The importance of voting.

The importance of voting and exercising democracy is a vital component of society. Wouldn't you agree?
Which is why it is so critical that everyone get out and vote for the presidential elections...and the Travelocity trip around the world contest. Right?
That's right...I am trying to win a trip around the world.
I had to make a short video as my entry submission and there is a possibility that I might be slightly embarrassed by it. Regardless, I still think I stand a chance to win... But I need voters.

Would you vote for me? I can't promise to take away taxes or end the war but I will send postcards and positive energy your way!

Click on
http://gnomenabbed.travelocity.com

Then hit "submit a video or vote"

In the search box type "Elissa"

and click on Gnome meets Elissa.

After you have voted you should make you own video and then send it to me to vote for.

I wish I could pass out "I voted" stickers now.

Dahl had it all figured out.

"If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely." - Roald Dahl 

Best Kept Traveling Secret

I'm over kayak. I never get the impression it's on our team. For the last several years I have opted to mostly search and fly with Southwest. The bags are fee, the pilots are funny, the flights are reasonable, and you can pick your own seat. I earn miles giving me free flights... it works for me.

However every once in awhile the flight prices are too high for my wee little bank account. And that is why I LOVE this site: http://matrix.itasoftware.com/

Select "see calendar of lowest fares" and enjoy the feeling of purchasing a $160 one way ticket to the East Coast.

Ready. Set. Travel!

Happy as a Lark

A few weeks ago, in the midst of wallowing in strep throat, I received a call from a new friend. We were recently introduced by a mutual amiga who was positive we would become fast friends upon first sight. She was right.
Along with many other non mentioned descriptors that could be used,  Katy is an Imagination Yoga Teacher, a kayaker, and a member of the Portland Intergenerational Women's Choir.
The reason she called?: She deemed me an appropriate choir recruit. The choir is made up of daughters, mothers, grandmothers, great-grandmothers, and their friends.
Because I'm always on the look-out for a new adventure I signed up, before they could discover that I don't sing. I then admitted that the last time I sung with an organized group was in 9th grade..mostly just to hang out with David Peachey.  I once had a boyfriend that told me. "Sometimes you sing very nice, and sometimes you don't." It's kinda hit or miss for me. So to my delight, it turned out, signing abilities weren't a choir requirement. This was later confirmed by the persnickety yet lovely Murielle, an 80 something year old soprano with owl like hearing. She pointed out the ladies across the room that were off tune. I giggled while trying to decide if this was a-dorable, and/or her secret way of saying "YOU are off tune." Then I realized it didn't matter, so I sang louder.
I've now been to two practices. Both times I've left with a bizarre feeling of, perhaps elation. I've become so unaccustomed to singing that I seldom benefit from this sort of dopamine rush. I mean really, other than the drunken karaoke escapades, I rarely sing. Apparently, it feels great?! Why aren't more people talking about this? Maybe they are, maybe it's me that's not listening. Either way, I love singing. I'm also learning a whole bunch about music composition, reading notes, "classroom" management for a group of 40+ chatty women, how to make new friends, and how to breathe from my diaphragm.

And here I thought I was getting too old to learn new things. (#Imfreakingoutaboutturning30!)

How I didn't cure strep throat.

Dear Blog, 
I suffer from chronic strep throat.
I can easily get it up to 6 times a year. Fortunately I've experienced 3 to 4 year respites from the torture, but when it comes I get hit hard. Perhaps it could be something anatomical, maybe my tonsils, or even worse... what if it's stress?

After some careful thought and months of research I decided that the next time around would be an all natural attack to the terrible bacteria that loves my throat. Antibiotics are too harsh on my stomach and on my body as a whole and obviously I have some sort of resistance to them.

So here's what I did.

1. I slept.
2. I pumped Vitamin C into my blood stream. I opted to use Vitamin C tablets and EmergenC packets. At least 4 pills a day and 2-3 packets of EmergenC. I think I was dreaming of Vitamin C after day 2.
3. I gargled with salt water. I gargled with apple cider vinegar. I gargled with echinacea. I gargled with cayenne pepper. With both cold water and hot water.

4. I drank literally the most disgusting water and echinacea mix man could imagine ingesting. I had no idea echinacea tasted so terrible. Four times a day I did it... knowing this just had to help.
5. Teatime in my household occurred every 1.5 hours. I tried slippery elm bark tea, licorice, chamomile, and lemon echinancea. Every 3rd hour I'd make a strep throat appropriate "hot toddy" which consisted of lemon, honey, cayenne pepper and rum with either boiling hot water or lemon echinancea tea.
6. I phoned a friend. I'm all about single people empowerment, but being sick is just not something anyone should have to do alone. A few short hours later I had a delivery of "homemade" WholeFoods lentil soup and saltine crackers. A sick person's must. (Thanks Joe.) I was actually fortunate enough to later receive another soup delivery the next day. (Thanks Becky)
7. I watched all those movies that I've been dying to see. Ok, so really I watched 2 seasons of the Sex and the City reruns.
8. I ate garlic for breakfast, garlic for snacks, garlic for lunch and garlic for dinner. Straight up raw. Garlic is quite powerful as an antibiotic. It has been said that 1 milligram of allicin(which is the chemical that is produced when garlic is chewed, chopped, or bruised) has a potency of 15 standard units of penicillin. And yes, I do smell like garlic. Still.
9. I made homemade vegetable broth and drank it all day. 
10. I cried. 
11. I took an Allibiotic 3 times a day. This particular one was made from garlic, elderberry, olive leaf extract, and oregano. 

Did it work? 

Sure it kicked my fever and I got rid of 97% of the pus in my throat... but noooooooo... it did NOT work! Natural medicine you failed me. I ended up with a throbbing ear and numb face caused from a bacterial infection that was not "properly" treated. The cute doctor said "Antibiotics are a must right now. Do not argue." I said "ok" and scheduled an appointment with the specialist. 

After 4 days of fevering and pain, oh my, a very frustrated Elissa welcomed the last round of antibiotics (I've decided I won't get strep again). And then I went home and did a different kind of research.

Yoga teaching links the 7 major chakras to 7-year time periods. They begin, as would be expected at birth with the base chakra, and work successively through each chakra. Year 29, which I've just recently begun, marks the beginning of the 5 cycle and is connected to the throat chakra. There is a strong focus on communication, self expression, inspiration, independence, openness to higher development and speaking with wisdom. Often imbalances within your throat chakra manifest as ear, nose, and throat problems.

Because I doubt that the Otolaryngologist is going to tell me that the reason I've gotten strep throat 4 times in the last 6 months is a result of a chakra imbalance I've decided I'll just self diagnose. 

Self medicating the first time may not have worked, but let's just try something a little different this time.

Or maybe my job is too stressful...?

Love, 

Crunchy Elissa

How baths salts saved my life.

I went back to work this week. I am still not entirely sure if I'm going to be able to publish this post today, as my true work feelings are not yet understood by even myself. Perhaps I'll use this as a project to organize my thoughts. In raw form.

Day one back to work:
I was so anxious the night before that I barely slept. The little sleep I did receive was consumed by bizarre dreams uncomfortably verging on being nightmarish.
I woke up early. Made coffee and sat in my living room for a morning meditation. (I'm challenging myself to spend time in meditation for 40 days. And then evaluate the situation to see if I'd like to become a professional meditater.)

I left my house 5 minutes ahead of schedule, coffee in tow, feeling at peace. (I'm not quite ready to quit coffee.)
The moment I parked my car at "headquarters" I realized how anxious I get after driving. Anxiety is almost inevitable after a 35-80 minute commute.
I hadn't put my bag down before the requests came pouring in. Packets were waiting for me in my mailbox, over a hundred emails in my inbox, and five missed calls. All before 7:30 am?!
It was almost as though I could see my brain transform into a factory robot that was mass producing bullets of cortisol that were cannon balling into my bloodstream. How's that for dramatic.
I remembered my morning meditation and found myself seated at my desk, eyes closed, and breathing. Followed by 30 minutes of nonstop catching up and racing to the board room for our 8:00 morning department meeting.
I'm not sure if it was intended to be a pep talk or a mockery. 

"Budget cuts this, budget cuts that. Remember to make a presence in your schools. Everyone's class sizes went up so they need you to work harder and longer! Go you!  Oh and your insurance prices went up so budget better this year if you want to save. You're all so smart! Your expertise is mind blowing. This isn't final yet, but maybe don't expect that cost of living salary increase this year. Bummer right?! And now let's go save the world!!"
At this point I had a small pile of handplucked eyebrows reminding me of the cortisol take over in my body.
Then we were back at it. Meetings, phone calls, stress eating, angry teachers, and upset parents, ending with a 40 minute commute back home.
I walked in my door and uncontrollably burst into tears, perhaps even an occasion sob could have been detected. I talked through the day with a former coworker and then found my way to the park. Within moments I was invited to sit under a tree, where I proceeded to cry for over an hour.
I knew I had to pull myself together so I drew up a plan. The plan involved bath salts, chocolate, licorice root tea, candles, and a book. I collected all of the items and decided that I would fight back. I wanted the cortisol out of my body.

I stayed in the bath until my cat tried to join me. I felt rejuvenated after a 60 minute soak.
I meditated myself to sleep knowing that tomorrow we could try this again. 

Day two wasn't quite as challenging. However there wasn't a question in my mind that if I didn't make it to the 4:00 yoga class I might just burst into tears again.

Day three I brought with me the peace lily that had made my bedroom it's home. I decided I would attempt to bring part of the peace and beauty I find in my home into my work space. I prepared a small calming area in my cubicle and went at it again. However this was also the day my brakes went out(ish) and resulted in a $330 fee. Bummer right?!
But that was ok, I knew I had an evening jog and bath waiting for me when I returned home.

By day four I was exhausted. Even with going to bed by 9:15 every night. I felt emotionally drained and endlessly grateful for the 5 day mini break ahead.

I've got 2 1/2 days left and I feel a sense of urgency. I have got to come up with a plan! Life is too short to not live the best way I can! To live my dreams.
In the meantime, sure, there are bath salts and chocolate and yoga, but I've got to figure out how to build this bridge. Or perhaps the bridge is already built and I just have to find my way across.

Blah blah blah.

What matters is how quickly you do what your soul wants. Rumi

For Mercy's Sake guys!

I read this this morning with eyes full of tears. Beautiful tears. My dear friend Hilary is helping change lives!
For the sake of Mercy, let's all help make change! 

We're reaching out to you all today to let you know that our dear friend Mercy Oyana needs our help right now, and while the need is great, we believe that together we can make a lifetime of a difference for her.

Less than two weeks ago, Mercy's father Crispin fell from a 3-story ladder and suffered a severe head injury, which put him in a coma. He was taken off life support and passed away the afternoon of Monday, July the 2nd.
In the face of such an inexplicable tragedy and shock, Mercy, together with her mother and brother have another heavy burden to face.
Crispin, a self-employed house painter, and Mercy's mother, Annette, worked together for their business, which has really been struggling in this economy. The accident took place on the site of Crispin's first project in several months, and the family was very much counting on the income. But now, in the face of mounting bills and an uncertain future, Mercy, Annette and her brother Emmanuell are facing the reality that Annette may very soon lose her home.
We, a group of Mercy's friends, have come together to set an ambitious goal of raising $35,000 for her and her family. It is the amount needed to cover medical and funeral expenses, stay in their home, and give Annette a few months to heal and to look for work without worrying about mortgage payments.
Mercy's Facebook status was recently "Falling, falling, falling. I've fallen into a rabbit hole..." It hurt our hearts to read, but we know we can help catch her.
For those who know and love Mercy, we know we've all been hurting with her these past couple weeks. Even those who don't, still know how it feels to hurt for a loved one; one of the hardest parts is not being able to make it better, especially from far away.
This is something we can do though. We told Mercy that her friends would take this one worry at least off her plate-- the fear of severe financial hardship, of even more overwhelming circumstances for her mom. Please help us make good on that promise by giving what you can today.
We estimate that Crispin's project was bringing in about $20/hr. If you can chip in $20 to cover an hour, or $150 to cover a day that would really help us lay the foundation for working towards our goal. Please also consider reaching out to your friends, family, or churches to pool together enough to give $1000, which would have been a week's income, or $5000, which would have been a month's.

Emmanuell and Rikki, with Crispin.

Any funds given will be placed in an account in Crispin's name, and will be administered by the family's church, West Philadelphia Mennonite Fellowship.
Checks can be mailed to:
   West Philadelphia Mennonite Fellowship
   4740 Baltimore Avenue
   Philadelphia, PA 19143
With "Sharing Fund" in the memo line


http://www.facebook.com/ForMercysSake?v=app_190322544333196

72 days of summer

If anyone actually reads these; I solicit your feedback on this entry.

I was 7 the first time I was asked the infamous question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
I can close my eyes and be taken back to that very moment in Easton Pennsylvania.  Surrounded by sweaty Italians in their baptismal bests.  I remember the picnic table, the small blue kiddy pool, the greenness of the grass under my feet, and the feeling and smell of air touching us. 
"I want to be a teacher," I proclaimed.

Its difficult to articulate even now, but it wasn't the traditional vision of a "teacher" in today's society that I saw myself being.
By the time high school came around, and even more strongly by the time high school ended, I knew I wanted one thing. Independence. Everything else was secondary.
I call college my darker years. When I finally started breathing life, I celebrated leaving my zombie state of mind that was college. I lost a family and didn't quite yet know how to start healing.  My desire to achieve total Independence became even brighter. Without anything to fall back on or a place to go home to, I had to survive. That was back in the days when I thought I needed to be in a particular place in order to be home. Silly girl.
I chose to become a special education teacher. Knowing it was my starting place. I had little confirmations daily that I made the "right" choice. My college professors and cooperating teachers raved about my natural skills to teach. So, I kept on going, right?
During my first four years of teaching I had some serious stuff to do. I had to fix a very broken Elissa. I didn't think the pain could hurt in any more places than it already did. But I was wrong. After a grossly disgusting breakup several months after graduating I found there were moments when the pain was so strong I didn't feel anything at all. I hit bottom.
I poured everything I had into being the best teacher I could be. I fell in love with the role of teacher. I fell in love with my students, whom I didn't realize until much later were in fact my teachers. I loved pouring good intentions into my space, our classroom. I spent hours building the library, growing plants, listening to students share stories, building relationships with these little bodies and minds, and learning more about life and our interconnectedness.
After graduating with a Master's in Teaching, ending another relationship, spending 4 years in therapy, and learning as much as I could about this broken educational system I decided to take my adventures elsewhere.

2,333 miles later I was in Tucson, Arizona. Along with a new job, I was also starting a whole new phase of healing. I had a great job as a Behavioral Specialist of a Public High School and a completely new life! What an adventure it was. There were moments where it was slightly eerie how magically things fell into place. I was given a community, friends, decent salary, and so much stinkin' love. My vibration began to shift.

During my short time in Tucson I began putting words to why I felt I wasn't supposed to be a teacher.  But it wasn't until these last 72 days of summer vacation that I finally got it.
drum roll please...
I don't believe the environments that we've created in these rigid buildings, with hundreds of external laws and rules governing every decision are where or how people learn. What has become of public education? How did it get to this? A place where test makers make millions, students share a room with 40 other bodies, and teachers work two jobs?
I feel worn down by the despair emanated from colleagues, students, principals... anyone who has anything to do with Public Education. (Other than those who make the pretty pennies at the top, obviously.)
I can almost taste the next phase.

"You want to be a hula hooper?" you ask. Yes, well, no, but yes.
If I were to be asked to today what I want to be when I grow up I think this is how I would respond;
I dream of being a teacher. And a student.
I dream of balance. Within myself and all over this earth.
I dream of being a famous children's book author.
I dream of being a travel writer. 
I dream of writing about how to wake up happy.
I dream of a world where we all radiate love.
I dream of a world where people do not fear.
I dream of helping others share their stories.
I dream of starting an epidemic of kindness and love. 
I dream of a world where people freely encourage others.
I dream of giving.
I dream of being on Dancing with the Stars.
I dream of living amongst an entire humanity that is more often blissed out than stressed.

I wouldn't replace a single experience I've lived. The very hardest make the good times taste sweeter and richer.
And here I find myself. Ready, ready, ready, to leap... knowing that if I do, the net will appear, but unsure what the leap looks like, or maybe I do?


All thoughts are welcome.
 ecirignotta@gmail.com

Project Andrawesome

Bucket List Addition

There are many things I would like to do, many places I would like to see, and many people I would like to meet during this lifetime. It seems the more I live, the less I plan for the adventures. Some of my most memorable, magical experiences were the unplanned, unexpected adventures. I've never quite known what to do with the traditional "bucket list". You see,  I operate under the assumption/belief that I can do whatever I want to do, and what I chose is the right thing to do. Essentially the whole world is on my bucket list. I try my very best to maximize every moment no matter where I may be, what I may be doing or with whom I may be with; I suppose my goal is to be present in this moment, despite knowing I want to see the whole world over. However when I stumbled across these glass igloos, I knew they were a must.

Hotel Kakslauttanen is in the vicinity of Urho Kekkonen National Park in Finland. They have 40 first-class log cabins, including five queen suites, one honeymoon turf chamber and one traditional Lappish farmer log house. Each cabin comes with its own peaceful garden area. If you are a sauna lover, as I am, you may enjoy the world’s largest smoke sauna, equipped with its own restaurant, the main building log house restaurant, two exotic Lapishtent restaurants and a charming snow restaurant.
Now obviously, the deepest draw to this place are their unique futuristic glass igloos! Supposedly you can view the northern lights while being in the comfort of a "normal" room temperature under the glass ceiling.

Imagine falling asleep in this place. 

Rachel Miller

You may be wondering how it's possible to write a blog entry about a Rachel Miller. 122 million results show up when asking google to find information on Rachel Miller. The United States seems to be riddled with Rachel Millers. Everywhere you go, in many religious communities you enter, you may find yourself meeting a Rachel Miller. 

Several weeks ago I met a power house Rachel Miller that left me inspired. I have found myself silently cheering her on in my quiet moments. I've shared fragments of her song with old friends and new acquaintances. I suppose more than anything I found myself celebrating her and the people like her that fill up our world. 

I was looking for a place to stay in New York while visiting my newborn niece and family. Times are tough, public education is poor, and people are awesome. Couchsurfing (http://www.couchsurfing.org/) is always the way to go. But when I was having trouble finding a place to stay I turned to my friends. Becky, a friend from High School, was celebrating her daughter's 2nd birthday when she got my call. Without a moment's hesitation, her mother overhearing the conversation, insisted that I must meet and stay with Rachel Miller. Rachel had gone to high school with Becky's father and everyone agreed this was a match made in Heaven. For the rest of the evening every time she thought of Rachel and I meeting, she cheered. 

After spending a sleepless night on an airplane, followed by 7 hours of observing my beautiful sister writhe in labor pains I disembarked from the Metro at the West Indies stop, better known as Church Ave. Finding each other was quite simple. I was the non Caribbean person wearing a 34 pound backpack. She was the other non Caribbean person. She was expecting a tall, slender blonde, not someone who "was like her". "Short and JewSiclian looking?", I asked.

We walked to her 2 bedroom,  3rd story Brooklyn apartment and she gave me the house rules. 

1) You are home, make yourself feel it.

2) Eat anything you want. 

My body desperately wanted sleep. Conversation would have to wait. For the next 14 hours I slept and dreamt in a safe and comfortable bed in a safe and comfortable home. 

The following evening Rachel and I shared stories. Rachel is aligned with her truth and that woman speaks it. Loud yet softly, she lets her truth echo throughout the universe.

Rooted in Mennonite Heritage and in pure love, Rachel took me on a journey through religion, oppression, motherhood, marriage, divorce, friendships, starting over, sex, online dating, and  organic adventure.

The Rachel Chronicles will leave you wanting more and more.

Maddalena Guastella Cirignotta, aka Nonna.

In a faraway land of Sicily, in the small town of Scoglitti, lives a 78 year old woman. Her name, Maddalena Guastella Cirignotta. 

She is referred to by many as Zia Lina. Those slightly on the periphery call her Senora Lina. To me, she is Nonna*. 

Nonna was born on March 1, 1934 in Sicily, where she has grown a entire tribe of Sicilians, or so it seems. 

She has 4 children, but birthed 7.  She had two Giambiatistas, two Crociofisos, one Giovanna, and two Rosalbas. Imagine experiencing two still births and an infant death due to illness. The only Zia Giovanna became ill as a toddler and as a result lost her hearing. Nonna's kitchen sign language can not be matched by another.

When her beloved husband of 40 plus years died fifteen years ago, Nonna wore black. For 11 years. 

She has a remedy for most ailments. Upset stomach you say? Nonna would place a lit match in a glass cup and suction it to your upper thigh. And WA-LA! You were either left with singed upper thigh hair, or a cured stomach?

I was having a not so secret summer love affair with the boy on the canary vespa the summer of my 16th year. The 2 to 4 o'clock hours were reserved for nap/rest time in Scoglitti. All was quiet. Or was it?  Canary vespa knew to turn off the engine and walk a block to the back alley and meet me at the window. We would sit and talk and flirt for hours. One day the gig was up. And Nonna chased my Canary love down the street with a broom. 

She's been telling the same stories for at least three decades and makes a fish pasta that is divinity. 

Nonna runs the show.

She can make a grown man cry. 

She is a mother of many. She daily cooks lunch for her sister's son Jonni.   Together they mourn the loss of a sister and mother while filling voids that are left in both of their hearts.

She has two nipoti** with her name. This gives her great pride.

She is currently convinced that I will never find a husband, for sure, because I have a tattoo. What will I do now!?

She giggles when my friends call her Nonna. And manages to find an Italian, or at least a European origin to everyone she meets. I am fairly certain that she pities people that aren't Sicilian. 

Our time together is limited, but more than anything I find myself ridiculously grateful that I had her as mine.

Here's to Nonna!

* Grandmother

**Granddaughters

Anwen Rosemary

At 2:02 am on July 20, 2012 a beautiful 7 pound 13 ounce star child became a part of this beautiful world.

Her name, Anwen Rosemary Daley. She is perfect.

I snuck into the hospital to find my big sister and sweet Anwen peacefully laying together. For the next hour Lena slept while I kissed, smelled, and listened to this sweet baby. I poured welcoming love into her.

40 seconds apart

There were two things that I was hoping would happen at the start of my East Coast trip.
1) I wanted to see my sister still pregnant.
2) I selfishly wanted to be the first relative to get some alone time with our new love.

When I arrived to the airport at the beginning of my trip, slightly disheveled, I was handed one boarding pass. Not sure whether to question or accept, I confusedly smiled back at her. You see, the ticket I purchased was an 8 hour red eye journey with a stop in Chicago. The ticket I was  handed was a direct 4 hour and 40 min flight to JFK.
As though that wasn't enough, Ms. Lovely Airport Lady informed me that today happened to be my lucky day. She had no idea how lucky...or maybe I had no idea. Apparently "my" flight was the only flight to the east coast from PDX that wasn't delayed by 3 to 5 hours. "Enjoy", she says.
As I blissfully walked through security I arrived to my terminal to find a stunning man waiting for me. For real, I'm pretty sure he was waiting for me.
We spent the next hour having a deep meaningful conversation and then boarded our direct flight to NYC.

After a brief reunion with Mr. Attractive Airplane Man at the baggage claim in the morning, I called my sister, and caught a cab straight to the hospital. We were about to have a baby!

When I arrived she was in the midst of her 40th hour of labor.  Her vagina wasn't quite ready for delivery so she was sent to take a walk. This meant I was given the gift of experiencing the beauty of labor and two people's love and care for one another. My sister was in immense pain, almost unfathomable, yet there was a raw beauty to it, and an end in sight. 

Once the contractions were 45 seconds apart we returned to the hospital...

What happens when we stop to smell.

This morning I took my morning coffee, that I'm trying to wean myself off, and walked to Tim's house to gift him some garden grown arugula. In my path were two women and a gentleman in a wheelchair. One lady had lavender in her hand and a smile on her face. The other was bent over a rose. Our dear old man was preoccupied with the rosemary bushes. He was rubbing some between his fingers and bent over smelling what remained on the bush.
I greeted them and complimented their morning adventure.
I didn't get half a block before a sudden burst of laughter exploded from the trio. The sound of voices chattering and laughing echoed harmoniously for the next 2 blocks.

Be here now and enjoy the small stuff.

Root

The root:

BASE/ROOT CHAKRA, (Base of the spine, energy colour Red)
POSSIBLE PHYSICAL AREAS AFFECTED BY AN OUT OFBALANCE CHAKRA:               
 Anorexia, Obesity, Osteoarthritis, Auto-Immune Disease, Arthritis, Cancer, AIDS, Fatigue, Kidney, Spinal Column, Issues are: security and survival.

The Root Chakra is associated with the reproductive glands. It is the centre of physical energy, grounding and self-preservation. The Root Chakra governs the back, feet, hips, spine and legs.

The Root Chakra is about being physically there and feeling at home in situations. If it is open, you feel grounded, stable and secure. You don't unnecessarily distrust people. You feel present in the here and now and connected to your physical body. You feel you have sufficient territory.

If you tend to be fearful or nervous, your Root Chakra is probably under-active. You would easily feel unwelcome. If this Chakra is over-active, you may be very materialistic and greedy. You are probably obsessed with being secure and resist change.


http://www.healingfromtheheart.co.uk/69701.html


----------------


PETALS:   This chakra rules the lowest vibration of our body and has the slowest wavelength. There are four spokes, or petals. Four is the number of the square and foundations. The square is related to being honest, or giving a "square deal, the four energies of earth--earth, air, fire, and water, and the four directions. Four walls, four legs, or four wheels represent a strong foundation.


NOTE & MANTRA:   The note for this chakra is C and the mantra is "lam" or "e" as in red. Chanting these mantras in the key of D while focusing our attention on this area of our body can enable us to more consciously access the first chakra.


COLOR:   The color for this chakra is red, which is the lowest frequency of human's visible light spectrum. Red is the color of anger and/or vitality.


RULES:   The first chakra rules our PHYSICAL energies. Also known as the root chakra, it governs our vigor, heredity, survival, security, passion, money, job, and home. This chakra aids us in our everyday survival.


SENSE:   The sense of smell is related to this chakra. Our sense of smell is our most primitive sense, and is the first sense that awakens upon our physical birth. The receptors for smell are located at the base of our brain and feeds directly into our limbic system, which is the area of memory and emotion. Therefore, aromas can immediately access emotional memories stored in our unconscious.


ASTROLOGICAL SIGN:   The astrological sign associated with the root chakra is Taurus. The symbol for Taurus is the bull. Like our root chakra, the bull is a symbol of masculine power and fertility. The bull roots in the earth with his front hooves and lowers his nostrils toward the ground to warn any who would threaten his "herd". There are many cows in the herd, but only the strongest bull will be able to preserve the genetic integrity of the group.

The first chakra is actually the basis of both our masculine and feminine energy. It represents our masculine will and male sexual organs as well as the feminine energy of the Goddess Kundalini. Therefore, a man can learn to integrate his feminine power and a woman can learn to integrate her masculine power through the clearing and opening of this chakra.


ELEMENT:   Earth is the element associated with the first chakra and the mineral kingdom is the top of that hierarchy. Crystals have been prized by humankind for eons and have also been used in esoteric healing. Since it rules our first dimensional self that is unable to reflect upon itself, perceptions from our root chakra are usually unconscious. This first dimensional portion of us can only be aware of a "hive or species consciousness".

Even though, the first chakra has many masculine qualities it is also the "seat of the Goddess Kundalini" and is therefore often associated with our relationship with our mothers and with Mother Earth. Our relationships with our mother set up our attitude toward home, security, and money. If we are cut off from our roots, we feel cut off from the earth as well.


CONSCIOUSNESS:   The first chakra rules our survival consciousness and represents our deepest unconscious and most primitive self. This chakra represents the reptilian portion of our brain, which is our brainstem, our center for life support. The brainstem and the area immediately above it are called the reptilian brain because it is possessed by all creatures from reptiles to humans. For reptiles, this area is their entire brain, but for humans it is the base, or stem, of their brain. In fact, part of this area is known as the brainstem.


PERSONAL TIMELINE:   The first chakra represents birth to two years of age. This is the time before we have completed our process of individuation and still perceive ourselves as a part of our parents. This chakra represents our struggle to come to terms with our physical life and physical body. Our Multidimensional Spirits are new to the limitations and separation of our new 3D reality, and we struggling to learn how to control our physical earth vessel. Fortunately, we naturally travel into the higher dimensions at this age and can return Home whenever we are desperately in need of comfort and understanding.




ENDOCRINE GLAND:   Each chakra feeds prana into a different endocrine gland. Just as there are seven chakras, there are seven endocrine glands. Both the chakras and the endocrine glands are located along the spinal cord. The endocrine glands manufacture hormones and supply them to the bloodstream. These glands are called "ductless" because there is not a duct to any specific part of the body. Instead, hormones are released into the bloodstream where they are carried by the blood to every organ and tissue to exert their influence on all functions of the physical body.

Each gland is internally related to the other glands and also works closely with the nervous and circulatory system. In order for the organs of the body to work efficiently, the blood must contain certain chemicals. Many of these chemicals are secreted by the endocrine glands, and this secretion is vital for the health of the entire system. Our bodies can become diseased if there are too many or too few hormones.

The endocrine gland for the first chakra is the adrenal glands. There are actually two adrenal glands located with one on top of each of the two kidneys. The adrenal glands are the body's call to battle. When adrenaline is released into the system our perceptions become clearer, we have added vigor and feel more courageous.

The release of adrenaline activates the fight/flight syndrome, which prepares us for “fight or flight.” Release of adrenaline and activation of fight/flight is brought on by real or imagined danger. Therefore, our emotions can activate a release of adrenaline when we feel extreme fear or even chronic anxiety. The first chakra is the "survival chakra," and the fight/flight syndrome is vital for the survival of every species.


NERVE PLEXUS:   The first chakra is located near the sacral plexus. The sacral plexus is the nerve center, which rules the skeleton, legs, feet, eliminatory system, male reproductive organs, and the prostate. If there is a problem with the leg or foot on the right, masculine, side of the body it can indicate issues of trust in one's will. If there is a problem with the leg or foot on the left, feminine, side then it can indicate issues with trust of one's emotional life.


CLEAR:   When the first chakra is clear we feel secure, grounded, and stable. We can use good "common sense" to balance our finances as well as our everyday responsibilities and still initiate new activities and interest. Our eliminatory system functions well, neural activity in our legs and feet is healthy, and our ability to initiate sexual encounters is comfortable and natural. Our root chakra is the home of the Sleeping Serpent, our Kundalini. When this chakra is clear and balanced the Goddess Kundalini Shakti can awaken and begin her gradual rise towards reunion with Lord Shiva.


UNCLEAR:   When the first chakra is unclear we feel insecure and fearful. We can also become absent-minded because we are ungrounded. We may also have a difficult time with our finances and day to day necessities. Whatever security we derive from material things can become threatened. There can also be problems with our home, which is our base of operations in physical life. We can become self-indulgent and self-centered and suffer from depression and grief. We may suffer from hemorrhoids, constipation, sciatica, or prostate problems.

 All of the above emotional, behavioral, and physical health issues have to do with the ability to let go. We cannot let go of our sadness, let go of material sources of comfort when finances require, or even let go of the waste material of our bodies. If we cannot release what is holding us back, we cannot move forward. Difficulties with our sciatic nerve and problems with our legs and feet display this dynamic. Prostate problems can arise from frustrated sexual or creative drives.


EARTH'S CHAKRAS:   Just as the first chakra represents our physical body, the Earth's first chakra represents Her physical body. The planetary first chakra is located at Mt. Sinai in the Middle East. Lady Gaia is allowing Her Kundalini to rise to meet her Divine Mate. It is TIME now that we hear Her call. Hence, this area of the planet is the center of great unrest.


DIMENSIONS:   The first chakra rules our first and second dimensional selves. Our first dimensional self represents the genetic coding, cells, and minerals of our bodies. It also represents our most primitive "animal self", which is represented by the fight/flight response that serves to assure the survival of the species. The root chakra also rules the male sex glands and the testosterone that they secrete. This testosterone drives the males in our society, and the male polarity of our psyche, to perpetuate and protect humanity.


SUMMARY:   The body of Mother Earth and Her consciousness, Lady Gaia, is the third dimensional planet that supports our physical body. Just as our physical body communicates with our consciousness by its state of health, disease, comfort, and discomfort, Lady Gaia communicates with us via the health of Her planet.

Our Western society has traveled so far into our third dimensional individuality that we have lost sight of the fact that we are members of a greater whole. We have forgotten that we are members of a planet that we must all share. This forgetfulness has allowed us to overlook the fact that our individual destinies are intrinsically tied to the destiny of Mother Earth who houses and feeds our physical self.

Our physical bodies and the body of Earth send messages to us via the first and second dimension. If there are disruptions and diseases on a genetic and cellular level, if the elements of earth that are around and within our bodies are disrupted, if plants and animals are becoming extinct on a daily rate, there is a message that is being sent. We can say that we have heard these messages, but if our behavior has not been altered, then we have not LISTENED.

We can deny or ignore our bodies and the body of Earth upon which we live, but it is difficult to deny or ignore our behavior. Our actions interact with our environment and with others to create a mirror that forces us to look at ourselves. We can hold on to a victim mentality, which allows us to stay in denial and lie to ourselves, but our actions do not lie. In today's world, a lot of our needs for survival are "getting what we want". We must learn to recognize that our actions dictate to us what we truly want, for that is what we find time to "do". Only when we can recognize the messages from our unconscious as they are displayed in our behavior, can we take full responsibility for our actions.

However, how much time do we have to learn to listen to the needs of our planet and Her future generations? Has our individuality, which we so dearly prize in the West, cost us our ability to see the bigger picture? When our first chakra is closed, it is difficult for prana to infuse our physical body. We are then out of touch with our own power to listen to and respond to the needs of our body and the home of our body, Earth.

Our actions then become reactions, and our ability to take responsibility for our personal power is diluted into a dismal struggle for survival. However, when the first chakra is awakened, spirit lives in matter and all of our behavior is directed by spirit, the spirit within our physical bodies and the spirit within our Earth.


http://www.multidimensions.com/Unconscious/uncon_body_1chakra.html

Chakra Exploration

I've started a 7 week chakra exploration class with 3 dear friends of mine.
The vision:
We will begin with the root chakra and work up. Each chakra gets one week's attention. We are to individually work with that chakra throughout the week. Read about it, listen to music connected to it, eat food connected to it, create art/music/etc related to it and engage a variety of senses with it. If you want to do breathwork, meditation, or yoga, then explore different poses or tools that are related to it. You have total freedom.
The hope is that at the end of each week we will connect and share highlights. I've decided to post some of my highlights here as well to share with you.
If you're totally new to this, then start where you are. Even if this is your first time reading about chakras!

Let the magic begin.

Project Androgyny: SummaTime!

Gwendolyn Rose: A beautifully naughty kitten.