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We are advised when flying with a companion, in the event of a drop in cabin pressure to place our own oxygen mask on first, prior to assisting other passengers. This is the underlying premise of self-care; ensure that we as students and practitioners are in our best form in order that we can be of service to others.

The following notes are from a presentation to nurses by Anne Day in San Diego, 2004. They are as valid now as they were then. Thank you, Anne!


 A, B, C's of Self-Careb2ap3_thumbnail_AnneDay-Web.jpg
By Anne L. Day RN, MA, CMT, CHTP/I, AHN-BC (2004)

ASSESSMENT AND AWARENESS

  • Physical, emotional, mental and spiritual
  • We shift and flow every day in these areas. We need to check in daily to see here we need to strengthen ourselves for higher-level wellness.

BALANCE AND BOUNDARIES

  • We have the most energy when we are in balance with the 4 areas of assessment.
  • We must learn to give and receive and set healthy boundaries to insure time for nurturing ourselves and our relationships.

COMMITMENT TO WALKING YOUR TALK

  • We must walk a path of holism and self-healing. This will speak louder than any words we say. The most powerful teaching is by example.
  • The extent that you love and care for yourself is the extent that you can love and are for others.

SELF-CARE PLAN

List 10 ways to nurture yourself for greater balance and health in the four areas:

  1. Physical
  2. Emotional
  3. Mental
  4. Spiritual

Visualization exercise connecting to True Essence and how to make this look in your life.

  1. Make a commitment to self-care
  2. Clearly write this commitment, listing things in each area that you can do 5 days a week.
  3. Share this with another – make a commitment to check with each other in one month.

AWARENESS OF HEALING NEEDS ON 7 LAYERS OF ENERGY FIELD

Reference to Light Emerging, by Barbara Brennen, Chapter 8, p. 91-99

  • First – Simple physical comfort, pleasure and health
  • Second – Self-acceptance and self-love
  • Third – To understand the situation in a clear linear, rational way
  • Fourth – Loving interaction with family and friends
  • Fifth – To align with the divine will within, to make the commitment to speak and follow the truth
  • Sixth – Divine love and spiritual ecstasy
  • Seventh – To be connected to divine mind and to understand the greater universal pattern.

Posted by on in Core Values

Core Value #3 - Respect of Self and Others

Respect of Self and Others

You know respect when you see it or feel it. Conversely, we can certainly identify when we have seen or been the recipient of disrespect. But sometimes it's hard to describe. Respecting a colleague could be as easy as listening without interruption, or thanking them for a referral.

For clients it could show up as being on time for appointments, as well as ending a session on time.

Self-respect is necessary, I believe, in order to be respectful of others. If a person has been raised in an environment where he/she has been encouraged, supported and cherished for their individual uniqueness, then that person will develop positive attitudes more easily. I believe it will be easier for them to extend respect to others because it has been modeled for them. On the other hand, someone who has been constantly demeaned, belittled and ridiculed will have more of a challenge to extend respect because it is an unknown to them...they have never experienced it. The importance of the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" is paramount when it comes to respect.

How does one recognize healthy self-respect? To me, a person who has self-respect is quietly confident. They have realistic ideas about their strengths and weaknesses. They are able to see themselves in the world---that the world does not revolve around them, and that they have abilities to offer others. In turn, others have gifts to share with them. Being open to possibility is another trait of the self-respectful individual. Perhaps we might consider as well, that the self-respecting individual also exhibits humility, in that they know and accept they do not have all the answers all of the time.

Can you think of someone in your life who fits this description? How does it feel to be in their company? For me, individuals who practice self-respect exude warmth and sincerity. They demonstrate that they believe in values, and will defend those values, even if it means "swimming against the current". Sometimes they are not popular because they often will call attention to situations that perhaps we are unwilling to acknowledge and tackle. They are able to set healthy boundaries in relationships, and are not afraid of letting others know when these boundaries have been crossed.

Identifying individuals who lack self-respect is, I think, pretty easy. They demonstrate total disregard for other people, property, and feelings; they seem to have a sense of either being victims (and therefore not responsible for how they act) or having a sense of entitlement, in that they are "owed" by the world in general. Perhaps you have experienced someone like this? Possibly they are indifferent to the opinions, emotions, and ideas of others...whether family members, co-workers or even complete strangers. I think it gives them license to speak and act irresponsibly, without having to face consequences for anything. It can also camouflage their feelings of inferiority.

One thing is certain...there is no easy answer or solution to a situation where someone disrespects others. There are many possible options, enough that probably could support a major thesis or book. However, it is important, I believe to set the tone by modeling healthy behaviour ourselves. As the pundits say: "Actions speak louder than words". If we struggle with this, then perhaps life has presented us with an opportunity to expand, heal and grow. It is also important, too, that we not tackle this issue of disrespect alone. Having several individuals modeling respectful behaviour sets the tone, whether in the workplace, the classroom or the home. Sometimes we need to utilize outside resources. They are available---whether in the local library, employee assistance programs, or perhaps professionals, such as a family doctor, therapist or clergy, depending on the situation and the individuals involved.

Getting back to self-respect, it is my opinion that when we look after ourselves, we show the world that we claim our self-worth. Part of my journey involved learning to allow myself enough time to accomplish chores I needed/wanted to complete. Later on, another aspect was learning to negotiate some of those chores. I found, for example, that when I organized myself the night before heading into work, that I was not so rushed and "frazzled" in the mornings. I could speak calmly and quietly to family members instead of shrieking in a frenzy. I was able to arrive on time for work so that my colleagues could enjoy their day. Common courtesy is an important ingredient of respect, both for self and others.

Our private and professional lives reflect how we respect ourselves and others.

How is respect illustrated in your life?

Until next time, may you enjoy the respect of those around you.

Blessings and Gratitude,
Mary-Cathrine

Posted by on in Core Values

As I write to you from my home in Canada, the soft air of spring is making its way into North America, while our colleagues and friends in the Southern Hemisphere are gently making their way into Fall. All seasons are an opportunity to open our hearts to receive the marvelous gifts of our precious Earth. Each day is also an opening to live in the foundation of being Heart-Centered, our second Core Value.

Being Heart-Centered

Recently I attended a Level 3 class as a helper. As I re-read some of the required reading from Barbara Brennan's book "Hands of Light", I was reminded that heart-centered living is crucial for anyone aspiring to be a healer.
What exactly does being "heart-centered" mean? For me, it encompasses the qualities of loving-kindness and compassion. These, I believe, flow from forgiveness of self and of others. It's not surprising that the emotional body or layer is right next to the etheric body. There is, as we have learned, much influence from emotional turmoil and trauma, as well as unfinished business, which affects our physical bodies.

Acknowledging, accepting and then taking action to address issues that may require forgiveness (of either ourselves or others...or both) is often scary and overwhelming. Rarely can we accomplish this alone. Whether we seek the assistance of professional therapists or the strength of support groups, doing this part of our work brings a calm centeredness that enables us to move forward, and outward to others.

As I have journeyed along this path of healing, one of the most significant books has been Joy's Way. In it, he give us a fail-proof outline to help develop loving-kindness and compassion. These are the three injunctions:

1) Make no judgements
2) Make no comparisons
3) Delete the need to understand

When I focus on my own personal growth and issues that need attention, I keep myself out of others' business. With family, friends, colleagues---and generally speaking, the world---this is a good idea! I am able to focus on being a better human being---to listen patiently, and if appropriate, to respond with kindness. It doesn't cost anything except a few moments of my time. I have learned that I don't necessarily have to agree with everyone or everything, but can state my beliefs quietly and with poise. Of course, those of you who have had the opportunity to present me with unexpected challenges, know that I don't have a problem letting you know what my boundaries are either!

When I was in Ireland last year, as part of Brian Luke Seaward's Tour of Ireland, I discovered one of the audio meditations on his CD "Sweet Surrender". It is entitled the Four-chambered Heart, and is one of my current favourite ways to focus on aspects of heart-centered being/living.

Whatever your choices, I hope that you incorporate some aspect of heart-centered being and living into your daily practice. Like the ripples in a pond, each of us has the opportunities on a daily basis to create a more positive environment if we but take the time to do so.

Marketing Mastery 101

Have you signed up yet for Marketing Mastery 101? It's Healing Beyond Borders' new online marketing education and training program. It was developed in response to many members' requests for help in growing Healing Touch in private practice as well as in a clinical setting. What might be challenging for some is the balance between expanding the work in the name of service, and perhaps feeling uncomfortable with 'marketing' or 'selling'.

Consider marketing as a heart-centered service. If no one knows who or where you are, how can we be of service?

What's wonderful about Marketing Mastery 101 is that it was designed specifically for Healing Touch practitioners, instructors, students, mentors and class coordinators. It’s steeped in our Heart-Centered Core Values and it will help you expand your reach to help grow Healing Touch in your neighborhood, community and around the world. We have teamed up with Red River Productions to bring you a professional program deeply rooted in our core values and mission of service. You can learn at your own pace and will receive step-by-step instructions on everything from the basics of social media, to creating a marketing blueprint you can use every year. It's perfect for the marketing novice and those who already use tools such as social media. It's easy and includes monthly live calls with the CEO of Red River Productions so you can ask questions and get answers in 'real time'.

No time to watch the videos or to ‘do the homework’? Once payment is received, you can watch modules whenever you like or watch them again and again. If you pay for all 12 modules at once (at the member-only rate of $300) you can watch these informative videos when it's convenient for you. If you choose to pay monthly ($30/month at the member-only rate for 12 installments) each module is available monthly (but again you can watch them more than once). Marketing Mastery 101 is available to paid subscribers for one entire year from date of purchase. Please note the $300 annual and $30 monthly fees are the member-only rates, and are for a limited time. The cost of this program will increase.  Non-Members are $380/year or $38/month for 12 installments.

And did you know each subscriber to Marketing Mastery 101 supports Healing Beyond Borders? A portion of each subscription benefits our organization.

So sign up for Marketing Mastery 101 to learn how to reach more people who need you and help spread healing, light and love. Go to our website: www.HealingBeyondBorders.org and sign in as a member. After signing in, scroll over the ‘Members Area’ tab again, and there you will see the page for Marketing Mastery 101. Select that page, and you’ll see instructions for signing up.

2015 Conference

"The Joy of Healing" is the theme of this year’s Annual Energy Healing Conference. If you missed the Conference keynotes highlights in the last Perspectives in Healing (PIH), here's who's coming to help us celebrate and learn: Lucia Thornton, Th.D., RN, MSN, AHN-BC (creator of the Whole-Person Caring & recipient of the Norman Cousins award); Melanie Roche, BA, MA (a faculty member of the Barbara Brennan School); Leah Curtin, ScD(h), RN, FAAN (declared a ‘Living Legend’ by the American Academy of Nursing); Ginny Hunneke and Jennifer Maurer from the Fun Conspiracy; and Heidi Svoboda, Gong Artist. I have also been invited to offer a presentation. You can secure your hotel room now steps from the white sands of the Gulf of Mexico by going to www.HealingBeyondBorders.org and scroll down a bit to see ‘Latest News’. Click on 2015 Annual Conference. Registration will open soon. See you there!

Blessings and Gratitude,
Mary-Cathrine

Posted by on in Core Values

Welcome to 2015! I hope the new year has started with peace, joy and happiness for you. As I look forward to 2015, I’d like to take the next few Blog posts to reflect and focus on the Core Values of our Organization. Our Core Values set us apart from many Organizations. They are a lighthouse beacon of how we connect and communicate with our families, patients, clients, colleagues, students, and professionals in and out of Healing Beyond Borders. They also support and underlie the practice and teaching of Healing Touch.

History

Healing Touch International, Inc. (HTI) identified Core Values with Janet Mentgen, Founder, and the HTI Board of Directors in 2003. These Core Values foundational to HTI were: Integrity; Heart-Centeredness; Respect of Self and Others; Service; Community; Standardized, established curriculum; Letting go of ego; Unconditional Love; recognizing the Outcome of the Work is the Spiritual Journey.

In 2004, these Core Values were revised and approved by the HTI Board of Directors (now Healing Beyond Borders, Educating and Certifying the Healing Touch™) for application by Healing Touch Practitioners, Instructors and Students at all levels of the HTI Healing Touch Certificate Program. These Healing Beyond Borders’ values are: Integrity, Heart-Centeredness, Respect of Self and Others, Self Care, Service, Community and Unconditional love.

Integrity

What does it mean to have Integrity?  According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, Integrity is: firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values; an unimpaired condition; the quality or state of being complete or undivided.

Other definitions include words such as ‘honesty’; ‘doing the right thing at all times under all circumstances’; and ‘courage to dare to be yourself in the face of adversity’. I feel that to act with integrity illustrates to the rest of the world exactly what constitutes our personal moral compass. Are we honest? Do we stand up for our beliefs, or perhaps are we sometimes swayed by opinions of others? When considering our personal moral compass, does it include setting intention for "the highest good of all", regardless of what that might look like? Are we able to let go of attachment to outcome?

Integrity, to me, also involves the ability to be centered to the core of our beings. This enables us to stand firm in our beliefs and actions. As we journey along our path, setting our individual Hara each day, integrity will surely blossom and strengthen as we grow and expand in the awareness of taking the right action in each moment.

Integrity is seen in many aspects of our work and our Organization as well. In the face of adversity over the past few years, we have persevered to bring as many as possible the gift of Healing Touch. The commitment to our Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice is also a demonstration of integrity. How each member of Healing Beyond Borders interacts with clients and patients from introducing Healing Touch to making appointments, all intertwines with integrity in every interaction, conversation and connection we make. 

I invite you to take a moment and share with me what role integrity plays in your life and as a Healing Touch Practitioner, student, instructor or mentor.  You can simply submit your thoughts by clicking on the ‘Comment’ above. I look forward to our conversation!

Until next time,
Blessings,
Mary-Cathrine