A Perfect Body

I'd eased myself onto the floor in my office no more than 2 seconds before Quincy jumped down from where he'd been napping on the day bed to demand my immediate attention.

"Not now, buddy!" I scolded.  "I need to do my crunches."  In an effort to regain control of my physical wellness, I'd started both the 100 Push-Ups and 200 Sit-Ups Challenges this week.

"Fine," he sighed, hesitantly stepping away.  "But what exactly do you need to do them for?"

"I need...to get...in better...shape," I said on the out-breaths of my first set. 

"What's wrong with your current shape?" I knew where this was going.

"Nothing is wrong with my current shape.  I'd just prefer to have a better one."

"And what you're doing over there--that's going to get you a better shape?"

I nodded.

"Well I think your shape is perfect.  And my shape is perfect, too, and I don't need to do anything like that."

"Good for you!" I told him. "But for us humans, having a 'perfect' body isn't quite so easy."

"Sure it is!  You just say, 'I have a perfect body,' and then go on to doing something fun.  Like sleeping."

"Quincy, if all I did was sleep I'd never have a perfect body." I was starting to get annoyed.  "People need to exercise and eat a well-balanced diet and..."

"You'll never have a perfect body as long as you keep telling yourself you don't have one right now."  

I knew the power of affirmations.  I knew that by virtue of the Law of Attraction, our thoughts became things.  But physical fitness was different.  You couldn't think your way to toned muscles and firmer abs.  You had to work--physically--to achieve those things.

"But I'm not in shape like I used to be.  And I need to lose a few pounds.  I've got to do something."

"I don't sleep all day," he continued. "I walk around.  I chase things.  I jump up and down.  I explore. I share things with Holly.  I box with the dogs.  I eat.  I drink.  I use the litter box.  I stalk you in the bathroom.  I let you scratch my head.  I try to teach you stuff..."

"Right.  A lot of physical things," I pointed out to him.

"But I do them.  I don't need to do them.  There's a difference."

"But don't you need to eat, drink, and move around to survive and be healthy?" 

"Exactly.  I do these things because my instinct is to survive and be healthy. Not to get a perfect body.  I already have a perfect body.  The things I do just help me sustain it." 

"Yes, but that's why I said I wanted to get in better shape.  It will be easier to sustain that without having to worry about it so much."

"If you're doing things like what you were just doing, thinking you need to do them to get a 'perfect' body--or even a 'better' body--you're just going to have to keep on doing them.  That 'perfect' body will always be out of reach if you believe it's outside of your existing self, no matter how many exercises you do or don't do."  

"Okay. So you're saying I shouldn't do crunches."

"Hey, you should do all the crunches you want if you love to do crunches.  But I can't see how anyone could love doing something called 'crunches'--unless it involves food."

Spotlight: JoAnn Jarvis, DHM

"Spotlights" introduce you to some of our favorite biped friends--practitioners, authors, vendors, and other incredibly cool and knowledgeable people who share our love for animals and commitment to wellness.  

This month, JoAnn Jarvis, DHM, explains homeopathy and some of its many benefits for animals as well as people.  

Since the beginning of Homeopathy, animals as well as humans have benefited from its gentle healing action. Homeopathy is "energy medicine." Because it is so highly dilute, there is none of the original source substance left, therefore it is just the energy or the essence which is received.

Homeopathy means "like cures like." In practice, it is the matching up of the totality of symptoms belonging to a remedy that the person/animal already exhibits. Because each person/animal is a unique creature, how their symptoms are displayed makes all the difference in which remedy is selected. For example, 2 persons with a sore throat may be very different. One person's sore throat may feel better when drinking ice cold water, while the other person's throat feels best when they swallow solids. One person might have fever and chills and want to be wrapped up and quiet in bed, while the other feels good working. One person's sore throat feels raw and burning. Another person's sore throat is left sided and when they swallow there is pain shooting up to the ear. Those persons need different remedies for their sore throats. Therefore, not one or two or three homeopathic remedies are considered a "cure" for sore throats (much less other illnesses). There are probably fifty remedies that address sore throats - but which one remedy is it for yours? The conditions all have to
fit for it to work. Homeopathy takes into account the whole individual - it does not treat specific illnesses or conditions. It strengthens the whole individual, so that the person's own body systems are strengthened and fights off disease however bodies do that. Unfortunately, because the nature of homeopathy is so specific and unique, it does present a problem when dealing with scientific studies that seeks to control variables and looks to find one size which fits all. This is not how homeopathy works! One size, one remedy does not fit all.

Homeopathy came into being in the 1800s in Germany, thanks to Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. Dr. Hahnemann was very disenchanted with the crude medical practices of his day. He saw that many of the cures and treatments given were worse than the disease/illness. He accidentally stumbled upon a curious thing while he was translating medical texts. He read that the bark of the Chinchona tree produced the same symptoms of a person who had malaria. He thought that was very interesting especially because Chinchona was the medicine given to a person sick with malaria and it was known to cure most cases. He decided to experiment on himself. Being healthy and without any illness, he took some Chinchona and brought on the symptoms of malaria in himself! Yet, this same substance cured malaria and that was a well known fact. Hahnemann discovered for himself the very same beliefs of the earliest physicians in time: Hippocrates and Parcelsus also believed that "like cures like." 

From there he experimented more with other things (plants, animals, biological substances, minerals, etc) and found that they all produced symptoms of their own. There was a problem in that some of these original substances were very toxic, so Hahnemann sequentially diluted these so that they would not be toxic and pose any problem. These highly diluted solutions (or remedies), along with the violent shaking upon impact (succussions) with each dilution, is the process by which homeopathic remedies are made even today.

Hahnemann experimented on family and friends. They kept carefully detailed notes on the remedies they took. The collections of these highly detailed notes (provings) is called the Homeopathic Materia Medica. Provings go on even in this modern day. To date there are over 3,000 homeopathic remedies.

With more experimentation, Hahnemann reasoned that if a person who was sick presented with the symptoms of a specific remedy, he could give that matching remedy and it would help them. That was the very beginnings of homeopathy. He could help others who were sick without toxic side effects. 

The traditional initial homeopathic consult for a human lasts 2 - 3 hours. We humans have a lot to talk about: our emotional feelings, our mental perspectives on life, our relationships, what we like and dislike, as well as our physical problems, our families of origin, and medical histories. How does a homeopath do a consult on an animal if that information cannot be gathered from the animal? It is very simple - just as a parent is observant of their child, so is an animal owner observant of his/her pet. They know its personality, they know what its likes and dislikes are, they know its physical problems, what helps, what makes worse, etc. Animals, just like infants are read by observing their personalities, actions and tendencies. An observant owner is able to give enough information to lead a homeopath to remedy selection.

Champ, an elderly dog was having problems with urinary incontinence from kidney problems. Champ who had been a faithful, good, affectionate and fun dog in his younger years, was now was a dog that stood in a corner lookingconfused and bewildered. He bumped into corners and slept most the day. He urinated in his bedding and anywhere he stood. Champ's vet was no longer able to help except to offer to put him to sleep. Champ was given Phosphorus and his energy increased. He no longer stood looking bewildered. He bounded up the stairs in playful excitement following his owner. He had not enough energy to make the stairs in many months. He chased other dogs when taken out for walks. He still had incontinence problems but they decreased in number. The owner was thrilled that Champ's quality of life was better. It was not a cure-all for his aging and incontinence, but Champ truly seemed to enjoy life more and was no longer appearing and acting confused. The family felt better seeing evidence that their dog still found enjoyment in life.

Another dog had eaten and swallowed tinsel from the family's Christmas tree. He was not feeling well at all. He just laid in the corner and stopped eating. All he would do was drink from his water bowl. The owner was very worried and took him to the vet. The vet explained that the tinsel might have lacerated his intestines. The owner was told that the dog "might not make it." Arsenicum was placed in the dog's water dish. The owner said it was amazing what happened afterwards. The dog drank some of the remedy water and fell sound asleep. When he woke he bounded up with such energy that he had not had since he was a puppy. This was not the same dog that had been lying quiet for almost a whole week. He ate his food with enthusiasm. He picked up his leash and took it to his owner as he had used to, and she reported that was the end of his tinsel induced illness.

Ms. Saffron "Queen Beak", one of our dearly beloved parakeets, was walking around on the floor and accidentally got some of her feathers ripped off. She was stunned by the trauma, as were we. Aconite and Rescue Remedy was used to help Saffie get through the shock of that incident. She did well and recovered her old sense of character.

Mr. Sylvia was our dearly beloved parakeet with a tumor. He was my youngest daughter's first pet and she loved him dearly. We all did. Mr. Sylvia was acting strangely. We took him to a vet and found out that the poor parakeet had a very big tumor. As best as I could, I prepared my daughter with an explanation of how sometimes when animals and people are very sick and their bodies cannot be made better God takes them to heaven. But, there were things we could do to help Mr. Sylvia before he left us. We used Arsenicum and also Bach's Rescue Remedy. Mr. Sylvia was awake and alert up to his last moments lying on a piece of flannel cloth right next to my daughter on the couch. He still ate the seeds that she put beside him and took sips of water. We were together when he passed, with her petting him and talking to him right through to the end. It was a very sad and tearful time, but we did the best we could for Mr. Sylvia and we do believe his quality of life was improved and his passing made easier with Homeopathy. Of course, as grieving owners we benefited ourselves from some Ignatia.

Homeopathy may be something useful for your own pets. Here are some links for you to read more about Homeopathy:

http://www.nationalcenterforhomeopathy.org/search/node/animals
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/homeopathy  

JoAnn Jarvis lives in Syracuse and holds diplomas and certificates in Homeopathic Medicine and in PostGraduate Studies of Homeopathy. (see her website for details about her background.) She is a published author of a few books:  Brain Jolt: A Life Renewed After Traumatic Brain Injury (first and second editions), and coauthored Discussions on Nosodes.  She enjoys sharing her knowledge through Remedy Study Groups online through webinars and in person with groups and also individually. 

Working With the "Dog Brains"

"If you can communicate with animals, why don't you just tell dogs how you want them to behave?"  I can't tell you how many times I've heard this question.  My typical response is to prod, tongue-in-cheek, "Well how many humans can you get to do exactly what you want just by telling them to do so?"

Obviously, communication isn't everything.

I often explain to my training clients that, just like us people, dogs have a physical self and a higher self.  I call this the "dog brain" and the "dog-spirit brain."  The "dog-spirit brain" is that wonderfully wise, profound part of your canine friend that I reach in my intuitive sessions--the part that loves you unconditionally; entertains you with witty, unfiltered commentary; and ultimately pushes you to instill positive changes in your life.  This part can easily be reached (and usually reasoned with) through telepathy.

The "dog brain," however, is the primitively driven component you need to figure out how to get through in order to access your dog's spiritual guidance.  This is the part that leads your dog to steal food off the table, dig up your rose bushes, destroy your favorite slippers, and run wild figure-eights between your legs at the most inopportune times.  (This is also the part that makes dogs dogs.  We adore them for it as much as it drives us crazy.) 

Having a successful relationship with your dog requires acknowledgment and careful integration of both elements.  At its basic levels of operation, obedience training taps directly into the "dog brain."  We're working with your dog's instincts, using practical, widely known behavioral techniques to develop a system of signals, consequences, and boundaries to help you and your dog better understand each other.  If you're doing this and accepting your own responsibility in the training process--allowing your dog to teach you as much as you're teaching her--you'll be well on your way to achieving blissful and balanced person-to-pup interactions.

But if you're focusing only on training the "dog brain," you risk missing out on the wealth of her "dog-spirit brain."  Your particular dog has walked (or perhaps plowed with muddy paws) into your life for a reason.  She has something significant to show you about yourself and your approach to life.  If you fail to connect with your personal lessons in a behavioral challenge you're facing with your dog, it will likely continue to repeat until you finally do--no matter how much effort you put into correcting it. 

And if you're focusing only on working with the "dog-spirit brain," good luck.

On The Grid

Connecting with animals on the other side was something that, for quite some time, I considered out of my reach. The ability belonged only to my teachers, who seemed so much more practiced and so higher above me in their psychic development.  "I couldn't do it if I tried," I'd immediately convince myself whenever the notion struck me, and so I never did.

But when George crossed over last March, I could not bear the thought of never seeing or hearing from him again. In that state of despair, the negative affirmation I'd perpetually clung to finally shifted to an exploratory question:  What if I could?

Even the possibility of getting an inkling of a message from George was worth trying for.  I flipped through my personal psychic development resource library until I found a method that resonated with me.  Before those doubts could seep back in, I sat down--Amelia's Kinkade's book in hand--and allowed myself to explore the outer limits of my intuition.

With my eyes closed, I drew my attention up through my body and ascended into the 4th, 5th, and then 6th dimension. I didn’t know if it was really happening or if it was only my optimism fueling my visions, but I’d never seen anything like them.

Then, there he was, as plain as day, in a big open meadow full of flowers with bright stars illuminating the sky behind him.

"I’m glad you found me!" he beamed with recognition. "I knew you could do it."

"Are…are you okay?" I asked him, emotions swelling deep within. I felt so guilty about his passing. 

"Of course! It’s soooo much fun here. We get to play all the time, but no one ever gets hurt.  Here, watch this!" He replayed for me a scene where he was rampantly pounced upon by several large, intensely motivated dogs. Before I could gasp, he suddenly reappeared with a big poof of light and giggled. 

"We’re all just energy," he explained. "There’s nothing to be afraid of anymore."

"I guess that does seem like fun." 

"It is! And the best part is that I can see anybody I want any time. I have lots of new friends, but I’ve also played with Molly and Amber and some of my brothers and sisters and other relatives. I even visited with your grandmother and your grandfather already!"

"But…how? You never knew anyone but Molly."

"It’s easy. You see, there’s a big grid that runs between every living thing, even on the earth. Since I know where your grid line is, I can use it to find and meet everyone ever connected to you. And I can use my own to find anyone ever connected to me."

"So it’s a lateral grid in your dimension?" The concept intrigued me.

"It goes across and up and down," he corrected. "That’s how I can still come down sometimes and you can come up sometimes, though it’s a lot easier to move side to side on the same level."

"Will it get easier to move up and down?"

"Sure! It just takes practice and a lot of energy."

"Will you practice so you can come back to see me often?" I asked with excitement, envisioning my bestest little bunny buddy tagging along with me on adventures his physical form never got to experience.

"I’ll still see you, but it’s important for us to be where we are," he said gently. "It would drain me to come down all the time, and if you spend all your time up here, you’ll lose your connection to your own dimension."

"But I miss you so much!" I could no longer hold back my tears.

"You’re never away from me, Mom. Remember that we’ll always be connected on the grid."

“It just isn’t the same,” I protested. 

“No,” he said. “It’s actually better. You’ll see how someday.”

Collecting myself, I breathed in deeply, preparing for the journey back into my body.

“Okay, Georgie. I trust you.” He has always been worthy of it.