Rays of Light Healing

I am Rose Schneider.  I live and work in the St. Paul area of MN.  I am a reiki master teacher, energy healer, intuitive, artist, raw foods and environmental enthusiast and a parent.  This blog is a reflection of my thoughts, experiences and inspirations.  It is my passion to connect with nature and the spirit that resides in all that is.  It is my intention to assist others in connecting to the Spirit within themselves.

For information on the services that I provide, please visit my website at www.raysoflighthealing.com

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I would not interfere with any creed of yours or want to appear that I have all cures. There is so much to know… many things are true… the way my feet must go may not be the best for you. And so I give this spark of what Light is to me, to guide you through the dark, but not tell you what to see.

Author Unknown

Join us on Friday Oct. 16, 2009

2012 Science or Superstition.

It seems that the ‘flu season’ has arrived a bit early this year, thus causing much concern and conversation.  Over the past week, I have been asked the same question from several different people from several different groups; will I be getting a flu shot?  My answer remains the same as every other year I have received this question, “no.”

It is my belief that prevention, simple lifestyle changes, are far more effective.  For me, this means, eating a diet rich in [raw] plant based, whole foods, drinking plenty of pure water and herbal teas, moving my body daily, getting proper rest, meditation or spiritual enrichment, social interactions, doing things I love and laughing often.  Perhaps for you, this might mean, cutting out all processed foods or parking further from work and taking the stairs.  You might choose to spend 15 minutes of your lunch in meditation or catching up with a friend that makes you feel good.  We all lead different lives with different purposes, what works for me may not work for you and vice versa.  Find those simple changes that work for you.

I also know that some choose to use supplements to maintain health or prevent illness.  Some use a daily multi-vitamin/mineral, daily vitamin C or zinc.  In light of this early flu season, the threat of high rates of various viruses this year and the lack of sunshine in my state, I have decided to try a natural vitamin D3 supplement to boost my immune system a little more.

And, if all of my preventative measures happen to fail, I have a regime to get through a flu bout with much less time and suffering.  When that very first hint that the flu may be coming on; such as a tickle in the throat,  feeling a bit more tired than usual or perhaps pressure in the head, I will reach for back-up.  I may increase my tea consumption, take vitamin C, zinc, astragalus (very important herb), Strong Immunity Wellness Booster (formerly Thymulus), and an absolute must is oscillococcinum - a natural, homeopathic flu medicine - a gem in flu busting.  Since discovering these natural remedies (with no ill side effects) several years ago, my family has not experienced a nasty, drawn out flu in our home, which makes winter and ‘flu season’ much more bearable for us all.

If you still have concerns about flu viruses and are trying to decide whether or not to get vaccinated, please read the following article to be able to make an educated decision for yourself and your family http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/09/26/Flu-Vaccine-Exposed.aspx.

Wishing you all happiness in you day, love in your heart and health in your body!

I have been away from writing for quite some time now. With kids off for the summer, beautiful weather tugging at me to play and much energetic shifting, I simply took an unconscious break. I had many thoughts about writing, but never quite made it to the keyboard. After about a month, I figured I was meant to take a break and simply flow with all that was happening around me, and in me. This summer was a good lesson in learning to Be rather than always Do. Don’t get me wrong, I did plenty, just not everything that I thought I would and I learned to be OK with that (which was huge for me).  I had a tendency (that remains a slight struggle) to plan everything out, to live mostly in the future.  After much practice, I have learned that living in the now, tends to turn out better in the end, more often than not.  And, that’s really what matters isn’t it?  Not how meticulously something was planned out down the finest detail of [perceived] perfection, but how it all ended and how you felt in each experienced moment?  I think when we get caught up in too many details, we lose sight of much of the beauty of every moment leading up to, during and after any given experience.  Dan Millman says that there are no ordinary moments.  It took some time for that to really sink in, but it’s truth rings loud and clear in this moment.

I think life has a way of giving us all ways to take a break, whether we intended one or not.  Through distractions (both pleasant and unpleasant) such as children being home, a sunny day, tea with a friend, a friend in need,  job loss, increased work load, illnesses etc, we are all given moments (sometimes weeks or months) of pause.  How those breaks are perceived and whether or not we choose to attend to them and embrace them as gifts is all individual.  It takes time and practice, but my hope for all is to treasure every moment.  You won’t be sorry!

Unless you are sheltered from the world, you have undoubtedly heard about the Swine Flu.  There is so much attention and energy being directed toward this subject, it’s nearly obscene.  Now, I believe in keeping people informed.  But, keeping people in fear, is that really necessary?  Do you remember the Bird Flu hoax?  There were claims that we were going to reach pandemic levels with that too.  Do you know anyone who was inflicted with the Bird Flu?  I don’t.

Did you know that if, in the off chance that you or someone you know does come down with this flu that it can be treated?  Yes, if you believe in western medicine, simply taking Tamiflu will help.

I, on the other hand believe in prevention.  Having a strong immune system, just may be your best defense against this, or any other virus out there.  Ways to strengthen your immune system are; having a positive attitude, getting regular exercise, consuming a nutritious diet, high in plant based, whole foods, practicing some sort of meditation or stress reduction and having strong social ties. For many, it’s just a matter of a few lifestyle changes.

Energy flows where attention goes.  And right now, there is way too much energy being projected onto the Swine Flu.  Choose to focus on health; of yourself, your family and friends, the planet.  Choose to focus on beauty, grace, joy and happiness.  What we dream, what we put our energy into, that’s what will be created.  Let’s work together and create beauty, not chaos.

The following article is from mercola.com and encompasses everything that I’ve been formulating about an article about the great healing power of laughter.  Enjoy a hearty belly laugh today!

Laughter has a real beneficial effect on your physical health, according to research. In the study, subjects were observed as they watched both serious movies and comedies. During the comedies, their arteries dilated and their blood pressure dropped, suggesting that laughter can in fact be a powerful medicine indeed.The study looked at 20 healthy participants with an average age of 33. The results showed for the first time that laughter is linked to healthy function of blood vessels. It appears to cause the endothelium, which is the tissue that forms the inner lining of blood vessels, to dilate or expand in order to increase blood flow.

The study also showed that the opposite effect occurred when the subjects watched suspenseful films, suggesting a link between mental stress and the narrowing of blood vessels.

A separate study also found that viewing a humorous film may be helpful for the study and treatment of local IgE production and allergy in the reproductive tract.

Sources:

Finding Dulcinea April 1, 2009

Journal Psychosomatic Research February 2009; 66(2):173-5

Dr. Mercola’s Comments:

Why Else Should You Laugh More?

These are just a few basic, all-purpose recipes that I find work wonders for green cleaning my home.

For disinfecting bathrooms, counter tops and all surfaces try vinegar and hydrogen peroxide.  But, do not mix them together in one bottle! - that will create a reaction that won’t be good and it would eliminate the effectiveness of the two products.  You will need 2 separate spray bottles.  Fill one with vinegar and the other with hydrogen peroxide (yes, the inexpensive stuff from your local retailer).  Spray one and then the other directly on top and wipe.  These cost effective products clean fine on their own but, together they will kill as many germs as any chemical counter part without the harsh, unhealthy side effects.

For windows and mirrors combine a 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon liquid soap or detergent and 2 cups of water in a spray bottle.  Spray on, scrub with clean cloth and squeegee off.  Beautiful, crystal clear windows - naturally!

For unclogging a drain, pour 1/2 baking soda followed by 1 cup of vinegar, stuff something into the drain to keep it from bubbling out for 30 minutes, remove stuffing and pour 1 gallon of boiling water into the drain.

For cleaning floors add 1/8 cup vegetable-oil-based liquid soap (usually coconut oil-based, found in health food stores and called all-purpose or dishwashing soap) and 1/2 cup vinegar to 2 gallons warm water swishing the ingredients around a bit to activate the soap. Wash the floor as you normally would.

Overnight toilet cleaner; pour 1 cup borax into the bowl before going to sleep at night. In the morning the stains will be effortlessly brushed away.

Now, that’s clean worthy of deep breathing!

The official celebration of the earth began on April 22, 1970.  It came after about 7 years of attempts by Senator Gaylord Nelson to bring awareness about the condition of our planet to the American people.  He had noticed that the planet was getting dirtier and plants and animals were dying unexpectedly and without just cause.  After much work it was finally decided to dedicate one day to preserving and bringing beauty back to earth.  Now, people all over the world celebrate Earth Day and focus on changes that need to happen in order sustain life on planet earth.

This was a great idea.  But, is it enough?  One day a year to bring awarness of the destructive behaviors that have simply become our lifestyle doesn’t seem to do the problem justice.  I say we should celebrate the earth - in all her glory on April 22, but love and respect her Every Day.

~Buy products that use little or recyclable packaging.  ~Recycle everything that you can - glass, many plastics, paper and cardboard, for more info check out www.earth911.com.  ~Compost yard waste and kitchen scraps to create new soil to continue to regenerate the earth’s nutritive supply.  ~Avoid using chemicals that harm the earth and all of it’s inhabitants.  Use products that are derived from natural, renewable sources - I will post some of my favorite recipes to create your own.  ~Plant trees and grow gardens to help keep the air we breathe clean and abundant.  ~Support local farmers that use sustainable farming practices or grow your own vegetables and fruits.  ~Collect rain water to water your plants with.  ~Ride your bike or walk whenever possible.  ~Support businesses that consciously support earth friendly practices.  ~Be aware of the water that you consume (or simply runs down the drain).  Turn the faucet off while brushing your teeth or scrubbing dishes.  ~Change incandescent bulbs in your home to fluorescent bulbs.  ~Turn lights and electronics off in rooms you are not using.  ~Give (or sell) items that you no longer need, but still have life left in them to someone who can use it.  Shop for items that you need at thrift shops or garage sales.  List items for give away or search for free items on sites such as www.freecycle.org or www.craigslist.com.  ~Teach your children to engage in earth friendly behaviors.

These are just some of the many ways everyone can help fix the problems that humans created in the first place.  I haven’t listed anything here that I don’t do myself and I know that there is so much more that I can do (I haven’t even touched on solar energy and wind turbines - oh the possibilities!)

Make every day Earth Day!

Several years ago, I was diagnosed as being hypoglycemic; having low blood sugar.  It is directly opposite of being  diabetic, but interestingly enough, share some similar symptoms.  Annoyed at feeling weak, tired, experiencing extreme mood swings and randomly passing out, I set out to find a natural way to at least feel better and at best reverse the diagnosis.  After several visits with a nutritionist, much research and trial and error, I accidentally stumbled upon raw foods.  Intrigued by possibilities of a raw foods diet for alternate reasons, I became very pleasantly surprised when not only did raw foods rid me of acne, fatigue and excess body fat, it also balanced my blood sugar levels.  I was sold.  If you too are experiencing symptoms that may be inhibiting you from fully living, I encourage you give raw a try.

The documentary film Raw for Thirty Days  http://www.rawfor30days.com/ follows 6 adults with diabetes on their journey from insulin dependence to health.  It is a fascinating film that I highly recommended.

5 Important Things To Consider Before You Pack Another School Lunch for Your Kids

By  Tera Warner and Shannon Leone

Getting kids to eat properly in today’s fast-paced, fast-food world is a huge challenge for us moms. Add to that the school policies on no nuts and the fact that food has to stay unrefrigerated for 3 hours and you’ve got some real creativity that needs to be in order to get your kids on healthy lunches.

Yet so much hangs in the balance if we fall short. Food will affect their bio-chemistry, their energy level, their ability to focus, and even their sense of self. If blood sugar levels are unstable, or if meals aren’t being digested, children will eventually be handicapped when it comes to reaching their potential. It is our privilege and responsibility as mothers to give our children the very best chances to succeed in life, and we do that by putting care and attention in the meals we serve.

Here are some clever tips for making more healthy lunches for kids:

1. Good Food Can Be Fast Food, Too
These days the most color kids get in their lunch box is on the logo of a “Twinkie” wrapper!

The excessive packaging is an environmental nightmare! Just because some people know how to market to busy, multitasking women, doesn’t mean what they’re selling is ethical. Juice boxes, “Lunchables”, mini crackers and cheese and chocolate dips with cookies, all neatly packed and ready to send might be quick for you, but the long term consequences of these choices cannot be overlooked. The fastest food there is is an apple!

2. Insist a bit and be prepared for “Withdrawal”
Understand that many of the foods kids eat these days are physiologically addictive. You can actually think of your children as mini drug addicts, hooked on the dope of refined sugars, salty meats, cheeses, crackers and many poor quality breads. You need to get them through withdrawal!

But be warned, Mother. You’re going to need to get yourself through withdrawal, too, if these eating habits are reflective of your own unresolved patterns.

Once you’ve decided you’re going to do it, prepare for war! War against every bit of nutritional indoctrination you’ve ever been fed! When you’re children come to you protesting that they NEEEED those sausage links and cheese balls, when they tell you they HATE melon and celery and cucumber, then smile and tell them you understand and that this, too, shall pass!

They are in withdrawal! Persist and your children will be healthier, brighter, more calm and clearer eyed than you have ever seen. You will reap the rewards of transitioning your kids to a healthier diet soon. You’ll have the assurance of knowing that you’re giving them the very best start in life you can, and that they will be thriving in those little bodies of theirs.

3. Don’t Overdo A Good Thing: Treat Reduction = Increased Appreciation
Remember when ‘treats’ were a rare and special thing growing up? I was talking to a lady who works in the grocery store where I shop- she calls me the GREEN QUEEN because they say my cart looks like a GARDEN. So I mentioned something to the effect of kids today get way too many treats. Her reply was “Kids today don’t get any treats”. I was confused and asked her what she meant. She responded “Kids today get whatever they want, whenever they want, so nothing is ever saved as a treat.” Well said!

This is a double rip-off because it means kids are missing out in more ways than one. GONE is the satisfaction that comes from longing for something special, having to wait until the right occasion, then achieving it and feeling how much more wonderful it is after having waited. Today kids are missing out on this subtle pleasure, which is also the learned skill of waiting to delay gratification.

4. What To Put In Their Lunches?
Many schools have strict policies that packed lunches cannot include nuts. This means no garden burgers, pates or desserts with any nuts or nut butters. PLUS the food has to hold up for about three hours without a fridge. There go the avocados, too. Let’s face it school lunches are tough, but here are a few helpful suggestions:

Things To Include:

• Loads of Fresh Fruit, Berries
• Freshly grind your sesame seeds and mix with a bit of honey.
• Manna Bread: Sprouted grain breads and loaves.
• Rice and sushi loaded with veggie strips
• All vegetable sticks.
• A cool pack with a smoothie.
• Bean salads (chick peas, sprouted lentils, etc.)
• Rice cakes
• Sunflower paté

Don’t feel guilty about keeping it simple. Let your kids be a beacon of color and include cute notes, loving messages and little surprises, too. Nothing is more beautiful than big slices of melon and fresh strawberries!

5. Slow Down, Mom! This One Counts!
I know how difficult it feels at times to keep all the plates spinning in the air with the busy lives we are living. If we don’t have time to nurture our children by feeding them wholesome food, we set them up for all kinds of unnecessary, avoidable struggles and difficulties. It could then be considered that we have lost the plot; the purpose and privilege we have to be raising children. We need to bring ourselves back to basics and get this right. Of all the things on your to do list, Mom, this one really is worth taking the time and making it happen the right way!

While you might be putting out a bit more time to put together your ecologically conscious, healthy school lunch, and while you may also have a bit of protest to get through in order to pull it off, the results will speak for themselves with a child who is calm, concentrated, has natural hunger and whose body thrives on good food and mama’s lovin’.

And if you found this article helpful, you’ll want to check out our Raw Mom website and sign up for the Tid Bits to get advice, suggestions and easy, KID-FRIENDLY recipes!

Break free of those 4 Basic Food Groups!

Find out what SHOULD be missing from their lunch boxes!

No more mealtime battles!  Just healthy, happy kids!

I have been asked which is better, smoothies or juicing.  My answer is, it depends on what your goal is.  Simply put, smoothies are great for satisfying your hunger and filling you up.  You get all of the goodness of the fruits and veggies in an easier to digest form than whole foods.

Fresh juices are an excellent way of delivering nutrients to your body while allowing the digestive system a rest.  Without the fiber of the fruits and veggies the nutrients can be readily absorbed by the body and quickly delivered to the proper places.   Juices can be very detoxing during a rest period while the fiber in smoothies very cleansing to move things along.

I gentle reminder that bottled juices are not equal to juicing your own as bottled juice tends to be pasteurized which ultimately ends up killing much of the necessary nutrients.  Juicing your own fresh fruits and veggies gives you the all of the goodness the produce has to offer.

As a general rule, choose foods as close to their original form as possible.  From plant to body - your rewards will be great.