Bi-Weekly Tarot Reading:  6-29-14 through 7-12-14

 

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Blog #20:  What Is Synchronicity?

 

 

LEGACY OF THE DIVINE TAROT

 

3 OF COINS:  During this bi-weekly you will be really involved in your work, a hobby, or a special project where you enjoy what you are doing.  You feel like you are fulfilling your heart's desire and accomplishing something worthwhile. Each time you engage in this work you feel as if you are "in the zone", where time does not exist and you are in your own world.  Be grateful for these feelings, for they show that you are on your divine path.

THE HANGING MAN:  Now is the time to start looking at things differently. For too long you have been keeping yourself enclosed in a box of routine, doing the same things in the same way without really thinking about them or their value.  See your life through a different pair of eyes--are there any changes you should make or want to make? Now is the time to see things clearly from a new standpoint and let yourself move forward.

5 OF SWORDS:  You have been through some challenging, at times difficult, experiences and are feeling battle-weary.  Take heart and give yourself credit for your perseverance. You are still standing, and you are ready to tackle whatever awaits you.  You are feeling good about yourself and proud that you have achieved some success even though it was not easy.

BI-WEEKLY THEME:  During these next two weeks, enjoy some activity that truly gives you joy as you realize that this is something important to you and revitalizes you.  You are doing good work at something that you enjoy, and be grateful for this.  You will also be seeing things differently, realizing that the old way of doing things no longer works, and you are feeling restless. See this as a sign to make changes now, even small ones, so you can begin creating the life you truly want. Although things have been hard at times, give yourself credit for your successes by overcoming hurdles, which has made you stronger.

Blog #20:  What is Synchronicity?

Retrieved from:  www.beautifulnow.is

When you hear the word synchronicity, what do you think of? A coincidence? Something that just happens to occur that causes you to think there is a message there? That there is a reason for everything that happens?

Simply stated, “synchronicities are patterns that repeat in time”.  (http://www.crystalinks.com/synchronicity.html)  It is true that there are no accidents, and some believe that synchronicity occurs so that we can pay attention to something that is going on in our lives.  Synchronicity happens often, but we must be aware to notice it.

Carl Jung, the famous psychologist, was the first to use the word synchronicity to

“describe what he called the ‘acausal connecting principle’ that links mind and matter.  He said this underlying connectedness manifests in itself through meaningful coincidences that cannot be explained by cause and effect.” (http://www.flowpower.com/What%20is%20Synchronicity.htm)

He believed there are three types of synchronicity:

(1)          Thoughts or feelings that coincide with an outside event

(2)          A dream, vision, or premonition of something that does indeed happen in the future (a precognition)

(3)          A dream or vision that coincides with an event occurring at a distance

As has been mentioned in previous blogs, quantum physics is showing that everything in the universe is connected.  For example, if two photons that have been connected are separated, a change in one results in a simultaneous change in the other, regardless of the distance involved. (The Quantum Entanglement theory).  So it is reasonable to think that the third type of synchronicity is real.

Another definition of synchronicity is

“the experience of two or more events as meaningfully related, where they are unlikely to be causally related. . . .The concept does not question, or compete with, the notion of causality.  Instead, it maintains that just as events may be connected by a causal line, they may also be connected by meaning.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synchronicity)

In other words, synchronicity is when two events that happen at the same time and are related in a meaningful way, but it does not mean that one caused the other.  They are connected by meaning, not cause.

What are some examples of synchronicity in our everyday lives?

Ø  You see a certain number, or sequence of the same numbers, occurring in different places throughout the day (on a digital clock, a street address, on a car’s license plate).

Ø  You are humming a tune to yourself and then when you turn on your radio, you hear that very song.

Ø  A person you have been thinking about calls you, or you see him/her unexpectedly somewhere.

Ø  You are in a bookstore or a library looking for a book about a certain topic, and unexpectedly a book falls from the bookshelf to the floor. It turns out to be related to the topic you were searching for.

Ø  You dream about something happening, or seeing someone, and that day your dream turns into reality.

To some, it seems like these things happen as if by magic.  Author Carolyn North (Synchronicity: The Anatomy of Coincidence) says that synchronicity “Gives us a sense of hope, a sense that something bigger is happening out there than what we can see, which is especially important in times like this when there are so many reasons for despair.” (http://www.flowpower.com/What%20is%20Synchronicity.htm)

So, the next time you notice something that seems like just a coincidence initially, stop and think if there is a message in what has happened.  You may be amazed that the synchronicity that has occurred is like a sign shedding light on something you have been thinking about or a problem you are trying to solve.  If we keep our eyes open and become aware of all the magic that is around us, our lives can become more meaningful, and synchronicity plays a role in it.

Sources

http://www.crystalinks.com/synchronicity.html

http://www.flowpower.com/What%20is%20Synchronicity.htm

http://www.strangemag.com/mysteryofchance.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synchronicity

http://www.awakeninthedream.com/wordpress/catching-the-bug-of-synchronicity/

 

Bi-Weekly Tarot Reading  6-15-14 through 6-28-14

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Blog #19:  Why Is Sound So Important to Our Health?

 

 

LEGACY OF THE DIVINE TAROT

 

 

KNIGHT OF WANDS:  Now is the time to get yourself moving so that you can get some things accomplished. The Wands energy is assisting you by making you feel motivated and self-assured, while the Knight energy is contributing to a sense of restlessness.  Take advantage of this energy during these next two weeks.
QUEEN OF WANDS:  You are determined to not let anything stand in your way, and you are feeling quite self-confident.  You know what you want and you are going after it. You are not going to put up with anything that is irrelevant, unnecessary, and creating a block to your movement forward.
DEATH:  A time of change and transformation is upon you, so rather than fear it, embrace it and allow the changes to happen. Some old part of your life is going by the wayside to make way for a new way of doing things, thinking, and feeling. Allow this part of your life to die, for it is time.
BI-WEEKLY THEME: A period where the Wands energy dominates and assists you in moving forward, especially if you have felt stagnant and in a rut. With increased self-confidence and self-assurance, you are in a good frame of mind to move full-steam ahead. Take advantage of this energy, for it bodes well for you. You will continue to experience change, but it is all for the good, so welcome it. This could be a transformational time if you allow it to be so.

 

Blog #19:  Why Is Sound So Important to Our Health?

                                                    Retrieved from:  www.beautifulnow.is
In an earlier blog, we discussed one of the Universal Laws called the Law of Vibration (see Blog #3).  It states that everything has a vibration, from sub-atomic particles to the planets and suns in the whole universe.  Sound is also a vibration, including our thoughts.

We have also learned through Blog #17 that everything is energy, so the cells in our bodies are just vibrating energy.  Therefore, we can be strongly affected by vibrational energy, whether it is positive or negative.  This includes all the sounds that we are exposed to every day.

We each have our own vibration, and vibrate at our own rate.  Our vibration changes in intensity, depending on what our experiences are.  Vibration is so important because when our bodies deviate from their normal vibration, diseases and illnesses can occur.

Human-created noise pollution is harmful to our health and can result in a wide array of health problems.  Noise affects our productivity and concentration, triggers the stress response in our bodies (releasing high levels of stress hormones), affects hearing and sleep, and can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.

Conversely, research and science are showing that sound and light can affect and activate the body’s own healing process.  Since every living thing has its own individual frequency (vibration), the body can be subjected to electrical currents that target specific diseases and other ailments.  Sound and vibration play a major role in our lives by affecting not only our physical bodies but also our mental, emotional, and spiritual ones.

The study of visible sound and vibration is called cymatics.  A researcher in this field, Hans Jenny (1904-1972), claimed that physical healing could be enhanced by vibrational tones.  His ideas have been confirmed scientifically, and now researchers and sound therapists use specific healing frequencies to align and balance the body, leading to better health.

As strange as it seems, there is really no “matter” in the universe.  Einstein’s theory of relativity states that mass (matter) is energy, and we now know that everything is pure energy.  Many new healing modalities are being recognized and explored because of this concept.   As one author states:

“The new physics reveals that everything is moving and has a frequency.  As technology has evolved to make the world of sound visible, more scientists are forced to change their viewpoint about the vibrational nature of human beings.  And many of them are beginning to realize that sound is the source of physical life.” (http://attunedvibrations.com/)

Another author says that:

“Everything in the universe is vibrating at its own natural frequency.  We are vibrational beings and when we’re healthy, all of our cells, tissues and organs are vibrating in harmony or resonance.  Illness results when a part of the body begins to vibrate at a different frequency, out of tune with the rest.  Through the intentional use of sound and vibration, a more harmonious and optimal state of resonance can be achieved.” (http://www.thesoulofsound.com/sound-healing.html)

Some healing modalities related to sound that are coming to the forefront include:

Ø  Music at a specific vibrational frequency

Ø  Singing bowls

Ø  Gongs

Ø  Drumming

Ø  The human voice (singing)

Ø  Special sound and vibration equipment that has been developed to heal the body, such as the Rife frequency healing machine

So, if you never realized that sound is important for your health, you may want to explore some of these alternative healing methods that science is showing can be very effective by keeping your body at its normal and natural vibrational frequency.

Sources

http://attunedvibrations.com/

http://www.thesoulofsound.com/sound-healing.html

http://altered-states.net/barry/newsletter463/

www.practicalspirituality.info/sound-words-and-your-health.html

http://www.wakingtimes.com/2014/03/05/reprogram-dna-heal-ourselves-frequency-vibration-energy

 

Bi-Weekly Tarot Reading  6-01-14 through 6-14-14

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Blog #18:  Do Plants Have Consciousness?

 

 

LEGACY OF THE DIVINE TAROT

 

 

 

 

5 OF CUPS:  It is time to let go of negative thinking and focus on what is good in your life. This can be a month of success and joy if you allow it to be so. Whenever you recognize that your thoughts are negative or fear-filled, immediately stop them and replace them with something that is more uplifting. You will see a difference for the better in how you feel.

 

FAITH:  This can be a time of spiritual growth and rebirth if this is what you want. Have faith and trust in yourself, and believe that all that happens is for your best good. Trust divine inspiration and follow your heart.

 

THE WORLD:  The next two weeks will be optimistic and full of happiness and success.  You have been working hard, and now is the time to start seeing the benefits of your efforts. Set a positive intention each day, and then let things develop just the way they were meant to--for your highest and best good.

 

BI-WEEKLY THEME:  Release every negative thought that comes to you, and then in its place think of something positive and upbeat. Remember that thoughts are things, and you have the power to control them through your mindfulness.  Believe in yourself and go with the flow, allowing things to unfold the way they were meant to.  Enjoy the success and joy that is headed your way, for you deserve it. See your hard work and persistent efforts paying off.

 

 

Blog #18—Do Plants Have Consciousness?

What is consciousness?

Consciousness is defined as:  the condition of being conscious; the normal state of being awake and able to understand what is happening around you. (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consciousness)

A recent article in The New Yorker by Michael Pollan entitled “The Intelligent Plant” discusses new research revealing that plants do have abilities to sense and react to the world.  In other words, they are able to understand what is happening around them.  Even more amazingly, “they can sense, learn, remember, and even react in ways that would be familiar to humans.” (http://www.pri.org/stories/2014-01-09/new-research-plant-intelligence-may-forever-change-how-you-think-about-plants)

As also noted in the article cited above, plants are able to process information they gather and then react to it.  For example, research has shown that plants react to the sound of a caterpillar eating leaves by secreting defensive chemicals.  In addition to the senses of hearing and taste, they can also sense gravity, the presence of water, and recognize when something is blocking their roots.  They can actually shift directions to avoid obstacles.

While this may not be considered “thinking” by some scientists, plants still have an unbelievable array of abilities that have been unknown to our modern biologists, until recently.

Can plants feel pain? The answer to this is still unclear, although plants do respond to anesthetics.

How plants are able to react is still unknown.  Although they don’t have nerve cells like we do, they can send electrical signals and produce neurotransmitters (just like the human brain uses to send signals, such as dopamine or serotonin).

Do plants have memory?  Biologist Monica Gagliano showed that plants have memory, i.e., they can learn from experience. She dropped a mimosa plant every five to six seconds without hurting it, and each time, its leaves collapsed in response to the disturbance.  After five or six drops, they stopped responding, as if they “knew” that the dropping was irrelevant.  As Pollan noted:  “This is a very important part of learning—to learn what you can safely ignore in your environment.” (http://www.pri.org/stories/2014-01-09/new-research-plant-intelligence-may-forever-change-how-you-think-about-plants)  Although not all researchers would call this learning, plants can do amazing things.

Another researcher says:

“Plants definitely have several different forms of memory, just like people do.  They have short term memory, immune memory and even transgenerational memory! I know this is a hard concept to grasp for some people, but if memory entails forming the memory (encoding information) retaining the memory (storing information), and recalling the memory (retriving information), then plants definitely remember.” (http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/do-plants-think-daniel-chamovitz/

Are plants intelligent? There are many definitions of intelligence, which can  refer to abstract reasoning or judgment, or to problem-solving ability. While most scientists would agree that plants do not have abstract reasoning, they may be able to solve problems related to their survival.  The difference between us and plants may just be a difference of degree rather than kind.

Another scientist, Daniel Chamovitz, says too that, “A plant. . .can see, smell and feel.  It can mount a defense when under siege, and warn its neighbors of trouble on the way.  A plant can even be said to have a memory.”  (http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/do-plants-think-daniel-chamovitz/). He also discovered genes that are important for a plant to determine if it’s in the light or the dark.  Surprisingly, he found that these genes are also part of the human DNA.  He says, “This led me to realize that the genetic difference between plants and animals is not as significant as I had once naively believed.”

Plants are complex and live rich lives thanks to their senses.  For example, plants are rooted in one place so they cannot get up and move somewhere if the environment does not suit them.  Therefore, they had to develop very complex sensory tools that would allow them to survive in a changing environment.  They need to see where their food is, feel the weather, and smell danger.

How can plants smell?  As an example, consider fruit trees.  When fruit starts to ripen, it releases a hormone called ethylene, which is sensed by nearby fruits, causing the fruit of a whole grove of trees to ripen at about the same time.

What about hearing? Plants have not really needed to hear, due to their evolution. In animals, sound is a fast way to communicate back and forth, and to get moving in the face of danger. But because plants can’t move, there has been no need for them to hear sounds. However, some recent research does show that plants responds to certain vibrations (and all sound is vibration).

At a basic level, plants do communicate with one another, in the sense that they respond to cues from other plants and through signals passed from root to root.  (http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/do-plants-think-daniel-chamovitz/)

One author points out that in Africa there is a species of tree that not only reacts to animals eating its leaves, but also sends signals to other trees of the same species whenever a giraffe starts eating its leaves.  It was observed that after a group of giraffes had eaten the leaves for 15 minutes, the leaves would turn sour on the trees within a radius of half a mile.

This same author says there have been many studies proving that gardeners with special connections to their plants tend to produce larger and healthier plants, citing the Findhorn experiment (http://www.findhorn.org/) as a prime example. As unbelievable as it sounds, at Findhorn vegetables are grown larger than the usual size, in “very inhospitable ground, using the power of love and encouragement.  Talk to anyone who loves gardening, who spends time daily with plants, and you might be surprised to hear what intelligent and well-educated people have to say about the consciousness of plants.” (http://www.learnmindpower.com/articles/do-plants-have-consciousness/)

This author goes on to say that many indigenous people from all over the world have a special connection with nature and plants. Their traditions encourage respect and communication with nature.  He notes that “There is a consciousness in every living thing.  Plants, animals and humans.  Each consciousness may be different from the other, but we are all plugged into the same mystery of life. The plants are indeed our brothers and sisters, and we have much to learn from one another.” (http://www.learnmindpower.com/articles/do-plants-have-consciousness/

Sources

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consciousness

http://www.pri.org/stories/2014-01-09/new-research-plant-intelligence-may-forever-change-how-you-think-about-plants

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/do-plants-think-daniel-chamovitz/

http://www.learnmindpower.com/articles/do-plants-have-consciousness/

http://www.findhorn.org/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Bi-Weekly Tarot Reading:  5-18-14 through 6-01-14

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Blog #17:  Why Energy Healing Works

 

LEGACY OF THE DIVINE TAROT

9 OF SWORDS: You may be feeling a bit of anxiety and stress, which are caused by fear. To get yourself out of a space of negativity, start thinking of something positive rather than expecting the worst. Sometimes we become our own worst enemies by dwelling on what is wrong, what may or may not happen, and dreading rather than looking forward to what is to come. You have the power to change any fear-based thoughts into positive ones that are rooted in love.

THE WORLD: The next two weeks will lead to joy, contentment, and a sense of fulfillment in some area of your life, so release all that is holding you back and enjoy what the immediate future holds. You have worked hard to get to this point, even if you think you have not done much. Every little step forward that you take is a step in the right direction, so celebrate each success, no matter how large or small.

THE LOVERS: Partnerships and working with others will play a role in the upcoming weeks. Use discernment when making choices, which means to observe without judgment.  Decide on the best course of action for you as objectively as possible and move on.  Support from others will enter the picture, so be cooperative and grateful for any help received.

BI-WEEKLY THEME: Although you may be feeling a bit anxious at the start of the week, you have the ability to change any fear-based thoughts by paying attention to what you are thinking and replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Once you do this, you can look forward to a beautiful time where you give yourself a pat on the back for exactly where you are now and what you have accomplished. Look for partnerships to come to the forefront as you realize the value of support from others and are discerning in the choices you make.

Blog #17:  Why Energy Healing Works

Retrieved from www.jenniferlshelton.com

You may have heard of energy healing, or energetic healing, or energy medicine.  One author describes it as “. . .any umbrella term for any therapy that manipulates the energy circuits in our physical or subtle bodies to regain balance and facilitate our body’s innate healing mechanisms.” (http://www.healingenergy.com.au/energetic healing.shtml)

The energy field surrounding the body is referred to as the aura or biofield.  Other energetic systems in the body are nadis, chakras, and meridians.  Nadis are energy channels in the subtle body that connect to the chakras, which are energy centers.  Meridians are a network of channels running throughout the entire body through which life energy (chi, qi, or prana) flows. It is believed that illness or dis-ease is caused by disturbances or blockages in these energy fields.

Some different types of therapies to get the energy fields in balance include:

Ø  Reiki
Ø  Reflexology
Ø  Acupuncture
Ø  Acupressure
Ø  Tai chi and QiGong
Ø  Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
Ø  Crystal  healing
Ø  Color therapy
Ø  Light and sound therapy
Ø  Aromatherapy and use of essential oils

The author referenced above goes on to say that there are many things that cause our energy fields to get disrupted, such as the following internal factors:

Ø  Trauma
Ø  Phobias
Ø  Anxiety and stress
Ø  Childhood programming
Ø  Limiting beliefs
Ø  Remaining in situations that are not in harmony with our needs

External factors include:

Ø  Environmental toxins and pollutants
Ø  Poor nutrition and diets that include too many unnatural ingredients
Ø  Lack of exercise
Ø  Poor posture

The basis for energy healing

Energy healing is rooted in the fact that everything is energy.  David Cameron says this: (as cited in http://www.one-mind-one-energy.com/energy.html)

“It (energy) is the building block of all matter.  The same energy that composes your flesh is the same one that composes the bricks of your house and the trees outside.  It is all the same. It is constantly at flow, changing form all the time. This is a very simple explanation of a rather complex thing.”

Thus, we can conclude that our bodies are nothing but energy.  They are filled with cells containing energy called mitochondria (“cellular power plants”). These cells are made of molecules, which are made of atoms, which are made of sub-atomic particles.  These sub-atomic particles are pure energy,  as proven by quantum physics. (See Blog #14—"The Power and Science of Belief" for more information on this.) Not only that, but everything affects everything else because all of energy is connected to all other energy (the “Quantum Entanglement Theory”).  There is a sea of energy or an energy field all around us.

Think of it this way, as one author puts it:

“All material things are made of atoms. . .which are 99.99999 percent energy and .00001 percent matter. Think about it—every physical thing in our life is not solid matter but rather fields of energy or frequency patterns of information.  Matter is more ‘no-thing’ (energy) than ‘some-thing’ (particles). Our physical bodies and the body of the physical Universe are as proportionately empty as is all of space.” (http://www.thehealersjournal.com/2013/05/05/quantum-physics-explain-how-everything-is-made-of-energy/)

So isn’t it about time we start focusing our attention on the 99.99999 percent of what makes up our physical world?  Actually, our ancestors from the earliest times knew far better than we do about how important energy is. Energy healing was used in ancient times and only recently is starting to come into the forefront in our society, thanks to the discoveries of quantum physics. No longer are the body and mind seen as separate; rather, a more holistic approach is being used as it is realized that the body and mind are connected.

How energy healing works

Everything is made of energy, which is invisible (like air) but yet is the basic building block of our whole reality.  This means that our thoughts and emotions are energy.  The difference in the vibrational frequencies of energy is what gives us the illusion of substance and separation.  For example, when water changes from a gas (steam) to a liquid to a solid (ice), its vibration is just going from a faster rate to a slower one.

These authors explain how energy healing works:

“The energy systems of the body (aura, chakras, nadis and meridians) are connected energetically to our physical organs, glands and bodily systems.  When the energy supplied to these bodily systems is disrupted, the body organs and systems are less able to defend against disease and injury.” (http://www.healingenergy.com.au/energetic healing.shtml)

 “Healers attract positive energy from the unified energy field and through their own energy field, transmit that energy to the patient, thus changing the patient’s own energy field. They also clear the blocked energies that prevent free flow of energy in the body, allowing the body to heal itself.”  (Chris Grosso in http://www.in5d.com/ancient-secrets-the-truth-about-energy-healing.html)

Conclusion

Energy healing works simply because we are energy.  In our technology-related and scientific-based society we are led to believe that anything invisible does not exist.  However, as more scientific knowledge is gained, we are beginning to see that our physical world is but a small, small part of our true reality.  Once we understand this, grasp the full impact of this concept and believe it to be true, energy healing can be an extremely effective treatment for imbalances in the mind and the body.

Sources

http://www.one-mind-one-energy.com/energy.html

http://www.thehealersjournal.com/2013/05/05/quantum-physics-explain-how-everything-is-made-of-energy/

http://www.healingenergy.com.au/energetic healing.shtml

http://www.in5d.com/ancient-secrets-the-truth-about-energy-healing.html

http://www.whatisenergyhealing.net/

 

Bi-Weekly Tarot Reading:  5-4-14 through 5-17-14

AND

Blog #16:  What Is Earthing?

 

LEGACY OF THE DIVINE TAROT

KING OF WANDS: The next two weeks are a period of motivation where you feel energized and ready to get some big things accomplished.  Create a vision of what you want to achieve, focus on your goals, and activate plans on how to reach them. There is a special energy in the air this month, so use the Wands influence to take advantage of a productive time.

7 OF CUPS:  You may be feeling overwhelmed with all you have to do and the decisions to be made. Take it one step at a time and look carefully into each situation. There is no need to rush, but do not procrastinate either. Now is the time to contemplate your next actions and do your homework before moving forward.

THE HERMIT:  A time of reflection, contemplation, and meditation.  We truly have the answers within us if only we will listen to our intuition and inner self.  Spend time alone or take a walk outside to be closer to the Earth, which will lead to a period of self-discovery.

BI-WEEKLY THEME:  A time for showing the self-confidence of the King energy as you bring into your reality what you want to achieve. Let the fire of the Wands ignite a spark of high intensity action as you see your goals coming to fruition. Take each decision in stride, and think carefully about what you want to do before going forward with plans. Use this time as a time for listening to your inner guidance and for connecting more with the Earth.

Blog #16:  What Is Earthing?

You know how good it feels to walk barefoot on the beach, where you feel as if you get a burst of energy with every step you take in the soft sand?  Or have you ever simply walked barefoot in grass and felt more relaxed?  Have you ever wondered why you don’t feel this way normally, when wearing shoes that have rubber or plastic soles?

The reason has to do with something called earthing (or grounding), originally developed by Clint Ober, as described in his book Earthing: The Most Important Health Discovery Ever?.  Earthing is simply grounding your body to the Earth by walking barefoot (or in shoes that have a leather sole).  Although skin is a good conductor of energy, the best part of the body for connecting is the middle of the ball of your foot.

How does earthing work?

During metabolism, the body generates free radicals (“reactive oxygen species”) which are important partly because they attack and destroy unwanted organisms in our bodies, such as bacteria and viruses.  However, too many free radicals are not good, because they are involved in inflammation when they attack healthy cells.

Inflammation is caused by a lack of electrons in our tissues.  Free radicals in our bodies are important molecules that quickly destroy bacteria that get through the skin.  If any cells are damaged, the free radicals break them apart so there is room for healthy cells to enter and repair the tissues.  This is the inflammatory response.

When we are grounded, there is a transfer of free electrons (which are very strong antioxidants) from the Earth into our bodies.  This is very beneficial, because research has shown that chronic inflammation is the cause of many diseases, and antioxidants decrease the levels of inflammation. 

Dr. Mercola has described this process as follows:

“…grounding research has now discovered that if you place your feet on the ground after an injury (or on a grounded sheet, or place grounding patches on the balls of your feet), electrons will migrate into your body and spread throughout tissues.  Any free radicals that leak into the healthy tissue will immediately be electrically neutralized.  This occurs because the electrons are negative, while the free radicals are positive, so they cancel each other out.” (http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/04/29/james-oschman-on-earthing.aspx)

The theory is that positive electrons (free radicals) can build up in our bodies, so direct contact with the ground balances this out, because it is a negative grounding charge that neutralizes and reduces free radicals.

Our bodies are made of energy, which is why earthing is so important in our society now.  Many of us have a large amount of positive electrons built up in our bodies due to electromagnetic waves in our environment as well as Wi-Fi and mobile/cell phone waves.

It is also believed that aging happens because of the accumulated damage caused by free radicals.  We do not want to get rid of all free radicals, but it is important to have a good balance of antioxidant electrons in our bodies to make sure that any damage from free radicals is not excessive.

Another fairly recent discovery is that earthing thins the blood, which is very important as related to cardiovascular disease (the #1 killer in the world).  Just about every aspect of this disease has been correlated with high blood viscosity (meaning that the blood is too thick).  When we ground to the Earth, our red blood cells have more surface charge, forcing them apart from each other. This causes the blood to get thinner and flow more easily.  It also causes blood pressure to drop.

What are some good places for earthing?

The best location is on a beach and close to or in the water, since sea water is a great conductor. Our bodies are mostly water, so that creates a great connection.   If a beach is not handy, the next best thing is a grassy area, especially in the morning when it is covered with dew.  Unsealed concrete also works. However, asphalt, wood, and insulators like plastic or the rubber soles on shoes do not allow electrons to pass through, so are not suitable for earthing.

Although 20-30 minutes per day of earthing is considered ideal, even just 10 minutes a day is good.

What are some of the benefits of earthing?

The research being conducted shows that earthing can be beneficial for:

Ø  Reducing inflammation

Ø  Reducing chronic pain

Ø  Improving sleep

Ø  Improving energy level

Ø  Reducing stress hormones

Ø  Improving blood pressure and blood flow

Ø  Relieving muscle tension and headaches

Ø  Speeding up healing

Ø  Shortening recovery time from injuries or athletic activities

Ø  Reducing or eliminating snoring

Although there are some skeptics who are waiting for more research to convince them of the value of earthing (see http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAAA401221/Is-There-Anything-to-Earthing.html), the research done thus far points to earthing as a viable solution to our disconnection with Earth, which is causing much distress in our world today.

There are many websites that give more information on earthing, as well as products that are helpful (such as shoes with leather soles, grounding bed sheets, and grounding mats).  Leather was the main material used for shoes, sandals, and moccasins going back 14,000 years, and it truly helps us connect with the natural energy that flows from the Earth.

Sources

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/04/29/james-oschman-on-earthing.aspx

http://drbriffa.com/2012/04/18/earthing-important-discovery-or-mumbo-jumbo/

http://wellnessmama.com/5600/how-to-get-healthy-while-you-sleep/

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAAA401221/Is-There-Anything-to-Earthing.html