The Chinese have an interesting theory. And they may well be right for all we know. They say we are each born with a certain amount of ENERGYand when our own unique energy is gone is when we will pass. It makes sense to me. They also believe that the only way you can replace this Energy is through Tai-Chi. Since not many of us are actually taking Tai Chi it would seem to me it's important to conserve that Energy.
Oftentimes I work with clients who are going through a very difficult time or just feeling worn out. Perhaps they've had many changes recently or a trauma and their energy is very low. They can become "stuck" so long in a particular thought process for so long that it's harmful to their health. We've all had our share of traumas in life and I can relate to many of them. What I DON'T want for them is to become stuck, they need to keep moving.
Another paradox: We need to release Negative Energy. It builds up in our bodies and is often the cause of many illnesses. How can I ask them to "Stay Positive" and still release this Energy? I give them an HOUR. ONE HOUR out of every day if they need it, to cry their eyes out, bang the walls and scream to anyone who will listen or no one at all.
When that hour is up, THEY have to get up. And move on for the day. Force themselves to get back to work, do something constructive, relax, learn something, read a book, reconnect with nature or get back to work. This Energy has been released and they can move on for the day. This information coming from a "positive thinker," follower of both Feng Shui and The Secret? Well, sometimes people need to let it out. Just as I believe negative energy can get stuck in a SPACE, so can it get stuck in your body and wreck havoc with it. Think of it as Stress or people who are depressed. Doctors are quite ready to prescribe medications in a heartbeat and while they can often help, so can LETTING IT OUT. Without the side effects. I never taught my son not to cry and I discourage this practice of telling a little boy (or a full grown man, for that matter) to "suck it up" or "take it like a man." We ALL need to cry sometimes and it's actually good for us!
So LET IT OUT. And then get back to work; you'll feel SO much better!
Hi Carole..We really do need to give ourselves permission...to let go. Bu sometimes we are so conditioned to a "stiff upper lip" it's hard to do anything else
I never knew that was what Tai Chi was for...I have always wanted to try that. It looks so peaceful! Unfortunately the classes near me are expensive!
So for now...I'll just take your advice and have a good cry!
Carole,
this post was wonderful and so timely for me today too. Thanks ever so much for writing it. I don't cry often however sometimes things just get overwhelming for me and I have no choice (usually only happens when my hormones are sensitive ) .
I'm like Joan and didn't know that Tai Chi was for restoring energy. Perhaps I should take it up....I've seen groups of people doing it in the parks around here.
That's a cute little picture in the bottom corner....I felt like that this morning...hence my hugs request post.
Jo
I totally agree CAROLE - that why exercise routines that include warm up and cool down that last an hour are so good for you!
I also believe that ENERGY can be caught or lost...depending on those around us ( ever feel drained from some and can't wait to leave and want to continue laughing and being around others :)
Tears by the way are extremely therapeutic - if you ever taste them they are slightly salty ...
salt is the oldest wound healer around :)
Gracie
Joan: Look for some Tai Chi DVDs (Amazon has several) While it is not the same as being in a group, it is certainly better than no Tai Chi at all.
As a personal recommendation, I like Scott Cole. Heck, if you are going to watch a DVD, you may as well watch one that features a young hunk with a beautiful body. <s>
Hi Carole,
This is something that I have to work hard at, I tend to want to keep it inside and under control. But, I find that physical activity is a great way for me to "release and let go". That's why I have set aside time each morning to work out.
Carole, you are such a wonderful source of wonderful and helpful messages. Please keep it coming.
Carole: I'd love to sit and talk to you over a cup of tea one day to better understand your background, but, for now and from the position of ignorance: "Did you expect so much philosophy and psychology to be a part of your practice?"
Just askin'....from DC...
Jaynee
Good morning Carole,
What a wonderful post! It really made me think. I always try to release the negative, I will have my little blow up and move on but now I am wondering if I am still hold on to a small part of it. I have read/seen articles/documentaries that crying is very good for you, it is healthy.
Tania, Exercise is wonderful too but the Chinese believe that you can only replace Energy lost by Tai Chi. I do remember how hold those men were in the parks of San Francisco :) Thanks for stopping in and your comment.
Andrew, You're exactly right, it builds up negative energy INSIDE which is harmful. I'd say to let it out too. Thank you for your comment.
Candy, I'm so happy to see you in the rain! Thanks for reading and commenting, I'm glad to see you're blogging!
Wendy, Thank you. Finding a balance for clients (and myself) to let it out and then move on I hope will make them feel better in the long run.
Joan, Tai Chi require some balance and concentration---but it's supposed to be a deep form of replenishing you. I love their philosopy and much of it makes sense to me.
Grace, Excellent point which I should have mentioned: Being around negative people all the time can totally drain you of YOUR precious energy. Even with family members I do not spend nearly as much time with them if I find they are constantly draining me---even unintentially. I have finally learned to set boundries which is sometimes difficult. Thank you!
Jo, I hope you're feeling better. I don't want to look like that picture but there are days.....thankfully they are few and far between. The more hugs the better, I enjoyed that post! Did you notice if the people in your park doing Tai Chi are well on in years? I did notice that in SF.
Cheryl, I didn't know about the video's either (at least not the GOOD videos!). I'm going to definitely check that out, thank you for the information!
Diane, You must get the Secret! You already follow alot of it I believe and don't even realize it. You can order the DVD or just watch it online for about $5.00. It really is the principles of Feng Shui and a way of living that will help you. Go to thesecrettv.com, I think that's it. Another site is www.PowerfulIntentions.com Try it. And join The Secret group here in AR.
Cynthia, Thank you and just to let you know, that fish dinner was wonderful, I didn't mess it up! What great recipes, my daughter is thrilled with you :) Sorry to get off topic but I had to let you know. I love Tai Chi when I can take the time and would like to start Yoga---Which I don't know if I can bend like that anymore!
Jaynee, Did you see the picture on Billy Joel? It was for YOU :) No, I actually NEVER expected to get into many of these areas with Feng Shui. My background is Astrology, Parapsychology, Wholistic Health (which is why I have some familiarity with healing and of course Feng Shui. There's many other things in the mix as well, I am a life long student. I suspect our cup of tea would turn into ten but I would love it as well!
Trace, I believe it is good for you, see Grace's comment which sums it up in a different way. ANY way you safely release any negative energy is good for you so let it go! I hope you're having a wonderful day.
Hi Carole,
Oh, I do work out, every day I run and 3 times a week I lift weights. I was certified as a personal trainer so working out is a part of my life.What I like to do sometimes is go hit a buck of golf balls that seems to help!! I am having a great day I hope you are too!! Hope all is going well with the house today!
Carole,
It is mind-boggling that you have gone fom being an AR member who wrote blogs and got very few comments, to this point where people have, not only 'connected' to you, but now read you, respond, and LEARN so much from you!
As usual, I agree with every point that you have given (above). The trick is to 'catch yourself' when you are on that 'downward spiral' and acknowledge your pain, then pull yourself back up to the point where you are 'empowered' by your circumstances!
Great post!
VAL
Trace, I think that's wonderful, I didn't know you were a Certified Personal Trainer. My daughter is in the process of getting certified now. And funny you should mention the house----they did an enormous amount of work on it today--ALL DAY. I used to drive golf balls but I'm lucky if I can get them to the 50 ft mark :)
Hey, My Friend, Welcome back to the rain----we have ALL missed you! Some wonderful people have joined since you've been away, it's a wonderful rain :) Thanks, Val.
Donna, Please let it out, don't bottle it up. I did that way too long and it sure took it's toll---You don't want that to happen ever. Thanks for your comment.
I am so happy you made the stuffed fish and enjoyed it and that you daughter appreciates me. LOL.
Carole - I love this post. I know of a few people right now that are about ready to explode and this technique could really work for them. For me however, all I could possibly muster up in a day is a minute or two of really loud judgments and that would be getting creative. I am not an angry or frustrated person so when I am around one, I want to fix it. I will pass on this ancient Chinese philosophy and see what happens. Thank you for taking the time to share this with us!
my word is serviceberry - something like a Caroleberry!
Cheryl, That's fine, it's been a while since I've done it and I'm so glad you let me know (especially now, I have a gift certificate to Amazon!). Gotta love the timing, thank you!
Cynthia, Don't be so happy, she's going to take a road trip soon and I'm afraid you're in danger :)
Adam, Thank you...I found the other one and I loved it and thought we should "be on the same page" (I hope I'm allowed to hijack my own post: Work More On Yourself Than You Work On Your Business It was a terrific read (Funny too that a few blogs back I mentioned an amazing cat named Katerina :)
Melissa, I miss some days and then I feel drained. Everyone needs "me" time, whether it's to vent, relax, exercise. Sometimes I get so caught up I need to regain some balance.
Sheron, you're always a light, I don't know HOW you do it! Why don't you share that?? Thanks. BTW, you're a really good Feng Shui Student :)
Robert, Hi and thank you. Many homes are built with a staircase right in front of the door and it energetically "sweeps" your energy up as you're entering from a Feng Shui perspective. We sometimes hang a crystal, see if we can fit something at the bottom of the staircase and top if there is room to slow down the energy and add artwork along the walls to deflect it. With the front and back door, again we would add something like a large plant near the back door; it is believed by having this placement of doors that energy will come in and go right back out again. We put something there that has energy and is heavy to stop this. I hope I didn't confuse you!
Years ago I heard something from a pastor on the radio. It was about a famous athlete who had so much anger in them that they would run and run as hard as they could. This helped release the anger and they soon became famous for their abilities. I know that holding things in can kill you. Stress is not good for anyone and too many times people deal with their issues by holding them inside or overeating. Not healthy.
Phyllis Pafumi
Carole,
negative energy does indeed affect us. I have a "pity pot" everyone is allowed to use it, but no more than for 24 hours, then they have to get off it so someone else can use it.
And naps.....I don't beat myself up, I just retreat from all stressors by having a nap :) :) Whatever works, right :)
Phyllis, Some people (including myself now) believe that this pent up, repressed negativity can cause you to become pretty ill. I keep a distance from people who constantly drain me or are always negative and I let it out!
Amy, It's funny that setting a time limit on it seems to work for many people. It makes them get up and get on with life. Take your hour and then get up---and if you can't, call me.
Kathy, I am a big believer in naps if you have an opportunity. A short one can absolutely refresh you and your body is much more "open" while sleeping so I wouldn't doubt negative energy could be let go naturally! I used an energy healer and have to give him credit for insights and restored health when I was ill.