Reconnecting...

17 September 2007

Welcome to "Reconnecting..." for September.

Hello! Here is the September Reconnecting newsletter - probably the last one with this name. Changes are happening to my website - it will have a new name soon, and the Colourworks bottles will be available to view and purchase online. More details will follow when I return from South Africa. And although I have always tried to send these newsletters out on a roughly monthly basis, this year has shown me that I just can't make it happen every month! I will still be sending newsletters and other information but it may be that some months there are two and others there are none... and for me it always feels so much better to let the newsletters go out when the energy feels right rather than trying to make them happen on a 'regular' basis. I do still have lots of interesting information come my way and I will continue to share it with you. I always welcome any interesting info you have too.

So what is peace for you? Is it time out, time to just be, to relax and flow with life? Is it a deep centered space of oneness and connection within your heart? Is it being on track, in alignment with your higher purpose?

And what do we do when we are peace-less? Or at least not feeling very peace-full? How do we access more peace for ourselves?

Our first step can be to notice what brings us peace, and what doesn't. Do our habitual thought patterns and ways of responding to others bring us peace, or do they take us away from it? When we notice that what we're doing is taking us away from peace we can stop. And breathe. And ask ourselves if we could make another choice....And when we know that we have choices about each and every moment - even when we think we don't - that in itself can bring more peace. We can be in the midst of a stressful situation and still choose peace. We can be confused, upset, challenged, frustrated - and still stop and breathe and choose peace. It is not always easy, granted. But awareness is the first thing. And then noticing what we're doing and letting go of judgment around that and accepting that it just is. And then perhaps the next time we can actually catch ourselves while doing it. And the time after that we may begin to notice we can do something different....and before long we are installing a new way of behaving or thinking that feels more peaceful for us and for those around us.

There are many tools available to help us in our pursuit of peace. We can meditate, play, have a massage, learn Tai Chi or Chi Kung or Yoga, take relaxing baths, dance, or do anything that makes our soul sing. But most of all peace comes from inside of us and it comes from our ability to disengage from the habitual grooves that have worn themselves into our lives. When we notice ourselves behaving in a way that results in feelings of stress or frustration, this is the well-worn pattern playing itself out. And that's all it is. A pattern, a habit. Well-ingrained usually but not unshakeable.

And as we recognise this, we can stop. And breathe. And ask ourselves: Is there another way.....?

I will be away from 19 September-4 October in South Africa but I will have some email access so do feel free to contact me during that time and I will be happy to hear from you!

With love and blessings.
Erica

Erica Connolly
Colourworks Therapist/Teacher
Reconnective Healing Practitioner
www.ericonnect.co.uk

Quote of the Month:

"When you embark on something that doesn't move you towards energy and joy, ask yourself two simple questions:

1. Am I willing to pay the price for doing this?
2. Am I willing for those close to me to pay the price?"

Davide De Angelis "The Money Shaman" (www.theMoneyShaman.com)

Book of the Month: Zero Limits by Joe Vitale



This is an intriguing book, offering information and examples from the teachings of ho'oponopono. This 'system' is said to originate in Hawaii, and focuses on understanding the world from a rather different perspective to the one we are used to. Yes we have all heard about taking responsibility for our own life and what we do with it; but this system suggests we take responsibility for everything in our lives - that if it is in our life it is our responsibility. This may be somewhat galling at first. What about all the cruelty, abuse, hatred, anger, poverty that we see or read about or hear of? How can that be our responsibility? And yet if we stop and ask 'how does this come to be in my life at all - even if it appears to be happening to someone else - if it isn't anything to do with me?', what does that reveal? If we then go a step further and begin to ask how we can change that, we come to the inevitable conclusion that we have to change ourselves first. It's kind of like the 'peace begins with me' idea. We can only change ourselves - that much we do know. So what would happen if every time we saw or heard something 'outside' of ourselves that was about fear or hatred or anger, we began to change it into love by loving it and ourselves....

Visit www.zerolimits.info to find out more

Website of the Month: Go Gratitude (again!)



For those of you who have been reading my newsletter for some time you will recall the Go Gratitude website. I've just had an update from them which I found to be very powerful and inspiring so wanted to share it with you.

Visit www.gogratitude.org

Colourworks Bottle of the Month: Dolphin

The Colourworks Dolphin bottle connects us powerfully with the beautiful energy of dolphins. Dolphins embody wisdom, intuition and knowledge and help us access these within ourselves.  With their unconditional love and compassion they call on us to wake up, to expand into the fullness of our true selves and to be free from all that we think or believe is limiting us.  One of their greatest skills lies in communication through sensing and telepathy and sonar and they open our communication skills to a wider and deeper level. Their supportive, loving behaviour toward each member of their pod gives us a blueprint from which to learn about our interactions with each other.  Dolphins know how to just ‘be’ and they impart this knowledge to us, helping us to learn to play and have fun with childlike enjoyment.  With their qualities of beauty, harmony and power they support us in accessing those qualities in ourselves.  Their presence is deeply healing and connects us with the water element which enables us to connect with and dance in the river of life.  They act as a bridge, taking us through transitions with grace and love.

The Colourworks Dolphin bottle connects us in with the energy of the dolphins and all they have to offer us.

This and all other Colourworks bottles are available for £22 + p&p. Contact me to purchase or to find out more.

Featured Article - Transformational People
by Jennifer Hoffman (www.urielheals.com)

During the course of my life I have had the opportunity to interact with people who seemed to make it their life purpose to stand in my way. No matter what I tried to do I could not convince them of my value, worth and skills. Whether I worked harder at my job, tried harder in relationships, compromised more or just gave in, they were there, blocking me. I know now that I had two choices with these people, to keep pushing (which is what I did) or to allow a transformation in me to occur. Because transformation was their gift to me.

Whether at work or in our personal lives we have all had contact with people who would not value, honor or respect us. It didn't matter what we did, they could or would not 'get' us. Many of us, as I did, think that they present us with a challenge to work harder to prove ourselves but they are really there to help us make other choices. Perhaps it's to find another job, career path, relationship or place to live. Maybe they are there to remind us that we have skills and gifts that we have yet to acknowledge. But one thing they are not there for is to change their opinion.

Transformational people teach us lessons about change that needs to occur in our life by forcing it upon us, sometimes gently, sometimes with a great deal of pressure. The more resistant we are to change, the more we fear it and the more we are blessed with powerful people who refuse to allow us to continue on our chosen path. It can be frustrating as long as we ask the question 'what is wrong with them or with me.' The real question in these situations is 'what do I need to do differently.'

When we allow ourselves to live through transformation we welcome change knowing that it is by being open to unlimited opportunities that they come to us. Life is supposed to flow effortlessly so if something is standing in our way it is probably not there to challenge our value or worth. Instead, it is asking us to accept transformation. If we let go and allow the change to occur, without fear, the transformational people have done their job and can move on. And so can we.

Featured Therapy:  Precision Reflexology
Amanda Milburn

In an ideal world of health and happiness each individual would live in harmony with nature and the environment.  The aim of Precision Reflexology is to connect with a person's energy system and adjust it to bring about harmony and natural balance within the system as a whole.  Precision Reflexology focuses on stimulating the reflex points on the feet in order to maintain good health.  The unique nature of this special technique, however, is that it is very gentle, using only the subtle life-force energy and not needing actual physical pressure.  It is therefore deeply relaxing, with a richness and positivity which provides gentle yet powerful healing of whatever is needed at any given time.  

Precision Reflexology was developed by Prue Miskin, founder of the School of Precision Reflexology in Devon. The special technique of 'linking' is what makes this form of reflexology unique.  It involves holding two or sometimes three reflex points at the same time to add power and definition to the treatments.  As the link is held the practitioner pauses to 'listen' via the hands and in this way the treatment is tailored to suit the individual's needs with precision!  Precision Reflexology requires the therapist to develop their unique intuitive healing approach, to connect deeply with a person on an energetic level.  It helps the practitioner to understand the client on all levels and attempts to make sense of the internal 'dialogue' within each one of us - it is a form of communication without the need for words.

When receiving a treatment you may be aware of tingling sensations, a pulse, or a feeling of calmness and warmth.  This is the vital life-force energy used to re-adjust and balance the system.  'Linking' promotes deep relaxation and holds you in a safe and supported place while the healing takes place.  This treatment is very effective for stress, tension, menstrual and fertility issues, IBS, back and neck problems, boosting immunity and helping with nerve and circulatory issues.

For treatments and information contact Amanda Milburn M.A.R  C.I.B.T.A.C FHT AND Reiki Master
Phone 07890 599874

Treatments available at Sarpenela Natural Therapies Centre, Farnham, Dorset, 01725 516942; or Beauty Matters, Warminster, Wiltshire, 01985 846373.

For further information visit www.precisionreflexology.com

Workshops and Events

Autumn Treasure
Colour and Chi Kung Workshop
Salisbury 20 October

In this one-day workshop we bring together two very powerful systems – Colour and Chi Kung - and tune into the autumn energies to focus on positive and practical ways to enhance your well-being.  The autumn is time to begin to draw in, going deeper inside, condensing our energies and uncovering hidden treasures within. We will explore the qualities of this time of year through colour, movement, meditation, visualisation and healing energies.

Chi Kung is an ancient form of movement with exercises which encourage the flow of vital energy ‘chi’ around the body, promoting a natural self healing process and inspiring true balance with harmonious health.  As a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Five Element Chi Kung links seasons with corresponding body organs, elements and colours to help increase our connection to ourselves, promoting true self-healing.  

Autumn connects with the element of Metal, which is associated with the lungs, the colonand the mind.  As these are all areas of holding, irritation or blockages for many people, we will work with imagery, exercises and breath work to still the mind, open the lungs and soothe the digestive organs.

We will also work (and play!) with the powerful and dynamic colour system, Colourworks .  Included in the set of beautiful oils and essences are the Elementals which link to the elements in Chi Kung and Chinese Medicine.  In the Colourworks system the Metal element is a means for connecting with Gold – authentic power, truth, wisdom and joy.  We will work with the Metal essence to tap into our inner wisdom and to deepen our connection with our authentic selves.

This is a practical, experiential workshop to connect with your body, open your heart and free your spirit. 

Cost £50 per person.  Early bird discount if booked by 20 September £45 per person.  To find out more, visit my website www.ericonnect.co.uk or to book your place contact Clara Apollo, 02380 284044 or email claraapollo@mac.com

Colour 1 Workshop
Salisbury, Wiltshire, 27-28 October

This unique 2-day workshop will teach you how to work with colour to inspire, assist and facilitate healing for others.  It will also be a powerful journey for you, opening you up to the gifts colour brings and helping you reveal more of your true self. 

Learn about colour, how it heals and what it reveals to us.  Learn about our chakra colours and how they are changing as we evolve.  Discover some of the many ways colour can be used to complement any other forms of healing or therapy.  Learn how to interpret the coloured bottles to give insightful readings and to enhance any healing or therapeutic work you already do.  Receive a reading for yourself and delight in the magic of this beautiful system.

Colourworks goes way beyond the study of colour.  It is truly a gift to anyone who wants to:

• reclaim their authentic power
• engage with their own healing and personal development
• open to higher levels of spiritual connection
• deepen their understanding of the path they have chosen

For further details on workshops and courses please email me or phone 01722 781096.

Monthly Meditation Group, Salisbury, 17 September

Join our friendly, supportive group for meditation, colour, visualisation, healing, energy work and ongoing spiritual development, upstairs at the Green House,  Salisbury.  Cost: £5.00 per person.  Call me on 01722 781096 or email me for further details.

Dates for your diary - next meetings:

Monday 15 October, 7.00-8.30pm
Monday 19 November, 7.00-8.30pm
Monday 17 December, 7.00-8.30pm

Health and Fitness Holistic Fair
Fundraising for People, Animals and the Environment

Durley Hall Hotel and Spa, Durley Chine Road, West Cliff, Bournemouth
Sunday 21 October, 10.00am-5.30pm

Practitioners, readers, therapists, training schools, free stage demonstrations and talks, raffle prizes.  Entrance by donation.  Free parking on site and off-site on surrounding roads. 

Visit www.living-world.org

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