Recently I have found myself very distracted by the Seattle sun (and work, of course!) and I am going to give myself permission to take a couple more weeks off, and return to blogging more regularly in September.

In the next couple of weeks, I will announce some BIG NEWS! It has been a great year for growth, and more is on the way.

Also, I would love to hear from people who do read the blog, either via email at alingabodywork@gmail.com or in the comments. I am interested to hear what you like most, what doesn’t work for you and maybe there is something that I haven’t included so far that you would like to see more of.

A final note to say that the reason the subject line says, “Summer Holidays” is because Aussies and Brits use the work ‘holiday’ instead of vacation – think Cliff Richard, “We’re all going on a Summer Holiday”. Here’s a link in case you have forgotten (gasp!)

For everyone in the northern hemisphere, enjoy the summer holidays!!

~Crook

1. To be crook is to be ill, sick, or under the weather. Typically the phrase used is: “He’s a bit crook” or “Ah, is she a bit crook?” or “He’s crook as a dog!” You get the idea.

Aussie’s still use crook as an alternative to the word thief, but a lot of people use it when referring to someone who is sick.

*Sorry for the infrequent Aussieisms! The lure of the sun here in Seattle has me dropping the ball on my blog responsibilities. At the moment expect an Aussieism every couple of weeks, but I hope to get back to a weekly Aussieism when September rolls around and the Autumn leaves are in full swing!

From a five element theory perspective heart is the supreme controller, overseeing everything and maintaining order. If the supreme controller is unable to take control, there is inner panic and loss of control compromising peace and harmony. The healthy heart exhibits insight and understanding, maintaining order in bodymind. (Traditional Acupuncture: The Law of the Five Elements by D. Connelly)

A great meditation to ‘get to know’ the heart is to sit in a comfortable position, place your attention on the heart, noticing the sensations, tightness or lightness, and w/ your intention, allow yourself to sink deeper into the heart, into the heart space! In this space it will be light and spacious. Allow yourself to hang out here. The ability to connect with the heart space is a key skill to learn and will help you attain greater peace and harmony.

To connect to the heart also gives you an external awareness  and experience that is clearer, less charged (once unnecessary energy is released) and it helps you feel more outwardly connected to the things around you and to the people around you. Take the time to connect to the heart space, feel that blissful feeling of connectedness, and then step out into the world aligned with a feeling of peace. Lead with the heart!

Emily McCullough has been practicing bodywork for people and dogs since 2006, with the belief that movement of the body and spirit through massage and energy work can increase the quality of life of each client.  Emily is a licensed massage therapist with an endorsement in small animal massage, a Reiki practitioner, and often uses elements of Lomi Lomi (Hawaiian massage) in her sessions.

While volunteering at the Woodland Park Zoo, Emily learned about small animal massage therapy and decided that she wanted to continue to work with animals regularly.  That, combined with a background in dance and an appreciation for several movement therapies, led her to attend Northwest School of Animal Massage and Brenneke School of Massage.  Since obtaining her license, she has worked within a chiropractic office offering treatment massage to people, and at a hydrotherapy pool giving therapeutic and palliative care to dogs. Whether providing therapy for a puppy recovering from knee surgery or for a person experiencing pent up stress, Emily creates a safe place for each client to realize their potential—whether that means running up a hill or feeling at peace with the world!

Interested in keeping mind and body fit, Emily practices a mix of martial arts which includes Kali, Jun Fan/JKD, kickboxing and grappling.  These arts have contributed to an ever-expanding interest in the mind/body connection that Emily brings to her massage work. She also enjoys knitting, reading, and spending time at home with her family and two dogs.

Is it rocky, a jagged cliffs edge, is it a picture of rolling hills, a long stretch of sandy beach, a lake by a mountain?

When you explore things using creative imagery it can free the mind up starting a process of exploring how you are feeling without plowing over the same old stories and feelings. Not to say that the same stories and themes won’t be a part of this process but by exploring things using creative imagery it can help people move past blocks.

Explore the current terrain, noticing the details exploring it fully in a gentle, curious way, and notice if the terrain changes. Sometimes changes can be quick and dramatic, changing from a jagged cliffs edge to a tranquil oasis full of coconut trees and crystal blue water. The key is to follow the journey without judgment. It does take some practice, but with practice using this type of body-centered meditation can help you gain insight into what you are feeling.

Having our eyes open and aware of our emotional terrain is a good thing.

Insight Reiki sessions use a similar process. Receiving Insight Reiki helps to bypass the logical mind, allowing your creative mind to guide the way which can often be effective in freeing emotional blocks.

Try out this meditation then come visit again, and tell us, what does your emotional terrain look like?

~Gumboots (Pronounced: as it sounds, for once!)

1. Gumboots is the Aussie word for rain boots, wellingtons, or galoshes. Worn by kids and adults when rain is in abundance, and feet desire to play in puddles. Gumboots ensure that feet stay dry, giving you the freedom to splash to your hearts desire.

I love the word ‘gumboots’. They are a symbol of the happy parts of winter! Were you frolicking in gumboots over the last week, and where were you if you did?

Reasons people learn Reiki:
1. To use as a self-healing, emotion-balancing meditation. Reiki reduces stress significantly.

2. For use with your family – Reiki is a great tool to use with the kids, to calm and soothe them around bedtime. Helps reduce chaos in the evenings.

3. To use with friends – If you have anyone in your life, family or friends, who are ill or have long term health issues, Reiki is something you can offer them to help support them, rather than feeling helpless. Reiki is a great tool to reduce pain for people with chronic pain conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

4. To become a Reiki practitioner- Some people are clear that they want to become a practitioner, that they have natural abilities in working with energy, in sensing energy and want to learn more about how to apply this in a professional setting. More and more people are aware of the many benefits of Reiki.

5. Out of curiosity – Not everyone goes into a Reiki class with the intent of becoming a practitioner, but Reiki is good at clearing blocks, so it can also clear the mental blocks that made you think you could never do something like “that”.

6. For use with animals – Animals love Reiki and many people learn Reiki to use with their animals, or to start an animal Reiki practice.

If you are intrigued by Reiki and exploring more about the way energy flows in the body, and all around us, take a look at the class schedule. Also, ask questions in the comments. Happy to answer any questions you might have.

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~Aussie, Aussie, Aussie…Oi, Oi, Oi!

1. This is a chant used to support Aussies in a multitude of sports – soccer, tennis, Aussie football, rugby, cricket, swimming (we have some damn good swimmers) Really, just about any sport where an Aussie is making a mark.

Example: When a player or team is winning, the crowd breaks out in a chorus of Aussie, Aussie, Aussie…Oi, Oi, Oi. Alternatively, if they are losing, it is used to bolster the said Aussie/s and get them back on the winning path. Gotta love the way Aussies pull together when it comes to sporting events. I love it!

Emma-Louise Hall is a British-born Australian, Emmy is an experienced Registered Nurse having managed several aged care facilities. With her passion for aromatherapy and an eye for precision (Virgo), she has had amazing results in both clinical settings and with her family’s health.

When did you start aromatherapy?

I started aromatherapy about 5 years ago through work - went on a course and fell in love with smells, ideas, results, and then I began to use it extensively at work. Now I use I use it for Cooper, my (nearly) two year old little boy, and it helps keep him well It is great for kids to keep bugs away.

Tell us about your nursing background…

I have been nursing 20 years in Australia and UK – working mostly in aged care and palliative care.

What’s your favorite place to shop in Seattle? (I know the answer!!)

You guessed it. Anthropologie, of course. I did a lot of damage to my credit card at Anthropologie when I was in Seattle. And, they now ship to Australia. Excellent!

Top 3 Movies

Pretty in Pink, St Elmo’s Fire and Notebook

June’s Aromatherapy Recipe

Feeling stressed….?! (Recommendations are for adults)
~Try Geranium (great for balancing emotions)
~Grapefruit (for uplifting the spirit)
~Rose (or relaxing the soul)
~Use in equal measures in combination for a great blend
~If floral fragrance isn’t your thing add 1 drop of either Jasmine (for nervous stress) or Patchouli (alleviates anxiety) to create a more oriental fragrance
~Blend in a good quality carrier oil, such as Jojoba oil – dilute safely, adults about 60-90 drops per 100mls carrier oil, and let the relaxation begin!

Thanks, Em. That was great. And if people have any questions or requests, post them in the comments. You have all this knowledge right at your fingertips!!

~Woop woop (pronounced: as it sounds, but slightly slurred)

1. A long way from civilization; out in the middle of nowhere.

Example: “Where does Dazza live? Oh, out in woop woop.”

Another similar Aussie phrase is ‘back of beyond’ meaning you go as far as you can go, and it is beyond that. There is a lot of woop woop in Australia, and in woop woop you can find some amazingly beautiful sights. Definitely worth checking out woop woop!