When 'Healing' Comes Unsolicited Trusting Your Own Fibro Journey

Hey everyone, Jane Taylor here, the Holistic Fibro Fighter! Welcome back to the blog, where I dive deep into navigating fibromyalgia with a holistic approach – focusing on mind, body, soul, and spirit. As an energy healer and therapist myself, I know how crucial it is to understand and protect our energetic space.

Today, I want to share my insights on something I know many of you living with fibromyalgia can possibly relate to; those moments when well-meaning (or sometimes not-so-well-meaning) people offer up their spontaneous spiritual diagnoses or healing prescriptions. It can be… a lot, maybe? And often, it feels like a genuine energetic intrusion.

I recently had an experience that perfectly illustrates this. I was at an event, and someone I barely know spotted me and immediately launched into a monologue about my 'third eye chakra', declaring it "open and connected" and then, incredibly, added, "if it needs anything doing to it, I will let you know." Honestly, I was stunned into silence. My only response was to mentally crank up my psychic protection, which, as many of you know, I use daily – even just for a trip to the supermarket to shield against those pesky energy vampires!

This recent encounter brought back a memory from a couple of years ago. I was once told by a self-proclaimed shaman (who, to me, seemed more like someone with a rather inflated ego) that I was a witch who had been drowned in a past life and they claimed to have just healed me. My face was more 'what the...?' My thoughts, however, were much clearer "How dare you. I did not give you permission or ask you to heal me. I wasn't even having a conversation with you!" No wonder, in ancient folklore, people could be turned to stone by a simple stare! It truly leaves me wondering why those who give out unsolicited healing think it's ethical to behave in such a manner.

Your Energetic Space - A Sacred Boundary

As an energy healer, I view our energetic space as deeply personal and sacred. It's like the perimeter of your home – a boundary that you control, that offers you security and privacy.

I liken the invasion of energetic space to something that happened to me a few months ago. I was so shocked and extremely angry to find a woman standing in my front hall – my private home! – without permission. She was supposed to be visiting the next-door neighbour, but there she was, just inside my front door. It was a blatant act of trespass, and my immediate reaction was one of shock and anger. In that moment, I realised I should have locked the door! It was a lesson learned about physical boundaries, and it highlights exactly what's so different about your energetic space.

So, what's the difference when someone intrudes on your energetic space? In my view, there isn't one. It's just as much an invasion. Just as you wouldn't expect someone to walk into your physical home uninvited, you should not have to tolerate someone barging into your energetic field, making unsolicited pronouncements or attempting 'healings' without your consent. You are the gatekeeper of your energy.

The Healing Power of Your 'Happy Place'

These types of encounters, whether recent or from years past, got me thinking about something crucial I often share here at The Holistic Fibro Fighter You are the expert on you. Your body, your energy, your unique fibromyalgia journey – these are all yours to navigate. And any healing that takes place? It comes from within, supported by the choices you make.

This brings us to my core philosophy as The Holistic Fibro Fighter. Doing what makes you happy isn't just a nice idea; it's a powerful healing modality. When you engage in activities that genuinely bring you joy, peace, and a sense of purpose, you're actively contributing to your wellbeing. This isn't about fleeting pleasure; it's about shifting your energetic state, reducing stress, and fostering an environment within your body that is conducive to healing.

Think about

• When you laugh, you release endorphins, reduce cortisol, and create a sense of lightness.

• When you create – whether it's art, writing, gardening, or cooking – you tap into a flow state that can be deeply therapeutic.

• When you connect with people who genuinely uplift you, who see and appreciate you, it can be incredibly restorative.

• When you move in a way that feels good – gentle walks, stretching, dancing – whatever brings you ease and mobility, without pushing your limits.

• When you practise self-care, whether it's a warm bath, meditation, reading a good book, or simply resting without guilt.

These aren't just 'feel-good' activities; they are acts of self-love that directly impact your nervous system, your immune function, and your overall energetic vibration.

For me, my happy place often involves getting outside. There's a profound peace I find in dowsing – connecting with the earth's energies – and in the quiet observation of birdwatching. These simple acts ground me, allowing me to reconnect with myself and find solace.

Honouring Your Need to Retreat

Last year, my world was shaken when we lost our beloved dog. The grief has been brutal, and, as many living with chronic conditions will understand, it caused my fibromyalgia to rear its ugly head with a vengeance. I retreated, spending some essential time alone to process. My friends were supportive during this period, but even as a therapist, I know that isolating yourself isn't generally ideal for mental health. Yet, for me, it was precisely what I needed to do – to cry, to truly feel the pain, and to allow myself the permission to do so without external pressure.

Now, I'm getting better, slowly emerging from that necessary retreat. This experience deeply reinforced for me the importance of listening to your own needs, even when they might not make sense to others. What struck me during that time was that, mercifully, nobody tried to 'fix' me without permission. I was allowed to grieve and heal on my own terms.

My Philosophy on Sharing Healing Wisdom

For me, as an animistic energy healing practitioner, I believe all things are connected. Healing wisdom arrives only when the individual is ready for it, and each person will be guided to what they need, whether that's by reading or listening to the free insights and resources I share on my website, or by choosing to seek me out directly and take what resonates with them.

So, when someone walks into my orbit, my intuition helps me acknowledge it as a moment of connection, synchronicity, or divine guidance. Yet, my approach is to never offer unsolicited enlightenment or healing. To me, giving spiritual advice or attempting healing without consent is both uncalled for and unethical. My philosophy is rooted in empowering individual journeys, not in dictating what anyone needs.

Protecting Your Sacred Energetic Space

And for those 'energy vampires' or unsolicited healers? My instinct to use psychic protection is spot on. It's all about setting healthy energetic boundaries. Just as you wouldn't let someone physically intrude on your home, you have every right to protect your energetic field from unwanted intrusions or drains. This isn't about being unkind; it's about self-preservation.

So, when someone offers unsolicited spiritual diagnoses or promises to 'heal' you, may wish to recall this

1. You are in charge of your own healing journey. You get to decide who you invite into your energetic space and what forms of support resonate with you.

2. Trust your intuition. That feeling of being stunned, of needing to put up more protection – that's your inner wisdom speaking. Listen to it.

3. Focus on what empowers you. Instead of being drawn into someone else's narrative about your energy or past lives, redirect your focus to what makes you feel strong, happy, and whole.

4. Happiness is a powerful healing tool. Actively seek out and engage in activities that bring you joy. They are not a distraction from healing; they are an integral part of it.

   
   

This is what being The Holistic Fibro Fighter means to me: empowering myself, honouring my own unique journey, and recognising that the most profound healing comes from within, guided by my own path to happiness and wellbeing.

Until next time, keep shining your light, on your own terms.

Jane Taylor, The Holistic Fibro Fighter 💜

A pilgrimage of self-care

As I sit here, the wind still whispers tales of ancient Avalon, a gentle resonance of the energy lingering from yesterday's mini-pilgrimage to Somerset. The iconic silhouette of Glastonbury Tor against the sky has always held a certain magic for me, a silent invitation to ascend to the summit and St Michael's Tower, to soak in its ancient aura and connect with the powerful Michael and Mary energies that coil themselves around the Tor, the entwined dragon lines bringing together the masculine and feminine.

My afternoon climb of the Tor followed a delightful morning that blended the practical with the pleasurable – a mooching around Clarks outlet village on the hunt for bargains and a much-anticipated Chicken Katsu Curry at Wagamama’s.

It got me thinking. What is this deep-seated yearning within us that propels us to journey to certain places, whether they are steeped in legend or simply offering us a moment of respite? And what are the myriad ways these experiences shape who we are, leaving their indelible mark on our hearts, minds and souls?

For me, the call of Glastonbury is multifaceted. Perhaps it’s the whispers of the Arthurian legend, the eclectic mix of shops where you can buy crystals, books, magic wands, and all manner of esoteric gifts. Or the pull of the Tor, where the veil between worlds feels a little thinner on its slopes. Or the breathtaking panoramic views which reward you following the climb, where birds fly beneath you and you can view the world from a higher perspective. Every place holds a unique signature, some resonating so deeply with your inner landscape, offering solace, inspiration, or a sense of belonging. Glastonbury Tor, with its rich history and spiritual significance, has always felt like a pull for me. What makes you drawn to a particular walk, a café in town, or even a friend's home? What are those places for you, the ones that touch your soul?

Since the dawn of time, humans have been wanderers, driven by curiosity, necessity, and the desire to understand the world around them. Pilgrimages have been a cornerstone of many cultures, a dedicated journey to a place of spiritual significance for healing, enlightenment, or devotion. Even today, though our destinations may differ, the fundamental urge to seek something beyond our everyday remains. Then there is this allure of ‘thin places’, locations believed to possess a unique energy. For me, my thin places can be on the top of mountains or hills, or at sacred sites. Whether you subscribe to this idea or not, there is an undeniable sense of something in the air, a connection to something larger than oneself. Our intentions act as a compass, guiding our journeys. While my early visit and desire for retail therapy may simply have been a prelude to the afternoon's spiritual focus on the Tor, recognising our intentions illuminates why certain places hold such a strong appeal for us.

While I certainly did not have any intention of climbing Glastonbury Tor when I left home yesterday morning for my pilgrimage to the shops, following my lunch, I parked up in the centre of Glastonbury and cut through the Gauntlet to reach the main street. I popped into a few shops, but there was a real visceral pull to head out of town towards Chalice Well and the base of the Tor. I was not well equipped for this pilgrimage – no water, probably insufficient layers of clothing, and not the most sensible footwear!

However, the drive from within was so strong. On reaching the lane at the bottom of the path, I headed up to the White Spring and the pipe where the water spills out onto the road and dipped my hands into the cool, refreshing waters, rinsing my face and then washing my aura with the water.

I then crossed over the lane to where a pipe comes through the wall of the Chalice Well gardens and the water from the Red Spring flows down into a grill. Again, I splashed my face and then flicked the remaining water into my auric space. There were a few people about, but none batted an eyelid at what I was doing. This felt like a vital part of the pilgrimage, a physical and energetic cleansing and reconnection with the land's powerful energies.

I started my ascent up the Tor, and just then, the sun broke through the clouds, bathing me in its warm golden light – a small, perfect blessing on my journey. The path upward is a steep one, each step a deliberate effort, a slow, steady progress away from the everyday.

Reaching the summit and standing within the ancient tower, a delicate fragrance unexpectedly filled the air – the unmistakable scent of roses that instantly transported me back to my grandparents' garden, a space filled with love and the comforting presence of my ancestors. It felt like a gentle acknowledgement, a fragrant thread connecting my personal journey to the deeper roots of my lineage. It was a subtle yet profound sensory detail, adding a layer of unexpected beauty to the already potent atmosphere.

The usually expansive views towards the Bristol Channel were veiled in a soft, hazy mist, lending an ethereal quality to the ancient site. Despite the limited visibility, there was a palpable sense of energy, a feeling of being held in a sacred embrace. I felt very grounded on this lump of rock high above the Somerset Levels; there was some sort of tangible link to centuries past.

These sensory details weren't just background noise, they were integral to my experience, etching the memory deeper within me. Perhaps this morning's exploration of Clarks Village wasn’t just about finding a good deal; it was a way of grounding myself in the everyday before ascending to a more ethereal space. The satisfaction of a good purchase can be a small act of self-nurturing, preparing us in its own way for deeper experiences, and the familiar comfort of Wagamama’s provided a welcome pause, a moment of refuelling and grounding before the afternoon's focus that turned out to be the Tor. Having a delicious meal amidst the lively atmosphere offered a different kind of connection – a human one, a moment of shared nourishment before a more solitary, introspective experience.

My connection to Glastonbury went deeper than simply visiting the Tor and the springs. At the top, I took out my dowsing rods, curious to connect further with the land's energies. I asked them to guide me to a spot radiating healing energies. I watched as they swung, took me back through the centre of the tower, then around to the left, leading me to a particular place, where I sat down on the short grass and gazed out across the landscape. The rods had led me to the exact same spot where I had sat with a group of souls a few years ago on the summer solstice, feeling the strong Michael line flowing powerfully beneath us as we drummed. It was a profound reminder of the land's memory and its constant offering of energy. As I began my descent, a raven flew across my path, a fleeting messenger carrying ancient wisdom.

At the base of the Tor, I once again dipped my hands into the cooling waters of both the White and the Red Springs. As I walked back into town, others who approached me smiled, but their smiles came from the soul and touched me at that same level. No words were uttered as we passed by each other, but a palpable sense of connection.

Living with fibromyalgia often means our journeys, both literal and metaphorical, require a different kind of navigation. Our energy reserves might be more limited, our pain levels unpredictable. This makes intentional outings and mindful travel to places like Glastonbury Tor, with its powerful healing potential, a vital act of self-care.

For me, incorporating rituals like cleansing my hands in the sacred springs and dowsing for energy lines adds layers of intention and self-nurturing to the experience. And sometimes, indulging in a favourite meal even when dining alone instead of grabbing a sandwich provides a much-needed boost and a reminder to cherish the small joys. Connecting with nature, breathing fresh air, and immersing ourselves in a different environment, especially one charged with earth energy like the Tor, can be incredibly therapeutic for physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.

The intuitive guidance of the dowsing rods led me to that familiar point of healing space on the summit where I once felt so connected with the Michael line. It felt like a tangible way to tap into the land's ancient wisdom. Each journey, no matter how big or small, adds a new layer to our personal story. The sun-kissed moments on the slow ascent, the misty veil over the ancient lands of Avalon, the aroma of roses connecting me to my ancestors, the powerful recognition and reconnection of the solstice drumming spot, the raven's flight on the descent and the cool touch of the spring waters, – these sensory and spiritual encounters deepen the narrative and leave a lasting imprint on our inner landscape. The resilience we cultivate in navigating life with fibromyalgia often enhances our appreciation for these moments of joy and connection, blending the everyday with the extraordinary in a pilgrimage of self-care that may have been impromptu and has meant today I am resting.

Ultimately, our desire to journey to specific places, especially those resonating with powerful energies, is a deeply human one, driven by the complex interplay of personal resonance, curiosity, and the search for meaning and connection. Whether it's the legendary heights of Glastonbury Tor or the comforting familiarity of a favourite shopping spot, the revitalising touch of sacred water, or the intuitive guidance of dowsing rods leading us to familiar pockets of energy, these experiences enrich our lives and weave a vibrant tapestry of memories. Let us embrace the call to explore, even in small ways, always listening to our bodies and choosing journeys that truly nurture our souls – true pilgrimages of self-care.

What are the places that hold a special significance for you? Have you ever had a moment of unexpected beauty or recognition that deepened your experience of a place? What rituals do you incorporate into your own personal pilgrimages? Share your experiences in the comments below. I would love to hear about them.

Unravelling the Earth's Energies

Ley Lines, Dragon Lines, Geopathic Stress and More – A Fibro Fighter’s Perspective

The Dragon at Kents Cavern

Hey Fibro Fighters! Jane here, and today we’re diving deep into the fascinating world of Earth energies. As someone living with fibromyalgia, I’m acutely aware of how our environment can impact our wellbeing. Understanding these subtle energies has become an integral part of my holistic approach to managing my symptoms and finding balance.

Have you ever walked into a place and just felt it? A shift in the atmosphere, a sense of calm, or perhaps a feeling of unease that you can’t quite put your finger on? I know I have, especially on those days when the fibro fog has rolled in. These sensations can often be linked to the Earth’s energy fields and exploring them has been a profound realisation for me.

Ley Lines - The Ancient Pathways, Modern Mysteries (and Alfred Watkins!)

Let’s start with ley lines. This term was popularised by an amateur archaeologist named Alfred Watkins from Herefordshire back in the early 20th century. He was studying old maps of the English countryside and noticed something remarkable: ancient sites like Stonehenge, Avebury, old churches, and standing stones seemed to line up in straight lines across the landscape. He proposed that these lines, which he called "leys," were ancient trackways or pathways used for navigation and trade. However, many now believe they represent something more: pathways of subtle energy, flowing through the Earth like acupuncture meridians in the human body. It’s as if our ancestors had an innate understanding of these energies, using them for sacred ceremonies and perhaps even healing.

These alignments aren't just random; they often connect significant places. What's even more fascinating is that these straight ley lines frequently have dragon or serpent energy lines interwoven along their routes, connecting significant points of interest and sacred sites as they weave across the landscape. This intertwining creates a powerful energetic network.

Two particularly notable examples, researched extensively by Paul Broadhurst and Hamish Miller, are the Michael Line and the Apollo/St. Michael Axis. Their work is documented in their insightful books, The Sun and the Serpent and The Dance of the Dragon, which are excellent resources for anyone interested in exploring these concepts further.

It's crucial to understand that while both relate to St. Michael energy, they are distinct

• The Michael Line is a straight ley line that enters Cornwall at Carn Les Boel and travels across the country to Hopton in Norfolk, connecting numerous sites dedicated to St. Michael. The associated dragon or serpent energy currents are often referred to as the Mary and Michael currents, reflecting the connection between St. Michael and Mary Magdalene at sites like Glastonbury Tor.

• The Apollo/St. Michael Axis is a direct ley alignment connecting sites associated with both Apollo and St. Michael. This axis represents a powerful energetic current associated with solar energy and light. The related dragon or serpent energy currents associated with this axis are often referred to as the Apollo and Athena currents, representing the balance of masculine (Apollo) and feminine (Athena) energies, wisdom, and divine inspiration. This axis also extends into mainland Europe, linking these energies to ancient deities and their associated qualities, highlighting the vastness of these energetic networks.

Now, let’s talk about St. Michael’s Mount, which is an incredibly important energetic node point within this wider network. A node point is like an energetic hub, where multiple ley lines and dragon currents converge and interact, creating a concentrated area of energy. Because of its strategic location and long history as a sacred site, St. Michael’s Mount acts as a powerful focal point, connecting the Michael Line, the Apollo/St. Michael Axis, and their associated Michael, Mary, Apollo, and Athena energetic currents. It’s like a major intersection on the Earth’s energy grid. A wonderful place to visit if you get the opportunity. This reinforces the idea that we’re all part of a larger interconnected web of energy, deeply connected to the Earth beneath our feet.

Dragon Lines - Unleashing the Earth’s Powerhouse (Distinct from Energy Lines!)

Now, let’s talk about dragon lines – and it’s important to distinguish these from general “energy lines.” Dragon lines are not the straight lines of leys. They are described as broad, undulating bands of energy, almost like rivers of energy flowing through the landscape. Think of them as the Earth's major arteries of energy. They have different layers or bands, each with its own unique quality, like a rainbow of energy and direction of flow. Some bands are considered more “masculine” (yang), associated with active, dynamic energy, while others are more “feminine” (yin), representing receptive, nurturing energy. Some people even perceive these bands as having different colours, each associated with specific qualities and energies. As someone living with fibro, I’m particularly sensitive to energy, and I can sometimes feel these lines as a subtle shift in the atmosphere, a tingling in my hands, a sense of expansion or a rather loud burp! It’s a powerful reminder that the Earth is a living, breathing entity, pulsating with energy.

And sometimes, these dragon lines manifest in truly remarkable ways. I recently had the incredible experience of leading a group of dowsers at Kent's Cavern. These caves are not only geologically fascinating, with stunning rock formations, but they also hold a palpable sense of ancient energy. What’s particularly fascinating is that the dragon lines within the cavern seem to flow through actual dragon-shaped rock formations. It was an amazing experience to dowse these energies and feel how they interacted with the unique geology of the cave. It really highlighted that while underground water lines certainly produce energy, there are so many other energetic phenomena to discover within the Earth. It reinforced for me that dragon lines are not just abstract concepts but powerful forces present in the landscape.

Energy Lines - Tuning In to the Earth’s Vibrations (A Broader Term)

The term “energy lines” is a broader way of describing any subtle energetic pathway in the Earth, encompassing both the straight lines of leys and the dragon currents (as I define them), as well as other energetic pathways, including those influenced by geological formations like we experienced at Kent's Cavern. As a dowser, I use tools like pendulums and dowsing rods to detect and map these lines and get a sense of the energetic quality of a space. It’s like tuning a radio to find the right frequency. This practice is also known as radiesthesia, which involves sensing and interpreting these energies.

It's also important to acknowledge the role of water in Earth energies. Water itself is a conductor of energy and can create its own energetic field. Underground water veins, for example, can contribute to geopathic stress. For those of us with fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions, this is especially relevant. Our bodies are already dealing with heightened sensitivity, and exposure to these energetic disturbances from water can sometimes exacerbate symptoms like pain, inflammation, and fatigue. It’s another example of how our environment can directly impact our wellbeing. Understanding these energy lines, including those related to water, can be incredibly valuable in creating supportive environments for us Fibro Fighters.

Geopathic Stress: When Earth Energies Feel Off-Key

And then there’s geopathic stress. This is where the Earth’s natural energies become disturbed, often by things like underground water veins, geological fault lines, or certain mineral deposits. Underground water, in particular, is a major contributor to geopathic stress. As water flows underground, it creates friction with the surrounding rock, generating an electromagnetic field. This field, along with other energetic disturbances from the water flow itself, can create what are considered detrimental lines of energy. These disturbances can create a distorted energy field that some believe can negatively impact human health.

For those of us with fibromyalgia, whose nervous systems are already on high alert, geopathic stress can exacerbate symptoms like pain, fatigue, brain fog, and sleep disturbances. It’s like adding extra static to an already overloaded system, making it even harder to find balance. This is a controversial topic within the scientific community, but many people, including myself, find that addressing geopathic stress can make a noticeable difference in their wellbeing.

How This All Relates to My Fibro and My Practice (and the Burping and Yawning!)

For me, understanding these Earth energies isn’t just an abstract concept – it’s a practical tool in my Fibro-fighting toolkit. And on a personal note, when I’m working with energy, especially clearing blockages or working with powerful energies like dragon lines, my body often responds with physical releases such as burping (or even yawning!). It’s totally normal, and if it happens to you, don’t worry!

• Dowsing for Detection: I use dowsing to identify areas of geopathic stress in my home, garden, and other places I spend time. This helps me create a more supportive and healing environment for my body. I also use it to locate energy lines and understand their flow, recognising how they intertwine.

• Energy Healing for Balance: I incorporate energy healing techniques to help balance my own energy field and mitigate the effects of geopathic stress. I also use these techniques in my practice to support other Fibro Fighters.

• Working with Dragon Lines: I’ve learned to connect with the positive energies of dragon lines, using them to enhance my own wellbeing and in my healing work. I find particular benefit in locating a healing spot, often near a standing stone or directly on a ley or dragon line, and simply placing myself in that space, whether sitting or lying down, to absorb the energies.

• Connecting with Nature: Spending time in nature, grounding myself by walking barefoot on the earth, hugging trees, or simply sitting quietly in a natural setting, has become an essential part of my self-care routine. It helps me reconnect with the Earth’s natural rhythms and restore balance to my energy field.

Practical Tips for You, My Fellow Fibro Fighters

• Pay Attention to Your Body: Notice how you feel in different places. Do you feel more energised or drained in certain areas? This can be a clue to the presence of different energy lines or geopathic stress.

• Ground Yourself Regularly: Make time for activities that connect you with the Earth, like gardening, walking in nature, or simply sitting outside.

• Explore Dowsing and Energy Healing: If you’re interested in learning more about these practices, feel free to reach out.

My Final Thoughts

Exploring the world of Earth energies has been a transformative experience for me, both personally and professionally. It’s helped me understand my own sensitivities, find new ways to manage my Fibro symptoms, and connect with the Earth on a deeper level. I truly believe that we’re all interconnected with the Earth in profound ways, and by tuning in to these subtle energies, we can find greater balance, healing, and wellbeing.

Sending you all love and light,

Jane Taylor The Holistic Fibro Fighter x