Letting Go

One very important lesson that life has taught me is the art of letting go. I am a very sentimental person by nature and I like to hold onto things. Old worn things, old friends and old memories take up a lot of my mental and emotional space. The need to reminisce about days gone before is great within me. However, my unique life situation has forced me to constantly let go of the past and all its accoutrements. As a young girl, I always imagined myself married to one man for life, raising multiple children and living in one big house bulging at the seams with all my extended family and my beloved possessions - spending my days in domestic bliss. To my surprise, my life experience so far has been just the opposite. I travel almost constantly, living in a different state or country every year. I am a widow and single mom of one daughter and we have truly come to know the maxim, “home is where the heart is.” One year we went to Paris to live for several months and I packed every valuable and beloved item that I owned and lost it all at the hands of a French luggage thief. Needless to say, "Loose and Let go," has become my mantra.

In our more recent move, I was blessed with a most wonderful experience, which brought my mantra into full expression. What I believe to be a truly amazing meditation was introduced to me. “Mind” Meditation is a silent practice during which you imagine throwing every past memory, experience, person or idea that is in your mind into a tiny black hole pasted on the wall in front of you. The black hole represents oblivion or nothingness and like a magnetic vortex, it sucks all the content of your mind into it. After practicing this meditation daily for several months, I literally felt as if I were flying, so light and free. The past is definitely a burden we carry around, all the images and thoughts in our minds that circulate continuously and affect our every action, influence our every circumstance. We cannot be in the present, let alone move forward, if we are saturated with the patterns of what has gone before. The time is definitely now, to let go.

Doing this meditation daily is like fasting/detoxing/cleansing the spirit. This is why children are so youthful, bright, cheerful and full of zeal. They let go constantly, releasing and moving on from everything that has come before. It is only as we mature and begin to hold on to old stuff, attaching ourselves to it and creating a sense of self based on it, that we grow dull, pessimistic, old and somber.

Freecycle

Giving things away provides a wonderful opportunity to free your spirit and lighten your load. My daughter and I are embarking on another exciting travel journey and we, like nomads, intend to pair down to only what we can carry on our backs or at least fit into our little PT Cruiser.Thanks to Freecycle.org, an organization that hosts local chapters all over the U.S., we can easily and effortlessly offer the gently used things we no longer need to others who are looking to recycle and not consume. Some of the stuff we've been able to happily give away are a ton of heels left over from my modeling days, toys from Christmas' past that my daughter never plays with anymore, clothes that looked better in the shop than when we tried them on at home and the list goes on. The accumulation of stuff can be like a disease, so burdened we become with all our purchases, that we are limited in mobility and dense in thought. Nothing beats the freedom of giving and this feeling alone is one of the most rewarding and priceless gifts there is. Needless to say, I love freecycle. It's an incredibly old fashioned way to connect with fellow human beings through the internet. Here is something I have and no longer need that you may be able to use, so I offer it to you.  How beautiful this is for our spirit, our human connection and our planet. The more man made stuff I shed, the more God-made stuff I notice. Like these new yellow roses blooming in our back yard. Aren't these glorious.

And we thought about picking them, but sometimes the whole point is to just enjoy them as is and in the moment, with no need to own them.

Miracle Cures

For all of my childhood, I suffered from asthma and allergies, but when I stopped eating dairy products and became a vegetarian in college most of  the symptoms vanished. After eating only raw foods during most of my twenties, I experienced a completely allergy-free existence. Lately, however, I've noticed that the deeper I cleanse, the more those symptoms re-surface. I believe it has to do with my reaching previously untouched layers of toxic residue in my body.

I grew up hardly ever drinking water, couldn't stand fruit and ate lots of fried hamburger with American cheese for lunch, macaroni and cheese with fried steak for dinner and large bowls of ice cream for snack before bed. I also had really bad constipation and remember long periods during which I didn't use the loo! So now, here I am face to face with the last remnants of the stuff that never got released from my body and blessedly, I have come upon some miracle-like cures.

For  relief from hay-fever, itchy eyes and general malaise due to a sensitivity to spring pollen, mold spores and what have you, this Sinu-Care has been incredible. You can get rid of the Claritin, this all herbal supplement reduces the inflammation and histamine response and truly soothes and strengthens from the inside out, erasing allergy symptoms. It's based on an ancient Ayurvedic formula and has none of the nasty side effects of over the counter allergy medication.

Another imbalance that I have been steadily curing is in my thyroid gland. For years I have had swelling in this area, cold hands/feet, sensitivity to chemical smells and rapid heartbeat. Most of the Iodine supplements on the market are not easily assimilated by the body and this mineral is crucial for thyroid health and thus, the general strength and harmony of the body. A lot of people have a deficiency here and suffer from the persistent lack of vitality it causes. I love to use Detoxified Iodine which is readily absorbable by our bodies or Iosol for an alcohol-free version. I can feel the boost that it gives my system immediately and my swelling has gone down considerably. Basically, everything that is off-kilter with me health-wise gets righted by this elixir. I take on average 10 drops per day dissolved in water.  It has a magnificent effect on my eyes, teeth, muscle flexibility and state of mind. There is a self-test for finding out if you are deficient in Iodine. You put a few drops on your wrist or ankles and see how long it takes to absorb. If your skin drinks it up in less than an hour, then your body is craving it.

As always, I love to use nature's most simple cures, the ones that come straight from the earth. Organic watermelon is incredible for its ability to revitalize the body by flushing out old toxins. Just imagine, all that water contained in it is pure and free of any chemicals. I like to eat one whole mini watermelon a day when they are in season. They are best eaten on an empty stomach and given an hour to digest before other meals.

If you'd like to try your hand at making your own herbal cures, this Home Herbal  book is a great resource.

I have been making several different tinctures using this guide and the herbs from my little garden.

The miracle of life itself is personified by Easter and my daughter and I honored this beautiful day with a brunch full of life-giving foods. Good, healthy lovingly prepared food is a cure in itself and for this I give daily thanks.

Green City

I have traveled extensively over the last several years and have lived in many different cities. In a way, I have been searching for the perfect place. That perfect place which meets all my expectations and lives up to my loftiest ideals. Though I have yet to find one city that has everything, I have discovered many wonderful places whose offerings for the natural, green and pure loving denizen have captivated me. Let’s take a virtual journey now to find the Green in all the cities I’ve been blessed to visit, live in and explore. I will take you on a trip to the most ecological and sustainable earth healthy venues, in even the most unexpected towns. Take Lagos, Nigeria, for instance. Where do you go to find organic vegetables, all natural fruit smoothies, recycled and dare I say beauty and tranquility. Well, this is a question I asked myself when I found myself there for a long-term stay and so set out to find the answer. Here are my discoveries. 

For exquisite natural beauty and unparalleled serenity, I love Agaja Beach. This beach is awesome. It is sublime. A well kept secret of well-heeled Lagosians. Most of the inhabitants of this little slice of paradise are Ghanaians, however. For a small fee, they will pick coconuts for you right from the tree and graciously cut a small hole for you to drink the pure waters from. There are artisans from as far away as Senegal, selling beautiful dresses, handmade shoes and straw baskets.

To stock up on healthy food before this half hour jaunt which must be made by boat, I like to stop into La Pointe on Victoria Island; a quaint little shop stocked with organic fruits, vegetables, grains and other packaged goods. Along with healthy food, the healing waters, sand and palm, you can also experience great Yoga in Lagos.

At Da Yoga studio, also on Victoria Island, all manner of classes are offered and the café serves up healthy smoothies and traditional Nigerian dishes. And for dessert Chocolate Royale scores an honorable mention for it's allure as a  local community gathering spot for both families and singles, locals and expats.

On the other side of the world, in a tiny village in southern Baja the offerings are just as pure. El Pescadero is so sleepy and slow that on Sundays, the local Tienda will leave fresh food in bins on the patio for you to purchase on the honor system. There is also a wonderful organic farmer in town named “Kale” who grows the most delicious collard, mustard, basil and of course, kale greens and you’re free to pick your fill any time and pay when you see him.

There is a wonderful organic market in the neighboring town of Todos Santos and a delicious Helado tienda that sells the most exquisite homemade ice cream in a rainbow of natural flavors.

And I love Folly Beach, SC for its wonderful waterways, along with its abundant beaches.

You can enjoy a stroll along the marshes or a run on its warm sands. A great place for a beach wedding, perhaps…

Schoonmaker beach in Sausalito, CA is a bit more eclectic with children running about and all manner of people over from foggy San Francisco trying to catch some sun.

 

For stunning views of the natural wonders of the Bay Area, I adore Pointe Reyes. The lighthouse is breathtaking if you can brave the high winds coming off the water.

In Jamaica, a sweet place to stay and be served fresh lobster just caught, is Tryall.

They will even brew for you a homemade roots tonic made from local herbs and spices. Roots tonic is the best kept secret of the Jamaican community. If you can get your hands on some, please do. It will knock your socks off with its all natural, heady blend of sassafras, ginger, yohimbe, sarsparilla, chaney root, woodroot and many more secret, potent, herbal ingredients...

And best of all, my favorite place in the whole world - Palma de Mallorca, where you can simply enjoy the delights of a casa on the sea. The water is crystal clear, warm and fairly shallow for many meters out.

The Love Cure

I have discovered some amazing remedies for the persistent health challenges we all face. My skin tends to get very dry despite the copious amounts of lotion I use, especially when exposed to cold weather and indoor heating systems. But since I've been taking the Udo’s 3-6-9 Oil in capsule form, the smooth silkiness of my skin has been remarkable. I’ve mentioned this product before, but it is so outstanding, I am bringing it up again. Udo's oil is an absolute must have. When the Omega rich oils lubricate the cells under your skin, a radiant outer glow is a given. The key is to moisturize your skin from the inside out.

Another wonder product is Jarro Sil. This is bioavailable silicon and it has the effect of strengthening the collagen in your body tissues and boosting skin, nail and hair health. Honestly, my hair growth has multiplied, as have my nail growth; and my skin is just luminous. I love it, love it, love it!

 

If you have difficulty digesting dairy and wheat, this Advanced Enzyme System from Rainbow Light will work wonders. It basically provides your body with an extra boost of the necessary enzymes to digest complex foods. 

Not digesting these foods properly leads to elimination problems and thus imbalance of bacteria in the digestion system. Udo’s Adult Probiotic is an excellent way to replenish the good bacteria and to ensure that elimination is regular and complete. I've tried a lot of probiotics and this truly is an incredibly effective product. I absolutely love how balanced I feel, on every level, when I'm taking it.

To ensure a restful sleep after a high-energy day, Gaia Sound Sleep is a soothing solution. It's all herbal including the mystical Kava root from Fiji.

To prep for sleepy time, I spray my bedding with this Aura Cacia Aromatherapy Mist. I get a whiff of the Cinnamon and Ylang Ylang essential oils and off to dream-land I go.

And the wonder of all wonders is this Hawaiian Spirulina! The chlorophyll, vitamin A, Calcium, Protein, Phytonutrients and trace elements in this superfood have been like an energy blast for me every morning. I mix it into my daily raspberry smoothie and magic! No wonder it's called nature's perfect food.

Beyond these very useful supplements, I have found something else that will remedy all difficulties, solve all problems - from physical, to mental, to emotional. It is called the Love Cure and it works. Actually, I made it up myself. One night recently when I was in bed sleeping, I awoke to a nagging itch in my throat like the beginnings of a Spring allergy. I thought I should get up and go downstairs for an Apple Cider Vinegar tonic to nip it in the bud. However, I didn’t want to wake my daughter, so I decided to send love to the specific area that was bothering me. I imagined the power that the vinegar tonic would have and multiplied this by 1000 for the power of Love. I sent waves of love to the area in full faith that it was healing whatever imbalance there was. I saw a pink pure light full of compassion and grace just saturating my throat and restoring it to wholeness. I felt something come over me greater than my own imagining and the pure rose light was working on its own accord. Needless to say, my achy throat was soothed and I fell into a deep and restful sleep. After this experience, I brought the rose light of the Love Cure into any situation or circumstance that troubled me. To my amazement, it works with everything! Any worry, hurt or stumbling block just disappears, It rights itself and I move on to greater levels of peace and harmony in my life. It’s so easy, sometimes I question using it, because it takes the life out of problems and I literally have nothing meaty to wrap my mind around. :-)  I am left with a peace that passeth all understanding. It is wonderful and humbling. Please give the Love Cure a try and see what wonders it can do for you!

Creating Money

Many years ago, I came across an incredibly enlightening book that changed my life. This book, Creating Money by Sanaya Roman, gave me a completely new perspective on money and abundance and how to bring it into my life. Prior to reading it, I believed that dollars and cents had absolute power, in and of themselves, that the only way to have them was to get them from outside of myself and the best way to do this was to struggle and strive and hold on tight. I had no inclination, and no one ever gave me a reason to believe that money has no real value beyond what a culture gives it and that true abundance can only be found within. While reading Creating Money and for a number years afterwards, I let go of so many burdensome notions regarding money and opened up to a whole new relationship with fullness and plenty. 

The basic concept of this book is that money, like all material things, is energy in expression. Spiritual energy to be exact. The author guides you on how to find the source of abundance from within your own being. She speaks about the energy of wealth and how to send this forth into the world, as a way to express material money. There was a particular practice that I absolutely loved, where you visualize the amount of money needed at any given time. Seeing it as clearly as possible, you mentally hold it in your hand. Once you get the clearest image of say $500 in your hand- the crisp bills, the president’s faces, the symbols and numbers- you then transform the picture of the money into energy, into light. The cash in your hand becomes a ball of light, luminous and bright, full of lavender and topaz hues. Then you take your hand, full of light filled abundance and bring it straight to your heart. You then savor the glistening stream of wealth flowing into your being through your heart and illuminating every part of yourself. This practice always proved amazing for me and I unfailingly attracted whatever sum I visualized, into my life within the next few days. And through the most serendipitious circumstances. I found that the key to money was not in obsessing over the form of it, but coming into harmony with the essence of it- the fullness of life within.

Here are some other fun ways to play with money and to realize abundance as something we all possess; truly, a natural expression of our being.  In this, we reclaim our power to be rich inside and therefore, bring rich experiences into our lives. The actual paper money is only relatively of value, so why not make our own and embellish it with the symbols that inspire us. I made this special currency to inspire and enrich me.

The Secret website offer these checks for you to print and fill out, as a way to stretch your idea of how much money can come your way.

And recently, inspired by The Metaphysical Mamas blog, my daughter and I had a money party where we danced around the house with hundreds of dollars and pasted bills on the walls, mirrors, in the cabinets and drawers and then walked around our town and gave out bills to unsuspecting passersby. It was so fun and transformative and as a special treat, abundant blessings of rich supply have been materializing for us tenfold.

For more on this topic go to my book, God Loves Sex and Money ~