Living with Awareness
Once we were promised "a chicken in every pot and a car in every garage." With warnings about global warming reaching feverish levels, many are having second thoughts about all those cars. But after reading a recent report published by the United Nations, it seems they should instead be worrying about the chickens. In the report I read on livestock and the environment with a stunning conclusion: "The livestock sector emerges as one of the top two or three most significant contributors to the most serious environmental problems, at every scale from local to global." It turns out that raising animals for food is a primary cause of land degradation, air pollution, water shortage, water pollution, loss of biodiversity, and not least of all, global warming.
That's right, global warming. You've probably heard the story: emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide are changing our climate, and scientists warn of more extreme weather, coastal flooding, spreading disease, and mass extinctions. It seems that when you step outside and wonder what happened to winter, you might want to think about what you had for dinner last night. The U.N. report says almost a fifth of global warming emissions come from livestock (i.e., those chickens Hoover was talking about, plus pigs, cattle, and others)--that's more emissions than from all of the world's transportation combined.
For a decade now, the image of Leonardo DiCaprio cruising in his hybrid Toyota Prius has defined the gold standard for environmentalism. These gas-sipping vehicles became a veritable symbol of the consumers' power to strike a blow against global warming. Just think: a car that could cut your vehicle emissions in half - in a country responsible for 25% of the world's total greenhouse gas emissions. Federal fuel economy standards languished in Congress, and average vehicle mileage dropped to its lowest level in decades, but the Prius showed people that another way is possible. Toyota could not import the cars fast enough to meet demand.
Last year researchers at the University of Chicago took the Prius down a peg when they turned their attention to another gas guzzling consumer purchase. They noted that feeding animals for meat, dairy, and egg production requires growing some ten times as much crops as we'd need if we just ate pasta primavera, faux chicken nuggets, and other plant foods. On top of that, we have to transport the animals to slaughterhouses, slaughter them, refrigerate their carcasses, and distribute their flesh all across the country. Producing a calorie of meat protein means burning more than ten times as much fossil fuels--and spewing more than ten times as much heat-trapping carbon dioxide--as does a calorie of plant protein. The researchers found that, when it's all added up, the average American does more to reduce global warming emissions by going vegetarian than by switching to a Prius.
According to the UN report, it gets even worse when we include the vast quantities of land needed to give us our steak and pork chops. Animal agriculture takes up an incredible 70% of all agricultural land, and 30% of the total land surface of the planet. As a result, farmed animals are probably the biggest cause of slashing and burning the world's forests. Today, 70% of former Amazon rainforest is used for pastureland, and feed crops cover much of the remainder. These forests serve as "sinks," absorbing carbon dioxide from the air, and burning these forests releases all the stored carbon dioxide, quantities that exceed by far the fossil fuel emission of animal agriculture.
As if that wasn't bad enough, the real kicker comes when looking at gases besides carbon dioxide--gases like methane and nitrous oxide, enormously effective greenhouse gases with 23 and 296 times the warming power of carbon dioxide, respectively. If carbon dioxide is responsible for about one-half of human-related greenhouse gas warming since the industrial revolution, methane and nitrous oxide are responsible for another one-third. These super-strong gases come primarily from farmed animals' digestive processes, and from their manure. In fact, while animal agriculture accounts for 9% of our carbon dioxide emissions, it emits 37% of our methane, and a whopping 65% of our nitrous oxide.
It's a little hard to take in when thinking of a small chick hatching from her fragile egg. How can an animal, so seemingly insignificant against the vastness of the earth, give off so much greenhouse gas as to change the global climate? The answer is in their sheer numbers. The United States alone slaughters more than 10 billion land animals every year, all to sustain a meat-ravenous culture that can barely conceive of a time not long ago when "a chicken in every pot" was considered a luxury. Land animals raised for food make up a staggering 20% of the entire land animal biomass of the earth. We are eating our planet to death.
What we're seeing is just the beginning, too. Meat consumption has increased five-fold in the past fifty years, and is expected to double again in the next fifty.
It sounds like a lot of bad news, but in fact it's quite the opposite. It means we have a powerful new weapon to use in addressing the most serious environmental crisis ever to face humanity. The Prius was an important step forward, but how often are people in the market for a new car? Now that we know a greener diet is even more effective than a greener car, we can make a difference at every single meal, simply by leaving the animals off of our plates. Who would have thought: what's good for our health is also good for the health of the planet!
Going veg provides more bang for your buck than driving a Prius. Plus, that bang comes a lot faster. The Prius cuts emissions of carbon dioxide, which spreads its warming effect slowly over a century. A big chunk of the problem with farmed animals, on the other hand, is methane, a gas which cycles out of the atmosphere in just a decade. That means less meat consumption quickly translates into a cooler planet.
Not just a cooler planet, also a cleaner one. Animal agriculture accounts for most of the water consumed in this country, emits two-thirds of the world's acid-rain-causing ammonia, and it the world's largest source of water pollution--killing entire river and marine ecosystems, destroying coral reefs, and of course, making people sick. Try to imagine the prodigious volumes of manure churned out by modern American farms: 5 million tons a day, more than a hundred times that of the human population, and far more than our land can possibly absorb. The acres and acres of cesspools stretching over much of our countryside, polluting the air and contaminating our water, make the Exxon Valdez oil spill look minor in comparison. All of which we can fix surprisingly easily, just by putting down our chicken wings and reaching for a veggie burger.
Doing so has never been easier. Recent years have seen an explosion of environmentally-friendly vegetarian foods. Even chains like Ruby Tuesday, Johnny Rockets, and Burger King offer delicious veggie burgers and supermarket refrigerators are lined with heart-healthy creamy soymilk and tasty veggie deli slices. Vegetarian foods have become staples at environmental gatherings, and garnered celebrity advocates like Bill Maher, Alec Baldwin, Paul McCartney, and of course Leonardo DiCaprio. Just as the Prius showed us that we each have in our hands the power to make a difference against a problem that endangers the future of humanity, going vegetarian gives us a new way to dramatically reduce our dangerous emissions that is even more effective, easier to do, more accessible to everyone and certainly goes better with french fries.
Ever-rising temperatures, melting ice caps, spreading tropical diseases, stronger hurricanes... So, what are you do doing for dinner tonight? Check out www.VegCooking.com for great ideas, free recipes, meal plans, and more! Check out the environmental section of www.GoVeg.com for a lot more information about the harmful effect of meat-eating on the environment.
The report released today by the world's leading climate scientists made no bones about it: global warming is happening in a big way and it is very likely man-made. So, if we are indeed the bulk of the problem, we ought to step up and start doing things differently. Now.
I think there is a realization that being "part of the solution" can be a whole lot simpler -and cheaper - than going out and buying a new car. We can make a huge difference in the environment by eating a plant based diet instead of an animal based one. Factory farming pollutes our air and water, reduces the rainforests, and goes a long way to create global warming. And although the vast majority of responses to the piece were positive, there were some environmentalists for whom the idea of giving up those chicken nuggets was impossible to swallow.
My favorite movie of a couple of years agao was Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth (Al Gore for the Nobel Peace Prize!), but I have to admit that when I speak with environmentalists about the obvious waste and pollution involved in the totally unnecessary activity of meat consumption, I feel a lot like Mr. Gore trying to convince the U.S. Congress to take the issue of global warming seriously during his first term in the Congress. I thought I might discuss a few of the key concerns that were posted to the blog and that my meat-eating friends offer in defense of their continued meat consumption. So here we go:
Some were worried about thriving, physically, on a vegetarian diet.
Now this just does not make sense. Half of all Americans die of heart disease or cancer and two-thirds of us are overweight. The American Dietetic Association says that vegetarians have "lower rates of death from ischemic heart disease; ... lower blood cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and lower rates of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and prostate and colon cancer." Vegetarians, on average, are about one-third as likely to be overweight as meat-eaters.
And I've just learned from the brilliant Dr. Andrew Weil that there is something called arachidonic acid, or AA, in animal flesh which causes inflammation. AA is a pro-inflammatory fatty acid. He explains that "heart disease and Alzheimer's - among many other diseases - begin as inflammatory processes. The same hormonal imbalance that increases inflammation increases cell proliferation and the risk of malignant transformation." They are finding out that inflammation is key in so many of the diseases that plague us. So when you eat meat, you ingest AA, which causes inflammation, which fires up the disease process. It doesn't matter if the chicken is free range or the beef is grass-fed because the fatty acid is natural and inherent in the meat.
As for having strength and energy on a vegetarian diet, some of the world's top athletes are vegetarian. A few examples: Carl Lewis (perhaps the greatest Olympian of all time), Robert Parish (one of the "50 Greatest Players in NBA History"), Desmond Howard (Heisman Trophy winner and Super Bowl MVP), Bill Pearl (professional bodybuilder and four-time "Mr. Universe"), Jack La Lanne (Mr. Fitness himself) and Chris Evert (tennis champion). Vegetarian athletes have the advantage of getting all the plant protein, complex carbohydrates and fiber they need without all the artery-clogging cholesterol and saturated animal fats found in meat that would slow them down. In fact, Carl Lewis says that "my best year of track competition was the first year I ate a vegan diet."
One response pointed out that the rain forest is being cut down to grow soy, not meat.
Actually, much of the rain forest is being chopped down for grazing, but also yes, the rain forest is being chopped down to grow soy--but not for human consumption. Americans and Europeans can't raise all the feed domestically that is needed to sustain their meat addictions, so agribusiness has started cutting down the rain forest. Ask Greenpeace or any other environmental group and they'll tell you that the overwhelming majority of soy (or corn or wheat, for that matter) is used to feed animals in factory farms. In fact, Greenpeace recently unveiled a massive banner over an Amazon soy field that read, "KFC-Amazon Criminal," to accentuate the point that large chicken and other meat companies like KFC are responsible for the destruction of the Amazon. It takes many pounds of soy or other plant foods to produce just 1 pound of animal flesh--so if you're worried about the rain forests being chopped down for grazing or to grow soy, your best move is to stop eating chickens, pigs, and other animals. If more people went vegetarian, we would need far less land to feed people, and we wouldn't have to destroy the few natural places that this world has left.
Some wondered about humane, organic, or kosher meat.
Sadly, most of the meat, egg, and dairy companies that pretend to be eco- or animal-friendly, with packages covered in pictures of pretty red barnyards, are basically the same massive corporately owned factory-farms but with a newly hired advertising consultant. In fact, labels like "Swine Welfare" and "UEP Certified" are simply the industry labels that attempt to hide the horrible abuse involved in these products' production. And even "organic" farms are industrializing in ways that shock the journalists who bother to investigate. Sadly, "kosher" means nothing when it comes to how animals are treated on farms, and the largest kosher slaughterhouse in North America was caught horribly abusing animals--ripping the tracheas out of live cows' throats and worse--and defending the abuse as kosher.
All that said, it's undeniable that the rare meat-eater who limits him- or herself to a bit of grass-fed cattle flesh on occasion is making a much smaller environmental impact than the vast majority of Americans. But when you consider that no reputable scientific or medical body believes that eating animals is good for us, let alone necessary, one has to wonder about environmentalists who insist on consuming products that we know to be resource-intensive and polluting (even if they're less resource intensive and polluting than some other similar options or eaten in "moderation"). It'd be like driving an SUV that gets 15 mpg rather than 10, or driving an SUV three days per week instead of seven. Sure, it might be better for the environment, but with so many more fuel-efficient ways to get from A to B, there's no need to drive any SUV at all. Eating meat--any meat--is the same thing: With so many healthy vegetarian options that are kinder and far more eco-friendly than even the "best" meat products, there's just no good justification for someone who claims to be an environmentalist--or to oppose cruelty--for doing it.
Some worry about 'preachy' or 'judgmental' or 'extreme' vegetarians.
And some consider the very choice to be a vegetarian to be extreme. Although I certainly don't like radical-in-your-face messages, the truth is that sometimes it's the only thing that seems to wrench us out of our slumber. I know it worked with me when I saw one of the slaughterhouse videos--definitely not pleasant, but it got my attention.
The very nature of progressive movements throughout history is to tell others to stop doing something harmful or degrading (e.g., using humans as slaves, sexually harassing women, forcing children to work in sweatshops, harming the environment, etc). Yes, the abolitionists, suffragists, feminists, and civil rights activists were called extreme, and similarly, some vegetarians are called extreme. But maybe it's just because vegetarianism is not yet a cultural norm. Old habits - and appetites - die hard, and there is usually a lot of resistance before things change. I'm a southern gal and I loved my chicken fried steak like no other. I didn't want to give up the joys of Sunday BBQ or chicken wings with my friends on a Friday night. I get it; I understand. But still, if we are to continue evolving - physically, emotionally, and spiritually -we really do have to look at how our dinner choices affect not only the environment, but even more importantly, the well-being (or intense suffering) of other creatures. So yes, on the one hand, the move to eating a plant based diet may look extreme because most people don't do it. But on the other hand, we can still have our BBQ (soy dogs and veggie burgers) and feel good about it.
I do feel strongly that vegetarians should not play into the self righteous stereotypes, that we should not be shrill or judgmental, of course, but that doesn't require silence; it simply requires patience and decorum.
A few people asked about meat in the developing world, or meat for Eskimos or Inuit.
If you are an Eskimo or you're living in sub-Saharan Africa and you're reading this blog, I'm not going to begrudge you your pound of flesh; it would be silly of me to do so. But if you're reading this in a developed country where almost all animals are eating animal feed rather than grazing, are factory-farmed rather than living with families or hunted, and you have abundant vegetarian options all around you, talk of people who have limited food options doesn't apply to you.
Some people worried that it's hard to be a vegetarian.
Being vegetarian isn't exactly the supreme sacrifice―surfing around the food pics on any vegetarian cooking site will show you that. Vegetarian and vegan food is everywhere (even Burger King has a veggie burger!). Most, if not all, major grocery stores carry soy milk, mock meats ("chicken" nuggets, BBQ "ribs," burgers, soy "sausage," etc.), vegan cheeses, and soy ice cream. If you can't find what you want at the store, most will order it for you. Many restaurants have veggie options a-plenty (especially Thai, Indian, Ethiopian, Mexican, and other ethnic restaurants--which are my favorite anyway). Sure, some vegetarians may prefer not to eat food that was cooked on the same grill as meat, but I'm not concerned about that (it does not cause more animals to suffer or more environmental harm). You can find great vegetarian recipes at www.VegCooking.com.
I'd also like to address the top five most common things that I hear from meat-eaters regarding their meat consumption:
Number five: 'Humans have always eaten animals--it's natural.'
First, our evolution in human morality is marked almost entirely by our attempt to move beyond the "might makes right" law of the jungle. It may indeed be "natural" for the powerful to dominate the weak--but that doesn't mean we should support it.
Second, human bodies aren't meant to eat meat. It's always seemed strange to me that we're the only species on Earth that has to cook flesh in order to eat it without getting sick. Look at our bodies: We're just not meant to eat flesh. Like all herbivores, almost all of our teeth are flat and blunt (the mouths of carnivores and omnivores are full of sharp incisors). Like all herbivores, our intestines are looooong (carnivores and omnivores have short intestines so they can get the rotting flesh they eat out quickly). We don't have sharp claws to seize and hold down prey. The list goes on. We may have had a need to eat meat thousands of years ago, in times of scarcity as hunter-gatherers, but we don't need to now, and we'll be better off if we don't. Dr William C. Roberts, M.D., editor of the American Journal of Cardiology, says, "Although we think we are one, and we act as if we are one, human beings are not natural carnivores. When we kill animals to eat them, they end up killing us, because their flesh, which contains cholesterol and saturated fat, was never intended for human beings, who are natural herbivores." Check out this essay by Dr. Milton Mills for more information on the issue of whether the human physiology is designed for meat consumption.
Most critically, the people who say this generally use it to justify buying the same old meat that comes from giant, wholly unnatural factory farms where animals are crammed into filthy sheds or cages and not allowed to do anything natural to them--at all, ever (breathe fresh air, bask in the sun, raise their young, dustbathe, form social orders, etc.). Chickens in the egg industry have half their beaks cut off, piglets in the pork industry have their tails cut off, etc. (please take 10 minutes to watch the video at www.Meat.org). This is how 99 percent of chickens and turkeys, 95 percent of pigs and eggs, and most cow flesh and dairy products end up on our plates.
If you care so much about being "natural," then think for a moment about the harm that you're doing to your natural environment by eating meat--any meat. At the end of the day, for me, we don't need to eat meat, we'll be better off without it, and it causes animals to suffer.
Number four: 'Animals are not equal to humans, so we should not be so concerned about them.'
I disagree with Princeton Professor Peter Singer on many issues, but on this one I think he gets it precisely right. Writes Dr. Singer, "[W]hen non-vegetarians say that 'human problems come first,' I cannot help wondering what exactly it is that they are doing for human beings that compels them to continue to support the wasteful, ruthless exploitation of farm animals." Which is to say: Fine, don't spend any time at all on animal issues, but please don't pay other people to abuse animals, which is what you are doing when you buy chicken, pork, or other animal products. And remember: A vegetarian diet is also the best diet for the planet, so eat as though the planet depended on it, since it just might.
Number three: 'There have been many brilliant meat-eaters, like Picasso and Mozart, so they could not have been wrong.'
I highly doubt that anyone is going to suggest that vegetarians Steve Jobs, Leonardo da Vinci, Pythagoras, Albert Einstein, Leo Tolstoy, or Mohandas Gandhi were especially brilliant because they were vegetarians, and I also don't think one can make the argument that meat-eaters attained their great heights as a result of their diet. Interestingly, studies show that vegetarians are smarter than meat-eaters, but there is probably not causality there--it's probably just that thoughtful people tend to question things more deeply, hence the decision to become vegetarian. Here's a 2006 study from the British Medical Journal about vegetarians being smarter than meat-eaters.
Number two: 'Where do you draw the line? Should we protect insects? What's the difference between killing plants and killing animals? They're all alive.'
The theologian and Narnia inventor C.S. Lewis staunchly opposed testing on animals on Christian grounds, and he pointed out to those who asked this question that the question is baseless--they already know and understand the differences between plants and animals. To whit, every reader will recoil in horror if asked to imagine lighting a cat on fire or beating a dog's head in with a baseball bat--because we know that these things cause the animals pain. But none of us feels similarly at the prospect of pulling weeds or mowing our lawn--because we know that weeds and lawns have no capacity to feel pain. Chickens, pigs, fish, and cattle all feel pain in the same way and to the same degree as any dog or cat. Just watch their faces and their body language in these undercover videos; listen to their animal versions of screaming. I assure you, grass does not suffer like these poor creatures do.
I'm not so sure about insects, though I try to give them the benefit of the doubt whenever possible. Yes, when I walk down the street, I'm sure I step on bugs. But does the fact that I can't stop all cruelty mean that I shouldn't bother to stop a lot of it? Of course not. That'd be like saying that if you drive a car, you shouldn't even bother to recycle.
And the number one justification for eating meat is: 'Meat won't kill me, and I like it.'
No question―this is the crux of it all, the only purely honest answer if you ask me. Sure enough, unless you get really bad food poisoning from your next piece of undercooked chicken or choke to death on a piece of steak, meat won't kill you right away. But chances are pretty good that eating meat could reduce your life span (and quality) in the long run. I imagine the fact that we're not designed to eat meat (as I discussed above) may explain the fact that the American Dietetic Association (the overarching group of nutrition researchers, doctors, etc.) says that vegetarians have lower rates of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity than do meat-eaters. Some argue that for every study, there's another that says the opposite, but that's simply not so in this case--there isn't a single reputable scientific or medical body that disagrees with the simple fact that vegetarians are a fraction as likely to be overweight and much less likely to suffer from heart disease and cancer. Really, even if I didn't give a hoot about animal suffering or environmental degradation, I would still be vegetarian because the diet is the best diet for my health. And as noted, eating meat does support cruelty to animals and environmental degradation, all for the sake of a palate preference (which, by the way, can be largely satisfied by the luscious faux meat options out there).
One thing about being a vegetarian that is often missed is how empowering it is. Personally, I think that integrity of action requires that among other things, we attempt to lead lives that are as compassionate and conscious as possible. What this means to me, personally, is that if there is something that I would not want to do myself, I don't feel good paying someone else to do it on my behalf. So I don't inflict suffering or kill animals myself; and I don't support the market of killing by buying these poor animals chopped up and shrink-wrapped in the grocery store either.
We are a nation of animal lovers, and we all cringe in horror when we hear about cases like a dog being burned alive or tossed into freeway traffic. But chickens and pigs and other animals also deserve our compassion. They are all smart animals who feel pain and fear, yet they are treated just horribly, and sadly, there are no laws to protect them. Don't take my word for it, watch Alec Baldwin's "Meet Your Meat" and see for yourself what goes on.
We oppose sweatshops and child labor, and we cringe at the thought of children laboring in developing countries. But American slaughterhouses are sweatshops. They employ people working illegally who can't defend themselves out of fear of being deported. Conditions in these places are so bad that the average annual turnover rate for slaughter-line workers is out of sight. Check out the Web site of this labor organization to learn about its fight against Smithfield Foods (the world's largest pork and turkey producer--it owns Butterball).
We are environmentalists, and we cringe when see a bright yellow Hummer in the grocery store parking lot. But as bad as the amount of fuel that a Hummer uses or the amount of greenhouse gasses that it emits is, if we're eating meat, we're making a conscious decision that is even more wasteful and polluting. In addition check out this E magazine article by the magazine's editor, "The Case Against Meat," or this Grist.com article, "How Poultry Producers Are Ravaging the Rural South," as just a few examples.
Americans and Europeans eat meat because we want to, not because we have to. And we do it at the expense of animals, people, and the environment.
This may be inconvenient, but I am convinced that it's the truth.
If you have read this far, you know that a plant-based diet is a good choice for the planet, your health, and animals. Of course, there are other things we should be doing--from cutting down on our consumption to working for governmental change to buying organic and on and on--but where diet is concerned, a vegetarian diet is the hands-down best choice for those of us who care about animals and the environment.
I heard from a lot of people who wanted help in making the transition to a vegetarian (or mostly vegetarian) diet. Let's face it: If you've been eating meat all your life, this sort of a change can be daunting even just to think about, let alone act on. Happily, it's easier than ever today to make the transition from meat-eater to vegetarian, and the following suggestions should help even the most die-hard carnivores make the switch.
If you're not ready to give up meat completely, start by eating meatless meals one or two days a week. The Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Columbia University's School of Public Health, and other public health schools have designed a "Meatless Monday" campaign to help Americans avoid our four top killers--heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer--by eating meat-free at least every Monday. The "Meatless Monday" program provides recipes, meal plans, nutritional guidelines, cooking tips, and more.
My only problem with the campaign is that some of the recipes feature fish, and fish are definitely not vegetables. If you're eating fish, you're eating meat, and the recent studies on fish are even scarier than the studies on beef or any other food. The three-part front page series in the Chicago Tribune about brain damage and other health problems caused by mercury, PCBs, and the other toxins found in fish and the front page piece in the Wall Street Journal about the teen whose fish consumption put him in remedial classes should be enough to turn anyone off fish consumption. For omega-3 fatty acids, go with flax seeds, walnuts, and leafy greens.
Second: Give Up the Little Animals First
Although many people tend to stop eating red meat before they give up chicken, turkey, or fish, from a humane standpoint, this is backwards. Birds are arguably the most abused animals on the planet, and birds and fish yield less flesh than cows or pigs, so farmers and fishers kill more of them to satisfy America's meat habit. If you choose to give up meat in stages, stop eating chickens and turkeys first, then fish, and then pigs and cows. Some will suggest that cattle are the worst for the environment, but that seems like hair-splitting to me. As I discussed in my previous post, the Amazon rain forest is being cut down to grow soybeans to feed chickens; it's chicken and pig farms that are poisoning the Atlantic Ocean, and vastly more energy is required if we eat the chickens who are fed grain rather than eating that grain directly.
Third: If You Can't Give Up One Particular Animal Product, Give Up All the Other Ones
One friend told me that he just loves burgers too much to give them up; I suggested that he give up all animal products except burgers. Some of my friends can't give up ice cream or cream in their coffee or whatever―so give up everything but that. That's a huge step forward, and I suspect that after eating mostly vegetarian for awhile, you'll decide that those burgers or that ice cream aren't so tasty anymore. And you'll probably find that you enjoy the faux meats and dairy-free options just as much.
Fourth: Examine Your Diet, and Substitute
Take a look at the meals that you and your family already enjoy, and you'll probably notice that many of them can be made without any meat or with mock meats (which are great transition foods) instead of animal flesh. For example, instead of spaghetti and meat sauce, make spaghetti and marinara sauce, or instead of beef burritos, try tasty bean burritos. Replace ground beef with the vegetarian variety made by Boca or Morningstar Farms, which can be found in just about any grocery store. Or try Morningstar Farms' faux chicken strips and steak strips and Boca's Chik'n Patties. If you need help putting together a shopping list, check out the product reviews at VegCooking.com before you head out to the store.
Mock meats, nondairy cheeses and milks, and other vegetarian foods are sold in most major supermarkets these days, and health food stores offer even more. Silk soy milk is probably one of the most recognizable vegan products on the market--you can even order it in your latte at Starbucks. And if you like to bake, look for egg replacer, a powdered mix that can be used instead of eggs in cakes and other baked goods, at the local health food store (or just use applesauce). But don't forget to eat your vegetables--as well as plenty of whole grains, fresh fruits, and legumes--before filling up on cake and coffee!
After a few meatless meals, you'll likely realize that you don't miss meat and are ready to go meatless for good. But don't beat yourself up if you slip up every now and again--before long eating vegetarian will come as naturally as breathing.
I know that some readers who are already vegetarian may take issue with the idea of relying on faux meats (I can predict all the raw food comments, the macrobiotic comments, and so on), but mock meats and soy milk are superb transition foods. Certainly going with real foods, as Michael Pollan calls them--things that your grandmother would recognize--is a great idea, but don't worry about it if you find that mock meats make the switch easier for you. Animals are going to be happier either way.
Fifth: Eating Out
If you're eating out, there are countless restaurants that cater to vegetarians and vegans. VegCooking.com features regional vegetarian restaurants, restaurant chains that offer vegetarian options, and links to other Web sites that list vegetarian-friendly eateries. Ethnic restaurants, especially Thai, Indian, Ethiopian, Chinese, and Mexican restaurants, are always a good choice, as they offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. If you're still looking for a burger and fries, many restaurants, including Johnny Rockets, Denny's, and Ruby Tuesday's, serve veggie burgers. Just don't drive yourself--and your dining companions--crazy worrying that your veggie burger was prepared on the same surface as the hamburgers. It might be a bit aesthetically troublesome, but it won't harm animals (or the planet) if your food is cooked on the same grill as meat. Unless you absolutely can't stomach it, let it pass.
Sixth: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
Vegans and vegan wannabes, I believe that when you're eating out, you also shouldn't be too concerned about ingredients that make up less than 2 percent of your meal. You'll obviously want to avoid dishes served with meat, cheese, or eggs, but it doesn't really matter if there's a modicum of butter or whey or other animal product in the bun that your veggie burger is served on. You won't stop animal suffering by avoiding such minuscule amounts of animal ingredients. But you may give your nonvegan friends--not to mention the restaurant wait staff--the idea that vegans are difficult to please. The goal is to show others how easy it is to eat in an animal-friendly manner and that restaurants can satisfy vegan customers without having to do cartwheels.
I know, again, that some will post their protest, and I understand the desire to eliminate every last bit of animal ingredients from one's diet, but let's face it: Even vegan foods cause some animals to be tilled up in processing. (Note: Since more than 70 percent of all grain, soybeans, and other crops are fed to farmed animals, not to humans, there is a lot more tiller death in chicken, turkey, pork, and beef than in plant foods, but the point should still give vegetarians a bit of humility.) Vegetarianism is not a personal purity test--our positive and reasonable influence on others is just as important as our own commitment to a conscious and compassionate diet.
Conclusion
When you consider your choices--heart disease, colon cancer, plus-size pants, melting ice caps, gale force storms, and animal suffering vs. good health, energy, a trim physique, a livable planet, compassion, and tasty, diverse foods--it's clear that going vegetarian is an excellent choice as we move toward living a more conscious life.
Monday, May 11, 2009
VAJRAYANA TANTRIC BUDDHISM
TANTRIC BUDDHISM is a very complete form of Buddhism containing a subtle and advanced philosophy, clear step by step instructions for meditation, devotional exercises and physical meditations that work like Tai Chi, as well as much more.
1. Read as many of the Dalai Lama's books as possible. The most essential are "Essential Teachings", "The World of Tibetan Buddhism", "Mind of Clear Light", "The Art of Happiness", "An Open Heart", "How to Practice", and "The Path To Enlightenment". The Dalai Lama is one of the most scholarly, humble and best Buddhist practitioners in the world, at least among those that are widely known.
2. Be patient. The philosophical teachings in Tibetan Buddhism, especially the teaching on imputation by mind, are very subtle and difficult to grasp and will likely take years, or at the very least several months, of study and contemplation before they start to really make sense and apply to your personal experience in a real way. Keep going. Keep studying, keep contemplating what you've read and memorized (memorizing important quotes from Buddhist scriptures that the Dalai Lama quotes in his books is an important step to understanding and ingraining the philosophical ideas of Tibetan Buddhism into your mind), keep meditating.
3. Meditate. It doesn't matter so much what meditation you do. What is important is that you practice meditation every single day; the longer you do it within any given day, the better, but it's very important to realize that if you overdo it on one day you are likely to do less meditation on the next day (the Yin-Yang principle in action) so it's best to do the same amount of meditation every day, and increase the amount of time you meditate gradually if you want to do more.
4. Realize that higher teachings are worthless if you can't even practice the most basic teachings, such as ethics (avoiding the ten non-virtuous actions). So you should start with ethics and do your best to start with the most basic teachings first and master them, or at least get a good grounding with them, before moving on to higher teachings.
5. Think of Tibetan Buddhism as being like a pyramid. It starts with the foundation of the Hinayana for a stable base, then it builds on the Hinayana with the altruistic motivation of the Mahayana and its practice of the Six Paramitas, then it builds on the base of the Hinayana and Mahayana with the Vajrayana which is the pinnacle of Tibetan Buddhism and the main daily practice of serious Tibetan Buddhist practitioners. The way this works is similar to how the realization of impermanence, suffering, and no-self (wisdom) in Hinayana Buddhism is dependent on achievement of concentration which is itself dependent upon the practice of morality (keeping of the precepts).
6. Know that Tibetan Buddhism contains teachings for people of all different kinds of dispositions, it has advanced philosophical teachings for those of an intellectual bent, it has more mystical experiential meditative teachings for those of a more Zen-like orientation, and it has energy practices (in Vajrayana) for moving wind (prana, chi, ki) for health and mental clarity and spiritual realization, this is like Tai Chi and Hindu yoga (for those who want a Buddhist practice with emphasis on the health of the physical body). Tibetan Buddhism also deals with the subtle drops as well as prana in the practice of Vajrayana. This makes it similar in some respects to hindu yoga which also deals with the drops (Bindu). No matter what kind of person you are, it is likely that there are teachings in Tibetan Buddhism that would be suited for your type of personality or mental/emotional/physical/spiritual orientation. Also, the different dieties (Buddhas and Bodhisattvas) are for people with different types of spiritual inclinations or personalities. For those who are intellectual, the teachings of Manjushri are very appropriate; for those who aren't very intellectual but are very kind and compassionate, the practice of Avalokiteshvara would be very good; for women, practice of the diety Tara (a female diety) would be good; and for those interested in power, Vajrapani (who represents of the power of the buddhas) might be a good diety.
7. Learn about the Lamrim and practice the basics first.
8. Make a strong and sustained effort to learn about and generate Bodhicitta in your mind and heart, Bodhicitta is one of the most important aspects of Tibetan Buddhism, (although not a distinguishing aspects, as all Mahayana Buddhists are defined as such by possessing Bodhicitta). Tibetan Buddhism has a more clear definition of Bodhicitta than other forms of Mahayana, and Tibetan Buddhism also has more clearly defined and developed techniques for developing Bodhicitta than other forms of Mahayana.
9. Practice the Tonglen everyday to develop compassion and create positive karma
10. Find a Tibetan Lama or Rinpoche to teach you even further than you could by yourself, especially if you want certain empowerments.
SUGGESTIONS
• Don't try to figure it all out and make it all fit perfectly in your mind, just realize that no philosophical system or religion makes perfect logical sense. Logic always leads to contradictions. Just take what works for you in Tibetan Buddhism (the principles) and practice it every day. The longer you study and meditate, the more everything will start to meld and gel in your mind, you have to let it stew for a long time. The more advanced or difficult the teaching, the longer it has to stew.
• When meditating, you don't always see the progress you are making. "knowledge is like the dust" (as a martial arts master said) you can't see it building up because it builds up so slowly but after a while when you check you can see it has built up quite a bit. So it is important to not stop meditating even if you don't think you are making progress because you are making progress, and how much progress you make depends on how much you practice, not on the method you are using. So don't be in an endless search for the best meditation method. One method is as good as another, it depends on how much effort you put into using the method that determines what you get out of it.
Be aware:
• Tibetan Buddhism is a huge religion. There are a lot of scriptures, deities, principles, practices, meditations, teachers, and history. It can be overwhelming. It will take a long time to read even just the main scriptures through once, let alone several times so that you are intimately familiar with them. It is probably best to just read and memorize a few short and essential scriptures that you can work with everyday.
• You get out of it what you put into it. Just because you intellectually know the most advanced philosophical outlook in the world doesn't make you a more advanced person than anyone else. What matters is how ethical, mentally acute, and emotionally and actively compassionate you are. To have the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism change your life you need to give them a lot of your time and effort and remember and apply them in your daily life.
• Once again, be patient. It takes a long time. Even just learning and practicing Hinayana Buddhism (Theravada) is involved and takes a fair amount of time. Tibetan Buddhism contains alot of Hinayana, plus all of Mahayana, and then plus it also contains and emphasises Vajrayana (aka Mantrayana, aka Tantrayana or Tantra).
What You Will Need:
• Compassion for everyone in the world (at least you must have the development of such compassion as a theoretical ideal even if you don't possess it yet)
• Patience and perseverance
• Dedication to a daily practice of meditation
• Respect for the Buddha and his teachings
• Motivataion to save all sentient beings from suffering
• A Qualified Teacher - someone who has been on the path for some time to offer guidance and help you through common obstacles.
How to Practice Buddhist Meditation
Meditation doesn't require a lot of extras
Basic Buddhist meditation is not difficult to learn, although it may take a lifetime to get it right. But you can start today, with only a few things you already have and a willing mind. Over time, meditation will help you maintain a clear mind and a peaceful outlook on life
Steps
1. Get a pillow or soft cushion to sit on. (If you continue to practice, and wish to get more advanced, special cushions called zafus and zabutons are available from many places online, but for now any cushion large enough to sit upon will do.
2. Find a reasonably quiet room or outdoor space. It doesn't need to be silent, but turning off the TV and stereo and getting away from crowded areas is probably a good idea when you're a beginner (After awhile, it won't matter, and you'll be able to meditate in Grand Central Station or next to a noisy playground without it affecting your focus.) Make sure you're dressed to be warm or cool enough for the space.
3. Sit down on the mat or cushion. Most people are comfortable sitting cross legged (tailor style) but you may also kneel, sitting your bottom on your feet. Don't worry about sitting in a lotus position (cross legged with the feet on top...that takes practice and will distract you from your meditation if you're uncomfortable.)
4. Let your hands rest one in the other on your lap, palms facing upwards, or place your hands palm up on your knees with your thumb touching your second finger. Again, don't worry too much about form to start. Just be comfortable and relaxed.
5. Close your eyes and start to count your breaths. Count on each breath in...breath one, breath two, breath three... Try to breath deeply and slowly. Relax your face and jaw. Relax your hands. When you get to ten, start again at one. If you miss ten and find yourself at 12 or 13, don't worry...just go back to one. With each breath out, feel your tension going out as well.
6. When thoughts come into your mind, try not to follow them. Just identify them and let them go. The same with sounds and sensations. "I just thought about my car" "That was a dog barking" "I am hungry". If you simply identify thoughts and distractions and don't follow them or focus on them, they will begin to just pass by you.
7. For a beginner, try to meditate for just a few minutes -- 10 minutes or so is a good start. You may wish to set a quiet alarm or have soft music start at the end of your meditation period. After you meditate, begin to move slowly. Open your eyes, let you hands fall to your sides, stretch your toes, feet and legs.
8. If you decide to continue with meditation, you may wish to invest in meditation cushions, prayer beads (malas), incense and perhaps some decorations to create a meditation area in your home. But that is all optional. No additional equipment is necessary for meditation.
Suggestions
• Check out meditation groups in your area. Some are listed on Meetup-com at http://buddhism.meetup.com. Check out your local phone book or the internet for Buddhist groups near you. Many Barnes and Noble and Borders stores also host Buddhist lectures and meetings.
• Don't worry too much about form or accessories when you start out. Just find that semi-quiet place and something to sit on and begin. People who cannot kneel or sit cross-legged can meditate sitting upright on a chair with their feet on the floor.
• Read some good books about Buddhism and meditation like "Zen Mind, Beginner Mind", or any of the other basic Buddhism texts available at your local bookstore.
Things You'll Need
• A pillow or cushion
• A reasonably quiet and well-lit room or outdoor space
• Time
• Patience
TASHI SHOK !!!
1. Read as many of the Dalai Lama's books as possible. The most essential are "Essential Teachings", "The World of Tibetan Buddhism", "Mind of Clear Light", "The Art of Happiness", "An Open Heart", "How to Practice", and "The Path To Enlightenment". The Dalai Lama is one of the most scholarly, humble and best Buddhist practitioners in the world, at least among those that are widely known.
2. Be patient. The philosophical teachings in Tibetan Buddhism, especially the teaching on imputation by mind, are very subtle and difficult to grasp and will likely take years, or at the very least several months, of study and contemplation before they start to really make sense and apply to your personal experience in a real way. Keep going. Keep studying, keep contemplating what you've read and memorized (memorizing important quotes from Buddhist scriptures that the Dalai Lama quotes in his books is an important step to understanding and ingraining the philosophical ideas of Tibetan Buddhism into your mind), keep meditating.
3. Meditate. It doesn't matter so much what meditation you do. What is important is that you practice meditation every single day; the longer you do it within any given day, the better, but it's very important to realize that if you overdo it on one day you are likely to do less meditation on the next day (the Yin-Yang principle in action) so it's best to do the same amount of meditation every day, and increase the amount of time you meditate gradually if you want to do more.
4. Realize that higher teachings are worthless if you can't even practice the most basic teachings, such as ethics (avoiding the ten non-virtuous actions). So you should start with ethics and do your best to start with the most basic teachings first and master them, or at least get a good grounding with them, before moving on to higher teachings.
5. Think of Tibetan Buddhism as being like a pyramid. It starts with the foundation of the Hinayana for a stable base, then it builds on the Hinayana with the altruistic motivation of the Mahayana and its practice of the Six Paramitas, then it builds on the base of the Hinayana and Mahayana with the Vajrayana which is the pinnacle of Tibetan Buddhism and the main daily practice of serious Tibetan Buddhist practitioners. The way this works is similar to how the realization of impermanence, suffering, and no-self (wisdom) in Hinayana Buddhism is dependent on achievement of concentration which is itself dependent upon the practice of morality (keeping of the precepts).
6. Know that Tibetan Buddhism contains teachings for people of all different kinds of dispositions, it has advanced philosophical teachings for those of an intellectual bent, it has more mystical experiential meditative teachings for those of a more Zen-like orientation, and it has energy practices (in Vajrayana) for moving wind (prana, chi, ki) for health and mental clarity and spiritual realization, this is like Tai Chi and Hindu yoga (for those who want a Buddhist practice with emphasis on the health of the physical body). Tibetan Buddhism also deals with the subtle drops as well as prana in the practice of Vajrayana. This makes it similar in some respects to hindu yoga which also deals with the drops (Bindu). No matter what kind of person you are, it is likely that there are teachings in Tibetan Buddhism that would be suited for your type of personality or mental/emotional/physical/spiritual orientation. Also, the different dieties (Buddhas and Bodhisattvas) are for people with different types of spiritual inclinations or personalities. For those who are intellectual, the teachings of Manjushri are very appropriate; for those who aren't very intellectual but are very kind and compassionate, the practice of Avalokiteshvara would be very good; for women, practice of the diety Tara (a female diety) would be good; and for those interested in power, Vajrapani (who represents of the power of the buddhas) might be a good diety.
7. Learn about the Lamrim and practice the basics first.
8. Make a strong and sustained effort to learn about and generate Bodhicitta in your mind and heart, Bodhicitta is one of the most important aspects of Tibetan Buddhism, (although not a distinguishing aspects, as all Mahayana Buddhists are defined as such by possessing Bodhicitta). Tibetan Buddhism has a more clear definition of Bodhicitta than other forms of Mahayana, and Tibetan Buddhism also has more clearly defined and developed techniques for developing Bodhicitta than other forms of Mahayana.
9. Practice the Tonglen everyday to develop compassion and create positive karma
10. Find a Tibetan Lama or Rinpoche to teach you even further than you could by yourself, especially if you want certain empowerments.
SUGGESTIONS
• Don't try to figure it all out and make it all fit perfectly in your mind, just realize that no philosophical system or religion makes perfect logical sense. Logic always leads to contradictions. Just take what works for you in Tibetan Buddhism (the principles) and practice it every day. The longer you study and meditate, the more everything will start to meld and gel in your mind, you have to let it stew for a long time. The more advanced or difficult the teaching, the longer it has to stew.
• When meditating, you don't always see the progress you are making. "knowledge is like the dust" (as a martial arts master said) you can't see it building up because it builds up so slowly but after a while when you check you can see it has built up quite a bit. So it is important to not stop meditating even if you don't think you are making progress because you are making progress, and how much progress you make depends on how much you practice, not on the method you are using. So don't be in an endless search for the best meditation method. One method is as good as another, it depends on how much effort you put into using the method that determines what you get out of it.
Be aware:
• Tibetan Buddhism is a huge religion. There are a lot of scriptures, deities, principles, practices, meditations, teachers, and history. It can be overwhelming. It will take a long time to read even just the main scriptures through once, let alone several times so that you are intimately familiar with them. It is probably best to just read and memorize a few short and essential scriptures that you can work with everyday.
• You get out of it what you put into it. Just because you intellectually know the most advanced philosophical outlook in the world doesn't make you a more advanced person than anyone else. What matters is how ethical, mentally acute, and emotionally and actively compassionate you are. To have the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism change your life you need to give them a lot of your time and effort and remember and apply them in your daily life.
• Once again, be patient. It takes a long time. Even just learning and practicing Hinayana Buddhism (Theravada) is involved and takes a fair amount of time. Tibetan Buddhism contains alot of Hinayana, plus all of Mahayana, and then plus it also contains and emphasises Vajrayana (aka Mantrayana, aka Tantrayana or Tantra).
What You Will Need:
• Compassion for everyone in the world (at least you must have the development of such compassion as a theoretical ideal even if you don't possess it yet)
• Patience and perseverance
• Dedication to a daily practice of meditation
• Respect for the Buddha and his teachings
• Motivataion to save all sentient beings from suffering
• A Qualified Teacher - someone who has been on the path for some time to offer guidance and help you through common obstacles.
How to Practice Buddhist Meditation
Meditation doesn't require a lot of extras
Basic Buddhist meditation is not difficult to learn, although it may take a lifetime to get it right. But you can start today, with only a few things you already have and a willing mind. Over time, meditation will help you maintain a clear mind and a peaceful outlook on life
Steps
1. Get a pillow or soft cushion to sit on. (If you continue to practice, and wish to get more advanced, special cushions called zafus and zabutons are available from many places online, but for now any cushion large enough to sit upon will do.
2. Find a reasonably quiet room or outdoor space. It doesn't need to be silent, but turning off the TV and stereo and getting away from crowded areas is probably a good idea when you're a beginner (After awhile, it won't matter, and you'll be able to meditate in Grand Central Station or next to a noisy playground without it affecting your focus.) Make sure you're dressed to be warm or cool enough for the space.
3. Sit down on the mat or cushion. Most people are comfortable sitting cross legged (tailor style) but you may also kneel, sitting your bottom on your feet. Don't worry about sitting in a lotus position (cross legged with the feet on top...that takes practice and will distract you from your meditation if you're uncomfortable.)
4. Let your hands rest one in the other on your lap, palms facing upwards, or place your hands palm up on your knees with your thumb touching your second finger. Again, don't worry too much about form to start. Just be comfortable and relaxed.
5. Close your eyes and start to count your breaths. Count on each breath in...breath one, breath two, breath three... Try to breath deeply and slowly. Relax your face and jaw. Relax your hands. When you get to ten, start again at one. If you miss ten and find yourself at 12 or 13, don't worry...just go back to one. With each breath out, feel your tension going out as well.
6. When thoughts come into your mind, try not to follow them. Just identify them and let them go. The same with sounds and sensations. "I just thought about my car" "That was a dog barking" "I am hungry". If you simply identify thoughts and distractions and don't follow them or focus on them, they will begin to just pass by you.
7. For a beginner, try to meditate for just a few minutes -- 10 minutes or so is a good start. You may wish to set a quiet alarm or have soft music start at the end of your meditation period. After you meditate, begin to move slowly. Open your eyes, let you hands fall to your sides, stretch your toes, feet and legs.
8. If you decide to continue with meditation, you may wish to invest in meditation cushions, prayer beads (malas), incense and perhaps some decorations to create a meditation area in your home. But that is all optional. No additional equipment is necessary for meditation.
Suggestions
• Check out meditation groups in your area. Some are listed on Meetup-com at http://buddhism.meetup.com. Check out your local phone book or the internet for Buddhist groups near you. Many Barnes and Noble and Borders stores also host Buddhist lectures and meetings.
• Don't worry too much about form or accessories when you start out. Just find that semi-quiet place and something to sit on and begin. People who cannot kneel or sit cross-legged can meditate sitting upright on a chair with their feet on the floor.
• Read some good books about Buddhism and meditation like "Zen Mind, Beginner Mind", or any of the other basic Buddhism texts available at your local bookstore.
Things You'll Need
• A pillow or cushion
• A reasonably quiet and well-lit room or outdoor space
• Time
• Patience
TASHI SHOK !!!
Grace
According to spiritual coach Cheryl Richardson, grace is a divine energy or spiritual intelligence that comes from a divine source. "Some people call it 'God,' 'Jesus,' 'spirit,' 'the universe,' 'a higher power'—whatever it is, wherever you are in your path, that's your prerogative in terms of what you call it," Cheryl says. "This beautiful energy is available to each and every one of us, regardless of whether you believe it or not, as well."
Once you learn to become more graceful, you will see this divine intelligence working in your life, she says. Cheryl talks about how you can begin to "dance" with grace.
Early on your spiritual journey, focus on bringing more grace into your life, Cheryl says. Write two or three goals on a piece of paper—changes you want to make in your life right now.
Affirm your goals every day. Throughout the day, say to yourself, "I'm open and receptive to the power of grace in my life. I ask to be shown clear examples of how this energy is operating."
Cheryl says she often asks for direction. "I don't get the subtle signs at all," she says. "I've learned now, in working in partnership [with God] and dancing with grace, that when I need direction, I will ask for it." Cheryl says she uses this mantra: "Give me direction. Let me see the doors that are open, make sure that I see them and open those doors within 24 hours."
Answers are around you all the time, but the question is, how present are you to them? "The more present you become to your life, the more you begin to see that there are signs all around you," Cheryl says.
Take note when you begin to judge or shut down what someone's saying to you and try to stay open-minded, Cheryl says. "What if everyone that comes into our life is a spiritual change agent in some way? The more open you can be, the more you allow your life to change and the more you see the influence of grace," she says. "A closed mind is the barrier to living a grace-filled life."
When you see signs of grace in your life, you're entering into "the dance," Cheryl says. The dance of grace represents your psychological growth: You realize there are coincidences that occur in your life and recognize that it is part of this divine intelligence working in your life. "As you begin to see those signs, you realize, 'Wow, I am co-creating [my life] with some kind of spiritual intelligence here.'"
Cheryl says it's also important to listen, pay attention and take action. "When you get the messages, you need to act on them," she says.
Once you learn to become more graceful, you will see this divine intelligence working in your life, she says. Cheryl talks about how you can begin to "dance" with grace.
Early on your spiritual journey, focus on bringing more grace into your life, Cheryl says. Write two or three goals on a piece of paper—changes you want to make in your life right now.
Affirm your goals every day. Throughout the day, say to yourself, "I'm open and receptive to the power of grace in my life. I ask to be shown clear examples of how this energy is operating."
Cheryl says she often asks for direction. "I don't get the subtle signs at all," she says. "I've learned now, in working in partnership [with God] and dancing with grace, that when I need direction, I will ask for it." Cheryl says she uses this mantra: "Give me direction. Let me see the doors that are open, make sure that I see them and open those doors within 24 hours."
Answers are around you all the time, but the question is, how present are you to them? "The more present you become to your life, the more you begin to see that there are signs all around you," Cheryl says.
Take note when you begin to judge or shut down what someone's saying to you and try to stay open-minded, Cheryl says. "What if everyone that comes into our life is a spiritual change agent in some way? The more open you can be, the more you allow your life to change and the more you see the influence of grace," she says. "A closed mind is the barrier to living a grace-filled life."
When you see signs of grace in your life, you're entering into "the dance," Cheryl says. The dance of grace represents your psychological growth: You realize there are coincidences that occur in your life and recognize that it is part of this divine intelligence working in your life. "As you begin to see those signs, you realize, 'Wow, I am co-creating [my life] with some kind of spiritual intelligence here.'"
Cheryl says it's also important to listen, pay attention and take action. "When you get the messages, you need to act on them," she says.
Cultivating Awareness
CULTIVATING AWARENESS –
1. The real meditation is how you live your life.
2. In order to live life fully, you have to be present for it.
3. To be present, it helps to purposefully bring awareness to your moments – otherwise you
may miss many of them.
4. You do that by paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and
non-judgmentally to whatever is arising inwardly and outwardly.
5. This requires a great deal of kindness toward yourself, which you deserve.
6. It helps to keep in mind that good or bad, pleasant or unpleasant, the present moment is
the only time any of us are alive. Therefore, it's the only time to learn, grow, see what is
really going on, find some degree of balance, feel and express emotions such as love and
appreciation, and do what we need to do to take care of ourselves – in other words,
embody our intrinsic strength and beauty and wisdom – even in the face of pain and
suffering.
7. So a gentle love affair with the present moment is important.
8. We do that through learning to rest in awareness of what is happening inwardly and
outwardly moment by moment by moment – it is more a “being” than a “doing.”
9. Formal and informal meditation practices are specific ways in which you can ground,
deepen, and accelerate this process, so it is useful to carve out some time for formal
practice on a regular daily basis – maybe waking up fifteen or twenty minutes earlier than
you ordinarily would to catch some time for ourselves.
10. We bring awareness to our moments only as best we can.
11. We are not trying to create a special feeling or experience – simply to realize that this
moment is already very special – because you are alive and awake in it.
12. This is hard, but well worth it
13. It takes a lot of practice.
14. Lots of practice
15. But you have a lot of moments – and we can treat each one as a new beginning.
16. So there are always new moments to open up to if we miss some.
17. We do all this with a huge amount of self-compassion.
18. And remember, you are not your thoughts or opinions, your likes or dislikes.
They are more like weather patterns in your mind that you can be aware of –
like clouds moving across the sky, – and so don’t have to be imprisoned by.
19. Befriending yourself in this way is the adventure of a lifetime, and hugely
empowering.
20. Try it for a few weeks – it grows on you.
1. The real meditation is how you live your life.
2. In order to live life fully, you have to be present for it.
3. To be present, it helps to purposefully bring awareness to your moments – otherwise you
may miss many of them.
4. You do that by paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and
non-judgmentally to whatever is arising inwardly and outwardly.
5. This requires a great deal of kindness toward yourself, which you deserve.
6. It helps to keep in mind that good or bad, pleasant or unpleasant, the present moment is
the only time any of us are alive. Therefore, it's the only time to learn, grow, see what is
really going on, find some degree of balance, feel and express emotions such as love and
appreciation, and do what we need to do to take care of ourselves – in other words,
embody our intrinsic strength and beauty and wisdom – even in the face of pain and
suffering.
7. So a gentle love affair with the present moment is important.
8. We do that through learning to rest in awareness of what is happening inwardly and
outwardly moment by moment by moment – it is more a “being” than a “doing.”
9. Formal and informal meditation practices are specific ways in which you can ground,
deepen, and accelerate this process, so it is useful to carve out some time for formal
practice on a regular daily basis – maybe waking up fifteen or twenty minutes earlier than
you ordinarily would to catch some time for ourselves.
10. We bring awareness to our moments only as best we can.
11. We are not trying to create a special feeling or experience – simply to realize that this
moment is already very special – because you are alive and awake in it.
12. This is hard, but well worth it
13. It takes a lot of practice.
14. Lots of practice
15. But you have a lot of moments – and we can treat each one as a new beginning.
16. So there are always new moments to open up to if we miss some.
17. We do all this with a huge amount of self-compassion.
18. And remember, you are not your thoughts or opinions, your likes or dislikes.
They are more like weather patterns in your mind that you can be aware of –
like clouds moving across the sky, – and so don’t have to be imprisoned by.
19. Befriending yourself in this way is the adventure of a lifetime, and hugely
empowering.
20. Try it for a few weeks – it grows on you.
Simple Tantric Exercises
When the body and mind are tense, awareness is diminished. Your external senses are less perceptive, and you are less able to turn inwards (pratyahara). Tantra seeks to achieve expansion ("tanotti" in Sanskrit) of both sensory and internal awareness, to achieve liberation ("trayotti" in Sanskrit). The contraction of the two words "tan-otti" and "tra-yotti" forms the Sanskrit word "tantra".
Try an experiment. Slowly shake out your right arm - loosen up the muscles. Then take your left index finger, and move it gently across the hairs of your relaxed right arm, from wrist to shoulder. First do it fast, then do it exquisitely slowly. Close your eyes and repeat it.
Now try the experiment again, this time keeping the muscles of your right arm flexed hard - tense. Try it again relaxed. Notice the difference between your sensation and awareness during tension, and your sensation and awareness during relaxation.
The same thing happens when you try to make love (external senses) or meditate (internal senses) while tense vs. relaxed... you are more aware of sensation, pleasure, and all the other levels of reality when relaxed.
This is why in right hand path tantra (the solo meditative tradition) and left hand path tantra (the tradition that can include the use of sacred sexuality), practitioners are taught how to relax themselves or each other through techniques like abyangha, marma adi, sarangi, kum nye, kundalini yoga, and more.
For now, just try to relax before meditating, making love, or even self-pleasuring! You'll be more fully present during the experience, more aware! Once you have relaxation and awareness, try to follow the gross sensations back to their subtlest aspect.
Get and give massages, exercise regularly, breathe deeply and slowly, do Kundalini yoga or physical qigong. It's much harder to achieve self-realization when muscle tension and shallow breathing are preventing your mind from becoming tranquil!
Try an experiment. Slowly shake out your right arm - loosen up the muscles. Then take your left index finger, and move it gently across the hairs of your relaxed right arm, from wrist to shoulder. First do it fast, then do it exquisitely slowly. Close your eyes and repeat it.
Now try the experiment again, this time keeping the muscles of your right arm flexed hard - tense. Try it again relaxed. Notice the difference between your sensation and awareness during tension, and your sensation and awareness during relaxation.
The same thing happens when you try to make love (external senses) or meditate (internal senses) while tense vs. relaxed... you are more aware of sensation, pleasure, and all the other levels of reality when relaxed.
This is why in right hand path tantra (the solo meditative tradition) and left hand path tantra (the tradition that can include the use of sacred sexuality), practitioners are taught how to relax themselves or each other through techniques like abyangha, marma adi, sarangi, kum nye, kundalini yoga, and more.
For now, just try to relax before meditating, making love, or even self-pleasuring! You'll be more fully present during the experience, more aware! Once you have relaxation and awareness, try to follow the gross sensations back to their subtlest aspect.
Get and give massages, exercise regularly, breathe deeply and slowly, do Kundalini yoga or physical qigong. It's much harder to achieve self-realization when muscle tension and shallow breathing are preventing your mind from becoming tranquil!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
HEALING ENERGY WORK - Tantric Touch - Quantum Touch - Reiki
Tantric Touch
Tantric Touch (TT) is a type of healing energy whereby the therapist moves his or her hands over the patient’s “energy field,” allegedly directing the flow of chi or prana so the patient can heal. TT is based on the belief that each living thing has a “life energy field” which extends beyond the surface of the body and generates an aura. This energy field can become unbalanced, misaligned, obstructed, or out of tune. Energy healers manipulate this energy field by making movements that resemble massaging the air a few inches above the surface of the patient’s body. Energy healers also think that they can transfer some of their own life energy to the patient by actually touching or "laying on of hands" upon the patient. These manipulations allegedly restore the energy field to a state of balance or harmony, to a proper alignment, or they unblock a clog in the field or transfer life energy from healer to patient. This restoration of integrity to the field is thought to make it possible for the body to heal itself.
TT has no scientific basis but it does have a history, though TT is apparently being practiced worldwide by all kinds of “alternative” healers and laypersons in addition to a few Tibetan Tantric Medicine Buddha healers.
Practitioners admit that there has never been any scientific detection of a human energy field. This, they say, is because of the inadequacies of our present technology. One with a trained sense, however, is allegedly able to detect the human energy field and assess its integrity. Despite the obvious metaphysical basis for this, defenders of TT claim it is scientific because it is based on quantum physics. A grant proposal to study therapeutic touch on burn victims asserts: “Quantum theory states that all of reality is made up of energy fields and that over 99% of the universe is simply space.” Another defender claims that the underlying principles upon which this technique is based include acceptance of the Einstein paradigm of a complex, energetic field-like universe (i.e., the existence of a Life energy flowing through and around all of us). Further, if life is characterized by an interchange of various qualities of energy, it can be assumed that any form of obstruction -- either within the organism or between the organism and the environment -- is contrary to Nature's tendencies and therefore unhealthy. In practicing Tantric Touch, one attempts to influence this energy imbalance towards health to restore the integrity of this field. In this way the TT practitioner does not so much "heal" the patient as facilitate the patient's own healing processes, by gently manipulating the body's energy flow and adjusting it as a whole. With the achievement of balance in mind, body and spirit, we have a truly holistic healing.
Why so many believers?
One might wonder why a group of otherwise intelligent, highly trained would be attracted to something like TT?
Those who practice Tantric Touch report reaping benefits for themselves. For example, the ability of TT to reduce burnout in health care professionals has been well-documented.
The Tantric Touch/Quantum Touch/Reiki therapist has powers physicians don't have: secret, mystical powers which only the practitioner can measure. Tantra is passed down from teacher to pupil, who then becomes a teacher themself. You get a lot of positive feedback. You can’t hurt anyone because you are not invading their body with drugs or surgical instruments. You network and those in your network feed off of each other's enthusiasm. There is a great deal of communal reinforcement. Many patients swear they can feel your good work.
Our minds release 1000 thoughts per wink of an eye. Some of these thoughts get lost in the unconscious, and some get stuck in the subconscious and affect the conscious mind. These thoughts become feelings, emotions, desires, multi-realities or fantasies. Instead of mastering our mind, often our mind and thoughts direct us, which can cause impulsive decisions, poor communication and self-imposed stress.
White Tantric Healing Yoga enables you to break through these subconscious blocks, so you can have a more enjoyable life. In the shortest time, you can experience release from a lot of the burden you carry in your mind.
When you see and act on each moment with clarity, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your life can change. Your mind, body, and soul can act together as one. This is the path to personal freedom and awareness, and will bring more success to every area of your life.
Envision the energy of the universe as both parallel and perpendicular in nature, like a cloth woven together. As a cloth becomes stronger when it is stretched on the diagonal, so the White Tantric Healing Yoga diagonal, or ‘Z’ energy is stronger. This energy, when directed by the VajraYogini, cuts through the blocks that are stuck in the subconscious mind.
Using the diagonal energy, the Tantric VajraYogini connects her subtle body to the subtle bodies of the participants through the course facilitator. This works the same way as a worldwide telephone system that relies on satellites and electromagnetic energy in order to connect two parties.
White Tantric Healing Yoga should not be confused with black or red tantric. Those forms of yoga also transform energy, but in a different way and for different purposes. Black tantric directs the energy to manipulate another human being and red tantric directs the energy solely for sexual purposes.
White Tantric Healing Yoga is done in pairs as a group meditation. You sit facing the VajraYogini and follow her instructions.
Each Tantric Healing Yoga session consists of between six and eight kriyas. A kriya is a meditation incorporating:
• a yoga posture (asana)
• and/or hand position (mudra)
• a mental focus or breathing technique (pranayama)
• and/or a mantra
Sometimes the kriyas are accompanied by music. These kriyas vary in length from thirty-one to sixty-two minutes. There are breaks between each kriya.
The environment is peaceful, and the atmosphere is friendly, supportive, and uplifting.
Quantum Touch
Reiki is enhanced by Quantum-Touch. Quantum-Touch has no attunements or symbols. Quantum-Touch is a natural and innate skill that can be learned with simple breathing and body awareness techniques. These techniques allow the Quantum-Touch practitioner to powerfully focus and amplify the life-force energy.
Practitioners of Quantum-Touch don't become drained or tired from doing sessions. When I interviewed Reiki masters, about 40% reported that they had occasionally felt energy going up their arm, or had become tired and drained.
This is a function of the practitioner entraining or matching to the client's vibration. Without a skill to hold a high vibration, Reiki practitioners may at times become drained.
I've taught Quantum-Touch to numerous chiropractors, physical therapists, acupuncturists and osteopaths who have been astounded to observe rapid structural realignment, reduction of inflammation, and other benefits.
Reiki masters who have taken my workshops have nicknamed Quantum-Touch, "Reiki empowerment" or "turbo charging the Reiki." I got a laugh when one of my students wrote in the review of my workshop that Quantum-Touch was "like Reiki on steroids." Both systems use the same life-forced energy. The Quantum-Touch practitioner learns to focus the energy like a laser, which takes concentration, body awareness and breath.
I am a Reiki Master and have had success with Reiki, but have found Quantum Touch to be very powerful and show results much more quickly. I have worked on two women who can feel the energy as it flows through their bodies. Their response has been that Reiki comes from without and Quantum Touch comes from within. I can feel the energy field surrounding people and can say from direct experience that Quantum Touch (especially after the Supercharging workshop) expands the individuals energy field at least tenfold, which would help account for the breakthroughs in health.
Chakra Information
What Are Chakras?
Chakras are our energy centers. They are the openings for life energy to flow into and out of our aura. Their function is to vitalize the physical body and to bring about the development of our self-consciousness. They are associated with our physical, mental and emotional interactions. There are seven major chakras. The aura is often referred to as the eighth chakra. The first chakra (root) actually hangs outside of your body. It is located between your thighs, about halfway between your knees and your physical body. The seven chakra (crown) is located on the top of your head. The remaining chakras, (sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, and third eye), are aligned in sequence along your spine, neck, and skull. Individually, your chakras look similar to funnels with petal-like openings.
Chakras are invisible to the human eye, but they can be perceived intuitively by trained energyworkers.
Evaluating the Health of Your Chakras
Having your chakras evaluated by a trained practitioner is a good way to get a better understanding of how your body functions on an energetic level. An energyworker trained in reading chakras will be able to tell you which chakras are functioning poorly and which chakras are working overtime. When one or two chakras are performing at a reduced level, the remaining chakras have to pick up the slack. Having a non-functioning chakra can effectively "blow out" an otherwise healthy chakra. Not good.
Keeping Your Chakras in Proper Alignment
When your back or hip gets out of alignment you will make a trip to the chiropractor's office for a spinal adjustment. Similarly, a healer trained in manipulating the energy flow of energy can assist you in getting misaligned chakras back to functioning properly. It may take one or more appointments with a practitioner to get your energy levels up to par. Afterwards, there are a variety of healthy actions you can take to help keep them open, allowing your energy to flow naturally.
What is Reiki?
Reiki (pronounced Ray Key) is a combination of two Japanese words rei and ki meaning universal life energy. Reiki is an ancient laying-on of hands healing technique that uses the life force energy to heal, balancing the subtle energies within our bodies. Reiki addresses physical, emotional, mental and spiritual imbalances. This healing art is an effective delivery system. The Reiki practitioner serves as a vessel that supplies healing energies where they are most needed. Reiki's ki-energies flow out of the practitioner's body through the palms of the hands while they are touching the recipient's body.
What to Expect During a Reiki Treatment
You will be asked to lay down on a massage table, couch, or bed.
You will be fully clothed except for your shoes. You may also be asked to remove or loosen your belt so that your breathing is not restricted in any way. It is best to choose loose-fitting garments to wear on the day of your appointment. Wearing natural fabrics is best (cotton, wool, or linen). You may also be asked to remove any jewelry (rings, braceletes, pendants, etc.) prior to the session, so consider leaving these items at home.
Relaxing Atmosphere
Reiki practitioners will often create a relaxing atmosphere for their Reiki sessions, setting the mood with the use of dimmed lights, meditative music, or bubbling water fountains. Some practitioners prefer to be in a place that is completely silent, without distraction of music of any kind, to conduct their Reiki sessions in.
Healing Touch
The Reiki practitioner will place his hands lightly on different parts of your body. Some practitioners will follow a predetermined sequence of hand placements, allowing their hands to rest on each body placement for 2 to 5 minutes before moving on to the next. Empathic practitioners will freely move their hands in no particular order to the areas where they "feel" Reiki is most needed. Some Reiki practitioners do not touch their clients. They will hover their lifted palms a few inches above the reclined body. Either way, Reiki energies flow where they are suppose to. Reiki is a smart energy that automatically flows where the imbalances are in your body regardless of where the practitioner's hands are placed.
Phantom Hands
Because Reiki energies flow to where they are most needed there is a Reiki phenomenon called "phantom hands" that you may or may not experience. Phantom hands feel as if the Reiki practitioner's hands are touching one part of your body when they are actually elsewhere. For example, you may be able to see that the healer's hands are actually placed on your stomach, but you could swear that hands are touching your legs. Or, you may feel as if several pairs of hands are on your body at the same time as if several people are in the room with you.
Becoming a Reiki Practitioner
Reiki is traditionally taught in three levels. Levels I and II are typically taught in one day class (8 hours) or over a weekend period (16 hours). Level III is generally a more intensive course of study and will take a longer commitment. Class time involves an initiation ritual called an attunement and learning the hand placements for self treatments as well as treating others.
Reiki Controversies and Myths
The healing community has come a long way in demystifying the cloak of secrecy that once surrounded the teaching of Reiki in the western hemisphere. As a result, inaccuracies that were born out of the teaching being hidden away have been chipped away layer by layer. However, some of these Reiki Myths continue to grow organically.
Reiki was first introduced to Canada and the United States in the 1970s. Hawayo Takata, a Hawaii native of Japanese descent, brought her knowledge of Reiki to the mainland through oral teachings. Reiki teachings and stories were passed down from teacher to student by word of mouth for several years. No wonder the stories got jumbled up!
Kathryn Boussemart has been doing professional hands-off, hands-on, and distant vibrational energy healing sessions since 1995. She is a lifelong spiritual seeker with many natural gifts. She has formally trained in energy and aura manipulation, Kundalini rising, Tantric healing, Medicine Buddha empowerment, and a variety of other disciplines. She is also a Reiki Master of Usui Shiki Ryoho lineage. By utilizing multiple disciplines and the ability to see and feel energy patterns and imbalances, she manipulates energy and information for the highest good.
Tantric Touch (TT) is a type of healing energy whereby the therapist moves his or her hands over the patient’s “energy field,” allegedly directing the flow of chi or prana so the patient can heal. TT is based on the belief that each living thing has a “life energy field” which extends beyond the surface of the body and generates an aura. This energy field can become unbalanced, misaligned, obstructed, or out of tune. Energy healers manipulate this energy field by making movements that resemble massaging the air a few inches above the surface of the patient’s body. Energy healers also think that they can transfer some of their own life energy to the patient by actually touching or "laying on of hands" upon the patient. These manipulations allegedly restore the energy field to a state of balance or harmony, to a proper alignment, or they unblock a clog in the field or transfer life energy from healer to patient. This restoration of integrity to the field is thought to make it possible for the body to heal itself.
TT has no scientific basis but it does have a history, though TT is apparently being practiced worldwide by all kinds of “alternative” healers and laypersons in addition to a few Tibetan Tantric Medicine Buddha healers.
Practitioners admit that there has never been any scientific detection of a human energy field. This, they say, is because of the inadequacies of our present technology. One with a trained sense, however, is allegedly able to detect the human energy field and assess its integrity. Despite the obvious metaphysical basis for this, defenders of TT claim it is scientific because it is based on quantum physics. A grant proposal to study therapeutic touch on burn victims asserts: “Quantum theory states that all of reality is made up of energy fields and that over 99% of the universe is simply space.” Another defender claims that the underlying principles upon which this technique is based include acceptance of the Einstein paradigm of a complex, energetic field-like universe (i.e., the existence of a Life energy flowing through and around all of us). Further, if life is characterized by an interchange of various qualities of energy, it can be assumed that any form of obstruction -- either within the organism or between the organism and the environment -- is contrary to Nature's tendencies and therefore unhealthy. In practicing Tantric Touch, one attempts to influence this energy imbalance towards health to restore the integrity of this field. In this way the TT practitioner does not so much "heal" the patient as facilitate the patient's own healing processes, by gently manipulating the body's energy flow and adjusting it as a whole. With the achievement of balance in mind, body and spirit, we have a truly holistic healing.
Why so many believers?
One might wonder why a group of otherwise intelligent, highly trained would be attracted to something like TT?
Those who practice Tantric Touch report reaping benefits for themselves. For example, the ability of TT to reduce burnout in health care professionals has been well-documented.
The Tantric Touch/Quantum Touch/Reiki therapist has powers physicians don't have: secret, mystical powers which only the practitioner can measure. Tantra is passed down from teacher to pupil, who then becomes a teacher themself. You get a lot of positive feedback. You can’t hurt anyone because you are not invading their body with drugs or surgical instruments. You network and those in your network feed off of each other's enthusiasm. There is a great deal of communal reinforcement. Many patients swear they can feel your good work.
Our minds release 1000 thoughts per wink of an eye. Some of these thoughts get lost in the unconscious, and some get stuck in the subconscious and affect the conscious mind. These thoughts become feelings, emotions, desires, multi-realities or fantasies. Instead of mastering our mind, often our mind and thoughts direct us, which can cause impulsive decisions, poor communication and self-imposed stress.
White Tantric Healing Yoga enables you to break through these subconscious blocks, so you can have a more enjoyable life. In the shortest time, you can experience release from a lot of the burden you carry in your mind.
When you see and act on each moment with clarity, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your life can change. Your mind, body, and soul can act together as one. This is the path to personal freedom and awareness, and will bring more success to every area of your life.
Envision the energy of the universe as both parallel and perpendicular in nature, like a cloth woven together. As a cloth becomes stronger when it is stretched on the diagonal, so the White Tantric Healing Yoga diagonal, or ‘Z’ energy is stronger. This energy, when directed by the VajraYogini, cuts through the blocks that are stuck in the subconscious mind.
Using the diagonal energy, the Tantric VajraYogini connects her subtle body to the subtle bodies of the participants through the course facilitator. This works the same way as a worldwide telephone system that relies on satellites and electromagnetic energy in order to connect two parties.
White Tantric Healing Yoga should not be confused with black or red tantric. Those forms of yoga also transform energy, but in a different way and for different purposes. Black tantric directs the energy to manipulate another human being and red tantric directs the energy solely for sexual purposes.
White Tantric Healing Yoga is done in pairs as a group meditation. You sit facing the VajraYogini and follow her instructions.
Each Tantric Healing Yoga session consists of between six and eight kriyas. A kriya is a meditation incorporating:
• a yoga posture (asana)
• and/or hand position (mudra)
• a mental focus or breathing technique (pranayama)
• and/or a mantra
Sometimes the kriyas are accompanied by music. These kriyas vary in length from thirty-one to sixty-two minutes. There are breaks between each kriya.
The environment is peaceful, and the atmosphere is friendly, supportive, and uplifting.
Quantum Touch
Reiki is enhanced by Quantum-Touch. Quantum-Touch has no attunements or symbols. Quantum-Touch is a natural and innate skill that can be learned with simple breathing and body awareness techniques. These techniques allow the Quantum-Touch practitioner to powerfully focus and amplify the life-force energy.
Practitioners of Quantum-Touch don't become drained or tired from doing sessions. When I interviewed Reiki masters, about 40% reported that they had occasionally felt energy going up their arm, or had become tired and drained.
This is a function of the practitioner entraining or matching to the client's vibration. Without a skill to hold a high vibration, Reiki practitioners may at times become drained.
I've taught Quantum-Touch to numerous chiropractors, physical therapists, acupuncturists and osteopaths who have been astounded to observe rapid structural realignment, reduction of inflammation, and other benefits.
Reiki masters who have taken my workshops have nicknamed Quantum-Touch, "Reiki empowerment" or "turbo charging the Reiki." I got a laugh when one of my students wrote in the review of my workshop that Quantum-Touch was "like Reiki on steroids." Both systems use the same life-forced energy. The Quantum-Touch practitioner learns to focus the energy like a laser, which takes concentration, body awareness and breath.
I am a Reiki Master and have had success with Reiki, but have found Quantum Touch to be very powerful and show results much more quickly. I have worked on two women who can feel the energy as it flows through their bodies. Their response has been that Reiki comes from without and Quantum Touch comes from within. I can feel the energy field surrounding people and can say from direct experience that Quantum Touch (especially after the Supercharging workshop) expands the individuals energy field at least tenfold, which would help account for the breakthroughs in health.
Chakra Information
What Are Chakras?
Chakras are our energy centers. They are the openings for life energy to flow into and out of our aura. Their function is to vitalize the physical body and to bring about the development of our self-consciousness. They are associated with our physical, mental and emotional interactions. There are seven major chakras. The aura is often referred to as the eighth chakra. The first chakra (root) actually hangs outside of your body. It is located between your thighs, about halfway between your knees and your physical body. The seven chakra (crown) is located on the top of your head. The remaining chakras, (sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, and third eye), are aligned in sequence along your spine, neck, and skull. Individually, your chakras look similar to funnels with petal-like openings.
Chakras are invisible to the human eye, but they can be perceived intuitively by trained energyworkers.
Evaluating the Health of Your Chakras
Having your chakras evaluated by a trained practitioner is a good way to get a better understanding of how your body functions on an energetic level. An energyworker trained in reading chakras will be able to tell you which chakras are functioning poorly and which chakras are working overtime. When one or two chakras are performing at a reduced level, the remaining chakras have to pick up the slack. Having a non-functioning chakra can effectively "blow out" an otherwise healthy chakra. Not good.
Keeping Your Chakras in Proper Alignment
When your back or hip gets out of alignment you will make a trip to the chiropractor's office for a spinal adjustment. Similarly, a healer trained in manipulating the energy flow of energy can assist you in getting misaligned chakras back to functioning properly. It may take one or more appointments with a practitioner to get your energy levels up to par. Afterwards, there are a variety of healthy actions you can take to help keep them open, allowing your energy to flow naturally.
What is Reiki?
Reiki (pronounced Ray Key) is a combination of two Japanese words rei and ki meaning universal life energy. Reiki is an ancient laying-on of hands healing technique that uses the life force energy to heal, balancing the subtle energies within our bodies. Reiki addresses physical, emotional, mental and spiritual imbalances. This healing art is an effective delivery system. The Reiki practitioner serves as a vessel that supplies healing energies where they are most needed. Reiki's ki-energies flow out of the practitioner's body through the palms of the hands while they are touching the recipient's body.
What to Expect During a Reiki Treatment
You will be asked to lay down on a massage table, couch, or bed.
You will be fully clothed except for your shoes. You may also be asked to remove or loosen your belt so that your breathing is not restricted in any way. It is best to choose loose-fitting garments to wear on the day of your appointment. Wearing natural fabrics is best (cotton, wool, or linen). You may also be asked to remove any jewelry (rings, braceletes, pendants, etc.) prior to the session, so consider leaving these items at home.
Relaxing Atmosphere
Reiki practitioners will often create a relaxing atmosphere for their Reiki sessions, setting the mood with the use of dimmed lights, meditative music, or bubbling water fountains. Some practitioners prefer to be in a place that is completely silent, without distraction of music of any kind, to conduct their Reiki sessions in.
Healing Touch
The Reiki practitioner will place his hands lightly on different parts of your body. Some practitioners will follow a predetermined sequence of hand placements, allowing their hands to rest on each body placement for 2 to 5 minutes before moving on to the next. Empathic practitioners will freely move their hands in no particular order to the areas where they "feel" Reiki is most needed. Some Reiki practitioners do not touch their clients. They will hover their lifted palms a few inches above the reclined body. Either way, Reiki energies flow where they are suppose to. Reiki is a smart energy that automatically flows where the imbalances are in your body regardless of where the practitioner's hands are placed.
Phantom Hands
Because Reiki energies flow to where they are most needed there is a Reiki phenomenon called "phantom hands" that you may or may not experience. Phantom hands feel as if the Reiki practitioner's hands are touching one part of your body when they are actually elsewhere. For example, you may be able to see that the healer's hands are actually placed on your stomach, but you could swear that hands are touching your legs. Or, you may feel as if several pairs of hands are on your body at the same time as if several people are in the room with you.
Becoming a Reiki Practitioner
Reiki is traditionally taught in three levels. Levels I and II are typically taught in one day class (8 hours) or over a weekend period (16 hours). Level III is generally a more intensive course of study and will take a longer commitment. Class time involves an initiation ritual called an attunement and learning the hand placements for self treatments as well as treating others.
Reiki Controversies and Myths
The healing community has come a long way in demystifying the cloak of secrecy that once surrounded the teaching of Reiki in the western hemisphere. As a result, inaccuracies that were born out of the teaching being hidden away have been chipped away layer by layer. However, some of these Reiki Myths continue to grow organically.
Reiki was first introduced to Canada and the United States in the 1970s. Hawayo Takata, a Hawaii native of Japanese descent, brought her knowledge of Reiki to the mainland through oral teachings. Reiki teachings and stories were passed down from teacher to student by word of mouth for several years. No wonder the stories got jumbled up!
Kathryn Boussemart has been doing professional hands-off, hands-on, and distant vibrational energy healing sessions since 1995. She is a lifelong spiritual seeker with many natural gifts. She has formally trained in energy and aura manipulation, Kundalini rising, Tantric healing, Medicine Buddha empowerment, and a variety of other disciplines. She is also a Reiki Master of Usui Shiki Ryoho lineage. By utilizing multiple disciplines and the ability to see and feel energy patterns and imbalances, she manipulates energy and information for the highest good.
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