Monday, June 29, 2009

Happy Birthday!

Unless you are distracted by the passing of stars and superstars; unless you are living under the earth or out of range of cell phone reception, you are acutely aware that people in America are looking forward to a National Birthday Party this weekend.

If your neighborhood is anything like ours, you are hearing the aftermath of the many visits to the fireworks stands that dot the landscape. Those stands will do a "land office" business until the last gasp of Fourth of July, 2009. People will be treated to professional displays of fireworks at baseball stadiums across the land, picnics and cookouts and events of every sort will be arranged, and parades will fill the streets of Everytown, USA.

On Saturday we will hang a flag by the front door of our home. Military men and women will be remembered and honored. The weather will be discussed. People will be boating, fishing, racing, and generally enjoying their freedoms.

July 4th is also special to me for very personal reasons. My father, Herman Charles Pieper, was born on July 4, 1913 and the world is much better for his having come here to leave his mark.

I am well aware that the longer ago someone has passed, the more saint-like they become in our memory. That said, however, I cannot resist sharing this story:

Grandma Pieper used to 'complain' about how Herman-Bud,as he was known by his family-just ruined a perfectly good holiday picnic that hot summer day. Grandma had fried a chicken and made potato salad for a picnic early on the morning of that holiday. She and Grandpa were fishing from a boat. As the story has been told and retold, they had not been on the water for long when she my dad began to give notice that he was about to arrive.

Of course, they hurried back to the shore and all was well and happy. Grandma was a great story teller and she never refrained from adding this tag line to the tale of my dad's birth: "We never did decide if he was a Firecracker or a Big Fizzle." And then Grandma Pieper would grin in a way that let you know she thought he was the grandest firecracker ever!

So, if Dad were still here, we would bake him a cake, give him a funny card, brag about the good old USA and retell the story of his arrival.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!

Connie Baum

Friday, June 19, 2009

Father's Day?

Unless you have been living in a cave you are acutely aware that Father's Day is to be observed on Sunday, June 21.

As I hung laundry on the clothesline this morning, I reminisced about my dad. I have a lifetime of delightful memories of my dad; we were very close and I still miss hearing him whistle, snoring in his big chair, and having him swoop into the kitchen to check every cupboard.

My very first memory of my dad was in my bassinet. I remember distinctly how my mom and dad peered in at me, and I remember that they looked like proud young parents. I can still see Dad in my mind's eye, gathering tomatoes from his bountiful garden behind our house in South Omaha. I remember how he wore the same glasses for years and years and years and how delighted we all were when his eyesight improved. I was equally sad much later, when he had to have cataracts removed.

My dad could do anything. Well, that was my perception. He pretty much COULD do anything: he'd survived a pretty brutal childhood during hard times and a father who got hurt and could not work. He managed to get an education beyond high school and he had the kind of personality that carried him a long way in winning people to him. He was a buyer, a salesperson, a grocer, a city councilman; even Mayor. He sat on the school board and signed my diploma.

SIDEBAR: No, that's not the only reason I graduated high school! END SIDEBAR.

One of the favorite times in my life was when we lived in the tiny town of Elwood., Nebraska. My parents owned the packaged liquor store there and it was my job to sort pop bottles. Dad and I would spend time in the store and when business was slow, he would go through the Collier's magazines and explain the cartoons to me. That's when I learned to appreciate humor and Dad's special brand of humor, where his eyes twinkled and danced and he would grin out of the corner of his mouth.

Dad never let anything in life get him down. When he and Mom split up I worried about how he'd manage. He was retired, not used to keeping house, and I was curious. I inquired, "Dad, what will you DO?" I don't know what kind of response I expected, but he floored me with this: "I'm going to sign up for cooking classes." And he DID. He was a pretty darned good cook, too.

He'd had major disappointments and I don't mean his only daughter! He once lost an election for a county office he was pretty confident he'd win. Instead of pouting or blaming as some might have, he took a job in that office and helped his one time opponent. I thought that took a certain amount of moxie.

I found a birthday card for him once that tickled my funny bone. On the outside was a beautiful ancient golden scroll that announced, "GOOD NEWS!" and inside was this message: "They've found your birth certificate!" We all laughed till we nearly choked and my dad laughed the loudest and longest.

Here's hoping YOU have delicious memories of YOUR dad. I'd love for you to fill the comment box with your stories and accounts. You can remain anonymous or you can take out bragging rights for yourself, whatever suits your fancy.

If your relationship with your father was not as sunshiny as mine was, you may be interested in Energy Medicine. Those old wounds can be healed and so can relationships. If you find Energy Medicine intriguing, CLICK HERE

Connie Baum


Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Ritalin and ADD, ADHD--Can it Cause DEATH for Our Kids?

There is an astonishing report out about children who have been prescribed Ritalin for hyperactivity. Youngsters who were diagnosed by medical professionals as having ADD or ADHD were prescribed Ritalin and it caused them to DROP DEAD SUDDENLY!

This information came to me by way of the Editor of Natural News, Mike Adams today, June 16, 2009. And I believe it is an outrage!

The amphetamine stimulant drug prescribed for kids with SO-CALLED ADHD are increasing the risk of sudden death by FIVE HUNDRED PERCENT-500%, mind you, among children and teens! This comes directly from the scientific research funded by the FDA and the National Institute of Mental Health.

What happens in these cases of sudden death? The child collapses and dies. They are likely to be discovered later by parents or brothers and sisters. Matthew Hohmann and his family were victimized this way in 2004. It's happening more and more.

These drugs like Ritalin are being prescribed every day by qualified medical professionals! They are amphetamine stimulants! Once they were sold on the streets and in back alleys as "speed" but now they are being prescribed for what some belief is a fictitious "disorder" known as ADD-Attention Deficit Disorder-or ADHD-Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. There are NO measurable biological symptoms whatsoever for either of these. Yet, kids are getting dose after dose day after day, some with lethal results!

Think of it! Children are literally dropping dead after taking these drugs and our
FDA insists that the benefits are worth the risks!

I wonder just what benefits the FDA has in mind. There are NO studies to show that these drugs have any long-term positive effect on children. On the other hand, available studies DO show that ADHD DRUGS STUNT THE PHYSICAL GROWTH OF CHILDREN AND IMPAIR BRAIN DEVELOPMENT. The kids who take these dreadful drugs are not only at 500% risk of sudden death; they are also assured to have stunted growth and brain development! Where is the benefit in any of that?

Here's what I suspect: The benefits available are the benefits raked in by Big Pharma. What with all the many doses of drugs-ADHD and others-sold all over the world, profits are being mounted as children fall dead in their own homes! So if there are "benefits worth the risks" I believe those benefits could be financial and worth the risks of death of children to the drug companies. But that's just me.

Another point worth noting is that children or adults who suffer with ADD or ADHD could very well benefit from Energy Medicine
. Kids can have "heart junk" as Dr. Alex Loyd describes the untrue beliefs that cause our brains to make images based on our beliefs. When those beliefs are incorrect, inaccurate, false--it creates a situation that must be alleviated in order for kids-anybody-to be whole.

Do YOU have a child or family member who has been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD? Do you really want them to take drugs? Or, would you prefer to have a tool that is non invasive, loving, and effective? Energy Medicine is never going to cause a child to suddenly drop dead!

The Healing Codes

Connie Baum








Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Bragging Rights

Did you ever go to Church Camp? How about Vacation Bible School? Did you ever help organize or teach a Bible School class?

I'm no scholar but I do have a Sunday school class of 6th graders, one boy-Isaac -and one girl, Lacey. These are the "regulars" and from time to time, we have visitors. Melissa is one of those. I have taken out bragging rights on this dear trio of kids.

Our country church will be 100 years old this fall and our congregation is small. When I was asked to become the 6th grade teacher, I felt inadequate for the job. I still am, but what I lack in adequacy and ability, I make up for in love and enthusiasm.

Having been a camp counselor and loving every moment of it, I knew that a trip to our church's Kamp Kaleo was out of the question. The distance, the costs, the schedules were not going to support that effort. There are not enough bodies to justify a week of vacation Bible school, so we came up with the idea of Day Camp.

It appeared the rain would be an issue but we made the collective decision that no rain would fall on OUR parade! And the heavens opened, making way for Old Sol!

On the big day of our Day Camp, Lacey came to town with her dad. He dropped her off with us as he headed for work at 7 AM. Isaac arrived at 10. We had devotions, wrote some Bible verses, and made plans for our Next Big Thing: a service project. We took our selected verses outdoors with us and did a walking meditation. We examined color and the different energies of various colors. We laughed a lot.

As lunchtime approached, we drove to a burger joint and met up with Melissa so we could all eat lunch together.

Having filled our tummies, we departed for the Homestead National Monument in Southeast Nebraska. It pays homage to the Homestead Act and has wonderful educational, recreational and natural exhibits. We oohed and aahed over all the exhibits, chatted with the very personable Rangers and made our way through the nature trails.

Isaac was most relieved not to encounter snakes. So was his teacher. We revisited our walking meditation, including Melissa in this go-round. We studied the botanicals and markers along the trail. We hung out on a bridge. The kids took lots of pictures.

SIDEBAR: If those three kids did not learn their verses, it was not for lack of repetition! END SIDEBAR.

These kids decided they should put together a power point presentation for our church family. They would like to host a fellowship hour following our regular Sunday service and present the activities of the day for the congregation's enlightenment and pleasure.

SIDEBAR: When I was a 6th grader I could tie my shoes, but to volunteer to present to a group of adults was not even on my radar! And, may I remind you that when I was a 6th grader, the computer had not even been invented yet! END SIDEBAR.

In The Healing Codes there is special consideration given to "heart junk" and all the incorrect beliefs we hold. These untrue beliefs contribute to our issues of ailing health. It is my opinion that the three 6th graders who comprised our Day Camp are just not 'victims' of this heart junk. They are filled with respect, joy, love, consideration and good works. They live as they say they believe, so they are in integrity, living their truths.

OK, I will give you that I am totally biased in favor of these kids. But look at who they are, see what's important to them, note how they interact as best friends and draw your own conclusion. In any case, our Day Camp adventure was great. Of course, it must become an annual event. At least that's what I heard coming from the back seat of the car as I drove home!

The Healing Codes

Connie Baum



Thursday, June 11, 2009

Health and Wealth the Medicine Wheel Way: Part 5

Today's Guest Post will conclude the ideas contained in the piece provided to us from the goodness of Ralph P. Brown's heart. It has been an extreme honor to have his words for these pages because the truths he shares are important and give so much to everyone.

It is Mother Connie's hope that your lives have been enriched from learning about The Medicine Wheel and the Native American culture.

"
MOTHER – the Social

I hesitate to assign a direction to this aspect because of the negative connotation association with "down" so I use "Mother" because Mother energy flows upward with Father energy spirals downward. To remember this you can think of "Mother Earth" and "Father Sun". Together they form a twin helix that spirals through all things. In people this energy travels through the natural channel in our spine.

We should care for our social/communal environment like a mother who cares for her child. In Native culture, there is a strong sense of community because we recognize that "It takes a village". All that we are as individuals affects the whole, which affects us in return. We need to care about the whole just as we care about the self and all of the dimensions that make up that being. We rely on others for many things. We rely on the creatures and other beings on this earth for our very survival. We are a herd animal and, as such, we were meant to know our place in the great circle of life. We are meant to know how we relate to all others – and how they relate to us. Each person contributes either positively or negatively to his or her environment and community so it is in everyone's best interest to strive for a healthy relationship with the world and all of the creatures in it.

Relating this to the four stages of the growth cycle … when a baby is born everything is done for the baby. He is clothed, fed, cleaned and tended to by someone else. In a sense, the world (at least as the baby knows it) revolves around him. As he grows and his awareness increases, he sees a bigger world and it is a natural inclination to try and master that world so he becomes more independent – going further and doing more for himself. Eventually in his learning, he discovers that the world becomes less about him and more about the whole. If his learning is in balance, he knows the importance of serving the whole because he knows that serving the whole is, in essence, serving the self.

A portion of our living should be dedicated to community service on some level. At the root of this is learning to live in harmony with our environment and the community – receiving from them and giving to them.

FATHER – the Occupational

Occupational is more than what we do to earn a living. It is how we "work" to enrich our lives and how we contribute to the whole of society. It rises above simply performing a task to doing so with a positive attitude.

In our occupation we can acquire new skills, discover new ideas, all of which can feed our physical, spiritual, emotional and mental bodies. Understanding how work contributes to our own life, our families, our community and our world can elevate a task-oriented position to something more meaningful and fulfilling.

A key to finding this fulfillment is finding something that you like to do... finding something that is in line with your values, morals and beliefs. Barring that, it is about having the right attitude, working with your heart, and finding joy in the achievement and the doing because you know what you do is important on so many levels. Do it like you mean it!

SUMMARY

Energy is all around us. We are created from energy. There are many different forms of energy: heat, light, male, female, positive, negative and so on. There is also a Universal Energy - a divine energy - that when we tap into it and align ourselves with its flow is life changing.

To align ourselves with this flow we must bring all of the bodies mentioned above into harmony. When all of the bodies are in harmony and balance, it is like all of the planets aligning for us and our good.

Energy is about vibration and vibrational levels. If we are to resonate with those things on a higher vibrational level, we must first raise our own. We enter this higher stream by making better choices that affect all levels and all bodies. These choices come from positive thoughts and actions. Our quest for good health and well-being has, at its heart, the quest for a good life. Being well is living well.

In the traditional way, I place this information at your feet. If you should find something good in it, pick it up and walk with it because it now belongs to you. We do this with gifts of this nature because we understand that each person has their own free will. With that free will comes a responsibility for this gift of life that is ours. Each person must take the initiative and be an active participant to his or her well-being. The symbolic "laying at your feet" shows that you have to take it upon yourself to pick up and use this information. Like any other medication, this only works if you take it.

My prayer is that each person will find balance through this awareness which will then spread into the whole of our world and mend the Sacred Hoop of Life that has been broken for too long.

In Spirit,
Ralph P. Brown (Tawennihake)"

Please, won't you take the time to leave your comment on this remarkable post? Simply click on "comments" and wait for the box to pop up. Type in your message and as soon as it is moderated, you will see your words. You may remain anonymous if you are shy.

Ralph hopes you will visit Mirrored Windows so you can make arrangements to receive his newsletter. If you appreciated the messages of this week, you will look forward to having his messages on a regular basis.

Today I will finish reading Ralph P. Brown's book, "Awakening the Eagle"!

Connie Baum


Health and Wealth the Medicine Wheel Way: Part 4

We continue today with the words and wisdom of Ralph P. Brown, a Mohawk Indian, who has graciously and generously agreed to provide this Guest Post:

"THE WEST – the Spiritual

Why are we here? What is our reason for being? Are we part of something greater than ourselves? What is this greater thing? These are some of the questions asked (and sometimes ignored) by people. We largely accept the need for food, clothing and shelter (our physical needs) and recognize that we feel and are sentient beings (emotional), and that we possess the power of thought (mental) but spirituality is the one thing that people can somehow deny. For those who do recognize and accept that we are spiritual creatures, they also know that there is a need to feed and nourish the spirit just as we need to care for our physical, emotional and mental bodies.

One of the ways we do this is through prayer and meditation. Every thought that comes from our mind and every word that comes from our mouth is a prayer. When we think, we send though energy out into the world and universe. This is why we should be careful with our thoughts. Whether we know it or not, our thoughts are intentions that go out from us even if we are not conscious of it. Our words bring into the physical realm that which we think. Awareness that our thoughts and our words are forms of prayer should have you asking, "To what, and for what, do I pray?"

Our spirit is our essence – what we are at our core. To be spiritual is to raise our essence to the highest level possible. We do this through our thoughts, words and deed AND with constant awareness! Feed the body, mind and heart good things and you nourish the spirit. Seek understanding and truth and dedicate a portion of each day to prayer and meditation and your spirit will be strong. Another thing that is important to the spirit is the attitude of gratitude. Your thanks is the one thing that you can give to the Creator that isn't already His. Whatever it is that you are thankful for when you dwell upon it in your mind, we give back to a generous universe from the heart. The spirit is nourished through this.

THE NORTH – the Mental

We have the capacity for endless learning. The brain continues to grow throughout our lives but like our body, heart and spirit, we must feed it good things.

The mental aspect of our being is important because the thought is the start of what we work to create. Change your thinking and you change your beliefs. Change your beliefs and you change your actions. Change your actions and you change your character. Change your character and you change your destiny. It all begins with the thought. This is our opportunity to create, through our intention, the life that we want for ourselves. When you focus on the positive things in life, positive is the outcome. To become aware of thoughts that might need adjustment or change, meditation is central.

In addition to meditation, we want to stimulate and challenge the brain and dedicate a portion of each day to intellectual pursuits and growth. Puzzles, learning a new language, playing a musical instrument, anything that causes the brain to work can be germane to growth.

I can't stress enough the power of being positive and keeping your focus on the good in life. The term "we reap what we sow" is true. When you send good things out to the universe, you get good things back. The seeds that you sow today are the garden from which you will eat tomorrow."

You are, of course, welcome to post your comments about your feelings concerning Mr. Brown's teachings of the Medicine Wheel by clicking on "Comments" and putting your remarks into the little pop up box. All comments will be moderated and GREATLY APPRECIATED. Thank you!

We invite you to also visit our partners, whose banners appear on this page, and you may visit Mr. Brown's website, Mirrored Windows , where you can make arrangements to receive his newsletter. He has a newly published book, titled "Awakening the Eagle" which is available on Amazon.com.

Connie Baum

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Health and Wealth the Medicine Wheel Way: Part 3

We know you are enjoying the information about the Medicine Wheel because your comments and emails have indicated your delight! We continue today with the words of or Guest Blogger, Ralph P. Brown. We also wish to alert you to the possibility you could avail yourself of this man's wisdom on a regular basis. If you have visited Mirrored Windows you have seen that you can sign up to receive his Newsletter.

Again we offer our heartfelt gratitude to Ralph P. Brown and Mirrored Windows for a grand opportunity for our visitors to learn about the Indian culture!

"
THE SOUTH – the Emotional

As the sun travels in a clockwise direction around the earth, so we will honor this by traveling in the same direction around the Medicine Wheel. With that, we enter the south and the emotional body. Our emotional body has both an inner and an outer aspect to it. Emotional health is the awareness of not only our own feelings, but also how we connect to others.

First, we must understand and manage our own feelings and sense of well-being. When a person is in a state of balance, there is a general feeling of positivity and even enthusiasm about life. The difference between life and living is the difference between existence and thriving.

There are only a few emotions but a wide variety of feelings that stem from them. Fear, anger, happiness, sadness/grief and love are the base emotions. Emotional maturity comes as we learn to effectively manage and cope with these emotions, as well as to related ancillary feelings. In the same way that we must find and dedicate time each day to building and maintaining the physical body, so too must we make time for the care and growth of our emotional body. The daily practice of meditation is a benefit. Take time out of each day to find things that you are happy about and thankful for. Send that gratitude in the form of prayer as it will help you become more aware. Awareness is crucial to growth and development in our emotional health. Focusing on and making time for positive relationships in our lives is also necessary. When our relationships are stable and healthy, they add to our state of well-being. We can exist without other people, but we can't thrive. To put it simply, we were created a herd animal and as such, we are meant to work together for the good of the herd. Our relationships are the outward aspect of our emotional body, just as self-awareness is the inner.

You may have noticed that there are different kinds of emotions. I am reluctant to use the terms "positive" and "negative" when speaking of emotions since there can be learning and growth from pain… ultimately making it a positive event in our lives. Fear is a great teacher especially when we work to control and evolve from it. Feelings are clues that we need so we can make adjustments in our lives. When we feel good, we go for more of the same. When we feel bad, we make corrections to feel better. All of this needs to be tempered with good judgment and balance. There are many things that can make us feel good that, in excess, can be negative. Some emotions make us feel good and some make us feel bad, but all are necessary to our emotional state of mind and our learning."

As you would expect, we are again inviting your comments and questions via the comment box...please know how precious your remarks are to us and how gratefully they are received. Mr. Brown's comments will continue tomorrow so you have something wonderful to anticipate!

Mirrored Windows

Connie Baum








Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Health and Wealth the Medicine Wheel Way: Part 2

Ralph P Brown was generous in making a Guest Blog post and yesterday we posted the first part of his gift. Today we continue:

"
THE EAST - the Physical

The sun is a life-giving source that is central to all life on the earth. The importance given to the sun by Indian people is marked by the reverence they show it. The sun is our father in the same way that the earth is our mother. Like a father, the sun provides for us and gives us heat and light - and works with mother to provide food for us. Just as the sun rises in the east signaling the beginning of a new day, of new life, or of a new cycle - so, too, do we put "new beginnings" in the east on the Medicine Wheel. When a child is born, he enters the first of four phases in the growth cycle: infant, child, adult and elder. Because this new life is a beginning, the earthly journey has its start in the east.

First, there is the need to feed and nourish the body so that it has everything it needs to perform at its optimum capacity. Diet and nutrition are an important element. We want to put good things into our bodies while protecting it from the things that can harm it. Our body does a good job of filtering and voiding itself of toxins but when we consume quantities of toxin-like substances, such as those found in drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, the body has to fight hard to restore and maintain balance. Abuse of any of these things generally signals that something is unbalanced in one or more of the other bodies - spiritual, mental and emotional - all of which makes us more susceptible to illness.

In addition to diet and nutrition and the avoidance of toxins, the body needs exercise. Exercise should come in two forms - strength or resistance training (weight lifting) and cardiovascular exercise (such as bike riding, swimming, stair climbing or walking). Anything that is aerobic works to elevate the heart rate. With exercise, the body's immune system is strengthened and its ability to use and assimilate nutrients is enhanced. The body needs blood and oxygen and exercise increases the flow of both.

As with everything, balance is the key. The body needs rest in the same way that it needs exercise. Each person is different in their need for sleep just as they are in their need for exercise. Rest is a necessary component to a healthy regime. A balanced portion of each day should be dedicated to proper exercise, good nutrition and rest to keep the physical body in balance and functioning at its optimum level."

Mother Connie suggests that you meditate on the words Ralph P. Brown has offered and let them permeate your consciousness. This message will flow into tomorrow's piece and you will come to understand the wisdom of this man's knowledge of these lessons.

It is a sure thing that you are enjoying this Guest Blogger--we can know this by the swell of emails and the comments you have placed on this page. Some are too shy to put their remarks out on the internet and that's okay. Others have indicated that they visited Mirrored Windows and let us know they have been astounded at the beauty that awaited them. We want everyone who appreciates the energy of art and the wealth of a healthy body, mind, heart and spirit to be touched.

Mr. Brown's next post will offer a great deal of information about emotional well being.

Again we warmly invite your comments. Just click on "comments" and a little box will pop up. You may remain anonymous if you please.

Mirrored Windows

Connie Baum

Monday, June 8, 2009

Mirrored Windows

Art is not important; indeed, it is critical to our quality of life.

When you view a painting, hear a beautiful strain of music or touch a fine sculpture it stirs your soul. Art is much more than an object or something to hear or read. Each piece of art carries with it the energy of its creator, who has been infused with the energy of The Creator.

When I look at the art work of Ralph P. Brown, I am moved to tears. His pictures and stories touch my soul; together we resonate. It is with great delight that I am able to share with you his words this week, for he has agreed to be a Guest Blogger! Since he is as interested in health as I am he has graciously written a series of posts about health from his culture's perspective.

After you have read his words, please take the time to post your comments on this page. And I cordially invite you to look through the Mirrored Windows at the unspeakably beautiful works he has created.

Now, I give you Ralph P. Brown:

"Health and Wellness – The Medicine Wheel Way
Native Americans have an approach to health and wellness that stems from the belief that illness is related to more than the body. We believe that sickness is related to imbalance. Imbalance is not limited to the physical body but rather it is an extension of all the bodies – physical, spiritual, mental and emotional. In this article, I will introduce you to the Medicine Wheel and share with you my understanding of this as it relates to our health and well being. We will then go into depth on each of the bodies and you will learn to use and apply the Medicine Wheel in your life to create harmony and balance.

The Medicine Wheel is both a tool and a guide that was given to us by the Creator and used by Indian people for many things, including healing and wellness. In general terms, illness is the physical manifestation of spiritual, mental and/or emotional imbalance. It has been known for some time that stress and anxiety are linked to health. Our happiness and attitudes are an important part of healing when we do get sick. In the Great Wheel everything is connected; all things are related. The approach to wellness is more holistic - one that looks at a larger picture for possible causes and solutions.

The physical, spiritual, mental and emotional bodies are represented in the four quadrants of the equilateral cross found in the center of a circle. This cross and circle are the symbols for the Medicine Wheel. The circle and/or glyph is symbolic of many things, in fact, they are symbolic of ALL things. The circle is perfection, balance, life, the Universe, infinite potential; the glyph is neither plus nor minus. All things are in and a part of this circle.

As a tool and a guide we can think of the Medicine Wheel like a map. Like a conventional map, there are reference points that serve as navigational landmarks or may be symbolic starting points that we know as the four cardinal directions – east, west, north and south. (There are actually six directions in the Wheel because there is also "above" and "below" sometimes referred to by Indian people as the "above world" and the "below world", or Father Sky and Mother Earth.) Each of the four bodies corresponds with the four directions.

The east corresponds with the physical, the south with emotional, the west with the spiritual and the north with the mental. An easy way to remember the way the four bodies relate to the four directions is to think of the Medicine Wheel like a human body. The head or mind (mental) is in the North just as north is always "up" on a conventional map. The heart (emotional) is in the south just as the heart is lower in the human body. To remember the east (physical) and the west (spiritual), just remember that we depend on the sun for our literal physical existence. We need its light, its warmth and its energy to physically survive. Just as the sun rises in the east to provide for our physical needs and then turns into twilight as it slips into the west, so, too, can you think and be reminded of the spiritual connection to the west. You may have heard reference to the "twilight years" or maybe you have heard the term "the sun setting on your life". Indians believe that when the spirit leaves the body that it goes into the west. The spirit returns to the spiritual realm.

All things are related and all things work together. Such is our health – physical, spiritual, mental and emotional. When you work with this knowledge and place your footsteps in harmony with this ancient wisdom, you will find power!

Our focus will be on the four bodies and their interconnectedness to health. We will also discuss the two other directions - above and below. These represent the social and occupational aspects of our well-being."

Ralph has so much more to say about this...his Guest Post will continue as the week passes, so please revisit this page, and remember to post your comments. I realize his work may leave you speechless, but do let us know how you are moved and inspired by his creativity and expression.


Mirrored Windows


Connie Baum


Wednesday, June 3, 2009

We Are Up Against a Deadline!

My own personal dentist, John Ahlschwede, DDS, who is part Elf and part Guardian Angel, is going to be so happy when he learns about my new discovery for cleaning my teeth! He will be even more delighted as soon as he knows that the handling fees have been waived to receive this great stuff!

Here's the thing: The Tooth Soap people have done away with handling fees when folks order their products BUT you need to know that they have extended their savings offer until JUNE 4 at midnight, EST. You may use coupon code SAVE25.

I am uber excited about Tooth Soap! Some people are too shy to post their comment on this blog page but just look at what people are saying:

Sharon writes: 'Had a "glowing" report from the dentist and hygienist on my teeth and gums. The hygienist did not have to "rate" my gums this time. She said, "Keep up the good work I don't know what you are doing but just keep it up!" '

The good people at Tooth Soap want you to know: "These testimonials do not imply that similar results will happen with your use of their products. They have no competent or reliable scientific evidence to suggest that the testimonialist's experience is due to the use of their products. These testimonials are not intended to recommend any supplement as a drug, as a diagnosis for specific illnesses or conditions, nor as a product to eliminate diseases or other medical conditions or complications. They make not medical claims as to the benefits of any of the product to eliminate diseases or other medical conditions or complications. They make no medical claims as to the benefits of any of their products to improve medical conditions.

These statements have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To prevent our products from being classified as drugs under Section 201 (g) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, we are required to inform you that there is no intention, implied or otherwise that represents or infers that these products or statements be used in the cure, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of any disease."

Well, I for one am excited about Tooth Soap and can hardly wait for my next supply to arrive! Be good to yourself and beat that deadline! Be sure to use the special code. You can even phone in your order by calling this toll free number:

888 648 7771

My own dental group is known as The Happy Tooth
Family. BOY WILL THEY EVER BE PLEASED!

Tooth Soap

Connie Baum

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Wisdom of Solomon?

Professor William Tiller is a Quantum Physicist at Stanford University. He is an author and researcher; furthermore, he is featured in the film, "What the Bleep Do We Know?"

Here is something he said: "Future medicine will be based on controlling energy in the body."

WOW! What a concept! No more attacking the body with toxic agents! No more slicing! No more burning! Just gently working WITH the body to do what the body has been designed to do.

This is not a new concept, you understand. THREE THOUSAND YEARS AGO the king who was known for his wisdom, King Solomon, advised that men should guard their heart above all else, for from it flow all the issues of life. The heart King Solomon referred to was not the heart that beats within our chest but the 'I love you with all of my heart' heart.

Energy Medicine is but a tool. If you need a hammer, there's no need for a Jackhammer. If you need medicine, it need not be toxic medicine. Energy Medicine is as simple as ABC. It is non invasive, non toxic, not expensive and it can be done as often or a seldom as one desires. If you are interested to know how one man, a very sick medical doctor, was relieved of a most draconian diagnosis, CLICK HERE.

Connie Baum

Monday, June 1, 2009

Even Saving Dinner Can't Help Me Today!

I think that if you hold your ear really close to your monitor you will hear the saws, the hammering and the grunting that's going on in the kitchen.

No, The Normanator has not commandeered the room to prepare dinner. We are getting new kitchen counter tops and with the expertise of the plumber, the carpenter and The Normanator the job is being done properly, loudly, and much too slowly for Mother Connie!

Change is hard, even when invited. We have had to become accustomed to living without our customary routine, food, and even cleanup has taken on a new dimension. Oh, my stars and garters!

The Saving Dinner
crew can help you make changes when it comes to meal prep. They specialize in helping you make interesting menus with a budget firmly in mind. Leanne Ely calls herself "The Dinner Diva" and is frugal, creative and knowledgeable about nutrition, food prep and all things dinner.

I wonder just what Leanne would do for dinner tonight if she were here? I guess we will just have a picnic and eat the fresh spinach and radishes The Normanator brought in. The stove still works, so I can cook some protein. But tonight it might be crowded, with the carpenter, the plumber and me all shoulder to shoulder!

Who will be saving dinner at your house tonight?
click here

Connie Baum