You may need to get this book if you have a dog who exhibits any of the following behaviors:

• Jumps up on you when you come in
• Pulls on the leash and drags you on the walk
• Incessant barking at visitors
• Biting
• Separation anxiety
• Soiling in the home
• Travel problems
• Tail-chasers and feet-chewers
• Running off
• Fear of noises
• Overprotective with a family member

Jan Fennell feels that there is an “instinctive, unspoken language that we share with our dogs (that) has been lost.” Many dog owners have said that my dog only does these negative behaviors with a certain family member. What signals are being given by that individual that brings out the worst in the dog?

According to the book, all these negative behaviors relate to the dog believing that he/she is in charge and not the humans. Jan’s approach to these issues involves YOU becoming the ultimate ruler, leader or Alpha so that your dog does not anxiously take on the responsibility for the welfare of the household. Jan uses what is called the Amichien Bonding Approach. Positive associations are developed with the desired behaviors initially using food as the reward. Once the positive associations are made the dog has learned to make the choice to behave.

It is not easy to break your habits that have given your dog the impression that he/she is in charge. All training requires that you be consistent and calm. Often the dog learns within minutes how to behave without any shouting or angry punishments being administered. Once you have established yourself as the Alpha and the dog has chosen to act “properly,” all negative behaviors disappear.

B.F. Skinner said psychological disorders are best treated by altering behavior patterns or modifying the environment. Jan definitely agrees with this and spent a great deal of time studying wolves in the wild to figure out their behavior patterns so that she would know how the Alpha and the subordinates behaved. She also was fortunate enough to observe Monty Roberts, known as the horse listener, work with horses who had behavior issues. She adapted his approach and thus became “the dog listener.”

I am happy to report the results with my dog Luba. Since using the techniques in the book Luba is much calmer and better behaved. My husband and I are learning to be Alphas. I hope that you will consider reading this book, The Dog Listener, especially if your dog is exhibiting any of the behaviors listed above. I wish you, your family and your dog(s) a loving and harmonious time together.

You may often play different roles for different people in your life.  In some of those roles, you do not portray your true unique self.  Perhaps you are afraid to let others know your true interests and desires.  Then again, you may play a particular role in order to please or appease others.  Would you be playing these same roles if you did not have these people in your life?

Sometimes it is necessary to limit or eliminate your contact with certain individuals who bring you more misery than peace and do not reflect or allow you to be the person that you truly are or aspire to become.   Instead, surround yourself with positive thinkers who are not always creating drama.   Choose people who make your day brighter simply by being around them.  Find those who you admire; you are proud to know;  and who support, motivate and encourage you to grow.

Know that as you evolve, many will pass out of your life simply because they are not yet ready to evolve.  Your growth may make them uncomfortable around you, because you do not react the same way to their issues or even your own issues.  Sometimes people will even go to extremes to push your buttons that once produced a reaction, pleasant or unpleasant, that they are used to seeing.  You do not need to conform to their perception of who you should be.

You cannot be your best self if you are always living up to the expectations of others.  When you feel confident in your own value, then you need not please or appease others.  Toxic and negative people do not deserve to have you waste time thinking about them.  Know when to let go of those who force you into roles that do not serve you.

Sometimes individuals that we thought were are best friends walk out of our lives.  Instead of focusing on the loss, be thankful that they were a part of your journey and focus on those still around you who are appreciative of you.

Life is change.  Learn how to let go of those in your life who no longer support you in your growth.  No one is worth compromising on who and what you are.  Next time you find yourself playing a role for another ask yourself, if it is really worth it to keep this person in your life.  What value do they bring to your sense of joy and peace?  You can find more joy and happiness surrounded by those who appreciate, support, welcome and challenge you to be the best that you can be.

Everything in the Universe is energy. Energy is always flowing. When you give, you are not just giving a thing or an act, but you are also giving energy. Receiving allows us to be refreshed and renewed with the energy that the giver attached.

What keeps you from receiving and blocking the flow of energy? Perhaps you are not a good receiver, because of feelings of unworthiness. This may show up as a belief that others have more need, thus you hold feelings of guilt about receiving. This negates your own value. By receiving graciously, you are in a better position to be a giver. Let’s say you enter a contest to win a car, home or money. If you believe others have more need, then you may block becoming a winner. Your thoughts are creating this reality, so ultimately, you reinforce your feelings of unworthiness, because you did not win.

Feelings of unworthiness may cause you to be ungracious towards the giver which dishonors them. When presented with a gift, have you ever said, “You shouldn’t have.” They felt you were worthy of receiving or they would not have made the effort, and now you are questioning their judgment. This ruins any good feeling they may have had about being a giver.

If you feel that receiving is a sign that something is lacking in you, there may be feelings of anger or resentment that you have a need. If that is the case, let it go! We all have needs. No one person is so talented that they can do all things alone. Sri Chinmoy said, “Independent. Nobody is – We just fool ourselves.”

Then again you may feel that there is honor in giving, but not in receiving. This equates receiving with selfishness, which may make you feel shameful. However, selfishness is a good thing if it means that you are receiving in order to make yourself better able to give in the future. For example, if you are a caregiver for a sick family member, not accepting an opportunity for a break may mean that you become worn down, or ill and can no longer continue to be a caregiver.

If you are like me, your day is busy, but there is always time to acknowledge the gifts the Universe, family and friends provide that often go unnoticed. Be grateful for all that nature provides – sunlight, rain, beautiful flowers, fruit, etc. Be grateful for the little things that family members do to make life easier for us like: love, prayers, companionship, walking the dog, emptying the trash, doing errands, making repairs. Don’t forget to graciously accept what friends offer: love, companionship, prayers, compliments, kind words, a listening ear, and support.

My hope is that you will share your gifts with others and graciously receive all that life has to offer. You need not allow yourself to be totally drained before learning to receive. There are many gifts bestowed on us that can enable us to be a gracious giver. You just have to allow yourself to receive in order to be a better giver, because then your energy is in balance and in the flow.

Last year I found myself going through a great deal of emotional upheaval. I had a lot of fears to face. At the height of my struggles, I joined a writing group. My initial reason for getting into the group was to get myself to write and publish a book. I felt that doing a group book would be an easy introduction to book writing. The experience turned out to be an ideal way to look at the emotional upheaval in my life and to form new ways of looking at it to help work through it.

It all began when I attended a gathering called Awesome Woman Hub. There I met Andrea Hylen and several other amazing woman. Andrea announced that she was seeking individuals for a group “Heal My Voice” in which everyone would write a personal story about being fearless, which would go into a group book.

I signed on not knowing what I would write about despite the inner voice that told me I would be writing about what I had just been through with my mother. I kept denying that inner voice thinking that something else would come to mind for my story topic. At that point I had no idea how healing and good for me the writing would be, otherwise, I would not have resisted so much. When I began writing, I was still in the middle of the emotional trauma with my mother. I found writing about it did help me to process the experience.

For writing my story, I was encouraged to share my deepest thoughts and feelings about the experience. For many months I found myself unable to write at all. What I needed to write about brought up too many painful memories that I struggled to even begin to put into words. Tears flowed often. I struggled to find the lessons in my experiences in order to put anger and hurt aside. Eventually my story came out, and with the guidance and support of Andrea, the group, friends, and family, my story was edited and rewritten several times. Each individual helped me heal, let go, and change my thinking patterns. Energy healing sessions, done as always with unconditional love, also assisted me with releasing pent up emotions to form new perspectives.

Now that my story: “Walking on Eggshells,” has been submitted for the book: Fearless Voices: True Stories by Courageous Women, I am finding articles that discuss the healing power of writing. James Pennebaker, a psychologist, conducted studies with his college students. He asked them to write about a traumatic experience in a way that reflected how they felt about what happened and how they felt now. In the end these students reported improvements in mood, outlook on life, and in their physical health. Dr. Pennebaker suggests that their writing helped reduced their biological stress as they came to terms with the upsetting experience. Many students expressed that bringing parts of the experience to the surface was painful and the long term improved health results were evident in fewer trips to the health center through the year.

I am not advocating that rehashing a traumatic event over and over is always good for your health. I have seen many who are stuck in a cycle of victim consciousness that they have been unable to let go of for many years. Research shows that taking a little time and allowing yourself to be vulnerable, to look at, and to write about your feelings about traumatic events may be just the right thing for your improved health and happiness.

If you would like some emotional support during your writing, contact me for an Intuitive Energy Healing session.

Sherry Dmytrewycz 703 802 0377

I have thought often of those who have disabilities, especially wounded soldiers. I am grateful my problem is short term while many have lost complete limbs. I now understand their struggles to do even the simplest everyday task.

I am grateful for all who sent love, light, healing energies, prayers and offered their physical support for whatever I needed. I also appreciate all who made the effort to show me they cared by checking on my progress.

It really is quite easy to be of assistance when others are going through a challenging time. Even saying prayers for a speedy recover can make things easier for anyone struggling with an issue. Metaphysicians often say “love heals all” so sending love can also be a help. In addition, some physical assistance like running errands, walking a dog, helping with dishes and laundry, and drives to appointments can be a great help. Calling to check on someone is a great boost to the spirit.

Whenever I receive notification that someone has a body, mind or spiritual issue, I immediately send love, light, blessings and prayers. I often ask for a spiritual healing committee to be assigned to help the individual through their challenges. I know you will find many opportunities to be of assistance to others.

I had hoped to share a different topic this month but typing right now is difficult for me. Fortunately, someone on FaceBook posted this fabulous blog by Marc and Angel Hack Life with their Practical Tips for Productive Living. Their post: “30 Things to Start Doing for Yourself, “ says all I could say and more. Enjoy!

http://www.marcandangel.com/2011/12/18/30-things-to-start-doing-for-yourself/#more-404

Emotional baggage consists of unresolved issues or psychological pain that we carry in our subconscious which directly influences our conscious mind. It has a negative impact on many areas of your life. Emotional baggage is also what triggers you to immediately overreact with uncontrolled emotions or with pain in the physical body. It is what festers in various locations in the body which can lead to disease.

Your suppressed emotions are the major cause of stress that is often manifest as an upset stomach, headache or tightness in the shoulders, but these are not the only locations where you may have stored your emotional baggage. You may have chosen to store the emotions in your back, feet, hips, shoulders, organs, etc. Emotional baggage is at the core of pain and disease. While doing my energy healing work on thousands of clients, I have yet to find a place in the body where the emotional baggage has not been stored.

Where would you be without your emotional baggage? Are you ready for life with less or even without emotional baggage? They may sound like silly questions, but many do not understand how much their baggage is taking a toll on their life and health and thus do nothing to eliminate it. Have you ever taken a look at the reoccurring dramas and patterns in your life?

Often relationships are affected by your emotional baggage. Perhaps your baggage makes you cling to an unsuitable relationship, thus denying yourself the opportunity for a better and greater relationship. Perhaps your baggage makes you feel incomplete or lacking in some way, and thus you look to others to fulfill your needs. Maybe your baggage makes you less understanding of others and blocks you from forming a closer connection. Or then again you may have emotional outbursts which turning others away from you.

In your career or business your emotional baggage may sabotage your success. You may have stifled talents, passions, exceptional gifts and valuable character traits that were ridiculed by others in the past that could open many doors for you. Perhaps your baggage makes you fearful of taking risks.

You are paying a toll for your emotional baggage every day. Much of your frustration and stress is stored in your body and needs to be unpacked. What are you carrying around that is holding you back? Your baggage has an effect on what you want to manifest and create in your life. When you travel with a minimum of baggage you save yourself a bundle of unhappiness, and ill health. It is in your best interest to stop paying the toll for your emotional baggage.

Contact Sherry at Healing Gateway now for assistance in lightening your load of emotional baggage to open yourself to more joy, success, and greater health in your life.

The recent earthquake in my area showed me what it was really like to be in the present moment.  Just before the earthquake began, I heard a roaring, rumbling sound.  Immediately, I focused on the sound.  Where was coming from?  What did it remind me of?   What could it be?

Then as the shaking began, I was totally aware of where I was, what I was doing, what I was thinking, what I was hearing, what I was seeing, and what I was feeling.   I was totally in the NOW.  When the shaking stopped, I found myself shifting out of the NOW moment and into the past, replaying what had just happened.   The clarity and focus that the earthquake had triggered vanished, and I missed the feeling of perfect peace and perfect clarity.

Oprah said, “Being fully present automatically lifts your spirits. Clears your mind of distractions.  Brings clarity.  Even some joy.”  Wow!  That is a lot to be gained from taking a moment to be in the NOW.

There are many other times when I could be in the NOW moment if I chose to be.  I could choose any moment in the day to really focus my attention on what I see, hear, feel, smell, and taste.  I could create for myself the unforgettable, never recaptured moments of being fully present.   What if out in nature I focused on the present moment?   How would my perception of being in nature change?

What if I focused on the NOW while traveling, wouldn’t it create a joyful moment for me to remember later?   Reconnection to such moments helps you to easily visualize and create pleasant moments for yourself in the future.

What if I chose to be in the NOW with another person.  This helps to let them know that they are heard, appreciated and validated.   What an amazing gift to give to someone!  It can lift them up and make a difference in their day and maybe even in their life.  Wouldn’t you like to be heard, appreciated and validated?

What if you were to allow yourself to be fully present in the moment on a regular basis?  Could you find moments of joy, moments of complete focus, moments that leave you feeling refreshed, and moments that make a difference in the lives of others?

Hopefully, it is not going to take another earthquake to bring you or me into the NOW.  Let it be a frequent conscious choice to be in the NOW and soon it will become a habit that brings you pleasure, focus and joy.

In Japan the phrase Wabi Sabi is said to have originally been used to describe the ancient tea ceremony with its ritual that helps you connect to the simple and the tranquil.  There was beauty to be found in the modest and humble surroundings of the ceremony, and in the simple, but not flashy, implements used.

Later, artists began to use Wabi Sabi to refer to imperfections found in hand-made or natural items that remind us that nothing is perfect, nothing lasts, and nothing is finished.

More recently, Wabi Sabi is said to be an approach to life that incorporates the artist’s view of objects and applies it to the recognition and appreciation that there is beauty in imperfection. All things change and the cycle of life includes growth, decay, and death. Based on my readings about Wabi Sabi, I will share with you my views of what a Wabi Sabi approach to life would look like.

Wabi Sabi reminds us that there is beauty in the imperfection in the circumstances in your life and the imperfection in yourself and those around you.  In the Wabi Sabi way of life, you are not bothered by imperfections.  You accept what is, even if you think it is a flaw.  The friend who is always late is no less of a friend, so you can accept the tardiness as a predictable behavior.

Part of what makes others interesting is their imperfections.  If we were all the same, life would be boring with semi-robots running around.  You can look at others more objectively without judging what makes them different from yourself.  You recognize that everyone and everything serves a purpose and is therefore perfect in its own way.

With Wabi Sabi you are content with your life and don’t live in a perpetual state of dissatisfaction.  You find balance and contentment with where you are.  You can make do with what you have, so you live modestly, satisfied with life as it is in the present moment.

You recognize the impermanence of all situations, people and things.  You know that all pain or sorrow will pass.  You do not bemoan the experience but look for the lesson that it presents. You know that life is full of change, and that the only meaning things have in your life is what you have placed on them.

You have a greater appreciation of moments of joy for they too are fleeting.  Staying in the moment helps you to fully revel in these times.

You appreciate the beauty found in all that is old or aging as reminders of the natural cycle of growth, decay and death.  With this knowledge in mind, you take time to show appreciation and gratitude to all you meet.

So in my Wabi Sabi life, I say thank you for being a part of my personal work in progress and for allowing me to be a part of your journey.  You are beautiful!

While preparing to do a teleseminar about Brain Balancing with my friend and renowned  psychic, Christopher Reburn, I was reminded about how much you are missing if you are not brain balanced.  Each side of the brain processes information differently.  If you are only using one side of your brain you could be considered a “half wit.”  You would not have access to the many benefits available by having both sides of your brain working together.

Let us look at what you may be missing if you are predominantly using one side of the brain.  If you are in the left or male side, this is where you access:  your wealth of knowledge and your conscious mind; use language; do analytical thinking; see the details; think in terms of the past and the future; form strategies; keep yourself sequentially organized and on time; weave facts and details into a story; generate brain chatter; excel at academics; and know, “I am separate” from you.

Those are all good things but look at what you are missing if you are not connected to the right or female side of the brain:  your wisdom;  your feelings;  your intuitive and holistic thinking; your ability to be in the NOW; your inner and authentic self;  your ability to see the whole picture; your ability to see possibilities; your spontaneous, carefree and imaginative side; the part of you that can interpret non-verbal communication; and this is where you are cognizant of the fact that “We all are one.”

Now, do you really want to go around being a “half-wit” by using only half of your brain?  The two hemispheres of the brain complement and enhance one another’s abilities.  Being brain balanced with each side communicating with the other has many benefits for you.

Think of being Brain Balanced as having a great inner marriage.  Communication is essential for a marriage to be considered a true relationship where each individual is allowed to fulfill their potential.  Sharing ideas and suggestions with each other helps you to see things from a different perspective.   It makes you realize that there is more than one solution to problems.  Without this balanced communication, you begin to feel stuck, anxious, burnt out, and want to run away.

While brain balanced, you have access to more information for your decision making.  You will become more peaceful, creative, productive and joyful.  It will help you to stay grounded.  It will prepare you to face challenges with the ability to see the whole and its parts.   Since your mind and your body are intimately connected, you will also have a better functioning immune system.  You will develop better focusing and organizational skills, thus helping you work to your full potential.  You will be more open to change and more consistent in your actions to achieve your goals.

The benefits of being Brain Balanced are hopefully all the motivation you need to make the decision to take two minutes every morning and frequently throughout your day to balance your brain.

Below I provide the instructions on how to do Brain Balancing:

1. Place right hand above right eyebrow and left hand on back left side of the neck.
2. Hold for 30 seconds to a minute.
3. Reverse hands by placing left hand above left eyebrow and right hand on back right side of the neck.
4. Hold again for 30 seconds to a minute.

You’ll find that having a fully functioning and balanced brain is helpful for all of your decision making and will give you a healthier body, mind and spirit.  Please, no more half-wits!  J

I have provided additional written instructions on my website athttp://www.healinggateway.com/brainbalancing.php

You can also find my video on YouTube about brain balancing:http://www.youtube.com/alterra1#p/a/u/0/GElyrmHR6q8

To hear an in depth discussion about brain balancing with me and Christopher Reburn listen here:http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thepsychic/2011/05/18/brain-balancing-with-christopher-reburn-sherry-dmytrewcyz

If you want more information contact me, sherry@healinggateway.com