Some days my daughter awakens from sleep without her rosy cheeks, beautiful smile, and bright eyes. She has lost some vital energy in the night. Maybe she had a bad dream, needs a conversation with peers, stayed up too late, is worried about her future/current events, or is spending a lot of time indoors/on the computer. Her cup is emptying and is not getting a refill. It must be so hard to to live with the chaos, uncertainty and isolation of these times. When she is “low” I recommend that she tries to get outside/exercise, take a bath, play the piano/sing, send a message to a friend, or draw/create something. I know what what helps her to regulate or recharge. Lately those things are not enough and she requires “energy” work to retrieve what has been lost. So I get out my tuning forks. bells, broom, massage oil, healing hands, etc. Instantly I see a change in her mood and physical appearance.
Both my daughters love these healing session. The connection and relaxation soothes their nervous system and restores harmony in the world. My kids are getting more emotionally intelligent and resourceful everyday. In the future they may not want my attention or I could be far away. My goal over the next six months is to support them to learn how to do their own self care. Ultimately they are responsible for maintaining physical and mental health. I hope to teach them not to project their pain and suffering onto themselves or others. So I put together these Easter baskets with a twist, replacing all those sugary filled sweets and plastic with something way more useful for a tween/teen girl.
Chamomile Milk Bath
Citrus Bath Salts
Floral Facial Toner
Constitutional Massage Oil
Basil and Lime Lotion Bar
Wound Powder for Acne Spots
Acne Tincture
Heavy Period Tincture
Soothing Bulk Tea
Cardamon and Rose Cleansing grains
Headache Herb bundle
Violet Leaf Deoderant
Elder and Yarrow Flower Cold Cream
Jade Roller
Weighted Tuning Forks
Whisk Broom for energy cleansings
and of course a bit of good quality chocolate.
What are some signs of vital energy loss in children?1) Nightmares/sleep problems. 2) Stomach complaints/food allergies. 3) Rashes and skin issues 4) Off complexion color (pale, yellow, gray, circles under the eyes) 5) Anxiety/fears. 6) Behavior/mood changes. 7) Self isolation. 8) Apathy/loss of interest in people and activities. 9) Fatigue/exhaustion. Obviously these “symptoms” resemble numerous minor and serious conditions that we recognize in our society. But the traditional medicine system of many cultures also see these as indicators of an imbalance that is not known or usually treated in the West.
What are some causes of vital energy loss in kids 1) Witnessing or experiencing an event that is traumatic/shocking. 2) Sudden disappearance of regular habits/routines. 3) Chronic illness or hospitalization. 4) Loss/death of loved one. 5) Persistent bullying, neglect, abuse, or sensory deprivation. 6)Stressful life situations (war, relocation, natural disaster, racism). 7) Unresolved PTSD, depression, or anxiety. 8) Missing connection (to self, family, community, peers, nature, spirit). 9) Exposure to energetic and environmental toxins. 10) Engaging in actions that violate agreements or cause harm to other sentient beings. 11) Repetitive exposure to activities/media that is violent, demeaning, destructive, harmful, or “ugly”. 12) Overconsumption of things that lack life force/Qi like processed non organic food and screens/computers/devices.
How can vital energy be retrieved? 1) Self care practices. 2) Spending time in nature. 3) Energy/healing/therapeutic work. 4) Establishing a relationship with spirit. 4) Rituals/celebrations/experiences that are beautiful and uplifting. 5) Reconnecting on an intimate level with people and activities that are important. 6) Physical activity/movement. 7) Creative activities (music, dance, writing, art, hand crafts). 8) Tactile/5 sense stimulation. 9)Prayer/meditation 10) Changing habits. 11) Confession/repair of ruptures and wrongs. 12) Service, volunteer work, doing something for others.
In the distant past when humans were tightly woven into the fabric of community, spirit, and nature vital energy loss was a rare and short lived concern. Family members knew how to recognize it and deal with it immediately before it moved deep into the system to create more problems. We live in a time when the choices we make draw vital energy from our reserves rather than make a deposit. Our society is based on the consumption of time, energy, information and resources above the giving of back these things to self/others. No wonder we all feel either empty, lost or spent. We all crave connection, joy, balance, and a state of well being but have lost the path/road map to get there.
Do you “see” vital energy loss? How do you treat it in yourself and those you love?
Blackbird's Backyard Pharmacy 