www.takotaalchemy.com www.acqpoint.com Like the desert wildflowers pushing through the sunbaked earth, awakening from winter's quiet slumber, we too might feel an internal stirring. This annual rhythm of renewal can inspire us to emerge and bloom. As a yoga teacher, I've witnessed countless students recognize this moment — when something within them is ready to emerge and expand. Nature knows exactly when to bloom. The desert gold poppy doesn't question its timing or compare its emergence to others. It simply responds to the perfect combination of warmth, light and moisture. We carry this same wisdom within ourselves, though we can often doubt, dismiss or question it. Our inner knowing whispers when it's time to grow, change and blossom into something new. Sometimes it comes as a gentle nudge, and other times as an uncomfortable feeling that something must shift. Like the flower, we don't need to force or rush this process; we simply need to trust and respond to our own perfect timing. The journey of emergence requires courage. Just as a tender shoot must push through layers of soil to reach the surface, our own growth often means breaking through layers of comfort, old patterns and familiar ways of being. This is where yoga practice becomes invaluable. In those moments on our mats, when we breathe through discomfort and find new edges of possibility in a posture, we build the resilience needed for transformation. Each time we move through a challenging sequence or hold space in a difficult shape, we're practicing the art of gentle persistence — the same quality needed for personal growth. Before new growth can occur, we must create space. In nature, old leaves decompose, creating rich soil for new life. Similarly, our own blooming requires us to clear away what no longer serves us. This might mean releasing old beliefs, outdated habits or relationships that have run their course. Twisting postures in yoga are particularly powerful for this clearing process. As we wring out our bodies, we symbolically and energetically release stagnation. Heart-opening postures then create space for what wants to emerge. The yoga mat becomes our garden, a sacred space where we cultivate conditions for inner growth. Through conscious breathing (pranayama), we oxygenate the soil of our being. Through meditation, we learn to distinguish between the weeds of distraction and the seeds of true purpose. Through mindful movement, we tend to our inner landscape with the same care a gardener has when tending their plants. As spring awakens the desert, let it also awaken you. Your inner blooming might be a new creative project, a shifted perspective or a deeper connection with your authentic self. Whatever is stirring within you, honor its timing. Clear the space it needs. Trust the wisdom that comes from your own seasons. And remember — just as each desert flower adds its unique beauty to the landscape, your personal growth contributes something essential to the world. Let this season of renewal guide you inward. What's ready to bloom within you? Jennifer Yockey is an E-RYT500 yoga instructor, an IAPRC professional life and recovery coach and owner of GATHER Yoga + Wellness. She can be reached at (760) 219.7953 or for more information, visit www.gatherlaquinta.com. Since 1991, the HeartMath Institute has researched heart-brain communication and its relationship to managing stress, increasing coherence and deepening our connection to ourselves and others. One of the most interesting research areas has focused on the heart’s magnetic field. Each time the heart beats, a magnetic field is produced that travels out from the body, extending about 10 feet. (Many researchers believe it extends much further from the body, but the technology to measure it is limited.) The brain also has a magnetic field but it extends only about an inch from the body, and the field from the heart is 100 times greater in strength than the brain’s. The magnetic field generated by the heart acts as a personal field environment. Scientists have found that each of our thoughts, attitudes, and emotions create different signals that are embedded in each person’s field.© Our attitudes and emotions affect other people, not only through body language and voice tone but also through these magnetic fields acting as carrier waves.© Using spectral analysis, it’s been shown that our emotions influence or cause changes in the heart’s magnetic field.© Different emotions create different patterns in the heart’s field, which are then perceived by others. If you’ve ever encountered someone and without exchanging words you immediately felt uncomfortable, it’s often because your magnetic field was reading the emotions and attitudes of the other person’s field. Emotions influence the heart’s magnetic field similar to the way a radio or TV transmission works where the sound or picture is carried by an electromagnetic wave. Essentially, we broadcast information about how we are feeling, whether or not we are conscious of it. Animals also have an electromagnetic field. Scientific studies found that a type of heart-rhythm synchronization occurs in interactions between people and their pets.ª HeartMath conducted an experiment with a 15-year-old boy, Josh, and his dog, Mabel.ª The experiment used electrocardiogram monitors to record heart-rhythm data when Josh and Mabel were together and apart. Two recorders were used, one fitted on Mabel and the other on Josh. The recorders were synchronized and Mabel was placed in one of the labs. Josh then entered the lab and sat down and proceeded to consciously feel feelings of love toward Mabel. When Josh entered the room, consciously experiencing feelings of love toward his dog, his heart rhythms became more coherent. Interestingly, the change in Josh’s heart also influenced Mabel’s heart rhythms, which then also became more coherent. And, if you’ve ever wondered what goes on in your dog’s mind, or heart, when you leave home, they measured this result as well. When Josh left the room, Mabel’s heart rhythms became much more chaotic and incoherent, suggesting initial separation anxiety. Being aware of the powerful magnetic field that extends from our hearts is an important step in realizing how our thoughts and emotions have an impact on those around us. They affect both people and pets, even when it’s unintended! Cindy Douglas is a certified reiki master, life coach, HeartMath Institute trainer and founder of Takota Alchemy. She also creates and facilitates retreats to unplug and reconnect to the power within and can be reached at (619) 726.0408 or www.takotaalchemy.com. References:1) The Resilience Advantage, Skills for Personal and Professional Effectiveness, Institute of HeartMath (2014); 2) https://www. heartmath.com/inspire-a-change-of-heart/ www.DesertHealthNews.com March/April 2025 Natural Options The Valley's Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 13 Spring often inspires internal desire to evolve and grow. Get relief from pain and stress now! Acupuncture • Electro Acupuncture Chiropractic • K-Laser • Cupping • Chinese Herbs Cold Laser • Medical Massage For appointments, book online at AcQpoint.comor call 760.345.2200 77682 Country Club Drive, Ste. G • Palm Desert Herbs Diane Sheppard, PhD, LAc ACUPUNCTURE CHINESE HERBS Robert “Buzz” Edelburg, DC CHIROPRACTOR Cindy Host & Energy Healer Susan Breathwork Facilitator Tai Spiritual Coach Katherin Yoga Instructor Abe Cherokee Elder For questions and to register: Takota Alchemy CindyDouglas@pointloma.edu (619) 726-0408 takotaalchemy.com Finding T Power Within Discover the power and insight that leads to clarity and fulfillment. Unplug and Reconnect June 13-15 Palm Springs & Joshua Tree June 27-29 Palm Springs & Joshua Tree Co-Ed Retreat Oering: • Transformational Breathwork Session • Sound Bath at Cherokee Medicine Wheel • Kundalini Yoga and Meditation/Trail Walk • Native American Wisdom and Guidance • Healing Water Immersion at SecHe SOLD OUT! $590 plus hotel (optional) The Impact of the Heart’s Magnetic Field By Cindy Douglas When Your Soul Needs to Bloom By Jennifer Yockey
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