H.U.G.S. = Helping us Grow Spiritually

According to the Spiritual Science Research Foundation, the use of touch enhances the transfer of spiritual or subtle-energies up to 100%, when compared to a greeting that does not involve touch. Though the study includes research on the transference of  negative energy, I feel that we all possess some amount of positive energy located in our chakras. It is a constant struggle to bring these energy centers into balance, however, it can be achieved with awareness and focus.

Since yoga means to yoke, yoke with the divine, i.e., the divinity within each one of us, we can use this practice along with meditation to bring spiritual balance, enlightenment, nirvana, etc. Hugging someone you care about or even as a gesture to someone you just met can quite admittedly serve as a spiritual gift. 

Why not hug someone now? By doing so we release our oxytocin, which helps us navigate our world of complex social relationships by rewarding positive social behavior with feelings of contentment and relaxation. Physical touch stimulates the most potent release of oxytocin.

A study by Grewin, Girdler, Amico and Light at the University of North Carolina's department of psychiatry reported  that oxytocin is one factor which gives marriage its beneficial effects by calming distress. Perhaps the increased level of oxytocin explains why married couples live longer.

Married or not, we can all benefit from this release and create an even spiritual experience. So, don't forget to hug someone today and tomorrow and the next day... you'll be glad you did.

Hugs!
MJ

February is About Love: Discover Your Anahata Chakra

"The Chakra System is a map for the

 journey through life. Its seven rainbow

colors represent the full spectrum of human

 possibility that stretches from the ordinary

 to the extraordinary, from Earth to Heaven."

~ Anodea Judith

     Learning about the chakras gives you access to your programmed responses so you can minimize their negative effects and maximize their positive ones.  The word chakra means wheel or disc. A chakra is a spinning vortex of activity located along the astral spine created by the presence of the consciousness within the physical body. There are seven major chakras whose locations correspond to seven central nerve ganglia branching out from the spinal column. The mind and the body are brought together by the life force running through you.

      In yoga, it is referred to as prana, which is equal to chi. Both mean “life force”. It is this vital energy that the chakras organize. When we work mind and body together (as in yoga), the basic tasks of life flow more smoothly and enjoyably.

     Anahata chakra, the heart chakra, is the seat of balance within the body. There is no longer any concern with attachments to worldly pleasures, honors or humiliations. It governs our ability to give and receive love and most importantly, it allows us to find balance in loving ourselves and accept ourselves for who we are physically, emotionally and spiritually. This energy center is also the bridge between our physical energy centers and spiritual centers. All forms of  breathing or Pranayama can help you use more air, more prana, thereby increasing your vitality and enthusiasm for life and balancing the heart.

     Take some time this month to positively affirm to yourself one or more of the mantras below:


Anahata Affirmations:

I love myself in every area of my life.

I give love and love comes back to me.

I deserve love, prosperity, and happiness in all areas of my life.

My emotions are in balance and in harmony with my energy. 

Spread the love and remember to bring awareness to your heart health this month, too.  Wear red on February 7 to support the fight against the #1 killer....heart disease!

30 Days of Gratitude 2013

Today at Bhakti Wellness, we begin 30 Days of Gratitude. Thirty days won't begin to cover the blessings in my life, but I can certainly genuflect this month on so many gifts that make my life robust, abundant, joyful, and peaceful! 

1. Grateful for my children. Bless them all! P, G, D & A!
2. My Savior, Jesus Christ.
3. Yoga
4.  Birds that sing a beautiful song.
5.  My health.
6.  Loving, caring parents.
7.  Clean water.
8.  My prayer group.
9.  Having had the opportunity to travel.
10.  Earth angels.
11. True friends. 
12. Our home. 
13. The sun. 
14. Flowers. 
15. Flexible schedule to allow for volunteering and time with my children.
16. Music! 
17. Genetic longevity. 
18. Second chances. 
19. The best sister ever!
20. Abundance.
21. The opportunity to go to college. 
22. Recycling and conservation awareness.
23. Electricity (for lights at night like the Eiffel Tower and Christmas lights!)
24. Ability to help those less fortunate.
25. Patience.  For in time, all will be revealed and healed.
26. Opportunity.
27. Renewed faith!
28. Snow!
29. Time with my family.
30. Love.

Spiritual Awakening.....in Hope We All Get There

Don't Let the Flu Get You Down!

On Guard is a protective essential oil blend, consisting of wild orange, clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary. It is specifically formulated blend to help support you and your family’s healthy immune system.

On Guard’s spicy and citrus aroma makes it one of the most versatile blends, and it can be used aromatically, topically, and internally. It is safe to use on counter tops, as a non-toxic way to clean surfaces, or to purify the atmosphere by diffusing.



Tips on how you can use On Guard essential oil:

• Diffuse 2-4 drops of On Guard in home or office.
• Take internally by putting a couple of drops in a capsule 2-3 times a day.
• Put 6 drops per 24 oz. water in spray bottle to use to disinfect counter tops.
• Massage on feet, back, neck and shoulders with a carrier oil to offer immune support.
• Sanitize your toothbrush by mixing 2 Tbps water with 5 drops of On Guard in a small glass. Set toothbrush in glass and leave overnight

On Guard^® Foaming Hand Wash contains dōTERRA’s proprietary CPTG^® essential oil blend and is a gentle, healthy alternative to harsh antibacterial soaps made with synthetic ingredients that may dry and irritate sensitive skin.
In a study done at Oklahoma University, research was conducted by using On Guard Protective Blend to see it’s effectiveness on influenza virus infections. The results were staggering. Despite antibiotics not being able to treat  the influenza virus, results showed that On Guard Protective Blend reduced this virus by up to 90%. The researchers concluded that On Guard plays an important role in keeping families well without harsh side effects.
Placing On Guard Foaming Dispensers at every sink around the home and office provides those in your home and workplace with On Guard protection throughout the day, while also providing subtle style to sinks.

Purchase doTERRA On Guard products at:  http://www.mydoterra.com/marianneladuke

Win your very own bottle by sharing which doTERRA oil is your favorite and how you use it on our Facebook page at:
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Winner will be selected January 31, 2013.  doTERRA IPC's not eligible, shipped only in USA.