Author Recommendation: Robert Peng
I highly recommend that you pick up Robert Peng's books: The Master Key and The Way of Virtue.
Both are beautifully written, edited to perfection, and fulfill the clear purpose of disseminating healing wisdom into the world.
The books meet you where you are. They will engage those new to Qigong, as well as those with years of experience. Principles are presented using universal truths, such that individuals of any background or spiritual belief system can resonate.
I love the format of Robert's books. In the first half, he shares stories, theories, and teachings in a thorough yet concise manner. The second half details healing and empowerment practices that can be applied immediately and for years to come. Throughout both books, the illustrations bring out the essence of the text.
Manifesting your Desires
Clients keep telling me about Abraham Hicks and the earth-shattering wisdom they gain from their teachings. You shared, and I listened! In the last few months, I’ve been reading and listening to these teachings on an array of topics. I’m hooked and think you will be too!
Full disclosure: Abraham-Hicks is not human. Jerry and Esther Hicks are a husband-wife team who discovered in the 1980s that they could communicate with the infinite intelligence of the universe. Esther learned that she was a medium, and began to channel a team of non-physical beings that call themselves “Abraham”; named such because they come together as teachers of mankind.
The wisdom they share is simple and yet life-altering. I attempt to highlight their most important principles.
Belief Code Certification
As you may know, I am certified as a practitioner of Emotion code and Body code.
As of this month, please join me in celebrating the completion of the Belief Code certification!
What does this mean? Since the three energy code practices build upon each other, I’ll share the broader picture and history of these modalities.
Introduction to Taoism
Taoism (Daoism) is an ancient Chinese philosophy that teaches us to seek the way of nature and live in harmony with the universe. Through simplicity and inaction, the highest good will be achieved.
This sounds like a dream compared to the culture of America! We are trained that life is complicated and we must take action to succeed. There is so much effort and trying in modern life.
Much of my work with Qigong is based on Taoist principles. I am fortunate to witness the beautiful dance of gentleness and ease that naturally brings about greatness.
The Tao (Dao) is directly translated as "The Way". It is often described as the higher power of the universe, the life force, the origin of all things. It is also said that the Tao cannot be defined; as soon as you name or describe the Tao, it is no longer the Tao.
"The Tao never begins or ends, does nothing, and yet animates everything in the world of form and boundaries, which is called the world of the 10,000 things." (Dyer, 2007, xii)
The classic text of Taoism is called the Tao Te Ching (Dao De Jing). Written around 400 BC, this foundational work is credited to the ancient sage, Lao Tzu (Laozi). It includes 81 verses that resemble riddles and paradoxes, uniting the yin and yang to teach us how to live a peaceful and rewarding life.
"If action seems called for, he asks you to consider non-action. If you feel that grasping will help you acquire what you need or want, he councils you to let go and be patient." (Dyer, 2007, xii)
The Tao Te Ching has been translated thousands of times, each interpreting the Taoist philosophies in various ways.
I recommend for your consideration the version by Wayne Dyer,
Change your Thoughts - Change your Life, Living the Wisdom of the Tao
Dyer reviewed hundreds of translations of the Tao Te Ching and meditated on each verse to provide this in-depth commentary on the nature of our existence.
Book Review: When the Body Says No
Consider the many ailments that afflict us and those we love: ALS, multiple sclerosis, cancer, Alzheimers, Irritable bowel syndrome, autoimmune disease. Why do some of the kindest, most selfless and compassionate people suffer from these diseases? We all know someone who eats right, exercises, and makes sacrifices for their health, and still is diagnosed with an illness.
When the Body Says No, by Gabor Mate, addresses the underlying emotional landscape of these illnesses. He aims to make the qualitative quantitative, by sharing scientific studies that outline emotional patterns for each disease.
Did you know that genetics play a surprisingly minor role in the contraction of these illnesses? Did you know that we all host cancer cells, but other factors determine whether they overwhelm our system?
Mate’s research finds that much of our disease response is related to our childhood coping strategies.
Book Review: The Qi Effect
Francesco Garri Garripoli is a leading Qigong master in the US and worldwide.
He has walked through life as an intellectual (receiving a full ride scholarship to medical school), philosopher, disciple of Daoism, TV-series producer, healer, teacher...and so much more. Francesco studied with Qigong masters for decades in China, and healed his broken bones through meditation.
I have had the honor of learning from Francesco when he teaches in Boulder. In seminars he shares personal philosophies of energy, Qi, health, and life. I love listening to him explain how a loving heart-resonant energy is the catalyst for health and well-being.
This book is such a treat, as Francesco documents the many concepts that define his worldview and spiritual view. Reading this book is like attending weeks of classes with him!
In The Qi Effect, Francesco combines scientific facts with philosophical reasoning and personal experiences to explain the origin of the universe and its infinite existence in time and space. What an admirable undertaking! He challenges common scientific theories, and proposes new ones based on the same scientific observations.
Francesco openly recognizes that these hypotheses are controversial, and yet shares them to expand our perspective of the unknown and therefore the known. Some of the topics considered include:
The energy of chaos, Hundun, as an important ingredient for change and creation
Whether we are physical beings in a physical world, or energetic beings in a world of energy
The energetic impact of seeing yourself as a conduit or a container
What is the mind and where is it found in the body? How do we use our minds to make decisions?
The emerging science of Epigenetics, as it relates to Qi
The impact of Qi on relationships
Pickup a copy of his new book, The Qi Effect, to learn from the science, experiences, and musings of a Qigong master. It is a brilliant weaving of ideas into new perspectives.
High Vibe Gift Guide
We are entering the season for sharing our love with others, often through quality time and gifts.
Gift-giving can be a powerful act. When we select a gift that matches the recipient's vibration, it creates a smile. The receiver feels understood and seen. This authentic connection creates a sense of joy.
It can feel just as good to give. Bearing witness to pleasant surprise as the face lights up, brings the giver a sense of joy.
I like to call this Exponential Joy.
My goal in giving is to create this Exponential Joy every time. The recipient feels good; I feel good; we all connect in a positive way. It doesn't get much better than that!
I offer several gift ideas for the energetically and spiritually centered person. May some of these ideas resonate with you and your loved ones.
Gift Certificate for Energy Healing: I am honored by your referrals and trust in this intimate work. Give the gift of a personalized energy clearing and balancing session. Your loved-one is sure to feel lighter and refreshed! Certificates for new clients are available for purchase on my website. (To gift sessions to existing clients, please contact me directly.)
Membership at Una Vida in Niwot: Give this wonderful gift of wellness through consistent classes and connection. Weekly offerings include Qi Gong movements, Meditation, Yoga, Breathwork, Group Healings, and more. I am impressed by the quality of offerings and instructors at the studio. With your membership, join my classes on Tuesday mornings!
Meditation and Mindfulness
Last year my husband started reading about meditation. He regularly came to me with this newly acquired knowledge of techniques and intentions.
I was surprised to realize that I was feeling threatened by his ‘authority’ on the matter. I was the one on a spiritual journey, studying and practicing meditation for several years. Who was he to 'school me'? I was possessive of the entire topic of meditation.
Hello Ego!
I received the gift of this trigger to bring me introspection and growth.
In addition, I found myself in resistance to reading the Headspace book; it had a casual and modern feel. I wanted to believe that all good meditation techniques stemmed from ancient times, wrapped in deep philosophies, and communicated by gurus.
Fast forward a year, and I found myself without a good book to read, antsy to find something. Of course, the Headspace Guide crossed my path again. I decided to give it a chance, and I am so glad that I did!
Trapped Emotions and Physical Pain
In my early 20s, I sustained a neck injury in a soccer accident. Playing on a co-ed team, I was body-checked by a large man. I heard audible cracking as the whiplash occurred.
Moving forward, the pain was in the form of constant tension and aching: looking at computer screens, sitting on airplanes, turning my head to hold conversations, sleeping at night, belaying a rock climber. This injury affected every part of my life.
Doctors looked at x-rays, and told me there was nothing physically wrong. For years I went to bi-weekly appointments with chiropractors and physical therapists and followed their daily strengthening exercises. I took prescribed muscle relaxers and sleep aids, purchased new pillows, used hot pads and home-massagers.
Despite my best efforts, the pain wouldn't lift and became chronic.
In my mid-20s, this scenario would repeat with my lower back from a biking accident. This young and athletic body was not healing. Injuries and pain were piling up and I started to feel desperate.
Where is Your Mind?
Have you ever wondered where consciousness comes from? It's one of the biggest questions in science; we simply don't know if the mind creates consciousness or if consciousness exists independently of the body.
Anyone curious about delving into the science of consciousness will enjoy this 8 episode podcast.
Where is My Mind?
with Mark Gober
You Are the Placebo
Clients and fellow Practitioners are always talking about Joe Dispenza; his meditations, retreats, and books. I have to agree, his messages are transformational and worthy of your engagement.
You Are the Placebo: Making your Mind Matter
by Dr. Joe Dispenza
Dispenza shares miraculous stories of healing from his own life and others. He explores scientific studies that detail the inner-workings of the placebo effect, and the myriad ways that it functions within the body. The compilation of scientific knowledge inspires us to unlock our mental potential toward health.
Echoes of the Soul
We can get awfully spiritual in my office! During a session, we discuss whatever is on your mind. Often there are questions of mortality, life-purpose, loss, and the paranormal.
If you are curious and have an open-mind about other-worldly concepts, this book is an enlightening journey into the spiritual realms.
Echoes of the Soul: Moving Beyond the Light
by Echo Bodine
The Magic Feather Effect
What does science know about how Energy-medicine works? Is the work that I'm doing as a healer just placebo? Is my empathetic bedside manner creating the success stories and relief?
The Magic Feather Effect:
The Science of Alternative Medicine and the Surprising Power of Belief by Melanie Warner
This book is a comprehensive review of current research into placebo, alternative medicine, and anecdotal healings by a skeptical journalist.
The Healing Field
The Healing Field: Exploring Energy and Consciousness
This 2016 PBS documentary interviews renowned scientists as they explore breakthroughs in the fields of energy medicine, quantum physics, DNA, genetics, and the biochemistry of emotions.
The film challenges conventional healthcare models with research on non-invasive mind-body healing techniques. Through personal stories of transformation, you are nudged to engage in self-healing practices and energy medicine.
Prime Video
The Biology of Belief
If you are interested in the science of how our thoughts affect our physical health, consider reading The Biology of Belief by Bruce Lipton, a professor and researcher of cell biology. The book details the mechanisms used by cells to receive and process information, and how DNA is affected by influences from the cell’s environment. The author proposes that our bodies can change as we retrain our thinking. I have found it to be fascinating and hope you enjoy it.
Traditional Acupuncture: The Law of the Five Elements?
During Medical Qigong sessions, I assess, treat, and explain energetic blocks and imbalances in the five elements of Chinese Medicine. Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water are considered by the Chinese to be the basic elements of nature, which bring harmony and order. These elements are represented in the human body, flowing energetically to maintain balance and remind us of our nature.
Many of you have asked, “Where can I read more about the 5 elements?