Living With Stress

What is Stress?

Stress is our body’s reaction to an event or circumstance that our bodies perceive as a challenge. Our nervous system responds to this threat by releasing stress hormones including adrenalin and cortisol. These hormones get the body ready for action. Our bodies were designed to survive. Stress kicks off the fight or flight response. When this occurs our bodies change – our heart beats faster, our breath quickens as our muscles tighten, our blood pressure and our respiration rate increase, our digestion slows and there is an increase of glucose secretion from the liver to prepare us to react to the upcoming challenge.

When the threat or challenge is over, then our bodies hit a clear point where the stress cycle concludes with relaxation. You begin to take long slow breaths as all the tension drains from your body. The heart rate returns to normal, blood pressure returns to normal, muscles relax and your body settles back into its normal state. This is the relaxation response. It is the critical point in maintaining a healthy state within your body.

Is Stress Normal?

A little bit of stress is very normal and is even beneficial in getting us moving throughout the day. For example when we need to get to work on time or have a deadline for a project or even the stress of feeding your hunger. A little bit of stress keeps us motivated, on task and excited even for a challenge. This is good, productive stress. But it is very important for us to acknowledge when the stress we are dealing with is too much. It is also important to note that stress is subjective. What one person sees as a stress another person will not be challenged at all.

How to Recognize when Stress Is Destructive?

Stress can sneak up on us. Sometimes it might be that we have been stressed for so long that it is starting to feel normal.  We all experience stress differently but some of the signs you can look for are:

·         Becoming unproductive, fatigued and exhausted.

·         Start to be short tempered and irrational.

·         Headaches, allergies, rashes or ulcers may occur.

·         Getting depressed depressed and withdraw, or anxious with a million thought running through our mind.

·         Constant worrying, feeling l isolated and moody.

 These are some of the warning signs. When you start to manifest the stress into physical conditions then it’s time to take responsibility and work out a better plan to take care of yourself.

What are some causes of stress in our modern day?

Not every stress is seen as a negative but can put a big strain on you. For example, getting married, buying a home and moving, a new baby, new job e.t.c…

Other stressors can include financial issues, relationship troubles, fear, poor health, self-criticism, being too busy or may be the inability to accept change.

Why is Too Much Stress a Problem?

Remember at the beginning we talked about the flight or fight response and then at the end of the threat the relaxation response kicks in? Well when we are stressed and we are constantly stressed, that means are bodies are constantly is a state of tension, high blood pressure, fast heart beats, and shallow breathing. When under chronic stress and our bodies have not been given the chance to return to a normal healthy state, and if left untreated illness and disease will occur.  This can be anything from heart disease, pains of any kind, blood pressure problems, immunity problems, skin conditions, and sleep disorders to name a few.

Taking Responsibility for Stress in Your Life.

When in a very stressful situation one might feel that life is beyond their control. And you may be right. Some situations we cannot control but we do have control over how we respond to what life throws at us. We can control our thoughts, feelings and emotions. We can choose to take charge of what we can control. If we can change the stressful situation, than do it. If we can’t (not won’t), then control what you can.

Learn strategies to relax. Some examples include:

1.       Meditation. Focused attention on the now. Giving your body the chance to wind down, recover and begin to heal itself.

2.       Deep focused breathing. This is a natural state of restfulness. When concentrating on your breathing you are giving your body permission to relax. The oxygen is taken deep into your cells and the muscles will relax.

3.       Physical Exercise – this promotes the circulation of hormones, helps us use excess cortisol( too much cortisol weakens our immune system), and increases the serotonin levels, improves the cardiovascular system and our psychological health.

4.       White Light –Visualising the white light coming into your body on the in breath and exhaling the stress as a dark colour on the outbreath. Relax and continue doing this until you feel calm, rest and relaxed.

5.       Checking in with your body throughout the day – See that you muscles are relaxed, especially your neck, shoulders, face and jaw.

Crystals to Support Stress

·         Aragonite – Helpful during periods of stress and anger as it provides ease of centering oneself.

·         Azurite – gives comfort by calming anxiety associated with disease.

·         Chlorocalcite – is a calming agent and can be used to produce an inner reflection concerning that which can potentially cause stress in one’s life.

·         Gold – Helps with the over burden of responsibility, combats feelings of depression and inferiority and calms excitation and stages of anger

·         Howlite – Can be used to eliminate stress or rage

·         Kunzite – Can help with stress related diseases. Eliminates  energy blockages which encourage the dysfunction within the body

·         Labradorite – reduces anxiety and stress

·         Lepidolite – used for stress reduction and stress

·         related disorders

·         Fire Opal – Allows one to remain centered during times of decision making and stress

·         Rose Quartz -  Used to open the heart center allowing for the dissolution of stress and tension

·         Sunstone- used to dissipate fearfulness to alleviate stress and to increase vitality

·         Thunder Egg – The energy is one of joy and peace and is especially helpful in times of great stress

·         Turquoise – used to help treat skin conditions related to stress.

The Chakras- An Overview

The chakras are a spinning vortex of energy that both takes up and collects energy and transforms and passes on the energy to our physical bodies and aura. The prana or life force is vital for our physical bodies, without which we could not function. The chakra is the gateway for this energy into our physical bodies.

Chakras draw in energy to help us with learning the lessons that we wish to gain in this lifetime. But we must keep in mind that the chakras can get blocked up with emotions, fears and anxieties. After looking individually at each chakra we are now aware what area of our bodies, mind or spirit may need work. It is so much easier for you to deal with issues when they arise to ensure you do not suffer more than you need to.

Movement of Energy through the Chakras

The Chakras are stacked up upon each other and the energy moves both up and down the spine. The energy flowing up the spine is the liberating current. It frees you and you feel less bound the higher you go, or the more you awaken. The energy flowing down is the manifesting current where the energy gains density as it travels downward until it manifests into physical form.

There is also movement of horizontal energy into each chakra. These currents are responsible for expression and reception of energy in our interaction with the world and each other.

If these currents are blocked either vertically or horizontally we may have trouble expressing or receiving, liberating or manifesting. If this is so, then our life becomes compromised.

RESPONSIBILITY

After looking at each individual chakra and the connection each energy vortex has with our physical body, we have opened ourselves up to the knowledge that we are all responsible for our own mind, body and spirit in a much more dynamic way than what we may have believed before we started studying the chakras. As we grow and develop spiritually and come to the awareness of how our energetic system works it is hard for each of us to go back to our old ways and shut off the warning systems to make deeper life changes.

What we have come to know is that we are a mind, body and spirit and each system has to be cared for and nurtured in order to work in an optimal way.  If one only cares for the physical body through exercise, good diet but neglects the mind and spirit, then we cannot be balanced and well. We may eventually suffer from illness or other challenges on our life’s path.

We are very special important souls, who have chosen to incarnate on this planet at this time. We are loved unconditionally and we owe it to ourselves and the planet to live the best life we can. We are love, we are connected, and we are one. We breathe the same air, we share the same space, and we came from the same source. When you take care and love yourself then you are taking care of everyone and the planet. For you are the light and when you shine brightly you are healing mankind and healing the planet. There is no separation. Take responsibility for yourself and your life will flourish. The more people that live this way, the more the human race will learn to live in peace and harmony.

Intelligence, Knowledge and Guidance.

You are connected to source through our Chakras. We are not separate, EVER. You have access to unlimited knowledge, creativity and an abundance of cosmic intelligence and guidance. By studying the chakras and learning how to connect to source and ground to earth, we have an infinite source of all we need at our finger tips. The more we arm ourselves with the information and tools to access our higher selves the more we can ride the highs and lows of life with balance, harmony and peace. Think of yourself like a tree that bends with the wind but stays strong and secure in the trunk.

A Quick Overview

·        *  Chakra means “wheel of Light”

·         * The chakras support the functions of our physical and spiritual bodies

·         * We have 7 major chakras and minor chakras in your hands, feet and in every joint in your body and placed all around you in your aura.

·         * The chakras are connected to each other through a network that forms a vast circulation system for universal energy

·         * In a healthy state the chakras will spin evenly and quickly and each one will glow brightly with the particular colour of the light spectrum.

·        *  A weak, stressed or tired chakra can feel very sluggish or have a very unbalanced, elliptical spin. With your mind’s eye you may see a dull or dark chakra, rather than the lovely bright colours it should ideally be.

  Lower Chakras – the first three chakras deal with external reality: how secure and stable your life is, how you fit into your community and how to express your individuality.

1.       Root Chakra (RED)brings grounding and security

2.       Sacral Chakra (Orange) equips you to go with the flow and taste all life has to offer

3.       Solar plexus (Yellow) empowers you with the energy you need to function efficiently.

·         Middle Chakras – Deal with your internal reality

4.       Heart Chakra (green/Pink) governs the energy of love and compassion, enabling you to express love (or blocking its expression)

5.       Throat Chakra (Blue) deals with communication and equips you to take in information and express yourself.

6.       Third Eye Chakra (Indigo) is the seat of wisdom. Your mind’s eye sees your dreams and directs you to them.

·         Highest Chakra –

7.       Crown Chakra (White, Gold, and Violet) deals with the ultimate reality and infinite potential.

Developmental Stages of the Chakras

The chakras evolve sequentially, from the bottom to the top along with our chronological age. It is sometimes necessary for the next chakra phase to begin in order for the one below it to complete.

Developmental Stage	Chakra	Life Lesson	Sacramental Significance
Womb- 12 months	Base/root	Survival	Baptism
6 months- 2 years	Sacral	Building relationships	Reconciliation
18 months- 4 years	Solar Plexus	Personal Power	Communion
4-7 years	Heart Chakra	Unconditional Love	Confirmation
7-12 years	Throat	Communication	Marriage
Adolescent	Third Eye	Intuition	Ordination
Adulthood	Crown	Enlightenment	The Last Rite

Crown Chakra

The crown chakra is represented by a thousand petal lotus flower, which implies the infinite nature of this chakra provides us with our most direct connection to the divine. The associated colour is violet, white and gold, as is located at the top of the head. The musical note for this chakra is B and the mantra is “AUM”.

The crown chakra is the portal to our highest states of consciousness. It is where your prana (life-force) enters our energetic body.  It is the chakra where we transcend the duality of the physical world and where we live in oneness with all that is. This is the place of grace, where spiritual knowledge and knowing lies. Where our psyche, pure ego and individuality have no division and combine in unity.  It is the level of our soul.

The crown chakra connects with the higher frequencies of the universe or some may call this God. God can be seen as the cosmos, the divine, the infinite intelligence…or whoever you personally see God to be. The crown invites the light of the Divine into our energetic bodies to connect us, to love us, to support us and protect us.  We must remember that when working with energy, that we are the energy of light, though we may all be different vibrations of light frequencies. To be clear in this energy centre we need to have an open and trusting relationship with God.

A Balanced Crown Chakra

When the Crown is balanced you will have a magnetic personality and may see many miracles occur in your life. You will have a sense of well-being and be in unity with all of life. You will be open-minded, empathetic, thoughtful and aware. But especially, you will be at peace with yourself.

A Unbalanced Crown Chakra 

Blocked- When it is blocked you may feel very exhausted, find it difficult to make decisions and have no sense of belonging. Your belief systems may be very ridged, you may be greedy and will may try to dominate others.

Excessive- If it’s spinning too fast, you may feel psychotic or manic depressive. You may also over intellectualize, be confused and/or dissociate from your body.

Physical Manifestations of a Blocked Crown Chakra

The crown Chakra governs the upper skull, cerebral cortex and the skin. So when blockages in the energetic body occurs it can lead to chronic exhaustion, depression, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, sensitivity to light, sound and to pollution, brain tumors, migraines and amnesia.

Cosmic Energy

The metaphysical element associated with the crown chakra is cosmic energy – inner light, which is what one experiences when they are in the deepest part of their being, as a point of consciousness glowing with intelligence. Also called the white light, metaphysically this is considered the most subtle element of which the entire physical universe is created.

Sense of Empathy and Unity

The sense connected with the opened crown chakra is Empathy and unity. When we lift our vibration and expand into unity consciousness, we can then see others as if they were part of us or one with us. We can step into their lives as if we were them and at that point we can see through their eyes and understand how they are experiencing their world. This is a gift that should always be used with pure intent for healing and assisting others.

The Pineal Glands

This gland is governed by the crown chakra. This gland regulates the secretion of the hormone Melatonin. Melatonin regulates our sleep/waking patterns or circadian rhythms. Science has explored the relationship with the pineal gland and light. It is understood that the pineal gland converts information about light into hormone production. More light… less melatonin produced. Less light…more melatonin produced.

Balancing the Crown Chakra

Incense:

Sandalwood lifts you to a higher state of consciousness.

Cedar brings clarity of the mind and lifts the spirits (infuse with 1 drop of sage oil to link the crown and root chakra).

Frankincense resin enhances your ability to connect with divinity and has protective properties. Myrrh resin deepens prayer and meditation.

Silence: Turn off all the noise around you…computers, TV, radio etc… and be in silence. Just listen to the messages from the universe.

Prayer: Everyone has their own way of praying and whatever method you use is met with unconditional love and support.

Help others:  When you spend time in service towards others it not only opens balances your crown chakra but it will expand your love outwards into the universe and come back to you 10 fold.

Crystals: Clear Quartz, Amethyst, Diamond, White Jade, White Tourmaline, Snowy Quartz,.

Third Eye Chakra

                                                                                                              

The third eye chakra is located on the forehead between the eyebrows. The colour of this chakra is indigo, the note is A and the mantra is OM.

The third eye represents you intuition, inner awareness, wisdom and inner sight. It is the energy centre that governs your intellect (the part of you that makes decisions), and your intuition (the part of you that governs clarity from source). Our intuition can get into battle with our ego as our ego likes to rely on what is known to be fact. Whereas the intuition does not, is being fed information from the universe, from what our mind see as the unknown. A balance third eye will help these two minds work together in partnership with one another for our highest, greatest good. 

The key ingredient in following your intuition is trust. What you see, feel, hear, sense on an intuitive level is your direct communication with source energy. Because we don't always trust our intuition often these very important messages get ignored. As we have grown through childhood and into adulthood we have learnt to trust what we experience with our five senses. Many would call our intuition our 6th sense. How many times can you recall trusting your intuition and saving yourself from a negative experience? Or maybe you ignored your intuition and made a mistake or detrimental decision. 

A Balanced Third Eye

When our third eye is balanced your mind is balanced. You are able to listen to and trust your intuition (highly intuitive). You can see the world with sense and logic. You are able to see life from a higher perspective with clarity. Your will be able to remember your dreams and obtain messages from them as they will be clear and more vivid.

A Unbalanced Third Eye 

When it is weak or blocked, you may experience a lack of imagination and not see things clearly with a feeling of confusion. You may also exhibit problems with sleep, and not remembering your dreams. Your thought may be foggy and things will be difficult to remember.

When it is excessive you may have overactive thoughts where your mind is racing. You may also find it difficult to tune into and trust your intuition. You may also find that you become over intellectual and arrogant, relying too much on the intellectual brain.

It is paramount that this chakra has the support from the centered and balanced lower chakras.

Physical Manifestations of a Blocked Third Eye

The third eye governs the eyes, ears, nose, brain and base of the skull. When the third eye is unbalanced and physical manifestation occurs, it can result in headaches, migraines, insomnia, nightmares, sinus and nose congestion, dizziness, vision problems, mental health problems and poor memory.

Metaphysical Element is Associated with the Third Eye.

The third eye is associated with Light. The light enables use to see. The light from source is guiding us through our physical journey on earth. Without the light we would not be able to guide our way out of the dark. It is the light that enables us to see truth and see the beauty beyond the judgments of the physical reality.

6th Sense of Intuition

Intuition is your inner knowing, inner thought from source, your direct line to the universe to guide you in your daily life. It is the sense that helps us read and interprets the energy around us with the third eye assisting. It allows us to read thought energy from others, knowing what one is thinking and feeling. 

The Pituitary Glands

This gland is the size of a pea and is located behind the centre of our forehead, between the two eyes. This is the gland that is known as the master gland because it is the gland that sends messages to all the other glands, and is responsible for a whole heap of vital functions. Including, regulation of the thyroid, stimulates cell division and milk production, ovulation, testosterone, and regulates sexual development.

It is also known to work in conjunction with the pineal gland to open the third eye. It is he gland connected to: Feminine energy - life is seen with love, assertive but not aggressive, understanding and creativity. Insight - The wisdom from within without being taught.  Intuition - A knowing in the "gut". A natural feeling that is felt in the mind, body or spirit. Harmony - Being in unity and agreement with life and people.

Clearing the Third Eye Chakra

Meditate – This may just be the best way to clear this chakra and balance it. One can just take a few moments each day to sit and relax, focusing your attention on the third eye.

Indigo – Is the colour that vibrates in harmony with this chakra, so wear indigo or dark blue. Gaze at pictures that display this colour, or light a indigo candle.

Visualise - Bring in a healing indigo radiant light directly into the third eye and visualise it healing and clearing this energy centre.

Crystals – Amethyst, Sapphire, Purple fluorite, sugalite, clear quartz, Azurite, purple apatite

Music - Play classical music. 

Use essential oils - Such as Hyacinth, Violet, Rose Geranium.