What is Reflexology?

Reflexology -- a topic mentioned in more than one of my posts, and certainly the main topic of the one published earlier today -- but just exactly what is reflexology????

Happy Feet? -- Maybe, but read on. . .

One of the definitions we learned in class goes like this: Reflexologists understand that the entire body is mirrored on the feet and hands. Foot and hand reflexology is a scientific art based on the premise that there are zones and reflex areas in the feet and hands which correspond to all body parts. The physical act of applying specific pressures using thumb, finger, and hand techniques results in stress reduction which causes physiological changes in the body. A primary benefit of reflexology is relaxation. Relaxation through reflexology may help the body to balance any kind of stress it is experiencing.*

Reflexology has been around for centuries. The use of this technique, especially in our western culture, all but disappeared. In the early 1900's new "discoveries" brought renewed attention to this modality. Today in some states like Tennessee, it has its own designation under the states division of Health Related Boards.

You may live in the Memphis, TN area. Would this experience be one you may enjoy? Email me at lynnsorganicchoices@yahoo.com to learn more. (Please copy and paste email address into your email compser.) Also, please visit www.FootstepsInEden.com

*Reflexologists are not medical doctors, do not practice medicine, do not diagnose or treat for specific illness, and do not prescribe or adjust medications.

Journey of Perseverance and Blessing

FOOTSTEPS IN EDEN is NOW OPEN! . . . . or at least it will be officially according to business license records etc. on Nov. 1. That's tomorrow! WOW!!! My feelings about this range somewhere between euphoric, numb, excited, is this really happening? to anti-climatic, and just about anywhere else along the track of highs and lows that roller coaster travels.

Adventures and misadventures of all kinds filled this two year journey. That first year I researched, surveyed, and researched some more, making absolutely certain that I would have the very best training and also be in compliance with my state's rules and regulations. Last November I traveled to Boca Raton, lived for ten days with someone I had never met, and completed the basic reflexology course requirements.

We were to meet again in February to complete the advanced training and prepare for our 100+ hour practical experience at home with family and friends. In May after three delays, the small class was back together at last. (One of those delays occurred after I had already been on the road for a full day and traveled half the distance. Terribly disappointed, I turned around and came home again to wait for the new news on the class date.) Back home again in mid-May, advanced training behind me, and ready to get the rest done, I set a goal to complete all the practical work and have my school certification in August 15th. VOILA!! TASK COMPLETED!!

With MY school certificate in hand I applied for registration with the state. What a totally disheartening shock to learn the state was unwilling to accept my education because of a "technicality" in the law. Today it's 2.5 months later, and that has equaled many, many $$ spent, lots of red tape and hoops, more out-of-town travel and lots of time. I am relieved to say that my registration has finally been activated by the State of Tennessee.

The scenario above is certainly the micro-mini version of the story, but it does speak volumes to all of the emotions I am experiencing today. I am excited that I have persevered rather than throwing the whole thing out for the birds to eat. I rejoice that God has been faithful in meeting the needs -- and they were significant -- to see this through to completion. While a giant leap of faith for me as I meandered the trail, I believe it is only the beginning of a marvelous plan God has in mind. He has allowed me a few tiny glimpses of the big picture. My vision is growing. It will be exciting to share more as the pages of the map unfold.

"There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!" Romans 5:3-5 (The Message)

This quote arrived in my inbox this morning. It certainly speaks loudly and clearly to recent activity in my little world. Pray it might be encouragement to you today, as well.

God denies a Christian nothing, but with a design to give him something better.
-- Richard Cecil

Reading with Children

Thought I would take the opportunity today to share with you about one of my favorite links: LITERACY LAUNCHPAD. What a relaxing, enjoyable, nurturing and growing opportunity it is to share books with children. Amy created Literacy Launchpad for children in daycare centers in the Nashville, TN area. She reads with the children, encouraging them to love books and reading, promoting what she believes will be a life long adventure in and love of reading. In her blog, Amy shares about the children, the books they read, the activities that bring the book selections to life, and makes many recommendations for bringing similar experiences to life with your children. She would love to meet you on her blog, and you might like to checkout her website where you can learn more about the LITERACY LAUNCHPAD EXPERIENCE in the Nashville area.

Children, parents, and Ms. Amy visited the Literacy Launchpad's October Scarecrow, Reid Tome, at Cheekwood Gardens earlier this month. It was a great adventure and they had the opportunity to meet Reid's other scarecrow friends. To learn more and see more great photos of the day visit the Literacy Launchpad blog.

Battle Against the Superbugs

I am aware of more than one person that has recently struggled or continues to struggle with staph infections. These and other mysterious superbugs have become exceedingly resistant to anti-biotics. Articles like the ones below are popping up all over the country. This problem is especially prevalent with children and young people. Many have found by experience that the newly introduced and long-awaited INNER DEFENSE from Young Living™ may be a worthy weapon in the battle.


High School Football Player in Medically Induced Coma to Fight Mysterious Bacteria.

GROVE CITY, OHIO -- Football captain Justin Laborce remains in Children's Hospital, slowly but surely recovering from a mysterious illness that apparently has been stabilized, but still hasn't been diagnosed. Laborce's symptoms are consistent with that of a staph infection, but doctors have yet to confirm it as the cause of his illness.”
-- The Columbus Dispatch, September 22, 2007



Michigan Catholic School Evacuated After Students Pass Out

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI — An 860-student Catholic school was evacuated after some children became sick during a church service Wednesday, authorities said. At least two were taken to the hospital. St. Hugo of the Hills Catholic School shut down classes shortly after 9 a.m. when at least three students passed out . Two of the children were taken to local hospitals. The source of the outbreak is still unknown. – Associated Press, Wednesday, Sept 26, 2007



ARMED AND READY FOR THE EMERGING SUPERBUGS!!

In a world of ever-evolving mystery illnesses, mutating viruses, and Super Bugs we are continually challenged to find new and powerful ways to boost our immunity. More and more people are awakening to the exciting research using natural, organic sources to protect against and prevent mysterious and other illnesses. In keeping with this new awakening, Young Living offers a generous selection of essential oil-enhanced products, proven to kill staph, strep, e-Coli and all known viruses.

Recently, boosting our immune systems has become easier than ever. With the new super-powered soft gels of INNER DEFENSE, OMEGA BLUE, & LONGEVITY, we can ingest the highest levels of nutrients and anti-microbial essentials oils at the intestinal level to receive the optimal potency. (Find more info at above link. Click "Product Catalog" button and then use search box to locate the specific products.)

The proven effective kill-rate of Young Living’s antimicrobial essential oils against these emerging threats to our health and well-being is a great place to start! Thieves Blend is proven to kill e-Coli, strep, staph and other airborne bacteria. Therapeutic grade Melissa, Oregano and Thyme essential oils are shown to stem the tide of mutating viruses and microbes.* Apply the Oils topically or take them Internally with Inner Defense Soft Gel Caps. Inner Defense contains Thieves Blend, Oregano, Thyme and Citronella.



* Weber State Univ, 1997, Drs. Chao, Young, et al.; Georgetown Univ, 2001, Dr. Preuss

Caring Touch

Our Sunday Morning Bible study group was assigned the book RELATIONAL CHRISTIANITY. Reading through just the first couple of chapters I saw an immediate link to some truths God continues to impress upon me, especially as I have ventured into the field of reflexology.

In the book, author Steve Meeks focuses on the facts of how much we know about God. It's the way our western minds are programmed. We know so much about how to have an intimate realtionship with Him -- one that brings true joy and peace and love into our lives in an experiential way. We know all the how tos and truths of it, but do we experience the relationship with Him in our lives?

Having studied reflexology in depth over the past year I saw some very really analogies. When a client chose to submit to my touch on their feet, most often they only knew about what it might be like, but had not had this particular experience before. As the client experiences the caring touch they choose to return because of the benefits they receive, the care they feel, and prayerfully the Jesus they see in me.

I pray that each of you reading this may be encouraged to experience God and the depth of His love for you each and every day!

Certified Organic Cosmetics - Healthy for You & for Our Planet

One discovery I made in a journey full of adventure and misadventure over the past 11 months was Certified Organic Cosmetics. A fellow reflexology student in Florida introduced me to this wonderful company out of Australia. Of course, the organic aspect was the hook for me to look closer. What I have found and share with others is a great line of skin care, body care, cosmetics, and more from this emerging leader now moving into the U.S. market. The company is miessence. Please have a look around. If you love the organic idea, I know you will be as excited as I am about their products. It's always exciting to find products that we use everyday that are wonderful and healthy for ourselves and for our planet. Miessence and the other OneGroup product lines have all measured up to their claims.

What's more this company offers their products through a wonderful home-based business opportunity.

Diffuse Tranquility

True pure AROMATHERAPY has limitless possibilities for health and wellness. We keep so many of these in our home, that most people are delighted and intrigued by the beautiful aromas when they enter. While we love the mingling of the aromas, we also diffuse specific essential oils for individual needs.

One of my very favorites is Peace & Calming®. This proprietary blend of essential oils includes tangerine, orange, ylang ylang, patchouli and blue tansy. This gentle blend often helps calm tensions and uplift the spirit, promoting relaxation and a deep sense of peace. That sounds like tranquility to me.

Find a wide variety of styles and great prices on some excellent diffusers

"A tranquil heart is life to the body, but contention is rottenness to the bones."
King Solomon, 900's B.C.

It's so easy in our instant gratification age with all of its stress syndromes and hurry sicknesses to believe these words of King Solomon must have really been penned in our 21st Century information age. This wisest ever of men, also shared his belief that, "There is nothing new under the sun." All of that 3,000 years ago. Stress then, as now, must have been at the core of much that ailed mankind.

Looking for a thought to share with my reflexology clients, led me to this verse. Then I wondered: Just what does a tranquil heart look like? How do we arrive at our own place of tranquility of body, mind & spirit? How do we escape (or at least minimize) the contentions and stresses of life that are 'rottenness to the bones'?

More questions: Where do the stressors end? How do we respond to them in a healthy way that says: I stand today in a place of tranquility in my heart in spite of the circumstances and relationships in my life that are less than I would like them to be, and declare I AM TRULY ALIVE!!!?

Answers to these questions may take us in a myriad of directions. . . . directions that may give insights for living in that place of tranquility that brings peace to your life and your home. I am on the quest to arrive at that ideal place for myself and my family. I'll be sharing my discoveries here.

Exchanging ideas is awesome. What works for you and your family? Let's share and bring this little spot on the web to life for all of us!