Fire Ceremony

During my training as a Shaman healer, I connected strongly to the fire ceremony from a ritual and a symbolic method of letting go. You can use this powerful ritual to release behaviors or thoughts that no longer serve you. Releasing what is not needed from the past allows space to receive new intentions. What can you release during a fire ceremony? Fears, anger, guilt, negative emotions, ex partners, sadness etc.…

By releasing these unwanted emotions and old patterns into the fire, you are healing at the soul level. If you want a stronger energy, you may want to do this during a Full Moon, a change of season such as solstice or equinox or a New Moon. However, a fire ceremony can be done at any time you feel stuck or have a need for forgiveness etc.

Before the Fire Ceremony:

            Make sure that you will not be interrupted. Turn off phone and advise friends or family to give you some quiet time. It is important that when you start the process of the Fire Ceremony, you only focused on this.  Then start a fire in a place that is safe; firepit, fireplace, BBQ etc... just use common sense since you will be burning paper. It may be a good idea to have a jug of water ready to put out the fire.

Before beginning the Fire Ceremony you need to be clear of what you want to release. A light heart meditation may give you insight and clarity on what you want to let go.  

Write it down as detailed or as general as you want. You can write a few things down if you have multiple areas you want to address. I like to use a different piece of paper, so I can focus on releasing one at a time. Understand that the process of letting go begins the moment you put pen to paper. It is your conscious awareness that activates the release of problems, thoughts, and things from your life. This step is very important so don’t hurry, take your time because you must be ready to truly let it go.

If you feel stuck in getting clarity think of the areas in your life that are not working (relationship, career, an ex-etc…). Then close your eyes and feel what emotions you have stored in your body. Once you have “located” that emotion write it down to release it.

If you would rather draw pictures, write words etc.… it’s good as long as you truly connect to that emotion/feeling.

The Fire Ceremony:

You may open your sacred space in a Shaman way (calling the winds of the West, East, North and South, Mother Earth and Father Sun); or calling God, angels, Ancestors; or from a ritual standpoint (protection to the circle with herbs, candle and crystals). There are many ways to open the Fire Ceremony and to call in the protection.

Example of what to say:

I release my “anger” about ______ (event, person, self-etc…). This “anger” does not serve me anymore. I now realize it holds me back and keeps me stuck.

I now accept that this “anger” is a choice I made, and I decide today not to hold onto it anymore.

Today I am making a choice not to allow ________ (event, person, self-etc) to hold me down anymore.

With this fire, I am releasing all _____ (anger, frustration, guilt etc).

I am now at peace and have clarity for my future. And so it is.

I would recommend at this time to write in your journal what you felt, saw or heard. It's always good to remember what happened during a ceremony. 

The Holistic Therapy of Aromatherapy

            The use of Aromatherapy, or also known as essential oil therapy, refers to multiple ways to use the oils. Essential oils can be used traditionally, alternative or complementary therapies.

Essential oils have been used for over 6,000 years to heal or improve someone’s health or mood. It’s been said that Evidence and recorded history have both shown that the Egyptians used aromatic oils as early as 4500 B.C.E. After all, the birth of essential oils was in Ancient Egypt. The Egyptians used the oils extensively for medical purposes, in cosmetics and in religion. Around the same time, India and China started to explore the benefits of essential oils and herbs. It then became an integral part of the Indian Ayurvedic Medical System. The deep knowledge of plants and oils was absorbed by the ancient Greeks, and a well-known physician, Hippocrates (c.460-377 BC) used to treat his patients holistically and with massages using oils. Finally, Romans absorbed the Greek knowledge and added bath with essential oils to promote hygiene and health.

Unfortunately, during the dark time, the church decided that taking bath was a sin, and the people started using oils to mask the smell. Thankfully the oils used were anti-bacterial and anti-pesticide. However, the teachings of Hippocrates were forgotten.

The Renaissance period brought the essential oils out again and they were used again in medicine. Actually, a doctor named Paracelsus used plant extracts to treat leprosy.

The meaning of the word “Aromatherapy” was created by the French perfumer Rene Maurice Gattefosse. He went through tests which showed that essential oils could be used to heal but also interact with the body chemistry. Because of Gattefosse’s findings, during WWII doctors successfully treated soldiers with essential oils.

From the late 70s, essential oils have become more and more popular for health and healing, but also for practical uses as a replacement to harsher chemicals.  

            I have incorporated essential oils in many aspects of my life. As a child, I remember that my grandmother would spray a handkerchief to help me go to sleep. I would do breathing treatments with essential oils when sick to fight congestion and help with my breathing. When I had children, I incorporated some of my favorite oils into their routine.

            A range of essential oils have been found to have a various degree of antimicrobial activity and are believed to have antiviral, nematocidal, antifungal, insecticidal, and antioxidant properties. Aromatherapy applications can be used in massage, topical applications, or inhalation.

Inhaling essential oils stimulates the olfactory system, the part of the brain connected to smell, including the nose and the brain. Molecules that enter the nose or mouth pass to the lungs, and from there, to other parts of the body. As the molecules reach the brain, they affect the limbic system, which is linked to the emotions, the heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress and hormone balance. This is the reason that essential oils can have a subtle, yet holistic effect on the body.

            It is not recommended to ingest essential oils as it could damage the liver and kidneys. Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy. It is not a cure for diseases, illnesses and other medical problems that should be treated by conventional medicine.  

            Because of my passion with essential oils and using them for over 40 years, I decided to create my own line of Aromatherapy. As a Reiki master, a pranic healer, a crystal and gemstone practitioner and a shaman healer, I charge crystals for all of my sprays. In addition, I was raised Catholic and in order to bring the healing and positive energy from my background, I also add holy water from Lourdes in all of my products.

            I love all of my sprays because they each have a story of why they were created.

Here are a few of my favorites. There are 2 lines of sprays; The Behavior Sprays and the Chakra Sprays. Head over to the Etsy store for a complete list of sprays and their purpose. You may also request the description of each spray by email, click here.

1.     This one was created to open your heart chakra, and help you with self-love, self-care and all relationships. I spray my wrists before doing 2-3 slow deep breaths. The “I Choose Me” spray was designed to remember to love yourself.

2.     After a long stressful day, this spray may be what you need. Made with calming essential oils, it will help you to be in the present and let go of the day stress. My kids love this one, the “Serenity” spray. They spray their bed or pillow before going to sleep.

3.     For those who are sensitive to energies, may be overly sensitive or an empath, and those who want to stay grounded, the “Clear Away” is the spray for you. I also use this one to spray over my office, and to clean my crystals.

4.     This one is for those who deal with anxiety, an overly active mind and just need to “re-balance” their emotions. One of the best sellers the “Mood Stabilizer” spray. I spray this one before a much needed “light” meditation.

5.     Do you feel stuck, chaotic, ungrounded and your mind is everywhere? Then you may be in need of the Root Chakra spray from my Chakra Sprays line. I can never have enough of this spray. Its smell is wonderful. I spray over my chakra while I do a meditation to ground with Mother Earth and releasing anything that is not mine or that I don’t need anymore.

You can also find my podcast on Spotify, Stitcher or iHeart radio.Thank you and enjoy the wonderful benefits of Aromatherapy.  

* As with anything, you should test on a small part of your body for allergy. Avoid spraying on the face and eyes. Do not ingest. Leave away from pets and children.

Hawaiian Prayer Ho'oponopono

Have you heard of this powerful Hawaiian prayer that is said to cause release and breakthroughs? At first glance, Ho'oponopono is so simple it may seem a bit too basic. After all it's only 4 simple sentences that are being repeated over and over until the emotion is released. If you are very skeptical of this powerful prayer, maybe knowing this little story will motivate you enough to try it. 

Therapist Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len was a Ho'oponopono and a Hawaiian therapist who cured an entire ward of criminally insane patients, without ever meeting any of them or spending a moment in the same room with them. You read correctly and it's not a joke. He reviewed each of the patients' files, and then he healed them by healing himself. The amazing results seem like a miracle, but then miracles do happen when you use this prayer.

However to truly make this Hawaiian prayer powerful, the key is in accountability, honesty, and truly wanted to release and let go. So, let's get to the 4 sentences: 

Step 1. I'm Sorry
This first step seems very simple but is one of the most difficult. This is based on the idea that whatever happens to you and from you, you hold accountability. Many people want to reject this idea since it does not always seem to be "fair," however you cannot truly be sorry if you don't accept the fact that you have accountability. As such, this step has to be done right, it is actually putting you back in control of what happened and to release the feelings that are connected with it.

Think about it for a moment; You cannot be sorry for something that you believe is not your fault. However, if you are sorry for the part in you that is causing the reactions or the emotions, then you can accept full accountability that way. Not taking accountability, will keep you holding onto negative feelings much longer than necessary. It may also keep you stuck in a phase where you are looking for answers, explanation, closure etc... which stops you from moving forward.

Therefore, see this accountability as opening your heart by accepting accountability for that part in you that need to be healed. For example, if you are experiencing anger, regardless of the reason that caused the anger, take full responsibility for your anger. Find the part in you that causes the anger.

When done properly, this first step will help you stand in a place that nothing is "out there", but everything is within you, you can finally change, release and heal. This is not about changing the actual person or situation, it is about "disconnecting" your negative feelings from the situation or the person instead of pushing these negative feelings inside and ignoring them. 
Don't be sorry for the other person getting mad, just "I'm sorry"... nothing else. Feel it, accept it, and be genuine... Remember don't be sorry for someone else's behaviors. 
Say "I am sorry"

Step 2. Please forgive me
Don't worry about asking anyone in particular to forgive you... many times we need to forgive ourselves. So just ask the Universe. From what you are sorry for in Step 1, just ask for forgiveness. It does not have to be more detailed than that. 
Say "Please forgive me"

Step 3. Thank you
Be grateful for the forgiveness you are receiving. At this point you can thank the Universe, your Guardian Angels, God, it really does not matter who you are thanking. Just put yourself in this space of gratitude, feeling and knowing that you are being heard, that your heart is opening and you are truly receiving and allowing forgiveness... and for all of that, you are thankful... 
Say "Thank you" 

Step 4. I love you
How magical to really feel love without expecting anything back; without any fears. Feel this unconditional love. Be the love that is needed. Love your body. Love who you are. Love the air you are breathing. Love God. Be a carrier of love energy as your heart chakra is wide open to give and to receive. As you are sending love to the Universe, it comes back to you. 
Say "I love you"

I like to put my hand over my heart when I say this prayer. You can also hold some of your favorite crystals to help you with the healing. 
At times I will say it over and over again as a meditation until I genuinely feel it. 
This prayer is taking you to what Buddha called "the state of void" or "the state of emptiness", in that space "miracles" can truly happen since you are "resetting" your data to zero. Once in that space, you can now manifest a new "data".

Let me know how you are doing with your prayer. Practice it; feel it; release and heal. Not only your own energy will shift but the people around you too.

Written by Nathalie

Neuro-Linguistic Practitioner

Certified Cognitive Behavior

Relationship Coach

Why is forgiveness needed?

In today’s blog, I am going to discuss what trauma is and why forgiveness is needed.

There are many illnesses that are possibly connected to high stress, anxiety, past trauma or depression. This has been a discussion for many years among professionals, and I am not sure we truly have the “true” answer. Why is that? Because there are different ways to look at anxiety or past trauma.

Psychologists believe that emotions are controlled by the ego and the unconscious.

Neurologists believe that emotions are controlled by certain parts of the brain.

Physiologists believe that emotions are controlled by the nervous system.

Psycho-biologists believe that emotions are controlled by the neuropeptides (chemicals) being created and transmitted through various parts of the brain and body.

As for me, not being a doctor, but someone who actually dealt with trauma, my road to recovery has been a mix of all.

It is not an argument anymore that the notion of what affects the body affects the mind, and what affects the mind affects the body. As such, the healing from a trauma or the ability to control anxiety has to be fought on all fronts: the body, the mind and the emotions.

This podcast is meant to empower individuals so they can be back in charge and take trauma / anxiety recovery into their own hands. If you can finally accept the fact that you can recover from trauma and it is up to you to do the changes, then you can move forward with your healing path.

If you are stuck on “it’s too difficult”, “I try but can’t do it” then you will stay stuck in the vicious cycle of wanting to find control but truly be out of control emotionally.

In my opinion, the road to healing and controlling anxiety starts with two awareness:

1.     The first knowing that you are not alone. I like to say that “everyone has a story; a struggle; a fight or a trauma within themselves.” Therefore, instead of thinking that no one can understand you and making the choice to live with this “inner-demon” alone, why not reach out and learn with others?  

2.     The second is the revelation that you are fed-up with the emotional behaviors or the physical challenges that this past trauma has cost you. How many times did you hold yourself back instead of going for it? How many relationships were not optimum because of the past trauma? How many miscommunications happened? Etc.…

Forgiveness:

Once you have made the decision to move on from the trauma, then it is time to forgive.

Holloway in 2002 said “Letting go is not for the purpose of forgetting or forgiving the past, it is about releasing the energy of the past to give us back our lives in the present which is necessary to deliver us into a new future”

What a beautiful way of explaining what forgiveness is. So many people mis-understand and believe that forgiveness is about not holding the other person accountable? Not at all. It is about relieving yourself from past grip or from your own “chains.” I do believe that emotionally people want to move forward and not hurt anymore. I also believe that intellectually people understand that they should move on, and this may actually create an inner struggle. However, I also believe from an ego standpoint individual think they protect themselves by showing anger, aggressiveness, excuses, defeat or developing a “victim mentality.” It is important to know that these “traits” or “behaviors” will stop you from moving forward. It will stop you from integrating your emotions (heart) with your intellect (brain) and your physical body.

“Our refusal to forgive the past imprisons us in our own resistance to our natural, evolutionary instincts and thereby has the power to deny us a healthy movement into our future.” (Arendt 2000)

Let’s understand trauma for a little bit. Trauma is a situation that happened in the past and severely impacted us. The first “blow” comes from the traumatic experience. The second “blow” is the fear of ever experiencing that pain again. That is why people develop mechanism in an attempt to protect themselves from re-experiencing that deep pain. This is why it is so difficult to move on from a trauma. This is true to all trauma; a physical trauma (i.e. Car accident), and emotional trauma (i.e. Being bullied).

Now you can see why so many people have a problem moving on even though they “truly” want to. However not letting go properly of the past will only keep people in an endless loop to re-experience the feelings from the trauma over and over again in their everyday life. Eventually the transmitters in our brain will be programmed which could lead to anxiety, depression or illnesses in our physical body. This is a place where individuals can be stuck in, a hole that they may feel will not get better, throwing them in a “victimhood mentality.”

People who are victims have a hard time changing, since changing requires someone to become responsible of their own actions and to take new steps toward their healing. This can be frightening because of the unknown. However, letting go of the past is the individual responsibility in order to move forward, and by reframing the trauma, we can learn to accept it as an integral part of our own evolutionary process.

On my blog site you can refer back to the blog I wrote regarding the Hawaiian Prayer “Ho'oponopono.” It can help you with this first step. Depending on the trauma, only you can decide how long it will take to finally be free of it. You may also have multiple trauma, and each one will need to be released.

Written by Nathalie

Neuro-Linguistic Practitioner

Certified Cognitive Behavior

Relationship Coach

Source: Trauma by Dr David Berceli