Lynda Ryan, Child and Adult Psychologist
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MINDFULNESS AND INNER PEACE

27/3/2020

 
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Hello Everyone -

Firstly, how are you doing?

I hope you are enjoying this Gift of Time!
Isn’t it something we’ve longed for? To have precious TIME - when we weren’t caught up in all the demands and necessities of life?  - so we could read, ponder, unwind and simply Be! So we could slow down and fully experience our life - to be fully present to every precious moment of being alive - and have time to express and develop our gifts. I know I was ready - just didn’t expect it to come about in quite THIS way!!!

I’m finding the current situation offers such an opportunity to live with greater simplicity. We can get a sense of how well we can be, without all the activities, outings and purchases we thought we needed, to be okay! 

We can actually get more in touch with ourselves - with who we really are - with our own authentic nature. We might also get a glimpse of how sustained we are by it - like a deep stream or river that constantly flows beneath all the changes, beneath all that comes and goes. We can sense an unshakable strength within us.

And this actually helps us move through this situation of uncertainty with peace and curiosity rather than overwhelm. A wonderful creativity and sense of the possibilities can also arise! 

The interesting thing is that we can only connect with this level of our being in the present moment. It’s only by living with a connection with the here and now - this moment, that our discursive, story-making mind can calm down, not take hold and drive our experience. 

This part of our mind operates very differently from what we’ve been describing. It’s either replaying the past or imagining a future - and whichever direction it moves in, it obscures reality. It clouds our capacity to live with the simple Truth of this moment  - simply the here and now, which is far more manageable than the scenarios the mind can generate! And by the way, it’s ALWAYS
Here and Now!

This is Mindfulness. It is also how we move out of suffering and fear - into a life of greater freedom. This is how we free ourselves from the tangled ropes of our conditioning. Our mind is free to simply engage - with all its resources - its intelligence, its clarity, its creativity and freedom, to engage with life as it flows moment by moment.

It’s wonderful! It’s a game-changer. It’s the best kept secret - there in plain sight! Obvious once you see it! And - it opens the door to our fulfillment as human beings. Everything opens up!

We have a great situation now, to slow down in our lives, to pick up on this realization. We can sit quietly to strengthen our connection with the peace and strength of simply being here and now - then live our day out of that wonderful state of being.

In a very special way, especially now, - just being aware of the inhalation and exhalation of our precious breath connects us very easily with the moment at hand.

If you have any questions, I would be happy to receive them by return e-mail. I could respond to them for everyone in a future post.

Also, I have a lovely recipe for Hand Sanitizer which you can make yourself! I don’t really have need for it - as I don’t have to leave the Sanctuary of Home. But some of us do - for our friends who are supplying essential services and care for the rest of us, here is the recipe:


Lavender Hand Sanitizer
  • ⅔ cup alcohol ( 99% isopropyl or ethanol )
  • ⅓ cup aloe vera
  • 10-15 drops of lavender essential oil


Mix together in a bowl and transfer to a small pump you can fit into your pocket. You can find these little pumps at the pharmacy - in travel kits for cosmetics.

I’m also attaching another couple of talks from John Butler. I find him to be such a lovely, gentle soul who speaks from his heart & experience. In one of the comments, someone said, ”If I ever get to meet God, I’m sure I’ll say, Hey you remind me of John Butler.”

Have a Lovely Week-end.
Hope you’re enjoying your Switchel.
Take care!
All Warmest Wishes!
Lynda


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbCCpN5YtEE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDuEsivRVs0&t=250s

FIRE CIDER AND INNER PEACE

16/3/2020

 
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Hello Everyone -

     Thinking of you and hoping that you are finding some enjoyment in your Current Retreat! 

     People make elaborate arrangements, at significant cost, to have an opportunity to step back from the activities of the world -  to experience greater simplicity and stillness - and here it is - available to us!

     There’s more time to read, reflect and practice whatever brings us joy and peace! I hope you are having the experience of being able to “let go” of it all - and connect with the inherent simplicity of the Moment at Hand! At Home!!!!

     I know it can be difficult - our thoughts and  fears get so stirred up by what we hear and see on the news, that  we can lose our groundednes and connection with Reality - which is always this one moment that we are living now.

     In fact, it’s a Glorious, Sunny, Spring Day! Let’s create some space for that to touch us, and nourish our spirit  as well!

     Having said that, I’m still very much dialed in to the existence of the coronavirus - who isn’t? I am meeting with all my clients for telephone sessions. Certainly not my preference, but we all have to do our part!

     Yesterday, while I was making my 3rd batch of Fire Cider and a few other things, I thought I’d share the marvellous recipe with you!

     This is a Wonderful Winter Tonic, which is both antibacterial - AND - most importantly, anti-viral. Taking a couple of tablespoons or dissolving as much as you like in a mug of hot water each day, is excellent as a preventative measure.

     If you find yourself coming down with a cold or flu, drink your mugfuls as often as you wish throughout the day! It’s also very Yummy!


Here’s the recipe for FIRE CIDER:

Into a 1 liter glass jar (preferably with a glass, clamp-on top), place:
1 finely chopped onion
1 entire bulb of garlic, chop each of the cloves finely
¼ cup of finely chopped ginger root
2 big sticks of turmeric root finely sliced (use rubber gloves, they stain) or 1 heaping tablespoon, dried
¼ cup horseradish (if you can find it!)
1 orange - peel and all - make sure its organic & washed well
   Chopped into ½ inch pieces
1 lemon - as above
2-3 branches of fresh rosemary
⅓ cup elderberries
½ cup calendula leaves
2 sticks of cinnamon
4-5 pieces of star anise (one of the components of Tamiflu - the flu shot)
12 cloves
2 tablespoons fennel seeds
2 tablespoons cardamom
1 tablespoon black pepper


Cover with Apple Cider Vinegar - to the top of the jar (you can add the ACV as you go, also stirring as you go).
Fold a piece of waxed paper into a square, place on top, and screw or snap your lid in place.
Let sit in a dark place for 3 - 4 weeks!
Then strain, squeezing all the vinegar from the pulp.
Discard pulp.
Add honey - about ½ the volume of your vinegar, or to taste.
Mix well and decant into a dark-coloured jar.
(I make 2 liters at a time.)
When I made it yesterday, I put the onion, garlic, ginger, orange and lemon through the food processor with the large grating attachment. 


My Resources:

Teva Health Food Store
5143 Decarie Blvd. (486-5542)
Carries the calendula leaves & elderberries (they were out of both, but expect another shipment tomorrow).


Bottine Aux Herbes
3778-A rue St. Denis  (845-1225)
(just north of Pine Ave. on the west side of St. D.)
They have everything you need, including nice liter-size brown glass jugs, with a handle! They also have nice smaller bottles for sharing with friends!

     I also have another Wonderful Drink called SWITCHEL - An immunity-boosting probiotic drink, also made with Apple Cider Vinegar. I love this drink, and carry a liter jar of it around with me all day.


The recipe:

Boil 6-8 slices of ginger in 1 cup of water 
Then let sit to infuse and cool.
Remove the ginger and pour the water into a 1 liter jar.
Add:
 3 ¾ cups of water
2 - 3 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar
Juice of  ½ - 1 lemon
1 tablespoon of honey
Shake it up & enjoy!
I’m going to try it with limes - and even grapefruit!


     To soothe our poor nerves, I’m also attaching more John Butler. Here are 2 more Lovely Videos!
      His whole being - and his wisdom - truly convey the beauty and power of Presence!

   Thinking of you all. Sending you Warmest Wishes, with the hope that you create something truly meaningful from these unusual times!

A Votre Sante!
Lynda


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPFqeIwdQlU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4PYH_pA0uU

MINDFULNESS AND THE CORONAVIRUS

7/3/2020

 
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Hello Everyone -

     Thinking of you and hoping you are all well, happy and enjoying this Glorious Spring Weekend!

     I'm passing on a wonderful video for you here - that clarifies what Mindfulness is really about, and why we practice.

     It addresses fear and looks specifically at fears of the coronavirus. It's a beautiful and meaningful teaching. When you have time, John Butler has another, very special follow-up video on "Practicing the Presence of God" - very insightful discussion of Mindfulness. I'll include it here as well.

     Looking forward to arranging a Mindfulness Evening very soon and to expanding our understanding and deepening our practice together!

     Perhaps by then the virus will have seen the error of its ways and have transformed itself into a Probiotic!
​

With warmest regards,
Lynda
​


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVhQpOx_x0Y 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyED6LvkBLc
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    Lynda Ryan

    a psychologist who has been practicing, working with, and teaching Mindfulness for almost 30 years. She has trained personally with Jon Kabat-Zinn and Thich Nhat Hanh.

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    ❧ A MINDFULNESS MESSAGE - KEEPING OPEN KEEPING IN TOUCH
    ❧ ENJOYING MINDFULNESS
    ❧ FIRE CIDER AND INNER PEACE
    ❧ HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY
    ❧ HAPPY NEW YEAR
    ❧ MINDFULNESS - ALLOW YOUR HEART TO BECOME A CRADLE FOR THE CHRIST CHILD
    ❧ MINDFULNESS AND DIFFICULT EMOTIONS
    ❧ MINDFULNESS AND INNER PEACE
    ❧ MINDFULNESS AND THE ALLEVIATION OF SUFFERING
    ❧ MINDFULNESS AND THE CORONAVIRUS #1
    ❧ MINDFULNESS AND THE CORONAVIRUS #2
    ❧ MINDFULNESS AND WELL- BEING
    ❧ MINDFULNESS - BEAUTIFUL LUNAR NEW YEAR WISHES
    ❧ MINDFULNESS - BEING A BEAUTIFUL PERSON TO LIVE WITH
    ❧ MINDFULNESS DAY TO DAY
    ❧ MINDFULNESS EVENING - FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25TH 2020
    ❧ MINDFULNESS EVENING - SEPTEMBER 25TH 2020
    ❧ MINDFULNESS EVENINGS - ONLINE
    ❧ MINDFULNESS EVENING WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 21 2020 "LIVING IN THE PRESENT MOMENT"
    ❧ MINDFULNESS - LIVING WITH AN EASEFUL MIND & A JOYFUL HEART
    ❧ MINDFULNESS - LOCKDOWN NIGHTS IN OXFORD
    ❧ MINDFULNESS - THE WIDE OPEN SKY
    ❧ MINDFULNESS - WHY IS THE PRESENT MOMENT SUCH A BIG DEAL?
    ❧ OXYGEN FOR INDIA
    ❧ SUPERVISION AVAILABLE ON INCORPORATING MINDFULNESS INTO CLINICAL PRACTICE
    ❧ THE SIMPLICITY OF THE PRESENT MOMENT
    ❧ THICH NHAT HANH - A PASSING
    ❧ THINKING OF YOU

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