What's Your New Year's Resolution?

_What’s Your New Year’s Resolution?
 
Will this be your year to really stick to an exercise program, learn a new language, take that once-in-a-lifetime trip, celebrate a personal milestone? And how does it make you feel just thinking about it -- excited or nervous? Some stress is good; it gives us the oomph to get started in a new direction. But too much stress, going on too long, is debilitating -- and too much stress seems to be business as usual in Western culture.

How about making one more resolution: to take charge of your own good health by finding ways to relax regularly. Here are some excellent ways to bring your stress level way down and bring your body back into balance:

• Take a walk in the woods
• Find a quiet place in nature and just sit for a while
• Practice t’ai chi or yoga
• Meditate
• Breathe deeply
• See your chiropractor
• Get a massage
• And, of course, book a session of Reiki or Reflexology (or both)!

Because our bodies are in dynamic equilibrium, we are always striving for balance … though we rarely stay there long. Choosing one or more of these practices (or other stress-reducers that appeal to you) and actually scheduling time to do it on a regular basis will do more to restore and rejuvenate you than a luxury vacation.

Of course, if this is your year for a luxury vacation, go for it! (And send me a postcard ;-)

One more thing to consider: is this the year for you to learn Reiki? Practicing the energy balancing and grounding techniques of Reiki is an excellent way to keep your stress level under control. Whether you are working on yourself or family and friends, you’ll notice the benefits:

        “… touch therapies influence the recipient and the practitioner alike.”
        -- Anne Vitale, “An Integrative Review of Reiki Touch Therapy Research,” Holistic Nurse Practitioner, 2007.

Reiki classes with A Natural Path will be forming soon. Check back on my website or go to www.anaturalpath.org for more information.

Best wishes for a joyous, abundant New Year living in balance!