Living Healthy Daily Blog

Today I am going to educate you on the importance of color in your diet.  Some of you may be familiar with the “rainbow song.” ‘Red orange yellow green blue purple….makes a rainbow bright.’  Not only do those colors majestically paint our sky, those colors make our diets rich with nutrients and flavor and most importantly ANTIOXIDANTS!   Remember this word.  Anti-oxidants are [one of] our body’s best friends.  They protect against free-radicals (the hoodlums that roam around in our body causing trouble) killing them off with an overabundance of good-for-you phyto-chemicals.  Phyto-chemicals are most abundant in richly colored foods such as: tomatoes, red bell peppers, carrots, berries….the list is long, but you get the idea.  The green color in plant foods is called Chlorophyll and this is also our buddy.  Chlorophyll is what makes green plants green.  It is very good for the health of our digestive system and for cleansing our blood.  Think of it as an internal shower.  In the next coming weeks I will go through each super food one by one sharing all of the, albeit, yummy information there is about the divine gifts you have growing in your own back yard (or produce aisle for you city lifers)!

As for today make it a goal to add a little more color to your palate!

…oh and Happy Eating.

So the other night I was finding myself to be overly anxious and a little bit of extra adrenalin was flowing through my body at which time I was aware of a looming panic attack.  I thought to myself  ‘okay I’m not dying just a bit stressed, what am I going to do?’   I then remembered that the day before I purchased some “rescue remedy” from the health food store.  I got out of bed put a couple drops under my tongue and in no time was on my way to dream land (a land I love and often visit)!  Flower Essence is a phenomenal and profound way of healing oneself, much like that of homeopathics (which I also often refer to) , and they are easy to use and 100% safe.  I came across this **article today and thought I would share it with you all… happy reading and safe healing!

Positive Vibrations-Flower Essence Therapy
By Jackie Christensen, BS, HHP, NC, MH
Faculty Member of GCNM

Flower essence therapy was founded by an English surgeon named Dr. Edward Bach, who was a pioneer in understanding psychosomatics. When selecting his flowers for therapy Dr. Bach was very particular, he sought out only non-toxic plants that offered the highest vibratory patterns. Of the 39 essences attributed to Bach, 37 are from plants, trees and bushes. One remedy, Rock Water, is from a special spring and the 39th is a combination of several remedies called Rescue Remedy which is used for emergency situations. Today we see many more essences than the Bach Flower Essences, as there are thousands of different flowers and each one has its own unique vibration.

There are several different methods of preparation for developing flower essences. Typically several flowers are picked at a specific time of year and day, carefully placed in a glass bowl of pure water and then set in the sun. When the time is right the flowers are removed. The water is then further diluted and potentized, then preserved with a small amount of brandy. Through this method the water carries the exact imprint, or energetic pattern of the flower species. Flower essence therapy is categorized under vibrational medicine which incorporates the use of energies within living organisms such as plants, crystals, water, sunlight, and even the foods we eat. The vibrational energy of the flower works through the various human energy fields, which will then influence mental, emotional, and physical well-being of the person. Flower essence therapy is based on the insight that the human being is a microcosm related to the macrocosm of nature. To be in balance with nature, we have to resonate on similar frequencies.

Flower essences are not only effective, but they are also safe to use. They are commonly taken orally. A few drops at a time under the tongue or stirred into a glass of purified water, which can be sipped throughout the day, are common methods of intake. Selecting essences can in itself be a process of inner growth and awareness. Through meditation and self observation, it is possible to become aware of issues in our lives that require our attention.

The effect of flower essences has been described as enabling one to connect with their Higher Self. As they help to release negative beliefs that are held in the subconscious mind and allow more positive thoughts, such as love, joy, and courage, to come into presence and re-balance the emotional state. When this takes place negative beliefs and thoughts are dissolved, balance is restored and true healing occurs. Some people notice immediate shifts when taking flower essences, while others may experience difficulty noticing any changes because of the effects of the flower essences can be gradual.

** this article is published from the school I just graduated with Global College of Natural Medicine

I have been going to hot yoga for a couple weeks now and oh my is it ever amazing!  When I walked into the studio for the first time I was overcome by the beauty of the place.  It was so sensual.  It smelled, felt, looked, sounded and tasted beautiful.  The taste was not by mouth but by soul.  I longed to be there and take in all of it.  All of what it had to offer.  I was surrounded by a raw sense of grounded enlightenment.  The class itself was overwhelming, at first, it has gotten easier since.  I find it amazing the amount of meditation I have to do in order to get through a class.  The mental task of going is almost as much as the physical.  It starts at 6am when I am awoken by the soft subtle sounds of my alarm as  I am  gently carried from my dream state to a waking state of consciousness.  I first fight with myself about getting out of my warm bed, but than I always remind myself how wonderful I will feel the rest of the day.  I do this for myself and no one else.  I get ready and then drive for thirty minutes to get to the studio.  Once I am there I can’t wait to see what it- the palpable presence of the yogic energy- has to offer me that day.  I go through the motions in a trance of introspective delight and hard work.  I breathe through the physical pain and move beyond it because I know it is solely mind over matter.  I get through it and before I know it the time for Savassana or “corpse pose” has arrived.  I lay there imagining how my day will manifest and there is an underlying sense of accomplishment; a smile on my face and a glow in my heart and I can hardly wait for the next class.  With deep reverance I whisper a meaningful Namaste’.

I just spent a lovely nine days on the south west side of beautiful Maui.  I spent nine days breathing in the sweet Maui air and enjoying the trade winds blowing through my hair.  I could appreciate life at a deeper level than the days of running around trying to get my priorities “straight.”  I was able to listen clearly to myself and the words that sprang from my mouth without judgment and only love.  I saw reflections of myself in the eyes of my eleven year old brother and was able to stand as a mirror for my fifty-one year old mother.  I saw my father as if I was still an eight year old little girl with wide eyes and wonder.  I was cradled in the arms of Kihei and held in the womb of the island and it felt good.  Being comforted by the sound of breezes  reminding me to breathe and enjoy the very moment of my existence.  To give thanks for the time spent with family and myself.  Not as an ego but as a soul.  Listening to what my soul had to say for a change.  Wow.  Maui is good for the soul like a cold drink on a hot summers day; refreshing and much, much needed.  My higher-self whispered in my ear the day I left, ‘take nothing for granted and live everyday with gratitude for each day is a precious gift,’ and I am listening!

Living healthy daily doesn’t just stand for what we put into our bodies or how we move, it is also an awareness of who we really are. Who we are inside. Deep inside. The places we are afraid to go, it is so deep inside. That person.

With that said not only is it about who we really are but recognizing the truth in others as well. And recognizing where others are in their journey to finding their own truth. And respecting that journey with the knowing we are all on this planet together, why not walk it in peace and love and TRUTH. Look into your neighbors eyes; your lovers eyes; your child’s eyes and your own eyes to find these truths and really LOOK. Do not fear for fear is just an illusion.

I am I and you are you and you are me and I am you and we are we and we are one! Let us live our lives that way so we all may share in the fruits of our efforts and the blessings in our bounty. What an amazing life we live! Give thanks!

Look in the mirror. Can you see the white of your eye on both sides and below your iris? If so according to George Oshawa you have something called “Sanpaku.” Literally meaning: three sides. This is indicative of a much more dangerous equation than just having “bug eyes.” This is indicative of dis-ease and an early death if not addressed. According to this practitioner of Oriental Medicine a macrobiotic diet is a way to clear yourself of all major disease including the affliction of sanpaku. I will take on this macrobiotic journey and I challenge any and all to do the same. A great reference is a book entitled: You Are All Sanpaku.

Happy and healthy eating,

with love…

When we think of exercise often we think of running for miles; walking great hills; biking the distance. Maybe we think of swimming laps; jazzercise; jumping jacks and lifting weights. But do any of us think of the fun (and for some I understand these previous mentioned “duties” are fun) stuff? One of the most enjoyable ways, in my opinion, to get a great work out is to dance. One of those dances being West African dance.

I went to my first class in months yesterday and let me tell you I am feeling it, in more ways than one. An hour and a half of non-stop movement and non-stop fun! Not only were my legs and arms feeling it but my cheeks from smiling. This is a time when I can let it all go and be present with my time, because time is precious I want to remember it well. I was sweating like a triathlete with out the pressure of a race. If I am not dancing for exercise I am dancing for the pure pleasure of it… Deep inside knowing all the calories I’m burning in the meantime. Think of all the possibilities: guilt free gelato; sinless soy-delicious; care-free coffee and much more, anticipating that on Sunday I will have redeemed myself from the treats I enjoyed earlier in the week and I can start again on Monday!

Not to mention what a great way to start your week!

Did you know that hula hooping burns 50 calories per every 10 minutes?  What a great way to exercise!  Not only is it good for your body it is good for your soul and lets face it a healthy body is so much better with a healthy soul.  Hula hoops are also an inexpensive way to exercise.  No bank breaking gym fees every month and you can hoop in the privacy of your own home or take it to the park.  It is also a great way to spend time with the kids and to interact with other people.  Bring ‘em to parties and turn the place upside down!  Hula hooping is also becoming the new rage in the dance community.  Check out www.hoopnotica.com  it’s a great place to find beginning and advanced level hula hoops and accessories as well as totally inspirational!  So, bring back your childhood with a hula hoop and get your daily 30 minutes of exercise in a fun, uplifting and positive way!

Smile life is grand!

I am here!!  So let us begin…