New Blog

Hi all,
I know I have been MIA these days. I have started a new blog to go along with my new Juice Feast. I just thought it would be better to keep them separate. So if you are interested in following along, join me at:

http://juicefeastingforvibranthealth.blogspot.com

See you there!

Winter Break

The weather is COLD and we got just a hint of snow. The skies have been gray and I have been seriously missing the sun. I am leaving for Florida in just two days! I can't wait to feel the sun on my face and to see the green foliage and the beautiful blue ocean.

The problem is that every year our family goes to Florida during the winter. I know we are so lucky to be able to do it and it is a wonderful break from the winter which I am not a fan of at all. I know it doesn't seem like a problem right? Well it is actually the beginning of my inner turmoil. It seems that once I get in the warmer climate it makes me feel like I am living in the wrong part of the world. I begin dreaming, scheming and planning my big move somewhere warm. It is such a waste of energy because it is not possible for me to move. It doesn't stop me from trying to come up with some way to make it happen or from feeling unhappy about my plight in life. (hmmmm, victimization?)

Every fall I begin thinking that "this will not happen to me this year!" I have even had themes such as last year's "Embracing Winter". I spent my time appreciating the sunsets, the snow, the frost on my windows. All the things that good winter lovers enjoy. It only worked until about January and I was over it.

I have lived in this climate my whole life and never truly have never enjoyed it. I was the girl who would start off walking to the sled hill to join her friends only to turn around and head back home. I was the girl who would never make a snowman, ice skate or ski because she hated the cold so much. Winter and Michelle just don't mix.

So I embark on yet another trip into the glory of a tropical climate. The sun, the surf, the sand and gentle breeze. The swimming, boating, beach bumming and warm weather fun. I am excited about the 5 day break and a bit nervous about the let down of returning home. Maybe this year will be different. :o)

Today I ate a delicious green smoothie for breakfast, and some collard wraps using my cheese from yesterday and whatever veggies I had in the fridge. I made some green juice and shared the wealth with the kids that were in the house. Ha ha, they did not like it very much. My son's friend started gagging and I got a little worried he would have some issues but he kept it down. The funny thing is that it tasted sooo sweet to me that I couldn't believe they didn't like it.

I am still on track with my 21 day challenge and I am beginning to think that I maybe I should have chosen things that were a bit harder because it has been such a breeze. Hmm is that weird or what? I take that back. I am doing great and I am so proud of myself!!!

Picture from pseudoserious on flickr

Wonderful Day

I am here on day 4 of my 21 day challenge and I am doing great. I have completed all three tasks everyday. The thing I am so amazed by is that it isn't the food or exercise that has given me the greatest joy. It is the meditation!!! I have been feeling so fantastic and full of joy that I can't even tell you. I have continued meditating for longer than the 15 minutes because it feels so good.

Yesterday while I was meditating this old issue that I will spare you the details of kept popping up. I kept pushing it away, you know like a "good girl" :o) Finally I thought I should probably dive into and see what was there. Wowee! There was a lot there. I had emotion coming up that was stored in my body for many, many years. I have never been able to do a Journey process on myself, by myself without some kind of CD. Well yesterday it just flowed. It was my first solo journey and I was left feeling so clear.

When I opened my eyes after 2 hours and 15 minutes!!! I was laughing through tears. I was so uplifted and light and felt like I lost so much emotional baggage that I felt like I lost 50 pounds. I was filled with gratitude that was so strong that it was making me giggle with joy.

I was pretty pooped last night. These clearings take place on a cellular level so there can be some detox. I was feeling a bit puffy and drained so I went to bed early and woke up this morning feeling so good. I was dancing around my kitchen today which isn't usually like me. It just feels so good!!!!!

It just dawned on me that I haven't been writing much about what I am eating lately and this is supposed to be about my raw adventure after all. I think that these emotional milestones are so intertwined with what I eat that it is an important part of my raw adventure. I can tell you that today I had some delicious oranges for breakfast and I made some raw nacho cheese and filled up some kale leaves with it. I topped it with celery, red pepper, carrot, and tomato. It was pretty good.

I am seriously thinking about starting a juice feast when I return from Florida. I am about 80% convinced at this part...well, maybe 90% ;o) I figured it out on the calendar and I can definitely do 14 days and then 6 days to come off. That will take me right up to the next long weekend we have planned with the kids. I know my body really needs a longer feast so I am leaving it open to continuing past 14 days. We shall see.

That's it for tonight. Sleep well my friends!

My Year For Vibrant Health

Last night I was fortunate enough to sit in on a Journey Grad call about setting our intentions for 2008. Wow, what a powerful call it was for me. I have already completed some goal setting exercises that were fantastic and most helpful. Typically when we spend time setting goals we are operating from the level of the mind. This Journey session was completely different because it came from the level of the soul.

We started out the call with a brief meditation where I was transported to a deep place of source so effortlessly. My friend Skip who lead the call did something that I did not expect but which I am grateful for. He had us take time to clear out all the things that happened to us in 2007. The good and the bad. He stated that in order to be open for new things to come to us in 2008 we need to make room for them. It reminds me of the saying "Nature abhors a vaccuum." So as I vaccuum out, grace will fill in. Brilliant!

From that place we began free writing all the things we are grateful for over the past year. This was very moving for me and I was brought to tears. My heart was filled with all the fantastic things that I was blessed with over the year. It was so good to take a moment and honor my life and those that are in it, to honor the gifts that I have and that I don't always appreciate in my day to day life.

From here we went onto setting intentions for this year. What made it so powerful was that we didn't ask "What do I want for this year?" Instead we asked "What does Grace most want for me this year?" What a difference this made. I was overcome with emotion and began free writing though the tears. I wrote two pages of things and the thing that ended up being most profound for me was the following:

Grace wants me to have vibrant health, inner and outer beauty, full energy and zest for life. To never forget my inner beauty and inner strength.

As I read over those words I knew that was my soul speaking.

When we finished we were given the chance to speak our deepest and most heartfelt intention aloud to the group. I read mine and everyone replied "so be it." I have to tell you that I felt a wave of energy pass through my body that was so powerful and strong that I began sobbing in gratitude because I just knew that it was complete. I knew that this intention was already manifest and that I will simply move toward it throughout the year.

I sat and sobbed for quite a while as the call finished up and I hung up resting in the most amazing peace, gratitude and clarity that I haven't known since the last week I spent with The Journey. It was amazing and I can't tell you how grateful I am to have been able to be introduced to these amazing people that spread The Journey message to the people of the world.

When I looked back over my notebook I noticed that at the bottom of the page I had written:

2008 My Year For Vibrant Health!!!!!

I truly believe this with all my heart and I go forward each and every day with this intention held out to my soul and to the universe.


Photo by Alfanhui on flickr

Moola Mantra

Om
Sat Chit Ananda Parabrahma
Purashothama Paramatma
Sri Bhagavathi Sametha
Sri Bhagavathe Namaha

The Moola Mantra is magical for me. It is something that when I take the time to do it brings me such a deep peace and oneness. I was introduced to it at a Journey Seminar. I purchased the CD and brought it home with me. Once I got home and began listening to it and chanting with it I was swept away. I can't begin to tell you how fantastic this mantra make me feel.

Today is day 1 on my 21 day challenge being hosted by Frederick Patrenaude where I have chosen 3 things from different areas of my life that I want to make daily habits. My choices are:

1. Eat Raw for Breakfast and Lunch

2. Do the Five Tibetans

3. Meditate at least 15 minutes

So today while completing my 15 minutes of meditation I decided to listen to my Moola Mantra CD. I haven't listened to it in such a long time so I wasn't expecting much of anything. Well let me tell you. It was powerful. I ended up listening to it for 30 minutes and then continuing a silent meditation for another 15 minutes for a total of 45 minutes! Wow, did it feel good.

There are many different versions of the Moola Mantra but my favorite is from Kosmic Music. You can listen to a sample of it here. It is one recording that is repeated 4 times so you can choose to listen to it in 15 minute increments.

I am not well educated in Yoga traditions and history so when I began using the Moola Mantra I didn't really know anything about it. I simply knew that it made me feel GOOD. So I decided to do a little research on it to find out what the heck I was listening to. I will share the information with you so you can check it out.

Moola means root and Mantra is a Sacred syllable or word, or set of words through the repetition and reflection of which one attains perfection.

Here is a definition I got from http://www.onenessmovement.org

When ever you chant this Vedic Mantra even without knowing the meaning of it - the Moola Mantra itself carries power. But when you know the meaning and chant with that feeling in your heart then the energy would flow million times more powerful. Therefore it is essential to know the meaning of the Mantra when you use it.

The Mantra is like calling a name. Just like when you call a person he comes and makes you feel his presence, the same manner when you chant this mantra, the supreme energy manifests everywhere around you. As the Universe is Omnipresent, the supreme energy can manifest anywhere and any time. It is also very important to know that the invocation with all humility, respect and with great necessity makes the presence stronger.

The meaning of Moola Mantra:

OM :
OM has got 100 different meanings. It is said; in the beginning was the Supreme word and the word created every thing. That word is OM. If you are meditating in silence deeply, you can hear the sound OM within. The whole creation emerged from the sound OM. It is the primordial sound or the Universal sound by which the whole universe vibrates. OM also means inviting the higher energy. This divine sound has the power to create, sustain and destroy, giving life and movement to all that exist.

SAT-CHIT-ANANDA :

SAT means, all penetrating existence that is formless, shapeless, omnipresent, attribute less, and quality less aspect of the Universe. It is the Un manifest. It is experienced as emptiness of the Universe. We could say it is the body of the Universe that is static. Every thing that has a form and that can be sensed, evolved out of this Un manifest. It is so subtle that it is beyond all perceptions. It can only be seen when it has become gross and has taken form. We are in the Universe and the Universe is in us. We are the effect and Universe is the cause and the cause manifests itself as the effect.

CHIT is the Pure Consciousness of the Universe that is infinite, omni-present manifesting power of the Universe. Out of this is evolved everything that we call Dynamic energy or force. It can manifest in any form or shape. It is the consciousness manifesting as motion, as gravitation, as magnetism, etc. It is also manifesting as the actions of the body, as thought force. It is the Supreme Spirit.

ANANDA means bliss, love and friendship nature of the Universe. When you experience either the Supreme Energy in this Creation (SAT) and become one with the Existence or experience the aspect of Pure Consciousness (CHIT), you enter into a state of Divine Bliss and eternal happiness (ANANDA). This is the primordial characteristic of the Universe, which is the greatest and most profound state of ecstasy that you can ever experience when you relate with your higher Consciousness.

PARABRAHMA is the Supreme Being in his Absolute aspect; one who is beyond space and time. It is the essence of the Universe that is with form and without form. It is the Supreme creator.

PURUSHOTHAMA has got different meanings. Purusha means soul and Uthama means the supreme; the Supreme spirit. It also means the supreme energy of force guiding us from the highest world. Purusha also means Man, and PURUSHOTHAMA is the energy that incarnates as an Avatar to help and guide Mankind and relate closely to the beloved Creation.

PARAMATMA means the supreme inner energy that is immanent in every creature and in all beings, living and non-living. It's the indweller or the Antaryamin who resides formless or in any form desired. It's the force that can come to you whenever you want and wherever you want to guide and help you.

SRI BHAGAVATI is the female aspect, which is characterized as the Supreme Intelligence in action, the Power (The Shakti). It is referred to the Mother Earth (Divine Mother) aspect of the creation.

SAMETHA means together or in communion with

SRI BHAGAVTE is the Male aspect of the Creation, which is unchangeable and permanent.

NAMAHA is salutations or prostrations to the Universe that is OM and also has the qualities of SAT-CHIT-ANANDA, that is omnipresent, unchangeable and changeable at the same time, the supreme spirit in a human form and formless, the indweller that can guide and help in the feminine and masculine forms with the supreme intelligence. I seek your presence and guidance all the time.

My Baby Is Coming Home!

My little guy has been gone since Monday and he is coming back tonight! I have missed him and I can't wait for him to get home. Of course he hasn't missed us too much. His grandpa has let him run wild eating whatever he wants, staying up late and they have had tons of fun going boating, to the beach, the zoo, fishing, and more. He actually called last night to ask if he could stay longer. Ha, no way baby, I need some Aidan lovin!

I am feeling much better today. I have actually been having some nasty detox symptoms for the last few days. I was drained of energy, achy, foggy and had THE worst headache that lasted for days. I never used to get headaches and now I get them so frequently. Anyway, I think the worst is over and except for a slight headache I am feeling good. I have energy and feel much more positive today.

I have taken up skin brushing again and my skin is feeling smoother already after just a few days. I have also started doing the Five Tibetans in the morning. I am trying to be better about following a routine in the morning.

I have been eating smoothies, fruit, salads, and green juice during the day. I am still eating with my family at night. I am mainly doing this because we are going to Florida for a vacation in about 10 days and I know I will not be able to eat raw the whole time I am there. I am thinking that I will go more gung-ho after the vacation.

The funny thing is that there was a part of me that was looking forward to my little guy being gone for a few days. I knew that I would have the whole day to myself to get so much done. I had visions of completing so many tasks and having this freedom that I haven't had. Well, going through a detox doesn't really let you do too much. So I have spent the time, lying around, napping or vegging in front of the TV. I was able to get on the computer a little bit and I did listen to some of my educational program yesterday. I certainly didn't get much done and it didn't look like what I had envisioned. Oh well, there is always next year when he goes to first grade. :o)

Color Freak

I am a color freak! I love color. When I am preparing raw food for myself I notice that I am so driven by the color of the foods. I am thinking of the taste of course but I find myself thinking "hmmm I have green, orange, white, and brown in this salad. Red would be beautiful."

My favorite addition to a salad these days are pomegranate seeds. Not really for the taste because they sort of disappear in there but the color is fabulous! I love that dark, vibrant shiny red color peeking out from behind my lettuce. Ooh, it makes me crazy just thinking about it.

See what I mean? How crazy am I. The other day I was taking the seeds out of a pomegranate and going on and on about the color of them. I realized that I was out of control and said to my hubby something like, "I don't know what my problem is with color of food." He just smiled a smile that says "Yeah, I have no idea what your problem is." My next sentence was, "Seriously, look at the color of these seeds!" He just laughed.

One area that this color addiction gets me into trouble is in my smoothie preparation. This morning I had pineapple, coconut water and spinach. That combination makes a dark, rich green color that I get jazzed about. The thing is I had some strawberries that were in the fridge and needed to be eaten so I added them in. I thought about the color change so I only put a few in so it wouldn't turn brown (which I hate, hate, hate). Well it turned this yucky green color, kind of like split pea soup which for me is BAD. UGH! Foamy green pea soup.

I am a slave to color.

It doesn't take me much to get excited!

OK, I am so excited because I found mason jars! I know, I know it sounds crazy but you have to understand that I have been looking all over for them and couldn't find them because it is out of season. Not to mention the looks I got from people in the stores that I asked. They must have thought I was crazy. They kept asking, "Are you canning now?" Little do they know that not only am I not canning I am not cooking. :o)

Now I have a supply of beautiful glass jars that I can store my smoothies and juice in. I even managed to find some plastic lids that screw onto the jars for storage in the fridge. It is a good day.

When I got home I decided to make myself a nice green juice. I had read on Courtney Pool's blog that you could put the stuff in the Vita-Mix and then strain it through a nut bag so I thought I would give it a try. Well, I must have missed something because I couldn't get it to work. I even tried adding a little water but the stuff wouldn't blend. I ended up taking out my trusty juicer and and finishing it up. I will have to go back and try to figure out what I did wrong so I can try it again.

Life is good. I am here at my desk drinking my vibrant green smoothie out of a glass mason jar. Yippee!

More Than The Physical

I have been studying my educational class from the Creative Health Institute and learning all I can about the Living Foods approach to life. As I learn these things I keep getting bombarded with this feeling of being overwhelmed by all the changes, all the things that have to be done to be able to live this lifestyle.

I was watching a DVD on food combining and the man was talking about how our beliefs can effect how we accept the foods we eat. It got me thinking about my beliefs and how they effect my success on this life change. I feel like it is going to be hard therefore it is hard. The mind has such power that I am setting myself up for failure with this type of mindset. I am due for a mind change around this topic.

This is where my struggle lies. I have known for a long time what is good for my body and what isn't. I know the effects of eating sugar, meat, processed foods, coffee and the other things that I tend to eat when I am out of balance. Somehow even though I know this, I don't stop. It is frustrating and there is a sense of being powerless. I know that it is my choice and I need to own these choices. I feel like I am still on the path. I still have work to do in this area. I haven' t quite figured out how to get past the subconscious programing I have that is driving me to continue to abuse my body.

So with all of the knowledge I am getting, there is a piece missing for me that I have to find. I will continue with the learning and I will go forward because I feel that cleaning out on a physical level will help clean out on other levels and because my body is crying out for some cleansing. It is overburdened and toxic and begging for a break. I will continue working on the emotional and subconscious level also to uncover what is holding me back.

Keeping Warm

So everyone who knows me knows that I am always cold and when winter comes I am FREEZING! I guess even Santa knows cuz I got many gifts this year to help keep me warm.

I told you about my Lava Buns yesterday. That is a fantastic! I also got a pair of Isotoner Pillowstep slippers. They are so cushy and warm. Of course they only felt like pillows for the first 5 minutes until the weight of my body smooshed them down into a flat pancake. They have a hard sole though so it feels like I am wearing shoes in the house and they keep me so warm.

I got a hat, scarf and glove set too that is so soft and silky. I just love it. Believe it or not I have been walking around the house with it on so I can keep a constant warm temperature. At least I'm warm and toasty even if I look a bit crazy.

One of the things that I have been using a lot that I already had is my mummy sleeping bag. I bought it for when I am sitting outside in the cold watching my kids play sports. I finally decided that I couldn't stand another year out there freezing so I got it for myself. I felt a little silly at first all bundled up with the hood on but as the wind whipped and the temperature dropped and people around me began to fidget and freeze I was actually toasty warm. Suddenly people were looking at me with desire. I can't wait to add my Lava Buns to the mummy sleeping bag this spring. I am going to be so warm it is ridiculous.

So anyway, I have been using my sleeping bag at my desk. I have it on my chair and I can slip my feet in and out of it and zip it up to cover my legs as needed. I have to tell you that it has been making a world of difference.

So, if you are cold like me then I hope one of these ideas works for you too. Stay warm!

Photo by Borderfilms (Doug) on flickr

2008

What a fantastic new year it has been for me. I am so blessed to have been able to spend the last two days with my friends and family and I have loved every minute of it.

One one hand it is sad to see it end and on the other it is good to try and get back into the swing of things even though my kids are still home from school until next week. I won't really get back in the swing until they are back in school.

It is a frozen tundra here. I mean really cold. My 14 year old got me something called Lava Buns for Christmas. It is a pad that you can put in the microwave to warm it up. It is actually is supposed to be used at outdoor sporting events but I was using it at my desk to keep toasty warm. When I go out today I am going to be bundled up from head to toe.

I got some great goal setting help from Dhrumil and I spent some time working on them. It feels good to have some positive goals to begin the new year with. I have goals that span all different areas of my life from my health to my career so I am feeling good. I feel much more focused on what I want and I feel like things are getting done already. I still want to make a copy of the goals so that I can easily look at them each day.

On the health side of it I received my educational program from the Creative Health Institute and I began watching the videos yesterday. There are 15 sections with 2 videos per section. I have watched 4 videos so far. Two of the videos have been filled with great information and I learned a lot from them. The other two were OK. One was on testimonials and the other was fair. Overall I am learning and I am looking forward to continuing the education and learning how to incorporate all of these things into my own detox.

I am off to Bouncetown, an indoor facility filled with inflatable bounce toys. My 5 and 7 year old are going to love it.