and reports, information that contains or is related to specified terms. 2. A website whose primary function is providing a search engine for gathering and reporting information available on the Internet, or a portion of the Internet.

To find this information I used the search engine “Google” to search for “search engine definitions”; Google brought up 50,000,000, yes 50 million!, entries. As most people do, I chose to look at the first three. One of the entries I chose sent me to http://www.answers.com, another search engine that helped me narrow my search to “search engine”, where, I found the most useful information.

Here is a little exercise for you: using the information I provided for you above, find out what is the difference between organic vs paid search engine.

If you complete the exercise you will find the importance of (1) having your website listed (I call it grabbed) by search engines; and (2) why being at the top of the list is important.

Next Wednesday I will give you hints on how to maximize your SEO. If you have a specific word or topic you need explained, please send an e-mail to:

maxfabry@onlinewellnessassociation.com

OR, now that you know how, you can do a search yourself: “knowledge is power.”

Submitted by MAx Fabry, President
ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION (OWA)

Have you started the process to join the OWA global wellness community? Go to
http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

I love being a practitioner of wellness because it makes you feel so darn good. When you are in service to humanity you are in alignment with the Source energy that creates universes.

For anybody who has ever gone through a period of transistion there is one thing that overcomes most every obstacle and that is to have a higher purpose that is more important than the obstacle. The higher purpose trumps your troubles and allows you to prioritize moving beyond your percieved problems to the ‘Higher Purpose.’

Right now I am in a position of living for a higher purpose which has created a passion in my life that I haven’t experienced for quite a while. My higher purpose right now is to serve humanity in the capacity of building a community of ‘Wellness Practitioners’ for the Online Wellness Association.

I am so blessed to be able to serve my fellow Wellness Providers because one thing we all know is that “Together we are Better.” We are entering an era of rising consciousness and those of us in the Wellness Community understand that the new paradigm is cooperation instead of competition.

I am excited about meeting all of you on this way cool adventure in space and time who want to band together and move all of humanity forward by living in community and cooperation as an example for all to see.

Looking forward to playing with you on this wonderful journey,

Live in love,

Richard D. Blackstone

Is OWA promoting you and your site yet? JOIN NOW:

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

SEO is the process of building presence for your site on the internet by manipulating the rankings of the search results of a search engine. The goal is to achieve a high ranking in order to encourage visitors to your site. I equate this to building a high energy magnetic field that will pull the visitors in via search engines such as Goggle, Yahoo, bing, MSN, etc.

Building your SEO is an ongoing process that takes daily work and a toolbox of effective tools. According the Kathleen Gage, “The truth About Making Money on the Internet”, some of those tools include:

-Position of KEYWORDS
-HTML title tags
-Have relevant content
-Build links
-Submit your key pages
-Verify and maintain your listing

In our April OWA NEWSLETTER, I will discuss each of these SEO building tools and provide additional ways to move up in search engine rankings. This newsletter is FREE to all members.

Building a website is the easy part; promoting is where the work begins. OWA is dedicated to promoting member websites.

Have you become an Online Wellness Association member yet? Apply now at http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

In addition to her private clients, Bjo teaches communication and assertiveness classes as well as Eliminating Self Defeating Behaviors and Anger Management classes. In her “spare time” she writes plays and children’s stories (many relating to disabilities); she is a well-known playwright in Oregon, and she has been recognized on a national level for her poetry.

“I, of course, work with other issues as well. I particularly love to do dream work.” In fact, Bjo designed a program, “Dream Spinner”, to analyze large databases of dreams. Want to know what those dreams and nightmares you are having really means? This is a service that she offers long distance.

Bjo is presently having her website revised, but she can be contacted weekdays 10 AM-4 PM, PST, at:

dreambjo@comcast.net
Or call: 541-343-7248

“We are all a work in progress.”

Amazing! WELCOME TO ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION where we are letting the world know that you can be trusted as a therapist!!

Have you started your application process to be a member on ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION? Do it now at http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com “become a member”, “apply”

LIFE IS GOOD! Just walk out your door and look around you. You live in Heaven. Well, let me clarify that a bit. I live in Heaven and you can too if you just have the right perspective and concept of what Heaven means to you.

It is my opinion that if I were going to ‘Create a place called Heaven’ I would end up creating a planet just like ‘Planet Earth.’ I would have all kinds of terrains, from mountains to deserts to forests & farms. I would have oceans of water and lots of lakes to swim in and rivers to keep it all moving. I would have vegetation of every variety to use for the service of me in foods, medicines and beauty. I would have animals to share the planet with and serve me in ways too many to describe. I would populate the planet with wonderful beings of light and tell them all to go play and allow them to play with total freedom.

I would ‘Create Heaven’ to be just like ‘Planet Earth’ and that is exactly what I have done. I am a Master Creator and so are you.

What does your Heaven look like? Are you creating lots of wonderful people in your life who share your visions of love, oneness and the ability to consciously create your life the way you really want it to be?

Of course, you would also be able to create your own private version of ‘Hell’ but that would be entirely your choice.

Here at “Online Wellness Association” we are in the business of creating heaven for our clients and associates. Join us for the ride and we will help you create a business of abundance, health and harmony.

We are here to serve,

Live in love,

Richard D. Blackstone

This is Richard Blackstone and I am so excited to be part of the ‘Online Wellness Association’ community.

I have been a long time member of the association. I love all the benefits of membership and now I have joined Max Fabry and her wonderful staff as the Vice President of Marketing and Membership.

We are going to implement a lot of new changes to the association and they are all designed to serve you, our membership, in powerful and meaningful ways. We know that as an association we have a duty to help your business grow and we are already taking steps to make that happen.

Stand by for more updates every week as we bring you new and innovative ideas that keep you on the cutting edge of how to maximize your business growth and serve your clients at the highest levels.

One thing to get you going every week day morning is to subscribe to my “Create One Love Notes". These inspirational love notes help you in a positive manner with powerful affirmations that you can use all day long.

Just go to www.CreateOneLove.com and click on the button on top that says “Create One Love Notes.” You can easily register there and you will begin recieving the ‘Love Notes’ in the morning.

Thank you again for all your support and please feel free to contact us with any questions or comments you may have about how we can serve you better.

Live in love,

Richard D. Blackstone

-Weekly business tips
-Blogging about new members
-Monthly newsletter

And there will be even more with the new website in JULY!!!

If you haven’t visited his site, please take a few minutes to do so:

http://www.richardblackstone.com/

Also, be sure to sign-up for his FREE (no strings) “LOVE NOTE". You will have a love note waiting for you each week day when you turn your e-mail on!

http://www.createonelove.com/

I received raves from my private practice clients about his recent teleseminar. Hopefully, he will offer it again very soon.

Have you applied for your membership?

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

By Marc Gordon
____________________________________________________________________
Marc Gordon is a professional speaker and marketing consultant based in Toronto, Ontario. His firm, Fourword Marketing, specializes in helping businesses create a brand identity and developing effective marketing campaigns. Marc can be reached at (416) 238-7811 or visit www.marcgordon.ca. Follow Marc on Twitter at twitter.com/marcgordondotca.
_____________________________________________________________________

Take a look at these four scenarios.

1. A teenaged boy in Cleveland is sharing strategy secrets on a Playstation 3 Facebook group.
2. In San Diego a father is posting photos of his family’s day at the beach to Flickr.
3. A mother in Toronto is uploading a video of her daughter’s dance recital to You Tube.
4. In New York, an HR consultant is twittering about recent changes in employment law.

Which one of these people stands out as being unique from the others in the way they are using social networking?

If you answered number 4 you would be correct.

That’s because the first three people are using social networking web sites for the purpose of social interaction. They are keeping in touch with friends, family and people of similar interests. Their goals are nothing more than to belong, share, and socialize.

But the HR consultant is networking for a different set of reasons. This person has chosen to use networking sites as a tool to position themselves as an expert – an invaluable source of reliable information. Beyond Twitter, this person may also be on Facebook, Linked In, Plaxo and others. This sharing of information would, in theory, impact on how they are viewed within their industry by current and potential clients. Over the long term, these efforts could materialize into new business. That is why they are there.

When business people use social networking sites, they often do not understand why. And that is a big reason why so many of them see no positive return from it. Although a positive return can mean different things to everybody, for most business people a positive return usually involves making a sale.

The problem is that for the last couple of years, experts have continuously preached that the success of a business is dependant on participating in online social networking. They will try to convince you that you need a Facebook page, that you need to regularly update your Linked In profile, that you should post articles to a myriad of resource sites, and of course let the world know you are doing all this by Twittering at least 5 times a week.

What every expert has forgotten to share with you (or just don’t know to) is that this is not social networking. There is in fact nothing social about it. You are not trying to make friends, get in touch with old school chums, or keep tabs on the ex. You are trying to grow your business.

So maybe it’s time to stop referring to all this as social networking and start seeing it for what it really is: social marketing.

Any form of communication you perform on behalf of your business is a form of marketing. Regardless of whether it’s a business card or a Facebook page, your are building an image - a brand identity that will help you convey your values allowing people to better understand the advantages of doing business with you.

Think of social marketing as just another tool in your marketing toolbox. In many ways it is no different than web sites, yellow page ads, trade shows or promotional items. Each of these is important in their own way depending on your needs, industry, budget, and time. One tool should not be favored over another simply because it seems like the right thing to do.

But as this article is specifically about social marketing, we will try to determine if it should be a key component to your marketing program.

It seems I come across a lonely blog at least once a week. I can tell they’re lonely because the last entry was from 2008 or earlier. The owner of the blog no longer posts and people no longer visit. The same can be said for Facebook profiles that have no personal information or photos. Or Linked In sites that have outdated employment history.

So many business owners jumped on the social marketing bandwagon because they felt compelled to. Yet when they finally spent the time and money to create those blog sites, they had nothing to say, no information to share, and no time to maintain it.

Time is one of those things the experts rarely bring up. But for anyone who runs their own business will tell you, finding time each day to write about who-knows-what can be impossible. I have always believed that the most successful people in business do not invest a lot of time in networking sites because they are too busy making money doing their real jobs.

On the other hand, networking sites have contributed to making countless people famous and wealthy. And it can be argued that many of whom possess no real skills in the first place outside of being able to successfully exploit their following. I have to wonder where celebrity gossiper Perez Hilton and socialite Kim Kardashian would be without the internet. (Of note, Kim Kardashian charges $10,000 to mention a product in her tweets to her 2.7 million followers.)

So should you be jumping into the social marketing pool? Only you can answer that. But here’s some things to think about before getting wet.

1. What are your goals? Are you looking to increase sales or just to build a list of contacts? Both can be important depending on the type of business you own. A restaurant can use Twitter to let people know about specials available only for that evening. Whereas an accountant might want to build a list through Linked In as a vehicle to let people know about changes to tax laws.

2. Content is key. Not actively participating in social marketing is like being a wallflower at a party. If no one will know you’re there, what’s the point in even going? Being an active participant means contributing relevant content. Depending on the sites you choose to join, this can involve submitting articles, industry news, anything that your contacts, friends, or followers will deem useful or worthy of reading. This means avoiding Twittering about what you had for lunch or posting photos of your trip to the beach (unless you’re a travel agent).

3. Time commitment. Like other types of marketing, frequency is important in reinforcing your message and getting people to remember you. Just as you would not place an ad in a magazine for just one issue, you must also contribute to your social marketing presence on a regular basis. For many business owners, this can be anywhere from 15-60 minutes per day. Are you ready for that?

4. Know your audience. A hair salon creating a Facebook page sounds logical until you find out the average age of their clients is 55, most of whom do not even use the internet. So are they trying to keep in contact with current clients or attract new ones? (Refer back to #1)

5. Coordinating with conventional marketing. Social marketing should not be treated as a stand alone program. To be effective it should be combined with traditional marketing. For example, if you send out a flyer by mail, mention that people can get notice of additional promotions by following you on Twitter. Or use Facebook to post photos of special industry events you were involved in.

6. The return. Even with conventional marketing, many business people are guilty of thinking they can expect a certain return for every dollar spent. If they don’t see that return in a specific period of time, they deem the campaign a failure. Social marketing can be even more abstract. In many cases, your posts or submissions will not be focused on generating sales, but instead providing information. As such, readers would be less likely to contact you looking to spend money. However if you choose to create a social campaign focused on driving sales, you may find yourself ignored as many people get turned off of sales pitches made through social media sites.

Using the analogy of farming (for some reason people like to compare business to farming), if a sales presentation is like harvesting fruit, then social marketing is like planting seeds. That is, in sales, the harder you work the greater the immediate gains. An effective sales presentation will generally result in more sales.

However social marketing is less about what you can get and more about what you can give. More information, more posts, more contacts, more referrals – all of these can lead to an increase in business over time. How much time and how much business no one can say. It can take months just for people to take notice of you. But like a farmer planting seeds, if you plant enough of them, invest the effort, and be patient, eventually you will bear the fruits of success.
____________________________________________________________
“Business Tips” are provided to help Online Wellness Association members improve their businesses. Are you a member of OWA? Do you have what it takes? To find out if you qualify for membership go to:
http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

This is Richard Blackstone and I am so happy because I am now serving you. I am helping MAx Fabry, our illustrious founder to take the “Online Wellness Association” to new heights in both member services and new membership.

We have lots of great new ideas so please stay tuned for updates coming your way.

You are invited to send your comments on how we can improve “OWA” and really serve you in generating more business and any other area you are interested in.

Plan to hear from me with new announcements and breaking news about “Online Wellness Association.”

Live in love,

Richard D. Blackstone

EARN MONEY WORKING FROM HOME
NO INVESTMENT—NO SALES!!
VERY LEGITIMATE WORK

offered by a local internet company set to grow in 2010:
http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

MINIMAL INTERNET SKILLS REQUIRED
ATTEND THIS NO OBLIGATION INFORMATION FAIR ON

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
SATURDAY, FEBRUATY 13, 9 AM to 11 AM
Eugene Abbey Bldg: 1001 Washington Street, Eugene, OR 97401

OUTSIDE OF AREA? TELESEMINAR ON “HOW TO GET STARTED” COMING SOON!!

For additional information e-mail:
maxfabry@onlinewellnessassociation.com
or call MAx Fabry 541-510-2548

-Browse through http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com to understand what ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION does. I would suggest being sure to read “Words from Our Founder”.

-If YOU have any questions, or need clarification on anything on the website, contact our OWA President at maxfabry@onlinewellnessassociation.com. OWA wants YOU to be clear about what you are selling.

-YOU actually aren’t selling anything. OWA staff members will do the selling. YOU are INTRODUCING ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION to wellness practitioners in your community.

-To be clear what a “wellness practitioner is” visit the blog entry from 5/28/09 at http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com/blog/

-INVITE wellness practitioners to browse the site, and ask if you can send their contact information to ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION. If you would like to have cards to hand out, e-mail a request to maxfabry@onlinewellnessassociation.com. Be sure to include your name, address, and phone number.

-OWA DOES NOT hard sell. But, we can offer special discounts because of YOUR referral. The OWA staff will not embarrass you in any way.

-Within a week of your referral being approved for membership, YOU WILL RECEIVE PAYMENT FOR $100.

REMEMBER there is NO LIMIT on the number of referrals you send. WE WANT TO PAY YOU TO MARKET ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION!!

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Louie

Dear Louie,
Whether we were sitting next them when they pass, or we hear about their transition well after the event, experiencing the loss of a loved one is always difficult. I suspect you may not understand the process of grieving.

As a volunteer with the Red Cross during 9-11, I realized that we are a nation that doesn’t know how to grieve. Shortly after returning from my assignment, I started having workshops to provide people the tools they need to understand this very personal human journey.

Up until the middle of the 20th century, immigrants to the US brought with them their traditions and rituals of grieving the loss of loved ones. Each culture brought with them a rich heritage that included grieving.

As a first generation American, my mother passed on the rituals of her Sicilian family. These “rules of grieving” were based on old world traditions dating back centuries. For instance, children under a certain age were not allowed to participate in the formal grieving—the viewing, the church service, and the burial—but were part of the meals and stories.

Somehow, in our evolution as a society, old world traditions and rituals are replaced with modern ideas. In these “modern times” we are a nomadic society barely held to our roots by technology. The phone system and many ways of computer communication, seems to have replaced that face-to-face renewal of family and friendship interactions.

Back in the 1950’s, Elisabeth Kublar-Ross provided Americans with a process for grieving. She presented five stages of grief that people experience: Denial, Bargaining, Anger, Sadness, and Acceptance. There is no time limit for going through the process, and you can go back and forth in how you experience each stage.

“Guilt” feelings are part of the grief and loss process and usually appear in all stages of the grief and loss process. I use to think that guilt was inherited through just my Sicilian culture. But, I now know that, in general, we are all born with the “guilt gene”.

Guilt is that part of our human conscience that sets a standard for our reality and reminds us when we are coming up short. The “standard” is our definition of what is right or wrong, good or evil. Guilt convicts us for being less then.

Guilt is positive in that it becomes the safety valve for our human condition. Guilt forces us to stop, think, and re-evaluate that standard we set for ourselves. It is probably a good idea to examine resetting our standards through each stage of life.

Louie, it sounds like you are in a stage of life where you are re-examining your standards. Guilt of loosing two friends and learning about their passing long after the event, has, maybe, forced you to examine your life, where you are now, what is important to you, and what you would want to change. This is the positive aspect of “guilt”.

This is all part of the grief and loss process. What I have learned from my clients and from participants in my workshops, is each time someone reaches the acceptance stage, they assess where they are in their life, and discover that they are better, wiser, and stronger people for allowing themselves to experience the process.

To understand more about the process of grief and loss, I still highly recommend Elisabeth Kublar-Ross’ book “On Death and Dying”. If you contact me at the information provided below, I would be honored to send you a visual of the cycle.

Remember, Louie, you are a spiritual being having a human experience. Experiencing grief is as important as experiencing joy. As with every other feeling, embrace the feeling of guilt, and listen for what it is telling you about your standards. In the end, you will be a better person for the experience.

I am sorry for your loses. I hope this insight will help you to be well on your journey.

Have a question about addiction, recovery, or life transitions such as retirement, career change, grief and loss issues, empty nesting, etc, ‘Ask MAx’. Send your questions to Lifestyle Changes, PO Box 1962, Eugene, OR 97440; or, e-mail your questions to: askmaxcolumn@yahoo.com. Learn more about MAx Fabry and read her blog at www.lifestylechangescounseling.com.

COPING STRATEGIES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

1. Redefine your holiday expectations. Allow yourself scale back on activities. Plan ahead as to where and how you will spend your time during the holidays. Tell important people in your life that this is a difficult season and let them know what they can do to help. Don’t expect people to remember or to know what to do. Plan to be with the people YOU enjoy.

SUGGESTION: Redefine your celebrations on winter: go to a mountain lodge; go Sledding or skiing, or just take a walk in the woods–time out to enjoy what nature has to offer in this season.

2. Select a candle in your loved one’s favorite color and scent. Place it in a special area of your home and light it at a significant time throughout the holidays, signifying the light of the love that lives on in your heart.

SUGGESTION: Include the deceased in your conversations and celebrations. Hang a stocking for your loved one in which people can put notes with their thoughts or feelings. Look at photographs. Once others realize that you are comfortable talking about your loved one, they can relate stories that will add to your pleasant memories.

3. Give yourself permission to express your feelings. If you feel an urge to cry, let the tears flow. Tears are healing. Scientists have found that certain brain chemicals in our tears are natural pain relievers.

SUGGESTION: (Fill in with YOUR idea)

4. Call family members or dear friends and share your feelings. If they knew him or her, consider asking them to share some memories of times they shared with your loved one.

SUGGESTION:

5. Write an “un-sent letter” to your loved one expressing what you are honestly feeling toward him or her at this moment. After you compose the letter, you may decide to place it in a book, album or drawer in your home, leave it at a memorial site, throw it away, or even burn it and let the ashes rise symbolically.

SUGGESTION:

6. If you live within driving distance of the cemetery, decorate the memorial site with a holiday theme.. Decorating the site yourself can be helpful in remembering and celebrating your loved one’s life during the holidays, and may free you to cherish the present holiday with your remaining family.

SUGGESTION:

7. Play music that is comforting and meaningful to you. Take a few moments to close your eyes and feel the music within the center of your being.

SUGGESTION:

8. Give money you would have spent for gifts for your absent loved one to a charity in your family member’s name.

SUGGESTION: Do something for others: volunteer at a soup kitchen; visit the lonely and shut-ins; ask someone who is alone to share the day with your family; provide help for a needy family; volunteer at the airport to pour coffee for stranded travelers; or offer to volunteer in a hospital on the holiday.

9. DON’T BE AFRAID TO HAVE FUN. Laughter and joy are not disrespectful. Give yourself and your family members permission to celebrate and take pleasure in the holidays.

SUGGESTION:

10. TAKE CARE OF YOU. Set priorities! Grief is exhausting Be careful with excessive use of alcohol or medications. Try to keep on a routine. Eat as well as you can, get your rest, and keep up with your exercise program. If you need some quiet time, take it. Use relaxation techniques you learn here today. Give yourself something to look forward to after the holiday.

SUGGESTION:

What I am most profoundly aware of is the resiliency of the human heart and spirit. During this time in history all of us, to some degree, are being challenged in areas of our lives, which create tremendous vulnerability and angst. How is it that some folks rise to the occasion, while others sink? It has a lot to do with resiliency, hope, courage and tremendous tenacity. Some folks are born with this internal strength, while others gain it through living life. Either way, the results are phenomenal.

I love hearing stories of hope, courage and inspiration because it reminds me that all of our stories of life are important to tell. They are especially powerful when we tell them in a way that is victorious and witnessed by others. Victorious in that, one is able to fully embrace the situation in a way that is empowering to the individual and also honors the gifts of the dilemma that are sometimes hidden.

The authors I have interviewed thus far have dealt with life threatening diseases, losses of a loved one or devastation from a divorce, to name just a few. All of them expressed the same learning’s, though in different words, that when they lifted themselves up with an open, compassionate and loving heart embracing the adversity that tore apart their world, that that is where their true gift was.

I am so grateful and deeply blessed, with not only speaking with these amazing individuals but to be part of this incredible journey of “Overcomers” overcoming adversity with hope, courage and inspiration. Thank you all for your participation and dedication to help make this a better world.

With a Grateful and Very Full Heart,
Catherine VanWetter
Inner Resolution Facilitator of Peace, Compassion, Forgiveness and Love

I am still in the process of interviewing the authors and would invite you to take the time to listen. Be ready to be inspired! http://www.blogtalkradio.com/inspirationsoftheheart

Enjoy insights into Overcoming Adversity with Grace with the FREE ebook at http://www.overcomersbook.com/grace

I also invite you to contact Tami if you are interested in being a guest on Inspirations of the Heart Radio. Tami@ToTheHeartOfTheMatter.com

Whatever one’s challenge may be, what if within that challenge was a blessing in disguise? What if, underneath the sacrifices individuals were making, there was freedom for them to follow up on the dreams they held so close to their hearts but had tucked away because of other responsibilities? What if we stopped struggling and resisting with what was happening, and instead allowed ourselves to collapse into the struggle and consent to what was happening? Would that make a difference?

Those who have surrendered and asked for divine guidance have ended up living lives that were far more expansive than they could have ever imagined. Often, we surround ourselves with so much stuff we think we need, that ironically it creates a prison for us, encumbering our movement. The beautiful home we always wanted ended up being far more time consuming than we imagined it would be. Instead of rejoicing in the luxury of having so much, often folks talk about the burden of having so much. Wishing they could close the door on all the added responsibilities and walk away.

It’s interesting to note that many folks, who have lost their jobs, when asked if they were happy with their jobs, often said that they weren’t. Once they were able to settle down enough and know that they would be OK, that’s when they saw the blessing in their challenge.

This is an invitation to you, for whatever it is that you are facing, to perhaps, slow down enough to step away from your reactivity and ask yourself these questions, “Have I always been take care of?” “Am I really happy in the current situation that I am in?” “Is there something more I would like in my life?” Listen to your deep inner knowingness. You may be very surprised with what you hear. Then you can surrender and be guided.

This article is based on the words found on page 69, Challenges and Blessings, of Catherines’s newly released book of heart whispers, “The Soul of the Heart". To review the beautiful, heart-filled pages of “The Soul of the Heart” and to listen to a section of the accompanying meditation CD visit http://TheSoulOfTheHeart.com/bookspecial

Catherine VanWetter, Inner Resolution Facilitator of peace, compassion, forgiveness and love, offers individual, family and group Inner Resolution Facilitation that invites individuals to be gentle, compassionate, and courageous as they put down their weapon of choice and step into a field of Grace. “When you can separate your “story” from the facts then you can live in deep inner peace and heal all areas of your life.”

Catherine is trained in a variety of healing techniques that can help individuals come to a place of peace within themselves.

For more information on Inner Resolution Facilitation visit http://www.totheheartofthematter.com

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Have you applied for your membership to ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION? You can do it now at http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

1. How effective do you think the Professional Directory is?
2. What do you think of the HOME page graphics, colors, text, etc?
3. In the “become a member” “apply”, what is your opinion about how the directions are given to join OWA?
4. What are your thoughts about the yearly membership fees?
5. Do you think we need to start advertising on the site? If, yes, what kind of businesses would you want to see?

Commenting on at least these five areas would help me determine the changes that need to be made in the upcoming months. Any feedback and insight is always welcome.

MAx Fabry, President/Founder, ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION. You can directly communicate with me: maxfabry@onlinewellnessassociation.com

ONLINE PREDATORS & SCAMS:
What Every Practitioner Needs to Know

A Report by OWA Member: Michael McKinley, C. Ht.

Nearly every day we hear the horror stories. Some are about predators who engage and victimize young people online. Others, show trusted counselors, who have betrayed their adult clients through fraud or exploitation. Currently, the Internet has flooded cyberspace with online practitioners preying on the unsuspecting and vulnerable person in crisis who does not know how to verify the credentials of “professionals” who advertise their services online. Who do you trust?

This is a natural consequence of our modern technological society. Therapists, counselors, and other wellness providers are now able to reach right into our living rooms by offering services online, often in communities where services are not currently available. Just as it is easy for qualified practitioners to offer services, it is easy for the unqualified, uncredentialed, or even criminal individual to attract people in an unregulated environment such as the Internet.

How can the average person know for certain whether or not an online professional has the education, experience, or credentials to provide services?

Who am I?

Read the rest of this article FREE at

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Look forward to sending you lots of money!

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

-Browse through http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com to understand what ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION does. I would suggest being sure to read “Words from Our Founder”.

-If YOU have any questions, or need clarification on anything on the website, contact our OWA President at maxfabry@onlinewellnessassociation.com. OWA wants YOU to be clear about what you are selling.

-YOU actually aren’t selling anything. OWA staff members will do the selling. YOU are INTRODUCING ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION to wellness practitioners in your community.

-To be clear what a “wellness practitioner is” visit the blog entry from 5/28/09 at http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com/blog/

-INVITE wellness practitioners to browse the site, and ask if you can send their contact information to ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION. If you would like to have cards to hand out, e-mail a request to maxfabry@onlinewellnessassociation.com. Be sure to include your name, address, and phone number.

-OWA DOES NOT hard sell. But, we can offer special discounts because of YOUR referral. The OWA staff will not embarrass you in any way.

-Within a week of your referral being approved for membership, YOU WILL RECEIVE PAYMENT FOR $100.

REMEMBER there is NO LIMIT on the number of referrals you send. WE WANT TO PAY YOU TO MARKET ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION!!

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

What sets OWA apart from other online therapy services, are the extra efforts we take to assure the professionalism of all of our practitioners. This will assure our goal of making OWA the primary resource when looking for safe and reliable therapeutic practices on the internet. Though our efforts are to utilize advanced communication technology of the internet to bring clients and practitioners together, we must take the extra time necessary to assure the qualifications and credibility of all our practitioners. Our background checks typically take about two weeks for completion.

The following list is a breakdown of our application process and requirements:
1. Personal Information: name, date of birth.
2. Contact Information: address, telephone number, e-mail, web address, webmaster contact information, business card.
3. Recent Digital Photograph: photos will be resized as needed.
4. Professional Information: title, specialty, licenses.
5. Description of Services: summarize the specific services, specialty, or focus you are offering, hours of operation, preferred method(s) of e-therapy: e-mail, i.m. (instant messaging), a.v. (audio/video), optional method(s).
6. Mini Profile: a one to three sentence description of your method/approach to the services you provide; to be placed in the OWA Directory.
7. Brief Biography: biographies may be utilized if you are chosen as Member of the Month, or for other recognition programs.
8. Copy of Credentials: copies of any licenses, certifications, degrees, required to practice professionally.
9. Four Recent Professional References: colleagues in your field who are familiar with your work, credentials, and integrity. Please notify your references that an OWA Staff Member will be contacting them for identity verification.
10. Agree to Background Check: a background check will be completed by a third party online agency. OWA will only receive communication that you have either passed your background check, or that we ‘need to discuss the findings’. OWA does not receive any of the information needed to complete this background check. Having a felony conviction does not necessarily exclude you from being a member of OWA, particularly if you are already actively working in your field. However, the following felony convictions will exclude you from membership in OWA: Pedophilia, Domestic Violence, Rape, Stalking, and Technology Related Crimes. In addition, you may also be excluded if you have lost your license based on ethical misconduct.

Learn more about becoming an ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION member and having the privilege of displaying an OWA SEAL OF APPROVAL on your site at
http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

“Health & Wellness: therapists, counselors, coaches, and guides in the health and wellness field, integrate various techniques to align mind, body, spirit, and relationships through the use of both traditional and nontraditional therapies. Cognitive and mind-body health techniques are used to achieve presence and peace of mind. Natural diet, exercise, sleep, relaxation, and prevention is emphasized to strengthen and heal the body. Spiritual connectiveness is emphasized to achieve a healthy connection with the mind, body, and external factors. Fulfilling relationships with our work, purpose of life, family, friends, and acquaintances are achieved through learning to free the ego. Achieving wellness means alleviating anxiety, drama, and disease to attain a more fulfilling and peaceful quality of life.”

Have you applied for membership with ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION? Go to

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

And, if you haven’t applied for a membership with ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION as yet, be sure to see if you are qualified to become a member at

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A RESIDENT OF PLANET EUGENE OR OREGON TO BE A MEMBER.

Event: How to Sell With Authenticity and Joy!
“A Heartfelt Conversation on Inspirations of the Heart Radio”
What: Class
Host: Inspirations of The Heart Radio
Start Time: Wednesday, August 26 at 11:00am
End Time: Wednesday, August 26 at 12:00pm
Where: Virtual (Times above are Pacific)

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=113577425838&mid=fa2725G550599f3G3f191aG7

Become an ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION member so we can help market your projects. To see if you qualify to be a member, go to

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Have you applied for your membership? Are you filling out the paperwork? Don’t forget to complete “STEP 2: Click here to
notify OWA to start process". This steps notifies the OWA Staff that you are in the paperwork stage.

For more information about membership with ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION go to:

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

How did you get started with online counseling?

“I was able to see the value of internet counseling which I have been offering clients for almost three years. When I first started, e-mail was the most efficient way of interacting with my clients in Australia and England. Then, as I started getting additional clients, I learned about online phone services that incorporated web cams; and, chat rooms for real time counseling. Somehow, in three years I had accumulated clients in Australia, England, Alaska, California, Florida, Kansas, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. These clients were all by personal referral. ‘Imagine if I actually started marketing for clients’ I thought one day. In the fall of 2005 it was time to move forward with developing a website to begin expanding my online therapy sessions. Technology had caught up to counseling online—we could now view our clients in real time. And, new generations are becoming virtual community members buying products, downloading music, seeking education—it was truly time for counseling, and other wellness practices, to move into the 21st Century.”

So, you put your private practice online first?

“That was my initial idea. Banking on my three years of internet counseling experience, I decided to embark on an on-line counseling practice. I was ready to put a website up for my own private practice: Lifestyle Changes Counseling Services. As I was doing research to register as an online counselor, I was surprised, and aghast, that there was no specific organization verifying credentials, and, no one able to assure the potential client that I am, in fact, a real counselor, with real credentials. There did not appear to be any real organization to help keep the predators away from the potential vulnerable clients, and to make the internet immediate and efficient for potential clients to chose a wellness practitioner.”

Hence, the idea of ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION?

“The idea of developing a safe platform for practitioners actually hit me in the shower the morning I decided to bag the idea of putting my practice on-line. Talk about a scary thought! I went through the pros and cons of starting a new business that I, or anyone else, had limited knowledge about: developing websites, educating why and how, marketing a virtual business, and on and on! I talked to some friends, consulted a mentor or two. After thinking about the idea for a few days, I seized the opportunity to not only move my own practice, Lifestyle Changes, into the 21st century, but to also develop a platform that would be safe for professionals to offer legitimate services, and, potential clients to find legitimate professionals. I decided I wasn’t going to do online counseling alone—I would invite the rest of the therapeutic community to join me.”

“Thus, ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION (OWA) was conceived.”

Join MAx and other wellness practitioners building a safe platform for wellness services. See if you qualify as a member at

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Learn how you can become an online therapist. Go to

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

http://totheheartofthematter.com

CATHERINE VAN WETTER is a great example of the quality of wellness practitioner ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION wants to promote. Have you applied for your membership? See if you meet the standards for membership at

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

http://www.wisdomofwellnesscenter.com

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION is proud to have DR. LAUREN SCHROEDER, of the Roseburg, Oregon WISDOM OF WELLNESS AND CHIROPRACTIC CENTER as a member.

Have you applied for membership with ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION? To learn if you qualify, go to: http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

In addition to the radio show, Keesha has a successful private practice—including long-distance counseling. Her website is dynamic: http://www.innerwisdomsway.com, please be sure to click over to learn about this extraordinary woman. “Keesha’s life purpose is to support people in making the most out of their lives no matter the circumstances or situations.” She is there to LISTEN to what you have to say via ESOTORIC CHICK TALK, local one-on-one counseling, or long distance counseling. Start to get to know more about KEESHA MAYES-WASHINGTON at

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

WELCOME DAWN AS ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION FIRST! INTERNATIONAL MEMBER.

Have you applied for your membership with ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION? Go to:

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Richard also has two books presently offered through his website: “Nuts & bolts of Spirituality: Waking Up the Sleepwalkers”, and “Seven Spiritual Laws of Golf”.
http://www.richardblackstone.com

AND, if you are not receiving Richard’s daily motivational messages, you are missing out on an extraordinary way to begin your day. Here is what everyone received this AM:
_____________________________________
CREATE ONE LOVE NOTES:
Dear MAx,

Albert Einstein told us, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.”

Live in love,
Richard D. Blackstone
www.CreateOneLove.com

Beyond the mere idea that imagination is unlimited MAx there is also this very key factor that imagination plays in your life. Anything, and I mean ANY THING, that you will someday live you have first imagined because nothing will manifest in your experience without the imagination process happening first. It is part of the rules of the game. Everything in your life starts with a thought and when you imagine that thought you give life to that thought and then it has the potential to manifest into your life experience. No desire will ever manifest unless you have first imagined it. Okay, now you have the simple tool to create your life the way you truly want it to be. Imagine that.

Richard D. Blackstone
CREATE ONE LOVE
84820 Cloverdale Road
Creswell, OR 97426
www.RichardBlackstone.com

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION welcomes RICHARD BLACKSTONE as one of its newest members. WELCOME ABOARD, RICHARD!!!

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Dr. Mark Willenbring, director of the Treatment and Recovery Research Division at the national Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism., recently wrote an article for ADDICTION PROFESSIONAL magazine (Sept/Oct 2008` Vol 6 No 5, page 12) suggesting that a fundamental change needed to be done to redefine alcohol treatment. Among the topics of this article were who, and who did not receive specialty addiction treatment and why; continuum of need, and structural barriers. One of his suggestions was for expanding the elements of the continuum of need and care. Dr. Willenbring said “Since no one behavioral approach has better overall outcomes than others, clients should have a choice of available, effective treatment…Because most people in need of specialty treatment have chronic, relapsing dependence as well as co-existing physical mental disorders, specialty addiction treatment should seamlessly integrate addiction, primary medical, and psychiatric treatments” Dr. Willenbring is just one voice of many addiction experts calling for addiction specialists to step out of the traditional box of treatment and come up with new approaches.

I have recently launched the HEALTHY HEALING ADDICTION TREATMENT PROGRAM, a comprehensive, multidimensional alternative holistic counseling/coach approach to healing from addiction on an individual basis. This approach addresses the three dimensions necessary for individual healing: physical, emotional, and spiritual. Methods used include, but not limited to, cognitive behavioral modification, rational therapy, family systems, and, rational behavioral emotive therapy, along with an array of alternative approaches. Healthy Healing guides the clients from active chronic addiction/relapse to sobriety, into a maintenance recovery, to ongoing healing. This is an integrated services model that requires the client to make a minimum of one-year commitment to the program. Healthy Healing would be considered an intensive-intensive-outpatient program. This program was developed to address the needs of individuals who meet the ASAM criteria for residential care, but are unwilling, or unable, to commit to a residential program. This concept meets the client at their willingness level.

The HEALTHY HEALING PROGRAM blends elements of the traditional 12-step approach, with approaches specific to individual need. For instance, using cognitive-behavioral therapy counselor and client work together to understand addiction and explore spirituality; steps one and two in the 12-step program. Another example is the phrase often used in 12-step “one day at a time”; the counselor may work with the client using “The Power of Now” to learn to live life in the “now”.

As Dr. Willenbring pointed out at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, “Since no one behavioral approach has better overall outcomes than others, clients should have a choice of available, effective treatments.”

The HEALTHY HEALING ADDICTION TREATMENT PROGRAM offers a viable alternative to traditional addiction treatment. Learn more about me, MAx Fabry, and this program at:

http://www.lifestylechangescounseling.com

MAx Fabry is also the founder and pioneer member of ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION. Read “Words from our Founder” and view her Professional Directory at: http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

1. INTRODUCE ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION to wellness practitioners in your community. A WELLNESS PRACTITIONER is anyone legitimately contributing to the healing of another’s mind, body, or spirit. Can include, but not limited to: counselors, therapists, psychiatrists, massage therapist, EFT Practitioners, Journey Practitioners, life coaches. Just INVITE any of these people to browse through the website at: http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

2. ASK if you can pass their contact information to ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION so that we can contact them directly to answer questions. Please know that we do not do hard selling. OWA speaks for itself. We know that not everyone will be interested, and, not everyone will meet the standards. See the standards at:

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com/index.php?v=member

3. PAYMENT TO YOU of $100 is made upon the referral being approved for membership. There is no limit to number of referrals you send us. Our staff will work to get the approvals as quickly as possible.

If you have any questions about this campaign, please contact me, MAx Fabry, OWA President, at maxfabry@onlinewellnessassociation.com. Please put MARKETING CAMPAIGN in the “subject".

Feedback and suggestions for our site are welcome. Browse at

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Have you applied for membership to ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION? Go to

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

http://www.kathleengage.com

WELCOME: KATHLEEN GAGE.

Have you applied to become part of this rapidly growing association? Apply now at:

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Research has suggested that up to 60 percent of depression sufferers also experience an anxiety disorder.

Depression and anxiety are two common emotions, causing suffering and feelings of inferiority, despair and worse. Our society today is experiencing an epidemic of stress, anxiety and depression. Some in the medical profession will say most of the population is experiencing some degree of post-traumatic stress disorder!

Imagine feeling drained of initiative and overwhelmed with constant feelings of dread, worry and concerns about the future. This can lead to physical ailments, lower quality of life, and generally intolerable life situations.

Depression, Anxiety, or Both?

Depression may cause an anxiety disorder, or having an anxiety order may cause depression. If you have both, you may need treatment, such as medication or counseling, or a combination of both. Treatments for depression sometimes provide relief of anxiety also.

Some activities or changes to help with depression and anxiety are:

• Relaxation techniques such as hypnosis, meditation, or sound therapy.
• Routine Physical Activity
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol and drugs
• Eat smaller healthy meals at regular times throughout the day to stabilize blood sugar levels (and avoid sweet foods)

About Anxiety

Everyone experiences anxiety during their lifetime. It’s when a person has ongoing anxiety that they may be diagnosed with an “anxiety disorder.” Anxiety disorders include panic attacks, phobias, PTSD and more.

You know you have anxiety when you feel fear, helplessness, panic, think something bad may happen, and/or actual physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sudden sweating or flushing and other symptoms [link].

If you have recurring panic attacks, you may be diagnosed with “panic disorder.” There are more criteria beyond the physical/mental state known to you as a panic attack, in order to be diagnosed with panic disorder. Always check with a medical professional if you think you have a panic disorder.

About Depression

You may have depression when a collection of the following (non-exhaustive) set of symptoms is present:

• Constant feelings of sadness
• Feeling tired
• Being irritable
• Difficulty sleeping
• You are no longer interested in activities you used to enjoy
• Thoughts of death including suicide

(ed. Note: this article, and this website, are not meant to replace consultation with your medical care provider. This article is presented as informational only, and we do not diagnose or treat any disease. If you believe you suffer from anxiety or depression, we recommend you consult with your doctor.)

Natural Treatment for Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression

There is a large body of work concerning how individuals suffering from Anxiety and Depression can help themselves overcome these debilitating afflictions. Behavioral therapies have been written about that “walk you through” activates and exercises designed to lead you to a solution to your problem, at your pace and in your way.

Much of this new research assumes that your problems come from feelings and thoughts, conscious and unconscious, that lead to behavior and actions and other thoughts that are unhealthy or unwanted.

If our thoughts and feelings affect our actions, can’t the formula work in the other direction? Can our behavior affect our feelings, moods, and thoughts? Of course it can!

Try this – sitting in a chair, slump over, look at the floor for a moment. How does your body feel, what are you thinking? Now, sit up straight, take a deep full breath in through your nose, exhale through your mouth, and look straight ahead, or even up a little bit. Do you notice a difference in your thoughts, or how your body feels? Which felt better?

Exercise and Anxiety and Depression

It’s been shown that exercise can ease symptoms of depression and anxiety, even a little exercise.

“It’s not a magic bullet, but increasing physical activity is a positive and active strategy to help manage depression and anxiety,” says Kristin Vickers-Douglas, Ph.D., a psychologist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

Scientists don’t completely understand how exercise reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety. There is evidence showing that exercise raises levels of some mood-enhancing neurotransmitters, can increase “feel-good” endorphins (cause of runners high) and releases muscle tension. Regular exercise helps you sleep better, reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and has other calming effects.

In Conclusion

Anxiety and depression, when they occur together, are difficult to cope with. There is much help available, and there are others who have come before you and beat them both. Taking those first steps to helping yourself in and of itself can be a great confidence booster. Small successes can lead to bigger ones.

Exercise and diet, which have been shown to help, can be used to ease your symptoms of anxiety and depression. Consult with your doctor, find a dietitian, read a book, and take some action. Explore the possibilities of what is available to you and begin. Doing something positive for yourself is a healthy strategy. Begin today!

———-
This article is intended only to provide general information and is not intended as an exhaustive source of information for the topics discussed. This article does not replace your relationship with any health care professional you are consulting with or consult with in the future.
———-
Dan DeLuca, CH, is a Certified Consulting Hypnotherapist, Author, and Coach in the fields of Life-Health Coaching, Motivation and Communication. Since 2005, Dan has been practicing Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Hypnosis, TimeLine Therapy and other life-changing modalities.

He is a member of the Association for Integrative Psychology, The National Guild of Hypnotists, and the American Board of Hypnotherapy.

His website is http://www.panicsolutions.info

-Prepare your teenager for adulthood
-Connect with your adolescent
-Avoid power struggles
-Set clear limits and follow through with them
-Learn how adolescent brains are changing
-Increase respect in your relationship with your teen

Cost of the six classes is $189–second parent attends for half price. The next class is now open for registration in the Lane County, Oregon area. If you would like additional information regarding these classes, register for the upcoming class, or schedule a class series in your area, contact Jamie Guyn at 541-510-3089; or, e-mail: jamie@strongfamilieseugene.com.

Learn more about Jamie Guyn, her private practice, and her classess/workshops at

http://www.strongfamilieseugene.com

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION is proud to support our members. Have you applied for membership? Go to:

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION is proud to support our members. For additional member events, be sure to visit http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com/events/.

Become a member so OWA can promote YOU: http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

The contact information for each of our ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION MEMBERS is displayed in their directory listing with contact information. You can link directly to their website by clicking their web address. Look for the OWA SEAL OF APPROVAL on their site.

If you know of a wellness practitioner that is not yet an ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION member, send them an e-mail to encourage their membership. “CC” me at maxfabry@onlinewellnessassociation.com; if they are approved for membership, you will receive $100!

To learn more about membership go to:

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION is the solution to your security concerns. We have the highest standards for professionals to display our Seal ontheir website. You can be confident that OWA has conducted a thorough examination of that professional’s background, credentials, and references.

View the ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY at:
http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

The Seal is intended to be modeled after the “Good Housekeeping Seal” you see on the label of household products. When you see it, it means that the product has been tested for both safety and effectiveness. Similarly, the OWA Seal indicates that the professional who displays it on their site is a legitimate, qualified, and certified practitioner offering wellness services.

Only wellness professionals that have met the criteria for membership with ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION can display this SEAL on their website.

See if you meet the criteria at:

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Have you become a member of ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION yet? Go to http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com to ‘become a member’; ‘apply’ now.

Become a member of ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION to learn more about 21st Century counseling.

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

It’s interesting, how we think we know who each of us are. We can put on a mask or masks and pretend to the world that all is well. Yet, that imposter part of us will often wake us up in middle of the night, crying out to be released and healed. Either way, that part will eventually get our attention. It will show up as broken relationships, a loss of a job, a death or an addiction. It will get your attention in the area that you are most vulnerable to. The question is, when that happens, how will you process it? Will you take the stance of a victim, or will you become the victor?

As a nation, we are all, in some ways being called to look at areas in our life where we are wearing a mask that may no longer be serving us. This reality can be painful and a bit frightening especially if we have been living it for a long time.

In my own life, I am going through a shift in my financial arena. For years, I have had the opportunity to live a life full of travels, luxuries and little worry about money. The mask I wore, was one of being cavalry with how money came to me so easily and effortlessly. My steady source of income came from an inheritance. Now due to a variety of circumstances, that is dwindling and I find myself at times in a place of fear and anxiety, wondering if I can support myself. It’s interesting how life has a way of keeping us humble. What I am dealing with is what so many folks have dealt with for years. My life lesson now is to learn to trust my inner most ability and to heal that part deep within that feels helpless and hopeless. So how does one start?

For myself, I have found that taking a personal inventory of my life has been a helpful way to begin removing my mask. This period of transition can be a time of tremendous growth and self-awareness, especially if one is able to befriend their inner critic. This inner critic is that part of our self that finds fault with decisions that were made in the past that may have contributed to the current situation. To be able to look at all areas of our life with a compassionate eye and an acute awareness enables us to look for solutions that create options.

Being gentle with our self is a wonderful way to allow deep healing to occur, as we gently remove the mask that we have worn for years. Removing it may create some discomfort because of feeling emotionally vulnerable. Yet, if we can remind our self continuously, that at any given moment we are all doing the very best that we can, helps ease the discomfort. It may be true that perhaps different decisions could have been made yet it is a mote point to beat our selves up for what happened in the past.

The way to change course is to become aware of how we want our lives to look. Begin setting realistic goals that include action steps that begin moving you toward your ideal life.

As a way to quiet your mind and ease anxiety, practice sitting in stillness everyday. Begin to notice when anxiety builds and take time to breathe and return to a state of balance. With practice, you will notice when you are out of balance. Each time you notice, come back to your breath and back to yourself. Everyday, consciously take one action step in the direction you want to go. If this is done daily, there will be huge shifts. Remember that the mind moves much quicker than the physical world. It took a while to get to where you are in your life and it will take a while to shift it. Practice patience and perseverance.

Finally, remind your self that this process is all part of a continuous journey that has no end. It’s how we show up in the moments of our life. These choice points help determine the direction in which we are going. Remaining flexible and open hearted to possibilities is the best way to fully embrace this journey we call Life.

As we continue on this path, we will find many fellow travelers who are also learning to find their way during this period of transition. Together, we can offer support and guidance to one another knowing that we are not alone and that our connections with each other will never be broken.

Catherine VanWetter offers you Personal Peace Through the Understanding of Inner Resolution. Trained in a variety of healing techniques that help people find Inner Peace, she invites you to be gentle, compassionate, and courageous as you put down your weapon of choice and step into a field of Grace. Additional information on this and similar topics are available at Catherine’s website, blog and radio program. Catherine invites you to a complimentary copy of her Morning Meditation, Welcoming A New Day. All may be found at http://www.ToTheHeartOfTheMatter.com.

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Within each of us there is a part of our character that gives us the strength to stand up in this world. The part that is often referred to resiliency giving us the ability to survive various life circumstances that are difficult to manage at times. I have the pleasure of working with individuals who seek my counsel when the challenges they are facing are too much to bear. Together we explore the depth of their inner core and find the resiliency that is often hidden deep within them.

I have found, that the folks who are the most resilient, are the ones who have been raised in a family full of turmoil that ranged from trauma, abuse, abandonment and addiction. The impact on the individual was felt on an emotional, mental, physical and/or spiritual level. The way the individual, who was victim to these circumstances, often survived was by adopting various coping mechanisms into their lives in order to handle their pain.

When I work with an individual, I am working within their family system, the invisible dynamics that they were born into. It’s fascinating how family systems pass on burdens, beliefs, secrets, strengths and unresolved issues. Often these different components of a family system continue to perpetuate throughout the generations until someone within the system wants to live a different way. For instance, if there is a history of abuse and someone within the system goes into recovery, it can cause a rife in the system because someone has gone against the “normalcy” of what the collective conscience may have carried for generations. By getting “better” it often creates a shift in how the system operates. It takes a courageous individual to claim their independence by going against the norm that may have been happening for many generations.

Through a process of deep forgiveness and consenting to what is, enables an individual to become aware of how clever and resilient they were in coming up with ways to survive in their family. Through this process of resolution they are often able to look at themselves with compassion and tenderness.

To survive and resolve deep seeded trauma, takes the courage of a warrior. I reference the “warrior”, as that part of our self that learns to survive in an environment that may be hostile to the tender of heart. The tender and sensitive one’s learned to survive by incorporating defense mechanisms such as addiction, depression, anxiety or shutting down. Through a process of surrender, an individual can learn to embrace that part, the warrior, as being the protector of them. I use metaphors, or pictures as illustrated in fairy tales, to honor that part that learned ways to survive in difficult, sometimes life threatening situations.

I remember working with a woman who was dealing with weight issues as a way to protect her tender heart and childlike being. She was raised in a family that was alcoholic and abusive. At a very early age, she was expected to pay her own rent and buy her own food. She learned early on, that to show any kind of vulnerability would be a threat to her survival. Over the years she “padded” herself with weight and addictions. In desperation, she made an appointment to meet with me. During our first visit, I established a relationship with her. With her permission, I guided her into deep relaxation and suggested that she honor that warrior part of herself that put on weight and carried addiction as a shield. I invited her to bow deeply to her warrior self, who gallantly served and protected her from harms way, letting that part know that the war was over. She began to cry, as if a part of her was being released from an imprisonment. Over the next few weeks, she began losing weight and her addiction lost its grip on her.

This individual and many others are a reminder to me, that if we can bow deeply to that part of our self that learned to shield us from the traumas of life, we can release it and move forward.

I am of the belief that everything we carry as a habit, addiction or character defect, is our inner warrior serving and protecting us. Sometimes though, our warrior forgets that the war is truly over and that it is time to put down the sword and walk in peace. With curiosity, I invite you to notice your warrior self and explore the possibility that perhaps the war you have been fighting is over. With the gentleness of heart, give your warrior permission to lie down and rest. This may be the greatest gift you can ever give to yourself.

Catherine VanWetter is a Holistic Family Healing Practitioner trained in a variety of healing techniques that help people find Inner Peace Through Generational Family Healing. She invites you to be gentle, compassionate, and courageous as you put down your weapon of choice and step into a field of Grace. Additional information on this and similar topics are available at Catherine’s website, blog and radio program “Inspirations of the Heart". Catherine invites you to a complimentary copy of her Morning Meditation, Welcoming A New Day. All may be found at http://www.ToTheHeartOfTheMatter.com.

-Invite the wellness practitioner to browse through the OWA website
-Get permission to pass their information to OWA
-OWA staff will contact them to answer questions about membership
–when they are approved YOU RECEIVE $100!!!

There is no limit to the number of people that YOU can refer. Just invite a wellness practitioner that YOU know to look at the site, send info to OWA, upon approval YOU get $100!!

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION wants YOU to EARN MONEY!

Send YOUR contact information along with your first referrals to:
maxfabry@onlinewellnessassociation.com

OWA appreciates the referrals that have come in to date. Thank you!

Learn more about ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION at:

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

The Online Wellness Association’s Seal of Approval is an indicator of authenticity between practitioner and client. This is part of OWA’s Mission Statement. OWA’s goal is to assure any potential client that visits the site of a wellness practitioner that this person is who they say they are, is certified to practice the services being offered and is “In good standing with OWA”. A simple click of this seal displayed on a practitioners website will instantly verify these requirements have been fulfilled to practice safely online. If the Seal of Approval does not click through to the OWA Website confirming the practitioners official certification, then they are not an OWA Professional Member endorsed by the Online Wellness Association.

Have you applied for the OWA SEAL OF APPROVAL on your site?
Can you meet the requirements for membership with ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION?
Learn more, go to:

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

ANNOUNCING AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO ADDICTION TREATMENT: HEALTHY HEALING ADDICTION TREATMENT PROGRAM

The HEALTHY HEALING ADDICTION TREATMENT PROGRAM is a comprehensive, multidimensional alternative counseling/coach approach to healing from addiction on an individual basis. This is an outpatient program that requires the client and family to make a minimum of one-year commitment to the program.

Learn more about this new program at: http://www.lifestylechangescounseling.com

Have you applied for membership with Online Wellness Association? Go to:
https://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com/index.php?v=requirementssub

Join Online Wellness Association now at:
http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Membership application is open to ALL wellness practitioners meeting the standards and criteria of OWA.

In order to begin to eliminate your panic, it’s critical for you to know what causes panic attacks. When you know what causes a panic attack, you can be ready and alert to the signs and symptoms. Awareness is the first step to devising any kind of change, for if you are not aware, then you can’t change it.

What Is A Panic Attack?

A panic attack is an unexpected flow of severe, overwhelming anxiety and fear. Your heart may pound or it becomes difficult to breathe. You feel dizzy and sick to your stomach. You may even think like you’re dying or going crazy. And the worst part of it is that panic attacks may occur any time, anyplace, unpredictably!

Panic is a Body-Mind Process

Although the exact causes of panic attacks and panic disorders are not well known, both the mind and the body are involved in causing panic disorders.

Stressful life changes such as getting married, having children, entering the job market, etc. may cause panic attacks. The death of a loved one, a divorce, or job loss can also trigger panic attacks.

Panic attacks may have physiological roots. Some research suggests the tendency to have panic attacks may be partially genetic, and research with twins have shown the possibility of inheriting the panic disorder.

There also appears to be a connection with coming down with major illnesses and having panic attacks. An increase in the frequency of panic attacks has been found in some women when they are pregnant.

Possible Physiological Causes of Panic Attacks

If you’re noticing symptoms of panic , it’s wise to see a doctor to eliminate the following physiological conditions as potential causes of panic attacks:

* Mitral valve prolapse, a minor cardiac problem that occurs when one of the heart’s valves doesn’t close properly
* Hyperthyroidism
* Hypoglycemia
* Stimulant use (amphetamines, cocaine, caffeine)
* Medication withdrawal

Other Known Causes

The following non-exhaustive list of what causes panic attacks is here for your reference.

* Adjustment disorder
* Agoraphobia
* Amphetamine abuse
* Anxiety disorders - certain other types of anxiety disorders can lead to panic attacks:
* Chemical poisoning - Jet Fuel-4
* Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
* Cocaine overdose
* Ecstasy withdrawal
* Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
* Hyperventilation
* Inborn amino acid metabolism disorder
* Marijuana abuse
* Marijuana overdose
* Myoclonic dystonia
* Obsessive-compulsive disorder
* Panic disorder
* Panic disorder with agoraphobia [link]
* Panic disorder without agoraphobia
* Post-traumatic stress disorder
* Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
* Rett’s syndrome
* Separation anxiety disorder
* Social phobia (affects over 10 million Americans)
* Specific phobias
* Stress
* Substance-induced anxiety disorder

Medications acknowledged to cause Panic Attacks

* Cannabis
* Catovit
* Charas
* Ecstasy
* Hash
* Marijuana
* Mazindol
* Prolintane
* Sanorex

These causes of panic attacks affect over 1 million Americans:

* Agoraphobia - panic attacks
* Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis - panic attacks
* Obsessive-compulsive disorder
* Panic disorder - Panic attacks
* Post-traumatic stress disorder

If you have a panic disorder, without treatment, you may develop a fear of having panic attacks! This often actually causes a panic attack and the cycle begins. Often, the sufferer of panic will persuade himself/herself so zealously that they are dying that many feel the need to obtain emergency treatment.

Summary

There are many potential causes of your panic attacks, ranging from stress to life changes to substance abuse and side effects of medication. When panic attacks recur, the sufferer may actually become afraid of having another attack that you will cause one, creating a debilitating cycle.

By knowing the potential causes of panic and panic attacks, you can better control your environment and your state of mind, helping you avoid the situations that cause panic in you.

—–
This article is intended only to provide general information and is not intended as an exhaustive source of information for the topics discussed. This article does not replace your relationship with any health care professional you are consulting with or consult with in the future.

———-
Dan DeLuca, CH, is a Certified Consulting Hypnotherapist, Author, and Coach in the fields of Life-Health Coaching, Motivation and Communication. Since 2005, Dan has been practicing Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Hypnosis, TimeLine Therapy and other life-changing modalities.

He is a member of the Association for Integrative Psychology, The National Guild of Hypnotists, and the American Board of Hypnotherapy.

His website is http://www.panicsolutions.info

INTUITION:YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND:THE ULTIMATE TOOL FOR SUCCESS!

WHAT IS INTUITION?
It is a direct knowledge or awareness, with or without conscious attention or reasoning. It is a knowing feeling in the pit of your stomach, a gut feeling, an instinct. I call it drawing on “accumulated knowledge from the past, present or future.”

We are all born with this wonder tool. Successful people trust their intuition and use it in both their personal and professional lives.

Understanding and trusting your intuition can help you analyze situations and make decisions. For instance, it can help you know when to call someone’s bluff, know when someone is telling the truth or know if a sale can be made.

Here are some exercises that will help you develop your intuition and use it more effectively.

-When making a decision, first list all of the logical (left brain) solutions and the reasoning behind them. Writing things down helps to solidify the rationale. The why! As you write them down, visualize each solution (right brain) and be aware of your stomach or solar plexus. When you consider each one, how & where does it register ? FIRST CHECK YOUR BODY FEELINGS. Note if there is any anxiety, fear or other feelings.

-When you meet someone, have you noticed that you feel comfortable with some people immediately? You are sensitive to them because they are on the same wave length. (PAST LIFETIMES PERHAPS?) You can put more people on your wave length by matching their body energy and pacing your movements to theirs.

-To project what a person might do or how a situation could change, use brainstorming or mindmapping. Allow 15 minutes and without stopping, write down all of your ideas (no matter how insignificant).

-Act as if you are radar sensitive and can tune in on people (with their permission) and situations. Practice feeling in synch with another person, as if you are 100% aware of their thoughts. Match their energy. Be aware of the reaction in your solar plexus, then identify those feelings about the person: trustworthy, loving, judgmental, sneaky, tidy, organized, etc. Confirm this by trusting that your opinion is valid.

-Practice reading people’s behavior patterns-shifting eyes, set jaws, higher pitch in the voice or nervous cough.

-Act as if you are a magnet. Draw positive and supportive people to you. Draw financial support. Draw all the success you desire.

Judith Conrad, A Coach for All Reasons
Internet Radio-Live call-in www.bbsradio.com Thursdays 7pm
Comcast Channel 29 Live call-in Mondays 7pm
www.mountshastamagic.com
conrad3198@comcast.net 541-844-1799

This has been an incredible journey and I have met many wonderful people.

An ebook of inspirational tips from all authors is available complimentary at http://overcomersinc.com/ Please comment back your thoughts on my tip!

The book will be available in October!

I invite you to join me on my new radio show “Inspirations Of The Heart Radio” where I will have the opportunity to share many of the wonderful author’s stories. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/inspirationsoftheheart

You may also hear all previously recorded shows (including MAx) on my Radio Blog. http://totheheartofthematter.com/inspirations-of-the-heart.html

With a Grateful and Full Heart,
Catherine

We are all born into a family that has a collective conscience, or soul. And with that come both blessings and circumstances, or fate that we carry from generation to generation. Unless there is resolution with the circumstance or burden it will continue to be pasted on from one generation to another. It’s similar to the adage that history repeats itself unless resolved and healed.

Hellinger lived with the Zulu’s in South Africa for 20 years or so. Here he learned the importance of honoring those who came before us, our ancestors and believed that the “peace of the dead is dependent on the living and that the wellness of the living is dependent on the dead.” That is, if one wants to live an unencumbered life, it is imperative that the pain of the past, which can trickle down from one generation to the other is resolved in order for one to live a live that is truly theirs.

When Hellinger returned to Germany, he became a psychotherapist and discovered that more than 70% of the issues that his clients suffered from were not due to psychological reasons, rather systemic ones. Specifically, from their family of origin which included many generations. As he worked with folks, he came to discover the Orders of Love of which there are four. When we speak of orders, it is the natural phenomenon that occurs throughout the invisible dynamics known as the quantum field or “The Field”. An example of a phenomenon is when we enter the fall, it is natural for the leaves to turn color and fall to the ground. This is a natural order that occurs year after year. For more information on this subject, refer to Rupert Sheldrake’s work. (sheldrake.org)

The first Order of Love is that everyone within a family system has the right to belong and those who have been excluded need to be re-included into the family for the health and well being of everyone within the family. I am sure that many of us can think of someone within our own family who has become the “black sheep” or the outcast.
Because systems are always striving for balance, if someone has been excluded, the system will find a way to recalibrate or rebalance itself. From the perspective of a soul, an injustice has been done. So the injustice will be corrected.

An example of this is if a person in the family is adopted out and is not remembered. Or if someone dies and is not remembered. That is considered an injustice and someone within the family will remember and carry that injustice. Some ways that it may show up in a person is in the form of addiction, depression, pervasive anxiety or disease. This is done on an unconscious level and often the person carrying it has no idea why they are experiencing these symptoms.

The second Order of Love is that those who have sacrificed themselves for their families need to be honored in order for the health and well being of the family. This is fascinating because those who sacrifice themselves for their families do it on an unconscious level. Much like the other orders.

An example of this would be if a child takes on the abuse that a parent may have been experiencing. In the magical thinking of the child it’s as if they are saying, “better me mom or better me dad than you.” Children sacrifice themselves for their parents. We can see this as we look at some family systems that have chronic addiction or abuse running though the generations. Unless resolved and unless honored it will continue to perpetuate itself.

The third Order of Love is that everyone has their place within their family. Sometimes, due to a variety of circumstances, parents are not able to be the parents they may strive to be, so their children become the surrogate parent or become “parentified”. Meaning they become the parent and the parent almost becomes the child. It’s as if they don’t have the backbone to standup as a parent.

When I work with folks, I am able to envision where their place was in their family because of the way they describe their relationship with their parents both as they were growing up and how they live their lives as adults. Often these folks will talk in ways that are disrespectful of their parents and they may show some signs of arrogance. Part of the beauty of this work is that when an individual knows where their place is, they can take it, and receive that greatest gift that a parent could give a child, which is the gift of life. Through this systems work, taking this gift and giving back what isn’t theirs to carry will free them up to live a very fulfilled life. Being trained as a therapist, I have worked with folks who may have moved thousands of miles away from their families or emotionally shut them out, and complain that they were not given what they felt they should have been given growing up. While I fully acknowledge that many folks within families have been poorly treated, if a victim, in this case a child can have compassion for the perpetrator or the parent, realizing that they too had been victimized, it can facilitate deep healing for everyone within the system. It is an amazing process of profound healing on an emotional, physical and spiritual level of everyone within the system.

The fourth Order of Love is that there is the equal give and take of energy, also known as reciprocity. In a couple’s relationship, if one gives in a loving conscious way the other reciprocates by back in a loving conscious way.

When harm is done to the other, it will also be reciprocated or balanced, for example, lets say that one of the partner’s goes out and buys a brand new car without talking it over with the other partner. A wrong has been done and will be corrected because of the system finding balance. Again this is done unconsciously or on the soul level. The give and take between a parent and their child is the parent’s responsibility to give love to the child and the responsibility of the child to receive that love. When the child grows up and has children of their own, then they give back to give to their own children. If the child has no children, then they give back to society in the form of service.

In some families, the parents tell the children things that are not for them to hear, such as any discord in their relationship. It is not a child’s place to hear what is going on between their parents, and must stop in order for the health and well being of the family.

I have had the honor of working with this approach to family system therapy for close to 10 years. I love how deep resolution can come about within families that have carried so much grief and emotional trauma. The process of this work is beautiful and continuously keeps me in a state of humility and compassion. I have been told by many that this approach to healing one’s self and ultimately their family have enabled them to stop suffering and come back home to their families.

What I have learned, is if we disconnect ourselves from our families, we disconnect from ourselves. Whether we like it or not, we are our fathers, our mothers, our grandparents and all of those who came before us. We are their energetic signature that has been passed on for generations. When we can fully take the life and love that we were given, we have received our greatest gift. Giving back what is not ours to carry, we free ourselves to live a joyful life full of infinite possibilities. As we heal ourselves from the wounds that we have carried deep inside of us, it enables us to look out into the world with compassionate eyes and an open heart. All of us to some extent did not get what we needed from our families. Coming from a place of compassion we are able to see that our parents were doing the best that they could do with what they may have been carrying.

Taking our fathers and mothers, exactly as they are, enable us to look kindly upon ourselves leading to self-empowerment and self-healing. It is time to put down our swords and move forward into peace.

Catherine VanWetter is a Holistic Family Healing Practitioner trained in a variety of healing techniques that help people find peace within themselves. She invites you to be gentle, compassionate, and courageous as you put down your weapon of choice and step into a field of Grace.

Catherine invites you to a free copy of her Morning Meditation, Welcoming A New Day, http://www.ToTheHeartOfTheMatter.com.

For additional articles on this topic visit Catherine’s blog: http://totheheartofthematter.com/blog.html

Interact with Catherine: Twitter: @SouloftheHeart Facebook: Catherine VanWetter

Check out her Radio Show - Inspirations of the Heart Radio http://totheheartofthematter.com/inspirations-of-the-heart.html

Keesha’s bio on site says “Just like most of us, Keesha is a certified graduate of the School of Hard Knocks. Growing up in foster care and group homes most of her childhood. She also struggled most of her adult life with homelessness, abusive relationships and staying healthy despite her diagnosis of Systemic Lupus. ‘Whether we acknowledge it or not, we all have choices, and I choose happiness, every time!’ says Keesha.

Keesha has always been known as being spiritually insightful. Even as a child, her ability to follow her inner guidance and instinctively understand spiritual truths has astounded those who know her. The core of all of her work has been using her talents and skills as a conduit for Divine spirit to communities and individuals giving them the opportunity to tap into their ‘God Spark.’”

Learn more about Keesha by visiting her INNER WISDOMS WAY website at
http://www.innerwisdomsway.com. AND, be sure to catch her blog radio show, Esoteric Chick Radio, at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/echickradio

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION is proud to promote this exceptional member. ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION strives to promote our members whenever we can. Have you applied for membership? If not, apply now @ http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com/index.php?v=requirementssub.

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION welcomes wellness practitioner/counselor DAWN LABARRE.

Part of what keeps us alive is our ability to feel fear. Everyone experiences anxiety or feels panicky from time to time: the shaky knees, the pounding heart, shortness of breath, your mind going a million miles an hour! In fact, we are made with a kind of built-in alarm system that brings all of our mental attention and physical resources to focus on the face of danger — what’s known as the fight or flight response.

About Anxiety and Panic

Over 30 years of scientific research into severe anxiety disorders and panic attacks has established that all anxiety has a real, physiological cause. However, anxiety is really an interaction of both emotions and physiology. Most early psychologists viewed anxiety as purely emotional: the outward sign of repressed negative feelings and inner conflict. We now know this is not correct.
This means that there is a lot you can do to reduce or eliminate anxiety! Anxiety symptoms that were once dismissed as character flaws (think of the terms “worry wart”, “head case” and “control freak”) are not feelings you just have to live with or medicate when they get too severe for you to function. Your thoughts affect your feelings! By changing your thinking, you can change how you feel!

The Physiology of Anxiety and Panic

The limbic system, which is the part of the brain responsible for orchestrating our emotions, including the fight or flight response, relies on a complicated interaction between neural transmitters and hormones that regulate the body and mind to prepare you to deal with any perceived enemy or danger.

So it’s natural to occasionally feel anxiety or threatened, sometimes even useful. If you are standing in the middle of the road and saw a bus coming, you’d want that fight or flight response to kick in immediately, wouldn’t you?

What’s not natural is to feel afraid, worried or upset without any concrete cause. Like our immune response, our fight or flight response is meant to click into action in the face of danger. And then once the danger is past the fight or flight response fades away, gets turned off. However, today in the modern time, too many of us never get to relax: our minds are always on high alert, with the physical response that goes along with being on high alert.
It may seem like there’s an outbreak of anxiety. Statistics show that millions of American adults and children self-report on a variety of anxiety disorders. And remember these are only people that report. How many others are not reporting them? Are you one of them? You may feel reluctant or ashamed to admit that you’re suffering from panic or anxiety.

Natural Ways to Relief From Anxiety and Panic

Do you want to know some ways that you can begin to fight anxiety? Please visit my site panicsolutions.info. The Panic Solutions site focuses on natural ways to cure anxiety and panic. There is lots of information and techniques. We also review several well-known panic relief products, such as the Panic Away program, The Panic Puzzle, Easy Calm, The Linden Method, and others. You can sign up for my free series of articles on anxiety and panic there as well.

Dan DeLuca is the President of World Tree, Incorporated. He is a Certified Hypnotherapist, Trainer and Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Author, and Speaker in the fields of Personal Growth, Motivation and Communication, and is a member of the Association for Integrative Psychology, The National Guild of Hypnotists, The American Board of Hypnotherapy and The Online Wellness Association.

His website is www.worldtreetraining.com and www.panicsolutions.info
Follow him on Twitter

Send YOUR contact information along with your first referrals to:
maxfabry@onlinewellnessassociation.com

ENTER, PAMELA COURNOYER, CEO of Communicate with Class, and ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION’S new SPOTLIGHT THERAPIST. Pamela has a background as a Professional Trainer, Coach and Facilitator. She has experience coaching groups in challenging locations such as Kosovo; but, can also be found sitting around someone’s table teaching people the fine art of communication.

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION recognizes the importance of healthy communication to help people heal from whatever their circumstance. We are proud to have PAMELA COURNOYER as our first official communication coach. IMAGINE: Workers effectively communicating at all levels. IMAGINE: Husbands and wives clearly understanding each other. JUST IMAGINE: Having on-going dialogue with your children and other family members.

CONGRATULATIONS to PAMELA COURNOYER for being this month’s SPOTLIGHT THERAPIST.

Get to know PAMELA COURNOYER, and learn how her services can help you, your employees, your family, your friends, better communicators at
http://www.communicationwithclass.com

Have you applied for your ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION membership? If not, go to: http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com, click on “become a member”, “apply”.

And, IT IS WORKING!!! Here is what happened with one of our Pioneer Members:
*************************************
A physician found the member through the OWA Directory for a referral to one of his patients. The patient Googled the referral before calling to make an appointment. The member’s website came up with a wonderful bio for the potential client. The client clicked on the OWA SEAL OF APPROVAL. The SEAL opened, and, unfortunately the message that came up was:
__________________________________
Warning: Invalid Link
This individual has not been approved by the Online Wellness Association (www.onlinewellnessassociation.com) and is not authorized to use this Seal of Approval.
______________________________________
The potential client did not call the member, instead he called his referring physician to report that “this guy is not ok’d with OWA”. The doctor immediately got in touch with the member to find out what was going on.

THIS IS HOW IT IS SUPPOSE TO WORK!!

Of course, as soon as the member reported the problem, Scott Whitehead, OWA Web Manager, started trouble shooting.

OWA is truly becoming “known as an indicator of authenticity and validity between practitioner and client.”

Have you started your membership application? Click below to apply:

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com/index.php?v=requirementssub

Systemic constellations is an intergenerational healing process that restores the flow of love and strength from our ancestors, those who came before us, to us. It honors the very source of our lives which originate from our parents, grandparents, great grandparents and on down our family lineage. This giving and receiving of life creates an intricate web of connection and relationships. These connections and bonds continue to affect us, and our children, long after we have forgotten them. Constellation work creates an experiential model of the family system so that we can literally see the “invisible” entanglements, the love, and the solutions.

All of us are born into a family that has a conscience or “collective soul”. This collective creates behaviors, attitudes, beliefs and traits that are often passed on from one generation to another. These patterns become so ingrained into one’s belief system that they are often not challenged. Thus, belief systems become part of who they are. These belief systems or patterns are invisible and hidden dynamics in people’s family system that may unconsciously drive them towards the problems that they have. So, coming from this perspective, the soul of the family has us, we don’t have it. And so, we are born with “entanglements” or burdens that we carry. Many times, these burdens are not ours to carry. These entanglements or burdens may show up as addictions, chronic pain, disease, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, or illness, just to a few. Anything that encumbers us to live a full and joyful life. All this again, is done on an unconscious or soul level. It happens out of a deep and hidden loyalty of the secret law that will not allow anyone of a family system to be denied the right to belong. This phenomenon also occurs in order to atone an injustice that has been done in the family. It is a love so deep that a family member may unconsciously choose to die, rather than “betray” the family bond.

Through systemic constellations, a person is shown the true origin of the stated problem and new opportunities for disentanglement and resolution. The client can see and feel love flowing again in his or he family system, and will no longer sacrifice personal health or well-being. The experience of truth, loyalty, and love unfold before the client.

By working gently, honestly and directly with facts, rather than beliefs, or our story, we can uncover previously hidden dynamics, making the unconscious conscious, observe them, acknowledge what is, and allow a dynamic resolution which results in healing on an emotional, mental, physical and spiritual level.

Constellation work is a powerful tool in sourcing the origin of our problems and finding a resolution steeped in deep healing within the complex and often tragic systems of the individual and their family. This work truly allows us to come home to ourselves, our family our source.

I have been amazed with the results that I have experienced both on a personal and professional level regarding the power of constellation work. As I witness an individual during a constellation, doing their personal work, the depth of transformation is apparent. It’s as if they are awakened into a new way of looking at their life’s situation. The truth is unveiled and they are at a cross roads of sorts as to whether they will continue to carry the story that they thought was true or choose a different path. At times this truth may be hard to grasp though with gentleness and time, the deep healing will occur from the inside out. The truth truly sets us free.

“When we understand the systemic laws that allow love to unfold, we may help suffering families and individuals to find solutions, even after a lifetime of hate, anger, and abuse”. Bert Hellinger

Words from others ~

I didn’t get what I needed growing up. I was emotionally and physically abandoned, and abused in every way except physically. Consequently, as an adult I’ve struggled to take care of my own emotional needs and to feel any semblance of inner peace or happiness. I’ve held strong to the story in my head (and heart) that my life would always be filled with pain and sadness that just doesn’t go away, because of certain ‘facts’ in my life. I’ve done plenty of talk therapy in my adult life, and it’s helped in some ways but the pain and sadness remained. Fortunately I decided to try a Systemic Constellation workshop. I was skeptical, but not anymore. I don’t know exactly how, but I know it’s allowed me to get out of the storyline in my head and get a glimpse of new possibilities in my life and the way I feel. Catherine is an excellent facilitator and leader of these workshops. I highly recommend it.
D.K., technical writer/project manager

Catherine is remarkable and I have done this work with her and with a couple other practitioners over the years. It is DEEPLY powerful and lasting. I still see evidence in my life from pieces I learned in a session 10 years ago. The magic is that no one needs to know your story to do the work, you don’t even have to know the story, and yet you get information in a way that is deeply shifting and freeing. I encourage you to come check it out and either come as an observer or do a constellation. BOTH are powerful and invited. Kathy P. – Realtor

Catherine VanWetter is a Holistic Family Healing practitioner trained in a variety of healing techniques that helps people come to a place of peace within themselves. She is the founder and owner of “To The Heart of the Matter” located in Corvallis, Oregon.

Her newest book and meditation CD, “The Soul of the Heart", offers inspiration, deep healing and hope during these turbulent times. Catherine’s worldwide workshops and retreats offer resolution to lead you gently back to the Soul of Your Heart.

Download Catherine’s Morning Meditation Free at http://www.ToTheHeartOfTheMatter.com.

Interact with Catherine: Twitter: @SouloftheHeart Facebook: Catherine VanWetter YouTube Videos of Catherine’s work: CatherineVanWetter

Catherine is a member in good standing with Online Wellness Association. http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Research, both online and traditional academic, is showing that online counseling is becoming a credible trend. Four years ago when I was doing research to register as an online counselor, I was surprised, and aghast, that there was no specific organization verifying credentials, and, no one able to assure the potential client that I am, in fact, a real counselor, with real credentials. There did not appear to be any real organization to help keep the predators away from the potential vulnerable clients, and to make the internet immediate and efficient for potential clients to chose a wellness practitioner.

SO! I founded ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION as a SAFETY platform for counseling online. In recognition of the diversity of healers, I wanted to include all professions involved in providing healing services. The challenge was to come up with an immediate way for someone stressed to know that they are choosing a legitimate practitioner. I came up with the idea of the Seal of Approval after reading about the history of the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. The OWA Seal would follow the same path as the Good Housekeeping Seal. The goal was set: An OWA SEAL OF APPROVAL on every WELLNESS PRACTITIONER’S website page on the internet! Providing an immediate assurance to potential clients that the services they are seeking are legitimate.

Who is a WELLNESS PRACTITIONER? OWA considers any credentialed practitioner that is dedicated to offering legitimate services for the well being and health of someone’s body, mind, and spirit is, in fact, a WELLNESS PRACTITIONER. WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS understand that they are just a part of the holistic process of healing. Their services are used in conjunction with traditional allopathic medicine to bring their clients to optimum health.

ALL WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS are invited to apply for membership with OWA. This includes acupuncturist, behavioral health practitioners, Asian/oriental bodywork, nutritionist, energy workers, nutritionist, Podiatrist, medical doctors, dentists, chiropractors, Qui Gong Instructors, etc. If you can meet the standards and criteria for membership OWA WANTS YOU!!!

Apply for YOUR membership now at http://onlinewellnessassociation.com

OWA WELCOMES JUDITH CONRAD AS AN OFFICIAL MEMBER!! THE 21ST CENTURY WELCOMES YOUR SKILLS!!!

Learn more about the standards and criteria to be met to be an “official member” of ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION at: http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

COME JOIN THE ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION PARADIGM!!!

How many times in our life do we trust our life to a stranger? Flying in an airplane, driving down the freeway as other folks in cars drive around us? If we realized how precarious our lives were, we may not want to step of our homes. Yet, it is a wonderful reminder to note that at any given moment, regardless of what we are doing, if it is our time to leave this physical form, it doesn’t matter what we are doing. We could be getting out of bed in the morning or working out, when it is our time, no amount of negotiating or doing something will keep us from crossing over.

It’s a fascinating way to look at life. I often invite folks to bow deeply to death for it is our greatest gift because it gives us one more breath. Instead of running away from life; go with the flow.

When I am on the back of the motorcycle all of my senses are activated. Sight, sounds, smells and texture become more acute. I love the sensation of being so totally awake and aware. As we round a corner I gently lean in the direction that we are turning. As we go up a hill I relax into the comfort of Kurt’s back. It’s a beautiful dance of grace and ease.

When we lean into life and go with the flow all is well. If we go against the flow, we run into resistance and fear. How many times have you resisted something in your life only to relax into it and notice how gently you are able to move with the flow. It’s as if we wake up and lose our minds and come to our senses. Recognizing the rhythms and wonderful opportunities that are all around us.

While riding on the back of a motorcycle may not be your cup of tea, I invite you to spend some time noticing the opportunities you have to fully step into your life with all of your senses. Begin to integrate how wonderful it feels to fully “show up”. Challenge your dragons and turn them into paper dragons. The dragons, metaphorically speaking, are those parts of yourself that are scared to try something new because of a past memory or belief. Notice those areas in your life that may be limiting you from fully stepping into life because of outdated fears and myths. Take this challenge to step into those scary places and surround them with love. I’m not suggesting that you take unnecessary risks, rather, let yourself feel the thrill of releasing the bondage of fear. Begin to say, “Yes!” to your life.

While you are learning to do this, remember to use discernment. Ask yourself if stepping into your fear would expand you or contract you? Trust yourself and learn to fly! Then begin to notice how effortless and joyful your life becomes. You will become lighter and freer; unburdened and unencumbered with the ghosts of the past.

Catherine VanWetter, MSW is a Holistic Family Healing Practitioner trained in a variety of healing techniques that helps people come to a place of peace within themselves. She is the founder and owner of “To The Heart of the Matter” located in Corvallis, Oregon.

Her newest book and meditation CD, “The Soul of the Heart", offers inspiration, deep healing and hope during these turbulent times. Catherine’s worldwide workshops and retreats offer resolution to lead you gently back to the Soul of Your Heart.

Download Catherine’s Morning Meditation Free at http://www.ToTheHeartOfTheMatter.com.

Interact with Catherine: Twitter: @SouloftheHeart Facebook: Catherine VanWetter YouTube Videos of Catherine’s work: CatherineVanWetter

Catherine is a member in good standing with Online Wellness Association. http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Change brings opportunity!

Fast Change brings Fast Opportunity!

What’s your definition of Financial Freedom?

Mine – having enough money to live my desired lifestyle without having to work.

One way – to have enough passive income to pay for my desired lifestyle.

Do you want Today of Three Years in the future to look like Today?

If you answered NO, then keep reading!

Network Marketing, or MLM, is one way that individuals and couples have gotten out of the “rat race” and onto the “fast track.” Where else can you start a business with $50.00 or less, work part time, and create a stream of passive income?

Here’s a simple formula for creating wealth in MLM:
“Get a large group of people to do a few simple actions over a consistent period of time” (Randy Gage).

Do your business part time for a year 10-15 hours per week.
Keep your job.
Take 1-2 years to build a foundation. This can give you $100k/MONTH passive income

There are six steps, plus a “way of being” that will have you reach your goal, quickly!

1) Find a business that is Feasible for YOU

“If you are going to work hard anyway, why not get rich doing it?”

2) Deliver Massive Value
The law of income – You will be paid in direct proportion to the VALUE you DELIVER according to THE MARKETPLACE.

3) Timing
Choose something that is HOT RIGHT NOW!

4) Systemize
A business system is a “repeatable process that produces a profit!” (From T. Harv Eker)
5) Duplication
a. Allows you to get your product or service into the hands of the most people – which is how you can retire in 3 years.
b. Duplicate yourself – and RECRUIT UP – people who are more successful than you! People who know how to TEACH
c. Duplicate THE SYSTEM – find people and train them to find people and train them to find people and train them…..
6) Leverage
Doing more with less!

The most important part of it – the KEY to success in any business – is your mindset! Most of us have been programmed for a certain income level. Where did that programming come from? We learned it, from our parents, our environment, from the world outside us. And we learned in when we were very young. And unless you take action to RE-PROGRAM your Prosperity Mindset, you will never be able to achieve the success you deserve.

To listen to an extended version of this blog post, with more details, visit my website at www.WorldTreeTraining.com and register to access the members area. From there, you can download this audio in mp3 format, along with my Wealthy Mindset Visualization audio.

Dan DeLuca is the President of World Tree, Incorporated. He is a Certified Hypnotherapist, Trainer and Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Author, and Speaker in the fields of Personal Growth, Motivation and Communication, and is a member of the Association for Integrative Psychology, The National Guild of Hypnotists, The American Board of Hypnotherapy and The Online Wellness Association.

His website is www.worldtreetraining.com
Follow him on Twitter

As I settle into the reality of publishing a book and creating a CD, I am noticing that the book is a metaphor of my own “personal” growth and expansion. It reminds me of the evolution of a chrysalis, a caterpillar, within its cocoon as it is metamorphosing into a beautiful butterfly. What is amazing is that during this metamorphosis, every one of the cells of the caterpillar is turning into mush, except for the eyes. It is literally reorganizing itself from the inside out. As the butterfly emerges into the world, it is completely different than it was while in the cocoon. Similarly, when one is doing deep transformational work from the inside out, one is changing their internal world right down to the cells. When this occurs, one may “see” and experience themselves differently. At times there is a bit of awkwardness as they step into their new identity. I have noticed this as my own internal self of who I see myself as being, is shifting and changing. I have noticed at times that I see through my old “eyes” of how I see myself, and it is often very different than how others see me. My book has been my inner mirror and metaphor of my own metamorphosis deeply from the inside out.

It is as if I am shedding my old skin, a cocoon of sorts, and changing into something quite different. At times this can be disconcerting because it is so fresh and new, and there is a certain level of vulnerability underneath a thick layer of comfort and ease. As this shift continues, I am acutely aware of my feelings of insecurities and reminded that as one shifts into a new paradigm of being, that it is imperative that one is secure within their insecurities. That is to stand up and look the insecurity in the eye and bow deeply to it and release it with love. During this time of transition, it is very important to find comfort in resting, exercising, being in nature, meditating, eating right, and connecting with good friends. It is a wonderful invitation to acknowledge that all of the beautiful unfolding of “Self” is happening in perfect and divine order, and that all is well.

Namaste,
Catherine

Catherine VanWetter is a holistic practitioner trained in a variety of healing techniques that helps people come to a place of peace within themselves. She is the founder and owner of “To The Heart of the Matter” located in Corvallis, Oregon.

Her newest book and meditation CD, “The Soul of the Heart", offers inspiration, deep healing and hope during these turbulent times. Catherine’s worldwide workshops and retreats offer resolution to lead you gently back to the Soul of Your Heart.

Download Catherine’s Morning Meditation Free at http://www.ToTheHeartOfTheMatter.com.

Interact with Catherine: Twitter: @SouloftheHeart Facebook: Catherine VanWetter YouTube Videos of Catherine’s work: CatherineVanWetter

Catherine is a member in good standing with Online Wellness Association. http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Coming to this lifetime we are immediately bombard with rules, laws, concepts and belief systems that oftentimes confuses us and temporarily divert us from what our souls is trying to express. We spend a huge amount of time fitting ourselves into a mold that in the beginning, may offer us relief from the pressures of appearing strange or a misfit. but as we begin to awaken to the urgings of sou,the shelter of relief begins to feel more and more like a prison. Fitting in and appeasing the demands of others become less of a priority as the souls hunger to express itself begins to rise to the surface.

As we set out to integrate our unique ideas and inspirations that come from our soul, we find that it is no easy feat. The unfoldment process is not a matter of taking a pen and paper and listing our goals, our likes and dislikes or even what we desire to manifest The unfoldment process is oftentimes a process of elimination rather than accumulation. The unfoldment of our soul can be likened to the tides that hits up against a beaches’ edge As each tide collides with the earth it eliminates objects that are not of itself and things that cannot handle the force of its currents. The ocean’s process of elimination is for the purpose of retaining its purity. As our souls expression begin to rise, there are often three impediments that keeps us from boldly stepping into our authenticity and purity.

The first of the impediments is our inability to set our own standards of living. As we reach adulthood. We know more about the ‘wrong’ things to do than what’s right for us. Our society has set this impossible standard of conformity that leaves little if any room for individual growth and expression. These external standards are so ingrained in our day to day living and choices that when left to our own devices, we find ourselves clueless. Fortunately, as we begin to understand that all laws, rules and concepts are thought forms that are not set in stone we begin to allow ourselves to experience the freedom of creating standards of living that are congruent to our inner well being.

The second impediment is all about trusting the wisdom of our soul. How many times have you second guessed a hunch or an inner prompting to do something, say something, or go somewhere? Trusting that our soul has wisdom that guides us to the next step of our unfoldment is a huge block for us. Again, from the moment we began moving and experiencing the world from an individual state of being, we were taught not to trust. So many ‘harmful’ things or ‘consequences’ have been pointed out to us that our ability to discern and experiment with our own thoughts and ideas became hampered down. We become immobilized and give more weight to the things outside of ourselves as being more real than what we feel our soul is seeking to express.

The third impediment that prevents us from living authentically is the fear of rocking the boat. Prior to our awakening, we made painstaking efforts to craft a life that suited our level of consciousness at the time. We have included people, possessions and belief systems that may or may not serves us in our now awakened state. Our ego whose purpose is to accumulate and posse puts us in the state of panic. It will have us to believe that the things, people and beliefs are the totality of who we are. So we cling tighter and tighter for fear that if we disrupt any parts of our lives, surely it would be the death of us. But in actuality, as the soul’s expression begins to take form in our outer reality, the things, people and beliefs that no longer serve our unfoldment will naturally fall away. There are times when we have to make a conscious decision to let things go but since the soul will never leave you with a void, it will be your opportunity to fill that void with a life that is more in alignment with who you really are.

Living from the soul means living from the truth of who you are. Having the courage to examine the life we have been living is the first step of freeing ourselves from the self imposed imprisonment. The next step is learning how to trust our inner urges and intuitions. And finally, taking a step out on faith to begin to experiment with our own ideas and ways of expressions.

I am KEESHA MAYES-WASHINGTON, INNER WISDOMS WAY:a life coach, radio host, public speaker, and spiritual guide. Let me enlighten and encourage you to come into oneness with your spiritual nature on my ESOTERIC CHICK TALK RADIO SHOW: http://www.blogtalkradio.com. I would appreciate comments and feedback on this blog at: keesha@innerwisdomsway.com. And please visit my website to learn more about me: http://www.innerwisdomsway.com.

KEESHA MAYES-WASHINGTON, INNER WISDOMS, is a member in good standing with ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION: http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com.

FREE Teleclass May 5th 1pm est.
# keesha@innerwisdomsway.com
# www.innerwisdomsway.com

Please send your feedback and comments about why you haven’t considered membership in ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION to

maxfabry@onlinewellnessassociation.com

WE REALLY WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!

This is one of the latest testimonials sent to Ava:

“It is difficult to know what to say when I realize the extraordinary healing I have received in a very short time through the intervention of Ava Stoecker, EFT Specialist. I was a licensed and well respected therapist and initially felt unease with this treatment. I tried everything else first but felt desperate enough to attempt this unique approach. I had increasingly stressful dreams for more than 30 years concerning my husband and for the next 13 years they became worse, even after a divorce. He was the love of my life in spite of shattering many of the moral and ethical laws I cherished. We had four appointments to deal with underlying issues and then I had the courage to approach a significan symptom of the pathology. In one session, Ava was able to alter those dreams. I now see my self peacefully floating away from him and finally KNOWING that he cannot hurt me anymore.”

Other testimonials:

“I am a better mother now through our sessions.”

“This work is helping me deal with my daughter”

“My relationship with my mother was extremely complex and I now have more peace. The sessions we had during her dying process helped tremendously.”

“I have had asthma most of my life and my lungs have never felt this good ever!”

EFT was introduced in 1995 by Gary Craig, Stanford Engineering graduate in lifelong pursuit of personal well-being. Gary is an ordained minister through the Universal Church of God in Sourthern California. He is a dedicated student of A Course in Miracles, and approaches his work with a decidedly spiritual perspective.

EFT is based on the ancient principles of acupuncture. It is a simple tapping procedure that gently realigns the body’s energy system, without the discomfort of needles. EFT also incorporates an emotional element to the healing process that addresses unresolved emotion issues as a likely cause of physical disease, personal performance limits, and psychological dysfunctions.

Learn more about Ava Stocker and EFT at: http://www.EFTHealingTouch.com

ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATIONS invites all qualified wellness practitioners to apply for professional membership. Visit http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Time Empowerment Techniques™ were developed by Richard Bandler and Tad James in the 1980s (who called it Time Line Therapy™), as an extension of NLP and Ericksonian Hypnosis. Using guided imagery, quantum linguistics and the mind’s organization of memory, these techniques quickly and effortlessly allow a client to release negative emotions and limiting decisions. The release of the negative emotions around the initial event causes the gestalt of emotions/memories to release at once. Elicitation of the initial event is crucial to the effectiveness of Time Empowerment Techniques™.

Time Empowerment Techniques™ differ from other therapeutic modalities that use past memories, in that the client is generally not associated into the memories, thereby allowing the client to release the memories or decisions without reliving the trauma of the events associated with them. Additionally, the client is in an imagined visual position with regard to the event that allows them to “disconnect” the negative emotions from the event or series of events. This provides a powerful release, allowing the client to move into their future without the baggage of the past.

Time Empowerment Techniques™ are useful in releasing phobias as well as negative emotions.

The release of negative emotions does not mean that the person will never feel those emotions again - it just means the the emotions attached to past experiences are released, allowing the client to have a new view of the world, one not shaped by old habits or feelings. Indeed, the person who has released the negative emotions associated with past events now can live life with renewed enthusiasm, knowing that whatever happens tomorrow will be experienced with a clear mind and no preconceptions.

Releasing a limiting decision affords the client a new perspective on what is possible for them. Giving the client more choices is one of the primary outcomes we focus on as trainers and changeworkers.

A great reference book is “Time Line Therapy and the Basis of Personality” by Tad James and Wyatt Woodsmall.

These techniques were created by applying a therapeutic process to this concept of an internal memory storage system. The result was a collection of techniques which produces long-lasting transformation very quickly–faster than what is currently called Brief Therapy. These powerful Time Empowerment™ techniques are becoming the method of choice to make fast, effective, long-term changes in behavior.

Background

Throughout history, humankind has been aware of the passage of time. Aristotle was the first to mention the “stream of time” in his book Physics IV. William James spoke of linear memory storage as early as 1890. Finally, the concept, nearly forgotten, was revived in the late 1970’s by the developers of NLP.

Your “Time Line” is how you unconsciously store your memories or how you unconsciously know the difference between a memory from the past and a projection of the future. Behavioral change in an individual takes place at an unconscious level. People don’t change consciously. The Time Empowerment™ process allows you to work at the unconscious level and release the effects of past negative experiences and change “inappropriate” programming in minutes rather than days, months or years.

Compared to other older techniques like Time Line Therapy or hypnotic regression, Time Empowerment™ Techniques adds current research and it focuses on the application of the technique in different modalities. Business requires a much different approach than self-help. Therefore, we use different approaches, ones based on the different modalities or contexts of use.

As an application of NLP, Time Empowerment™ is a collection of techniques that allow you to gain emotional control over your life. Inappropriate emotional reactions, such as bursts of anger, periods of apathy, depression, sadness, anxiety, and chronic fear, are responsible for preventing people from achieving the quality of life they desire. Limiting decisions, such as “I’m not good enough,” “I’ll never be rich,” or “I don’t deserve a great marriage,” create false limitations and hamper your ability to create reachable and attainable goals and outcomes. Time Empowerment™ techniques enable you to eliminate many types of issues in your past, thus allowing you to move forward toward your goals and desires.

Applications of NLP and Time Empowerment™ Techniques:

Achieving Professional Excellence: Whether you’re already succeeding in your profession, having some difficulties, or if you’re transitioning into a new position, NLP and Time Empowerment™ techniques can help you achieve, maintain and enhance excellence.
Achieving Personal Excellence: Whether in your family life, personal relationships, health, or breaking through a creative barrier, Time Empowerment™ techniques can help you break through limitations and achieve the results you desire.

Dan DeLuca is the President of World Tree, Incorporated. He is a Certified Hypnotherapist, Trainer and Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Author, and Speaker in the fields of Personal Growth, Motivation and Communication.and is a member of the Association for Integretive Psychology, The National Guild of Hypnotists, The American Board of Hypnotherapy and The Online Wellness Association.

His website is www.worldtreetraining.com
Follow him on Twitter

OWA supports the growth of OWA members. If you are a member and have a project you are working on, please contact us to allow us to support you.

If you are not yet a member, go to the website and check out the benefits of belonging to ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION. If there is a reason you don’t want to join, or don’t see the value in joining, we would appreciate hearing your feedback.

MAx Fabry, President, Online Wellness Association
http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

In my work with people, I teach them to produce change that is powerful, because we work on the level that the building blocks were installed or created– the unconscious. And, mostly, because when you learn NLP you learn how to ongoingly and forever produce your OWN transformations. I am primarily interested in teaching you to fish – so you can eat for life.

You can READ a lot ABOUT Neuro-Linguistic Programming in different places. I hope that you will be interested enough to visit my website and find out more there. By registering, you gain access to lots of free articles and downloads as well!

Dan DeLuca is the President of World Tree, Incorporated. He is a Certified Hypnotherapist, Trainer, Author, and Speaker in the fields of Personal Growth, Motivation and Communication.and is a member of the Association for Integretive Psychology, The National Guild of Hypnotists, and the American Board of Hypnotherapy.

His website is www.worldtreetraining.com
Follow him on Twitter

I am a member in good standing with Online Wellness Association: http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Before we are born into this world, we are in quite a snug, contained space. Events happen and suddenly our world includes a room and hands and lights and sounds. We are taken from this room into a larger space called the Nursery. From there our world enlarges to include the hospital, a car, then perhaps a bassinet in a bedroom. In a short time we are learning to crawl and our world has even more rooms. As we develop, we explore the whole house and then the backyard. From there we go on to explore our neighborhood, our city, our state, sometimes our country, perhaps even our planet. We open our arms, our minds and our hearts to include them. We claim them as “ours”….where we belong….where we come from…where we live….our home.

My personal world included Tulsa, Oklahoma, America, and eventually the planet Earth. In my late twenties I had a quantum shift in my consciousness and purpose. I decided to really open my arms and my mind and my heart. So I began to include and “feel at home in” our solar system, the Milky Way, the universe, the universes and beyond…. I claim them all as my backyard now. I am at home everywhere.

I encourage you to expand your backyard. Who knows what you will discover!

Blessings,
Sharon Janelle Learn more about me at: http://www.Stepping Stone Retreats.com

Our mind loves to be in control, loves to wander down the paths it is used to wandering, sometimes is lazy and thinks the same thoughts over and over again (why are they are so often negative thoughts?). The mind is constantly “on-the-go”, especially the American mind. Often we don’t consider Silence to be our friend. Do we place high value in quietness, stillness? Do we realize what calm, strength, stress release, and body/mind healing comes with placing ourselves in the space of silence? Sometimes I think not. It’s time for a quantum shift in consciousness and purpose. So, who’s in charge ?

Don’t believe everything you think. (:-)

Blessings,
Sharon Janelle
Learn more about me at: http://www.Stepping Stone Retreats.com

What’s Missing?
Most of us don’t have the mental mindset or inner confidence of presenting or even standing in front of a group to start with; we need something that will work right now. Self-defeating thoughts no longer need to hold you back when standing before a group. It all starts with the power of presence. The way you present yourself in front of people is a defining moment, that moment indicates what the group will expect from that point on.

Where Do You Start?
I completely believe that all things manifested start in the mind, yet fixing my mind is an arduous process. Lets start with the most profound and easiest place to bend the mind to your will: your personal presence.

If you master the power of your presence, the rest comes sooooooo much easier. Go back to the first paragraph, the one where I spoke about walking into an angry horse’s stall – you will either get injured or a horse will instantly know you are in charge – it is no different with presenting in front of a group of people. Master that first step before you open the stall door and you have mastered the horse. Horses smell fear and they respond to it. People smell fear too, and they feed on you when they sense it. Everyone you present to wants you to give him or her something they can walk away with – they really don’t want you to lose because then, they lose. Remember, after all, life is all about them.

The Short Philosophy Behind Presence
Just think of the people you like to hear speak, what is their presence like? Presence demonstrates attitude, attitude shows in the way you carry yourself and the way you use your voice and in what you give off. You gotta do what it takes to make it appear that you have a strong, powerful presence. Here are a few steps to move you in that direction.

How You Feel About Yourself
If you don’t like yourself no matter what clothes you wear or hairstyle you have or job title you carry, you have to do some serious work around that – remember, it is not physical; weight, hair and style are not what people see, they see the way you feel about yourself. When I am bummed, I must get my mind in a better place before I say a word to my audience. We can all do what we don’t feel like doing, especially if it is for a very short time. Action gets results.

Your Dress
I firmly believe that if you don’t think much of what you are wearing when you present to a group, neither will they. It doesn’t matter if the clothes are new or came out of the local 2nd hand store, it matters about how you feel in those clothes, that affects how confident you appear. I take great pains to make sure I feel great when I am going to present to a group, even if I am only going to give my name, business and tagline. EVERY time I present to a group I must feel good about myself – it is my rule and it works to my advantage; it will also work to yours.

Your Circumstance
I’m sure you think that every really good presenter is not hurting, they have something really great going on in their lives and they have no pain, no extenuating circumstances. After all, really powerful presenters have it all together when they stand or sit in front of a room? I say sit because one of the more powerful speakers I have seen is a quadriplegic; his message was so profound and so intense and so inspiring. It had to do with the way he projected his voice – that is all he really had to give to the audience and it showed up with confidence. Your power comes from projection and attitude, not from your circumstance. Great presenters often have even more tragic circumstances than we do; they have learned to draw strength from their pain.

Pamela’s Point: The true game is mental; you get a head start by doing something physical to align with the mental place you want to be.

When you master the art of presence, you can walk into a stall and the horse will respect you. You can stand in front of a group of mildly interested peers and instantly grab their attention, because they respect you.

There is so much more to say about the Presence in the Presence-tation, but personally I prefer shorter articles, so you’ll have to wait for part 2, Stand Out When You Stand There!

Now, It’s Your Turn…
What have you learned about you and what really goes into the initial presence of public speaking? I’d love to hear what works for you and what you would like to delve deeper into.

Want to Improve?

Pamela Cournoyer, CEO of Communicate With CLASS, Inc. offers personal coaching for those who want to improve their presentations. She works with both local and long distance speakers. http://communicatewithclass.com

“Jamie has a wealth of diverse professional experiences….(she) is a very experienced counselor who is always open to learning new information.” (Carol)

“(Jamie) is calm, understanding, solution focused, and uses self well in the therapeutic process…She easily builds rapport, she is direct and compassionate.” (Marni)

(Type of clients you would refer to her)"Parents with any type of acting out children, substance abusers, people with criminal histories, women in any stage of personal development. There really isn’t any type of client I wouldn’t refer.”

If you have not visited Jamie Guyn’s Strong Famlies Eugene website, do it now: http://www.strongfamilieseugene.com

Thank you, Jamie, for your support with ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION!

Whether you area a counselor, psychologist, massage therapist, life coach, etc, one of the challenges of having a private practice are COSTS and TIME. Having a presence on line can help keep the costs down and save you time:

CONTACT INFORMATION
Depending on what statistics you look at, approximately 80% of American have one or more computers in use; approximately 80%, or more, browse their computers for information. When someone needs to find a person and/or business, they will usually turn on their computer and use one of the search engines to locate what and/or who they need.

INTRODUCE YOURSELF
Websites provide a step-up for you to introduce yourself to the public/potential clients. Once a browser visits your website, they can immediately get to know you by seeing your picture, reading your bio, and reading about the services and/or products you offer.

BECOME THE EXPERT
The internet offers many opportunities to become THE EXPERT in your field of interest. You can publish your thoughts, experiences, and knowledge via blogging, articles, books and teleseminars.

SELL PRODUCTS
Self publishing and self sales are taking off because of the internet. Products associated with your practice that you endorse can easily be marketed off your website. Affiliations and joint ventures offer passive additional income.

Advertising on the internet can be very expensive: anywhere from $20/month to $20,000/month. ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION offers many opportunities to build credibility via the OWA SEAL OF APPROVAL to posting events, posting articles, open blogging, and directory advertising with links. Because the mission of ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION is to build credibility for legitimate practitioners, the cost of yearly membership is less then $16/month. If you are a practitioner, it makes great marketing “cents” to become a member of this 21st Century membership only association.

Kayla Schroeder will be hosting another FREE OWA SEMINAR in the coming weeks in the Roseburg, OR, area. If you are interested in attending the seminar, contact Kayla Schroeder for ticket information: wisdomofwellness@gmail.com.

To learn more about membership with ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION go to:
http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com, click on ‘become a member’, ‘how to apply’. If you have any questions, feedback, or concerns, contact me, MAx Fabry, OWA President, maxfabry@onlinewellnessassociation.com. Let us help you become a member today!

Here is an excerpt from the book. I hope you enjoy it.
Finding your Truth Inside

Discovering the Soul of the Heart is, in fact, finding the Heart of the Matter. Probing deep inside our hearts can be frightening because we are innately afraid of the unknown and what it might hold:

Is it going to be an empty box?

Is it going to be full of so many tears that we will not be able to stop crying?

Will there be rage?

Will there be anger?

Or will there be joy?

Yes, there will be all of this. I have noticed, as I work with people and as I work with myself, that there are gentle ways to go deep within and find the gem that is inside the heart of each one of us. And eventually, if we explore enough, we begin to see sparkles of that precious stone through some of its many facets. It may show us the dark sides of ourselves, which are often referred to as our shadow. These often – neglected aspects of ourselves can become our greatest gifts. They contain the seeds of the beauty, the resonance and the resiliency we need in order to stand up in this life and let the light in us shine through.

If you are interested in purchasing the book or the CD, please contact me at catherine@totheheartofthematter.com

Dear MAx,
I have worked in the same mill for over twenty years. Last week after I arrived for work, I was suspended because I had one beer before going to work. I didn’t deny that I drank. I agreed to a breathalyzer which was only .01. I was told I had to take an alcohol education class before returning to work. This is such BS! I know that mills are trying to cut employees, but, I have been a good worker and I was not drunk when I arrived to work. I think what I do on my own time is my business. How can an employer justify suspending someone for one beer on their own time?

Jim

Dear Jim,
Employers have an obligation to keep all employees safe while on the job. The drug and alcohol policy in your employee handbook probably spells out what will happen if an employee reports to work with any detectable level of alcohol. These policies are meant to commit the workplace to safe working conditions for both the employees and anyone else that comes in contact with the mill. Given the cost to the employer, the employee, and the community, having an effective alcohol and drug-free workplace policy is needed to ensure the longevity of the company.

Alcohol and/or drug use contributes to increased on-the-job injuries, reduction in productivity, and increase in employer costs—such as, insurance rates—which is passed on to the consumers.

Millwork is among one of the industries that has the highest rates of alcohol use. Employees that contribute to this statistic suffer income reductions up to 20% over their lifetime. Absenteeism among substance abuser is almost 10% greater. They take three times as many sick benefits. And, they are at least five times more likely to have an injury that they will file a workman’s claim.

Also consider that addiction of coworkers’ family members can affect the workplace by distracting the working during work hours. Again, even though the worker isn’t using, alcohol and/or drug addiction in their family causes distractions that leads to less productivity, absenteeism, and contributes to possible on-the-job injuries.

Communities also suffer. As costs to employers rise, the ability to maintain a viable business decreases. Particularly in small towns where a single industry defines the town, a business closing is devastating. This is even more devastating when you understand that there is a way to help keep costs down. That obligation to keep costs down falls on both the employer and employee. Every single employee needs to take responsibility for safety in the workplace.

The employer has the responsibility to institute an alcohol and drug program that takes into consideration workplace safety, health, and add value to their business. These programs must also be reasonable to include balancing workplace safety with employee rights to privacy.

According to the U.S Department of Labor, a good comprehensive drug-free workplace program includes five components: a policy, supervisor training, employee education, employee assistance, and drug testing.

There are a couple factors to consider as a worker in an environment where danger is always present with materials and machinery. First, the drug-free workplace policies put into place are not meant to cost you, they are meant to help you. Suspension doesn’t usually mean you are fired; suspension is a wake up call to assess where you are with your drinking and/or use of drugs.

Remember, effects from substance abuse on a body changes as the person’s body changes with age. Particularly, if you are not taking care of yourself with good nutrition, exercise, and rest. Most mills are running with shift work, which may contribute to employee’s physical and emotional states decreasing faster then with people working static shifts.

Workers that have been referred for appropriate educational programs, or treatment, for substance abuse problems, can usually be returned safely to the workplace. Unless there is a severe addiction, a worker that has attended a program can adjust their thinking and behavior to abide by the standards of the company.

Jim, you and your fellow employees are there to watch each other’s back. Turning your back on someone you know is using either drugs and/or alcohol is endangering your life, health, and income. That coworker that everyone knows is nursing a hangover, getting high right before work, or using on the job, probably will not be there to pay your bills when you become injured and unable to work. Do you really want someone like this watching your back? Do you really want to be “that” person yourself?

Have a question about addiction, recovery, or life transition such as retirement, career change, grief and loss issues, etc, ‘Ask MAx’. Send your questions to Lifestyle Changes, PO Box 1962, Eugene, OR 97440; or, e-mail your questions to maxfabry@lifestylechangescounseling.com. Learn more about MAx Fabry as www.lifestylechangescounseling.com.

1) Talk and interact with others in a supportive way that encourages resolutions and solutions.

2) With a compassionate and kind heart, offer support not only to others, but to yourself as well.

3) Practice unconditional kindness, appreciation, love, and gratitude to someone or something, including yourself in all circumstances and all things without exception. Notice your small successes.

4) With curiosity, begin to notice your personal “Drama” or storyline. Notice your “inner” dialogue. Is it expanding you or contracting you?

5) On a daily basis, be aware of how much news you listen to, watch, or read in a day, and notice your reactions. Perhaps practice one day without observing the news, and notice how you feel.

6) Spend time throughout the day in stillness. Practice “Being” rather than “Doing”.

7) Practice noticing your breath. Deep relaxed breathing helps to reduce stress and anxiety.

8) Nourish yourself with enough sleep, food, exercise, and water.

This is a wonderful time to create healthy communities. With that in mind, pay attention to who you spend your time with. Notice how you feel when you are with them – Do you feel uplifted and inspired, or deflated and frustrated? This is a perfect time to start some energetic “spring cleaning”. To perhaps re-evaluate how you have been living your life and areas that you may want to “dust out’, in order to bring in new fragrance and growth. The “shadow parts” of ourselves may be surfacing now, so with a gentle and curious heart, thank them for showing up and release them with Love and Grace. Each time you release something of your self, fill that space up with what you want to bring into your life. Perhaps it’s more compassion, love, abundance, inspiration, creative, or balance. Again, this is your time to create the life you have been wanting to live and wanting to fully step into. Rest assured that you are not alone and that each step of your journey is unfolding perfectly.

If these suggestions are helpful to you, please pass them on to others who may also benefit from inspiration. If you have any inspirational suggestions that have been useful for you, please share them with me.

With a Grateful Heart, Catherine

Catherine VanWetter
http://www.totheheartofthematter.com

Dear MAx,
Recently there was big layoff at the business I have worked at for five years. Many of the employees that were laid off had been here a lot longer then I have been here. I considered several of these people to be more then follow employees, they were my friends. I love my job and I appreciate that I still have it and the income that comes with it. But, I am finding it harder to come into work and have a good attitude while I am here. How can I change these feelings of guilt?

Bonnie

Dear Bonnie,
Sounds like you are suffering as part of the ‘survivor guilt’ epademic that is presently sweeping the globe. While millions of people have been losing their jobs, millions of other people are left behind to continue working. This malady can leave you with feelings of both relief and anger; it may leave you confused and, even disoriented.

Unemployment in the U.S. has hit double digits in many areas. In November, 2008, Michigan was taking the greatest hit due to the problems the auto industry was having. Other complications in the economy, including bank failures, have also contributed to industries closing, and people losing their jobs. This trickle down affect is felt in just about every business in the country, and many other places around the world.

Opinions are that we are in the worse economical shape since the great depression era. Politicians scurry to come up with a plan to readjust the direction the economy has been going for almost two years. Their efforts, no matter how accurate, will take time to implement and change the downtown in the economy. Meanwhile, people will continue to loose their jobs, and those left behind will be torn with guilt.

There is a progression to the guilt that manifests: feelings of relief that you get to stay; realization that with less people YOU get to do more work for the same, or less money; and, finally, feelings of not feeling appreciated.

Dealing with any loss is a process that involves denial, bargaining, anger, sadness/depression, and acceptance. It is said that experiencing the process of loss is like being in a graduate program of life. If you allow yourself to experiencing each phase of the loss cycle, you will come out of it a stronger person.

In my Moving On workshop, which includes an entire day of grief and loss work, I suggest to my participants that in their deepest despair of their loss they institute the airline oxygen rule: When the oxygen drops down during an emergency, it doesn’t matter who is sitting next to you, you put the oxygen on yourself first. You need to be able to take care of yourself before you can take care of others.

Bonnie, to help you get through the feelings of survivors guilt that you are having, be sure that you take care of yourself: talk about what you are feeling. Be sure to get rest, eat right, exercise, and drink a lot of water. Set good boundaries at work as far as taking on more then you can handle. When talking to your laid-off friends, listen and acknowledge their experience, but don’t take their problems on as your own.

During these difficult economic times we are like rocks in a tumbler that are tossed to and fro, and we are getting bruised. But, as in other recessions, we will end up coming out more polished and valuable than ever. Just hang in there and believe that there are better times coming!
_________________________________________
Have a question about addiction, recovery, or life transitions such as retirement, career change, grief and loss issues, empty nesting, etc, ‘Ask MAx’. Send your questions to Lifestyle Changes, PO Box 1962, Eugene, OR 97440; or, e-mail your questions to maxfabry@lifestylechangescounseling.com. Learn more about MAx Fabry at www.lifestylechangescounseling.com.

Phyllis

Dear Phyllis,
Thank you for bringing the growing problem of prescription drug abuse to the attention of my readers. As you have experienced, this addiction is insidious, negatively impacting the welfare of the family. Prescription drugs, particularly pain medications, have become the second most prevalent illegal drug problem. This unfortunate epidemic spreads across generations from teens to aging baby boomers.

Once an addict stops using and enters ‘recovery’, the family lets out a sigh of relief and immediately wants things to go back to ‘normal’. It is important for family members to be able to balance between denial and awareness. The denial is when loved ones want to pretend that the drug abuse never happened and “just put it behind us”. Drug abuse is a vicious cycle that can cause changes in the brain with the possibility of the addict developing stronger impulses to use. Family members need to educate themselves on the signs, symptoms, and effects of abusing prescription drugs. The National Institute on Drug Abuse website offers this information. You know your husband as well as anyone so you can probably detect differences in his behavior and moods when you know what to look for.

Recovery for drug addiction is an ongoing process involving behavioral and, sometimes, pharmacological treatment. While there are medications available to help addicts overcome withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings, people learn to function without abusing substances with behavioral treatments. Please keep in mind that many addicts in recovery may experience depressed moods for as long as a year or more.

It is important that you are taking care of yourself during your husband’s recovery. Focusing your attention and energy on whether or not your husband is using again, may distract you from what is important in your life. Trust is the cornerstone of any relationship. Educating yourself with the information provided above, attending support groups to hear how other loved ones are dealing with the problem, and seeking both individual and couples counseling may help you better understand the problem of prescription addiction.

How can you be sure he isn’t using, Phyllis? Short of having him take a drug test whenever you suspect he is using, you may never be sure. Working on building a foundation of mutual trust and honesty may work better to return your family to your normal.

Have a question about addiction, recovery, or life transitions such as retirement, career change, grief and loss issues, empty nester, etc, ‘ASK MAx’. Send your questions to Lifestyle Changes, PO Box 1962, Eugene, OR 97440; or, e-mail your questions to maxfabry@lifestylechangescounseling.com. Learn more about MAx Fabry at http://www.lifestylechangescounseling

MAx Fabry is also founder and member in good standing with ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION

Paula

Dear Paula,
What if your son is right? What if you are being abused? EMOTIONALLY ABUSED, that is. Many people think that if there are no marks or bruises from physical lashing out, then there is no abuse. WRONG!

What we know about physical abuse connected with domestic violence is: that a woman is battered in the U.S. approximately every nine seconds; domestic violence cases contribute to more injured women then muggings and car accidents combined; even though domestic violence is the most underreported crime, it occurs in 60% of marriages.

Emotional abuse, on the other hand, is difficult to track. Emotional abuse is very underreported because of the myth that if there are not bruises and/or marks, there is no abuse. Experts have yet come to a clear definition of what constitutes emotional abuse. What experts do agree on is that, like physical and sexual abuse, emotional abuse is based on power and control. Forms of emotional abuse manifest through rejection, isolating, overly jealous and possessive, terrorizing, degrading, emotional deprivation, corrupting and/or exploiting.

Consider these factors as possible indicators of emotional abuse:
-depression -trust issues -health issues with no basis
-withdrawal -stealing -feelings of shame and guild
-low self-esteem -spontaneous crying -overly passive
-sleep problems -substance abuse -avoid eye contact
-suicidal thoughts -aggression -self-depreciation

If you are ready to consider that you are being emotionally abused, know that no one ever deserves to be abused in any manner. It is not your fault that this is happening to you and your children; you are not causing the abuse. You are not alone; others are starting to openly talk about this serious issue. Help is available.

Paula, you mentioned that your husband’s “behavior is just a carry over from his own childhood.” These are issues that he needs to address in individual counseling. But, more importantly, your 14-year-old son is being influenced to repeat the same behavior. Sadly, 90% of battered women reported that their children were present during the domestic violence; so, not surprisingly, 25%-30% of adolescent relationships are also abusive relationships, then grow up to abuse their spouses and children. As an adolescent, your son is learning to be a couple by watching how you and your husband interact. Just as your husband learned from his parents, your son is learning his parents. The fact that your son brought your “abuse” to light is his way of reaching out for things to change in the family. What a great kid you have!

Changing the family doesn’t necessarily mean breaking the family up. There are so many good therapists available to help with individual—adult and adolescent–and family therapy. Therapists work with their clients to identify what the problems are, identify factors that contribute to those problems, then work on giving clients tools, strategies, to be able to reach a positive outcome.

Dear readers, if you suspect, or know, someone is being emotionally and/or physically abused take time to listen, to validate what is happening, offer support: “What can I do to help?” Know services available to support the person, such as child welfare or family services contact information; transition house or shelters; health professionals including therapists. And, remember, it is a moral obligation for every person to report suspected or know child abuse or neglect to a child welfare agency or to the police.
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Have a question about addiction, recovery, or life transitions such as retirement, career change, grief and loss issues, empty nesting, etc, ‘Ask MAx’. Send your questions to Lifestyle Changes, PO Box 1962, Eugene, OR 97440; or, e-mail your questions to maxfabry@lifestylechangescounseling.com. Learn more about MAx Fabry at www.lifestylechangescounseling.com.

MAx Fabry is founder and member in good standing with ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION.

HELP WANTED

Millions of people have lost their jobs just in the past few months. Billions of dollars are being spent on advertising by businesses nation/world wide. Online Wellness Association, a start-up internet company, is one of those companies spending marketing dollars. We believe we have come up with a way to help people improve their income thereby getting the best value for our advertising dollars. WE NEED YOUR HELP MARKETING ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION.

Online Wellness Association wants to aggressively campaign for new members. YOU can help and make money at the same time. OWA will pay $100 for each qualified wellness practitioner that becomes a member as a result of YOUR REFERRAL to OWA. You do not have to sell OWA; you just need to recommend the site to the wellness practitioner, then, send an e-mail to the OWA staff with the referral information:

1. Name of person referred
2. Type of wellness practice
3. Name of practice
4. Phone number of practitioner
5. E-mail of practitioner
6. Acknowledgement that the practitioner is expecting communication from OWA; or, that the practitioner is contacting OWA themselves
7. Send an e-mail with the referral information to OWA staff (listed below), your referral, and a copy for yourself.

Online Wellness Association’s just wants YOU to make an INTRODUCTION of OWA to as many practitioners in your area. In exchange, when the practitioner is approved for membership, OWA will pay you a ‘Thank you’ referral fee of $100!

OWA recognizes that we are living in challenging economic times. Our marketing dollars can continue to go to traditional media marketing, BUT, instead, it seems helping people that may need additional income may be more reasonable at this time. There are no other strings attached. This is just a more direct way for OWA to do marketing and for people that may need extra money can earn it.

If you have questions about introducing wellness practitioners to Online Wellness Association, please contact me, MAx Fabry, President/Founder of Online Wellness Association at

maxfabry@onlinewellnessassociation.com

Visit our site to learn everything you need to know to earn an Introduction Fee now by browsing through the Online Wellness Association site located at:

http://onlinewellnessassociation.com

Catherine VanWetter is a transitional life counselor who is ready to guide you in the next steps of your journey toward becoming more authentically aligned mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Catherine is certified in multiple disciplines, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Integrative Kinesiology, Deepak Chopra’s Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, Hellinger’s Family Systems Work, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Positive Discipline, and Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP) for couples. Visit her website at http://www.totheheartofthematter.com.

Systemic constellations is an intergenerational healing process that restores the flow of love and strength from our ancestors, those who came before us, to us. It honors the very source of our lives which originate from our parents, grandparents, great grandparents and on down our family lineage. This giving and receiving of life creates an intricate web of connection and relationships. These connections and bonds continue to affect us, and our children, long after we have forgotten them. Constellation work creates an experiential model of the family system so that we can literally see the “invisible” entanglements, the love, and the solutions.

All of us are born into a family that has a conscience or “collective soul”. This collective creates behaviors, attitudes, beliefs and traits that are often passed on from one generation to another. These patterns become so ingrained into one’s belief system that they are often not challenged. Thus, belief systems become part of who they are. These belief systems or patterns are invisible and hidden dynamics in people’s family system that may unconsciously drive them towards the problems that they have. So, coming from this perspective, the soul of the family has us, we don’t have it. And so, we are born with “entanglements” or burdens that we carry. Many times, these burdens are not ours to carry. These entanglements or burdens may show up as addictions, chronic pain, disease, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, or illness, just to a few. Anything that encumbers us to live a full and joyful life. All this again, is done on an unconscious or soul level. It happens out of a deep and hidden loyalty of the secret law that will not allow anyone of a family system to be denied the right to belong. This phenomenon also occurs in order to atone an injustice that has been done in the family. It is a love so deep that a family member may unconsciously choose to die, rather than “betray” the family bond.

Through systemic constellations, a person is shown the true origin of the stated problem and new opportunities for disentanglement and resolution. The client can see and feel love flowing again in his or he family system, and will no longer sacrifice personal health or well-being. The experience of truth, loyalty, and love unfold before the client.

By working gently, honestly and directly with facts, rather than beliefs, or our story, we can uncover previously hidden dynamics, making the unconscious conscious, observe them, acknowledge what is, and allow a dynamic resolution which results in healing on an emotional, mental, physical and spiritual level.

Constellation work is a powerful tool in sourcing the origin of our problems and finding a resolution steeped in deep healing within the complex and often tragic systems of the individual and their family. This work truly allows us to come home to ourselves, our family our source.

“When we understand the systemic laws that allow love to unfold, we may help suffering families and individuals to find solutions, even after a lifetime of hate, anger, and abuse”. Bert Hellinger

Testimonials:
I didn’t get what I needed growing up. I was emotionally and physically abandoned, and abused in every way except physically. Consequently, as an adult I’ve struggled to take care of my own emotional needs and to feel any semblance of inner peace or happiness. I’ve held strong to the story in my head (and heart) that my life would always be filled with pain and sadness that just doesn’t go away, because of certain ‘facts’ in my life. I’ve done plenty of talk therapy in my adult life, and it’s helped in some ways but the pain and sadness remained. Fortunately I decided to try a Systemic Constellation workshop. I was skeptical, but not anymore. I don’t know exactly how, but I know it’s allowed me to get out of the storyline in my head and get a glimpse of new possibilities in my life and the way I feel. Catherine is an excellent facilitator and leader of these workshops. I highly recommend it.
D.K., technical writer/project manager

Catherine is remarkable and I have done this work with her and with a couple other practitioners over the years. It is DEEPLY powerful and lasting. I still see evidence in my life from pieces I learned in a session 10 years ago. The magic is that no one needs to know your story to do the work, you don’t even have to know the story, and yet you get information in a way that is deeply shifting and freeing. I encourage you to come check it out and either come as an observer or do a constellation. BOTH are powerful and invited. Kathy P. – Realtor

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Catherine VanWetter is a transitional life counselor who is ready to guide you in the next steps of your journey toward becoming more authentically aligned mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Catherine is certified in multiple disciplines, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Integrative Kinesiology, Deepak Chopra’s Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, Hellinger’s Family Systems Work, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Positive Discipline, and Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP) for couples. Visit her website at http://www.totheheartofthematter.com.

Millions of people have lost their jobs just in the past few months. Billions of dollars are being spent on advertising by businesses nation/world wide. Online Wellness Association, a start-up internet company, is one of those companies spending marketing dollars. We believe we have come up with a way to help people improve their income thereby getting the best value for our advertising dollars. WE NEED YOUR HELP MARKETING ONLINE WELLNESS ASSOCIATION.

Online Wellness Association wants to aggressively campaign for new members. YOU can help and make money at the same time. OWA will pay $100 for each qualified wellness practitioner that becomes a member as a result of YOUR REFERRAL to OWA. You do not have to sell OWA; you just need to recommend the site to the wellness practitioner, then, send an e-mail to the OWA staff with the referral information:

1. Name of person referred
2. Type of wellness practice
3. Name of practice
4. Phone number of practitioner
5. E-mail of practitioner
6. Acknowledgement that the practitioner is expecting communication from OWA; or, that the practitioner is contacting OWA themselves
7. Send an e-mail with the referral information to OWA staff (listed below), your referral, and a copy for yourself.

Online Wellness Association’s just wants YOU to make an INTRODUCTION of OWA to as many practitioners in your area. In exchange, when the practitioner is approved for membership, OWA will pay you a ‘Thank you’ referral fee of $100!

OWA recognizes that we are living in challenging economic times. Our marketing dollars can continue to go to traditional media marketing, BUT, instead, it seems helping people that may need additional income may be more reasonable at this time. There are no other strings attached. This is just a more direct way for OWA to do marketing and for people that may need extra money can earn it.

If you have questions about introducing wellness practitioners to Online Wellness Association, please contact me, MAx Fabry, President/Founder of Online Wellness Association at

maxfabry@onlinewellnessassociation.com

Visit our site to learn everything you need to know to earn an Introduction Fee now by browsing through the Online Wellness Association site located at:

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

1. Name of person referred
2. Type of wellness practice
3. Name of practice
4. Phone number of practitioner
5. E-mail of practitioner
6. Acknowledgement that the practitioner is expecting communication from OWA; or, that the practitioner is contacting OWA themselves.

Online Wellness Associations simply wants YOU to make an INTRODUCTION of OWA to as many practitioners in your area. In exchange, when the practitioner is approved for membership, OWA will pay you a ‘Thank you’ referral fee of $100!

OWA recognizes that we are living in challenging economic times. Our marketing dollars can continue to go to traditional media marketing, BUT, instead, it seems helping people that may need additional income seems more reasonable at this time. There are no other strings attached. This is just a more direct way for OWA to do marketing.

If you have questions about introducing wellness practitioners to Online Wellness Association, please contact me, MAx Fabry, President/Founder of Online Wellness Association at

maxfabry@onlinewellnessassociation.com

Visit our site to learn everything you need to know to earn an Introduction Fee now:

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Are you ready to get on the route to internet visability? Apply for membership today! Go to

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com, click ‘become a member’, then, ‘how to apply’.

Learn more about me, MAx Fabry, Founder of Online Wellness Association at: http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com, or at my private practice website: http://www.lifestylechangescounseling.com

Dear MAx,
I have a friend that is more like my sister. We met in our early twenties. I remember the day that we met, she was high on pot and invited me to Happy Hour where I immediately learned that she had a great capacity for tequila. But, we were in our twenties, and partying was the ‘thing’ to do. We have remained very close over the decades raising our children as extended family, and loving each other unconditionally. Unfortunately, she has never stopped partying! She continues to smoke pot daily, and thinks closing business deals of booze is still acceptable. The problem is that now that both of our kids are teenagers, we seemed to have run into opposing value systems: she allows her teens to openly smoke pot, I don’t think it is appropriate for my kids to smoke pot, or drink alcohol. We are both in our early 50s, how can I get my friend to grow up?!

Lisa

Dear Lisa,
Recently I wrote on my blog about the growing issue of addiction among aging boomers. I got several responses back expressing their surprise about learning that there is an issue in this age group. For any of you that were part of the 60s/70s peak Boomer era, you may remember the one of mottos for that time “Living Well Through Better Chemistry” as participants of the LSD age “turned on, tuned in, dropped out”. Ahh, those were the days. Or were they? A study conducted between 2003 and 2005 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) indicated that illicit drug use by people in their 50s increased by more than 60%. Interestingly, this well educated, often professional, demographic lives a dichotomy lifestyle: on one hand being health nuts while on the other being poly-med users while in pursuit of health, youth, and happiness.

Smoking pot is controversial on several levels. I have lived in communities that seem to have a consensus that adults smoking pot is acceptable even though it is illegal (without a “medical card”). The problem with this consensus of thought is that kids don’t get the ‘adults’ part of the behavior. Then, the adults begin to complain about the kids smoking pot, the high rate of high school dropouts, and the non-motivation to move ahead in life.

The thing about partying in the twenties is that, as Americans, it is ‘what we’re suppose to be doing’. The problem is when it is time to stop, some people can stop with no problem, but there are the ‘others’ that can’t stop at any cost. This defines people that are addicts, and people that are not.

It must be very difficult for you to continue to witness your lifelong friend’s addiction, and to watch her pass this behavior on to the next generation. The most important thing to remember is that we don’t have the ability to change other people. We can try to influence them into a healthier lifestyle, but, if they are comfortable where they are at, it would be a waste of time and energy to try to change them. However, we can change how we relate to that person. For instance, educating your own children about the consequences of abusing drugs and alcohol; and, keeping open dialogue with them about their observations and experiences of what is happening outside of your home.

Painful as it may be for you, lovingly distancing yourself from your friend when she is under the influence may help you continue the friendship. Remember that letting go of someone does not mean to stop caring or loving them, it means acknowledging that they are on their own journey, learning their own consequences, and affecting their own destinies. Letting go is accepting what is, taking care of yourself and your family, and being there when the person you love and care about needs support.

Have a question about addiction, recovery, or life transitions such as retirement, career change, grief and loss issues, empty nesting, etc, ‘ASK MAx’. Send your questions to Lifestyle Changes, PO Box 1962, Eugene, OR 97440; or, e-mail your questions to maxfabry@lifestylechangescounseling.com. Learn more about MAx Fabry at http://www.lifestylechangescounseling.com

To learn more about the Springfield Times, Springfield, OR, and to order a subscription go to
http://www.springfieldtimes.net

MAx Fabry, Founder

http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Therapy vs Coaching.
by Bryna Livingston, MSW, LCSW

These are questions that puzzle people as they try to decide what is the appropriate path to follow at a time when they are feeling vulnerable.

Therapy and coaching are two distinct paths. Often the paths seem to converge, but good therapists, and good coaches know the boundaries for each discipline.

One analogy that I like to use is that of the feeling of walking on thin ice. You may be familiar with this feeling. It may be one that you experience more often than not. On the surface, there may be nothing going on in your life that you can change to elevate the feeling of ‘thin ice’. It’s just a feeling that you have carried with you for as long as you can remember. Therapy may help you find the roots where the thin ice originated. In therapy you can look for the reasons why you have the feelings that continually send you on that thin ice. Therapy can help you identify hot buttons that are wired from the inside because of early experiences. These buttons often stop you from thinking rationally and cause untold stress in your daily life.

Therapy can help you see how your reactions and adaptations that you have made in your life were protective and made sense when you were young, but no longer are serving you. It can alert you to present situations that will trigger those feelings of ‘skating on thin ice’, and help you to make adjustments as you ‘unwire’ those hot buttons.

Working with a coach you will deal in present time. There you are, standing in the middle of a huge ice patch. You don’t know which direction to turn, or even if turning is a good idea. A coach can help you sort out the next step and plan for a different future. A coach is usually a short-term solution to problems that deals with immediate issues. Career path has you baffled? Going through a divorce that has thrown you so off kilter that you are afraid that any decision you make will be a bad one? Just moved, and want help with the next step toward integrating into the community? Kids just left home and you have time now to decide what the next part of your life will look like?

The latter is a time when the two paths (coaching and therapy) may converge. If you are looking for the next step, that calls for a coach. If you are trying to figure out who you are, try therapy.

To go back to my analogy of ‘thin ice.’ A coach can help you off the ice. A therapist can help you plant your feet in solid ground and get to the roots of your being.

How to find a coach or therapist that will be a fit for you? There are some basic questions that you can ask each discipline. Are you licensed or certified? Where did you train? How long have you been doing the work that you are advertising? Do you have a supervisor or do you submit to supervision from a peer? What difference do the above questions make? You can be assured of a standard of training if a person holds a license or certification. There is a code of ethics that accompanies licenses and certification, and there is recourse if you feel you have been treated poorly.

When you are feeling vulnerable it is important that you contract with someone who you can trust. Friends are usually good resources, but your own gut feelings are your best barometer. I recommend that people interview me, or anyone that they are thinking of trusting with their story. No one person is a fit for everyone. You can do a short interview on the telephone. It is not unusual to make an appointment for one session and see how it feels. A good coach or therapist will support this. If they don’t, ask why.

The path of life isn’t easy, and we all need help at some time.
It takes strength and courage to ask for help. I salute you on your journey.

Bryna Livingston has a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work with an emphasis on Family Systems. She has 13 years of direct counseling experience with individuals, couples, families and groups. To contact Bryna, please call (541) 505-2728 or e-mail at brynalivingston@gmail,com. Learn more about Bryna Livingston at http://www.lifestylechangescounseling.com.

To view additional articles and/or to apply for membership to OWA visit
http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

The OWA Seal is an emblem that signifies authenticity and credibility as a wellness professional. It indicates that the credentials—the degrees, licenses, and certification of that professional have been verified through OWA’s credentialing process. OWA Seal is a brand who’s platform is helping a growing number of wellness professionals and individuals to exchange services with confidence.

The OWA Seal is intended to be like the “Good Housekeeping Seal” you see on the label of
household products. When you see it, it means that the product has been tested for both
safety and effectiveness. Similarly, the OWA Seal indicates that the professional who displays it on his/her site is a legitimate, qualified, and certified to offer the services and products on their website. When you see our seal on a professional website, it indicates:

ØReliability – this individual or company’s identity has been verified by OWA
ØSecurity – OWA is taking security precautions to protect your personal information
ØPrivacy – You can be confident that your personal information is kept strictly confidential, and will not be disclosed or shared with any other company, association, organization, or individual.
ØLegitimacy – You can obtain services and products from this professional with confidence that their credentials have been verified.

Online Wellness Association is actively seeking wellness practitioners to become members. If you have read the conditions of membership, and still have not considered applying for membership, I would be interested in your feedback of why you have not joined. Please send your feedback directly to me at:
maxfabry@onlinewellnessassociation.com

MAx Fabry is the founder on Online Wellness Association. Read ‘About us’ ‘Words from our founder’ at
http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com

Learn more about me,MAx Fabry, and Online Wellness at
http://www.onlinewellnessassociation.com