It's really about...

We have to at some point acknowledge that underneath the apparent symptoms, there is something else. Something from the past. Old patterns. Emotional pain, anger, guilt, fear, regret. We are being invited to outgrow old patterns that used to help us somehow, used to feel protective. For example, some people use illness to avoid responsibility or conflict, want to escape family issues, want time to rest, to be alone, to be off the grid, away from the expectations of others. And there is nothing wrong with wanting to be off the grid, wanting to be away from conflict, wanting to be alone! But let us try to just acknowledge that we want to be off the grid, away from responsibilty. We want what we want. No need to use symptoms to justify what we want. I am going to treat the symptoms, be alone when I want, do what I want, eat foods that make me feel good, wear hats and protective gloves and use air filters and supplements that work for me and just be OK with that. I am not a victim. I have made my own choices. I take responsibility for my life. I will show up when I can, and rest when I need to. I am strong. I am well. I am rebalancing. Just because I am sensitive I need not suffer. I deserve to feel good. I deserve a fulfilling life. I deserve to love and feel loved. I deserve to be my True Self.

Being in the world

We want to interact with others. We desire to do fulfilling, engaging things. Life has so many beautiful aspects. In what ways can we shelter ourselves from the uncomfortable input? How can we filter out what doesn't feel good and yet stay open to life?

I have found that as my daughter has grown up, things that interest her don't fit with what I feel I need - teenage girls wear all kinds of makeup and use products that I had tried so hard to keep out of the house. I want to take care of myself yet also allow her to be free to choose for herself. I cannot be totally isolated and cut off from the world, just because I want to avoid fragrances and chemicals and crowds. I want to be able to eat out with family in restaurants without feeling sick from the food. I want to travel and enjoy activities. I can't always wear a charcoal filter mask and insist on eating only organic food. I can't keep others from wearing perfume or smoking.

What has worked for you? How do you cope? How do you find your way in the word and still live in integrity with yourself and care for your own needs?

Things that can help

I have found these things that have helped me rebalance:

1. For cleaning: use only vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice, and pure soap. Bon Ami is good too.

2. Eat only natural, whole, organic foods. Each body is different and various diets work for different people. I like the Blood Type diet and "The Zone" diet for myself. Vitamins and other supplements have helped me, such as Clearvite, Liva Guard, American Biologics pro-biotics and inflazyme, Flu-Ban, Bach Flower essences, and homeopathic remedies.

3. Make the bedroom a safe haven - use organic bedding, dust often, and keep items to a minimum so the air in the room stays fresh.

4. "Lightning Air" air filters are my favorite, but others I like are Austin Air, Lifekind Products MCS air filter, and IQ Air.

5. Fantastic mail-order sources are: Janice's, American Environmental Health Foundation, NEEDS, and Lifekind Products.

6. Water - including showers and swimming in salt water pools, drinking only filtered water, and being by the ocean - helps cleanse. Mountain air is clear and clean, and being in parks and gardens can help lift the soul.

There are so many other things I want to share with you, but this is a start. Email your ideas and thoughts to me at icareformyself@gmail.com. Or post a comment!

Love,

Christy