Soundbite: ARNICA

This is one of the first remedies people use and find effective in Homoeopathy.  It is used for bumps, bangs, shock and bruising. When someone says go away I am fine, after an accident, that is shock and Arnica could be the first remedy you use. Their skin could also be cold and clammy from the shock. I use Arnica for almost any accident, it helps reduce swelling and it gives pain relief and is great after operations.

Those egg shaped bruises on the forehead? Arnica.

Do not put onto open skin (Arnica cream, oil), as it is poisonous. Give Arnica internally is the skin is broken.

I also use it if for someone doing strenuous exercise i.e. a marathon, bike race etc. I give it before and afterwards; it will help reduce physical fatigue and shock to the body.   

I also recommend it in labour (200 potency) to be taken hourly during the labour.

Quality time

Years ago I noticed that I would be 'running' on the spot constantly. There was food to cook, the house to clean, the washing to be done, the kids need attention, I had to work, the dog needed walking, the bills had to be paid, the phone ringing, the shopping to be done, I wanted some time, the garden needed weeding....ahhhhh the list goes on and on....(and this was before Facebook ;)!  

I would sit with my kids, try,and play with them but not really enjoy it as my mind was on all the above. I realised that I was not really present with my children, my family, as I was thinking about the future and not focusing on the present. I gave them time, not quality time, not my undivided attention time.

Remember this?

The past is history
The future is a mystery
This moment is a gift....that's is why it is called the present. (Bill Keane)

I began to realise that the food got cooked, with love, the house was, sort of, clean, the washing got done, I worked, the dog had walks, the bills where paid, the phone rang (now we ignore it when we are eating together or doing something that is important not to disturb), the shopping happens, I get time and it is often in the garden! I could enjoy my family, at any given moment and I could look through my children's eyes at their view of the world and that is a gift. My youngest son, when he regales a story, his eyes get bigger and bigger, it is so warming to my heart to really listen and really look at him. That is quality time, that moment when you are present, in the moment, with your family and your loved ones and it is timeless.

Forgiveness

Okay, this is a big one. I wrote about acceptance last week and now forgiveness..... it seems I am in therapy with myself! Over the years I have related to this theme more and more. It feels so hard to forgive those 'who trespass against you'. (How powerful is the Lords prayer? It says it all, really.) However I have found forgiveness extraordinary.

A few weeks ago I found myself in a situation where I was ANGRY! I felt hard done by, forgotten and used. Old emotions came up in me regarding another situation where I had felt the same things. I fortunately called a friend of mine, who could relate to the situation, who lovingly 'walked' me through my emotions. At the end of the conversation she told I have to forgive this person: I had to talk to this person and tell them I forgive them. Initially I was scared to do this, I knew I could forgive this person, but could I actually sit with them and tell them?

I made the appointment, met, told my story without blame and told the person I forgave them. This was so powerful on so many levels for me and the person involved:

1) I meant it, I truly forgave and put my issues behind me.

2) The other person thanked me for my honesty and honouring our friendship.

3) A weight was lifted from my shoulders and I felt, still feel, lighter for it.

4) I also forgave myself for taking so long to honour these feelings in me, and I meant that too.

Confrontation is not easy for many people, but speaking your truth in a loving way, owning your feelings and emotions is a powerful experience in responsibility. However, forgiveness of yourself and others creates harmony and deepens relationships.

Acceptance

Over the years acceptance has become a powerful tool and form of healing in my clinic as well as outside of it in my private and personal life.

In the last couple of weeks I have seen some patients who have really needed to come to a place of acceptance of themselves and others. Below is a picture of one woman's very recent journey:

A woman who has had a truly horrendous life, initially came to me to come off of anti depressants. This was done with relative ease, using Homoeoapthy and twice monthly appointments. She managed to work with her panic attacks and restlessness using remedies initially and then with her own strength of mind. She has had to face many 'demons' along the way, sometimes it is easier than others, but she sees the benefit of feeling again and using her own innate intuition.This is a journey that is both empowering and humbling to do. I was very happy with her progress, as was she. Part of her journey has been about accepting her old self, to know that was her then and not who she is now.

To know that these parts of ourselves help us heal, help us have compassion for others as well as ourselves. We cannot 'cut' out these parts of ourselves, we can only accept that time was part of the person who is here, right now. We are the sum of all our histories not just the 'bad' bits.

A gift.

Nearly 14 years ago I gave birth to my oldest son.

My pregnancy was one of great joy and learning. During my pregnancy my son gave me the gift of sight: I began to see auras around people and living objects I also began to see beings, this has not left me. I believe he has bestowed gifts on me that only he could unlock.

As he crowned, his name came into my mind in blazing letters: ISSAC. As he lay there in the hospital, he did not cry, he just gurgled and laughed. When his dad and I looked into the name we found it meant 'he who melts the ice of the heart'. I truly believe that he told me his name.

When our children come, in whatever form, they bring everything they need. We learn the tools of parenting and guiding with them and through them. Our greatest resource is love.

Blessings to all parents, everywhere, for we are doing the most important work: bringing children into this, sometimes crazy and scary, world and giving them the tools and gifts to be amazing people, as they give us the tools and gifts to be amazing people too.

Walk before you can run

Slow down people! Slow down. I have spent the last couple of weeks in practice trying to explain that things come at the right time and not before. Shame we seem to be under an illusion that we can have anything we want, anytime, any place, anywhere....

So on that note I have to share a moment I had years ago when I was newly a single mum and rather alone in the world, the world was upon my shoulders and I felt it! I worried about the rent, the food, the car, the 'can I support my children'. It really worried me. Then one day as I worried about these things I noticed that the rent was paid, the fridge had food in it, the car had fuel and I was, actually, supporting my children. When this overwhelming worry came upon me again I checked the rent (paid), fridge (had food), car (had petrol) and I was, actually, supporting my children.

I noticed that the worrying made me stop enjoying life: the sunsets, the children's smiles and the little things I missed for the BIG worries. I had to walk first before I could run, I had to trust first before I could see that I am capable and I am (and I still am).

So when you are worried, frustrated or overwhelmed and you think that things should change, look around your own life, see that it is changing that you are coping. You are the driver of your life and you have the tools. Use them.

My responsiblity?

For most of my 'homoeopathic' life and in my life I have felt responsible towards others and their healing journey.
It is a strange thing that I should feel so responsible, when I am aware that I do my best in each moment. However, last week in a clinic full of children (same family), I experienced something that I now know to be self-respect. As I sat there taking case notes and observing the family, a feeling of space settled on me. I felt that I was doing my 'job' and they where doing their 'job' and that I was not aware of wanting to try and take control.
I realised that in doing what I had been doing in the past I had not allowed self-respect for myself or for others. I humbly accept this learning and hope that I continue to grow in all areas of my life.