Confessions of a Modern Witch: positive

Showing posts with label positive. Show all posts

Is the Power of Positive Thinking Real?

January 8, 2023

Is the Power of Positive Thinking Real? Well, what if I said maybe? When we think about things today we often reflect on how we feel about the world in general. Are we happy? Do we have what we want?

Usually the answer is, I could be better. I find myself doing that as well. All around me I'm in a fact driven environment. At work we proudly proclaim we make fact based decisions. It goes without saying that with my love of science the facts are something I strongly strive for. The lifestyle I follow is a fact based lifestyle that is proved by the scientific evidence to be the best diet for over all health, wellbeing and longevity. I am solid in the fact based mindset.

So all that being said, I find myself in a spiritual place that can sometimes have little to no facts. I am a spiritual advisor, I provide intuitive readings for clients and fully believe in the force of spiritual healing through the sharing of energy from one person to the next.

I started on a change a month or so ago on cleaning up my language. I just wanted to not swear so much. I started tracking on a little dry erase board. A week or so later I started reading about the Toltecs and of course the book, The Four Agreements. I ended up with a deep dive by reading 5 other books on the topic and several investigations on the author. Some claims that the book wasn't "real". It led me to think about all the places in my life where I tell myself to chin up, or say it will get better. Knowing this is a subconscious way of attempting to manifest a positive outcome to the current situation.

Immediately I remember my own thoughts, 10 years ago or so where when I saw all the "Light and Love" folks on Social Media, I was immediately skeptical. We even called them "Fluffy Bunnies" or something like that. Is that me now?

My only answer is, perhaps. Do I think the author is on the up and up? Is this positive thinking thing, real?

Again, my answer is perhaps. I think about all parts of my life and how facts rule the day. Yet, I play my bowls and I feel the energy coming from them and moving through my body. When I pull my cards I see the energy from the cards and can feel it move out to others. When I swear, when I'm grumpy and negative, I feel grumpy and negative. When I stop swearing, when I stop waiting for others to like me; I feel better. I feel happy.

To me this is very similar to the mindfulness movement, where we stop worrying about the past or the future (impeccable words, don't make assumptions, don't take things personally) and be present here giving all your attention here (do your best). I have been a devotee of Hekate for quite a while as well as following the teaching of Thich Nhat Hanh so this is very familiar to the practices I already keep.

With Hecate I try to follow the five virtues. With my mindfulness I try to remember that we all have suffering and do what I can to not cause suffering to any living being.

As I began researching this whole topic my mind immediately bounced back to my "fact based" mindset and what I heard often on Dr. Greger's presentations about WFPB living was something called the placebo effect. This is something that happens in a scientific trial where a particular item is being tested. They will split the test group into two and one group will not get the treatment being tested and the other group will. The group without the treatment is called the control. There are times where members of the control group will begin to improve as though they are getting the treatment. This is the placebo effect. A patient thinks that they are getting better because they are doing the action and therefore they get better.

So if we get better. Is it real? To me this is where the facts may not always be exactly what they seem. Looking at the results, what does the evidence show. If our intent when we go about our day is to be happy not hurt anyone, and we achieve that goal isn't that a success?

I think we have to keep a logical thought process while we go through these types of self-help situations. We have to remember that we need to eat and have a place to live. We need to be mindful when it comes to our finances and our physical well being. We also can completely start each day on a positive note. With a positive affirmation. We can be good to each other and do our best. We can be polite and kind to each other and to animals. We can be loving and caring and offer support without the expectation of reward. None of these things leads to harm and in most cases makes the giver "FEEL" happy.

To me, Yes, yes it does.

What are you thoughts on this. Feel free to leave a comment or start a chat over on the chat icon.

Bone Songs Myth & Magic - March Theme - New Beginnings

March 31, 2022

A New Beginning

March is simply renewal. Renewal of life and energy. We look to the Spring Equinox to usher in this feeling of revival to the sleeping natural world. We associate this time of year with daffodils and bunny rabbits. Our time of rebirth as the plants and animals around us begin to wake from the winter slumber and burst into new blooms, growth and life. But what about our own beginnings? How do we awake from our long winter’s nap to kick off our new beginning? What does this mean for our body, mind and spirit? Let’s explore what new beginnings can mean to those from a holistic wellness perspective.

With the changing of the weather the first thing we notice is that we can go outside! Outside is the source of so many healthy things for us as human beings. Starting with my personal favorite, sunshine. I honestly believe in previous incarnations I was certainly some sort of cold blooded animal. When I walk outside and feel the sun on my skin, I’m instantly soothed. I can feel the rays pouring across my body like the essence of life. I feel if I could curl up on a rock and just lay in the sun for hours my mind and spirit would be at peace. Sunlight releases serotonin which is referred to as the happiness hormone. This is why we see so much Seasonal Affective Disorder(SAD) in the winter. The lack of this all important hormone causes SAD and the sun can cause the return of this hormone making one feel revived from the long cold winter. The sun also aids generating the production of vitamin D, supporting bone health, lowering blood pressure, preventing disease, and promoting good mental health.

Along with sunlight, we have the added benefit of being outside in the fresh air. Studies have shown that being outside and in the fresh air around natural things, such as trees and water sources aids in overall wellness. Spending time walking among or simply looking at trees lowers blood pressure and reduces the stress-related hormones cortisol and adrenaline. This is a great time if you have the space to start a garden. From full sized yard gardens to small container gardens on a balcony or deck, getting in touch with nature is something that our ancestors needed to do in order to survive. Today is our technological world, we miss that important part of life. Digging in the dirt can improve cardiac health, emotional well being, increase vitamin B12 and reduce anxiety and stress.

Watching those first sprouts come up from the ground is such a rewarding feeling. Bringing in new life, a new beginning and watching with anticipation as your garden comes to life with pollinators, grubs and either beautiful flowers as a feast for your eyes or yummy veggies for the table.

But you say, Renee, I can’t grow things. I just don’t have time to garden. I have allergies!

I hear you, I'm terribly allergic to bee stings, wasps and fire ants, all of which love to live at my house and always, ALWAYS find me. What else can you do to work on new beginnings?

Other ways to look for ways to welcome spring could be as simple as starting a new hobby. Pick up a pencil and draw. Find things that bring you joy. You don’t have to be the next Picasso. You’re you! Do you! I’ve started doing Pilates as a way to reconnect with my body and feel whole. I’ve added this to my normal weekly exercise routine and have found it quite helpful in reconnecting with parts that may have gone dormant over the winter season. The entire focus for me, is just starting fresh, with a positive outlook and a cheerful demeanor. Make each day the best day I can have and focus on being fully here as much as I can.

I hope this finds you well and has offered some different ways of embracing new beginnings. You have the power to be happy and in control of your wellness. Own it.

Namaste

Sosanna

Rev. Renee Sosanna Olson - RSM, PMI-ACP

Ordained Spiritual Counselor

Certified Holistic Wellness Coach

International Yogi Certification

Certified Crystal Master & Aroma Therapy Practitioner

Exercises

Journaling - Spend some time adding things to your journal like, how much time you’re outside. Did it help how you feel? What is the weather like and how is your mood? Are you able to feel a difference after a week? How about a month? Put all those things in your journal and refer back to them to reflect on how your feelings have changed with more exposure to the sunshine.

Create a Countertop Garden - Sprouting is a great way to add nutrition to your daily meals and add a little bit of wellness to your creative side. A small container and find a sunny spot in your house. Look for seeds such as broccoli, radish or even sunflowers and add them to the jar. Spend a few minutes a day rinsing and before you know it you’ll have fresh sprouts for your salad, or sandwiches. It is one of my favorite ways to add fresh greens to my food. You can find full instructions here - https://inhabitat.com/diy-how-to-sprout-seeds-and-beans-on-your-kitchen-counter/

Draw - Find a spot outside that you really enjoy being in. Sit with a sketchpad and pencil and just draw what you see. You’re not looking for perfection here. You’re looking for ease, comfort and calmness. Go back daily if you can, if not try weekly and just draw the same spot on each page. Note how you feel. Not your changes in not only what’s on the page, but what is within. Is this helping you?

My Pocket Gratitude - A Reivew

December 1, 2019

Today I'm reviewing My Pocket Gratitude by Courtney E. Ackerman.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - My Pocket Gratitude

Author Links - Link
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Good Reads Book Link
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My Good Reads Profile
My Facebook Page

Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am an contemporary witch. I look for the connection between magic and science without the need to search for a creator. I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 16 years honing my craft. I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts over 429,000 views.

This book is a good size to be tossed into a backpack or bag for a quick trip. It is a soft cover book that has an elastic band around the back to mark your spot or keep the book closed.

The contents are divided into six chapters that focus on way to cultivate self gratitude and mindfulness into one's daily life. The first chapter consists of exercises that one can incorporate as a daily mantra if you will, to improve the ability to remain present. Things like, leaving a note for yourself or scheduling a date with yourself are ways this author is providing a means to induce self care at a fundamental level.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - My Pocket Gratitude

The second chapter focus on a topic that I have been known to struggle with. This chapter is a deep dive into cultivating gratitude towards the body. From yoga sessions to times set aside for meditation and reflection, this book provides real world techniques for spending time with the body and understanding just what ever "body" needs.

Chapter three goes into caring for others. I like the placement of this chapter. So many times we as empaths forget that we must take care of ourselves before we can help others. The techniques provided include writing letters of thanks, creating a list of all the people you love and give a gift to those you love. To me, I love this part. I have some very special friends who are like family to me. Throughout the year I collect small gifts for them. Just small things, maybe a book or a figurine. Things that remind me of them. Then at Samhain I mail those boxes out and hope that when they open them they feel the joy and love that I have packed into each one. A gift doesn't need to be expensive to have impact. Choose with love and it will always be sent with the care of the most expensive gift in the world.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - My Pocket Gratitude

So many times we get so busy with daily life that we don't have time to really appreciate where we have come from or where we are going. Chapter four speaks directly to this. Taking time to meditate on the past and think about reasons to be proud of what you have accomplished are key to creating a well rounded path for traveling into the future. We don't want to dwell too long here but we do want to be able to look back and take what we need to move forward with dedication and pride as we graduate to the next chapters of our lives.

In Chapter five we discuss how to cultivate gratitude for our surroundings. I have to say this for me is key in creating a space for calm wellness to grow. I have a certain set of songs that are playing all the time in my home. I have special incenses that I use for different occasions. The author shares with us ideas for how to get in touch with our surroundings using our senses as we walk around our abode. Inspiration is all around us. We just need to slow down and listen.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - My Pocket Gratitude

The final chapter helps us learn to cultivate gratitude in difficult times. This is hard for many of us. There are times that we may want to fall down into the pity party and sit wallow in self misery. We need to grab some of these great techniques such as creating a catalog of lessons learned, go hunting for the positive and commit to the flexibility it may take to change the current direction of life. While sometime is to be said for going with the flow, we also don't want to be washed away by the tides. Taking a stand here to not only understand where we have been, but also to change our direction by working through our issues and putting our best foot forward are key!

Overall this is a great book for a birthday, housewarming or graduation gift. I can see where many would benefit from taking some time to focus on the things in life that really matter. And this book will help with that.