Carnival of Healing #110: Healing Body Mind and Soul

Namaste,

I am so proud to be hosting this 110th edition of the Carnival of Healing. But before we get down to business, let me wish all pagans, wiccans, and other celbrants of the solstice a belated Happy New Year. Samhain/Halloween is also my birthday, so I have always had a cause to celebrate (or not--as I get older). I did a birthday tarot reading for myself for the year ahead which bodes both challenges and successes--like every other year. As they say, the more things change, the more they look just like last time.

Anyway, getting on to the Carnival. Thanks to Phyleamena lila Desy for granting ReikiShare the opportunity to host the carnival. Thanks to Real Life Spiritual and Personal Development for hosting the 109th carnival and passing the torch. I had planned a broad topic hoping to post items under broad headings of body mind and spirit. As I reviewed the submissions for the week I was reminded of something else--we can't separate ourselves into neat packages that way. Each of ourselves--physical, mental, spiritual is bonded to and overlaps and influences the others. So instead I've tried to go from the prosaic to the esoteric. If that sounds good to you, please read on.

The Prosaic

The Health Blogger prefers honey and water as a morning tonic. Sounds like something out of the Bee Movie to me, but what do I know. Eating-Veggies.com promotes "clean" eating.

FitBuff examines the Men's Health article arguing that saturated fats may not be the bad guys they've been made out to be. Hmmm? Does that mean I can have that cheeseburger and fries--without a side order of guilt, that is. Still others are busy touting natural acne cures.

I always thought the worst thing about exercising was that I didn't want to do it, but Weight Loss Dude proposes that it isn't the doing of exercise but the way we think about it that's the problem. Read his post then ask yourself--if everyone walked to the gym would they still need to go inside? Speaking of dudes, could you or someone you love be suffering from andropause? Check out All About Your Body and Spirit to decide.

Keith Bundy proves how being stubborn as a mule can sometimes be a good thing. As a chronic insomniac myself, I was intrigued by Meera's discussion of sleep disorders (and appreciative of her handiness with a pun). Turns out I'm not lazy, I've got a syndrome.

Everything in between

And now for the most personally depressing entry into the Carnival entitled Loneliness--The Beginning of Romance. First off, in my other life I am a romance writer and this does not bode well. But seriously, the author postulates that we are all naturally alone and that by seeking others to complete ourselves through romance or what-have-you we are denying ourselves the ability to appreciate our own aloneness rather than loneliness.

While I agree that as human beings we come complete, we need no additions to ourselves. From birth we partition parts of ourselves off--those deemed unacceptable or undesirable depending on where we live and what culture we belong to. But that doesn't mean those parts cease to exist; they are merely repressed to the point of becoming our shadow selves. To my mind it is this shadow self that tricks us into believing that we are as alone as the author postulates. We each make our own brand of hell and assume we are the only ones living it. But once the shadow is cast off, you'll discover the opposite is true--we are all connected but there is no need for romantic ideation in the same way. That's my take anyway. Your mileage may vary.

My grandma used to say-- If you lay yourself down like a doormat, don't be surprised if someone steps on you. Daylie Schwartz, who professes to being a recovering doormat has some sound advice, even for those who haven't laid down on the job. Her entry What do You Really Want? is a call to stay true to yourself in spite of others. Myster Money proves the Red Sox do have something to do with my mental health. Who'd have thunk it since I'm a Yankees fan.

The Esoteric

Looking for life's answers? Change Therapy shows why the questions may be more important. The Spiritual Journey of a Lightworker discusses what's so divine about forgiveness. The Human Imprint gives a shout out for volunteerism. Nneka over at Balanced Life Center offers up 4 Keys to Happiness.

Paula G over at Coaching4Lesbians shows how meditation can be murder. While Todd at WE the change offers 5 steps to spiritual life.

Greenwoman contributes two posts, one on candle meditation and the other on the needs of our elemental bodies. Both are worth a look.

Gia over at The Science of Energy Healing talks about creating intention with heart. Springing Light recommends finding Joy in the forest (no, not that kind of joy) a type of spiritual reconnection.

Since I'm a writer in my other life, I couldn't resist throwing in a book review or two. Tupelo Kenyon waxes appreciative of Neale Donald Walsch's What God Wants: A Compelling Answer to Humanity’s Biggest Question. Our friends at Solework do the same for the Kunz's new reflexology book.

And finally, from Zenchill, Finding your life's purpose. I'm still looking. Hope your search is as rewarding.

Don't forget to check out next week's carnival to be held by Intensive Care for the Nurturer's Soul.

All the best to all of you,
Dee