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  • A Grounding Miracle

    By Tracy Schruder

    I have been grounding for a few years now. I’ve always walked around in bare feet. However, up until a few years ago I didn’t know that I was actually practicing an ancient technique called grounding.

    Side note:

    Grounding is also known as earthing, has its roots in ancient practices that connect humans with the Earth’s natural energy. While the modern concept of grounding has evolved, the idea of connecting with the Earth’s energy dates back thousands of years.

    It’s Ancient Roots;

    – Indigenous cultures worldwide have long believed in the healing properties of nature and the importance of connecting with the Earth.

    – Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emphasizes the importance of balancing the body’s energy (qi) with the natural world.

    – Ancient Greeks and Romans believed in the therapeutic benefits of walking barefoot or spending time in nature.

    The Modern Revival;

    – In the 1990s, Clint Ober, a pioneer in the field of earthing, popularized the concept of grounding as a way to reconnect with the Earth’s energy and promote health and well-being.

    – Since then, research has explored the benefits of grounding, including reduced inflammation, improved sleep, and enhanced mental clarity.

    It possesses a Cross-Cultural Significance;

    – Grounding practices can be found in various forms across cultures, including:

        – Ayurvedic grounding – in Indian tradition

        – Earthing – in modern Western culture

        –  Walking barefoot – in many indigenous cultures

    While the modern concept of grounding has evolved, its roots in ancient practices highlight the importance of connecting with nature for physical and mental well-being.

    Back to the miracle – I have experienced migraine headaches for the last eight years. I contribute this onset of pain to a misdiagnosed condition and the medication that I was put on to control the condition. Gratefully, the mistake was recognized by my nurse practitioner and I no longer take any medication. Yet the migraine headaches continue to surface, on occasion. That’s another story so, I’ll just briefly touched on it, without much explanation. Please forgive.

    I woke up this morning at 2:22 am with a pounding, nauseating, migraine. I reached for my usual pain killers and found an empty jar. I quickly texted my husband ( Who works midnights ) to bring me home a bottle.

    I tried to get back to sleep. I used a breathing technique that I adopted from my Glenn Harrold meditation tracks – A deep, slow breathing, in through my nose and out through my mouth. It was hard to focus because of my fear of the pain. Although, I believe it helped me nod out because hours had gone by at the time I woke up this morning. The headache was still there. My mouth was watering, my stomach turned and I was dreading the wait for my husband’s arrival home. It was just then, that it dawned on me to try something new. I’d get outside in my favourite grounding location, ( Between my beautiful birch trees ) and combine some breathing, hand mudras with intense presence in my pain. I could feel the difference in temperature on the ground and felt the soothing energetic heat from between these trees.

    My Favourite Grounding Place

    The heat and energy coursed up through my feet and straight to my head. My body was in a live charge with Frisson resonating all over it.

    Side note:

    Frisson: Aesthetic chills or psychogenic shivers. 

     Frisson is a psychophysiological feeling to rewarding stimulation in the body. Things like; music, films,stories,  affirmations and mirror work, can produce this  pleasurable response. It’s a positively-valenced emotional state. It’s often accompanied by physical sensations similar to goosebumps, skin tingling, or chills, without any apparent external cause like cold temperatures. My description of the experience – it feels like a part of your inner body is giving your cells a little tickle. 

    I’ve heard that some people experience frisson during intense emotional or spiritual experiences. It’s been described as feeling like a deep shiver or goosebumps inside the skin. This sensation is often associated with heightened emotional sensitivity, spiritual connections, or profound realizations. This has happened to me during some of my spiritual journeys. That’s how I was able to describe it so well. 

    Aesthetic chills -a type of frisson triggered by art, music, or other creative expressions

    Spiritual chills – a sensation believed to be connected to spiritual experiences, intuition, or energy shifts

    Psychogenic shivers – a term used to describe frisson-like sensations caused by psychological or emotional stimuli. 

    These sensations may be accompanied by feelings of euphoria, deep connection, or spiritual awakening.

    I could feel the pain being transmuted into presence. It began to dissipate and eventually stopped all together. This only took fifteen minutes. I call it a miracle because I have never been able to get rid of one of these migraines without medication before. I’m so grateful that I was able to take my grounding practice to a whole new level. Grounding kills pain?… Yes! Hallelujah! Grounding killed my pain. I’m so excited about this. I believe this could end my whole migraine debacle once and for all! It’s now 11:00 am and I’m feeling fantastic! I have been suffering for so long and I’m excited and amazed that this worked. I’m extremely grateful to have figured this out. I’m going to accomplish much more today than I thought I would. Have a beautiful day everyone!🤗

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  • An Italian Favourite

    What food would you say is your specialty?

    By Tracy Schruder

    The food that I would say is my specialty is my homemade spaghetti sauce! It brings out my Italian side when cook it. I start my sauce with a batch of fresh plum tomatoes. After they are boiled down, I start adding my secret blend of special herbs and spices. Most of which I’ve grown or made myself.

    I can’t share my herb and spice recipe because – like an old Italian mob boss might say, “You could be dining with the fishes!” As the old saying goes, “if I tell you I’d have to kill you!” 😂

    Whoa, that’s funny, my Italian side just manifested. Yes, a tiny side note to proclaim that I have Italian blood running through my veins. My great grandmother was a Carbino, and anyone who’s watched a good mob movie knows that name.

    My great grandmother Ruby Carbino

    Back to the sauce – After blending my tomato base with my secret herbs and spices, I brown up some medium ground beef. Once combined, I then cook up some red bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, sweet onion, and garlic separately for a few minutes or until the onions are soft. I put it all together with a can of tomato paste and simmer it all day until super time.

    Next, I make up my garlic butter. This is done by wrapping a clove of garlic, drizzling it with some olive oil in tin foil, and roasting it in the oven for fifteen to twenty minutes or until the garlic pops out of the skins with no effort. I mince it and add it to a half pound of room temp butter and add some parsley. I toast Italian bread and cover it in the garlic butter I prepared. Then I grate some mozzarella cheese and put it in the toast, then it’s in the oven to broil until the cheese is browned.

    I put a pot water on the stove with a tablespoon of olive oil and some salt and bring it to a boil. I add the pasta. I use spaghettini because it’s delicious and only takes eight minutes to cook – the same amount of time as the garlic bread takes to brown up in the oven.

    Add a healthy helping of Parmesan Cheese, sprinkled on top to finish off this tasty meal.

    This is always a hit meal for my family. I’ve made it for my extended family as well, and everyone, even my sister who doesn’t like tomatoes, loves it.

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  • Facts May Be Peppered With Fiction

    By Tracy Schruder

    Honesty in writing is of the utmost importance, yet our unique perspectives and experiences shape the way we all tell our stories. Two people from the same family can recall the same event, but their memories and emotions can differ vastly. Our minds capture moments that leave a lasting impact, and these memories are often tied to strong emotions.

    When we write about these experiences, our individual perspectives shine through. For instance, a childhood Christmas memory that was disappointing for me might be a fond memory for my sibling, simply because we had different expectations and experiences. When we share these stories, even with honesty, our words can be perceived differently by others who were present.

    This can lead to challenges, especially from those who might nitpick or dispute our version of events. The paradox lies in the fact that our truth might not be someone else’s truth. When confronted with differing accounts, emotions can run high, and accusations of dishonesty can arise.

    To avoid unnecessary conflict, I like to offer a warning to my readers: “Some facts may be peppered with fiction.”

    I can only write from my own personal perceptions and memories. No harm is ever intended.

    If you’re sensitive to differing perspectives, it might be best to approach my work with an open mind. For those who can appreciate the nuances, I’m glad you’re here to share in the journey.

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  • The Secret Language of Siblings

    By Tracy Schruder

    Growing up in a blended family with two older stepsisters, I often felt like I lived in a world of my own. My mom’s focus on us all but my older sisters, needed a bit more tenderness and attention. My mom always felt a sense of responsibility to overcompensate with them, due to the fact that they came from a broken home. This sometimes created a sense of separation between us.

    As the younger siblings, my brother, sister, and I were left out of certain things, that ‘had nothing to do with us.’ So we were told and it usually ended up being about them going somewhere or getting something that we would all like but weren’t, for some reason, entitled to it. We learned how to survive this, without much guidance. We were pretty tough and accepting of the dynamics as we didn’t know anything different

    The distance between my older sisters and us was obvious. They’d ignore us, swat us away, take our things without asking or tattle on us to our mom. In school , they acted like they didn’t know us. Their behaviour was hurtful but we learned to roll with the punches.

    Me and my sister

    However, in response to this dynamic, my siblings and I found our own joy we even developed our own secret language called Pig Latin. It goes something like this; you add extra letters and repetitive endings to words, creating a coded way to communicate that was all our own.

    😁

    An example of Pig Latin – Hidaguy , howdagow aredagar youdagoo? ( Hi, how are you? ) 🤷‍♀️ 😆

    It was our way of asserting independence and having fun, right under the noses of our older siblings and parents.

    Mom

    My mom would chuckle and call us “silly little children” when we’d speak in Pig Latin. Little did she know, we were often discussing the intricacies of our family dynamics or venting about our living situation. Plus we never wanted to hurt anyones feelings, it was a great way to vent frustrations to each other.

    As we’ve grown older, this secret language has become an ingrained part of our sibling bond. We still use it today, and it never fails to infuriate our older sisters and provoke intense belly laughter 😂.

    Looking back, I’m grateful for this quirky aspect of our childhood. It’s a reminder that even in the most challenging family situations, we can find ways to create our own sense of identity and connection. Our secret language may have started as a way to cope with our differences, but it’s evolved into a lasting bond that brings us joy and closeness.

    🙏

    Do you have a secret language that you share only with your click?

  • A Memory That Still Resonates

    What major historical events do you remember?

    By Tracy Schruder

    Space Shuttle Challenger

    I remember a lot of historical events, but one event has stayed with me all this time is the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion. I was 15 years old and in high school when it happened. It was a cold, winter morning, that Tuesday, January 28, 1986. My teacher, Mr. Richardson, had us watch the launch in class. We’d been talking about this event for weeks, and the excitement was palpable. When the shuttle lifted off, we all cheered, “Lift off!” With all eyes fixed on the television, just 73 seconds into it , a shocking, disaster struck. The explosion was sudden and completely unexpected. ,

    The classroom fell silent, we were confused about what had just happened.

    Mr. Richardson was visibly upset and quickly turned off the TV. He sent us outside for a break, and when we returned, he had the difficult task of explaining the tragedy to us. The rest of the day was a blur, with an early dismissal and the evening news replaying the devastating event. I remember seeing the pictures of the astronauts who lost their lives, and feeling a deep sadness for them and their families.

    The astronauts who tragically lost their lives were:

    • Francis R. Scobee, Mission Commander
    • Michael J. Smith, Pilot
    • Ronald McNair, Mission Specialist
    • Ellison Onizuka, Mission Specialist
    • Judith A. Resnik, Mission Specialist
    • Gregory B. Jarvis, Payload Specialist
    • Christa McAuliffe, Payload Specialist and Teacher

    The emotions that day hit hard, and the sense of loss lingered. Even now, years later, the memory remains vivid. I feel the same emotions today that I felt back then, as I remember.

    The Space Shuttle Challenger disaster is a historical event that has stayed with me, leaving an indelible mark on my memory. I vividly recall Mr. Richardson’s struggle to convey the news, his voice choked with emotion, and the tears welling up in his eyes. The tragedy was devastating, claiming the lives of all seven brave astronauts on board. The emotional impact of that day has lingered, a poignant reminder of the risks and sacrifices made in the pursuit of space exploration.

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  • What I’m Proud Of: The Beauty of Humility

    What are you most proud of in your life?

    By Tracy Schruder

    As I reflected on what I’m proud of, a question echoed in my mind: “Can I be proud of something without being prideful?” It’s a debate I’ve had with myself, and one that’s helped me grow. For me, pride isn’t about ego or arrogance; it’s about acknowledging my accomplishments and feeling good about them.

    I’ve always been sensitive to prideful behavior, feeling a searing sense of discomfort when I encounter it. But being proud of my work? That’s a different story. I’m proud of the help I give to others, of being a source of support and guidance.

    In my work, I encourage others to acknowledge and appreciate their achievements without falling into arrogance. It’s about balance.

    So, how can we cultivate a positive sense of pride without crossing into arrogance? For me, it’s about presence and humility.

    Presence allows us to see things clearly, to recognize our efforts and accomplishments. Humility keeps us grounded, open to growth and learning.

    When I’m proud of helping others, I’m not being prideful; I’m hitting the mark. I’m living my truth, and that’s what matters. It’s alright to be proud as long as we don’t let it go to our heads. Let’s celebrate our achievements and support each other in growth.

  • Journey to a New Self: Evolving with My Manuscript

    What have you been working on?

    By Tracy Schruder

    I have been working on my manuscript. As I revisit my manuscript for “Journey to a New Self”, I’m reminded of how far I’ve come since first putting pen to paper. The book, a self-improvement guide for women, was once a flowing disaster of thoughts and ideas. But that’s the beauty of growth – I’ve evolved, and so has my work.

    Currently in the publishing process, I’ve been waiting for my publisher to send my manuscript back for revisions.

    Rather than waiting, I’ve taken the initiative to dive back in and revisit my work.

    It’s been enlightening to recognize the mistakes and areas for improvement. I’ve added new content, refined my ideas, and breathed new life into the manuscript.

    I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with Redrock Book-writers and excited for the publishing process ahead. With each revision, I feel my book becoming a more powerful tool for women seeking self-improvement. I’m looking forward to sharing “Journey to a New Self” with the world, and I hope it inspires others to embark on their own journey of growth and transformation.

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  • Some People Can’t Handle Love

    By Tracy Schruder

    Have you ever poured your heart out to someone, only to watch the relationship crumble before your eyes?

    As a member of Generation X, I was raised with values that seem almost foreign in today’s world. We were taught to be kind, helpful, and compassionate towards others, especially those with greater challenges. We were encouraged to lend a helping hand, to love our neighbors, and to look out for one another.

    But somewhere along the line, things changed. The world shifted, and values that were once second nature to us seem to have been lost. We’re now living in a world where brokenness is normalized, and genuine love and support are often met with skepticism. People are self-excluding, ghosting, and scoffing at boundaries. It’s as if we’ve forgotten how to receive and give love without conditions.

    When you pour your heart out to someone, and they’re unable to receive it, it can be an incredibly hurtful experience. It’s like speaking a foreign language. In a world where vulnerability is often seen as a weakness, it’s no wonder people are shutting down, toughening up, and pushing others away.

    But here’s the thing: hate doesn’t exist. It’s not a presence; it’s an absence of love. It’s a space where loneliness and confusion reside, a void that seems impossible to fill. But I believe that void can be filled with love.

    My generation may have been bruised by the world’s changes, but we still know how to love. We still lend a hand to those in need, still show compassion to the less fortunate, and still have a deep respect for our families. And I believe that’s what will ultimately heal this world.

    To those who can’t handle love, I haven’t given up on you. Together, we can raise the vibrations of this planet and fill that empty hole with the love we all deserve. Just look at the sun; it shines brightly, giving us light, warmth, and life. It radiates its loving energies through us all. There’s only love. I love you all.

  • Lazy Days Feel Good

    Do lazy days make you feel rested or unproductive?

    By Tracy Schruder

    “Lazy days used to fill me with guilt and feelings of unproductivity. I’d push myself too hard the next day, trying to make up for lost time. The voice in my head would harass me with to-do lists and what-ifs, making me feel like I was slacking off.”

    “I’d overcommit myself at work and with friends, never daring to say no. But I never stopped to consider that lazy days were my body, mind, and soul’s way of telling me to slow down and recharge.”

    “That was until I changed my point of view on the topic. Now I see lazy days as a blessing. I enjoy the freedom to lay around, meditate, and indulge in my favorite shows and read my favourite blogs, without feeling guilty about it.”

    “I listen to my own needs. I’ve let go of the illusion that I need to constantly be doing something useful . Lazy days are my time to unwind, reflect, and rejuvenate. I’ve learned to be grateful for them.”

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  • Radiant Success

    When you think of the word “successful,” who’s the first person that comes to mind and why?

    By Tracy Schruder

    When I think of the word successful, the first person that comes to mind is Bob Proctor.

    Bob Proctor

    Bob Proctor’s life story is a remarkable tale of transformation. Born in 1934 in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, he grew up in a poor community during the Great Depression. As a young man, he struggled to find direction, dropping out of high school and working various low-skilled jobs. He even served in the Canadian Royal Navy, although he never got to sail on a ship.

    Proctor’s life took a dramatic turn when he was introduced to Napoleon Hill’s book “Think and Grow Rich” at age 26. This book, along with guidance from a mentor, Raymond Stanford, helped him shift his mindset and focus on achieving success. Proctor’s business ventures flourished, and he eventually became a successful entrepreneur and motivational speaker.

    Some key points about Bob Proctor’s backstory include; Early Struggles: Proctor faced significant challenges in his early life, including poverty and lack of direction.

    Mentorship: He credits his mentor, Raymond Stanford, and authors like Napoleon Hill and Earl Nightingale, for helping him transform his life.

    Business Success: Proctor built a successful business empire, earning over $100,000 in his first year with his office cleaning services company.

    Personal Development:He dedicated his life to teaching others about personal growth, the law of attraction, and success strategies through his books, seminars, and workshops.

    Legacy: Proctor’s teachings have inspired millions, and his legacy continues through the Proctor Gallagher Institute, which he co-founded with Sandy Gallagher.

    Throughout his life, Proctor emphasized the importance of mindset, goal-setting, and personal growth. His story serves as a testament to the power of transformation and the potential for individuals to change their lives through dedication and hard work.

    Bob’s success is inspiring. I first encountered Bob, when I watched the movie ‘ The Secret’ written by Rhonda Byrne. I was impressed with his confidence and knowledge. I had to know more about him and maybe, take his advice seriously. After the movie, I bought a myriad of books, including

    12 Power Principles for Success: Proctor distills his decades of experience into 12 key principles for achieving success and living a purposeful life.

    Thoughts Are Things Co-authored with Greg S. Reid, this book explores the power of thought and its impact on reality.

    When I realized that Bob was also a Canadian and that he grew up, not two hours from my hometown, I became even more interested in his work. I thought if a small town Canadian boy could make a life like his, in spite of his roots, then we all had a chance to. The more I learned about his methods, the more I implemented them into my own life. I was living proof that the man knew his magic. I began taking my life seriously and listening to my self-talk. I journaled about my steps and what I wanted to do to find my own success. I had nothing but positive results, stemming and blooming, from his advice.

    I was working two jobs at the time, with only my high-school diploma to lean on. I realized that in order to bring the success that I wanted into my life, I would have to up-my-game. I invested in myself, went back to school and completed the education required, to live my dream. I’m now a successful Reiki teacher-practitioner. I run my Reiki business out of my home and online. I do what I love to do and Bob Proctor’s inspiring life story and teachings helped me greatly achieve this.

    In Conclusion: The reason Bob Proctor is the first person to come to mind, when I think of the word ‘successful’ is out of respect and out of the truth in the results of his methods. Not only did the man overcome tough obstacles, He excelled in helping others do the same. In my opinion he’s the epitome of the word Successful.

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