Shifting From Busy To Content

Hi lovely people!

Let’s take a moment today about the word “busy.”

What moments do you think of or physically feel like when you are “busy”? For me I feel like I am doing my best to keep up with the demands of my day, doing a first rate job and meeting all of the goals I have set for myself. It also means that I am also probably neglecting a things that I shouldn’t be. Some times this looks like eating when I can, not keeping up on being hydrated properly, not moving my body as I should, not doing the things that fill my soul on a daily basis. If I am really stuck in this mindset, I’m not doing anything I’m passionate about, I don’t “have time” for those things that are so necessary to my body, mind and soul.

When I stop and reflect upon this mindset, usually because I’ve become a little grouchy and my family has let me know in their, oh so subtle ways. I usually then realize what has been driving me. Usually, money, the needs of others, the demands of others, putting everyone else first. I begin to realize that those goals that I have, are not mine. These goals are for others. I am filling people and things with the energy that I need to be giving to myself. Please do not misunderstand, I know that we need our jobs, need our relationships, however first, we need our health, mental as well as physical. We also need to love ourselves, feed our passions, nourish our spirits.

When I realize that I am in in this place of “busy” I now stop, literally just stop. Whatever I was doing just a second ago, I take a break from. Sometimes it can only be 10 minutes, but I take it. I used to apologize to myself, but now I congratulate myself on recognizing that I have been being “busy” and make a shift in my mindset. I check in with myself to see how I am feeling throughout my body, ask myself to be present in this moment. I can usually feel that my body is tired from pushing through the day, and talk to myself gently and let myself know I am aware I need to shift priorities back to myself. I take a moment to become aware of my surroundings and my place in within it. To become content within right where I am.

It took me a while to be able to change my mindset to being content instead of being busy. “Busy”would sweep me up and demanded its needs be met. I had to start actively finding what in each area in my life made me content. I did this one step at a time, when things where calm. Literally, when I wake up I give myself a few minutes to go over a small segment of my day to find what about that part of the day I can find contentment in. Which one on my senses in a certain place or or situation lead to feelings of contentment. To be honest there may not be feelings of contentment there yet, we have not been taught to take moments and be present and enjoy part of it to the point where contentment can be reached. When this happens I work on thinking of being in those moments and then remind myself what I feel when I am content, when love and satisfaction of just being aware of what is present for me. This starts a correlation of being content even when “busy” is trying to take over. I only work on one situation in the morning. As I continue to practice this in the mornings I find my mind wandering during other moments of my day, recognizing contentment when it happens, or even thinking if I did something in a different way, it would be much more enjoyable and pleasing. In time I have been able to recognize when I needed to stop, center myself and regroup to meet my needs as well. I have given myself the time and attention to create a new mindset and tools that work for me that stop me from being “busy” to content in the surroundings of my life, and yes I too am an important part of this landscape.

This does takes time and you need to give yourself grace when it doesn’t happen immediately. Practice and patience is what will get you going and move you forward. It will help you be aware of yourself and your surroundings, and truly shift your perspective on how you are an integral part of this world and how you thrive, grow and love is at the heart of what you are doing here.

You will find yourself more settled, content, and having more energy, for you have given to yourself as well as to others. I encourage you to find and practice the little things that shift your focus form being “busy”, to being present, learning what part of moments you can take pleasure in, and still get complete the necessities of the your daily life. That first night when you relax or put yourself to bed and can say to yourself that you are wholly satisfied with your day, and it is because you chose to be aware and live in each moment, that my lovely people is some powerful healing. I promise it is worth the work, everyday.

Love and Blessings,

Thea

Working with Crystals: Black Moonstone

Hello Lovely People!

Today we are going over the properties and used for Black Moonstone.

First, moonstone is black-grey in color and is a translucent stone that is streaky and opaque. It is a type of Labradorite, Black moonstone is found in Madagascar, and it is easily attainable.

Upon getting your first stone, remember to cleanse/clear it, you can move it through sage smoke or incense, place it in rice or even bury in the earth overnight. This stone can be placed in the light of the full moon to energize as well.

Black Moonstone protects and opens your energy field to higher vibrations, and is powerful for connecting with the feminine divine. It also screens out the effects of electromagnetic emanations (cell phones, computers, WiFi, radiation and x-rays. Black moon stone can also assist sensitive people by filtering energetic information that you pick up from others and only perceive what is useful for you.

Physically Black Moonstone increases your stamina, focus and coo-ordination. Also, it is helpful for the digestive system and female reproduction organs. Can aid in stimulation needed for recovery of stroke and be beneficial for Parkinson’s. Traditionally Black Moonstone in useful in balancing the hormones in women’s cycles, this includes all phases of life, puberty through menopause.

Black Moonstone is is associated with the Third Eye Chakra and Soma Chakra.

You can also place Black Moonstone in a grid fashion throughout your home to attract abundance, and to create a calm and peaceful atmosphere, especially helpful with teenagers and focus needed for learning and creativity.

Remember to ask for your stone or crystal’s assistance, set your intention before working with your stones and crystals and cleanse them in between uses.

All Our Best,

Dr. Nicole and Thea

The Energy Around You and Healing

I sat down this morning to see what type of energy will be coming along in the next couple of weeks. This helps to me to be mindful of signs that occur around me, and help me see the connections that are being made between what I am experiencing on my journey and how it is influenced by the energies around me. So, I pulled cards from a few different oracle card sets that called to me, and as well as speaking to me, they also where meant to share with you.

The first card comes from the Gaia Oracle cards. The card I chose was PEACE - the dissolving unwanted or disturbing thoughts. This card is about “worry”, in a world that continually feels so unsettled, all the time. It is easy to fall into worry or fear, then it manifests in every cell of our bodies. Once this happens, panic sets in. It is a truly vicious cycle. Allow PEACE to sit with you, allow it to settle within you. As this process happens, the energy will start to feel positive and light. Be patient, it is not one of the easiest places to be. Imagine yourself surrounded by love and light, allow your focus to travel to one of your favorite places, be grateful for everything in your life. May your heart be filled with love and surrounded by the love on this earth.

The second card comes from The Native Heart Healing Oracle, The selected card was RECORD KEEPER. The mandala holds the energy of Wisdom and brings forth the divine guidance of the ancient ways. You am being asked to open you heart and listen. Being open to the idea you are not sure what you will hear or feel, but your are being asked to trust that you are moving forward in the way in which you are divinely guided.

The third card comes from the Archangel Micheal Oracle. The card here if FORGIVENESS. Forgive yourself. Forgive others. Allow forgiveness into your heart so that you may move forward in love and peace. This one “should” be easy, allowing the emotions to come, forgive and find joy in being free of the weight of your own thoughts. Although this is easy to do, you may have to do it several times over until your heart and mind are in agreement that this is so, with every repetition it becomes easier.

The forth and final card comes from Animal Speak. The card is RAVEN. While I was out on a walk with Lester, I found a Raven’s feather, and here the animal message shows up again. Raven is about transition, energy in motion, it is the keeper of secrets and brings messages between the heavens and earth, when life is difficult. It touches the areas of rebirth and renewal, tearing down and rebuilding, becoming comfortable with oneself, and transforming difficulties into blessings.

We are meant to hear all of these things together for they are all intertwined, having cause and effects on one another. However, you may feel connected to some parts of these cards more than others. How do these cards resonate with you? If you feel draw to one, two or more, why? How do their messages a apply to you? What part of your journey are they drawing you to? Please sit with these messages that are telling you where the energy of the next few weeks can take you. What areas of healing are ready to be addressed in your journey? Be open to the possibilities, and the opportunities that come forth for you.

All My Best,

Dr. Nicole

What Brings You Joy?

What really brings you joy?

Is the sun on your face that warms the body through?

The sound of someone’s laughter that makes you grin?

The quiet of a morning sunrise until you notice the chorus of the birds?

Greeting the morning no matter the weather, ready to see what today has in store.

The five minutes breathing that relaxes your shoulders and clears the mind?

Reading a book all afternoon?

Taking time to enjoy your tea?

Creating with your own hands, heart, and imagination?

There are so many more that I could list, but I find the underlying theme is taking time to do what makes our hearts happy. To slow down enough to witness, enjoy and reflect on a moment, task, or creative endeavor. To help you get into the slower place I thought I would share one moment with you.

I exhale loudly as I give myself a momentary break from prepping gardening beds. I look up at the sun and all at the same time the sun warms my face as a breeze cools me off, my back is bit achey, my hands are throbbing a bit from meeting my demands of them, I can smell fresh earth and I feel the dirt on my hands as well as on my feet, and I start to remember all of my gardens past, and planning this years garden all at the same time. It is all so beautiful and there is so much of this beauty that surrounds me. It fills my heart with joy. I saw, smelled, and felt all of this within seconds, but I take the time to enjoy each in turn.

You see, doing what brings you joy has a long story in your heart. When you first encountered it, how you made it part of you, and how you grow and learn with it. This is not to say you do not find new things everyday that can bring joy and awe into your life. But the next time you encounter them, you have a possibility of choosing to make it a part of your continuing journey, and this conscious choice expands your heart.

My daily walk with Rosie, Lester and Randy

The more time I take to witness each in turn the slower things seem to move, my pace slows down, its history combines with that moment and my heart is filled, for this am truly grateful, for every encounter before and for the present moment. The more time I take in experiencing the joy of a moment, the deeper it lives in my heart, and I can use this memory to settle me when I need to remember what brings me joy and the feelings that accompany it, and experience it all again. It is what feels my soul and helps in creating my new ways to fuel and explore what I am most passionate about.

Please take a moment to slow your pace, do what you enjoy or go over slowly in your mind what brings you joy on this journey. How do you feel? How does it change your mood, fill you, challenge you? Does it make you passionate? Does it feed your soul?

What Brings You Joy?

Please go do that thing! ❤️

All My Best,

Dr. Nicole

Giving Gratitude for each day I am blessed with to pursue my passions.

The Benefits of Dogs on Mental Health

Please welcome our guest writer, Jessica Brody from ourbestfriends.com.

Photo via Pexels.

It will come as no surprise to most people that dogs make people happy. However, the effects of canine interaction go beyond a simple mood lift. According to Time, dog owners tend to live longer, happier and healthier lives. If you are suffering from a mental health disorder, getting a dog may just be the best thing you could do to help. Read on for tips from Dr. Nicole Galante on how to determine if a dog can provide the healing and comfort you need. 

How Can A Dog Help?

While many other animals can and have been used for emotional support, dogs remain the most popular option for a few reasons. 

• Playing with and cuddling a dog fulfills the human need to touch and provides a soothing effect on the brain.

• Dogs are highly empathetic. They can tell when you are down and feel compelled to help.

• Their playful attitude can be a positive influence and a relief from the stresses of life.

• Dogs push people to go out the house, offering plenty of opportunity for exercise and socialization (e.g: training classes, playdates, dog park visits), both of which are great for mental health. 

• They can relieve loneliness for people who live on their own.

• They provide a sense of responsibility and, for people with severe depression, a reason to live and to get better.

Which Dog To Choose?

Not all dogs are perfect as emotional support animals and some are more suited to some disorders than others. If you have depression, you need a dog that is happy, excitable and loves to cuddle. You can opt for a more high-energy breed, but they should be trained to behave in public. According to Bustle, good examples include Labradors and Golden Retrievers. If your mental health issues are related anxiety or PTSD, you still need a dog that enjoys physical contact, but you may need a calmer breed. Saint Bernards, Corgis and Dachshunds are good options.

Overall, any dog that is calm and likes human contact is ideal for mental health support. You should also consider other aspects such as time, budget and activity to choose a breed that fits in with your lifestyle. 

Therapy Dog or Pet?

Therapy dogs for people with mental health illnesses vary slightly from the service dogs used by people with physical disabilities, which are trained to fulfill specific tasks. An emotional support dog doesn’t have to fulfill a specific purpose: They’re just there to make you happier. This distinction is important because despite what many people think, therapy dogs do not have to be allowed into private businesses like service dogs do. The main benefits of therapy dogs are being entitled to live and travel by air with the animal. 

If you decide a therapy dog is the right choice, you’ll need to obtain a letter of recommendation from your therapist or doctor. A professional should give you a letter based on whether they feel a therapy dog would help you and whether you are in a condition to maintain one.

Prepare Your Home for a Dog

Once you’ve made the decision to bring home a furry friend, you need to gather all the necessities. This includes a bed, possibly a crate, a leash or harness, a collar, food and water dishes, toys and dog food. If you have a large backyard that’s unfenced, it would be wise to consider installing a fence. Particularly if you’re bringing home a younger dog with a lot of energy. A fenced-in area offers a place to safely play, and it provides protection for your pup. Bear in mind that when you want to have a fence built, it’s important to order a land survey. Knowing the exact measurements of your property boundaries will ensure you don’t infringe on your neighbors, which can lead to pricey legal disputes. 

There’s a reason why dogs have consistently been man’s best friend for millennia. Even our oldest ancestors, when domesticating wolves for things like hunting and protection, benefited from the companionship a dog can bring. Dogs are unfalteringly loyal, unconditionally loving, and intelligent enough to understand sadness, empathy, and comfort. When you add the fact that they are furry, adorable, and a delight to spend time with, it becomes obvious why they are an incredible source of mental health relief. 

In your continued efforts to find balance, consider healing therapies offered by Dr. Nicole Galante. Through sound or healing sessions or even guided meditation, Dr. Galante wants to help you on your healing journey. 

Sitting with the Unsettled

Have you ever been in a situation where something does not feel right? Something feels off, but you cannot put your finger on it? For myself, I have felt this many times over the years. Definitely more so in the last year. The energy doesn’t feel right, nothing feels like it has an easy flow. Instantly, I always look for outside forces, the moon, storms, cloudy day, the planets, the unsettled world, did I eat something bad, did Randy get in the bird seed…the list is end less. Honestly, I could spend hours analyzing the “outside reasons” for the unsettle that I am feeling, which can range from mild to extreme.

Somedays, the unsettled also seems to be a void of energy as if I am not able to put any energy into that void other than to let it be. Again, it is just something that you cannot quite grasp or make sense of, or even explain. It just has a presence.

I talk a lot about connecting with nature, because it gets my energy into the present moment, and being with my animals in the present moment is so grounding. Although it may not “settle” that energy, it gives it time to clear. Finding little rituals at this time is important. I keep a little space set up with a candle and a crystal or two. Whatever, I am called to do at the time. Lighting that candle and just asking the universe for some supportive energy is important, meditation or other rituals may not feel “easy” to connect with during this time, just something small is all that is needed to ask and start receiving the support that is needed.

Be forgiving of yourself, know that the unsettle may not be external, internal or even yours. It could be the energy around you at the time. Say a little prayer for yourself, for the space where you are, send some serious love to yourself and then out to the world, and you will find peace in the moment.

All My Best,

Dr. Nicole

What the animals are saying…

We have welcomed the calendar years entrance into Spring. We all have different times and ways Spring announces it’s arrival where we live. Have you noticed all the shifts in nature that is coming with this season? Here, not only has the sap begun to move from the roots of trees to bring life to it’s branches and buds are beginning to appear, but animals have started to show themselves everywhere. Coming out from hiding or from the south. They are all here now, out in full force.

I was trying to think back to the time that this book, Animal-Speak, The Spiritual and Magical Powers of Creatures Great and Small by Ted Andrews, came to me. The exact moment has not returned to my memory, most likely because it is not relevant, but what is important is that this book has traveled many miles with me. On many hikes, many island visits, may camping trips and I’ve slept with it right under my pillow for immediate reach when it’s needed. This book and information within keeps me connected to my soul and my spirit.

In many shamanic traditions they have a journey to find you spirit animal is a part of learning the way of the elders. For thousands of years we have lived in among many, many different animals on this planet. We have watched their patterns, their paths and have “listened” to what they have to tell us. They have messages about the weather, predators, and life patterns. Within the teachings of this book I have truly witnessed and learned many lessons about what animals are here telling me. Most importantly, what insights they have for me about myself.

Enjoy this book, embrace this book. If it speaks to you, allow yourself to find your spirit animal or animals. Seek the messages that are here for you, today and always.

Signs of Spring

I went out to do my morning barn chores this morning, and there was 3 extra inches of grass that has emerged from underneath the snow, and some of it is even green! Every morning now the grass area will get bigger as the snow recedes.

As I open up the chicken coop for the day, I hear a hen clucking, they are starting to lay again. I wonder if I will have a clutch hidden on me again this year and have baby chicks seem to pop up out of no where.

I look out at out towards the pond as I close the coop door and I realize that the Canadian geese that come every year are probably not far way now. I love when they return again to swim, explore, call to each other, and raise their young.

I pass the my garden that is laden with snow, and ponder the arrangement of veggies that I grew last year, and where they will need to go this year, and did I remember to order the last couple of seed packets that I wanted to try…

The walk way to the barn is changing from ice and snow to a bit of mud. I let Rosie the cow and Randy the sheep out for the day. Rosie will have green grass to munch instead of just hay she has had for the last few months, and soon Randy will need shearing.

The list of changes that comes with the arrival of spring runs through my head: the violets and johnny jump-ups, the cats chewing on plants started inside, the shrubs blooming, how to keep Randy from eating all the flowers, robins hopping and flying about he ground and trees, the mud that will be here for a couple of weeks, the grass that will need mowing soon after that. So many things are about to happen!

But for now I stop to inhale the smell of spring that is on the breeze, the energy that is coming from the earth as it wakes, and the possibility of life that is awaiting to “Spring” forth. I will enjoy witnessing each of these things in there own time. Until then the excitement of the Earth awakening resides in me as well.

What are you waiting to see or feel this spring?

All My Best,

Dr. Nicole

20 Hawks

Ever have a time when a few chapters in your life where everything feels stagnant? No matter how much you try to meditate, try to change your surroundings, fight off the urge to run, basically just try to see things differently, just to feel something that is different than the “funk” surrounding you, the “funk” that is within you? It is difficult to sit with your own energy, especially when the world around us feels like a slow hamster wheel.

I have been lost many times along my way, and while I do manage to spend time every single day outside due to the needs of my animals I don’t always take enough time to just be in my surroundings, soaking in the messages from nature.

Have you ever been traveling somewhere and seen a bird, deer, dragonfly or raccoon? Did you ever take a moment to think in that the exact moment about the message that came along with seeing that animal? Being present in the moment is the best way to allow your energy to be open to receive the spiritual gifts that are presenting themselves to you.

Last month, the energy during Mercury Retrograde was heavy for some, almost feel like having blinders on, or basically treading water. It was during this time spirit reminded me to take time to be in my surroundings, to “see” what animals and messages that where coming my way.

It was a random day of the week, it felt no different than any other day, except I noticed a hawk sitting in a tree. All of a sudden my heart felt lighter. I felt my energy shift, as hawks represent the ability to use intuition and higher vision in order to complete tasks or make important decisions. Within an hour and a half, I had seen 14 hawks, and by the time the sunset, I had seen a total of 20.

Up until that day, I had been feeling stuck. These bird messengers gifted me with a new perspective, a sense of clarity and a big hug from the spirit world and beyond that there is never a moment my soul is left alone. It was extremely powerful, and a reminder to be present, to keep you heart open and be willing to be uncomfortable in your own skin, for it is a way to shed off a few energetical layers to reveal something new.

While I have my own spirit animal through my shamanic work, every encounter I have is a message from the spirit world and is gifting me a piece of wisdom I need to have in my life. Take a deep breath, ask for help when you need, look around and you will be surprised what you see.