This is a time of extreme economic hardship. There are those who have to choose between food for their children or heat. We have created this humanly, so what can we humans learn from this situation.

Not all of us have to choose between food and heat. Some have to choose between eating out or staying in. Some have to choose between flying or driving on vacation. Some have to decide if they are going to continue out of pocket health care and make cuts somewhere else. The general theme is that each of us has to decide what really matters. We have to set limits with ourselves and our children.

This is a time when we can appreciate all the free gifts that are ours for the taking. We can go out in nature and appreciate beauty. We can appreciate plants and animals and minerals. We can appreciate creativity like art and music and dance. We can return to things that feed our soul, and perhaps come out of this better than we would if we were shopping or going out to eat and drink.

Slowing down has many benefits. The earth has healing powers that we have become too busy to appreciate. Animals teach us how to live in harmony with our environment. Plants have healing properties that all indigenous cultures have learned without the high cost of manufacturing pharmaceuticals. Crystals and stones from the earth provide not only beauty, but healing frequencies that can shift mood and energy and even illness. All of these gifts are ours for the taking. All we have to do is step outside.

Stones have been used in since ancient times to provide both beauty and power to the wearer. The way to choose a stone is by feeling a natural affinity. That is the one that has healing for you.

Raw stones are inexpensive and can be found at various local stores. If you are inspired to pick one, it may have something to teach you. It is always free to look and feel beauty and inspiration and remember all the gifts that mother nature has for us.

The most important thing each of us has is family and friends with whom we can laugh and converse. Connection to nature and to each other is the silver lining of this economic cloud

Article written by:
Carol L. Bowman, M.D.
Medical Director
Harford Holistic Health
1318 E.Churchville Road • Bel Air, Maryland
For more information, please call 410-838-4407.
www.harfordholistic.com