Depending on how advanced the condition becomes, more invasive remedies may be necessary. Even so, focusing on creating a sense of ease mentally, emotionally, and physically can greatly support the healing process.

What are some ways you’ve found to create balance during emotional or physical challenges?

Turns out, practitioners employing this method are under scrutiny from regulatory organizations, so much so that the woman we saw wouldn’t let us film the session. But we were able to snap a shot of the screen, giving a glimpse of what blood cells look like on a microscopic level.

Live blood cell analysis hasn’t been embraced by the medical community as a reliable measure of health, but proponents say it can reveal a great deal about the state of your internal organs, immune system, and overall energy levels. Whether or not its accuracy has been proven by science, I found the experience fascinating, informative, and highly motivating.

In the comments below, please share what you think of this practice. Is it something you’d try? Why or why not?

This New York Times article reveals how one man, living with schizophrenia, decoded his symptoms to find meaning in life, and how others with mental illnesses are doing the same:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/26/health/man-uses-his-schizophrenia-to-gather-clues-for-daily-living.html?pagewanted=all

In the comments below, please share your ideas on how we as a community can help shift the prevailing attitudes around mental illness.

Relish the experience of letting yourself steep in the sounds, and allow them to enter your body on a cellular level. Doing this can re-imprint your central nervous system, allowing you to achieve deeper states of relaxation, which in turn helps heal over-worked adrenal glands. Healthy adrenal glands contribute to increased energy throughout the day, a healthy libido, and more restful sleep during the night.

In this webisode, I share an article by legendary birth doula Penny Simkin in which she shares the benefits of singing to your baby during pregnancy. The same way a special song can soothe a newborn, we can sing to bring out the best in ourselves. Whether you’re desiring a boost in energy, needing to let out pent-up emotion, or singing for pure joy, let yourself sing out! Connect with your unique essence through song, and experience the healing and inspirational effects of this practice.

What’s your favorite music to move to? What’s your go-to song when you just need to sing? What’s a song that takes you to a happy place, no matter what the circumstance?

A teacher of mine calls this an “umbrella intention.” Watch this illuminating video if you want to explore the idea of umbrella intentions in more depth:

Of all your hopes for this year, what inspires you most and feels closest to your heart? What is a positive affirmation you can say to yourself to embody this way of being?

H & M recently disclosed its practice of using “virtual models’ in its online catalogue. This takes airbrushing and retouching even further: they take the face of a real model and superimpose it on a computer-generated image of a woman’s body. Obviously, that image is a cookie-cutter ideal that’s unrealistic for most women.

The original story is available here:

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/entertainment/2011/12/clothing-giant-hm-defends-use-of-virtual-models/

In some ways, knowing these images are completely computer-made may help us view them in a more realistic light.

What do you think of the use of “virtual models”? Does it help to know that they aren’t real people at all? Is it any different than the excessively manipulated images in magazines and on billboards?

What is one nurturing practice you’ve been wanting to add to your life? Where could you adjust your daily routine—-or the way you approach time—-to allow this to slip into your day with ease?

Think of an area of your life that you find yourself having resistance around. How can you shift your perspective to allow for “what is” and open up to the experience of relief and ultimately, pleasure?

We live in a culture where on the one hand, our media often exploits tragedies and bombards us with horrifying images. And yet on the other hand, here in America we have a tendency to focus on our own lives and overlook important issues facing the world. There is a pervasive, unconscious “ignorance is bliss” mentality, which I’ve noticed not only in my community in general, but also amongst close friends, and it’s made me look inside and notice where I myself have turned away from being more aware.

It can be difficult to follow current events without taking on the negativity and allowing ourselves to feel powerless and even depressed. And with so much news available at our fingertips, it can be a full time job to stay up-to date on global issues. I’m not saying we need to become news junkies, or even seek out information in the news. What I am saying is that as a community we need to open our eyes, open our hearts, and become more aware. That means when an issue is presented to us, take note. Look into it if it’s something that moves you, and take opportunities to speak out and share it with others.

If you feel inspired to do more, great! But know that just by raising your own awareness and speaking your truth to the people around you, you are being a positive force for change on this planet. The power of collective awareness is huge, and one that is easily underestimated. So don’t let a sense of powerlessness stop you from having the impact that is your birth right. As one of the most privileged nations on this planet, we have a responsibility to speak for those who are less fortunate.

Do you feel like your community is generally aware of what’s happening in the world? How important do you think it is to be informed on these issues? What is one small change you’re willing to make to stay better informed? How can you help inspire those around you to do the same?

I recently spoke with Dr. Jason Worrall, an esteemed chirportactor practicing in Beverly Hills, who explained to me that the central nervous system responds to stress by immobilizing the spine, in other words, making it more rigid.

Obviously, a great antidote to this is to maintain fluidity in your spine through movement—- whether by dancing, practicing yoga, playing a sport, or just taking the time to gently stretch your body. To enhance the benefits even more, you can also add in the ancient practice of breathwork, which the yogis call “pranayama.” One of the simplest versions of this is to just pay attention to your breath and consciously allow yourself to inhale and exhale fully.

This can help push the “re-set” button for your mind and body, reduce stress levels and even re-imprint your central nervous system, allowing for your baseline to be a more relaxed state.

How does it feel? What do you do to help yourself through stressful times? What do you do to keep yourself from getting stressed in the first place?