Category Archives: Philosophy

Meditation

Education, Life balance, Philosophy, , ,

There are many forms of meditation around and there is sure to be one style that suits you. Make it a regular practice and you will enjoy the lasting health benefits too.

Four styles of meditation that I teach and practice are

  1. Mindfulness
  2. Focused
  3. Relaxation
  4. Visualization

Mindfulness Meditation is simply that. Being mindful of what you are doing now. I read recently that the future is only an illusion and it is important to be mindful of your actions and be fully present. Mindfulness can be practiced anywhere and the more you do it the sharper your focus becomes. For instance, I am typing now and mindful that as my thoughts come on this topic, my fingers move automatically over the keys. I am aware of the touch of the tips of my fingers on the keys and the difference in texture of the home keys under my index fingers. I am also aware of my eyes tracking the characters as they appear on the page and the cursor acts as a stop, thereby focusing my attention no further than the word being typed. I can then turn my attention to how I am sitting and the ambient air temperature – a chilly Melbourne morning! I am also aware of the sound of the keys as I quickly type this post and the gentle hum of the computer hard drive as it processes the information.

Focused meditation is just that. Focus. You can focus on anything you choose. Starting with the breath is just fine and creating an easy rhythm of in and out breath is very relaxing. Using a candle is another simple and accessible method. Light the candle and focus on the area between the flame and the wick – it’s usually a blue colour. Why focus here? The flame will move around with drafts and the process of burning  and that can cause your attention to wander. The centre of the flame is more likely to be still.

Relaxation meditation such as clenching various muscles & then relaxing them, from the top of the head down to the tips of the toes combined with breath awareness is a wonderful way of winding down after a busy day. Doing it with the eyes open or closed doesn’t matter, but if you have your eyes closed and then gently open them at the end of the relaxation, then you will notice that your perception of the light and surroundings will have changed. If you are doing this in a group, take a few moments to gather your thoughts and you may even notice how different other people look as well. The tension that was stored in the facial muscles has miraculously melted away.

Visualization meditation is only limited by your imagination.

Where do you want to be today?

In your mind’s eye, you can go anywhere, create anything. This form of meditation is often used as a guided meditation where the facilitator will take you on a tour using metaphor and your imagination provides the images. Not just for escape, as by using the creative power of your imagination, you can gain insight and clarity for problems that you previously thought were insurmountable.

Energy

Education, Homeopathy, Philosophy, Polarity Therapy, , , , , , , , , ,
So what is energy?
the definition according to
It’s a noun, plural -gies.
1.  the capacity for vigorous activity; available power: I eat chocolate to get quick energy.
2.  an adequate or abundant amount of such power: I seem to have no energy these days.
3.  Often, energies. a feeling of tension caused or seeming to be caused by an excess of such power: to work off one’s energies at tennis.
4.  an exertion of such power: She plays tennis with great energy.
5.  the habit of vigorous activity; vigor as a characteristic: Foreigners both admire and laugh at American energy.
6.  the ability to act, lead others, effect, etc., forcefully.
7.  forcefulness of expression: a writing style abounding with energy.
8.  Physics . the capacity to do work; the property of a system that diminishes when the system does work on any other system, by an amount equal to the work so done; potential energy. Symbol:  E
9.  any source of usable power, as fossil fuel, electricity, or solar radiation.
No mention here of the subtle energies of the body or energy healing.
Is energy visible?
I would say yes and no.
The effects of energy can be observed in different ways.
Energy can be measured by calories or kilojoules present in our foods and some foods, particularly organic or biodynamic foods have a different kind of energy to those foods grown in depleted or toxic environments.
Someone lacking in energy seems quite “wilted” and drab, as can vegetables that are past their use by date.
Those with an over abundance of energy  can appear lively and sparkling, even repelling us if we are not in the same frame of mind.
It’s more of a feeling!
Energy can be observed by moving a switch to off or on.
Either the TV, kettle or other electrical appliance works or doesn’t.
What of the human body?
What energy fields lie within?
Many centuries ago the Chinese mapped the energy fields and called them meridians. They found that if certain points were stimulated, energy flowed through the body more effectively and improved health. Modern medicine now acknowledges the efficacy of Acupuncture in treating many conditions, including its use in anaesthesia.
Tai Chi is an energy based exercise. Gentle, graceful movements that stimulate blood flow, stretch the muscles and still the mind. Ch’i, Qi or Ki (気) may be regarded by sceptics as hocus pocus, even though many cultures have, for millenia, accepted that there are subtle and inexplicable energies that can work on the body and spirit.
Even though there is a vocal band of sceptics who denounce the existence of energy in this context, in the name of rational science, there has been a growing acceptance of the role of energy medicine across the globe.
Samuel Hahnemann was disenchanted with the way medicine was practiced in Germany in the 1780’s and by 1796 he had come up with a way of treating patients that fitted with the Hippocratic Oath “..first do no harm…..”. His system was Homeopathy. It was based on the premise that like cures like – using a substance that could create symptoms in a perfectly healthy person to cure those same symptoms in someone who was sick.  He also discovered that dilution of the remedy caused it to work more effectively in many cases. Today, Homeopathy is used across the world and is available on the NHS in the UK and widely used in India and Pakistan where is a cheap and effective medical alternative.
Another famous German, Rudolph Steiner, continued the exploration of energy fields and medicine in the late 19th century through to the 1920’s.  His major work was in providing an education system that nourishes the spirit of the child and is still recognised today with the acceptance and growth of the Steiner School system worldwide.  Steiner spoke of us having four bodies:
  • the physical or material body that contains the elements of the earth – minerals, gases – nitrogen and oxygen; water and other fluids
  • the etheric body, which plants and animals also possess
  • the astral body, which animals and man both have
  • and the Ego or centre which is surrounded by the other bodies which envelope and sheath it.
Another interesting philosophy to come out of Europe in this era of enlightenment, was Dr Randolph Stone, born in Austria in 1890, who trained as an Osteopath, Naturopath and chiropractor.
He developed Polarity Therapy which melded ancient Eastern philosophies with modern European natural healing practices.
Dr Stone investigated the pathways in the body that energy could be felt to move in and drew upon his vast knowledge to create “maps” of these pathways that therapists could use to locate and move around energy.
He found that energy is constantly moving and we all have a positive and negative polarity.
By using the hands to manipulate the energy in a particular spot with varying pressure, some conditions can be alleviated quite easily.
Dr Stone said that ” the awareness of life as energy currents is the key to the natural art of health building.”

Bypassing Ego

Philosophy

I was faced with a difficult decision recently and felt quite uncomfortable with the impending situation, so I decided to trust in the tools that I can now access.

The closer the event of the date loomed, there was more of a “gut reaction”. Undefined stomach aches, nausea, headache and a real sense of gloom. Unusual, because life in general was pretty good at this time.

The rational mind kicked in – “Procrastination”, it said. Other words came up like “avoidance”, “Egotistical” and the like.  No matter how much the mind went to and fro over the matter and presented logical (& illogical) arguments, the fact remained – an undefined sense of unease.

It is extraordinarily difficult to work on yourself and when studying Homeopathy, the lecturer quoted someone famous and said “The physician that treats himself has a fool for a patient”. Some truth in that, as I have on occasion, given myself a painful healing reaction from self administration of remedies! Getting closer to the event, I was now manifesting more physical symptoms, so I decided it was time to bypass the conscious mind and set the intent to go to the original cause of this feeling of unease.  I was also mindful that I needed to ask for help in solving this problem. Luckily, I have a circle of fellow therapists, one of whom assisted most ably.

Having written about Spiritual Hypnotherapy just recently, I decided that this would be the perfect tool to use to access the subconscious, bypass the ego and resolve the issue. With the aid of my fellow hypnotherapist – to guide me by asking appropriate questions and as we started,  I set the intent to get an answer and went into trance quite rapidly.

An interesting lifetime emerged and it related to the current issue. The life ended by hanging and the main characters were also central in this lifetime. 2 hours of vivid sights, sounds and smells – better than a movie at times – but a little scary to be physically experiencing the tightness around the throat and difficulty in breathing. The next step was to release and cut the ties both to this event and people, so that any residual emotions that I had been holding onto would dissapate.  I also released any vows that I may have made in regard to poverty and service. There was an amazing clarity and a profound sense of peace and relief on return to the room.

Returning home, the doubting Thomas within needed to validate the inner journey. And validation came. An email from a distant cousin which gave family details back to that time and beyond. Further research into the era experienced turned up the names of those involved (they remained the same & I discovered one was married to that distant ancestor)and recorded on the pages of the internet, a scenario almost as I described it in trance. I have no recall of having read that information before. The more I read, the calmer I became about the situation. Here was an explanation that transcended the conscious and effectively bypassed Ego.

That night I slept well and woke for the first time in weeks, refreshed. Needless to say, I wholeheartedly recommend the use of hypnotherapy as a tool to help the subconscious to resolve a difficult problem in whatever way appropriate.

Renew those New Year Resolutions

Life balance, Philosophy, , , ,

“Cheers to a New Year and another chance to get it right” – Oprah Winfrey

Did you make your New Year’s resolutions and keep them? We are a couple of weeks into the new year now and are they just a distant memory? Did you experience remorse on New Year’s Day or shortly after when you realized that your first resolution had been broken? Be kind to yourself and ask where the lesson is in this. Change your thinking and see this as feedback that will enable you to make successful goals in the future.

“A New Year’s resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other” – Anon.

There are common new year resolutions on every continent and the top 5  made every year are:

  1. Getting into shape – and that includes weight loss, fitness, giving up smoking or drinking
  2. Getting more organized
  3. Getting a job or changing to a better job
  4. Spending less or clearing debt
  5. Improving the mind and getting an education.

Well, no need to despair or feel as if you have yet to achieve those goals.  If you didn’t stick to those resolutions you made with good intent, then change them so you can,  How so, you may ask? There is still time to review those resolutions you made and set new and achievable goals, just in time for Chinese New Year which falls this year on February 4th.

Take the top intention from the list and let’s apply the SMART goal setting system to your resolutions and you will go from resolution to evolution – creating the change that you really want.

Getting into Shape

S is for Specific – What is it EXACTLY that you want to achieve?

  • Do you want to lose weight – how much & by when;
  • get fit by walking/running/aerobic exercise/gym & what level of fitness will you be happy with;
  • stop smoking/drinking or reduce your intake?

M is for Measurable – How will you know WHEN you have achieved your goal?

  • Set your time frame,
  • clothes size,
  • weight,
  • cigarettes reduced etc.

Remember Rome wasn’t built in a day…..

A is for Achievable – are you capable of getting to your goal?

  • Who do you need to support you to get there? You can’t expect to lose 20kg in a couple of weeks, after all it did creep up on you – all those chocolates and treats while writing reports, that extra slice of Christmas pudding, the broken biscuits that don’t count, finishing off those fries for the kids….

R is for Realistic – are you going “cold turkey” on the booze and ciggies?

  • How likely are you to relapse? Again, you need to put in your support systems. If you are serious about your health and the risks involved in excessive consumption (of anything) then have a plan. Fail to plan and plan to fail.
  • Speak to your Primary Health Practitioner, get your patches or see a Hypnotherapist for your smoking cessation plan or alcohol detox.

T is for Timely – this is where you set the date for when you expect to achieve your goals. You need to have done all of the above to make your resolution a success.

The Year of the Rabbit, is an ideal year to achieve your success as it is a much quieter and more relaxed year than that of 2010, the Year of the Tiger. However, the Rabbit influences of comfort, good taste and refinement may lead to over indulgences and putting off unpleasant tasks.

Make your resolutions fun and enjoyable using the SMART goal setting techniques and you will enjoy the new year and a new you!

“An Optimist stays up to midnight to see the New Year and a Pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.”  Bill Vaughan



Spiritual Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy, Philosophy, ,

Spiritual Hypnotherapy – an interesting term. Historically, most religions have used the trance state to reach enlightenment. Meditation and prayer can result in ecstasy states for some fortunate people.The Sufi have their Whirling Dervishes and the monks of old had their Gregorian Chants. Look into the religions and you will find many activities that lead to altered states.

Trance states abound in modern society. Television is our most common mesmerist. The subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) beat of music can lead to  an altered state of awareness as well.So if your teenager is listening to their “doof doof” music while doing their homework and they get that far-away look in their eyes, it could be a great time to offer some suggestions about cleaning up their room…….!

Many people will be familiar with Hypnotherapy used in a Clinical sense – most commonly for stopping smoking or other addictions. It is used effectively in the Medical and Dental settings for anaesthesia and allaying anxieties.

Some will have even experienced stage hypnosis and clucked like a chicken or forgotten names or numbers. But Hypnosis is not mind control – all Hypnosis is actually self Hypnosis. You will only go into trance if you want to.

How long can you stay in trance? For as long as you want to! In Spiritual Hypnotherapy you may have a Past Life Regression session lasting  2 or more hours. A Lives Between Lives session can go for 4 or more hours.

So why Spiritual Hypnotherapy? The mind/body connection is not fully understood and I must admit I was very sceptical about this area when I first came across it. I had a Past Life Regression out of curiosity. What came out of that gave me goosebumps – the session was recorded and I have gone back over it several times. I spoke in another language and the session was validated several weeks later when I met a person who “knew” me, but I had never met. When we discussed my session, she produced her autobiography (which I had never read) and details matched. I had thought the session was an interesting “story”, but now there was a twist!

When the opportunity to train as a Past Life Regression Therapist, I went along for the experience. Again a smidgen of scepticism. Each session is different and I do enjoy being there as the “tour guide” to the client’s experience. Some sessions seem more vivid and real than others. One client in particular stands out. For the purpose of this article, I shall call her Jenny.

Jenny presented for a Past Life Regression partly out of curiosity, partly because she had a niggling problem that seemed to have no medical reason. She is a Reiki Therapist and very aware of the various metaphysical connections with aches and pains and had explored the physical and the metaphysical in search of an answer. She was open to whatever would come up in her session. Jenny went into trance very easily, helped by her meditation and Reiki practice and slipped into her past life with no effort at all. She described a town in old rural Japan where she was an educated young woman. Jenny was caring for and teaching some children when the town was attacked and she was speared in the abdomen and died.

Some weeks later, she was working in her clinic and one of her clients slipped into trance during a Reiki treatment and described the town and Jenny’s death, thus validating her experience for her. She realized that she had no longer experienced abdominal pain since having the Past Life regression. Knowing how she had died in that life appeared to remove the need to continue experiencing the pain in this lifetime.

The Rhythm of the Days

Homeopathy, Life balance, Philosophy, ,

Every day has its own special rhythm. To know and understand more about these rhythms creates a sense of security. The overlying theme is circular and can be felt in the breath – breathing in and breathing out.

At school a rhythm must be set from the earliest years. In the Steiner tradition there is a morning circle, followed by play and morning tea. Steiner observed that chaotic behaviour in the child is not the child’s fault but a lack of rhythm by the parents and teacher.

Each day is governed by a planet and each day has a different grain or colour assigned to it. By including a different grain each day, the diet becomes more varied. Colours can be used either in the clothing of the child or the adults, even by using different coloured tablecloths in the home or classroom. For the teacher, it is useful to know what day of the week a child is born on as this also determines, according to ancient wisdom, the constitution of the child. The Homeopathic Repertory also lists remedies suited to constitutional disorders, which is helpful when treating children.

Monday is ruled by the Moon and rice or rice water is the appropriate grain. The colour to wear or use is VIOLET. The metal is Silver and the Chinese Medicine element is Water. Astrologically ruled by Cancer, the body parts most affected by the Moon are the brain, nervous system and bladder. The child born on this day may have a sensitivity and awareness, frequently reflect on events and have a good imagination and memory.

Tuesday is ruled by Mars and Barley should be consumed. The colour to wear or use is RED. The metal is Iron and in Chinese Medicine it relates to the Fire Element. Mars rules the blood in the body, including blood pressure, temperature and adrenal glands. The head, face and reproductive system are affected by the planet Mars and the months  are Aries and Scorpio. The child born on this day may have  fire, passion, energy, assertiveness and willpower.

Wednesday is ruled by Mercury and Millet is the appropriate grain. The colour to wear or use is YELLOW.  The Mercury constitution is often disordered by coughs and colds. The body parts affected are the respiratory system, nerves and the mind can be quite active although changeable. The Chinese Medicine element is Air and the astrological signs are Gemini and Virgo. A Mercury child may have an active intelligence, good communication skills, the power to reason and a love of learning through speech and writing.

Thursday is ruled by Jupiter and the grain that should be consumed is Rye. The colour to wear or use is ORANGE. The metal is Tin, and areas of the body affected may be the liver, gallbladder, digestion, thyroid, hips, navel and feet. Sagittarius and Pisces are Jupiter months. The Chinese Medicine element is Earth. A child born on this day may have enthusiasm, optimism and a benevolent nature, wisdom beyond their years and the capacity to create opportunity and growth.

Friday is ruled by the planet Venus and Oats should be eaten. The colour to wear or use is GREEN. The metal for Venus is Copper and the astrological connections are Libra and Taurus. The urinary & reproductive systems are ruled by Venus and the Chinese Medicine element is Water. Children born on this day may have a sociable and affectionate constitution. They enjoy harmony, comfort and beauty.

Saturday is ruled by the planet Saturn and the grain is Corn. The colour is BLUE. The metal for Saturn is Lead and the Chinese Medicine element is Earth. Astrologically it is ruled by Aquarius and Capricorn. The body parts most affected by Saturn are the spleen, bones and joints and the spinal column. A child born on this day may be noticed by its love of order and discipline. They are often idealistic and have a strong moral sense, living life in integrity.

Sunday is ruled by the Sun and Wheat should be eaten. The colour is WHITE. The metal for the Sun is Gold and the astrological connection is Leo. The Chinese Medicine element is Fire and the heart, circulation, blood and vision may be areas to watch.  Children born on this day may have energy to spare, vitality, leadership and willpower, tempered with compassion, love and generosity.

In Lotus Alchemy, which emphasises the transformation of the human being, there are also the 7 stages of life that correspond to the planets:

Birth to 7 – Moon

7 to 14 – Mercury

14 to 21 – Venus

21 to 42 – Sun

42 to 49 – Mars

49 – 56 – Jupiter

56 to 63 – Saturn

63 to 70 – Moon

70 to 77 – Mercury.


5 keys to making your New Year’s Resolutions effective

Life balance, Philosophy

It’s that time of year again tables laden with calorie rich food and drink are set all over Australia. The kilos start to creep on and with the New Year looming fast, you probably haven’t even started thinking about your New Year’s resolutions, as you are enjoying yourself too much. The regret comes in the new year.  The most common resolutions made are: to lose weight; to stop smoking and to stop drinking. And the problem lies in making and keeping those resolutions strong.

Often the resolutions are a cliché, a rote response with little thought or meaningful reflection on the outcome.

Follow the 5 keys to making your resolutions effective and permanent.

1. Clarity – be 100% sure about your goal. This has to change this year. Be specific about the goal and the date you want to achieve it by. Take it seriously and take time to reflect on it. If you have chosen something you think you should do, or someone else has suggested that you do it, then there is no power behind it – it is a cliché, no more important that those rote replies when someone asks you how you are. Take the time to examine your goal mentally, spiritually, consciously and unconsciously.

2. Shift your perception –  How do you see what you are going to achieve? Make it fun and pleasurable for you and you are more likely to be successful. Be creative in the way you approach your goal and decide that this is now your new way of life. Revisit key number 1 and set your goals. If it is weight loss, then define how many kilos you are going to set aside and envisage a permanent lifestyle change. Make the decision to act with clarity for yourself.

3. What’s your belief system? – If you believe that you will achieve your goal – you will. Sometimes you may have a core desire to do something but you may not fully believe in your possibilities. If this is so, then what are your limiting beliefs? Be fully present and examine your beliefs about the outcome. If your beliefs are congruent to the resolution, then change will happen. If not, work on removing the belief system and replace it with small achievable goals. Remember that every journey starts with a single step.

4. Gratitude – enjoy your journey and show gratitude for  the small successes. Each mini goal will add to your eventual overall success. The journey may be slow and gradual but will lead to permanent lifestyle changes.

5. Connection – connection with your goals on a daily basis will help you to remain focused and clear about your outcome. Write your resolutions and goals down and put them so they are visible in a multitude of places. Post-it notes on the mirror in the bathroom, on the fridge, reminders on your calendars – electronic and paper reminders. Tick them off as you achieve them and congratulate yourself on your new way of life.

Polarity Therapy and the Number 3

Life balance, Philosophy

The Polarity Triune is the Positive, Negative and Neutral flows of energy.

These energies can be seen in several ways.

Within the body there are three principles of energy:

  1. Fire energy – from the sun and found in all living things
  2. Air energy – the breath of life
  3. Water energy – the body fluids which contain the chemistry of life

Randolph Stone believed that all motion is triune and that nothing is an independent unit with everything relying on and interacting with other units.

The Polarity Triune can also be seen in the process of creation. Dr Stone gave as another example, The Garden of Paradise where there could be found:

  • A tree of life
  • A tree of Knowledge of good and evil
  • The snake as the tempter

The 3 energies…..

1. Positive energy moves away from the centre and is fiery, repelling and centrifugal, It starts in the umbilical area, spiralling outward in a clockwise direction. The right side of the body, superior areas and back are also imbued with positive energy.
Other qualities of this energy are male, yang, expansive, fire, outgoing and sympathetic. The Right hand is positive , as is the top of the body and limbs.
Within the hands, the middle (fire) and little (earth) fingers have a positive energy.

 

 2.    Neutral energy

This is found in the East West currents.
It flows from left to right at the front and right to left in the back.
The middle of limbs, the torso and head are neutral areas.
The thumbs on both hands have a neutral energy

3. Negative energy flows in the long currents of the body, called the North South Currents.
On the right side, the energy flows down the front and up the back, whilst on the left side it flows up the front and down the back.
This energy can flow out through the toes and fingers in a circular manner.
The negative energy is found on the left side of the body, front and inferior areas. It is essentially a female, yin energy, receptive and affects the parasympathetic nervous system, is in going and has a water element to it.
The left hand and the bottom of the torso, head and sections of limbs have a negative quality,
The left hand is negative and the index fingers (air) and the ring fingers (water) are also negatively charged.


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Polarity Therapy

Life balance, Philosophy

What is Polarity Therapy?

Polarity Therapy is a therapeutic method of returning the physical and energetic body to a state into which energy blocks causing dis-ease and ill health are removed and good health may be restored.

It is based upon a combination of Eastern therapies such as Ayurvedic and Taoist traditions as well as Western therapies such as Chiropractic, Osteopathy, Herbal and Naturopathy.
Dr Randolph Stone, the founder of Polarity Therapy saw the connection between these therapies and felt that lasting cure could be achieved if all aspects of the body were addressed.
It is a truly holistic form of therapy as it encompasses four modalities to bring about a balanced energy state.

Three Major Currents

There are three major currents which emanate from the Chakra system

  • the East West current
  • the Spiral current
  • the Long Line currents
Each of the the currents mirror the three principles of the Gunas.

The East West current is also referred to as the Transverse current. It is Sattvic and neutral. It emanates from the top and bottom of the body and spirals transversely around the body. It helps to bind the energy of the parasympathetic nervous system to the core.

The Spiral current is derived from the fire Centre and is responsible for the Rajasic qualities of movement and expansion. It originates from the umbilical region and sends warming, healing, vital energy throughout the body. It corresponds to the sympathetic nervous system.

The Long Line currents emanate individually from each Chakra. These are Tamasic in nature and each current takes on the characteristics of a particular chakra. So the current from the Air center or chakra is called the Air current. The long line currents correlate to the five senses and the central nervous system.

The Polarities of the body

Positive Polarities

Positive polarities of the body are :		 Negative Polarities

Negative polarities of the body are:

 Neutral Polarities

Neutral polarities of the body are:
top bottom



right sided left sided the east west currents
superior inferior
the back the front moves in vertical waves in the long pathways of the body energy flows left to right on the front
moving clockwise to the right down the front and up the back on the right side
energy moves away from the centre up the front and down the back on the left side energy flows right to left on the back
the Right hand energy moves towards the centre

the left hand
middle and little fingers index and ring fingers the thumbs on both hands







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Work Life Balance

Life balance, Philosophy, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Speaking notes of the talk given at the Monash Women’s Business Network meeting on Wednesday 10th November 2010, where I was part of a panel of 3 speakers talking about Work Life Balance. This followed on from Ann Barker (State Member for Oakleigh) and Jane Riley (owner of Set 4 Life)

The consequences of not achieving a good work –life balance

For business, the consequences of poor work life balance translate into decreased productivity and increased absenteeism.

For the employee, particularly women, there are a number of issues to be considered.

The home workload is often as great for the working woman as her paid work commitments, even if she is only working part-time.

An article in the Age (August 4, 2010) stated that there was an increase in the number of people who felt that their jobs were interfering with their family time. Interestingly, a survey by the University of South Australia, quoted in the article, found that while Australia has one of the worlds highest percentages of women in part-time work, they demonstrated the same stress levels as men who were engaged in full-time work.

Who is at risk? What are the issues?

Middle aged professionals such as accountants, lawyers and teachers are at greater risk of a diverse range of health problems, divorce and even early death if they don’t get their work life balance right. This is most apparent with achievement orientated people and those driven to succeed.

The result of long and intensive stress is disease. The stress comes from working harder and longer but not necessarily smarter in our technology driven world. The very machines that were to free us from labour have enslaved us in other ways. There is the expectation for women to do more things in less time. Our feminist forebears would turn in their graves if they could see the outcome.

Stress, in itself, can be either a positive or a negative experience, but regardless of how one perceives it, the flight or fight response is activated. The experience can become addictive.

Hormones such as CRH (Corticotrophin) and AVP (Arginine-vasopressin) are released and activate neurons in the hypothalamus.

Cortisol – This is a primary stress hormone, releases sugar and increased glucose into the bloodstream. This inhibits function in the digestive, immune and reproductive systems and affects growth and development.

Adrenaline – another hormone and a neurotransmitter, which when released, increases the heart rate, the respiratory rate and blood pressure.

The hormonal changes can cause symptoms which manifest as palpitations, rapid heart rates, nausea, vomiting, digestive upsets such as diarrhea or constipation, cold clammy hands and muscular tension.

Stressors can be mental, emotional, physical or psychological. The consequences of sustained stress are (& this is not an exhaustive list)

Irritability,

Restlessness,

Agitation

Moodiness

Sleep disturbances

Anxiety

Social withdrawal

Depression,

Higher blood pressure,

Increased weight

Anger

Exhaustion

With any or all of these stressors continuing to occur, the immune system becomes depressed and chronic stress sets in. So how does this happen?  The cycle of stress costs us more than an unhealthy body.

As Cortisol levels rise – as a result of stress – obesity becomes an issue. Chronic stress affects the production and storage of fat in our bodies. We are already at risk of obesity with our eating habits altered. Time poor we reach for the fast food solution, which is often high in fat and sugar, altering our blood chemistry and increasing our risk of high cholesterol, diabetes and heart failure.

Stress related illnesses cost not only family, but the community.  We are seeing an increase in stress related immune diseases, such as Glandular Fever, Shingles and Lupus. The immune system is further weakened by poor eating habits and our addiction to tea, coffee, sugar, salt, alcohol and other substances. Our sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise, pollution and drugs and medicines all contribute to compromise an overloaded system. So often we are “running on empty” and when we finally get that holiday and relax, we get sick.

Other indicators of stress can be alopecia – for both men and women

Facial stress lines

Behavioral stress, often leading to family conflicts, divorce

Alcohol or substance abuse

Coronary heart disease and stroke

Diabetes

Depression and for some, the pressure becomes too much and suicide becomes their option.

In searching for a work life balance, we need to look at what support we have. Many women feel like they are on a merry-go-round of exhaustion and lack family support. The traditional family structures have disappeared and with relocation from our original homes, the modern professional woman may have no backup to relieve them from the exhaustion of their daily grind. They may even find that their work life balance fluctuating wildly from chaos to perfect balance.

Setting personal goals is valuable and they need to be clear and achievable.

I could use an F word here – in fact I could use at least 6!

The first is FOCUS

Focus on:

FAMILY

FINANCES

FRIENDS

FUN

FUTURE

Focusing clearly on goals for all of these areas will help to prioritize needs.

Just a tiny adjustment and stroke of the pen will change those F words to P words….

Prune what is necessary. The garden often flourishes once the old, dead wood has been pruned out.

Focus will help remove those noxious weeds of guilt and overwhelm. Ask yourself “How much responsibility will I take on? (Jane spoke about exercising the “NO” muscle)   How will it impact on my wellbeing?”

By being present and not taking work home (if possible – teachers will have difficulty here) and outsourcing tasks (if affordable), stress can be reduced.

Prioritize what is important to you – your health or the housework?

Good childcare is hard to source and if you can get it, take it. It is there for you.

Make some time for yourself – make an appointment for you