I know people have different views and opinions where the “New Age Era” is concerned. Some people associate it with Spiritualism, Paganism, and sometimes Atheists. I think most of us can agree that the era of New Age is a time where we are experiencing personal and/or spiritual development.

There is a movement of awareness as to who we are and why we are here. There are many different avenues one could roam to find answers; it all depends on the person and what their personal beliefs and needs are.

It is funny how we call it the New Age Era, when in fact humans have been searching since the beginning of time for the same answers. However, with our advancement of technology, science and knowledge, we are able to think more realistically “outside the box” with educated reasoning.

Though Metaphysics are somewhat a part of this “New Age” they do not have the same meaning. Things that are Metaphysical are very abstract, and pass the limits of the third dimensional world. Science still has a hard time proving or disproving some of the Metaphysical topics.

Examples of this would be the Supernatural, UFO phenomenon, Astral Projection/Outer Body Experiences, Psychic abilities, Alternative Healing with energy like Reiki etc.
 
There are several methods that are available to people who want to advance personally, or spiritually.

·     For spiritual growth and a higher awareness, items like Tarot cards, Crystal Balls, or Channeling are often used by Psychics to receive messages from their guides. Chanting, Drumming, or any constant rhythmic sound can be used to encourage an Outer Body Experience.

·     Meditation can be helpful when trying to connect with a higher level of consciousness. It also promotes discipline both physically and mentally. Meditation relaxes the body, and allows the mind to be quite. It can reduce stress and promotes well being.

·     Yoga helps to align the physical body with the spirit. It helps with balance, discipline, and strength.

·     Dream Interpretation allows you to get to know yourself on a deeper, more honest level. Most of our dreams are symbolic and need a touch of interpreting. Dream Journals, and books that have the meanings of theses symbols can be useful. Lucid dreaming can also aide in the awareness of your inner needs, wants, and wishes.

People are even using hypnosis to do Past Life Regressions. I guess they figure if they know about their past they can get a grip on their present. This doesn’t always prove to be helpful. As a matter of fact, it can actually confuse situations more. To each his own; I personally would not want to dig too deep.

Massage therapy comes in many different forms. You can receive a massage from just about anybody. However, in order to get the most out of the therapy, it must be done in the correct manner. If you receive a massage from someone who does not know what they are doing, they could accidentally harm you. Use caution when choosing the right candidate to perform this technique.

There is more to feeling the bliss of a massage.  When done correctly, the technique brings more blood flow to the area that is being worked on. Once the muscle relaxes, it releases any tension or spasm, and the toxins are filtered. When muscles are strained, or in a state of spasm, they pull on other muscles and could even interfere with proper posture. This can cause damage over a period of time.

Getting a massage is like having a nice vanilla sundae with a cherry on top after a meal. When I get a massage, I feel like I am floating on cloud nine. I don’t want it to ever end. With every knead and rub, I get more and more relaxed. I think I could actually fall asleep if I allowed myself to.

Whether you realize it or not, our daily routines cause so much strain to our bodies. If you work in an office, then you probably sit at the desk and type through out the day. Most likely your lower back hurts from sitting in the same position too long, your shoulders are full of tension, and your wrists may be tender or inflamed. If you are someone who has a physically demanding job, your muscles may be over worked and are in need of some serious rest. They may even need healing time if they are torn or over stretched. Massage therapy can help keep the muscles calm and smooth. This will counter act the tension that builds up as we go on with our vigorous lives.

Spiritual Suggestion:

It does not matter what your daily routine is, anyone can benefit from at least the occasional massage. Trust me it will do good for the mind, body and soul. Treat yourself to a massage; see if it is right for you.

You may want to do some research on the different types of massage techniques so that you can see which one best fits your needs.

Here are a few of the popular massages:

·     Swedish Massage

·     Deep Tissue Massage

·     Shiatsu Massage

·     Reflexology  

Reflexology is a technique that has been used for hundreds of years as a natural way of healing and relaxation. There are specific nerves that connect through out the whole body that are located in the hands and feet. By massaging these precise areas of the feet or hands, you can stimulate other parts of the body, boost the immune system, increase blood flow, and assist in stress reduction. Usually this practice involves just the feet, but the hands could be massaged as well.

This type of therapy can be useful for a wide variety of illnesses. Reflexology is good therapy to use when you want to encourage the body to heal itself with out medications. Provoking the immune system helps to ward off diseases. The increase of circulation to the tendon and muscles deepens your relaxation, and lowering your stress level promotes over all well being.

You can either go to a Reflexologist to have your feet worked on, or you can do it yourself. If you suffer from stomach or bowel problems like constipation, you would look up the stomach or intestines. Find a Reflexology Chart, it will map out the area you need to massage and the manner in which you should do it.

Here are some others you may want to try it on:

• Hyper or Hypo Thyroid
• Asthma
• Allergies
• Back Problems
• Sinuses
• Bladder
• Kidney
• Digestive Issues
• Liver Function
• Minor to Moderate Pain Control

Spiritual Suggestion:

My daughter was hospitalized with severe asthma for six days. They were trying everything to get her breathing under control. Four days into her visit I remembered reading something on reflexology and how it helped aide in healing. I found myself a Foot Reflexology Chart and went to work on her. I was massaging that kid’s feet all night. By the morning, her oxygen level had gone up to a satisfactory level, and they started to wean her off of the oxygen. I truly believe massaging her small feet helped her body to be responsive. Now, every time she is sick, she wants me to massage her feet. I think she likes it!

Next time you’re feeling a little under the weather, try some reflexology.

Relaxation is a necessary part of life, without it we would not be able to survive.  Through the amazing evolution of technology, we have created a remarkable world of resources, but at what cost?

We are living in an extremely fast paced era. For most of us, stress has become an unfortunate expected part of life. Our minds are constantly on the go. We worry about money, the job, our families, and all the chaos that goes along with it. Stress has enough power to make our mind and bodies ill with disease.

To escape the pressures of life from which they could not handle, people have taken their own lives; committed suicide in the name of stress! 

The time we spend here on earth is only a grain of sand when compared to eternity, and it is that one grain that is most important. We need to make room in our lives in order to gain the knowledge needed from our experiences; because it is that, that really matters when our time comes to cross over.

Relaxation techniques are used to combat the negative side effects stress has on the mind and body. When chemicals are released by stress and are present, the ones that make us feel good and keep us healthy remain hindered. It is hard to find a moment of peace that lasts for more then a few moments.  If our human lives are such a mess, where does our spiritual being stand?

It is essential to have an outlet so that you are able to filter the stress and anxiety. Once you are capable of achieving a relaxed state of mind and body, the headaches, shoulder tension, bowel disorders, stomach ulcers and all the other related ailments brought on by stress should start to reduce.

When rested the body responds in a positive way. It begins to rejuvenate itself almost immediately by healing and repairing. You will have more energy, and the body will also get an immune system boost.  An optimistic outlook and attitude will help you deal with life’s adversities with patience and understanding.

To conclude, try one or all of the suggested techniques listed below. Whether you practice them once a week or everyday, it will definitely make a difference in your life.

Here are a few techniques used for relaxation:

• Yoga   
• Meditation
• Ti-Chi
• Message Therapy
• Aqua Therapy
• Aroma Therapy
• Prayer
• Peaceful Music
• Journalize
• Craft or Hobby
• Sauna
• Day Spa 
• Physical Fitness

 Spiritual Suggestions:

Being able to practice any form of relaxation is beneficial to the mind, body and soul. Stability comes with alignment, and functioning with clarity enables you to live a more meaningful-peaceful life. It gives you the room to learn more about yourself and who you are.