In this time of rapid change, it would benefit us to gather together some healing tools to assist our transition into the next millenium. Imagine creating a toolbox full of wonderful healing gifts and information to assist us: tools that support us in health, growth, and staying focused on our truth. With such a toolbox, we’ll be able to reach for the perfect tool when struggling through difficulties that may arise.

There seems to be so much to learn and do to prepare for these times of great transformation. Healing our bodies, heart and spirit may be foremost on our minds as we welcome in the new era. We have been given much to do – if we just knew where to look!

Remember: in a universe full of abundance, there is help available if we only allow ourselves to slow down, tune in and ask for what we need.

Do you see that shiny stone on the ground? It probably has quartz in it. Quartz crystal is the most abundant mineral on our planet and is one of my favorite tools. Due to the geometric design, it can focus light and energy. Quartz also vibrates at a fixed rate and can store, receive and transmit information. That's what makes it so important in communications, computers, watches, and our own healing. Crystals can benefit all things made up of light, energy and matter because of their unique qualities. Quartz acts like a radio tuner and can assist us to both tune in and stay tuned to the source of our being.

Crystals are marvelous healing tools and are useful in bodywork because of the polarizing, and balancing effects they produce. Their focusing abilities can enhance our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual bodies. Like a magnet, some crystals can detect imbalances in the energy field and aid in clearing them. Crystals come in a rainbow of colors and each type vibrates to a different frequency. When correlated with similar chakra (energy) centers, they can assist in balancing each center as well as the whole.

Crystals are often used in meditation. Just sitting and gazing into these beautiful creations allows us to slow our thoughts, ground, center, and appreciate the grandeur of the world around us. Put one next to your heart and you will feel renewed. Crystals are attuned to us, have evolved with us and gladly offer themselves as tools to us. We only need to ask.

Do you see that beautiful flower next to the crystal? It is such a glorious shade of sunset pink. Do you smell its lovely fragrance? Because the sensory process is directly connected with the brain, the sense of smell has a powerful and immediate effect. It can give us an emotional response as well as evoke memories, spark intuition and affect our mental, physical and spiritual health.

Flowers have been used and appreciated by humanity for eons. They too can effectively be utilized as a healing tool through essential oils. These oils produce balancing, relaxing, and stimulating effects that can be used for general health and emotional support. Many are endowed with antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and a myriad of other healing qualities. Plants and flowers can also be utilized in herbal remedies, teas and a variety of other ways. So, take time to stop and smell the roses – it may surprise you that such a phenomenal tool exists right under your nose!

When was the last time you had a massage? This amazing gift of touch can free energy blocks, aid circulation, relieve muscle tension, reduce pain, increase metabolism and immunity and so much more. There are many types of massage and bodywork, including Acupuncture, Acupressure, Chiropractic, energy work, Polarity, Reiki, Reflexolgy, and Shiatsu just to name a few. Massage is an extraordinary tool for relaxing and relieving stresses, thereby creating a more balanced system.

Your personal healing toolbox may include many other unique healing modalities. Movement and stretching through the ancient art of Yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong, exercise and dance are very beneficial for mind, body and spirit. They assist in releasing tension and increasing flexibility. For our spirituality, there is meditation and prayer to help us stay more connected with Source.

How about Feng Shui to balance the energy in our homes and offices? Organic food and supplements are available for natural and nutritional choices for our bodies.

Astrology, channeling, Tarot reading and psychic counseling may provide insight and clarity of direction. There are classes, groups and therapy for support in relationships, communication and increased self-awareness. Books, publications and computers (including of course the World Wide Web!) offer a wide variety of information and assistance that may aid in our search for tools.

There are literally thousands of healing tools just waiting for us! So, take time to consider the lilies, to dream and embrace the abundance being offered to you. Ask questions, make choices, take action, and listen to your inner guidance about the most appropriate tools for your use.

With the new millenium fast approaching, I’m going to be busy filling my toolbox. What’s in yours?

Kathleen D. Gibson is a licensed massage therapist with a practice in Anchorage. She uses a variety of healing tools in her work. For appointments call (907) 279-3016 or e-mail kdgibson1@ alaska.com