THREE MAGIC WORDS THAT BRING CHANGE.

My recent thoughts and posts have been about creating and holding a positive intention. Writing helps me stay focused on my own personal desire. What I’m learning is that the greatest part of creating positive change is to be happy. Emotions are energy and they attract similar energy. When we feel joy in our heart we attract the same. Happiness brings about a positive energy flow that assists in creating the change we want. However, there are always times and people who are NOT on our same page and want to share the pain or ugly they are feeling.  

 Getting what we want will not make us happy... at least not for long. To get the change we want and we must become happy first. Remember energy attracts like energy. So that means when negative people or situations are frequently crossing our path it is generally a sure sign that we are NOT in the happiness flow. Our culture does not teach balance and harmony so when those negative or challenging moments come it is our responsibility to return to a state of peace. It is always there; deep within us. I know this may sound like a difficult process however; the more often we make time to sit quietly, connecting with that place the more easily it will be to return to it when our positive intentions are challenged.

Energy and emotions can be controlled with breath. When thoughts are negative or fearful our breathing becomes shallow and rapid. Our heart energy constricts almost as through the heart is trying to protect itself. On the other hand, when we feel joy and peace our breathing becomes deeper and more relaxed. The heart energy opens and expands.

Here’s an exercise that can be done while sitting quietly: Think of a time when you felt afraid. Likely, just the memory of the event is enough to change your breathing pattern as memory of the past fear awakens. Be aware of your breathing. Now think of a time when you felt free, at peace, safe or happy. Feel how your heart beat slows and your body relaxes? You’re breathing is more relaxed. Slow and focused breathing can even lower elevated blood pressure.

I’ve written before about the power of gratitude in healing life situations. GRATITUDE comes from being THANKFUL and accepting. It brings APPRECIATION, even when conditions are such that we do not feel grateful. Saying THANK-YOU begins a change. The constricting heart energy reverses, breathing relaxes and our metabolism returns to normal. The words THANK-YOU put us back in touch with the depth of peace that is part of our core. We open to love.

The state of being brought from gratitude and appreciation opens channels of energy. It lifts our spirits and draws positive possibilities. There is often a sensation of warmth and expansion at the area of the thymus, above the heart. In holistic circles this area is called the ‘High Heart’. It is where we hold the love for ourselves. It restores the flow of positive Intention. Remember and say the words: GRATITUDE, APPRECIATION, THANK-YOU. They are magical. ~Malana

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What Is Spiritual Healing?

Outside of conventional medical practices are the ‘Alternative Therapies’. These include Reiki, massage, herbal or homeopathic remedies, and energy or touch point therapies. Any and all of these can be very effective; however, they are passive –meaning they are done for you or to you. They can restore well-being and help strengthen the body but may NOT maintain a healthy balance indefinitely without uncovering the patterns that triggered the imbalance. Spiritual healing is pro-active. It requires your participation and becomes a journey of empowerment and wholeness.  

Most dis-ease stems from a metaphysical base. When I use the term metaphysical, I mean beyond the physical.  We may want to blame stress, the environment, or our bodies; however, two people can experience the same stress or trauma with only one falling ‘victim’ to it. The weakness comes from what we believe about ourselves in our relationship to others, the world around us, or even our thoughts about life and death.

Growing scientific evidence states that toxic emotion can contribute to disease or destructive relationship habits. Awareness that emotions, feelings and the power of thought have a direct bearing upon our physical health becomes one of the first steps into spiritual healing. A willingness to consider that we are in some way co-creators of what has happened to us, begins the understanding that we have the power to be part of correcting it.

SPIRITUAL is not RELIGIOUS. Although many spiritual people are religious, there are just as many religious people that are not spiritual. Spiritual is recognition of how we are connected to all other life.  Our inability to understand this is the cause of most of the imbalances in our culture.

We are muti-dimensional beings. In ancient times there was a greater understanding that declines in health or happiness were a reflection of an emotional or mental (spiritual) imbalance. Priests or priestesses were the healers of the time. The popularity of the Hawaiian healing technique, Ho’o pono pono,  has brought a resurgence of this  awareness into the 20^th century. There is an ever increasing interest to learn how the mind influences the body for optimum health. Spiritual Healing work empowers people with the ability to remove and replace negative emotions, feelings, and thoughts with positive beneficial ones. 

People referred to as Spiritual Healers are simply guides, teaching techniques that offer others awareness.  Although I was working as an alternative healer, I felt I was within conventional procedures using my degrees as a Traditional  Naturopath (T.ND) and Master Herbalist. It was after I began to apply what I had learned and personally practiced from traditional elders and though Metaphysics studies that new referrals invariably would say “I was told you are a spiritual healer.”

I'm interested in your thoughts and comments. If you like what you have read please subscribe and follow me on Facebook ~ Malana Ashlie

CHANGE TAKES A CHANGE IN VIBRATION

 

 

This famous physicist is one of my favorite philosophers so when I saw his image and quote  floating around on Facebook it immediately got my attention. In reviewing some of the comments on the post I was surprised to find so much controversy over whether or not Albert Einstein actually said these words or would have even thought them. However, the words spoke to me. I felt their TRUTH.

For over two decades I have studied and used subtle energy in my health practice. It is one of the tools I teach individuals to bring positive change  into their lives for their health, happiness or career path. Maybe this is why the quote impacted me so. It took something I BELIEVE and simplified it into something my core KNOWS to be true. BECOMING THE VIBRATION is simpler than it may sound, however, it does take being PRESENT. That means being aware of your thoughts sufficiently to return them to a positive state when your mind strays…and it will.

There is a line in our mind’s thinking that needs crossed to move beyond one energy vibration to a higher one. This line is something like an energy rut formed from complacent repeated thoughts about a subject. Generally, we are so busy getting through events or issues that we can’t see beyond them. Our mind returns to the same negative point  and repeats the beliefs and behaviors that haven’t worked before…until we become fed-up.  Dissatisfaction invariably leads to change and the more dissatisfied we become the stronger the emotional energy force to help us leap forward. I give more details on this in my book SHIFT: A 5th Dimensional Approach … Positive Change does not come from vengeance, condemnation or a victim viewpoint but it can come from anger. Anger is a divine gift that acts as a catalyst, stimulating action. It clears the fog, leaps the rut and influences our minds to design an escape. It creates new options.

 

Once a new mental image exists, begin to see yourself within it. Can you feel a sense of happiness or success in this perfect solution? Be aware of what's around you: what do you see, smell and even taste? What are you wearing? What do you hear around you? The more senses you are using the greater the reality you create. Planning each step of the way is not important. Sense your happiness. When your day leaves you less than happy, go back to your image and revive it. If you are one who finds it difficult to visualize, I have a way to help with guided visualizations.

 Whether Einstein really said the words in the opening image is not as important as the fact that I’ve found the practice to work. I've used it many times for myself and in helping others. To become the higher vibration, form an image. Then become it.  Or "become the change you want to see"

Leave a comment, subscribe if you like my thoughts.  Contact me if you want help with your own positive changes.  www.MalanaAshlie.com

 

Disassociation through a Relocation



Changing the way we see things as a way of releasing unhealthy attachments is the theme of almost everything I write or teach. For over three decades I have been guiding clients and students to find healing and greater happiness through learning to observe a situation from a   multi- faceted viewpoint. Even my Healing Vacation Retreats  incorporate this tool.  They are held in an environment far different than what most people have experienced.  I use the Caribbean Coast of a 3^rd World, or underdeveloped Central American country, Honduras.

Few have understood the critical importance of this change of location strategy more than the late Luther Burbank, known as the Wizard of Horticulture.* Inspired by the writings of Henry David Thoreau and Darwin’s The Variations of Animals and Plants under Domestication, Burbank concentrated on the idea that “organisms when removed from their natural conditions, vary.” Meaning that if a young plant or animal is taken out of its native environment it becomes accepting to influences (or information) of new surroundings, even to overriding its genetics. This is how Burbank was able to develop more than 800 strains and varieties of plants during his 55-year career. Some of these include the Shasta daisy, the Free Stone peach and the Russet potato.

You might be thinking that plants and animals should be more susceptible to subtle energy changes, that we human beings have deep rooted emotional attachments to family, locations, and even names.  Each of these makes disassociation from negative experiences a challenge.   Trying to emotionally transcend a past situation when a location is a daily reminder only creates an emotional rut.  To be open to new information and break free of the rut often takes a jolt. This emotional impact may come on its own in the way of a loss of personal or career relationship, or a physical trauma, even a complete relocation. To me the friendliest jolt is a Healing Vacation.   

When vacation guest arrive at my home and have checked-in with their family or friend, I have them disconnect electronically and step back into a simpler time; one without instantaneous worldwide contact. In most cases guests immediately relax at the thought of being free from the addictive electronic world. Every guest is encouraged to keep a journal during their week to 10 day immersion into this soul reawakening and the changes that take place during their stay. Relaxing, grounding and balancing become so much easier without distractions of familiar habits and past reminders.   

 

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Bringing Your Body to its Pefect Form

 



Of the 3 basic components that can bring your body to its perfect health and form, water is the easiest to incorporate. Not everyone is ready to commit to the kind of 10 Day program I completed last week  but increasing your water intake is a small commitment.  Just as water cleans and purifies everything in our environment it will remove impurities stored in cellular tissue and soft joint material. Over50% of the human body is fluid, yet we lose over a liter daily; 300 to 500milliliters through simply breathing not to mention urinating and sweating. Some sources say that soft drinks, juices and caffeine drinks can be considered water replacements…they may be fluids but do they offer the cleansing of water?

My neighbor loves to entertain and would cook copious amounts of steak, seafood and poultry to regularly entertain friends. This way of eating plus social drinking became a normal lifestyle for him. By the time he was 40 years of age he was having chronic sinus congestion with headaches, along with back and knee pain. A very wise doctor told him to reduce his consumption of animal protein and get off of all beverages except water. He was to drink 2 liters of it every day. Within 5 months the headaches were gone, sinus problems cleared, back and knee pain gone and he had dropped 15 pounds.    

 

If you are a baby boomer you may recall Dr. Stillman’s Quick Weight Loss Diet. It is designed around eating six small, low carbohydrate meals, daily along and consuming eight glasses of water a day. One of the things that impressed me about the Purium program I just finished was its direction of consuming something light every 2 hours and drinking water.

 If  healing is a priority over weight loss you may find answers in a book titled Your Body’s Many Cries for Water by Dr. Batmanghelidj.  What you will read is a synopsis of the doctor’s 12 years of clinical and scientific research in using water as the only medicine.  Dr. Batmanghelidj claims “ It is chronic dehydration that is the root cause of many of the diseases we confront in medicine at the present”.

Water is basically free. It has no negative side effects. Why wouldn’t you try drinking 8 glasses (3 L) a day?  Check in a few days and I'll give you another tool for healthy change.

www.MalanaAshlie.com

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Taking Control

Other than Cancer, CONTROL seems to be the most prominent ‘C’ word used by our society today. It’s a word we use when we feel that some aspect of our lives is spiraling beyond our grasp. An iron fist approach to a situation is no guarantee of achieving healthy or happy results, yet there are ways to take control by simply letting go. Stepping back from a situation can offer a clearer perspective and help a negative into a positive. 

 

Even when life seems to be running on a fairly even keel, some event can occur that inflames a situation and begins to grow beyond what we feel we can or want to deal with. An example is the insanity of arguing with a child; an event where no one wins. Whether the situation includes interaction with others or just us, the chaos always includes some drama. It is this element that expands a situation out of our control; the emotional investment.

Answers begin to appear with the removal of the emotional component. One of the ways to do this is to imagine the problem belonging to someone else. You want this to be someone you care about. Even a brother, sister or best friend exist outside your natural emotional energy field. What would your advice to them be? Invariably our advice to another comes from a clearer mind than we use to make choices for ourselves. Emotions distort the truth of a reality.

What if you have been caught in this drama for quite a while or it is one with deep attachments, making detachment seem impossible? There are instances where we have invested so much emotion into a situation that it has woven a thick web of energy that makes objectivity doubly difficult. When this occurs with clients I have them do Casting, or we do a simple circle ritual. This ritual can be accomplished in the outdoors with a drawing in the dirt or in my office space with a piece of paper. 

 

Start with drawing a large circle. Inside the circle place or draw an object that represents the problem. Then place something to represent you in this situation. If you are doing this outside in the dirt you can use stones; if you are drawing it on paper just make an X or heart for yourself. Affirm out loud who and what is what. Then draw or cut a line that separates you from the problem. Within moments you will feel tension leave your body. Without taking control, you’ve taken charge of yourself again.   

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When Relationships Seem MEAN

 

Difficulties in relationships stem from lack of effective communication. What you think you said or did may not have been received in the way you intended. It may have also been because a word you used was NOT the most correct for the situation.

As an adult learning a new language I’ve become aware that words I use regularly, words others accept readily, are no longer being used true to their original meaning. An example might be the word ‘MEAN.’ It is one of those ordinary, everyday words with lots of different connotations. I grew up understanding that it referred to someone who was unkind. After researching its definitions I found greedy, selfish or stingy included in the definitions.

 For years I believed that it referred to someone who was not being nice or wouldn’t share -especially when it involved my feelings being hurt. This old understanding was already hardwired into my brain long before I finished primary school so it was an awakening when, as an adult, I became aware of its truer implication

 
The English language is a composite of many languages, most of them having their roots in Latin. As my adult mind struggles in relating to nuances of the Spanish language I find the  old classical English literature of high school offering the grounded logic I seek. That led me to exploring old English dictionaries and studying antonyms for the word MEAN. I learned that terms that have faded in use such as,  ‘mean distance’ or 'mean value' relate to least or something of the lowest degree.

Applying this new understanding to some old personal experiences allowed me to see the experience in a completely different light. I saw where the other person involved had not had ENOUGH. It makes sense that people can only give what they have. If they don’t have enough money they cannot lend to others, when their self image doesn't allow for enough self-appreciation they cannot praise another or when they lack love for themselves they have none to give.

Relationships are about sharing or giving. When we don’t have what someone is asking for we will substitute something else.  It might be criticism, condemnation or anger. Feeling trapped by inadequacy can feel painful and we act from pain: MEAN.  The next time you find yourself thinking that someone is MEAN try looking at the event through this new light. You’ll likely see that it is not about you. That insight brings a sense of freedom that will let you choose your next move peacefully.

Have you experienced anything like this before? Let me know.

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Check out other life solutions  SHIFT: A 5th Dimensional Approach

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ignorance VS Indifference

 



Walking through the remains of storm surf along a shoreline brings feelings of distress to most people of developed nations. Rubble spewed on the beach as an aftermath from one of Mother Nature’s temper tantrums challenges the sense of order in our trained minds. As overwhelming as this evidence is of nature’s might, worse is when she vomits the ocean bottom mixed with manmade rubbish. This is a common scenario in underdeveloped countries that have no trash removal programs.   Weeks or months can pass before the beach seems to regain order. Our regulation trained minds are baffled at the apparent lack of interest in clearing the rubble; ‘ these people don’t realize the revenue they’re missing. Why don’t they clean this up?’ Distress turns into frustration as blood pressures rise while attempting to educate locals to their lost potential. However, it’s not really a lack of knowledge as much as just not caring.



How many times have you found yourself in the same kind of situation? You can see the potential of a person or situation; you talk, teach and preach on the possibilities, buy some necessary tool to help bring your vision into fruition only to see it cast aside rusting or gathering dust. The potential you see is NOT a shared vision. The person or people you are talking to are NOT dissatisfied with where they are in life. They are content. Who is dissatisfied, looking for change? YOU. They are indifferent to your vision. Oh sure they may make a short feeble attempt to gain your approval or get you off their backs, but basically, if they wanted change they would have moved in that direction when you first shared the vision. Their blood pressure is fine.

 

Without meaning to degrade anyone, the phrase “Casting pearls before swine” fits the situation  I’m describing. Teaching and training or trying to awaken someone who is not interested in learning causes frustration, anger, and accompanying emotional and health issues to the teacher while the student blissfully bides their time to return to their own interest.

Ignorance means:  a lack of knowledge or information, innocence.

Indifference Means: lack of interest or concern; Apathy towards.

Peace of Mind Comes From Recognizing the Difference.

In my book, SHIFT: A 5th Dimensional Approach  I explain the difference this way. Just as ignorance is a state of innocence, indifference is NOT a negative word. Not caring about  something is ok. It offers a sense of freedom and peace that cannot be experienced when force is involved. Somewhat like the difference between floating in a current of water as opposed to swimming against it. Both have you in the water but, one is passive while the other is active. The sharing of wisdom promotes evolution. However, if those pearls of wisdom seem to fall to the ground, they become like seeds lying dormant waiting for the perfect condition. It will take dissatisfaction to begin that process.

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Change First in the Physical Plane

There are many planes of existence. My blog does not center on one plane because each affects or influences the other. Since this is the eve of the new year many people are considering a commitment to a change. Why not start with something easy on the physical level. You may find it begins a ripple that could bring about harmony with other changes you are considering.

Below is a component in a health program I created for people with chronic conditions. My definition of chronic is one that comes on slowly and is long suffering. That definition could fit any number of life imbalances in any plane. But lets just make this small physical change; making a Honduran salsa and eating it with two meals a day.

 

 

Chimol Recipe

Honduran style chimol  is a condiment usually served with grilled meats, but also goes well with other dishes including beans and rice.  My favorite is to put it on top of coleslaw. Alone, it could be used for a delicious salsa.

A raw mix of five colors along with the addition of lemon or lime juice possibly makes this dish a fountain of health. More information on the health benefits of these ingredients follows the recipe.

Ingredients

 

1 medium red or white onion

2 Roma tomatoes

2 medium bell pepper halves (ideally 1yellow, 1 orange)

3 Stalks of celery

Sprigs of cilantro (or culantro) to taste

Juice of 2 lemons or limes

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

Salt or garlic salt to taste

(Additional vegetable options include carrot, green pepper, or green beans)

 

Directions

1. Finely chop all vegetables and cilantro.
2. Mix together in large bowl.
3. Add lemon juice, vinegar, optional salt, and mix until all vegetables have been coated. The more you stir the more liquid created.
4. Cover and refrigerate. Best when chilled 4 hours or more.

Makes approximately 2½  cups.   Keeps well for about a week.

 

About the Veggies in Chimol

 

The father of western medicine, Hippocrates said, "Let your food be your medicine, and your medicine be your food."  There is no clear distinction between food and medicine; they are all part of a vast continuum.  In Chinese herbal medicine, and in Greek Medicine, the higher the nutritive value of the herb or medicine, the more highly it is valued.  The greatest difference between herbal medicines and synthetic drugs is that herbals are food; they have a nutritive value. 

Onions are effective against many bacteria. They contain flavonoids and zinc which have been shown to be effective in  stopping the growth of tumors. They also help heal skin conditions.  These flavonoids also improve the integrity of blood vessels and decrease inflammation. 

Bell peppers  are a good source of vitamin C, and many of the B vitamins.  They also have exceptional antioxidant activity. Bell peppers have been shown to prevent blood clot formation and reduce the risk of heart attacks and
strokes probably due to their content of substances such as vitamin C, capsaicin, and flavonoids.

Celery leaves have a high content of vitamin A; their stems are an excellent source of B vitamins along with rich supplies of potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, sodium and plenty essential amino acids. They contain polyacetylene which has been found to offer amazing relief for all inflammation like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, asthma and bronchitis. 

Tomato, best known for its Lycopene content, is an  anti-oxidant that helps in fighting cancerous cell formation. Intake of tomatoes has long been linked to heart health. Tomatoes are also widely known for their outstanding antioxidant content, lowering total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.    New research has found an important connection between lycopene’s antioxidant properties and bone health. 

Lemons are a great source of vitamin C. They have strong antibacterial properties.  Lemon water helps aid in digestion, elimination. Lemon is high in antioxidants. They also boost the immune system and help fight off infections. They are good in preventing several bacteria-caused illnesses so a daily dose can help ward off colds, stomach distress and infection.  

You can find more about these and other fresh fruits and vegetables by surfing on the internet.

Have a question or a comment? Leave it here or visit my website www.MalanaAshlie.com  and send me a message.

Happy New Year.  

 

 

Scents of the Holidays

The last post was about making tea for  physical and emotional health. Drinking the beverage not only warms and stimulates the body systems but the flavors trigger chemical responses through the nervous system. The same thing happens from the aromas.  The affect aromas have on our nervous system is  part of why many scents or incenses are traditionally used in religious ceremonies.   Today is Dec. 21^st. Its is the winter solstice; the longest hours of darkness for the year.  The warming scents of frankincense and myrrh, rosemary and pine were an important part of the ancient rites of calling for the sun to return.



Frankincense is a resin. Its aroma is warm and dry. The affect it has on  the nervous system is  relaxing yet revitalizing. This makes it wonderful for both nervous tension and nervous exhaustion…sound like the Christmas shopping season? Whenever stress leads to depression, restlessness or insomnia look to frankincense to restore balance.

Myrrh is another resin or dry sap from a tree. It has a warm and dry effect. This is especially beneficial in the damp grey days of winter. Often times when a person has a lingering cold or congestion from a cold it is due to weakness in the spleen-pancreas. Myrrh helps the body move the congestion out.

Rosemary is actually an evergreen, one that can grow up to 6 foot tall. It is also one of the most widely used of the medicinal herbs. To the ancient Greeks and Romans the plant was sacred and used at every ceremony where solemn vows were made. It was considered a symbol of loyalty. Its action on the nervous system is to gently stimulate so it aids in concentration and memory.

Pine oil or just the fragrance is another warm dry scent. It  acts as an antiseptic which is why pine oil used to be a popular house cleaning product. The scent of Pine works as an expectorant and supports the body’s efforts to overcome respiratory infection. Many essential oil literature states that pine fragrance restores emotional positivity as well as the ability to process experiences.

Enjoy the scents of the holidays and whichever your belief, may your holiday be filled with beautiful memories.  Thanks for reading. ~ Malana

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The Scents of the Holidays

Three of the things I enjoy most about winter holidays are: the music, lights and the aromas.  The strong aromatics of pine and rosemary, rich camphoraceous scents of frankincense and myrrh, all fill me with a sense of wellbeing. I bring in fresh greens to mix amongst my artificial pieces and burn incense in the afternoons.  The shorten daylight hours and lower temperatures of winter  leave me craving the warming fragrances (and taste) of cinnamon and clove added to the sunny sweet smell of orange. The best way I know to enjoy those is by making tea.



                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            . Brewing pots of tea is another way I fill my home with aromas that bring pleasant memories of years gone while strengthening my immune system. Only part of this immune benefit comes from drinking the tea, the other comes from the influence its aroma has on the olfactory bulb of the brain and the psychological energetic plane.   The warm sunny aroma of orange conveys joy and positivity. You may wonder what a recipe for tea has to do with a blog about making changes but, sometimes it’s easier to change viewpoints by making simple changes in the environment.  

The instructions for making the tea are simple.
You’ll need a fresh orange ( I prefer organic) Wash and peel it. Eat the orange, save the peel.

2 clove buds

4 sticks of cinnamon

6 tea bags. I use black tea but the Lipton type blends of orange pekoe , even green tea will work.

 To make enough for a 1 liter pitcher put a quart and a half of water in a 2 qt. sauce pan. Place the orange peel, clove buds and cinnamon into a pot of water. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to simmer for 15 minutes.  Remove from heat, add the tea bags and cover so that the tea steeps for 20 minutes.  Remove the fruit peels, tea bags and spices. Sweeten to taste with your personal preference of sweeteners. I like agave nectar.

This can be drunk hot or cold and left-over can be stored in the refrigerator for about 5 days.  

 

Orange peel, especially dried, is an important part of Chinese medicine. It stimulates digestion and relieves spasms. In the early 18^th century sweet orange was reputed to alleviate nervous disorders, colic,  liver and stomach problems.  It helps in the digestion of fats. It was also used  to treat conditions such as coughing, arthritis and sore throats.

Adding clove and cinnamon to the tea expands the possibilities of health improvement. Modern research finds that cinnamon may lower blood sugar in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It helps in cases of depression, the common cold, and can help fight against bacterial and fungal infections. Cloves are anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic. They’re a good source of some minerals especially manganese.  

If you’d like to know about Frankincense, Myrrh, pine and rosemary subscribe to my regular updates. I’ll share what I know next week.
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We Are What We Eat

When given a choice on meals I tend to lean toward that of a lacto-vegetarian. That means I include dairy (preferably raw), eggs and fish in my meals. My husband, on the other hand, is a carnivore.   It has been a 22 year personal conflict for me.  In the last year I have been aware of a lot of information floating the internet about animal treatment.  In this year of CHANGE,  watching my husband suffer through the results of his life choices, I am beginning to recognize this as an opportunity to re-assess my own  values.

 I admire anyone who can abstain from eating the flesh of another. Not everyone can. Some people's glandular chemistry prohibits this. They may try to honor the philosophy but find their health losing ground after a time. We live on a planet where every life force relies on another for its survival. Lions, water buffalo and alligators co-exist sharing the same watering holes...until supper time. Then the weakest or youngest is culled from the group; it maintains a natural balance. Animal waste becomes food for plants.

People who choose vegan as a more humane choice should read a book titled The Secret Life of Plants by Thompkins and Bird. It is filled with fascinating research showing the ability of plants to communicate with us, their reactions to violence  and even how they have mutated to meet 'request' from humans. It leaves the understanding that just because we don't stroke or hear plants doesn't mean they don't have a voice. Just because we don’t see red doesn’t mean they are not bleeding.

So, which species deserves to die and which to live? Which is more important than the other? In nature no species, plant or animal, is better.  Humans are the only species that the planet can survive without; it’s as though we are guest here. We are also the only animal that kills for pleasure or money. Our greed is the disruption to nature. This is one of the subjects looked at in my book- SHIFT: A 5th Dimensional Approach. All of these thoughts added to my husband’s preference are why I have tried to practice compassionate eating (and living).

Eating compassionately is eating when hungry- being thankful not only for the food but for the plants and animals that have given their lives so that we may live- asking a blessing on their spirits- not eating more than  needed nor wasting.

To me the inhumanity comes not from killing to live but from the treatment of animals- whether they are cows, calves, dogs or cats. The animal INDUSTRY of our developed nations is horrible. Visit the 'farms' and see how  animals are treated before they are packed into trucks, herded into lines where they stand watching the animal in front of them tortured, shot or electrocuted. You will refrain from eating meat. We call it meat instead of animal to de-sensitive ourselves.  We call it beef instead of cow, pork instead or pig and milk fed veal instead of 7 day old baby calf. The names and packaging frees us from feeling accountable.  We buy more.

As I witness the violence in our culture, the words “we are what we eat” take on new meaning. Words such as terrorized, abused, and beaten should never be in the same sentence with food we are consuming. Please know where your food comes from and how the animals are treated. Maybe the levels of violence existing in the world will reduce. All life should be honored. Taking one life to save another is a hard call but to me it should be the only reason to kill. Hopefully, all will learn to live gently and not support those who do not. 

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