This is from a Friend  -  for me, for you. Thank you, Jackie.

For Longing

Blessed be the longing that brought you here
And quickens your soul with wonder.

May you have the courage to listen to the voice of desire
That disturbs you when you have settled for something safe.

May you have the wisdom to enter generously into your own unease
To discover the new direction your longing wants you to take.

May the forms of your belonging – in love, creativity and friendship
Be equal to the grandeur and the call of your soul.

May the one you long for long for you.

May your dreams gradually reveal the destination of your desire.

May a secret Providence guide your thought and nurture your feeling.

May your mind inhabit your life with the sureness with which your body inhabits the world.

May your heart never be haunted by ghost-structures of old damage.

May you come to accept your longing as divine urgency.

May you know the urgency with which God longs for you.

From John O’Donohue’s Benedictus:

Throughout my 15 years as an Occupational Therapist, I have often considered how to promote and help people understand what exactly Occupational Therapy is. I have contemplated this many times, because most people don’t fully understand it and would benefit from learning how it might help them or a loved one. When April rolls around, it is time to get the word out about this wonderful profession.

Do you know what Occupational Therapists do? I was surprised to learn, early on as a new OT, that some physicians did not know how this therapy could help their patients recover more easily and more completely. They simply did not understand what Occupational Therapy was. I was stunned to learn that we had to promote and educate people about our profession, so people could be helped in unique ways that only Occupational Therapy can do.

Many people think that it has to do with helping people find an occupation or a job. This is an obvious conclusion. However, it is much, much more than that. Occupation refers to what ‘occupies’ a person’s life. This can be from brushing your teeth in the morning, to getting dressed, to your golf swing. Occupational Therapists help people engage in their lives fully by creating ways for a person to participate in the occupations or activities they would like to, as independently and joyously as possible. This encompasses assisting people with their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

Occupational Therapists work in a variety of settings. We work in school districts assisting children with developmental delays to engage as fully as possible in the learning environment. Occupational Therapists may assist someone who had a stroke with paralysis to become stronger to be able take care of themselves with feeding, eating, dressing, and so on. You will find Occupational Therapists in mental health settings assisting individuals to relate to their lives in meaningful ways through the use of Art Therapy and other fabulous interventions.

I have noticed a trend happening where Occupational Therapists are expanding their horizons and getting trained in and providing Holistic Therapies, also known as CAM (Complementary Alternative Medicine), or Integrative Medicine. This is a trend happening in all of health care, as we have learned the calming benefits of Meditation and Relaxation, and how it can help lift depression and lower stress and anxiety. Yoga is sweeping the nation as it has health benefits that can help people prevent or recover from an illness and and injury. Energy Healing and CranioSacral Therapy are becoming more routinely integrated in to patient care plans as they can assist with lowering pain and improve alignment of the body, mind, and spirit. These are just a few of the many Holistic Therapies that abound.

I am also observing how more Occupational Therapists are becoming Certified Life or Health & Wellness Coaches to assist people to prevent illness, lower stress, and create the lives they want to lead. Occupational Therapist’s scope of practice is well-suited for incorporating Coaching in to their practice.

These trends are happening in all of health care , because we can’t keep spending money to help people get better after they have become ill. It is much more cost effective to keep people well and to prevent illness. Plus, it is much more humane. Many are seeing the value in building healthier lifestyles that complement how they want to live, and Occupational Therapists are at the forefront of this.

Occupational Therapy is a remarkable profession that assists individuals to live their best lives. Occupational Therapists believe that we find meaning in our lives through the activities we engage in.  I am proud to be an Occupational Therapist. Would it be easier to just say I’m a Physical or Speech Therapist and have people easily understand what it is? Yes, but I love the richness, complexity and holistic approach of this profession, and am enjoying being a part of its expansion in to new possibilities for us all!

Emmy Vadnais is a Holistic Occupational Therapist & Intuitive Healer who will help you Remove Barriers to Peace and Joy. She can be reached at emmy@emmyvadnais.com or 651-292-9938.

Spring Time is here and it’s early this year! The days are becoming warmer as the sun moves higher in the sky creating a burst of new energy and new life. This is the time of year for growth and renewal in nature and in ourselves.

In his classic text on living in harmony with nature, “Staying Healthy with the Seasons”, Elson M. Haas, MD says, “In the Chinese system of Five Elements, the spring season is correlated with the element of Wood, which governs the gall bladder and liver. The Wood element refers to living, growing entities: trees, plants, and the human body. They grow simultaneously out and upward, down and inward. The development of the root structure, as well as its early nourishment by sun, air, water, and soil provide the strength and growth to the organism. Each entity has its individual requirements in these areas.”

What do you need to grow well? The fresh air, light, and wind may provide us with the ability to have mental clarity to focus, plan, and make decisions. If, you feel sluggish, fatigued, stiff, sore or not as mentally or emotionally clear, you may want to give yourself attention. Perhaps you would like to make a health plan to grow in all areas of your life.

Christine Gendreau, Licensed Acupuncturist, says this is an excellent time of year to consider cleansing the body of excess waste and dis-ease as the liver and the gall bladder are more active this time of year. The liver breaks down food, stores and distributes nourishment, and filters toxins from the blood. The gall bladder aides the intestines to break down fats and assists the functioning of the small intestines. She suggests that a personalized cleanse or detoxification program may assist your energy and over-all health.

“People think of cleansing or detoxing what they put in their body. You might also do well to turn off the extra noises and hub-bub around you that you’re constantly connected to by turning off your cell phone, and disconnecting from Facebook and e-mail.” Says Dr. James Ryan, D.C.

Relieving tension, stress, and negative emotions may prevent illness or disease. A daily practice of meditation and/or relaxation will invite in peace, clarity, and connection to Spirit and Intuition. The emotion of anger and shouting are related to the Wood Element. This is a good time to get to the root cause of your anger or other emotions that may be holding you back.

Receiving bodywork such as Acupressure, Massage, Reflexology or Energy Healing may assist you to cleanse and re-balance your mind, body, and spirit. Regular stretching such as Yoga and enjoyable exercises will strengthen and tonify your vitality.

The spark of new life and the color green is associated with Spring and the Wood Element. Enjoy this time of year as your re-connect with yourself, nature, and your loved ones!

Emmy Vadnais is a Holistic Occupational Therapist who is available to assist you with your Health & Wellness plans and goals. She can be reached at 651-292-9938 or emmy@emmyvadnais.com.

At the core of many of our problems is a simple lack of self worth. Think about it. If something is not working in your life, what is really at the core of it?

Many of us do not value ourselves. We may or may not see the good in ourselves. We may judge ourselves for the parts we deem as less valuable or desirable. We can even project our lack of self-worth on to others and negatively judge them.

If, something or someone (a relationship) is not working the way you want it to, it’s possible that this is a reflection of how you feel about yourself. How you see yourself is often how the world will treat you.

Learning to value yourself more may positively affect your overall health. Since the mind and body are not separate, how you feel about yourself and the accompanying moods may have a direct affect on your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

Badgering yourself or cutting yourself down for something you deem as less desirable only makes the problem worse. The stress you feel from cutting yourself down can cause your internal organs and systems to not function as smoothly.

Often, those parts that you see as bad really need unconditional love, acceptance, and forgiveness. This will help them release in to something more positive and you will find that you have more self-worth.

Do you value yourself? It may help you to recognize when, where, and how you negatively judge yourself. Try it now.

1. What do you love about yourself or what parts of you do you feel are good?
2. What parts of you do you view as bad?
3. Listen to the uncomfortable parts and suspend the judgment of them.
4. What are the emotions behind this part of you?
5. What does this part of you need?
6. What part of you needs forgiveness?
7. Bring love and acceptance to this part of you.

This practice may feel a little strange at first. It is really a simple practice of Mindfulness – observing yourself with a compassionate heart and learning to love yourself.

The more you love and value yourself, wonderful things will happen for you in your life and in your relationships! You are worth it!

Emmy Vadnais is certified in Holistic Therapies that will assist you to eliminate barriers on your path so you can live the life you want. Contact her at emmy@emmyvadnais.com or 651-292-9938.

I recently watched the movie Where the Wild Things Are. I really liked it.

It was so artistically created, and I enjoyed discovering a story about a boy who was frustrated and upset with the way things were going in his life. His imagination allowed him to sail across the ocean to a strange land where he met many Wild Things. Each Wild Thing seemed to represent a part of him; the hurt parts of himself. Getting to know each Wild Thing allowed him to work out his bad feelings.

At first he seemed to enjoy the freedom of being with them, developing relationships with them, and getting to know them. Over time, he learned more about them and himself, and realized he wanted a different relationship with them and himself. He recognized that he wanted to treat himself and others better.  This helped him to be ready to return to his family with a more open heart, be able to give and receive love, and be more happy.

Where are your Wild Things? Do you know what they are? You can probably tell what they are by what feels like is missing in your life or how you may react negatively to yourself or others.

Imagination is very powerful tool that can help you in many ways. It allows you to create many wonderful things, and it can also show you parts of yourself you may not easily see. Use your imagination to create images that represent these parts of so you can understand them with deeper meaning. It will assist you to explore and create what it is you want for yourself and others.

Use your imagination through writing, through art, or during meditation to allow these aspects to come forward, to work it out, and then re-emerge in your life and to have better relationships with yourself and others. Embracing these hurt, sad, or bad feelings through your imagination can allow you to explore yourself and understand what it is these parts of you really need. Removing the barriers and obstacles can help you receive what it is you most desire.

Or consider having a Guided Imagery session where you are guided to access these parts of you and understand what it is they most need. Solutions that are not so easy to emerge with conscious thought can come forward from your infinitely wise imagination and intuition. Then, you can receive what is missing and live a more complete life.

Emmy Vadnais is a Holistic Occupational Therapist who is certified in Interactive Guided Imagery and is available to assist you to live with more joy and peace. You can contact her at emmy@emmyvadnais.com or 651-292-9938.

It is the New Year – Happy 2012 to you!

It is customary to reflect back on our lives while creating resolutions, intentions, or goals for ourselves, to make our lives better in the new year.

What is it You Most Desire? Do you want to improve your physique? Do you want to have better relationships? Do you want a more satisfying job? Many of us will set goals of what it is we think we want in our lives. Some of them realistic, and some perhaps more challenging to attain.

I believe we all want to be free from suffering. We want peace, joy, and a sense of connectedness.

This is the basis of Yoga, and is described so beautifully in the book “The Light on Yoga” as an excerpt from the “Bhagavad Gita”:

‘When his mind, intellect and self (ahamkhara) are under control, freed from restless desire, so that they rest in the spirit within, a man becomes a Yukta – one in communion with God. A lamp does not flicker in a place where no wind blows; so it is with a Yogi, who controls his mind, intellect and self, being absorbed in the spirit within him. When the restlessness of the mind, intellect and self is stilled through the practice of Yoga, the yogi by the grace of the Spirit within himself finds fulfillment. Then he knows the joy eternal which is beyond the pale of the senses that his reason cannot grasp. He abides in this reality and moves not therefrom. He has found the treasure above all others. There is nothing higher than this. He who has achieved it, shall not be moved by the greatest sorrow. This is the real meaning of Yoga – a deliverance of contact with pain and sorrow.’

If you feel you would like assistance with creating and reaching your goals for 2012 by releasing pain and suffering, or inviting in more joy and peace, please contact me .

Namaste!

Emmy

651-292-9938 or emmy@emmyvadnais.com

We have enjoyed a warmer than usual Fall Season here in Minnesota. The garden is mostly put to bed for the winter, but there are still some carrots, beets, chard, and kale awaiting picking, and a few snap dragons sharing their delight. Daylight savings and the calendar on the wall tell me that Thanksgiving is coming up quickly and Christmas is just around the corner.

So, we need to plan the meals, decide who’s coming and going where… and then there are the gifts. Do I make them, buy them, or offer a talent or service?

I have started making my husband a scarf. I’m still finishing a blanket from last year, and then ideas of other gifts I could make flood my head.

In the face of extra demands, cold, and darkness it is imperative that we take extra good care of ourselves. What does this mean?

Well for starters, lower the stress levels for yourself as much as possible. This may mean limiting how much you do in a day. Be realistic about how much you can bite off. Take time to plan your activities and space things out, so you’re not doing everything all at once. Ever shopped for presents on Christmas Eve? I have! Kinda’ stressful.

Most of us will have family gatherings. We may not always like some of our family members, or the things they do, or don’t do – or we may be missing loved-ones who’ve passed on. This can amplify the stress. The yummy treats and extra food that abound i.e. cocktails, cheese, cookies, fudge (I love fudge), and other delectables may give us immediate comfort, but later discomfort and perhaps self-disgust.

Consider taking some time to honor what you are feeling and your emotions that may be stirred at this time of year in a mindful way – observing them, accepting them, and bringing love and compassion to yourself.

Notice the tension you may be carrying in your body and consciously drop your shoulders and deepen your breath in to your belly from your chest.

Consider creating space to relax in the tub or sit on the floor and gently stretch your body, or sip on some tea or hot apple cider to keep your body warm, your muscles relaxed, and your mind calm.

When I was joyously, however prolongedly, creating my masterpiece of a scarf I started to feel the tension rising in my hands, biceps, and forearms. I stopped, stretched, and went back to stitching. The next day, I further felt the tension up in to my shoulders (trapezius, for you anatomy whizzes), felt fatigue, and was intimately reminded of the Mind-Body Connection. My body was telling me to pay attention to it and I listened. So, I did more stretching (less stitching for now), and took some time for some Yoga. Elongating the muscles and opening the energy channels, that often get constricted at the joints, was just what I needed. My fatigue lessened and I felt like I was getting my energy back. This will make my immune system stronger so I can stitch on and stay well for all of the upcoming activities.

Take time to pace yourself or slow down. As you listen to your body and respond in the best possible way, whatever that is for you, you will be less likely to become sick and more able to enjoy the Holiday Season. Here are a few Holistic Tips and Meditations that, when practiced regularly, may keep you feeling well and enjoying life – and maybe even the Holidays!

Please contact me to assist you staying well in Mind, Body, & Spirit.

Emmy Vadnais is a Holistic Occupational Therapist and Intuitive Healer who can be contacted at emmy@emmyvadnais.com or 651-292-9938.

Stress is the culprit of much, if not all, of what ails us. Stress can lead to all sorts of problems including physical illness, relationship problems, and addictive behavior, just to name a few. That is why it is important to engage in healthy relaxing activities.

Guided Imagery is a form of meditation that can assist with relaxation, counteract negative moods, and damaging biochemicals that cause physical, mental, and emotional illness. It can assist you to make good choices, lower pain and anxiety, release unwanted habits, overcome obstacles, assist with sleep, improve confidence and performance, and have a stronger Spiritual connection. It allows you to tap in to your inner peace, wisdom and intuition so you may realize your goals.

What is unique about Guided Imagery is that all of your senses are engaged while using your imagination. This helps the physiology; how your mind and body are functioning, and your biochemistry to shift in to a more balanced and harmonious state.

Here is a simple Guided Imagery exercise you can practice on your own:

First Begin with focusing on your breath and doing a progressive body relaxation.

Now, let yourself go to a Special Place!

Emmy Vadnais is certified in Guided Imagery. She is available for private one to one sessions, tutoring, and classes. Contact her at 651-292-9938 or emmy@emmyvadnais.com.

Giving and receiving Foot Reflexology and Massage has been with humanity for thousands of years. I have used a ton of Reflexology when helping people with their health.

It has been shown to lower stress, decrease anxiety, relieve pain – physical and emotional, and lower nausea and headaches; just to name a few of its countless benefits. New research continues to come out showing its tremendous health benefits.

This tutorial will show you how to give an excellent Foot Reflexology and Massage session to a loved one, friend, or someone in your care. Hopefully, someone will want to ‘practice’ on your feet, too!

Lately I’ve been noticing how serious the world has become, how serious I have become. There are serious issues to pay attention to. Aren’t there? There is famine, earthquakes, hurricanes, depletion of the environment – the world, not to mention what’s happening to my friends, my family, to me.

So, I practice my Yoga. Yoga is serious business. We must do the postures, breathe properly… and get off our butts initially to do it. We must brush our teeth, the dishes need to be washed, children to be taken care of, our inner child needs attention, our parents need our love. We must be nice to ourselves and to others.

But what if we’re taking this all too seriously?

I am grateful for the Guided Imagery session I recently had that seemed very serious at first. Then, I was guided to connect to my breath and just be. Without judging myself or others, I was guided to connect with my Higher Self; my Intuition. I got a new perspective as I heard messages that I need to be more gentle with myself, and to bring joy to what I am doing and what I am being. I heard other important messages that will help me sort out personal relationships. I now feel lighter and more reassured. This helps me to be and navigate the world with more ease.

While this may sound “airy-fairy”, or “Oh, that’s nice, but not for me.” I ask you to consider connecting with the part of you that doesn’t judge this or that. What do you have to lose? Your opinion? The heaviness?  The seriousness?  Just watch and observe what comes forward.

Or consider having a Guided Imagery session where you will receive your own unique insights that are specific to you and the situations affecting you in your life. Your inner wisdom may help you lighten your load – let go of what’s holding you down. Float to the top – to the light er side.

Emmy Vadnais, Holistic Occupational Therapist & Intuitive Healer is certified in Guided Imagery. Guided Imagery has many proven health benefits for the mind, body, and spirit. She can be reached at 651-292-9938 or emmy@emmyvadnais.com.

©2011 Emmy Vadnais