How often do you hear yourself or others say “if only I had more time?” It’s frequently followed by all the things they want to do like meditation, exercise, projects, reading etc. I certainly have heard these words from my own mouth on many occasions.

One of the “side effects” of having a fractured foot was that all of a sudden I was given the gift of time. In an instant I found myself with hours to sit and do all of the things I always said I wanted to do if I had more time. I thought to myself – okay, there’s the blessing in this. However, guess what I quickly discovered…my initial experience was to feel really uncomfortable and not like it at all! The reason? I discovered quickly that when you are running around all the time being busy doing things it is a perfect way to keep your mind very “occupied”. When I found myself with plenty of time sitting I began to actually hear my own thoughts. It was amazing to me to realize just how my “busyness” could keep me from going deep into my own thoughts. Even more surprising was how incredibly uncomfortable and unfamiliar it felt. I found myself feeling so many different emotions. At first I occupied myself with how much I didn’t like the situation and having a really big pity party for myself. When that got old, even to me, I felt anxious and overwhelmed with the knowledge that I literally couldn’t run away to distract myself.

Eventually though I began to think of my mind like a snow globe. When it is shaken and the snow bits flurry all around you can’t see what is inside it. If you place it down and let it sit, slowly the particles drift down and reveal the structure inside. As I had no choice but to sit with the dancing thought particles in my mind they slowly started to settle down and I found myself being reacquainted with parts that had become hidden by the constant movement. I reconnected on a stronger level with my “inner voice” and realized that it was actually comforting in many ways. It was almost like meeting up with an old friend.

While I still can’t wholeheartedly say that I’m happy that I fractured my foot, I can sincerely say that I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to re-connect with me and to truly understand the importance of routinely taking time to allow the snow globe of my mind to settle and reveal itself.

I urge you, in the busyness of life, to make it a point to take moments to let your snow globe settle. You will be amazed to see the positive effect it will have on your life!

So you are going about daily life and all is smooth and then something happens to change everything in an instant. Something that changes the course of your daily life immediately and with no warning. It can be a big, catastrophic event that will change your life permanently or it may be a smaller crisis that will temporarily create a detour in your normal day to day life.

How do you respond?

It happens to all of us at various points throughout life. We know this. We witness it occurring daily in the lives of others yet, when it occurs in our own life we are more often than not shocked and surprised.

I had one of those unexpected detours occur in the form of a misstep resulting in a fractured foot. Not a catastrophe and certainly not permanent but a definite sideroad off the anticipated path of my summer. So here I am enrolled in an intensive course on Mindfulness (MBSR by Jon Kabat-Zinn) and I find myself spending the bulk of my day sitting and keeping off my foot. Wayne Dyer always said that there are NO coincidences. Perhaps the Universe felt this was the perfect way to provide me with AMPLE opportunity to truly do the reflection and “sitting” time that the course requires removing the opportunity for me to be too distracted and busy running around to fully immerse myself in the process. All of a sudden the course has now taken on a new depth that is perhaps even more meaningful than originally intended.

When the unexpected situation occurs it is up to us to decide how we are going to react. We have two equally valid paths. Positive and negative. Both are legitimate however, I believe that only the positive is productive. However, it can also be much more challenging. I know for myself, it is very easy to slip into the negative. Feelings of anxiety, fear, depression, frustration and even anger at the situation are all readily present and accessible. I think it is important to acknowledge them but I also find for myself that indulging in them and staying in their energy does not end up helping or improving my situation. I find myself in low moods that are not my norm and are not very comfortable at all. In addition, I know that I become an energy drain on myself and others and that is also not the way I try to live my daily life.

So I decided that I wanted to choose the positive path. The first step involves shifting my perspective on the situation and decreasing the focus on self pity and increasing the focus on gratitude.

I’m grateful that it wasn’t worse. It certainly could have been. I’m grateful for the incredible love, support and patience that my friends and family have extended to me over the past 12 days and I promise them that I am working to lessen the drain that I know I have been! I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue my own self growth. Having a career in the helping profession nothing gives me more joy than when I feel that I am able to be a supporting part of someone’s journey in their self growth and empowerment. However, it is important that I also continue on my own journey and know that we are never done with our opportunities to grow. One of my favorite teachers, Wayne Dyer, used his life and the various stages of growth that he experienced throughout as ways to continuously enhance his teachings and work with others. That is my goal with this situation.

I choose to use this experience as a divine opportunity for further growth and I welcome you to join me on my journey through my posts and hope that perhaps some part of my learning will resonate and speak to you on your journey.

For my first step I am focusing on my courage and strength and I welcome you to do the same in your life!

We have a new favorite meal in our house.  Not only is it delicious but I love it because it is EASY and QUICK to make and is a great lunch to bring to school or work.  All features that make it an A+ in my book.  So give it a try and let me know what you think!

CHICKPEA AND BLACK BEAN SALAD

2 cans black beans (drained and rinsed)

2 cans chickpeas (drained and rinsed)

1/2 red onion (chopped

20 cherry tomatoes (halved)

1/2 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

1/2 cup fresh mint (chopped)

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 lemon juice

pepper

In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, black beans, red onion, cherry tomatoes, parsley and mint.  In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice and pepper.  Pour over the salad and toss to coat.

UNBELIEVABLY EASY AND DELICIOUS!!!!

What is Limit Free Living?

A Limit Free Living person explores life and tries new experiences that hold true to the deepest parts of themselves rather than being influenced by what the masses around them are doing. They are the people who think freely and have the courage to hear their own voice and follow their own integrity.

• A Limit Free Person is self confident
• A Limit Free Person is self reliant
• A Limit Free Person lives free from stress and anxiety
• A Limit Free Person leads a peaceful life
• A Limit Free Person lives in the “present” moment
• A Limit Free Person lives their best health
• A Limit Free Person is creative
• A Limit Free Person feels a sense of purpose in their life

Living a limit free life means living a life where you are THRIVING and experiencing the joys of each day instead of merely SURVIVING each day mindlessly going through the daily “to do” list. Based on the work of Dr. Wayne Dyer, Limit Free Living is the blueprint for living our best life!

Goals.  Intentions.  Transformations.  I am amazed at how these words can intimidate and overwhelm people.  The moment they enter a conversation they are often followed by stories of how many times someone set a goal and never achieved it.  The energy often shifts to a distinct feeling of sadness, frustration and often hopelessness.

Often there can be a resistance to even contemplating a change or creation of a goal because the person has already determined that they will never succeed or that it is simply too much or too difficult to even try.  It also appears that there is usually plenty of support to find from others in encouraging this negative energy.  Many times people are quick to share cautionary tales of others who have tried and failed.

The result is that the reason so many people say they never accomplish their goals or intentions are because they never start.

Focus on the power that one step can have.  There’s nothing wrong with having a final goal or intention but once you have it, work backwards and create a list of steps or “mini” goals that need to be taken to get to the final goal.  Think of it as the path.  Then take the first step on that path and make that your immediate goal.  I guarantee this goal will be a LOT less complex and overwhelming than the final one.  It may require an action so simple it will seem insignificant yet it will create an energy of action and that is what is critical.  Without those seemingly insignificant action steps there will be no progress towards your goals,  but with them….it is walking the path toward a new destination.  Another benefit is that focusing on the small goals along the way allows us to be more fully present throughout the journey instead of mindlessly moving through the days only looking far into the distance.

So I encourage you to step out of the energy of defeat and hopelessness and turn your focus to taking one small action, experience what it feels like to succeed at that small action and use that energy to take another small action and another until, before you know it, you have accomplished more than you thought possible!

One of my favorite quotes is “Be kind for everyone is fighting their own battle”.

I have always used this as a reminder to myself that every single person we meet has a story happening in their lives. The hope is that, for the most part, these stories are peaceful and happy. I think of life as the ocean. I am most at peace when it is calm and I can just float along embracing the gentle rocking motions and allowing the energy to fill me. Then there are the times when the larger swells build and carry me up high in their arc and then release me with a “whoosh” and I feel the excitement of the adrenaline rush similar to those moments going downhill on a bicycle or a ride at an amusement park. Those usually happen with the big momentous occasions in life (celebrations including births, weddings, new beginnings etc.)

However, there are also the times when the storm clouds come in and the water takes on a new rhythm. It is choppy and no longer soothing. The swells are menacing and no longer exciting and there is not the fun, exhilarating release from them but rather a crashing down of them around you tossing you every which way. These are the times in our life when our experiences bring us feelings of uncertainty, pain, confusion and fear. They will occur. There is no special protection one can do to avoid them. They are part of the natural balance of life. Without them we would not be able to recognize and appreciate the tides of calm and exhilaration.   Although we can appreciate that they are a natural and necessary part of the rhythm of life it doesn’t mean it is in any way easy or fun when we are in rough waters.

When the rough waters hit and the instinct is to panic and feel fear, open your eyes and look around. There will be a bridge – in the midst of all the tossing and crashing of waves there will always be a bridge – whether it is a person or organization or some other form of support that will be there to help support you. While the waters will still be rough the bridge will help provide some stability and protection as you go through the storm to the inevitable calmer waters that will always come again.

Today – take a moment to recognize and thank the “Bridges Over Troubled Water” that are and have been in your lives and be aware of when you may need to be a bridge for someone else.

Thank you to my Bridges Over Troubled Water!

CREATING LIMIT FREE LIVES

Saturday, July 18, 2-3PM West Babylon Public Library

Kate Finnick, N.D., M.S. will discuss how to incorporate simple, natural resources and habits into your life that will create a balance that allows you to thrive.  Explore how nutrition, complementary health services such as reiki, acupuncture, chiropractic, essential oils and stress management can be resources.  Make simple changes that can bring big, positive results in your life.  Register today by calling 631-669-5445

This is a great introductory session to a class that I will be giving in the fall!

Have a great day!

Reiki has become an invaluable part of my family’s health and well-being.  I have countless stories of the different ways that Reiki has assisted myself, my family and my friends.  Over the next few posts I will share some of those examples but for this post I wanted to give a brief explanation of what Reiki is to those who may be unfamiliar with it.

Reiki is a Japanese word that means spiritually guided life force energy.  It is the energy that is found in and around all living things.  It is natural, gentle and non-invasive.  It is a hands on energy work that promotes relaxation and stress reduction.  Reiki clears and heals the energy pathways which allows the life force energy to flow in a healthy and natural way.  Reiki can be used with any medical regimen without changing or negatively impacting the treatment.  There are no drug interactions or negative side effects.

Energy life force flows within our physical bodies using pathways called chakras and meridians.  This energy provides nourishment to the organs and cells of our bodies and supports them in functioning optimally.  When energy flow is blocked it will cause diminished functioning in areas of the physical body.  When this occurs it allows the individual to be much more vulnerable to illness.  When it is flowing freely and smoothly it supports the health of the individual.

Reiki is important in stress management because it is so calming it encourages the relaxation response.  A relaxed body heals faster and has a stronger immune system.

Reiki is not a religion and is not based on any particular belief.  It empowers the natural ability of the body to heal and supports all medical and other health treatments with no negative side effects or risks.

Dr. Oz has stated…”Reiki is the most important alternative medicine of all!” He also has stated that his wife is a Reiki Master who treats their children and himself with Reiki. http://iarp.org/dr-oz-and-the-healing-power-of-reiki/

Some of the many benefits of Reiki include:  assistance with pain relief —  strengthens the immune system  —  clears toxins  —  increases energy  —  assists with reduction in stress and anxiety  —  strengthens the natural healing processes  —  promotes sleep and balances energy

Reiki comes from a higher wisdom and there are five basic principles of reiki that I use as a guideline for life:

Just for today, do not be angry

Just for today, do not worry

Just for today, be grateful

Just for today, work hard

Just for today, be kind to others

The idea is that these simple steps will improve the life of an individual and the world at large.  By thinking of it as “just for today” it keeps it from being overwhelming.  After all – it is much easier to know you can do something just for the day.  However, each day adds on to another and before you know it it becomes a way of life!

Treat yourself to a Reiki treatment!  Call 631-665-1666 for an appointment and mention that you read this blog and get $20 off the regular fee!

The past couple of weeks I keep finding myself asking the question “am I leading by example?”  I have been making it a point to be very conscious of really listening to the words of everyone around me and I realize how often people speak about how others “should” be behaving.  Sometimes they are speaking about children and sometimes they are speaking about other adults.  Their thoughts are usually shared in a very passionate way that expresses how important they feel these qualities are and yet so many actually demonstrate the exact opposite of these qualities in their own daily actions.

Many times I see people post beautiful, inspirational quotes about kindness and loving others and then I observe them in their daily interactions being harsh or judgemental toward someone.  Working in a school setting I am amazed at times when I hear adults admonishing children for not being kind or honest or hardworking and then watch as the adults proceed to exhibit those very same behaviors.

I am the first to admit how difficult it can be at times to live the character and ideals that I value so much.  There are days when my actions and words are completely in sync with the values and character traits I believe in and then there are the days when I have to step back and see that I have definitely not been “walking my talk”!  I know that I am definitely a work in progress!  However, I believe that the important point is that I am trying to be aware and conscious so that I am always striving to lead by example in my words and actions.  At times this means being brutally honest with myself when I have to own the fact that I haven’t been the role model of my beliefs.  As unpleasant as that self truth can be, I also know that it is critically important.  How can I ask my friends, family, child and anyone else to lead a life of kindness and integrity if I am not working to do that myself?

It is a definite journey that I travel every day.  Some days more successfully than others!  I offer the challenge to all of you…are you willing to join me on the journey?  Are you willing to honestly examine your daily words and actions and try to LEAD BY EXAMPLE?  None of us will be perfect but if we are all honestly trying to live in love and kindness I believe we will be amazed at the changes we will see in our daily lives and communities!

I have so often had people say to me that while they believe in natural living they just feel that it costs too much money and is too time consuming to be realistic for them to follow.  Well here’s a fantastic step towards natural health that everyone can take that is neither costly nor time-consuming!

Each morning start your day with a cup of warm water with a freshly squeezed lemon!  Simple yet powerful!

It has a list of benefits that are amazing.  Just to give you an idea…

• Helps eliminate internal toxins
• Cleanses the liver
• Helps the digestive process
• Reduces uric acid in joints – too much uric acid contributes to inflammation
• Regulates natural bowel movement
• Cleanses blood, blood vessels and arteries
• Helps to create an alkalizing effect in the body
• Supports the immune system

These are just some of the benefits that you can receive by adding this simple habit into your daily routine.  For more details and a more comprehensive list of the ways that lemon water can improve your health see the article in Huffington Post    http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/03/17/lemon-water- .html   or at Living Traditionally http://livingtraditionally.com/20-reasons-drink-lemon-water-mornings/      

Beginning the journey of improving your health doesn’t have to mean extreme, time-consuming or costly changes to your life.  Remember even small, simple steps can bring SIGNIFICANT improvements!

Peace and wellness,

Kate