- Plan in Advance: Have a strategy planned for your holiday well in advance of the actual day. We are all busy and letting things go until the last minute adds to the anxiety.
a. Ask for help in planning from your family or friends. Who do you want to attend? How many can you fit in your home or other location? How much effort can you afford to expend considering your other obligations?
b. Have someone else clean or prepare your home or location for the dinner or event. You do not have to do everything alone! Ask your partner, mother, sister, best friends or pay a service to clean before or after the event (particularly if you work full-time or are a full-time mother). Don’t underestimate the time involved.
c. Budget time and money for shopping. Even if the dinner is potluck or others are bringing food, you will need to shop for basics. This is time-consuming and must be considered in your holiday budgeting.
d. Have someone send out the invitations-whether the invitations go out by email, text, snail mail, phone tree, Facebook or whatever your preferred method. Either share the task or designate another to send the invites. There are useful apps for that make lovely invitations and track RSVPs.
e. If the meal or event requires extensive preparation and work throughout the day like cooking, carving, serving, cleanup or other assistance ask for help in advance. If it’s a bring-a-friend or open house, ask for people to sign up for duties. 
- Plan Fun Activities to Keep People Engaged: I have found that people tend to argue, gossip, drink too much, fall asleep or generally get into trouble when they are bored or annoyed at dinner parties or hours-long events when there is nothing to do.
a. Have someone keep the children engaged in activities. I love children at the holidays. However, they can be noisy and underfoot when you are trying to get food on the table or share intimate moments with another adult. Have a special grandmother or adult prepare an arts or craft project for the kids to do while the food preparation is happening. If the weather is fine, have an outdoor space they can run and yell to work off that excess energy.
b. Request a male adult take the teenagers in hand for a game of touch football or Nintendo or other engagement. Teenagers of both sexes tend to find their own entertainment and we would like to divert them from unproductive activities.
c. Be sure to include your Elders in the Holiday Event. We often think Granny or Grandpa should sit in a chair and supervise or rest. Grandma or Grandpa may be the best cook around. Ask them to share how it was done “in their day.” They can be very helpful. They may also be great resources with family history, recipes, stories for the grandkids or with those who have social difficulties.
d. Set aside a quiet corner for those who need to rest for a few moments. If you have space, set up a card table with a puzzle people can work on; or an easy chair with a newspaper, book of holiday poems, jokes or short stories.
3. Set Your Own Rules: It doesn’t matter what Mom and Pop did in their house. If it’s your party, decide how you would like your event to proceed.
a. Politics and Religion to Discuss or Not? Some families love to engage, discuss and argue about current events, the political scene, religious differences, and any and all present controversies. They enjoy the debate and the give and take. Others find such discussions difficult, anxiety-provoking, stomach wrenching and disturbing. What is your style? Set your own rules for your comfort level and let folks know in advance so there are no surprises.
b. Chemical Sensitivity Awareness: In these days of chemical sensitivities, do you want to set any standards for substances in your home? Some folks are sensitive to: perfumes, cigarette smoke, marijuana (remember it is legal is several states now), candle scents, essential oils, cooking odors of certain types, etc. You may want to ask guests in advance if they are sensitive, then notify others of your policy regarding these matters.
c. Food Sensitivities: If you are having a dinner event, in light of the myriad food sensitivities again, you may want to inform people to bring a list of ingredients in dishes if you are having a potluck and list them yourself. Folks can be allergic or sensitive to a variety of foods including but not limited to: nuts (most especially peanuts), dairy, gluten, sugar, aspartame, food coloring, GMO products, wines, nightshades (tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, onions…), wheat (beer), etc. You may also need to inquire if your guests are vegan, vegetarian, on specialized diets such as paleo, raw food, diabetic, low sodium, organic or other restricted diets. (Whew, it is complicated these days.)
d. Dress Code: Advise guests if the party is casual dress, holiday dress, cocktail dress, formal dress, or business wear (for after work parties). It is embarrassing to show up in your holiday best when everyone else is in jeans and a sweater and visa versa.
e. RSVPs: Do you want folks to reply in advance or does it matter? If so, give them a firm deadline. If it’s a potluck, it may not matter. If it is a sit- down dinner and you are providing the food or the main course, this information is essential. Such invitation apps like Evite and others make replying easy. Just know that many people forget or reply at the last minute and always expect a few more than planned.
If you are a guest, just consider how easy your life is when you show up at the Holiday Event! Considering the above, you might ask your host if you can assist in any way. If you are concerned about any of the issues listed above such as foo
d or chemical sensitivities, simply advise them in advance so you can plan to take care of your needs. Reduce your social anxiety by asking about the dress code, bringing a friend, engaging with a child in a favorite game, talking to an Elder about the family history or doing something you enjoy.
Enjoy the Holiday Season by creating happy memories with family and friends to cherish throughout the year.
Blessings for Health, Happiness, Peace, Prosperity, and Love,
Ariann
Trusting Your Truth
In times of uncertainty, anxiety and depression are prevalent. Finding our center can be difficult. Our bodies are our primary tool for finding our truth in all situations. Here is a simple process to center and discover your personal truth in a confusing world of alternative facts.
Disruption in the World can be healed by Forgiveness and Self-Love
The world’s chaos and disruption reflection our inner disturbance. We can heal the world by creating peace within my self-forgiveness and self-love. Sharing positive thoughts, words and actions can change our lives and the world.
5 Hints to Find Balance in Chaos
5 Hints to Finding your Center and Balance after the US elections when feeling of confusion, despair, grief, fear and depression are present. Surrender to reality, feel your emotions and then release them, know that we create our reality and find your center and balance within. Use positive action for things in your control and hold everyone in love and compassion.
5 Daily Practices for Happiness
I recently learned that choosing happiness can make a difference in your life and health. …If we take a positive approach to life, we are more likely to succeed. I have followed the KISS principle (Keep It Simple Sweetie). Here are my 5 happiness principles: Be Positive, Be Grateful, Be Loving, Be Kind and Be of Service. Changing your focus will improve your finances, relationships, health and life.
Clear the Trauma of War Wounds
We celebrate Independence Day here in the United States on July 4th. Other countries celebrate their independence from tyrants or oppressors on other days of the year. One thing most of us have in common is that the separation from prior governments has been violent....
Healing Family Estrangements
Healing Family Estrangements benefits everyone in the family and the community. Families are the building blocks of society and the primary support system when adversity strikes.
Recognizing Ancestral Trauma to Heal for Happiness
Traumas like war, genocide, slavery, starvation, homelessness and other traumas are carried in our DNA through multiple generations and affect our ability to experience love and joy unless they are released & cleared by techniques like Ancestral Lineage Clearing. New advances in epigenetics and DNA re-patterning show these modalities are effective in changing lives.
Ancestral Clearing & Curses
I was recently discussing the issue of 'curses' with a student who asked whether Ancestral Lineage Clearing could remove them. I gave him the much-disliked reply of, "It depends." Firstly: what is a curse? Centuries ago a curse was a prayer for evil and misfortune to...
Happiness Improves Your Life
Make your New Year’s goal Happiness. It will improve your life, your business, your education and your health. Happiness alters the genomes that prevent the triggering of genetic diseases too. Happy people are healthy people too.
Joyful Holidays Amidst Uncertainty
The Holidays are upon us once again. Where does the time go? Last year I offered 7 Tips for Holiday Happiness and you may want to revisit that article and get some helpful hints if you are getting stressed already over the season that has just begun. The most...
- Plan in Advance: Have a strategy planned for your holiday well in advance of the actual day. We are all busy and letting things go until the last minute adds to the anxiety.
a. Ask for help in planning from your family or friends. Who do you want to attend? How many can you fit in your home or other location? How much effort can you afford to expend considering your other obligations?
b. Have someone else clean or prepare your home or location for the dinner or event. You do not have to do everything alone! Ask your partner, mother, sister, best friends or pay a service to clean before or after the event (particularly if you work full-time or are a full-time mother). Don’t underestimate the time involved.
c. Budget time and money for shopping. Even if the dinner is potluck or others are bringing food, you will need to shop for basics. This is time-consuming and must be considered in your holiday budgeting.
d. Have someone send out the invitations-whether the invitations go out by email, text, snail mail, phone tree, Facebook or whatever your preferred method. Either share the task or designate another to send the invites. There are useful apps for that make lovely invitations and track RSVPs.
e. If the meal or event requires extensive preparation and work throughout the day like cooking, carving, serving, cleanup or other assistance ask for help in advance. If it’s a bring-a-friend or open house, ask for people to sign up for duties.
- Plan Fun Activities to Keep People Engaged: I have found that people tend to argue, gossip, drink too much, fall asleep or generally get into trouble when they are bored or annoyed at dinner parties or hours-long events when there is nothing to do.
a. Have someone keep the children engaged in activities. I love children at the holidays. However, they can be noisy and underfoot when you are trying to get food on the table or share intimate moments with another adult. Have a special grandmother or adult prepare an arts or craft project for the kids to do while the food preparation is happening. If the weather is fine, have an outdoor space they can run and yell to work off that excess energy.
b. Request a male adult take the teenagers in hand for a game of touch football or Nintendo or other engagement. Teenagers of both sexes tend to find their own entertainment and we would like to divert them from unproductive activities.
c. Be sure to include your Elders in the Holiday Event. We often think Granny or Grandpa should sit in a chair and supervise or rest. Grandma or Grandpa may be the best cook around. Ask them to share how it was done “in their day.” They can be very helpful. They may also be great resources with family history, recipes, stories for the grandkids or with those who have social difficulties.
d. Set aside a quiet corner for those who need to rest for a few moments. If you have space, set up a card table with a puzzle people can work on; or an easy chair with a newspaper, book of holiday poems, jokes or short stories.
3. Set Your Own Rules: It doesn’t matter what Mom and Pop did in their house. If it’s your party, decide how you would like your event to proceed.
a. Politics and Religion to Discuss or Not? Some families love to engage, discuss and argue about current events, the political scene, religious differences, and any and all present controversies. They enjoy the debate and the give and take. Others find such discussions difficult, anxiety-provoking, stomach wrenching and disturbing. What is your style? Set your own rules for your comfort level and let folks know in advance so there are no surprises.
b. Chemical Sensitivity Awareness: In these days of chemical sensitivities, do you want to set any standards for substances in your home? Some folks are sensitive to: perfumes, cigarette smoke, marijuana (remember it is legal is several states now), candle scents, essential oils, cooking odors of certain types, etc. You may want to ask guests in advance if they are sensitive, then notify others of your policy regarding these matters.
c. Food Sensitivities: If you are having a dinner event, in light of the myriad food sensitivities again, you may want to inform people to bring a list of ingredients in dishes if you are having a potluck and list them yourself. Folks can be allergic or sensitive to a variety of foods including but not limited to: nuts (most especially peanuts), dairy, gluten, sugar, aspartame, food coloring, GMO products, wines, nightshades (tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, onions…), wheat (beer), etc. You may also need to inquire if your guests are vegan, vegetarian, on specialized diets such as paleo, raw food, diabetic, low sodium, organic or other restricted diets. (Whew, it is complicated these days.)
d. Dress Code: Advise guests if the party is casual dress, holiday dress, cocktail dress, formal dress, or business wear (for after work parties). It is embarrassing to show up in your holiday best when everyone else is in jeans and a sweater and visa versa.
e. RSVPs: Do you want folks to reply in advance or does it matter? If so, give them a firm deadline. If it’s a potluck, it may not matter. If it is a sit- down dinner and you are providing the food or the main course, this information is essential. Such invitation apps like Evite and others make replying easy. Just know that many people forget or reply at the last minute and always expect a few more than planned.
If you are a guest, just consider how easy your life is when you show up at the Holiday Event! Considering the above, you might ask your host if you can assist in any way. If you are concerned about any of the issues listed above such as food or chemical sensitivities, simply advise them in advance so you can plan to take care of your needs. Reduce your social anxiety by asking about the dress code, bringing a friend, engaging with a child in a favorite game, talking to an Elder about the family history or doing something you enjoy.
Enjoy the Holiday Season by creating happy memories with family and friends to cherish throughout the year.
Blessings for Health, Happiness, Peace, Prosperity, and Love,
Ariann
The Winter Solstice arrives on December 21st; the day when the earth begins its return to the sun in the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere swings in the opposite direction.
In ancient times, tribes gathered and held ceremonies to ensure that the light would return to the earth. Our ancestors were afraid the darkness would overwhelm the daylight and the earth would be plunged into everlasting night.
Now, we celebrate the Solstice knowing it is a natural phenomenon of the cycle of the earth moving around the sun in a regular progression.
When we approach the Solstice, the time has come to review the year and see what 2018 has held for us—its gifts and challenges. According to numerology, 2018 is an 11 year (2+0+1+8=11). 11 is a master number and the most intuitive of all numbers. It is instinctual, charismatic, dynamic and capable. When focus is not applied toward a goal, 11 can be extremely self-defeating. I always say about the number 11: “When it’s good, it’s very good. When it’s bad, it’s awful.”
Has your year been very good or awful, or as always, a healthy mix of both?
Every year carries its own energy. At this end of year celebration time, we need to assess how our plans, dreams, and accomplishments flowed.
Acknowledge the Achievements:
Often, we forget to stop to look back and recognize those dreams we have fulfilled. We have made plans, set goals, readjusted our strategies when needed, and completed what we set out to do. Many times we keep charging ahead without taking the time to bask in the energy of the positive conclusion of the action. Even if others acknowledge us, we need to take time to approve of all the work, energy and dedication we put into the achievements we made this last year.
If we don’t take credit for our work internally, we will feel constantly unfulfilled, anxious, and dissatisfied. When we know we have done a good job, and take the time to breathe in and celebrate the success, we are ready for the next project with new vigor. We increase our confidence, self-esteem and self-worth. We learn to value ourselves.
Reflect on the Shortcomings:
No one’s year is ever perfect. The first four months of the year, I was feeling stuck with my health, my writing, and in my personal life. My eldest sister died around Thanksgiving in 2017. My beloved 18-year old cat, Puck then crossed over before Christmas. I was feeling their losses profoundly.
I had the outline for my new book done and my publisher had kindly given me an extension on the deadline to submit it. Somehow, I just couldn’t get motivated to write. I was feeling pretty helpless.
So, the beginning of the year felt like a wasteland for me. I kept meditating and holding myself in love and compassion, knowing that this situation would end eventually, even though some days it felt like forever. I called on friends, family, and healers for support.
Then, my life turned around. I started a new food plan of no sugar, no flour, and no eating between meals. I physically felt better and began losing weight.
I adopted a new rescue cat, my Gigi. She has been a blessing in my life. She is five years old. Apparently, she was lost but had a family before since she is well trained and loves people.
I began to write and finished the book that I have been discussing in this newsletter for the last several months. It made the Amazon best-seller list on its launch date.
I have a appeared on several podcasts—of which you will hear more about in the future—and I am feeling confident about my future.
Clearly, the first part of the year was challenging. I took action when the time came and turned around my life. The two elements necessary for the change were 1. Right timing and 2. Support. I had to wait until I had healed my grief to have enough energy to put into my work and life. I asked for help and support from the people I loved when I needed it.
When life is not on track for you, reach out. Those who love you, want you to do well and will gladly assist you.
Then, let go and release the old energy that no longer serves you. Move into the new energy that is propelling you forward to fulfill your dreams and plans. Today is always a new beginning.
2018 Ends.
As we reach the end of this solar year, look back with clear eyes and a happy heart. Be proud of your achievements. Let go of the less-than-perfect times. Look forward to the new year with new eyes, an open mind, and a happy heart. Dreams can come true. The Divine loves you.
Blessings for Health, Prosperity, Peace, Love, and Happiness,
Ariann
If you have read the previous articles, you can skip this introduction or read it for a refresher. Otherwise, here is a short explanation of epigenetics to get you started.
We inherit one strand of DNA from each side of our family. DNA is the basic building block of our human body and mind. It is the internal micro-cellular structure from which we develop. We used to think that DNA controlled many of our traits that could not be changed. 
Science then delved deeper into cellular structure and discovered epigenetics. Epigenetics revealed that DNA is our basic hardware and epigenetics is the software program the operator chooses to run our daily lives. We can turn off and on whatever genes we want. The complexities of the genetic traits have just begun being explored since we have trillions of cells with epigenetic switches that turn off and on in sequences and create cascades of effects.
Our DNA strands live in the nucleus of our cells, primarily in the mitochondria (the fuel center). All input in our bodies is translated into chemical reactions used as fuel to build cellular material for our organs and energy systems including our emotions. By keeping our bodies, minds, emotions, and spirits healthy we keep our DNA in prime shape for ourselves, our families and our descendants. In this series of articles, I will address some simple ways we can k eep the triggers of genetic expression in the ‘positive’ mode. When we use these positive epigenetic features we heal the negative DNA we inherited from our ancestors and we transform the likelihood that our children will by-pass the ‘negative’ DNA.
EXTERNAL ACTIONS TO CLEAR GENETIC TRIGGERS
Meditation, Music, and Beauty
Mental chaos and stress are major triggers to the expression of negative genetic traits linked to harmful aspects of our lives, in addition to our physical health. Avoid the major triggers of ill health, financial disaster, bad relationships and poor decision making in life. Some of these emotional factors are fear, guilt, worry, chronic stress, pessimism, mental and physical abuse, depression, anxiety and other chronic negative attitudes. Article: 3 Powerful Practices for Accessing the Healing Power of Your Mind.
Again, beginning in 2003, research in clinical and non-clinical studies verified regular practice of meditation, Thai Chi and Qigong showed a range of genetic and molecular differences, including altered levels of gene-regulating machinery and reduced levels of pro-inflammatory genes, which in turn is associated with faster physical recovery from stressful situations. 
Meditation has a positive effect on your body as well as calming your mind and spirit, letting you get in touch with your inner self. This reduces your physiological reaction to the emotional factors stated above. It allows you to cope with the emotional stresses and alter your perspective on life and solve problems. Article: Long term yoga, Thai Chi, meditation and mindfulness practices repair damaged DNA.
Article: A 2017 study suggests meditation and yoga can ‘reverse’ DNA reactions which cause stress.
I began meditating in 1978 when I was taking daily medication for severe migraine. Luckily, I found a progressive MD who recommended meditation when I asked what I could do to get off the drugs. I have been meditating ever since. When I had a critical health crisis in the 1990s, I was disabled and virtually house-bound for about 15 years. Meditation was a live-saver. I got in touch with my healing energy and my ability to tap into my own inner resources. Without meditation and my inner knowing, my life would not be as healthy and happy as it is today.
Music resonates with the waves of our brain and can calm stress, soothe nerves and may be helpful in slowing cognitive degeneration in the brain according to some recent Italian researchers. Article: Music therapy is a potential intervention for cognition of Alzheimer’s Disease. Article: Music therapy enhances behavioral and cognitive function in elderly dementia patients..
If we take the time to release our past stories and pain and avoid living in the future “what ifs” concentrating our energy in the present makes our lives open to opportunities and experiences that will enrich us daily. We will see the beauty of the people, places and things around us, our perceptions will shift and positive enzymes and hormones will flood our body to boost our immune system. These chemical reactions will positively affect the gene expressions of our bodies.
Sleep is an Essential Component of a Healthy Life.
Another significant element in supporting long life, good health and a strong brain and positive outlook is adequate sleep on a regular basis. Numerous reports reliably show sleep is necessary to repair and replace damaged cells. In 1900, Americans averaged nine hours of sleep a night. In 2000, we averaged six hours a night. Magnificent Mind at Any Age: Treating Anxiety, Depression, Memory Problems, ADD, and Insomnia, Daniel G. Amen (2008). Lack of sleep can cause psychotic episodes, depression, car accidents, unclear thinking, irritability and other difficulties. The average adult should get six to nine hours of good sleep a night. Children and teenagers need more to sustain growth. 
Stress is a common interrupter of sleep. Reduce your stress level through meditation, music, exercise, sex and contact with nature. Keep your bedroom free of toxins, cell phones, TVs and their distractions. Dream of a happy and prosperous life. And have a good night.
Look for the remaining tips in the upcoming articles.
Blessings for peace, prosperity, joy and love,
Ariann
If you have read the previous articles, you can skip this introduction or read it for a refresher. Otherwise, here is a short explanation of epigenetics to get you started.
We inherit one strand of DNA from each side of our family. DNA is the basic building block of our human body and mind. It is the internal micro-cellular structure from which we develop. We used to think that DNA controlled many of our traits that could not be changed.
Science then delved deeper into cellular structure and discovered epigenetics. Epigenetics revealed that DNA is our basic hardware and epigenetics is the software program the operator chooses to run our daily lives. We can turn off and on whatever genes we want. The complexities of the genetic traits have just begun being explored since we have trillions of cells with epigenetic switches that turn off and on in sequences and create cascades of effects.
Our DNA strands live in the nucleus of our cells, primarily in the mitochondria (the fuel center). All input in our bodies is translated into chemical reactions used as fuel to build cellular material for our organs and energy systems including our emotions. By keeping our bodies, minds, emotions, and spirits healthy we keep our DNA in prime shape for ourselves, our families and our descendants. In this series of articles, I will address some simple ways we can k eep the triggers of genetic expression in the ‘positive’ mode. When we use these positive epigenetic features we heal the negative DNA we inherited from our ancestors and we transform the likelihood that our children will by-pass the ‘negative’ DNA.
EXTERNAL ACTIONS TO CLEAR GENETIC TRIGGERS
Meditation, Music, and Beauty
Mental chaos and stress are major triggers to the expression of negative genetic traits linked to harmful aspects of our lives, in addition to our physical health. Avoid the major triggers of ill health, financial disaster, bad relationships and poor decision making in life. Some of these emotional factors are fear, guilt, worry, chronic stress, pessimism, mental and physical abuse, depression, anxiety and other chronic negative attitudes. Article: 3 Powerful Practices for Accessing the Healing Power of Your Mind.
Again, beginning in 2003, research in clinical and non-clinical studies verified regular practice of meditation, Thai Chi and Qigong showed a range of genetic and molecular differences, including altered levels of gene-regulating machinery and reduced levels of pro-inflammatory genes, which in turn is associated with faster physical recovery from stressful situations. Meditation has a positive effect on your body as well as calming your mind and spirit, letting you get in touch with your inner self. This reduces your physiological reaction to the emotional factors stated above. It allows you to cope with the emotional stresses and alter your perspective on life and solve problems. Article: Long term yoga, Thai Chi, meditation and mindfulness practices repair damaged DNA.
Article: A 2017 study suggests meditation and yoga can ‘reverse’ DNA reactions which cause stress.
I began meditating in 1978 when I was taking daily medication for severe migraine. Luckily, I found a progressive MD who recommended meditation when I asked what I could do to get off the drugs. I have been meditating ever since. When I had a critical health crisis in the 1990s, I was disabled and virtually house-bound for about 15 years. Meditation was a live-saver. I got in touch with my healing energy and my ability to tap into my own inner resources. Without meditation and my inner knowing, my life would not be as healthy and happy as it is today.
Music resonates with the waves of our brain and can calm stress, soothe nerves and may be helpful in slowing cognitive degeneration in the brain according to some recent Italian researchers. Article: Music therapy is a potential intervention for cognition of Alzheimer’s Disease. Article: Music therapy enhances behavioral and cognitive function in elderly dementia patients..
If we take the time to release our past stories and pain and avoid living in the future “what ifs” concentrating our energy in the present makes our lives open to opportunities and experiences that will enrich us daily. We will see the beauty of the people, places and things around us, our perceptions will shift and positive enzymes and hormones will flood our body to boost our immune system. These chemical reactions will positively affect the gene expressions of our bodies.
Sleep is an Essential Component of a Healthy Life.
Another significant element in supporting long life, good health and a strong brain and positive outlook is adequate sleep on a regular basis. Numerous reports reliably show sleep is necessary to repair and replace damaged cells. In 1900, Americans averaged nine hours of sleep a night. In 2000, we averaged six hours a night. Magnificent Mind at Any Age: Treating Anxiety, Depression, Memory Problems, ADD, and Insomnia, Daniel G. Amen (2008). Lack of sleep can cause psychotic episodes, depression, car accidents, unclear thinking, irritability and other difficulties. The average adult should get six to nine hours of good sleep a night. Children and teenagers need more to sustain growth.
Stress is a common interrupter of sleep. Reduce your stress level through meditation, music, exercise, sex and contact with nature. Keep your bedroom free of toxins, cell phones, TVs and their distractions. Dream of a happy and prosperous life. And have a good night.
Look for the remaining tips in the upcoming articles.
Blessings for peace, prosperity, joy and love,
Ariann
