Saturday, 30 May 2009

I'm Still Standing!

For some time now, I have been feeling a change within myself. I have always been sensitive to the energy around me, but have started to become more sensitive to it. I am more aware of other presences and my ability to “know” what I need to do. I do Qi Gong, Tai Chi, Nia and have started to meditate more often. My eating and drinking habits are also changing. Fresh fruit, raw veggies and water seem to be what I want most often.

It seems that I am going through some kind of cleansing process without consciously choosing to. This cleansing of my body and spirit has opened up my feelings of needing to cleanse my mind as well and I believe that once I have written down some of the things that I have been through in my life, it will help me to move forward on the path that is set before me.

There is no intention for this to be a “poor me” type of story, it is simply something I need to put out there, for my own growth. You can choose to read it or not and if it helps you in any way then that’s great too!

I believe we are all here for a reason. My path, up to where I am now, has been bent and twisted in all directions, but I am here! I did one of those fun quizzes on facebook I while ago on “What song illustrates your life?” My song came out as Elton John’s, “I’m Still Standing”. I thought, how true and these are some of the reasons why…….

At 2 years of age, I drowned in a hotel children’s swimming pool. Clinically dead for long enough to be in the papers at the time, but luckily not long enough to cause any serious brain damage. (Some of my friends may disagree!) I still remember the feeling of floating above and watching the hotel doctor trying to resuscitate my body.

At around 17, I was diagnosed with scoliosis (curvature of the spine). In my case, the spine was twisted as well as curved. After years of monitoring, my spine worsened and the pain became so severe that I could barely stand to clean my teeth. At 27 I was given a difficult choice! …. Be a guinea pig with a new type of surgery that “if successful” might help and “if unsuccessful” will leave me paralysed…. Or…. don’t risk the surgery and be in a wheelchair by the time I am 30! Wow!!! Is that actually a choice? Well, I went ahead and had the surgery, figuring that if it didn’t work it would just mean a wheelchair a few years earlier than was predicted anyway. I had nothing to lose, but everything to gain. Surgery was successful. I now have 2 steel rods & 3 steel bolts around a partially fused spine.

In 1993 my mother discovered a mole on her neck. It was diagnosed as melanoma cancer. She had two surgeries to get deep enough to get it all out. She beat it.

In 1996 my grandfather (Mother’s father) passed away from lung cancer. The following day, my aunt (Dad’s sister) passed away at the age of 57 after a 10+ year battle with bone cancer.

In 1999, we (my husband & 3 children) moved from Sydney to New York. In November 2000, my son (aged 4) fell off the climbing bars at school and broke his wrist. I took him to the emergency section and we had to share a cubicle with a man who had managed to shoot himself in the hand. They took that bullet out of this guy’s hand with just a curtain between him and us. What does that do to a 4 year old boy?

In August 2001, a recurring headache made my mother go to the doctor. She was diagnosed with secondary cancer which had spread so far throughout her body that there was nothing anyone could do.

September 11, 2001 (9/11) - I was booked on a flight to Sydney that afternoon so I could be by my mother’s bedside. From memory, my flight number was American Airlines flight “AA119” from New York to Los Angeles, where I was going to change planes and carry on to Sydney. That date is ingrained on everyone’s memory. Obviously I didn’t fly out that day, but still can’t help wonder if my flight was one of the targeted ones. I didn’t make it to my mother’s side and she passed away the following day. I couldn’t make it to her funeral either which was held a few days later.

Throughout all these years and up until now, my father has had numerous open heart operations and is now on his 3rd pacemaker. He is also a diabetic.

In 2002, we moved to Kuala Lumpur. Within 2 weeks of arriving my daughter (aged 4) split her head on a table and needed stitches. 2 weeks later, my son (aged 6) had a fall which resulted in a huge gash across his shin and through his leg muscle. He needed immediate surgery requiring internal & external stitches. Two months later I got shingles down the whole right side of my face and inside my ear. All 3 kids came down with chicken pox at the same time. It took a good 6 months to recover from the shingles and the postherpetic neuralgia that I suffered afterwards.

In 2006, we moved to the UK. We miss my family and all the friends we have made along the way. However, my husband is originally from the UK so we are blessed to now be near his family and we are slowly making new friends.

As I sit here and read this, I can see there are many things I’ve left out, but know it is time to move on. If you have actually read this far, I thank you. :)

All of these happenings in my life have helped to make me who I am. It has been a difficult journey but, as already said, I believe I am here for a reason. I am lucky! I am married to a wonderful man and have three happy & healthy children. I have lived in different countries and have learnt about different cultures. I do what I love, know that I am good at it and can only keep learning and getting better!

I’M STILL STANDING!

Friday, 29 May 2009

Believing

I feel very strongly about what I do. When I get the occasional email or comment from someone being negative or derogatory it can be hurtful.

Something I have learned though is to take a deep breath and think.......

"Firstly, people are scared of what they don't understand and can become negative because of that."

"Secondly.....Hey, this person was obviously interested enough to read about me and what I do. They were moved enough to say something about it. Surely this must mean that they have gone away thinking about what they have read and just maybe...... they will start trying to understand it and...... one day maybe even become a believer themselves!"

Moral: Do not judge others and always believe in yourself and what you do!

Tuesday, 26 May 2009

My first Spirit Jumps

You will see from my last post, that I have become a Spirit Jumper! Here are my first Spirit Jump gifts.

Tiger Eye Guardian Angel - Spirit JumpThe first gift is a Tiger Eye Guardian Angel for Christine - to match the courage she has already shown so far and to help with the extra energy she still needs.


Rose Quartz Guardian Angel - Spirit JumpThe second gift is a Rose Quartz Gemstone Guardian Angel for Lynz. She already has many angels watching over her & this one is to give her the love and extra energy she needs physically.

If you would like to become a Spirit Jumper please contact Spirit Jump directly.

Charms Of Light now offers a 20% discount on Spirit Jump gifts. Please contact me for details.

Friday, 22 May 2009

I am a Spirit Jumper!

Proud Spirit Jumper I have just discovered a wonderful organisation, called Spirit Jump. They offer love, compassion and optimism to people battling cancer by putting gift givers into direct contact with someone needing a lift to their spirits.

Spirit Jump was founded by two cancer survivors who know how much a small loving thought - whether a card or a gift - can do to bring a smile and make them feel happy. It is a non-profit organisation, wanting to lift the spirits of sufferers and their families.


What does Spirit Jump Do?

Firstly they receive a request for a little boost from someone who is ill. They then tell the Spirit Jumpers a little bit about that person. If you feel you would like to help jump the spirits of the person you let the team know and after receiving a mailing address, you send whatever you wish. There is never any pressure on the number of gifts or what your gift should be. It could be a card, bookmark, hat, jewellery, or a few kind words on a piece of paper.

Visit their site at http://spiritjump.blogspot.com/ to find out more.

I am proud to be a Spirit Jumper!

Tuesday, 19 May 2009

How Does Reiki Work?

This is a follow up from my last blog, "What is Reiki?" Please read it first.....

When we think of healing, we usually assume this means the ridding of symptoms and illness. However, healing should be considered on all levels (mind, emotions, body, spirit) because a lack of harmony on any level or discord between levels will cause imbalance, and eventually illness and symptoms somewhere in the whole. When dealing with symptoms it is worth remembering that many physical ailments are only manifestations of long-term imbalances within the total person, and that the ailment is a final cry for help. A person needs to be viewed in completeness, consisting of the various parts, not the parts in isolation. If it is only the symptom that is removed, the cause will only send up another cry for help, possibly moving the symptom to another location, or refusing to respond to treatment.

Our life force energy flows all through us, around all our organs and through special pathways - the chakras and meridians. It also surrounds us in an energy field called the aura. The life force is "feeding" our cells and organs. If it isn't free flowing, or if there isn't much of it, the organs and cells do not function well and we can feel ill or depressed. Reiki flows to the parts of our life force energy field where the Ki flow is weak and congested / negative and charges that area with positive energy - breaking up the congested / negative energy and thus healing the energy pathways and letting the Ki flow properly again. Thus follows a return to health.

Some conditions may be healed very quickly but others may take several treatments. It all depends on how deep-seated the condition is.

In addition to treating people, Reiki can also be applied to food, gifts, gemstones and many other items. Using it this way enhances the goodness of the food, the love or meaning behind the gift, as well as the power of the gemstone energy!

Reiki energy harmonises extremely well with all other methods of healing.

I am available for Reiki hands-on and distant healing. Please contact me or see Reiki Distant Healing Treatments at the Charms Of Light website for more information.

Saturday, 16 May 2009

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a holistic therapy that harmonises mind, body and spirit!

For many years people have commented on my hot hands. I was often called upon to put my hands on someone when they hurt - either physically or mentally. People used to say, "Caryl's got healing hands, you'll feel better soon". This was when I didn't even really understand what healing hands were - and I don't think many others did either. They just felt that whenever I was around for them, they felt better.

When living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia I came across Reiki and was intrigued. A form of natural healing which involves hands-on-healing. Wow - isn't that what I do! Well, I learnt the art of Reiki which helped to awaken my natural abilities and haven't looked back. I became a Master of Reiki in 2004 and have been using Reiki, along with other healing techniques ever since.

What Is Reiki?

Reiki is the ancient, gentle but powerful vibrational energy technique of hand-on-healing. It is a safe, non-invasive form of healing that increases energy, reduces pain, and produces deep relaxation and a general feeling of well-being. It is a specific energy that helps our own healing systems to work to their full potential. It aids in restoring the natural balance in the body by balancing our energy systems. It helps us maintain balance in our own health and life. Reiki is a holistic therapy that harmonises body, mind and spirit.
Reiki is a Japanese word meaning "Universal Life Force Energy". "Rei" means "universal" in the sense of spiritual consciousness; "Ki" is the same word as Chi or Qi, the Chinese word (or Prana in Sanskrit and Mana in Hawaiian), meaning the life force energy found in all living things. When our life force energy is low, we can more easily become sick, hurt or depressed. Ki is also the energy of thoughts, emotions and our spirit.

Reiki complements other healing methods and spiritual practices. It is not tied into any religion, cult or belief system. It works independently of whatever your own beliefs or preferences are.

My next update will be about, "How does Reiki work?".

I am available for Reiki hands-on and distant healing. Please contact me or see Reiki Distant Healing Treatments at the Charms Of Light website for more information.

Thursday, 14 May 2009

Gemstone Stud Earrings

Aventurine Stud EarringsOver the last few days I have sold quite a few pairs of gemstone stud earrings. A very big

THANK YOU

to all who have bought them - much appreciation goes your way!

I probably won't be doing stud earrings again, so get in now while they last!

Still available, but limited, are: Amethyst, Aventurine, Garnet (1 pair only!), Malachite, Mother of Pearl, Black Onyx, Rose Quartz, Sodalite and Tiger Eye.

Tuesday, 12 May 2009

Tai Chi

Tai Chi symbolI first came across Tai Chi many years ago when living upstate New York. At first I was going to start a class with a friend but she changed her mind at the last minute and I decided to go anyway - how glad I am that I did! The Tai Chi style that I learned at this time was the Yang style. Recently, I started learning Sun style Tai Chi.

Tai Chi is an art form that embraces mind, body and spirit!

There are five major styles of Tai Chi (which is also known as "Tai Chi Chuan"), each named after the Chinese family from which it originated. Each style has its own features, although most styles share the same essential principles.
  1. The Chen style was founded by Chen Wangting, 1580–1660
  2. The Yang style was founded by Yang Lu-ch'an, 1799-1872
  3. The Wu or Wu/Hao style was founded by Wu Yuxiang, 1812-1880
  4. The Wu style was founded by Wu Quan-you, 1834-1902
  5. The Sun style was founded by Sun Lu-t'ang, 1861–1932

Originating in ancient China, Tai Chi is one of the most effective exercises for health of mind and body. Although an art with great depth of knowledge and skill, it is easy to learn and soon delivers its health benefits. For many, it continues as a lifetime journey.

Almost anyone can learn Tai Chi. It can be practiced almost anywhere. The movements are slow and gentle, and the degree of exertion can be easily adjusted, making it suitable for people of all levels of ability.

The essential principles include mind integrated with the body; fluidity of movement; control of breathing; and mental concentration. The central focus is to enable the qi or life force to flow smoothly and powerfully throughout the body. Total harmony of the inner and outer self comes from the integration of mind and body, achieved through the ongoing practice of Tai Chi.

Just What is Tai Chi?

There is much more to Tai Chi than one can see, and virtually no one can describe such a complex art in one simple sentence. Yes, it's aesthetically pleasing and most people practicing Tai Chi enjoy themselves. Certainly it's a most effective martial art. It can also take credit as a meditation for tranquility, of fostering the Taoist spirit of living in harmony with nature (not in the religious sense of spirit), of contributing to the preservation of a youthful mind and body.

As you look over the list of Tai Chi's attributes, you'll realise they fall under one heading - even under one word: Health. The practice of Tai Chi offers immense health benefits, strengthening body and mind.

How does an ancient martial art attribute to health? An effective martial artist will need good concentration, clarity of mind, balanced mental state (you make better judgment), fitness, agility, good control of body balance. All these are the same requirements for better health. The unique feature of Tai Chi is that it is internal. Internal means building the inner strength from inside of the body. Placing emphasis on cultivating Qi, the life force; mental strength and tranquility of the mind. Combining both internal and external training, Tai Chi becomes a powerfully holistic approach to better health.

Tai Chi is designed to use the mind to drive the Qi, using the Qi to deliver power for martial art purpose. This training improves mental strength and health through the mind, body and Qi connection.

Scientific studies have shown Tai Chi works to improve muscular strength, flexibility and fitness. Muscle strength is important for supporting and protecting joints and is essential for normal physical function. Flexibility exercises enable people to move easier, and facilitate circulation of body fluid and blood, which enhance healing. Fitness is important for overall functioning of the heart, lungs, and muscles. In addition to these components, Tai Chi movements emphasise the importance of weight transference, which helps balance and prevents falls.

Aside from the health benefits, Tai Chi runs deep and strong because of its own depth and strength. It's easy to learn and becomes a way of life for many practitioners. Yet, because of its depth, no one ever knows it all, and thereby lies the fascination and the never-ending challenge of the art.

There will be times, no matter how brief, when a practitioner will enter a mental stage of tranquility, moving to a different world, time, and space, a world where there is no schedule, no hustle and bustle. Yet the person still feels very much a part of the world. In a non-religious sense, it's a spiritual experience. Such an experience is so satisfying that it is beyond words. Being part of the world, being in harmony with the world and nature, thus is the paradox of Tai Chi, health and beyond.

Use this history of Tai Chi link for more information, provided by http://www.taichiproductions/.

Monday, 11 May 2009

Nia - for Mind, Body & Spirit

Some time ago, I discovered a healing form called, "Nia". Wow, what an incredible find! Nia is an holistic art form, incorporating dance, martial arts and healing - all in one! It is uplifting, healing and empowering.

Nia blends nine movement forms - three healing arts, three martial arts and three dance arts. They are:

Healing - Yoga, Alexander Technique and Feldenkreis
Martial Arts - Tai Chi, Tae Kwon Do and Aikido
Dance - Jazz, Modern and Duncan Dance

Have to say that I feel so inspired and energised by these classes, that after today's class, I can honestly say, "I feel reborn!"


Here is what Terre Pruitt has to say:

"Nia is the great cardio work out that enables you to get a great workout yet have fun at the same time. It has body-mind-spirit element that is quite unique to a cardio workout. In 1981, Debbie Rosas and Carlos Rosas decided that their regular workouts of aerobics were lacking so they went looking for something else. They did a lot of research and went down many paths and their combination of different forms of movement led them to the creation of Nia.

Nia is different in a lot of ways, but I think the first thing that people see as being different is it is done in bare feet. Then they might notice the body-mind-spirit aspect. I believe this is first witnessed in our first two cycles of a workout. We set a focus and intent, and then we step in.

So your focus defines what you want to concentrate on and your intent explains why. For an example you might choose to focus on your hands and the intent would be because they are sore from gardening and you want to give them extra attention. Then you step in, leaving all judgment and distraction behind and at this point you activate your body’s sensory awareness.

Then while you are moving through the movements lead by the teacher you allowing your body to sense what it needs. It will bend as low as it needs to, it will stretch and reach as far as it can, it will be as intense as it wants. You can trust it to give you what you need. And, going back to the example focus above: giving the additional attention to your hands will allow them to feel the energy and heal in their own way.

So by going to the body to allow it to workout in its own way, but leaving all judgment and distraction behind we can focus our mind on the body’s sensation. This in two ways has to do with the “spirit”, we enable our own unique individual movements to unfold and that in itself is very freeing and uplifting for a spirit. When our bodies get the workout it needs our body-mind-spirit feel great.

I think if you have not tried Nia you would be pleasantly surprised. I would like to invite you to go to the main website and see if there is a class near you: http://www.nianow.com."

Terre is a certified Nia white belt & licensed Nia teacher. Her website is Help You Well.

Thursday, 7 May 2009

Gemstone Earrings

Clear Quartz & Silver EarringsI have been working a while on these Clear Quartz gemstone nugget earrings. Twisting the sterling silver wire was getting tricky, but I am happy with the end result.

Will probably make more with other gemstone nuggets soon, if the interest is out there .......?

Wednesday, 6 May 2009

Charms Of Light also now on Twitter

Loads of people have been telling me that I should get Charms Of Light onto Twitter. Well, after the popular reaction to joining Facebook, I have now done it - joined Twitter that is. For something that seemed so simple, I did find it quite confusing at first, but I think I've got the hang of it now ..... Please do follow my "tweets" won't you?

Also, a big thank you to all who have become my fans on Facebook so far - I have 20 "fans" already!

To those of you who are already following me on Twitter (even though I only joined yesterday) - a big thank you to you too!

I am very encouraged by all of you!! Many blessings :D

Facelift for Charms Of Light Blog!

As you can see, I have given the blog a facelift. I do think it looks cleaner and easier to read now. Do hope you all like it!

Please let me know what you think .....

Friday, 1 May 2009

Gemstone Pendants

If my current sales have anything to go by, I think we are going to see a lot more pendants being worn over the next few months. Gemstone pendants are definitely becoming popular again. Not only do they make beautiful additions to your neckline, they can be worn different ways - with silver chains, chokers, or even leather cords.

I have added a number of new pendants to the website - to make up for all those that have been snapped up.
Here's a few to whet your appetite.Chrysocolla Pendant
Coral PendantRhodonite PendantTiger Eye PendantTurquoise Pendant





To see any more, you'll just have to visit Charms Of Light!