Crystal Candle Shop Newsletter
September 2011 http://www.crystalcandle-shop.com
Greetings! As summer slowly comes to a close and yields to the approach of fall, it is during this time that we see our plants going to seed, animals starting to break their summer routines, and the first hint of fragrance of the oncoming fall beginning to scent the air. Our summer gardens have been mostly harvested and the fall produce is reaching maturity. It is time to gather our seeds for next years planting and start preparing to settle in for the long slumber of winter. Autumn brings thoughts of the approaching Autumn Equinox Ceremonies and holiday season. We wish everyone a bountiful fall harvest and happy feasting! Blessings!
We want to extend our appreciation to all of our loyal customers and readers. We enjoy your questions and comments very much. Now we want to ask your opinion. We would like to know what you would like to see in our newsletters and what products you would like to see in our Shop. Please email your opinions and thoughts! We look forward to hearing from you!
Be sure to read our Article of the Month and our Recipe of the month! Visit Crystal Candle Shop today!
Addictions and Spirituality
By Shelley Lincoln
As I celebrate my 29th year of sobriety and my 15th year working as an addiction counselor, I cannot help but to reflect back over the years and all that I’ve seen and learned. I can recall the success stories of clients that have changed their lives and those are truly amazing. I also recall, with a heavy and sad heart, the multitudes that have not succeeded in recovery and continue to suffer the torture and slavery that addictions bring to their lives.
One of the reasons I’ve often heard for alcohol and other drug (here after referred to as AOD) use is that people are seeking a spiritual experience, an altered state of consciousness and insight into their purpose in life, a “spiritual awakening,” or to expand their awareness. They have heard of how some drugs have been used by tribal peoples to produce a vision or spiritual experience and decide they will try the method. What they don’t realize is those ceremonies were conducted by the holy men/women, there were strict guidelines and certainly those ceremonies did not happen every day. Frequent use of AOD for spiritual seeking can and does very quickly lead to addiction accompanied by all the devastating consequences. This type of spiritual seeking almost cost me my life and it has cost many their lives.
Since those days I have learned many techniques for spiritual experience and altered states of consciousness and would like to share a few of those here. When using these methods don’t expect the grand vision of the great winged white buffalo coming with thunder to tell you your life purpose (although this can happen), but you can expect to begin having what I call the “ah-ha” experience. You can gain much personal insight and understanding, and most of all a peaceful heart and deep connection to all of creation.
Running is one of my favorite methods to obtain a spiritual “high”. I like to run in nature, perhaps on a nature trail or along the river. I run at a slow, comfortable pace just enough to obtain the aerobic effect, for about an hour and a half. (ever hear of “runners high?”) During my runs I achieve an altered state of consciousness and awareness which is very profound. I have had many “ah-ha” experiences while running, answers to questions suddenly dawn on me, understanding of many things deepens, and what should be obvious suddenly becomes obvious. I won’t get into the brain chemistry of this, however, what I will say is that this state can last for hours or even days. You do need to consider your health and fitness for this method and it might be a good idea to consult your physician if you aren’t accustomed to running. Start slowly and gradually increase the length of your run.
Breathing techniques are another of my favorites. I like breathing because you can do it anywhere and no one knows! Breathing can be used during stressful events as well as during breaks from your job, or times you want to relax and just stop thinking for a bit. Breathing techniques help one step back from a situation and become the neutral observer allowing for emotional detachment from a situation. Focused breathing also produces a state of meditation during which it is easy to have the “ah-ha” experience. Personally I like the techniques of Pranayama. There are many to choose from and it is easy to find what works for you. There are many good books on Pranayama available and many good teachers from whom you can learn.
Another practice I often engage is what I call “nature sitting.” I choose a place out in nature away from the flow of society and I sit. I close my eyes and focus on experiencing nature through my other senses, engaging one at a time. First I listen. I listen until I hear all the sounds we normally miss such as a leaf falling, a tree creaking, small animals bustling through the brush, the song of a nearby stream. When my hearing is fully awake I engage smell. I begin becoming aware of all the subtle fragrances of the natural world, the smell of the soil, the musty forest floor, the sweet scent of a nearby flower, the smell of the current season. Then I engage tactile senses. I experience the comforting warmth of sunlight, the gentle caress of a passing breeze, an insect as it explores my skin, my connection to the Earth Mother as she supports me. This practice in itself is a very spiritual experience bringing a deep sense of peace and well being. It also has benefit of providing profound insight and spiritual awakening.
Meditation practice is used universally for spiritual awakening, insight and spiritual experience. There are many forms of meditation practice that can be learned and used from the classic sitting meditation to walking meditation. All forms of meditation enhance spiritual experience, awakening and awareness. To begin a meditation practice I suggest purchasing a guided meditation CD as the guidance helps one to achieve the meditation state easier in the beginning. It is important to find one that works for you that you are comfortable with. The voice of the guide is also important as is the background music being used. Listen to a demo before purchasing and find one that is soothing and relaxing to you. Use it until you can achieve the meditation state on your own. Then you can work on maintaining a state of meditation while doing any other activity. I use meditation when working on projects and find that I can tap into my creativity easier and problem solve easier.
In my experience, the methods I’ve discussed here also produce a pure state of euphoria. AOD also produce a state of euphoria. If a person has crossed into addiction then they will always seek that state of euphoria again. It is very important for a recovering addict to be introduced to states of euphoria that are superior to the “high” of AOD because human instinct dictates that we seek the most euphoric and pleasurable experience possible. The few methods I’ve mentioned here are certainly worth a try if you or someone you love is experiencing addiction issues. They are also wonderful ways to enhance your spiritual life when addictions aren’t an issue. I hope you find this helpful. Blessings!
Recipe of the Month
Stuffed Pumpkin
- 1 medium pumpkin
- 6 tart apples – peeled, cored and chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 1 (16 ounce) can organic whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 ½ cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup raisins
- ½ cup molasses
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger root
- 1 tablespoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon allspice
Directions
- 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cut out top of pumpkin, scrape out seeds with a spoon.
- 2. In a large bowl, stir together all ingredients and mix well. Spoon the mixture into the cleaned pumpkin, and replace top.
- 3. Set pumpkin on a thick baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour or until pumpkin begins to soften. Remove from heat, and stir, scraping the sides gently, so that some pieces of pumpkin fall into the stuffing mixture. Serve as a side dish while still hot.
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Company Mission Statement
To always supply our customers with only the highest quality products at the lowest prices available, while continuing to provide the best customer service possible. To assist spiritual seekers with knowledge, education and tools to enhance in the most positive manner their spiritual and personal growth.
Many Blessings—
Crystal Candle Shop
