As a baby blogger, having just begun on August 1, I have mostly made mistakes and am still trying to figure it out. One such blunder, I believe, is that I failed to introduce myself. My wife sent me a pair of links about successful blogging which contain some helpful hints. Island Relevance: My full legal name is Paul David Kai`makani`mele Swigart. In Hawaiian, Kai means “the sea,” makani “the wind,” and mele “music or song.” So my translation of this is Sea Wind’s Song. It seems to fit me well, since I crave the ocean, shamanically influence the wind, and write and record music.
Since starting this blog two weeks ago, we have enjoyed the adventures of two hurricanes. Iselle entered through our front door, on the “Big Island’s” east side; and continued up Paradise Drive.
Up Close and Personal: If you want to know more about me, please continue here; otherwise fast forward to the section about sleep below.
Following is a brief autobiography originally published in the January-February 2014 issue of “Alternative Medicine” magazine; along with my article “Seven Colors of Happiness.”
“Dr. Paul David Kai`makani`mele Swigart, known as Dr. Kai, is a therapist, spiritual teacher, and healer who resides on the Big Island of Hawaii. Through the traditional lense, Dr. Kai has a Ph.D. in psychology from United States International University, is licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in California and Hawaii, and also holds credentials as Certified Employee Assistance Professional, Substance Abuse Professional, and Certified Arise Interventionist. From analternative angle, Dr. Kai is a vibrational healing practitioner, crystal healer, and shaman. He is a student of Ayurvedic Medicine, Quantum Physics, and Jyotish.
Dr. Kai and his wife own and operate TalkDoctors, LLC, Vibrational Healing Fellowship, and Employee Assistance Resources – Hawaii, LLC. He founded the Sacred Light Church, Inc., a non-denominational church organization dedicated to the pursuit of healing and spiritual development through the light of awakened consciousness.
Dr. Kai is connected with quantum consciousness, has learned how to actively select life from the quantum wave functions, and lives the life he creates. He writes music and poetry, paddles, exercises and meditates daily, gives to others, and tends a garden with his wife.
Dr. Kai worked with surfer Bethany Hamilton following the 10/31/03 shark attack.
He uses traditional, intuitive, energetic, shamanic, and Jyotish approaches to help people heal, grow, and evolve.“
For another blogger’s view, please consider this Big Island Chronicle post; and then check out Jill Lieber’s USA TODAY article about my healing work with surfer Bethany Hamilton.
Deep Sleep: Well, I’ve been having some trouble sleeping lately; from the heat, a hurricane, and a minor workout injury; so did a little research to find organic ways to reduce the low-snooze blues. Here are some high-lights, followed by links to expanded ranges of de-light.
- Preparation: Building good sleep habits
- Environment: Tweeking your surroundings for optimal sleep
- Timing: Getting the sleep you need when you need it
- Cuddling: Sleeping naked with an intimate partner
- Technology: Using sleep tracking apps
If you get up at the same time each day, to a gentle, comforting alarm sound; regardless of when your consciousness crashed; you will wake up with brighter eyes and a bushier tail for sure. Work out in the morning or afternoon; go light on the alcohol (and stop at least 2 hours before bedtime); stop consuming caffeine by lunchtime; ditch the cigarettes altogether; don’t eat after 6 P.M.; turn off all electronic devices (TV, laptop, tablet, smart phones, etc.) 1-2 hours before bedtime; and establish a bedtime ritual (e.g. meditating, listening to calming music, walking outside and gazing at the stars, drinking relaxing herbal tea with supplements like passion flower extract, hops, and valerian root, deep breathing, and making love).
To bliss out your adventures in dreamland, you may want to invest in a quality bed, needed pillow, and comfortable sheets. They can do a number on your slumber.
Too little or too much sleep can be equally as unhealthy. Quality of sleep is more important than its quantity. When you sleep better you will need less and have more for other things.
Take off your clothes and snuggle up, skin to skin, with your intimate partner. Recent research reveals that numerous health benefits result from sleeping naked with another (of course, do so in consideration of your values, beliefs, and relevant laws).
If you give these a try, and are still tossing and turning through what seems like a never-ending nighttime; then before heading for the sleep study lab; you may want to check out some sleep tracking apps. If all else fails, consult with your physician for a mild sedative until you are able to reset your status hiatus. .
If you want to go deeper, here are some must reads:
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