Another very simple technique I have used to address emotional issues and create positive change in my life is to talk to myself in the mirror. This may be uncomfortable because it’s difficult to face yourself; however, persevere because the practice can bring unexpected benefits.

This is an excerpt from Chris Shelton’s book, “Qigong For Self-Refinement, Total Health with the 5 Elements”. Chp. 19 Pg. 104

In addressing emotional issues, talk to yourself in the mirror with compassion and curiosity. Try to find out what is really going on. What is at the root of the problem? Is it fear? Resentment? Jealousy? Your inner self is doing the best that he/she can; simply try to understand. It will seem like you become your higher self talking to your physical self. See what come up, and allow your higher self to deal with it, keeping in mind your goal of achieving health and harmony.

This technique can also be used to co-create with your higher power (whatever you conceive that to be) positive attributes. In co-creating, there are two important principles to keep in mind. First, always talk and think in terms of the positive. For example if you know you are a controlling person, which is a Liver dysfunction in Chinese medicine, do not say to yourself “Please help me not be a controlling person!” Instead say “I choose to be loving, compassionate, patient, and tolerant!” (or whatever the opposite of controlling is for you). In this way you will always affirm and manifest the positive. Secondly, as you speak to your “self” in the mirror always speak in the present tense. Do not say “I will one day be compassionate,” or “I want to be compassionate.” Rather, say “I am compassionate!” This is not wishful thinking. In face you ARE whatever you want to be. The fact that you can conceive of it means that you have the kernel of that quality in yourself; now you want to bring out that quality and let it flourish.

One of my clients recommends continuing this mirror talk until you break into laughter. Laughter is a sure and certain sign of health. Remember, happiness is your natural state.

This practice can be found in Chris Shelton’s book “Qigong For Self-Refinement”.  Available on Amazon, MorningCrane.com, and ChrisShelton.net

Summer is in full swing now! Did you know that when the weather is sizzling your insides are feeling hot, hot, hot?

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the Fire Element is associated with summer. Mania and overexcitement are common negative emotions connected with this time of year. You may feel overextended, overworked or even overjoyed. If you’ve been reading our stuff regularly (we hope so!) you know we are advocates for living a balanced existence. Too much of anything – yes, even joy – is never an ideal situation for your body, mind and spirit. By examining the relationship between summer’s Fire Element and the duality of yin and yang we can learn to live in balance and harmony irrespective of how fiery life feels.

During each of the four seasons it’s important to pay attention to the most dominant element at play (i.e., Fall/Metal, Winter/Water, Spring/Wood, Summer/Fire) so you can counter-balance the element’s impact on your health. For example, summer is associated with the Fire Element so be sure to add more Water Element to your summer routine. While Fire is considered “yang,” which is associated with feelings of aggression, loudness and busyness, water is its opposite (“yin”) and plays out as passive, quiet and relaxed moods. When Fire and Water are properly balanced life flourishes. Placed in the right position Fire and Water produce steam, which is so powerful it moves trains – and your body! A proper blending of Fire and Water moves our blood and fluids in perfect harmonious balance, which increases our health and vitality.

An excess of Fire Energy can produce high-blood pressure, hypertension and cause stroke and heart attack. It’s not an accident that our risk of suffering heart failure raises as the temperature spikes upward. When it’s hot outside drink plenty of room-temperature water. (Ice water actually creates more heat in the body.) Remember to eat foods that nourish the Water Energy of your body.

Here’s an easy-to-follow list of foods you can eat this summer to keep your Fire Energy and Water Energy in balance. Full steam ahead into summer fun and health!

Fruits
Melons like watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew. Cucumber, pears, grapes, tomatoes, raspberries and black berries.

Veggies
Celery, snow peas, radishes, sprouts, summer squash, zucchini, cabbage, broccoli, seaweed, corn and potatoes. Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, chard. Enhance your body?? Water Energy by steaming or lightly saut?ing veggies.

Drink
Drink mint and chrysanthemum tea. Avoid ice-cold drinks and enjoy room-temperature water with lemon and peppermint.

( *Special shout-out to the Yo San University’s June 2014 newsletter)

Our hope for you this month is to keep cool, calm and collected!

Love and Gratitude,
Chris & Parisa Shelton and the Morning Crane Team