One of the lessons I am learning is the importance of living in the present moment, not focusing on past regrets or worrying and planning too far ahead into the future. Knitting reminds me of that lesson every time I pick up the needles and yarn. You can only focus on one stitch at a time. Thinking too far ahead of yourself can lead to mistakes with the current stitch. Sometimes mistakes made in the previous rows are meant to be fixed, but accepted and part of the grand design.
One of the meditation techniques I am learning about is Grounding Meditation. I have a hard time meditating and calming my mind down enough to focus on one thought or avoid distractions. But, grounding meditations seems to come naturally to me. And, something anyone can do to help relieve stress, relax and rejuvenate their energy levels.
Grounding yourself is a technique where you are focused and aware of your body and its deeply rooted connections to the earth and the vast heavens above. It is a technique where you focus on the present moment, where your body is now, and release negative energy in exchange for positive ones. It is a way to get “centered” with yourself, God and the earth.
Sit Under a Tree
There are numerous ways to ground – the important thing is to find a method that truly works for you. One of these days, I am going to find a great tree to sit under and practice my grounding meditation. I have always loved trees, and it seems natural to practice grounding under a great big tree.
Here are links to articles that provide you instructions on grounding techniques:
I have found some wonderful CDs that have guided grounding meditations, where you listen and follow the instructions spoken to you while relaxing music is playing in the background. I like these meditations because they help me really focus on my body and releasing any pain and frustrations that I may be taking in from my day, or from other people that I have encountered.
During the past month or so, I have started a new chapter in my life. It is a chapter that starts with grieving some losses in my life. The loss of some dear friends and relationships. The realization that I am on disability, and will not have the career (or life) that I had planned for in my 20s and 30s.
But, this new chapter also celebrates new beginnings. I realize that my life is not the typical life that one plans for. So, why should I treat my health conditions the same way everyone else does? After all, my physical therapy has not been standard, but rather very customized and a result of the out of the box thinking that has given me my leg braces.
Stinging Nettle Plant
I am on a journey in finding natural remedies for common ailments and chronic conditions. And, as a wonderful start to this journey, I am singing the praises of Nettle tea. My friend Molly on Ravelry suggested it to me after reading about my lack of spoons on my blog. You can read her post about the Nettle plant here on her blog.
I have been drinking dried nettle tea for two weeks now (2-3 cups/day), and I am finally starting to feel like I am not starting my day on an empty tank! That is an amazing accomplishment because with fibromyalgia and lupus, you always seem to be running on a low tank with few spoons for each day.
I have even noticed the difference the tea has made with my physical therapy sessions. A few weeks ago, I had to do 5 minutes on the exercise bike. I was able to complete it, but came home immediately to a 3 hour nap! After the first week of nettle tea, I was able to do 6.5 minutes on the exercise bike with only a 1 hour nap that afternoon. This week, I have moved up to 7.5 minutes on the exercise bike with no naps so far after my physical therapy sessions. Every day I am still tired and struggle to do basic tasks, but at least I don’t start the day with no spoons!
You can buy dried nettles at your local health food store. And, there are pre-made nettle tea bags as well. I have just been making a tea using a tea ball.
Just about everyone can drink nettle tea. I would not recommend it, however, if you are taking blood thinners because the tea helps with blood coagulation (opposite of blood thinners) . Don’t drink nettle tea if you are already on diuretic medication.
Here are some of the well-known curative properties of nettle:
It is used as diuretic.
It is used to treat anemia since nettle leaves contain high amount of iron content. It is also very high in the minerals calcium, magnesium, silicon, sulphur, copper, chromium, zinc, cobalt, potassium and phosphorus. Nettles also contain high amounts of vitamins A, C, D, E, and K as well as riboflavin and thiamine.
It also helps to formation and coagulation of blood cells.
It is used in the treatment of inflamed joints, including arthritis.
It protects respiratory and urinary problems.
It decreases the risk of eczema and other skin disorders.
It is used in asthma treatment.
It is used in the treatment of benign prostate.
It is used in the treatment of sinusitis and rhinitis.
It protects hair loss.
It is a natural antihistamine and helps with hay fever/springtime allergies.
It helps with menopause and rehydrates dry vaginal tissues.
It nourishes, strengthens and rebuilds your kidneys and adrenals.
It helps to regulate and lower high sugar levels.
Below is a video on how to make a nettle infusion by renowned herbalist Susun Weed. She has tons of information about herbal remedies for women’s health here. To read about the Wise Woman tradition, visit her Web site here.
Kkhymn's Corner 