Pay it Forward

I receive regular feedback on the free-guided relaxations I broadcast each week. It made me think – how can this feedback help others, too?

Pay it forward
I find sharing our stories, no matter how simple or dramatic, is a great way to connect to others. Our stories provide hope, inspiration, and that comfortable feeling that YOU are not alone. If you have a story to share, please reply and I will help pass it on.

Shared stories

Following are two recent stories that help others with sleep.

I have been listening to your Creating Healthy Balance Everyday broadcasts on Blog Talk radio since inception, almost a year now. I love your relaxations. I download you on my ipod and listen to you at bedtime. I have always had a hard time going to sleep and because of that have not had great sleeps. I find your mediations are my cure!

I do fall asleep to your soothing voice. I realize you don’t really want us to fall asleep, but for me you are a godsend. I listen to your podcasts every evening to relax me, if I fall asleep then great, if I don’t fall asleep then great, I had a wonderful relaxation and at least turned my mind off for a while and then I do a second relaxation. Most of the time it only takes one, but sometimes it takes more.

When I wake up in the morning I listen to another relaxation to get myself set for the day. So, thank you for teaching me how to relax.
Marie Kiist in Ponoka, Alberta, Canada

Ok no lie this works!  My husband and I were bug eyed at about 130 am the other morning.  I told him I had read these tips on how to relax, and so we tried it.  Within minutes we were both asleep.  Thanks for this important info.  Sean (my hubby) always says having the right tools – for cooking, building, writing – is the key for success.   Now we know the key to a good nights sleep might just be relaxation!
Sue
Check it out:
Guided Relaxation Podcast and Switching Gears: 5 Minute Relaxation

Previously posted on Health Central

Switching Gears

Think back to the time of your childhood. Most of us, as kids, mastered the art of riding a bicycle. Can you remember how daunting it felt ⎯ fearful, yet completely focused on balancing, maneuvering the pedals, and guiding the handlebars⎯ all at once? How it almost felt impossible. Anytime we learn something new, it feels a little scary.
Its like riding a bike
Children and adults alike can struggle with constant thoughts appearing in their mind and have trouble “switching gears” to fall asleep at night. Learning how to let your body and mind relax is just like riding a bike.  A six or seven year old may feel intimidated to master the balance and coordination of riding on two wheels, however perseverance and the desire to do it guided you in learning. And, no matter how long it’s been since you’ve been on a bike, when you get back on, it comes back to you. Learning skills of relaxation through the avenue of breathing and body awareness empowers you with a remedy to relax your body and quiet your mind.

Try these simple tips to relax your body and mind: 5 Minute Relaxation

• Start with dedicating 5 minutes before you get out of bed in the morning, and 5 minutes before you go to sleep at night.
• Bring all of your attention to what you can feel (your body lying on the bed, covers touching your skin, hair on you head, etc.)
• Bring all of your attention to what you can hear (listen for all the sounds that you can hear, allowing your awareness to move from sound to sound)
• Bring all of your attention to your breath (notice that you are breathing, notice that you have an inhalation and an exhalation. Follow your breath, in and out)

Finish reading the post at health central

In Times of Stress- Women Get the Prize

A recent segment on national television spoke about how women are experiencing higher levels of anxiety and stress from our current financial crisis than men! I found this interesting and reflected on why this may be true.

Sandwich generation
Many of us, myself included, are in the age group known as the “sandwich generation.” This means we have many factors sandwiching us together ⎯ sometimes making us feel more squished than a grilled quesadilla. We are worried about our ageing parents, packing lunches and helping with homework for our children, contributing to our family’s income, and maybe even organizing the family budget. Today, 68% of families are from two-incomes, which contributes to why woman are feeling the repercussions of our current financial global anxiety perhaps more than men.

Grounded and calm
I truly believe, if we stay grounded, calm, and focus our energy on the things that are important to us, we can manage our stress and lead others in our example.

read on at health central

This Guided Relaxation Can Change Your Life Too!

This morning I have decided to share a testimonial with you. I received this letter last week and I am passing it on with permission as I feel it helps to hear others stories-mutual problems, share mutual solutions. Here is Mindy’s story. It is about her chronic pain and how listening to a daily guided relaxation has changed her life. I record a 20 minute guided relaxation each week for you to enjoy. Check it out.

Beth’s Free Guided Relaxation
Dear Elizabeth-

I write to you today to thank you and to let you know what a positive impact you have had on my life.

I have been married for almost 10 years.
I’m 30 years old and have 3 great healthy kids – ages 2,5&7.

On November 12th 2005 my life changed forever.  It was the day my breech son was delivered by c-section. I walked into the hospital perfectly healthy & happy looking forward to meeting the newest addition to our growing family.  He was an 8 ½ pound beautiful boy.

The following day, despite the pain meds – I was in an incredible amount of pain.  It felt like I had a gash in my abdomen that was 12 inches wide & 12 inches deep. Every time I moved it felt like sticks of dynamite were being blown off in my gut.  The doctors and nurses told me that it was normal to feel some pain following surgery and that I’d feel better soon.I didn’t.

Read on at health central.com