There was an interesting article in this weeks Jamaica Observer that got me to thinking… so I thought I’d offer those thoughts for y’all to offer your own thoughts on. So here goes…

The article I read was entitled Are you out of Balance? by Dr Jacqueline E Campbell and I’ve reprinted it below in case it gets moved. While I don’t agree with everything it has to say, I agree with the basics, especially a few which bear repeating.

First and foremost Reiki tenets dictate that all dis-ease is the result of energetic imbalances. Physical, emotional, mental and spiritual imbalances are the root cause of every problem under the sun. Reiki energy is like a centering energy… for example, in the Yin Yang pendulum discussed by Dr. Campbell, if the pendulum swings too far one way (too much plus) then Reiki will pull it back towards center. If the pendulum swings too far the other way (too much minus) then Reiki will likewise pull it back towards center. In this way Reiki restores the equilibrium that causes things to be out of whack <technical term>.

Some claim that Reiki energy is intelligent, and I’m not really sure if this is true. It scientifically equalizes things and intelligence is not necessary in order to do so, if its there then I believe it is just science of a much higher order (like Quantum Physics) and not necessarily some higher intelligence pulling the strings.

On the other hand, our higher conscious minds contain knowledge and intelligence far surpassing that of our conscious minds and Reiki does have a direct link to our higher conscious minds. Therefore, if, for example, our higher conscious minds realize we have a problem with anger, and this problem is not admitted to or even understood by our conscious minds, Reiki energy will follow the intelligence given by our higher conscious minds and healing will be focused accordingly.

Exactly how Reiki works is forever the subject of animated debates, and by no means do I hope to force my own viewpoints on others. I only offer it here as one possible explanation,m although honestly, for those of us who know… no explanation is necessary. Enjoy the article.

Are you out of Balance?

By Dr Jacqueline E Campbell

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Has this ever happened to you? You feel frazzled, have difficulty concentrating, sleeping and “getting your life together”. You feel like a “walking dead”. You have been told that your problems are stress-related, but you are not sure why you are stressed. All the medication that you are taking is not working. Well, it is possible that your problems are a result of unbalanced energies.

I frequently see patients who have symptoms which somehow do not appear to “add up” to a definite diagnosis. Many times they have an imbalance in their energies.

Eastern philosophy is based on the premise that all life occurs within the circle of nature. All things within this matrix are connected. They are mutually dependent on each other. The source of all things is the tao, with complementary aspects: yin and yang. It is the play between yin and yang, which creates ki (chi) energy. Nature is in constant motion. When the elements of nature are in balance, life is harmonic and flourishes. When the balance of polar forces is upset, disaster looms.

The course of our everyday lives requires that we balance the yin(the interior process of nurturing the self) with the yang (the exterior work of the world).

Our activity in the world is necessary for our productivity. As the day draws to a close we retreat from the business of the day to rest, relax and sleep in order to replenish our store of chi for the day that follows.

Modern life is filled with constant, often frenetic activity. We are often so consumed with productivity that we neglect giving time for the self to be replenished. To overexercise, overwork or overparty is to overindulge in yang, which leads to burnout of yin.

The fact is that the body cannot tolerate for long consuming more than is being replaced. Some of the consequences of this imbalance may be problems with the muscles, bones, joints, heart or kidneys; other consequences can be as serious as a heart attack.

On the other hand, to be preoccupied with matters of internal health could mean an overemphasis on the yin phase. An analogy is that of an avid collector who keeps acquiring so many objects that have potential value, that he has no energy to put his hidden treasures to use in a productive manner. So in this case the yin is protected but the yang is without life.

Webster’s New World Dictionary describes balance as “a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equality in amount, weight, value or importance as between two things or the parts of a thing; mental or emotional stability”.

Donna Brown, a Reiki Master / energy practitioner who practises in Jamaica, states that “balance pertains to optimum health within our life cycle. For instance, one cycle can be the career, another home and family”.

The challenge is to balance body, mind and spirit within that life cycle focus. We need to remember that life is not static and our focus changes as we grow.”

We are rarely balanced in everything at the same time. The importance of balance is that it keeps body systems in optimum working order. The body was created for balance.

We need to pay attention to what helps keep us in balance, especially in these times of pollution, high-stress living and immune system breakdown. I recommend a holistic approach for achieving balance.

Spiritual Focus

It is important that we understand and accept the mind-body-spirit connection. We tend to underestimate our individual power to heal. We are composed of trillions of cells which are imprinted with divine intelligence and wisdom. We need to frequently and regularly connect with our divine source through prayer, meditation and quiet contemplation.

Exercise

The following are some practical tips to incorporate regular exercise into a busy schedule.

. Include exercise in daily activities – this includes vigorous housework. Walk vigorously for at least twenty minutes, three times each week; while doing this swing the arms and legs. There are numerous video tapes and television programmes which are made for guiding viewers with specific exercises.

. If one is sitting at a desk for long hours, stretch every couple of hours and walk around every two to four hours. If you have been cooped up in your office, go outside, stand in the sun and inhale fresh air.

. Walk instead of driving.

. Use the stairs instead of the elevator.

Energy Balance

There are a number of universal energy-healing modalities, including Bowen technique, Reiki, Quantum touch and emotional freedom technique (EFT).
Energies can also be balanced through deep breathing exercises, meditation and living simply by uncluttering the mind .

Donna Brown has provided this simple exercise designed to relieve stress:

1. Inhale deeply through the nostrils and exhale through the mouth (as if blowing through a straw)

2. Lightly place the fingertips of both hands on the forehead covering the ” Oh my God” points. Place the thumbs on the temples next to the eyes. Breathe deeply. Relax and remove the hands. Repeat as necessary.

Nutrition

We must not underestimate the importance of good nutrition. This is essential to balance. Food can have a profound effect on the functioning of the body. If you are experiencing prolonged stress, you are at risk of developing heart disease, cancer, infections, gastritis, peptic ulcer disease. Numerous studies have demonstrated that adequate nutrition can help to prevent or minimise the effects of these diseases.
The solution to this problem is to elevate the quality of the food we consume – that means that we need to limit the anti-nutrients in the diet. These include poor quality fats, poor quality white flour, poor quality sugar, poor quality dairy and poor quality meats.

So practically, how can we achieve balance in our lives? This can be done by the use of nutrition, supplements, herbs, physical exercise, magnetic therapy, aromatherapy massage, energy balancing, mental discipline and modification of lifestyle habits.

These forms of therapy can re-establish the rhythmic swing of the Yin-Yang pendulum.

For further explanation or discussion, your thoughts are most welcome and highly encouraged, please feel free to comment below!!!