June 23, 2011
Home Vacations: Finding Peace of Mind
Robert Doyle READ TIME: 4 MIN.
With "Stay-cations" taking the place of traditional vacations for many families around the country during these tough economic times, people must still find ways to relax and enjoy their time off. A challenge, to be sure - but there are innovative ways to chill out, recharge your batteries and feel refreshed - all without leaving home.
Dr. Ann Marie Chiasson, MD, teacher, lecturer and co-author, with Dr. Andrew Weil, of Self-Healing with Energy Medicine, and author of the newly-released at-home study guide, Energy Healing, The Essentials of Self-Care, has some smart tips for those seeking the benefits of a vacation, without the price tag of a travel-heavy get-away.
"Many of my patients benefit from just 15 minutes of "My Time" each day devoted to energy healing exercises that range from toe-tapping to controlled abdominal breathing, to an exercise I call 'connecting to the earth'."
She explains that energy healing is a blend of ancient techniques and modern energy medicine practices that tap into the body's natural well of energy, which effects emotional and physical health and is Dr. Chiasson's practice specialty.
While Dr. Chiasson says many people prefer to start their day with a My Time session, some choose to use the time at day's end to relax before going to bed. But whenever the preferred time is, find somewhere quiet to practice the Energy Healing exercises below.
She suggests performing one exercise each day, for however long feels comfortable. She notes that while these are great exercises when done alone, the whole family can benefit from doing them together as well. The following are exercises designed to progress through one week of vacation time.
Bounce gently up and down from your knees, and allow the rest of your body to shake. Shake your shoulders and your arms; let your neck gently roll from side to side. Use your breath with each movement to shake out old experiences, feelings, or tensions that come into your awareness during this exercise.
Do this practice for 2 to 5 minutes a day initially, and work up to 10 minutes a day. If you have knee problems, sway from side to side while you shake. If you experience a moderate to severe amount of pain at an old injury site, stop the practice and come back to it the next day. Practice shaking the bones every day this week and anytime you feel overwhelmed or if you feel you need a quick pick me up.
After you feel this connection, if you are lying on the ground, place one ear on the earth and listen. If you are seated in a chair, focus on one ear and listen to the energy and sounds around you. Rest in this position for a few minutes, and then switch sides and listen with the other ear. Continue to rest and listen for a few more minutes.
For more Energy Healing tips, or information about Energy Healing, visit Dr. Chiasson's website, http://www.annmariechiassonmd.com
Long-term New Yorkers, Mark and Robert have also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center, Mark is a PhD in American history and literature, as well as the author of the novels Wolfchild and My Hawaiian Penthouse. Robert is the producer of the documentary We Are All Children of God. Their work has appeared in numerous publications, as well as at : www.mrny.com.