Jenifer Shapiro, Empowerment & Entrepreneur Coach, Alternative Health/ Holistic Counselor

What Is The Motivation?

2011-09-22T22:12:00.001-07:00

I spoke with a client today about following her dream. Her dream of creating a new business that is motivated by a true passion not only to offer an amazing, unique and valuable product to the world, but also to create an unusual life. A life inspired by her true heart, her soul's longing. As she tells me her dreams, her eyes tear, her heart opens, her life unfolds.

Then she stops. She tells me she fears stepping into this new space, this unknown, and she would rather cling to her corporate job with her 401k, her imagined securities, and the knowing of where to go everyday. This is her quandry - to live a passionate life, or to choose a complacent one.

I ask her to tell me more about her corporate job where she works as a part of a global tech team supporting computer systems for a Fortune 100 company. She tells me how she can take 1/2 days on Fridays and her face lights up. She tells me how she sneaks out for starbucks with her colleagues on Wednesdays after lunch and again, an ignited spark. Then she talks about her long hours, time away from her son, her knowing that this isn't her life...and I mirror to her that the only time she sparked in our conversation was when she spoke of her ESCAPES.

Why is it so many are motivated by comfortable when passion is what inspires the soul? In 20 years in practice, I can say it is one of the most common dilemma's I find. I can also say without wavering that when an individual chooses passion over money as their inspiration, money flows and passion creates a whole new level of existence.

May you find passion in every day.

Blessings,

Jenifer

Know Your Water

2011-09-05T17:33:00.000-07:00

I love this site so I'm posting it as it has links to show what your district shows for water contamination...and what it doesn't. Put in your zip and see what it shows!

http://www.homefacts.com/waterquality.html

Then think about home water filtration...

An Easier Recipe for Sesame Milk

2011-09-03T22:56:00.000-07:00

From my September Newsletter (click here)

***********************

I got a little feedback that my overnight recipe for sesame milk took too long and people wanted another option.

Well, you know me an options, I LOVE THEM!

Ingredient List:

1) 1/2 cup sesame paste/tahini (you can buy this in jars at a health food store, BUY GLASS JARS, the metal ones can in my experience taste metallic)

2) 1 tablespoon water AND 4 cups water

3) 1 tablespoon agave nectar if you choose

4) 1 teaspoon salt if you choose

Wisk the tblsn of water into the paste until it starts to get hard to stir. Then add all other ingredient and blend in a blender or food processor. You can make this as thin or as thick as you wish and I use this in recipes now instead of cream and it's delicious! My friend Sarah even makes it on the go!

ENJOY

Happy News...FINALLY!

2011-09-02T18:14:00.000-07:00

I used to want to create a site for happy news. Instead of all of the horrifying news stories that were blasted at us every day I wanted a site where we could read about how people were kind to each other, what good inventions and ideas were being manifested around the world and how famous people/politicians were also often making GOOD decisions.

I did one day, it took the entire day to find even 5 stories on the web that were valid. It was exhausting.

I asked Spirit and was told it was being taken care of. I let it go and held it in my heart.

I'm so glad others had similiar mindset's. The power of being a part of a global community in this amazing time! HAPPY NEWS! SWEET!

Link One

Link Two

Link Three

What is Going On...A Glimpse to 2012

2011-08-27T13:07:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, wishing the east coast many blessings for what it is enduring this week.

I’m honored to be one of the lightworkers/ shamans/ teachers being asked to assist in leading to the next level. I believe my role is varied depending on the need, and I know that part of my role is to educate/offer information in a way that eliminates fear, encourages heart opening and self-empowerment, and brings us closer together in a world that many times moves toward isolation.

Isolation is a theme I intend to explore as we move forward into a new world vibration, for what we are being called toward is releasing the global isolation. Yes, we have grown as a culture and learned to communicate with and explore other cultures. Yet we still haven’t truly gotten to the point of seeing beyond cultural barriers to explore the truth, we are all humans first (I’m purposely not saying we are all spiritual first as the lessons we are learning right now are very human).

What I mean by this is part of the shift is showing the world that all of us can be affected by the same things and one shift can and will cause shifts in other areas of the world. I get an image of the globe as a moving, pulsing, breathing heart-body. When the breath expands, things move. The waters move like arterial flow, the continents like organs, and when one organ or flow is blocked or shifts, the structure of the earth heart shifts too.

Last year when I spoke of the plates under the earth shifting and expressed my visions where movements were occurring on the east coast that formerly the west coast owned (ie. Earthquakes) and where lower tides were moving upper and the water was escalating in NY (ie. the tsunami and hurricanes) I also explained that this was happening and is happening as our consciousness is moving as well. We saw these events occur this week in sequence, almost as one unimaginable event opened the way for it's sister. We need to learn the lessons from these events rather than only seeing them as random acts or even global warming.

The cause is not the only focus here (ie. global warming), the energetic effect that events like this have on us as a human race has many factors that change the vibrations around us, our thinking as well as our physical existence. Three main ones are:

1 - That none of us can live in isolation - we need each other and to come together when challenging events occur;

2 - That we CAN trust other people to do things for our highest good; endless are those who aid others when they are suffering for no reason, these times remind us of the good of humanity and bring us face to face with people as human as we are (see more on this in a minute as TRUST is a big lesson in 2012);

3 - That we are resilient beings with no limit to what we can accomplish. That challenges can make us stronger and force us to explore new ways of being that may even be better than the old. As an isolated society, we have also become in some respects lazy with our gifts. Too much television, not enough connections with others, unhealthy food and chemically laden surroundings all lower our vibrations creating a world where ingenuity and invention perish and that is NOT going to happen now, the earth will make sure of it.

It's time to respect our lives and ourselves and live fully for as long as we have here. Along with our consciousness releasing fears and gaining spiritual momentum, the earth is feeling the shift and moving too.

This isn’t all scientific, it can’t all be explained away, as our thoughts DO and WILL in mass affect the earth and it’s structures and vice versa. I believe as these changes continue to occur (and I will be offering more information in my newsletters which will start up again regularly in 2012) we will be called on for three things:

1) Flexibility – we have been stagnant too long. We have been living with the belief system that if we get ourselves secure – in a home, job, relationships – we can get to a point of being in control. This is the life our media fed us for lifetimes, it’s NOT reality. There is no point of security to get to. Life is flow and if we don’t start to flow with it, and we keep trying to tighten the reigns to feel secure, we will not only miss the point of spiritual revolution, we will also find ourselves constantly plugging holes in a box that keeps overflowing. We need to recognize, there is nothing to fear of what is in the box, let it overflow, it’s overflowing with love, kindness and opportunity for a life greater than you ever imagined. A life greater than any of us ever imagined.

2) Personal Responsibility – It is time for us to take responsibility for our lives, our thoughts, our actions and what we are choosing in our worlds. There is too much blame – conscious and unconscious – in our world. We blame our governments, our teachers, our loved ones, and those in the car in front of us going too slow while talking on a cell phone. We blame people for making us feel bad, for taking things from us, for forcing us into structures we don’t want. This gets us nowhere, immediately nowhere. We need to think of the box here.

No, I am not saying to scream at the person on the cell phone, I am saying that shifting the internal dialog from “I hate her, crazy lady on a cell phone” to “I call in a world with no cell phones in cars and people consciously driving” is taking personal responsibility of our thoughts in the moment.

3) Seeing Ourselves as a Global Community - Our media does us a great disservice by focusing on the one person doing wrong instead of the billions of people trying to help one another. I can’t count the number of social networks, nonprofits and individuals I know trying to help people through natural disasters, personal traumas, homelessness, physical ailments, etc.

We need to realize the news is fictional in a great respect. It is not the norm that you are seeing on the television, it is the aberrations and through the media’s eyes we have learned to focus as they do, on the one causing harm instead of the millions making a positive difference.

For example, when someone sees someone littering, they often get angry – how dare they. Then their unconscious mind, taught by the media, goes further to create a society of littering people who cause harm.

What if, when you see someone litter, instead of berating them in your head, you choose to pick up the litter yourself and as you put it in the trash can thinking to yourself ‘I call in a world where people don’t litter” and as you do so looking in the trash can at the remnants from the endless other people feeling the same as you. Now you are part of the society that doesn’t litter and this person is like a drop of water in a sea of non-litterers.

Another example is when I see someone try to cut a line. People get so upset at the aberration instead of noticing that the number of people choosing to wait their turn is much longer. In fact, if we were to put 10 billion people in a room, there are very few of them that would ever cause harm intentionally. To get more specific, in the US in 2010 the number of people according to the census was 308,745,538. How many people in the us have caused harm that has made the media in a given year? Let’s say 5 people per week? That is 260 people in a year that are in the media causing harm (and still even some of this is non-intentional). Look at that percentage. We are focusing on less than .000001 percent of the people in the world when we watch the media. THAT IS NOT TRUTH.

The person next to you that is thinking about making it to his daughter’s graduation, the woman having birth hoping she can take care of her child, the doctor up at night researching his patient’s medical condition, the people like me trying to help as many people as possible to be empowering to LIVE with joy and purpose, these are our global community, let’s not forget that. We all have bad days, times that are tough that make us feel angry at the world. We need to start coming together more to remind each other these bad days are just drops in the ocean of life and the flow of the ocean, being held in love by the waters of mother earth and father sky, is the reality of life.

This is not going to always be an easy time to live in, yet is IS one with endless possibilities.

Please, don’t miss it, you wouldn’t be here if you weren’t meant to experience all this life is offering.

Blessings and looking forward to continuing communications.

In Loving Light,

Jenifer Satya Shapiro

Those Darn PVC's

2011-08-26T08:54:00.001-07:00

Environmental toxins are creating havoc for many people these days. Our immune systems weren't built to handle all that we throw at them from EMF to toxins in our food to those in our cleaning products. For people who feel sensitivities, one of the most toxic are PVC's.

Read more on these here: http://www.pvcfree.org/

Some quick tips on keeping your house cleaner:

- always buy PVC free shower curtains (they have these at bed bath and beyond as well as major dept stores nowadays). I've seen asthma be both created by and taken away by the removal of these. When a new shower curtain purges PVC's while someone is taking in humid air, it's not a healthy combination.

- air out ALL furniture BEFORE bringing in your home. I actually buy PVC free furniture when possible, or buy secondhand just to avoid this.

- Here is a GREAT free guide (most aren't free) http://www.besafenet.com/pvc/documents/PVC-Guide-1.pdf

Hope that helps!

Jen

Healthy Cosmetics

2011-08-20T14:28:00.001-07:00

Healthy Cosmetics

Did you know that the United Nations Environmental Program estimates approximately 60,000+ chemicals are used today in our daily products? Many of these chemicals are in our makeup, hair care products, nail products...and many of them are linked to cancer and other illnesses that we never hear about.

When was the last time a makeup counter had a sign that said - use at your own risk, our lipstick has lead in it?

Many of my clients over the years have asked for ideas on where to find 'healthy cosmetics'. In previous years, I often found myself at a loss for where to send them as even the so called healthy products held toxins that we don't want to have on our faces. In recent years however, we have seen a major revolution in what is available on the market.

What most people don't realize is that the skin is a potent way for chemicals to get into the body. People often view the skin as a barrier, as if putting on toxic makeup will never make it into the body - that is simply not true. People also often think if a brand is labeled organic it is healthy and that is really not true either.

Here is a quote directly from the FDA website that should wake us up to what is happening...
(http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/1998/398_cosm.html)

"The regulatory requirements governing the sale of cosmetics are not as stringent as those that apply to other FDA-regulated products. Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act, cosmetics and their ingredients are not required to undergo approval before they are sold to the public. Generally, FDA regulates these products after they have been released to the marketplace. This means that manufacturers may use any ingredient or raw material, except for color additives and a few prohibited substances, to market a product without a government review or approval."

and another . . .

"Consumers believe that 'if it's on the market, it can't hurt me,'" says Bailey. "And this belief is sometimes wrong."

With so much information out there on what is supposedly 'healthy', I did some research of my own - with the help of some friends like the wonderful teams at Whole Foods in Devon and Kimberton Whole Foods in Kimberton.

The best website that I've seen for determining products that are healthier is the Cosmetics Database called 'Skin Deep' (thanks Lisa at Whole foods in Devon). This database not only rates the top products in each category, it also offers information on what the chemicals are and what they do to the body for you to make informed choices. YEAH!

http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/index.php?nothanks=1

Some sites of companies that create healthier products are:

www.lavera-usa.com
www.aubrey-organics.com
www.iamapeacekeeper.com
www.burtsbees.com
www.drhauschka.com
www.janeiredale.com
www.honeybeegardens.com

And there is even a mini-movie about it at:

http://hazardsthemovie.com/Info.html

A site with a lot of good information on more than skin care.

http://www.ewg.org/

Ok, you have some new tools, now go take care of you!!!

Blessings,

Jenifer

5 Healthy Options for Summer Survival

2011-08-12T14:14:00.000-07:00

With summer comes summer heat, summer bugs, summer exercise and summer vacations. Here are 5 summer tips to keep your summer fun and healthy!

1) Drink BEFORE dehydration. It takes longer to rehydrate when your body is already showing signs of dehydration. Dizziness, nausea and even changes in mood can be related to dehydration. Good rule, drink 10 glasses of water per day when it is warm outside and one glass per 30 minutes of exercise indoors, one glass per 20 minutes of exercise outdoors.

2) Flies a problem? Try Eucalyptus and/or Lemon Eucalyptus Oils. One remedy I like is to use 2 cups vinegar and 25 drops of eucalyptus lemon oil put in a bowl. Some also add 2 cups skin so soft (an Avon product). Realize as well that flies like food so keeping things closed when outside will help as well.

3) Safe Sunblocks - Did you know that most sunblocks have harsh chemicals that can cause cancer and other illnesses. From neurotoxins to methylparabens, it;s challenging to know which one's are safe for your skin and your children's skin. To find sunblocks that are safer for you and your family, see the cosmetics database.

4) Healthy Vacations - With digestive disorders and allergies on the rise, foreign travel can leave some running for the bathroom or emergency room.

Some things to think about when traveling to foreign lands:

Vegetables are often washed in unclean water - rewash them in bottled water or don't eat them if unsure of cleanliness;
Cooked foods are safer than uncooked foods when traveling;
Spices are different in other countries, if your stomach is sensitive, stay toward non-spicy foods to save your stomach;
If you tend to be allergic to strawberries, be careful with any foreign fruits.
ICE means water frozen, it does not mean bottled water frozen. Stay away from ice if in a place where water is iffy.

5) Best time to exercise outdoors. Keep outdoor exercise to early morning to escape the heat and dehydration. Being healthy never means hurting yourself in the process. While many people like to run at lunch-time at work, that is the hottest time of the day and not a good time to exercise outdoors. Best to exercise in a gym with air-conditioning at that time of day if possible or keep your runs to walking and watch for signs of dehydration (see #1).

Wishing you a happy and healthy summer!!!

Blessings,

Jenifer

PS - more articles on my website: TheEmpowermentCentre.com

Ahhhh this Retrograde, and more...

2011-04-13T21:46:00.000-07:00

I keep getting questions on this retrograde:)

YES it's an odd one, just look around and you will see that things seem a little off this month. Not like a 'normal' (if there is one) retrograde but more like the universe turned on it's head a bit? I think we have a lot to learn from the natural turmoil going on and how it's combusting with the man-made. What has been occurring is VERY of this retrograde period. I feel it would be a great thing to go slower this month. Watch more rather than going full force like so many of us try to do. It may seem odd to say but with so much fire in the retrograde, it almost feels emotionally like the hot days of summer for many of us. Like things seem more urgent than they are. Also, things are moving so fast and without cause. For instance, a friend is looking for a new home. She keeps finding one and then gets calls that it's no longer available for the oddest reasons - the landlord decided not to rent or the water pipe burst or they decided to no fix the internet and she needs it for work. This is all happening SO FAST she can't contain it, it feels surreal. That is because it is. This retrograde is just that for many of us, surreal. It's starting to show the first of what I see as many that are coming of these bursts of energy that are breaking the boundaries of what we think is normal. We are seeing it in the earth too, with the series of natural disasters colliding with manmade. But it's beyond this and I think we need to see this - it is the culmination of the energies of the various elements as well - fire, earth, water, and air. Look at what happened in Japan and tell me that isn't more of a message of this connection. How often have we seen all of the elements explode in full force like that at once? Ok, enough ranting for tonight. I'm sure I'll write more within the week as the next two weeks are going to be quite...amusing? Let's all remember to breathe:) Hugs and love, and isn't that what we all really need more of? I'm sure missing my Pennsylvania hugs! Love, Jen

Women's Moon and Magic Teleclass

2011-03-23T23:42:00.000-07:00

Check out this new teleclass in April at:

http://womenandthemoon.blogspot.com/2011/03/womens-moon-and-magic-teleclass.html

Radiation Info for Mothers

2011-03-23T23:03:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Many people with children under age 10 have emailed me concerned for their children's welfare with the current radiation scares. I am on a global council now addressing homeopathic options for radiation and as such have access to a bit more information than normal that may help. Please know I'm not considering myself an expert so do what is right for you. I believe in offering what I can to educate so I'm going to offer some information here and feel free to pass this on.

First, the three main questions I'm being asked are:

- Radiation in our water/food - I'll address this one in this post, the others over the next few days on my blog.

- Radiation and thyroid/iodine

- Radiation in travel

I want to be clear that I'm focusing on children under the age of ten right now as these are the most susceptible to radiation poisoning as their cells are still growing and their hormones are finding their way as well which makes their thyroid more susceptible. Those with autoimmune challenges should also take additional considerations.

Per radiation in the water/food -

Yes, there have been heightened levels of radiation shown in some of the foods we import from Japan (and definitely locally in Japan). While our government is banning SOME of the items coming from Japan which have CLEARLY high radiation levels (this has been verified by our government), they aren't banning everything and I personally wouldn't let my young child (or anyone really) eat food directly from Japan right now. Also, please note that the food that is imported is then mixed with other foods both in storage and at the store (just look in your produce section for foods from Mexico, Chile, etc.). This being true my recommendation is go local - ie. purchase locally grown - with produce and try to with meats/dairy/eggs. Honestly that is healthier in general and will support our local communities so hey, why not:)

Per water, I have seen a few reports of possible increased radiation in our water supplies yet the reports keep changing the longer the radiation problems occur. I will offer that as I'm in Santa Cruz the water here is still pulling in a strong tide and I can feel the ionic difference here and am doing my qi gong practices even more than usual to ensure clarity in my energy. For those here in California, let's continue to be vigilant and while I can't tell you what to do nor would I wish to, my recommendation would be to limit the amount of time you have young children in the ocean right now as it looks like it will be a few weeks before we get consistent reports per local radiation levels.

My friend Linda offered that I might want to end this post with a recap of some things parents can do:

1) Eat local produce from smaller markets.

2) In California, keep little one's out of the ocean for a while as the reports on radiation levels are finalized.

3) For any children with autoimmune challenges, be extra vigilant both in food/water supplies AND in checking their thyroid activity.

4) I will address this in another post but for now, please do no take iodine randomly to ward off radiation, that is not how it works and can in fact cause major thyroid problems - I'll explain this in detail shortly but didn't want to wait in saying it as I know people are concerned of whether or not to do this AND increasing seaweed in those who don't usually eat it is the same as effect as it's introducing a new element into the body. Also, ironically, seaweed is imported from Japan and it hasn't yet been banned.

I'll address the other two questions on my blog shortly and as we receive more information about this, will do my best to upload new information. Thanks for your patience, doing a little each day:)

Hugs and hope that helps. Thank you all for your questions!

Blessings,

Jen

Jenifer Shapiro and The Empowerment Centre, LLC

(610)213-1010 | www.TheEmpowermentCentre.com

Tonight's Super Moon and Merc Retrograde

2011-03-19T14:52:00.000-07:00

I'm writing this post to address two topics I've been asked to discuss - tonights full moon 3/19/11 and the mercury retrograde coming up.

First, yes, we have an unusual moon this evening - just check out the currents in Santa Cruz - crazy waves and not just the aftershocks of the tsunami. This moon is the largest full moon in nearly 20 years so the dramatic visual effect will be awe-inspiring for those who can view it. Per the physical affects, the moon affects water in curious waves and if we think of water as an element that gives a glimpse of our emotions, we may wish to take some deep breaths today:)

We are very connected to the moon cycles and this sort of moon creates a current that we will feel and see affecting those around us. This moon is affecting the earth energy in a very positive way. From what I'm seeing, with all that has occurred across the ocean, this moon is actually in some ways attempting a clearout to do some rebalancing. This may give us a couple of days this week of calmer energy - though with the mercury retrograde period begun, we may not feel this go as deeply as it could. The earth and sun signs are going to feel the positive calm the most with water signs feeling a little off from it actually.

Per Mercury Retrograde starting 3/30/11

For more on Retrograde, view my website and go to astrocurrents, there is an explanation toward the bottom of the page.

This mercury retrograde started pulling energy already even though it hasn't officially begun so if things started feeling haywire the past week and decision making was off, this may have been part of it. While usually merc retros have a strong technology influence, this one seems to have more of a life instance connection than usual. What I mean is, daily events may have some twists and turns including dramatic closures and openings. For example, your favorite coffee shop may close unexpectedly for a month or the house you have been wanting for years may suddenly drop dramatically in price - yes, mercury retrograde CAN create a better situation for many things too. Also, I'm seeing a cognitive aspect for this one so thinking may feel a little hazy, like easy decisions are feeling difficult for no reason or like your intuition and your head aren't connecting.

Too often, people think of mercury retrograde as a challenging time in a negative way. I try to focus on being nonreactive and using laughter as my medium. Then when the unusual events happen I can learn from them and shift my focus without getting caught up in it.

Honestly, this is a GREAT retrograde to practice non-attachment because WITH the inconsistencies there is some amazing energy for creating something new this month and this year so if you chose to watch the challenges as guides for shifting your focus, you may just end up with a new job, a new home or even a new relationship (though honestly, this retrograde isn't pulling much on new relationships but maybe shifting your current one or opening to new avenues to meet people could be useful).

Another thing to notice is this retrograde is in Aries, now that may make a few people cringe but honestly, this energy is all about learning how to use fire instead of burning out. What I mean is when someone does something and you feel your inner fire rise in reaction, take a moment, take a deep breath and ask yourself what you want from the situation, then respond instead of reacting. That is learning to use the fire, instead of being a slave to it. If you don't take personally responsibility this month, this aries retrograde may burn you out a bit so make sure to take care of yourself.

Remember that while the retrograde official period runs the 30th to the 23rd of April, the 10 days prior and the 6-8 days after can also be affected and the start and end will be the strongest times. I would really advise you to get your taxes done sooner rather than later.

Hope that quick update helps and I'll be headed back to Astrocurrents soon. While traveling I've taken a hiatus from my monthly newsletter so keep checking my blog for now:)

Hugs,

Jen

Reducing the Effects of EMF From Cell Phone Usage

2011-03-13T22:01:00.000-07:00

I do realize in writing this article many people may respond in various ways, and I’m good with that. I’ve been what I would term electromagnetically sensitive for many years and I don’t consider it a bad thing. As an energy worker and intuitive, I see and feel what happens when I’m on a cell phone and as such, I’ve tried many things to shift the energy. I’ve blown up a few phones doing so – honestly kinda fun though a little expensive – and it’s been so worth it. Ask me how many computer’s I’ve blown up, not quite as funny which is part of why this topic became important to me beyond the healing realm.

In a perfect world, we would find a healthier option than cell phones. I can’t put my blackberry to my head anymore at all - I physically feel the vibration in a very heavy and negative way in my pituitary area and frontal lobe. I always use the speaker on my phone and I’ve tested other phones but the more complex the phones get, the stronger they emit electromagnetic frequencies and so nowadays, it is difficult to find one that I would willingly put to my head. I’m still working on it and will update this article when I do find an option I agree with.

In this article, because I love options (my clients are now smiling as that is probably my favorite phrase) I’m not just going to slam the phone industry because honestly, I truly believe most people don’t feel cell phones are a problem and until they actually experience the effects of it, they aren’t going to change. So instead of ranting, I’m going to offer you 10 things you can do to keep yourself healthy without buying anything external such as phone chips, etc.(I am currently testing some options for people and a couple look promising but I am going to take the time to test them and make sure I am confident in them before mentioning them on my site as I’ve already spent over $600 testing headsets and been very disappointed. I don’t want to refer you to something that doesn’t work). I’m also going to offer some specific things for teens and pregnancy.

1) Use the speaker as much as possible on your cell phone and hold the phone as far away as possible while you have a conversation. I realize this may not be possible for calls in airports or when the call needs to be private but most of the time you are alone or in a car and could use the speaker – use it.

2) Text instead of calling. I’m a big fan of texting instead of calling people for short messages. It keeps the phone away from my head and gets the message through.

3) Use a corded – not cordless – phone at home. Cordless phones emit nearly as much or even more of these EMF fields than cell phones. I realize it’s old school but I don’t think old school is a bad thing…I could go on and on about liking old school but that is probably another discussion altogether ;)

4) NEVER have a cell phone ON in your bedroom during sleep. This one is for teens especially – did you know some teens sleep with their cell phone on under their pillow to get texts at night? Having a cell phone on by your bed while you sleep – or in my opinion, anything electric – my clock is across the room (which also forces me to get up if I need to set an alarm) – will interrupt sleep cycles and can also interrupt menstral cycles so turn it off and keep it away from your head.

5) Get rid of the blue tooth and honestly, most headsets, as they just bring the emf closer to your head. Now this is something I’ve personally tested and I’ve tested a lot of the so-called air-tube headsets too (these were supposedly made to eliminate the EMF problem and in my opinion, the energy becomes stronger due to the fact that these are constructed using a combination of materials that cause a shift.) Truth is, a blue tooth is just as bad as the cell phone and the headsets can be worse so bottom line, stick to the speaker.

6) Try to keep calls on cell phones as short as possible and let the person know you will call them back from a land line shortly.

7) If you are pregnant, REALLY limit and/or just eliminate cell phone use altogether except for emergency situations.

8) Take enough zinc to balance the brain. The amount is whatever you feel is right for you. I take 50mcg of chelated zinc 4-5x per week but that is way too much for some people and too little for others so this is a personal topic to explore .

9) Now I know this may seem odd but studies have shown that weaker signals cause more cell damage. What this means for you is if your signal is weak, your phone has to work harder to connect so it may best to turn it off.

10) Limit use when you are in situations – such as on planes and in conference rooms – where many, many people are on cell phones in close vicinity to you. ESPECIALLY turn yours off on planes. I’m going to get a little unusual for a moment but I tested this several times recently. I had my cell phone off on the plane and when I turned it on when we landed – a few minutes after everyone else did – I felt a definite energy shift and it didn’t feel good. There was a test done years ago that said that charge of all of the cell phones going on at once is a jolt to the system and coupled with the way the plane is constructed, the combined signals are much stronger. I wonder with in-plane internet now as well how it will be for people. Anytime you are in these situations with a lot of cell phones around you, please drink plenty of water, your skin and energy levels will love you for it.

11) And I’m going to give you one extra just because I like you. If you are using your cell phone in your car, crack the window as it will allow the signal to transmit just a bit faster and eliminate the challenge I mention in #10.

Also, remember that just by caring enough about yourself to try to limit the exposure, you are shifting your energy. This article is not about fear, it's about empowerment.

Let me know how you do!!!

Hugs,

Jen

Message of Love and Light

2011-03-11T22:11:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Today was a startling day for many as the combination earthquake/tsunami tore the fabric of Japan and touched the lives of people around the world. Being in Santa Cruz right now, I stood at the cliffs and watched the amazing enormous waves, a reminder of what occurred just this morning. The power of those waves, crashing against the cliffs(which I still hear fiercely flowing now a mile away from my window), at once powerful and beautiful, brought with them the energy of the tragedies that occurred overseas. I closed my eyes and saw the devastation as I listened to the waves and cried for them.

I sat with what I could do in that instant to help and was guided to the following meditation. I offer it to all of you. There are so many ways to offer assistance, hope and love. This is one.

Practice for Healing - NOTE this can be used to send love to anyone.

1 - Sit comfortably with your spine gently erect and your hands on your legs palms up.

2 - Breathe deeply in through your nose and out through your mouth, gently, with long, deep, satisfying breaths.

3 - As you breath, please imagine the breath going in through your nose, building energy in your heart and then releasing any stuck energy on the exhale out the mouth.

4 - Continue this as you feel your heart opening and becoming stronger and brighter at the same time. When it feels completely full, continue and now imagine that fueling the breath is light from above coming in through the seventh chakra (top of the head, center) and joining with the inhale, as if Spirit is fueling and giving you more than enough of neverending love and light.

5 - As you continue now imagine your heart overflowing and sending love and light to those who have been harmed by this event.

6 - Imagine every breath of love and light grows and grows as it travels as if you had the power of hundreds of hearts.

7 - Now imagine thousands of people throughout the world doing the same, sending their love and prayers so the entire region fills with that love and light.

8 - Now imagine people loving you this deeply too sending you the loving light so that it becomes a circle of giving and receiving as it is meant to be.

9 - As you complete the practice, come back to steps 1-3 and continue until you feel ready to complete for the moment.

May you know just how much each of you are loved and may we all remember how blessed we are for the ability to give and receive love, hope and assistance to others.

Feel free to forward this note to those you feel may be helped by it.

Much love,

Jenifer

The Practice and Process of Non-attachment

2010-10-15T17:16:00.000-07:00

I've been in a state of deep awareness and non-attachment lately. Today was a true practice of that for me as I moved out of an office that I spent a decade manifesting.

It was an interesting experience, watching myself letting go not only of the space, but also of the expectations I held about what the space meant and my own identity attachment to it that was no longer there. When I first moved into that space, there was a feeling of a need to create something bigger. Bigger than I had created. A space where people could come and learn and grow. I had an attachment to the size of the space back then, the size of it had meaning for me in that a larger space somehow offered the ability to hold a larger space filled with love and healing.

In the past two years, as my energy and attachment toward the space slowly released, I saw the beliefs toward the need for a large space letting go too. The realization that in fact I no longer even needed a building to offer my work and the allowing for the universe to show me the next 'space' that would offer learning, growth and healing on my path for both myself and for those whose lives I'm so blessed to be a part of in my work. One great lesson was that the love I hold for others wasn't about the space, it was about my heart and no matter where I work, be it by phone, skype or in person, that true love I feel will come through.

Another lesson I've learned is that in the place I am in on my path, it is less about seeking the perfect space and more about being in the space I'm in fully. Less about the surroundings needing to be a certain way, and more about the people and my energies aligning.

I'm still sitting with this as I spend the next couple of months here in Pennsylvania and prepare for my next spacial journey back to California. I'm sure I'll be learning more and more about letting go, moving onward and loving even more as I move forward.

Namaste

Jenifer

Understanding Unconscious Conflict

2010-04-07T17:51:00.000-07:00

How often have we ended up arguing with someone we care about only to feel badly about it later? This article will offer some food for thought on how to look at conflict and turn it around to build stronger relationships. I encourage you to share this article with those you are having difficulty with and hope that together, you find ways to communicate that fulfill you.

Old Memories, Current Conflicts

What if I told you one of the main reasons that you argue with people is that they do something or say something that reminds you unconsciously of something that happened in the past. Something that your unconscious mind created a belief about.
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Let's look at an example. I worked with a couple recently that was having problems. The husband, we'll call him Joe, believed his spouse, we'll call her Jesse, was cheating in the relationship and it was causing great distress to both of them. The accused partner, Jesse, couldn't believe that the topic was even on the table as she believed there was no reason for it. They had been married for over 14 years and never had they had issues of this nature come up. It was really out of her realm of consciousness to even consider this.

The husband, Joe, had come from a family where his mother at one point in his teens began to work late often. Eventually they found out that she was cheating on his father and the two divorced (not amicably). This was the situation that was coming up for him unconsciously when arguing now with his spouse.

The wife's parents were and had always been happily married. Adultery had never been a topic brought up in her home and she had never considered it, ever.

Recently the wife had been working late and forgetting to call home due to stress at her office. When this began her partner feared she was now cheating (ie. the old memories came into his consciousness and affected current thinking patterns - causing him to make connections where they weren't valid).

The arguments went like this. Jesse would have a problem at work and have to work late. She would call home at around 3 to let Joe know. (Joe's mom used to call Joe after school on evenings she would work late so this fed his underlying insecurities by being around the same time.) Joe would pace around when he got home from work waiting for the 6:00 call they had agreed on. Jesse would forget to call until 6:45 or 7 and when she would call, Joe would be furious and accusatory. Jesse was already under great amounts of stress at work and couldn't understand how he could be so angry over only 45 minutes to an hour, especially when there was nothing on hold (such as dinner, etc.) and then would be angry with Joe. By the time she got home later that night, tired and frustrated, they weren't speaking and would just go to bed angry. Jesse would feel unsupported with all of her stress at work and Joe would feel scared he was losing his wife to another man and at the same time mad that she didn't understand him. Both misunderstanding the other's deeper feelings, and both hurting and loving each other.

Once the reality of why he was fearing adultery came up in session, we were able to release the old event from Joe's unconscious and take the current event on it's own merit. Then he realized there really was no reason to be fearful because Jesse loved him dearly and she was just feeling overwhelmed the few times she forgot to call at their scheduled time. Once the old situation was released from the unconscious there was no underlying belief to cloud his judgment and more rational thinking came into play. Joe realized how much Jesse needed him right now and Jesse was able to see how her forgetting to call was causing him distress. Joe decided to do more around the house to help Jesse out and, now that it made sense to her why he was so mad, Jesse made a commitment to always call when she said she would.
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This sort of situation comes up all the time and creates much of the conflict I see in session with couples and individuals. We need to realize that our past affects our present and future, unless we consciously choose to be present to our emotions and take the time to release limiting beliefs.

I also think it's important to take the time to see other's points of view as we can all learn new options from each other. That is part of why we are here, isn't it?

I hope you found value from this article and find it assists you in creating stronger, more fruitful relationships.

Blessings,

Jenifer Shapiro

Winter Solstice Message

2009-12-19T11:38:00.000-08:00

What is the Winter Solstice?

The winter solstice is upon us today and while I hadn't planned on sending a solstice message, I felt called to this morning. Winter solstice is technically the shortest day of the year and the time when the energy shifts from the gradual expansion of nights and shortening of days. The actual timing of the start of the shift is around lunchtime (I believe it's 12:47pm EST to be exact and 9:47am for those on the west coast) on the east coast this Monday the 21st so you may wish to say a prayer during this time.
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For more on the mercury retrograde also occurring now, click here.

Flow of Darkness to Light

As I sit here, watching the snow blanket the earth outside my window, I'm reminded of the flow of the season. Somehow being snowed in so close to the solstice seems completely appropriate. To be forced, gently by nature, to take the day off and feel the quiet ensue with the endless snow. A flow that unfortunately, many of us fight. This flow, if we look more closely at the meaning of this winter solstice, is the flow of not only of movement to stillness, but also an exploration of the metaphysical change from darkness to light that we are welcomed into in the winter months.
So often, we fight darkness of any kind, trying to cling to what we think is light. Part of this is because we often think of darkness as difficulty or heaviness. Yet this limits our experience of life. Darkness is not bad just as light isn't good. Everything is and has it's place in the cycle of life.

When we fight any aspect of this nature of dark and light, we fight a part of ourselves as well. Trying to hold up light all the time can become exhausting and perfectionistic. Learning to flow through challenges is key. There are many ways to do this.

For additional empowering articles, click here.

Learning from the Struggle
I wonder if (and many of my clients are smiling at these three words I speak so often), as one option for flowing through struggle, we could instead of fighting the challenges, learn the lessons within our struggle. When the 'darkness' comes in, be it as an internal or external challenge, we could look to it as a teacher and ask from it what it offers us. Does the darkness offer a time of more solitude and quiet space? Have we been working so hard we lost our joy or fighting so hard for something we think we need we haven't looked around us at new opportunities? Are we out of balance and spending so much time on one area of our life that we forget the abundance in other areas? Do we need to rest more right now or do we need to use the nighttime for creation of something completely new? Could we use some help on our journey and do we need to learn how to find assistance?

Gift of Hibernation and Expanding Energies

Let us not forget as well that that this time of year is one of hibernation for many species and one of reflection for human beings. Allow yourself to use this earth invitation to go deeper within and take some time for quiet reflection.
Along with this solstice, people can feel that there have been some interesting energies flowing the past several months. We are moving toward a more expanded time of existence. Any time there is a deep change like this, people will begin to experience new psychological, physical, spiritual and interpersonal ideas and events that may at times be unsettling.

Many have felt out of control with all that is going on, not understanding that we are all connected to the changes occurring and may feel them without knowing how to explain it. Yet unsettling isn't 'bad', it's new. We may need a new map for what is occurring now and that is perfectly ok. To flow means to allow for flexibility in our existence, making new maps as we go sometimes. This is actually what living is, we just forget sometimes and try to make things 'easier' with limits and distractions. The flow of life, while not as certain, is actually easier once we get the hang of it. Kind of a little spiritual secret, like meditation, that can only be understood through the experience.

Yin/Yang and Personal Joy
At this time of year, the darkness is critical to the new expansion of light. The yin/ yang system at work once again reminding us that without the darkness to release and renew us, there is no light. So often we create such an attachment to what we perceive as the light that we burn ourselves out. We crave to feel good in the light, almost becoming addicted to it. Yet it is the balance of both doing and non-doing that allows us to truly feel bliss and to feel connected to our lives and one another. Living in the flow means being less attached to feeling good momentarily, and more aligned with being who we are as that is where the true contentment comes in. Aligning our values, our truths, our deeper needs and our energies with our path while listening to the lessons of our lives and taking intentional action when necessary to fulfill our goals/needs. That is the path to joy.

Thoughts on Practice

I encourage each of you to use this solstice for personal reflection and restorative rest. Spend some time watching the snow for no reason, sitting in a chair and writing in a journal. Breathing. Living without needing to be something or do something. This is part of the flow, part of life. Living in doing all the time needs the balance of non-doing. As I like to say, take a snow day - or even a 'snow morning'. We all need them and deserve them as human beings living our lives fully. Not every moment needs to be pushed into creation, sometimes, the most valuable moments are those of allowing creation to occur all around us.
The next newsletter will be out shortly with some exciting astrocurrents and holistic/spiritual/empowerment offerings for 2010!

If you would like to be added to the newsletter list, let me know!

Wishing you light, joy and self-love in each moment.

Happy holidays,

Jenifer Shapiro
The Empowerment Centre, LLC

Quote that makes me think and breathe

2009-09-08T12:30:00.000-07:00

I read a quote today by Larry King that I felt said it right:

"I remind myself every morning: Nothing that I say this day will teach me anything. So if I'm going to learn, I must do it by listening."

Wishing you a day of learning.

Jenifer

Being Happy and Choices

2009-06-07T13:52:00.001-07:00

We all hear people say that happiness is a choice. Yet that isn't always as clear to explain as it sounds.

For me, it doesn't mean to negate reality and not feel the pain life can bring, it actually means the opposite. It means to LIVE my life fully I need to accept and embrace all of the emotions and realities of life AND choose my path, responses and where I wish to put my energy. It means when the car behind me is driving a bit too close, rather than emit more anger by slowing down to control him, holding my own on a speed that works for me regardless of what is behind me. Letting myself breathe and remembering who I want to be rather than living in the reactive space of letting other's actions control my behavior.

Being happy IS a choice, actually, it's consistent choices and with each one we make that lives by our values and hearts, we will be happy.

I wish you joy,

Jenifer

Thought on Responsible Language in Healthcare

2008-12-01T13:23:00.000-08:00

When a person goes into a doctor’s office, a shift often occurs. They become a patient. Think of that word for a moment – patient. Funny as that rarely describes the experience. When I ask my clients what happens when they walk into a doctors office, they usually tell me fear comes up and they dread meeting with the doctor for fear that they won’t be heard or will be told something that will scare them. How is that healthcare?

Doctors, healers and all of those who work with others need to realize that their words have power beyond the scope that they should and they need to take responsibility for that power. Let's look at how to speak gently and how to use our words as well as our thoughts and actions for healing and empowerment.

Understanding Trauma

2008-11-21T05:23:00.000-08:00

I work with many people who have found themselves in deep states of trauma. I say 'found themselves' because trauma is not something we often see the path to, it's a state of being that is often, in itself, traumatic.

Trauma to the unconscious mind can be many things to many people. One aspect that I see for many is that things just 'don't make sense' or things that used to be nothing seem overwhelming. When someone is in a state of trauma - or post traumatic stress as is commonly referred to today as PSTD - they are not really themselves. They are not making the decisions or speaking or living in the way that is truly themselves. We as healers need to realize this. If someone is in a traumatic state, trying to reason the way out of it isn't usually useful. We need to listen, deeply listen, to where to person is and help them find their way to heal that part that feels so out of control and was pushed too far.

Having had traumatic experiences myself, I know first hand how hard it is to explain the feeling of being that disconnected, that outside of oneself, to someone that doesn't understand it. It can seem hopeless at times, trust me, it's not hopeless. You CAN find your home again and this time, you can learn from the experience and find yourself changed and stronger than before. The key is understanding your boundaries and learning that as we get older, we need to build our inner resources as much as our outer resources. Inner resiliency is extremely important, especially in a world so focused on building fear. Building these states of resiliency is something that can happen over time and big jumps can be made in an instant. Knowing your resources is key. If I'm working with someone with trauma or deep stress states, I know I can use a combination of mind, body and nutrition/homeopathy to help them come back home within. Trauma is not a mind OR body state, it is a mindbody state where the entire being goes into fight or flight. It needs to be treated as such, and the whole person, whole being if you will, needs to be respected and held in a safe space in the process.

I wish you all the space to heal, grow and love.

Enjoy your Friday.

Jenifer

Colder Weather - Staying Healthy During the Seasons

2008-10-22T14:52:00.000-07:00

Brrrrr....It's sure getting colder in PA today. I am not a winter person and this weather reminds me of that. As the seasons change, so do our bodies. Did you know that dehydration rises during the winter months for most people?

While many think that we need more water in the summer, truth is, we actually need just as much if not more in the winter. Dry heat blowing at home, in the car and at work along with the winter chill can cause dehydration so don't forget the water! Also, drinking water alone (ie. not with meals) means it can go directly where it needs to without being mixed with food so it's best to drink water between means instead to get full benefits.

Full benefits of hydrating yourself include - feeling less stressed, mood elevation, enhanced digestion and the energy to play 'chase' with those little ones (ok, maybe that is just me, I do have three adorable nephews with a lot of energy!).

Too Much Supplementation

2008-10-16T13:21:00.000-07:00

How many of you take supplements? Did you know that you could actually be ingesting too much of a nutrient by taking it every day? When people come to my office with a bag of what they are taking, on average, 70% of the nutrients they are taking they test negative for. That means 70% of what they are taking they either don't need or is causing them harm.

Example: A gentleman came in with arthritic problems and a bag of supplements. One of the supplements was a so called neuro-enhancer. It contained what it termed nutrition for the nervous system. Part of what this nutrition was was an herb called ma huang - better known in the western world as an ephedra derivative (technically, ephedra sinica). I tested him and AS I WAS TESTING HIM, he started having the pain he came in to get help for. He stopped taking it and I gave him a homeopathic to balance his system and walla - no more arthritic problems.

My point is, it's not always that you are missing something, just as often, you need to let something go.

A favorite quote - Herman Hesse

2008-10-12T15:18:00.000-07:00

From the book, Reflections, by Herman Hesse

"Spirit and soul, intellect and feeling are inseparable and interdependent; anyone who overestimates and overcultivates one at the expense of the other, or worse, in conflict with the other, is aiming at the half rather than the whole.

It is amusing to note that the pure intellectual, for all the aptness and acuteness of his judgments, soon grows tiresome. And the lofty enthusiasts of feeling, the poetic specialists of the heart soon grow equally tiresome. A nobel intellect that relies on itself alone and feeling reduced to its own resources both lack a dimension. We see this in daily life and in politics; in art it is still more evident."

What is good for humans is not always good for animals

2008-10-10T17:59:00.000-07:00

We need to realize that what is healthy for us is not always healthy for our animals. Case in point, a 'healthy' sweetener - xylitol - is so toxic for your dog that you might not even get him to the vet before it's too late if he ingests it.

Click here for a full article on the subject.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/
2007-03-18-xylitol-sweetener_N.htm

Let's take care of our animals the way we would our children - recognizing that their bodies don't necessarily process foods like we do and we need to be gentle with them.

Big hug

2008-10-07T11:25:00.000-07:00

Sometimes all anyone needs is a hug through the phone. Loving words and a loving heart. Not reasons or judgments - just the feeling that someone is there to hold them regardless of why or what for. Here's a big hug today...just because.

The Reason

2008-10-03T19:29:00.001-07:00

Someone asked me today why I do so many things. Why I offer a newsletter, a blog, and various other things that are free. Why not charge people for these things or stop doing them altogether. I felt sad for my friend. You see, I do these things because I enjoy them. I love to share what I have learned with others. I love to do the newsletter every month and offer thoughts people might find useful on my blog. I love meeting new people through this work and learning from all of you as well. I do this in the present moment...and if at some point this is no longer fun, I will find something else that is. That to me, is life.

Wishing you the successful exploration of your own fun.

Blessings, Jenifer

The Power of Silence

2008-09-30T20:59:00.001-07:00

In a world so focused on getting it 'right' and getting things done, I feel we often forget that listening is an option. When was the last time you let another person talk until there was silence? When was the last time you had a conversation where you felt completely heard and understood? Can you be silent in the presence of another person without itching to converse? Do you know the difference between reacting to what another person says and responding to it without judgment (hint).

What would the world be like if instead of constantly trying to be understood or agreed with, we spent our energy on being present and listening in calm silence to those we connect with each day. The power of silence is in your hands, and mine. I look forward to listening to you sometime - and maybe even responding after a brief silence:)

On Mantras for Meditation and Living

2008-09-29T19:37:00.000-07:00

A definition of a mantra is "that which protects the mind". There are over a million mantras and they are used for many things. The basic reason to use a mantra is to shift something as a mantra shifts energy and creates new vibrations. Some use mantras to change their external world, others to change their internal world. We will focus on the internal use of mantra.

To use a mantra in meditation, you must first choose the mantra and then decide how to use it. When you chant a mantra inwardly or outwardly you are charging your whole body with the energy of the mantra.

A Mantra Meditation Practice

The So Hum Mantra (So = Higher consciousness Hum = Individual Self)

So-hum is a Sanskrit mantra that means "I am that," beyond limitation of mind and body: It can also be translated as "I am one with the Absolute."

I am choosing this mantra for practice this month because it is a mantra which is naturally occurring through the breath of every living being and, therefore, seems fitting for the season. It is also one of my favorite mantras and easy to use anytime.

Practicing the Mantra

To practice this as a mediation practice, begin by sitting quietly with your back gently erect either on the floor or on the edge of a chair.

Set a timer for the amount of time you wish to practice. To begin, 10 minutes is a good amount.

As you sit, take a few deep breaths and let yourself settle into your body.

Then, begin to recite the mantra inwardly or outwardly saying 'so' each time we breath in and "hum" each time we exhale.

Now begin to bring it into your body and each time you inhale 'so' feel the energy going up your spine and each time you exhale 'hum', feel it going down your spine. This is your practice and anytime you feel your mind wander, come 'home' to the mantra.

You may end your practice by giving thanks for the practice and allowing yourself to sit in the beautiful energy it emits, or, as I like to do, 'sitting in your heart' for a while.

I hope you enjoy your meditation practice and the mantra.

Blessings,

Jenifer

Clearing the Liver Naturally

2008-09-28T19:47:00.000-07:00

People are always asking me about 'detoxing'. Did you know the word detox is actually a marketing word, not a medical one? Scary isn't it. We have a market that has been established on that word and it's a marketing term.

The body actually has some powerful ways to cleanse itself every moment of every day. If you would like to do a simple, effective liver flush each day, all you need is a fresh organic lemon and clean hot water. First thing every morning squeeze 1/4 lemon in the boiling water, drink it and don't eat or drink anything else for 30 minutes. I can nearly guarantee (based on your unique situation of course), that you will feel better after one week. This helps some with constipation as well.

For more on natural health and cleansing, see my website.

What Is Power?

2008-09-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

Power is a popular buzzword today and one that invokes various responses. Some view power as leading to corruption, others as a means of manifesting. I believe thoughts on power are so diverse because the true meaning of the word is misinterpreted.

Power is often confused with the notion of force. Force is actually nothing like power. Force means a pushing of energy over an object. It’s an opposition, animalistic in nature. With force, there is an opposer and this opposer is focused on invoking a change usually in their favor. Basically force is focused outwardly on the outcome and obtaining a victory of sorts. As you can probably tell, force is more of a mental activity as it contains strategy as well as intention.

Power on the other hand is much more of a heart-centered activity. Power is a state of being with an inward focus. It’s an energy of fullness and contentment from which you can live already complete, without the need for manipulations that are forceful in nature. A powerful being is calm, loving, generous and kind because there are no underlying needs that drive them beyond what is. Power is a healing state as well because when you’re fully in your power and you are not in the state of need you are in the state of being healed already.

From a shamanic perspective, this powerful state is where you can work from and what you worked warrants. Power loss creates illness on many levels and regaining your power heals on many levels. For example Power Animals are those animals who offer you a loving energy based on their own unique gifts to assist you in reclaiming your own gifts.

To see how it differently the shamanic path views true power, look at the aspect of power in relationships. While the dictionary terms power with an underlying force, shamanic healers view it as the basis of true love beyond manipulations. When two beings are in their power, they are able to connect in such a way that a relationships – ie. what happens when two beings choose to relate to each other – can occur from a place of inner strength where neither being needs anything and the two can actually enjoy each other without stigma, unstated needs or feelings of inferiority which occur when one feels less than another due to lack of power.

When you are in your power fully and the trappings of the mind are released, you can be fully with another and allow that connection to come from the present moment, embracing each other for who you are now, rather than old beliefs of who they once were or you believed they were when you were in pain and they weren’t enough to heal you.

Imagine the possibilities for honest, clear, loving relationships if we all came from that place of power. Imagine how light and open we would feel if we trusted in that.

I wish you all the opportunity to be fully in your power and in your heart.

May you walk your unique path and find the many blessings it already holds.

In Light, Jenifer

2008-09-25T16:48:00.001-07:00

Giving Each Other A Break

2008-09-25T15:50:00.000-07:00

What would the world be like if we gave each other a break.

What if, instead of assuming that someone is trying to hurt us, we take the stance that perhaps they misunderstood, or perhaps we did. Honestly, it's very rare that someone ACTUALLY tries to hurt someone else.

What would your day be like if you assumed the best in people?

Let's take a gentler approach to life. We just might find that what we put out there, comes back to us tenfold. Amazing how that still works.

New Face of NLP

2008-09-23T09:38:00.001-07:00

As a student of NLP for about 24 years, I've found that I use aspects of NLP every day in life and in practice. This coming year I've decided to hold a new form of an NLP training that reflects a more holistic bent on the old methods.

I was speaking with a colleague about the upcoming NLP training and he asked why I didn't just stick with what works. I realized that the mentality of 'sticking with what works' has more than one side to it. I am a believer that if something isn't broken, sometimes you don't need to fix it - however, I don't think life is that simple. I believe upgrading can save time and create a more inventive and reflective life. Where would we be if people thought books were enough and never invented computers? Where would we be if we 'stopped' at cars and never invented trains, planes or telephones? I believe that there are times to leave things as they are, and I believe their are times to change and grow into new and even better options.

That is the New NLP that I'm teaching. Upgraded, inventive, useful in today's way of living. Like upgrading your brain and the mind-body connection.

Hope you can join us for the classes and/or the training.

Blessings,

Jenifer

Teacher VS Guru

2008-09-22T08:48:00.000-07:00

I've never been a follower. I've always walked my own path. As a teacher and healer I've always encouraged all clients and students to learn from the work and teachings and recognize that I am a human being on my own path which may not coincide with theirs at times, and other times may coincide.

I find a natural inclination for many to attach to something that is attractive for them and lose themselves to the teacher/guru of the teaching. From my perspective, this misses the point of the teaching. It is the TEACHING that is attractive, the package or form it comes in may or may not be attractive and if we get stuck in the package, we miss the teaching.

I met another teacher recently who was a bit 'puffed up' from ego. She said she had the 'right way' for this particular method and spent much of her time downplaying the other teachers of the method saying they didn't know their stuff like she did.

As a teacher of alternative methods myself, I felt uncomfortable with the way she was acting as if no one could learn the right way unless it was from her.

I offered that my thinking on the subject differed from hers and that I in no way intended to look up to her, or down on her. I intended to look directly at her and assess whether the teaching she was offering suited my curiosity and interests at this time on my path. She immediately dismissed me, almost as if she didn't see me, and moved on to the woman next to me, one of her greatest fans.

I look back now and think, mmm, I don't actually think she did see me as a being who isn't part of her consciousness may never be seen.

The teaching had some interesting aspects which I'm sitting with to see if I align with them. Not sure yet, sometimes my process takes time to gain full clarity.

Blessings to you on your own unique path. Enjoy the day, Jenifer

Power of Pacman

2008-09-17T15:56:00.001-07:00

As a holistic individual, people often view me as someone who would never play a videogame or watch youtube. That is simply not true.

I loved the original computer games. Pong, centipede, asteroids, and my absolute favorite - Pacman. And now I have found a free pacman online that I'd like to share...it doesn't require anything more than your keyboard to play and it works really well.

http://www.theempowermentcentre.com/Links.htm

Let me know what you think!

Jenifer

Bluebirds and Butterflies

2008-09-15T09:54:00.000-07:00

What an amazing day here in PA. It's one of those days when you feel the earth breathing as if nature is holding a conversation directly with you.

I walked out on my deck and there was a beautiful sparrow who had built it's nest in my flowerpot. I sat with her as she sat on her nest for a bit, side by side, taking in the beauty of the day thinking what a gift life is.

When the earth turns to fall, I love to feel everything start to settle in. I also find my body starts to move naturally to foods that are a bit 'earthier' - like carrots and beets and greens. Such a natural connection our bodies make when we take a moment to listen.

I wonder what message your body and this day will give you if you take a moment and ask - what do you need today. It may sound odd but in a world where thinking often takes precedent over feeling - you might find your body actually has something it's been trying to tell you about.

Enjoy the bluebirds and butterflies. Until next time, Blessings, Jenifer

Back to Blogging

2008-09-14T18:34:00.001-07:00

It's been a long time since I've written here. A lot has been going on this year and I've been making a lot of changes. One which may have led you here today is that I've decided after years of running Holistic Hometown and The Empowerment Centre sites seperately to merge them. I believe it is important to consolidate resources to make the most out of your time and I've realized that separately, I simply can't manage both sites the way I want to and together, I can. At least I'm going to do my best. And this is going to give me time to keep creating, which is what I thrive on and need more of right now.

Being in the holistic health field, people often think I relax a lot. Actually, I'm kind of a type A holistic person sometimes, consistently reminding myself that meditating and yoga alone are not enough. I'm the type of person that needs the key seven ingredients of health in my life - love of good people, outdoors, healthy food, loving my work, taking care of my body, taking care of my mind, connecting to Spirit, God, guides and whatever you call that magnificent energy of pure love we are so blessed to be open to receiving.

Whenever I'm out of balance, you can bet it's one of those areas. Right now I'm thinking it's taking care of my body so I'm off to bed. Sleep well. I'll look forward to updating this blog much more often now that I have more time on my hands:) Blessings, Jen

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2008-01-08T09:22:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

I hope you are all enjoying the new year thus far. In January it's such a great time to release the old and bring in the new. Focusing on what you want instead of what you don't want will help you start the new year off right, here are some tips and tricks for clearing out the old closets of life.

1) Make a list of those in your life that bring you joy and love and send them a card telling them how much they mean to you.

2) Make a card for yourself supporting you for the wonderful things that you are!

3) Take 3 trash bags and go to your closets, toss 3 bags of ANYTHING you don't use or need. Fill to the brim!

4) Make a 5 MUST DO list for the new year. What are the top 5 things that if you did them you would free up thinking/ruminating energy for your life and health?

5) Taking care of you. How can you take the best care of you mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially, career-wise, relationship-wise this year?

6) What lessons did you learn last year that you don't want to relearn this year:) and what can you do to move forward?!

7) How can you enjoy your life more?

Have a great month and wishing you a beautiful day of sunshine and light!

Jenifer

Fear - a philosophical perspective

2007-03-04T16:10:00.000-08:00

Ok, my philosophy roots are coming back as I was reading Emerson and the following came to mind.

We've become fearful as a society. Fearful of 'living' our lives. In living, we have the entire vibration of life. Not just what feels good or looks right to the societal standards. In living we get to actually try things out, play with them and find our way through practice but somewhere along the way practice got lost and the demand for perfection became a prerequisite and it's scary to think you aren't allowed to learn something unless you are in school. There is no way we can know everything without trying things out. To say you do means you are actually simply taking something for granted, either you are taking anothers words as truth or you are guessing because the only way you can know something is real is to experience it and in experiencing something for the first time, while you can estimate, you cannot KNOW the outcome until AFTER the experience. Allowing yourself to experience this process of experience allows you to LIVE instead of trying to control life.

In living a life there isn't fear because what is there to be fearful of if you allow yourself the time to experience something and THEN make a decision. When that occurs even challenges become opportunities. Each challenge becoming a learning.

When we try to stop things to make sure everything is perfect we end up in stress because life is moving whether we want it to or not. Like water, life will flow and if we try to hold it tight in our hands, while at times we may be able to create a damn to temporarily hold it up, eventually it will overflow and then we will be faced with all that pressure that has built up when we could have chosen to swim in the river of life and allow it to lead us. It's so much less pressure.

Also, when we allow life to be lived, we realize that we are not beings in one time, but beings in all times. What I mean is we are not our past, our present or our future. We are in fact all of these and when we realize that, we get to see the multi-dimensional life. We get to see how our present is affected by how we experienced our past and choose whether that works for us or not. We also get to craft our future and change it when we see our view isn't what we really want, or what we want anymore as we get to be flexible in our lives and stop holding to one way. As life flows, we can change as well. What I liked yesterday may not be what I like today and instead of fearing that, I get to explore it like a scientist endeavoring on new behaviors that I get to choose.

So lets learn to release the fear. The fear that searches for control in an uncontrollable world. The fear that leads to the insatiable cravings for an unerred existence when life IS learning, therefore, there will be times when things aren't perfect. Actually, perfection in itself can become imperfect :). The clutching to a perfect life means pushing away illness and emotions as only controlled passions can allow for a sense of control and sickness is scary as well. Where is the LIFE in that? And what happens when things fall apart? Where is the existence in that?

This month I challenge you to choose to LIVE!

Instead of trying to hold it all together, what if you let things happen and watched your life unfold? What if you enjoyed the experience of choosing each day a new and releasing the need to make sense of life, or of yourself. You just might find some new aspects of YOU that you find interesting to explore. Explore away!

I wish you freedom. The freedom to laugh, freedom to embrace the Self and all it's quirks and temperments, the freedom to be human - and enjoy the ride.

Blessings, Jenifer

Energy and the Mind

2007-02-13T07:26:00.000-08:00

I was working with a holistic practitioner last week who reminded me of the power of the bodymind. We were doing an exercise for releasing a held limited belief structure and suddenly her body shuddered. It was a rather violent shudder and afterwards, she said she felt like she'd released a part of herself. She was standing straighter, feeling and looking brighter, and moving with greater energy and power. The process itself was an NLP mind process that connects deeply with feelings. Going in through the mind, we reached her body's awareness and the release was very physical.

We are amazing bodymindsoul beings and our bodies amazing power to transform our emotions.

See http://www.theempowermentcentre.com/Workshops%20and%20Classes%20for%20Individuals%20and%20Teens.htm for upcoming classes for those interested in learning how this works for yourself!

***For those on snowy regions today, I hope you get time to play:)

The Real Laws of Attraction

2007-01-15T07:28:00.000-08:00

Good morning. Another gym idea this morning.

On the TV at the gym this morning was a woman telling other women how to dress appropriately over age 35. I had to laugh. She was telling 'older' women over 35 to cover themselves more and wear clothing that hides areas of the body because they have to 'compete' with women for 'the same men' in their 20's-early 30's. Wow, if that isn't a limited view on life, and one that I'm hoping those reading this post aren't agreeing with.

Two main points here:

1) I think these comments don't give enough credit to the good men out there who DO want REAL relationships with REAL people and HAVE THEM.

2) It also demonstrates a view of women that I completely disagree with. I believe women get even more attractive as they get older (and 35 is quite young) due to the fact that they get wiser, more solid in their own skin, and more grounded in who they are. A truly attractive woman is one who knows who she is and has a passion for her life.

In watching that show, I was reminded as well how television focuses on exploiting animal desires, not relationships. If you ask me, relationships are a lot more satisfying.

Blessings and Joy,

Jenifer

Power of Perception

2007-01-10T14:15:00.000-08:00

(I received the request to place this on my blog by my client as long as I didn't state her name. I would NEVER offer this much information otherwise but she really felt compelled that it might help others and I of course believe in the power of stories to heal.)

I was working with a 14 year old girl a few months ago who was engaging in unhealthy activities that were putting her life in danger. I asked her why, she said - rather flippantly, why not, it doesn't matter and everyone does it.

I took her into a space within herself (using NLP and hypnotherapy) where everyone DIDN'T do it. I asked her to look at how she would feel engaging in those behaviors if NO ONE ELSE DID. I watched her sit before me, horrified. She said watching herself do that showed her what she was actually doing and changed her way of seeing it. When I asked her if she could see herself engaging in those behaviors again, she said she couldn't even imagine it. It made her feel sick to think about it. She said she didn't even realize she was doing it, that it had been like she was watching someone else during those times.

Since that session, we have worked on developing her sense of self and she has let me know how becoming herself has changed her life. She also tells me stories of what her old friends are doing now and how she can't believe she ever did those things. She struggles at times with the difference, and she said one of the most dramatic changes has been that she feels like when someone says her name now, she actually hear's the call and responds whereas before, she really didn't hear it.

On Being Clear

2007-01-04T17:59:00.000-08:00

I had an interesting conversation today with someone I didn't know. He called me asking for information on my services. I said I'd be happy to discuss this with him and asked if there were specific services he was interested in that I could offer more information on as I offer many services. He said no so I gave him overall information. He stopped me several times as I was talking and kept saying, 'no, not that, what else'. We finally got to what he was interested in and, after several minutes of my attempting to answer a question he didn't quite feel comfortable asking, we figured out what he really wanted and I told him that wasn't something I offer but I'd be happy to refer him to another practitioner. He got very frustrated when I told him I didn't offer what he was asking for and hung up on me.

I sat with that for a while, both to release the energy of it as it wasn't a particularly pleasant conversation, and also for him as he seemed in quite a bit of distress. I prayed for him for various things, mostly, I prayed that he could find within himself the courage to ask for what he wanted. It seemed to me he was so ashamed of what he was asking for that he refused to actually find it. I hope he does.

Thought for the Day

We all have needs and sometimes, asking for what we need is much harder than actually attaining it.

A different way of dealing with differences

2007-01-03T19:00:00.000-08:00

I was reading today about a village in South Africa where, when someone in the community does something out of line, the village gets together, puts the person in the center, and each one tells him something wonderful about him. It could be something the person in the center did, or something they are, something positive in some way. Then, the person is told to stay there and think about it for the rest of the day before being welcomed back as a member of the community.

Thought for the day

What if, rather than focusing on the things we want to change in someone, we focused on what we admire - and let them know.

Link I like

I love that there are different kinds of smiles...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smile

Astro points for Jan 2007

2007-01-02T10:17:00.000-08:00

As promised, a few astro-points for what is going on these days. With Sag energy high, and a few other shifts that occurred the past few weeks, this is a great new year surge for manifesting something new and completing all of the shifts that are needed to get there. It also feels like a quickening of energy for most signs. You may have even felt the past few days like a new person. Some even forgot about 2006 already ;).

So how to use this energy, sit down and get clear on how you want 2007 to look and start sending out good vibes to those around you. Manifesting this year will be on a grander scale for most and those of you who began something in 1995 or thereabouts, note a shift that will feel like that's done and the next phase is on.

Enjoy and have fun! Jenifer

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2007-01-01T10:35:00.000-08:00

Happy new year to all of you!

As many of you know, part of what I do is web design and marketing for holistic businesses, entrepreneurs, non-profits, etc.

Well, this morning I was doing some investigating on top search terms for a client and I found out that for today on a search engine the top search so far was for terrorist names. Now that means that more people are searching for that information today, on the day that is so powerful to set intentions for the new year.

Once again, what are people focusing on.

For today, PLEASE, set your intentions for the new year. You have nothing but possibility ahead of you. Let's stop focusing on fear and start focusing on what matters to you and what you want to see in your life!!! Miracles happen every moment. Let's give them a fighting chance and set the intention for some in your own life!

Blessings! Jenifer

New Year and New Choices

2006-12-31T12:23:00.000-08:00

2007, let's make it a year to remember. A year of change and of opportunity. A year of community. A year of compassionate strength.

Today's Thought

I was at the gym this morning and looked up at the television to see a survey done on CNN of the number of Americans who believed there would be a terrorist attack in 2007. I find this troubling on several levels with the most important one being, what the heck are we focusing on? Come on now! Why not focus on the number of people who believe we will have peace in the new year! As many of us have realized, what we focus on is what we create.

I'd like to set up a new poll. How many of those out there believe that we can change our world if we take steps to create the world we really want and stop focusing on what we don't want?

Mind Teaser for Today

If you focus really hard on not having something, you will end up not having something.

:) Love and light to you! Thanks for checking in. Jenifer