Lollipop Royalty

Soar, like a Bird

2013-06-17T12:00:00.001-07:00

Pregnancy had so many facets, stages, and evolutions. One thing I'm certain of is allowing my heart to soar, like the birds. To spread my wings and fly with gratitude, abundance, and love. To rise above the land, the clouds, the details, and just fly. On your pregnancy journey, do not fear flying, but rather embrace all the emotions, expansion, and awakening. It's a dream come true.

Meditation: Close your eyes. Visualize your heart as a bird, flying and expanding out and up. High into the sky. Going above all limits and rules of this plain. Slowly allow this feeling to engulf you as it flies back into its center. Open your eyes when ready.

Our Path is Unique.

2013-06-12T13:51:00.001-07:00

Every single pregnancy is unique. No matter how many pregnancies you have, they each have a distinct mark. This is also true for the labor and delivery of each child. They will have a general path, but the details will vary. It is important to acknowledge this and honor this. We should keep an open mind about pregnancy and adjust accordingly. We are, after all, new in every moment. Every day.

Meditation: Take a deep breath, and say I embrace this pregnancy, and this path. We have never traveled this, but we are together in mind, body, soul.

Loving Embrace

2013-06-06T23:09:00.001-07:00

It's important for my baby to know I am waiting for her/him with open arms, heart, and soul. I do so with love, unconditionally. This will also help me in the delivery room. I have an open and accepting attitude which will follow me into the dance of delivering this baby. Having an open and accepting attitude about birth will allow my body to do what is needed for the best delivery possible, in which both baby and I will have the sweetest experience for the highest good of all.
Attitude is a choice, and I have chosen one of expansion, love, and acceptance.

Meditation: Close your eyes. Visualize yourself holding your baby close to your heart. Visualize yourself cradling your baby in your arms, feeling the warmth in your heart. Breath in that baby smell, and offer a thank you to your baby and let baby know you are waiting for him/her. Open your eyes when ready.

Baby is happy

2013-06-05T19:36:00.001-07:00

One of the most important things we can control during pregnancy are the thoughts we have. It is crucial to always stay positive. This includes thoughts about the baby. Stay focused on positivity, in radiating and being the light, and encourage your baby to grow and expand.

Namaste

Life After Delivery

2013-06-04T06:18:00.001-07:00

I found this on Facebook and wanted to share.

" In a mother's womb were two babies. One asked the other: "Do you believe in life after delivery?" The other replies, "why, of course. There has to be something after delivery. Maybe we are here to prepare ourselves for what we will be later. "Nonsense," says the other. "There is no life after delivery. What would that life be?" "I don't know, but there will be more light than here. Maybe we will walk with our legs and eat from our mouths." The other says "This is absurd! Walking is impossible. And eat with our mouths? Ridiculous. The umbilical cord supplies nutrition. Life after delivery is to be excluded. The umbilical cord is too short." "I think there is something and maybe it's different than it is here." the other replies, "No one has ever come back from there. Delivery is the end of life, and in the after-delivery it is nothing but darkness and anxiety and it takes us nowhere." "Well, I don't know," says the other, "but certainly we will see mother and she will take care of us." "Mother??" You believe in mother? Where is she now? "She is all around us. It is in her that we live. Without her there would not be this world." "I don't see her, so it's only logical that she doesn't exist." To which the other replied, "sometimes when you're in silence you can hear her, you can perceive her." I believe there is a reality after delivery and we are here to prepare ourselves for that reality...."

Blessings

Womb of Love

2013-06-03T14:50:00.001-07:00

My womb is holy. It is love. It houses love. It holds my baby, safely and securely. My womb provides a home for my child, and I feed it love and light, so it may in turn feed my child love and light. We don't often speak of how important the womb is, but we should.
We should focus on how it requires nourishment, both physically and spiritually. We should acknowledge how important it is to give thanks to our womb, for doing it's purpose, properly. For housing the love we have for self, and child.
Today, I give thanks for my womb that holds all the love for my child and I.

Meditation: Visualize green light surrounding your womb. Send it loving vibrations. Place your hands on your belly and give thanks.

Supported by Life

2013-05-27T23:07:00.001-07:00

Ever notice how things always line up for you while pregnant. Even through the challenging times, there was a reason. Life is always supporting you, and even more so when we are with child. Our children are born with everything they need, and life fully understands and supports us. While many may view a "lack" of something, it's usually because our vibration is not in line and therefore not in our thoughts. If we do the work, we can achieve a moment of right time, right place.
There are a lot of factors that aid in our growth, and one is definitely understanding that life supports our growth. While pregnant, this intuitive sense is so strong, especially in the middle of chaos. I may not understand what is happening, but I know it's for my benefit, and the understanding will come after the experience. I find solace in that fact alone, if nothing else.

Meditation: Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. Place your hands on your belly and repeat: life supports me, life supports my child. Imagine white light surrounding you and your womb. Open your eyes when ready.

Expand Body, Expand!

2013-05-27T23:04:00.001-07:00

Pregnancy and expansion go hand in hand. Sometimes, we are resistant to the expansion of our body, and even instructed to watch our weight while pregnant. While I understand the concern, I believe we should embrace our expansion. I believe we should encourage the expansion, to support the child's need for expansion. I believe our body is built to expand and accommodate

Meditation: Close your eyes. Place your hands on your belly. Visualize your child in your womb and say, I am allowing of all expansion necessary for our growth. I embrace it and open my heart to it. Open your eyes when ready.

Thank You!

2013-05-27T23:01:00.001-07:00

I am thankful, grateful that the baby has chosen my body as it's vehicle of entry into this world. Out of all the billions of people, this child chose me, and I chose this baby. I'm in awe, and want nothing more than for my child to experience pure bliss while in my womb. I choose to stay positive, in the light, in the love. I choose to surround myself with supportive people who will allow me and baby to flourish as nature intends.
This is why I trust the dance, my body, and my child. My DNA holds countless memories of birthing, even though this is my third child, my body knows what to do. It recognizes this child and knows the dance.
I am thankful my baby choose my body as its vehicle. I trust my baby, and follow the baby's lead.

Meditation: Close your eyes. Imagine your baby in your womb. Baby is happy, warm, content. Imagine your favorite flower, and offer it to your baby. Place three flower at the feet of the baby and let baby know you are thankful for him/her. Tell baby it is loved, and wanted. Open your eyes when ready.

Just trust.

2013-05-22T09:25:00.001-07:00

I fully trust that my body knows exactly what to do. I'm still breastfeeding my now one year old, and I trust that my body is providing what my children need both inside and outside of my body.
I trust that my body is capable of instinctually knowing what to do, how to do, and when to do. I mean, I've never questioned how my bladder knows how to filter my urine, or how my heart knows how to pump a certain amount of blood, so why would I start now?
Trust your body, listen to your body, give it what it needs and it will do what must be done for your child.

Meditation: Close your eyes. Take a deep breath, and say, I trust my body. I listen to my body. I respect my body. I trust my child. I trust my body to expand and allow my child to grow in a safe manner which he/she needs. Open your eyes.

Teamwork

2013-05-21T23:28:00.001-07:00

While this is my body, I recognize that I am sharing it, gratefully, with my baby. We are partners, working together for both of our benefit. We are a team, working for a greater cause. Teamwork is prevalent in my thoughts because I truly believe children come through me, not for me.
Upon entering this plain we continue to work together to coexist. I recognize my children as people...little people. Fully in their own soul and entity. Children come into this plain with their own personality, characteristics, and are not merely babies, or children. They are smart, intuitive, and filled with love. We have been taught to teach them, show them, but in reality, it is us who are learning. Learning what we have long forgotten. We get so caught up in trying to meet societal needs we forget to empower and encourage our children to expand into their own being. Their own path. We have an idea of how we want our children to be, and we mold them in this manner.
But if we begin to see our children as a partner in this thing called life, our perspective changes. We realize we must work together, and allow our children to expand into and on their own. Osho says our only goal as parents is to remove all dangers. I tend to agree with this because that allows for so much expansion, without limitations.

Meditation: Close your eyes. Visualize your child standing next to you. See your child as your equal, you are a team, living life together. Imagine the expansion and growth of your heart and your childs heart. Think of traits that encourage and empower you, and harness them in your heart, to share with your child. Plant these seeds (words) of empowerment in your heart and childs heart. Have an open mind and heart to allow the team to be its best. Visualize bright light in your womb, expanding out towards you, surrounding you. Then send it back to your womb. Open your eyes when ready.

Open arms

2013-05-20T20:04:00.001-07:00

It's important to communicate to your child that they are wanted and loved while in the womb. So often we dwell in the physical and think we must wait until the baby is physically here, but this is not so. We can talk to our children and offer our love from the moment of conception. I communicate to my child that I'm waiting with open arms and open heart. That he/she is coming into a world full of love, in my arms and heart. That I am eagerly awaiting their physical arrival when they are ready, and grateful they have chosen my physical body as their vehicle into this plain.

Meditation: Close you eyes. Visualize yourself holding your baby. Touch your belly as you do this. Imagine you holding your baby in your arms, snuggling close. Connect to your baby's heart with yours. Tell the baby they are loved and wanted, and you are eagerly awaiting their arrival.
Open your eyes when ready.

Trust your body

2013-05-17T15:25:00.001-07:00

My body was made to birth this baby. This baby was made for my body. Together we harmonize and expand. This journey is based on teamwork and trust. Trust in my body, and trust in my baby. This teamwork doesn't end when baby is born, but rather expands.
My body can birth this baby, it was made for this. My DNA has years of birthing experience within it. My soul has birthed babies, and projects, among other things. In today's world it gets very hard to trust our body. We are constantly being told to rely on things outside of ourselves. In reality, we know what we need and how, but we must trust.
So today, I trust that my body was made for this baby. And this baby was made for my body.

Meditation : Place both hands on your belly. Tell your baby you trust him/her and your body. You trust your body to do what baby needs, and you trust baby enough you will listen. Visualize bright emerald green light surrounding your womb and baby. This is love, the light of love. Then visualize the light changing to white. Allow the light to engulf you as well. Take a deep breath, and open your eyes when you are ready.

Namaste

Let's Dance!

2013-05-16T12:50:00.001-07:00

Pregnancy is a dance...between mother and child. I feel my child knows exact what he/she needs, I allow the child to lead. To make changes to my body, to crave things, or decline them. To expand my body, my heart, my soul.
My last pregnancy was very difficult, but the labor and delivery was a beautiful dance. I swayed with the contractions, and moved my hips as my intuition guided. I spoke to my child and told her I was ready, I was dancing, and she was leading. I Todd her I trusted her, I had faith in her, and I knew she would tell me what to do. It was very magical, miraculous.
I encourage you to dance, as if no one is watching, and allow your baby to lead.

Meditation: Close your eyes, visualize bright, white light. Send this light to your womb. Visualize your child in the womb. Visualize you womb showered in white light, inside and out. Inside the light enveloping your child with loving arms. Say to your child, you are loved, you are wanted. Then visualize the light enveloping you, hiding you, protecting you. Open your eyes when you're ready.

Namaste

It really is a miracle!

2013-05-15T13:41:00.001-07:00

My cousin is a nurse. She once told me conceiving with no birth control resulted in pregnancy 20% of the time. Twenty. That blew my mind. Such a low number. Yet, there are people who don't even agree that conceiving, carrying to term, and delivering a live baby is a miracle.
I whole heartedly believe it is a miracle. If you don't believe it is, go look up miscarriage rates. I know most every woman I know has experienced this. At least once.
Even carrying your baby to full term (40 months) is a miracle in todays society.
Know that you are miraculous, there is a miracle in your womb, and don't underestimate the divine within you.

Allowing of growth and expansion

2013-05-14T06:27:00.001-07:00

I'm about 5 months pregnant and I have always been guided to use mantas with my children. Especially while in the womb. This mantra has been with me since my first, but I never documented any of it. Today I was inspired to share it with all my pregnant mommas.
I speak to my children from conception, it's something I feel very comfortable doing, and this is another way to communicate with the baby.
The flowers represent each Chakra, and I also included the babies Chakras.
I hope to be sharing more of this artwork with you. I often hear resistance to pregnancy, or rather a negative expression of the events that take place within the body (I'm guilty as well), and I believe it's important to say these mantras as a reminder of the miracle that is occurring within our body. We all need encouragement, and so does our body, and our babies.

Namaste

Latest face

2013-05-09T18:24:00.001-07:00

I'm trying. Sadly, I have to renew my blog and may not be able...so we'll see.

Minute Rice and Stir Fry

2013-03-12T21:18:00.002-07:00

It's been a while since I've done a post on my recipes, so I am doing one which is sponsored by Minute Rice. I loved this rice...honestly. It works for me because it is done in 5 minutes and this pleases the toddler greatly. I began by pouring 2 cups of water into a pot, let it boil and then proceeded to add 2 cups of rice. I removed from heat and allowed to sit until the rice absorbed the water, which was when my toddlers first asked "is it done yet", to which I said, Yes, with eagerness.

I then began with my stir fry. I began by sauteing the onion, then added big slices of tomato. I then added the green and red bell peppers, let them cook and get a little tender. I added pepper and salt, let it cook for a minute more. I then added in the mushrooms and garlic, covered, and let it cook. No salt until after the mushrooms finished because salt makes mushrooms brown by drawing out the liquid. Once it was done I used the rice as a base, and topped with the yummy vegetables. I added some lime juice right on top and commenced eating. It was so yummy, and the rice was nice and soft, and tasty. My daughter enjoyed it just as much as I did.

Minute® Rice is so quick and easy to prepare and is great pantry staple. When meal time seems like a hassle, Minute® Rice is a go-to ingredient your whole family will love and allows you to have more quality time doing what your want with your loved ones.

Leftover rotisserie chicken or veggies from a meal earlier in the week? Minute® Rice can easily be paired with some of your leftover ingredients to make a quick, easy and wholesome meal your whole family will love in just a matter of minutes.

Visit http://www.minuterice.com/ to create a great main meal or side dish for your next family get-together or potluck.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Minute® Rice.

Yoga Flow with Tuesday May

2013-02-06T09:45:00.001-08:00

During the Winter it is very important to remove any all excess Air quality from our life since we need to balance our insides with what Mother Nature is doing on the outside. This sequence is GREAT for this purpose. It is also great for us women, because our emotions are held in the hip area, doing this sequence allows the energy to flow and the emotions to flow and be released as necessary, so if you shed a tear in the process, it signifies profound healing. This is also a great series for the balancing of our Chakras.
This sequence includes Pigeon pose. It's benefits include lateral rotator and quad stretch, balances Kapha, and in moderation, balances Vata. Good for any and all emotional releases you may need. Feel like crying...do this series. Have stuck emotions...do this sequence, I have. I've released and cried many times. Many.

The instructor is someone very dear to my heart. I am so grateful to have met her and to know her. She is Tuesday May Thomas. Find her on her Blog, Pinterest, Twitter, LinkedIn, and listen to her awesome Deep Healing Reiki Mediation on Soundcloud. Find some fantastic articles she has written here!

Tuesday was an integral part of my healing. She allowed me to empower myself. To embrace my Self and accept that I can and will heal myself. When I first began my Reiki initiations, I had no idea what was in store...all I knew was I was curious about Reiki. Wanted to know what it was, how it worked, and I was fascinated by Tuesday. Her energy, her being, her Self...she is such a joy, such a beautiful soul. I have had a very mystical and mysterious time under her guidance and all I can say is I have abundance. In love. I know she helped me heal my Self enough to allow all the blessings to come forth. For this, I am forever grateful. I know she can help you heal your Self...just be curious enough.

Namaste dear ones.

Love Is In The Air #OPVALENTINE

2013-02-02T13:09:00.002-08:00

The definition google gives for love is: a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person, or feel a deep romantic or sexual attachment to (someone).

While both are great definitions, they are not my definitions. There are people that I love, which has nothing to do with passion, romantic or sexual. It's a love that connects with that person's soul. With their heart. I feel deeply connected to people and have loved many from afar, some I've never met. Some people I love because the words they use to express themselves speaks to my spirit, and I know we are the same. We have the same emotions, feelings, sentiments. Along with that is the suffering. We all suffer, we all know this feeling, this vibration. Which is why, in my heart, I believe we can love people without even knowing them, or meeting them, or even connecting with them, because we are already connected. This is my belief, and I carry it deep in my heart. I have always had the ability to feel the vibration a person brings to the table...and it has never led me astray. This is how I connect with people...and I try and connect with everyone. Of course, there are people in to much pain to bear the light I bring and I have to move on, but I try and leave a spark for them in any way I am able. At the same time, they are teaching me, showing me, and opening me up to gratitude, acceptance, understanding, and love. They remind me I can only keep what I give away on this physical plane, and it urges me to give it all away. All of it. For what is the point if I cannot share my heart, self with everyone else?

There are average people, who are like you and me, fighting for our rights. Fighting for our freedom under the tyranny of these damn corporations! Although they barely get any attention in the media, they are recognized in Social Media, specifically, Twitter. Aaron Swartz was one of those people. I have been a long supporter of these brave and courageous people fighting for a freedom some of us don't even realize we are losing. Anyhow, this month my focus is spreading love to those that have been forgotten, shunned, or sentenced to prison for speaking up and protecting our rights. I would love for you to join me. There is an action going on right now called #OPVALENTINE. It is an awesome mission and I am so behind this. All that is asked is to send a note, postcard, letter to these forgotten members of society and let them know they are loved and appreciated. I know it would be something I would appreciate, so therefore, I'm jumping on board. They even give you a link for postcards you can print yourself. I'm just going to the dollar store and buying some pack of note cards.

Here is the link to the addresses and a more thorough explanation of the mission. I hope you will join me. Open your heart, your mind and send a little greeting letting them know they matter, we have not forgotten. I'm doing it for me, but more importantly, I'm doing it for them because I would want the same. Think of it as your act of kindness for the day, or month.

Namaste, dear ones.

Will you join me?

A Smashbook and a Yogini Meet

2013-01-29T14:35:00.003-08:00

Yesterday I received a fantastic package from Kelli over at Petrified Lime. We originally became friends via a Round Robin we did with a few other girls on twitter. It was really fantastic and inspiring to see Kelli's work. I really like how she sees art, and creates. She's working on a very cool Music Monday, which I think I may join...I love music.

Anyhow, I received a very cool Smashbook!! I have never purchased one, and have been curious about them. I tweeted this to Kelli and she then sent me one that she handcrafted!!! It is so cool, and clean! It's got a clean template so I pretty much can do whatever I feel with it. I have the perfect project in mind. Once it's half complete I'll share some of it. In the meantime I will leave you with a small snapshot of the pages inside.

I love the pockets!! I can't wait to start working on it today! Check out a few of my favorite post by Kelli here, here, and here.

Namaste

Foods that best suit your Dosha

2013-01-26T10:56:00.002-08:00

Maintaining our dosha balanced is a daily task. We are always mindful of our Self and our environment. Ayurveda is dancing with nature, in tune with Self and our circumstances. Now that we know our dosha, we can begin to balance and maintain our health in order to prevent any dis-ease. Find out if you may have any imbalances here.

Vata Qualities

Vata is ruled by the Elements of space and ether. It is also known as the "King of the Doshas". This dosha is movement, like the wind. It moves everything through the system. Qualities that govern vata are dry, rough, cold, subtle, light, and mobile. The goal is to pacify these qualities with foods that are moist, smooth, hot, heavy foods to balance and ground the dosha.

Pacifying Vata

The main taste in this diet are sweet, salty, and sour. Eating more foods and eating more frequently, as skipping meals is common if unbalanced. Adding pungent spices would be excellent for Vata as they aid in regulation of appetite. Meals should be cooked, and warm. All junk food should be avoided as they aggravate the dosha. The setting should be one of calm, serenity, and eating under these same feelings. Avoid eating during times of anxiety, fear, or nerves. Vata types tend to have irregular eating habits and should focus on making a routine for eating a specific time each day, and always carry snacks.

Most fruit is fine for Vata and should be consumed in moderation because it's qualities mirror Vata. Dry fruit should be avoided, as should apples and melons.

Vegetables should be cooked and prepared with oils and spices to aid in digestion. Cabbage family should be avoided because they cause gas. Be aware of any allergic reactions to nightshades.

Most whole grains are good for Vata, as they are both nourishing and heavy.

Most beans aggravate Vata, they are drying and promote constipation. Mung and tofu (soy) are best.

Nuts and seeds are great for Vata as they are warm, heavy, and moist.

Dairy, Animal products, Sweetners, and oils are suitable for Vata in moderation.

Most spices are good for Vata. Pungent spices are beneficial.

Vata Tea and other Vata products.

Pitta Qualities

Pitta is ruled by the Element of Fire. This dosha governs digestion, consumption, and like a fire, it is always going. Burning and using it's energy, thus, most Pitta types have a big appetite, and rarely gain weight. Pitta dosha is aggravated by sour, salty, and pungent taste. Qualities of Pitta are hot, sharp, oily, light. moving, acidic, and liquid. We should focus on foods that are mild and bland tasting to cool the hot Pitta.

Pacifying Pitta

The main taste to pacify Pitta are sweet, bitter, astringent. Sharp or stong tastes should be avoided. Raw is best for Pitta as most fruit and vegetables are cooling and have water in them. A proper spice mix is ideal for Pitta because it consists of cooling spices. Avoid fried food and overly cooked food. Meals should not be consumed while angry, upset, or irritable. 3 meals is usually enough and eating late at night is not recommended.

Fruit is good for Pitta because it is cool, calm and quenches the thirst. Most juices are good as long as they are fresh squeezed with no added sugar.

Most vegetables are good for Pitta, especially if consumed raw. Steamed is another option for vegetables.

Nightshades can aggravate Pitta because of their acid content.

Most grains are good for Pitta, however, brown rice (short grain), buckwheat, corn, and rye should be avoided.

All beans except peanuts and lentils. (Yes, peanuts are considered beans).

No nuts or seeds for Pitta except Coconut and Sunflower.

Dairy should be kept to cottage cheese, cream, milk, rice milk, soy milk, unsalted cheese, and paneer.

Animal products aggravate Pitta and provoke anger and aggression. Best to avoid or limit. Egg whites are acceptable.

Oils include butter, coconut, ghee, soy, sunflower, almond, and canola are suitable.

Pitta types are best as handling sugar. They can utilize fruit sugar, honey, maple, and raw.

Pitta Tea and other Pitta products.

Kapha Qualitites

Kapha is ruled by the Element of Water and Earth. This dosha is the builder of the three. It is constantly accumulating. Kapha is Sanskrit meaning "mucus". Qualities that govern Kapha are moist, cold, heavy, dull, soft, and static. Kapha types can gain weight by just thinking of eating the cupcake (totally a joke but being a Kapha type, I often feel this when I'm not eating appropriately). Qualities to pacify Kapha are dry, warm, and light. Kapha is aggravated by sweet, salty, and sour. (I adore these qualities).

Pacifying Kapha

The main taste to pacify Kapha are pungent, bitter and astringent. As most food is sweet in taste, less food is needed to be consumed (ya, this bummed me out greatly). We need to eat the least, and work out the most. Ha! Back to business. Kapha types need to eat less food, and with less frequency. They have the capacity to skip meals with no problem, as long as it is not often. They are better suited to prepare foods for their Vata friends. They should avoid eating at night, avoid breakfast, and eat between 10am and 6pm. They should be aware of not using food as an emotional crutch.

Most fruit should be limited as it has a high water content and we need to limit this. Dry fruit, however, is the exception. Also, sour fruits like lime, lemon, and grapefruit can aid in dissolving mucus and reducing fat.

Most vegetables are fine for Kapha, however steamed with spices is best to combat the vegetables cold nature.

Grains are good in moderation, favoring barley, buckwheat, corn, millet, quinoa, rye, and any dry or popped grains.

Beans are fine for Kapha as they are drying in nature. Avoid chickpeas. (I never do but I add a ton of spices to balance it's nature and make it more digestible.)

No nuts or seeds except Pumpkin and sunflower.

Dairy should be extremely limited as it causes mucus to form. Use soy milk, goat milk and buttermilk in moderation.

Oils should also be avoided, and only use corn, soy, canola, sunflower.

No animal products for Kapha. Eggs aggravate Kapha.

Only sweetener consumed should be honey.

All spices are good for Kapha, including hot, spicy, and peppery. Salt should be avoided except in small amounts during winter.

Kapha Tea and other Kapha products.

Ayurveda states we should eat whole, living foods first, followed by cooked for a more light filled palette. A sattvic mind, a clear mind. I encourage you to try eating according to these guidelines and experiment with how you feel. The only thing that can happen is you feel better, right? At least I did. I cannot tell you how happy I was to find out I was Kapha. There was a reason why I have such strong hips and legs. I'm rooted to the earth. Grounded. Energized. I can tolerate the most, eat the least, sleep the least, and be active the most. I preserve and have an abundance in Ojas. I will gladly take all of these in exchange for being a large framed woman. I accept myself as I am and cherish my large statuesque physique. I love being a Kapha type and Ayurveda has allowed me to understand and appreciate this about my Self.

Wishing you much well being and health.

Namaste.

I often use "Ayurvedic Cooking for Westerners" in my kitchen. Meals are easy, and adaptable. Breaks down the concept of how to cook using Ayurvedic principles. I highly recommend it if you are planning on pursuing this new journey of Self Healing.

ps. I have started working with Maharishi Ayurveda to bring this knowledge to the Latino Community and I'm so happy to be doing so! I hope to begin translating into Spanish, however, I feel that most of us are bilingual and appreciate both languages. They offer great products and wonderful articles, go peruse and enjoy! (fine print: i disclose i am part of their affiliate program)

C.H.J.S. - Your Truth

2013-01-23T08:10:00.000-08:00

The throat chakra in Sanksrit is called the Vishuddha chakra, which means pure. Consciousness and truth govern are governed by this chakra. Its role is to purify our awareness and provide inner clarity. This chakra is also associated with sound and creative self-expression, communication and speech. The ability to speak honestly, to receive, process and digest information. When we begin to speak our truth, it is from this chakra which we speak. Holding onto unexpressed anger, we may feel a sense of not being heard, or inability to make ourselves heard. I have always been one to speak my truth. My problem has been holding my tongue, because I am quite frank. I see no need to muddy relations with thoughtless communication. It does nothing for both parties except disappoint and make one run around in circles. Yes, the truth hurts, but lies hurt more and the pain usually lasts a lot longer than finding out the truth and being able to deal.

Signs of an imbalanced Throat Chakra:

You have a hard time expressing yourself
Unable to find the right words to convey you thoughts and feelings
Saying things you later regret
Suffer from any kind of speech defect
Don't feel inspired by your work
If you have a hard time telling the truth, or often finding yourself telling white lies
You suffer from overactive or under-active thyroid
Often suffer from sore throats

Here are some ways to balance the throat chakra:

Color: Turquoise
Element: Ether
Location: Throat, Neck
Mantra: Ham
Yoga Asanas: Neck rolls and shoulder shrugs; Half shoulderstand, Plow, Fish
Symbol: Circle
Planet: Saturn
Sensory Function: Hearing
Associated body parts: throat, neck, ears, jaw, mouth, teeth, gums, tongue, thyroid gland
Gemstones/Crystals: Aquamarine, Blue Opal
Essential Oils: Eucalyptus, Chamomile, Peppermint
Food: Fruit
Art Prompt: use one of the following affirmations to guide your piece.

I am able to hear the voice of my soul.

I am able and willing to speak my truth.

I am able to celebrate the beauty in my life.

I use the power of words to make the world a better place.

The last of these canvas' appeared all at once. There was no time to document anything. The spirit guided and I danced with it. The above picture is the final piece.

I began by laying down acrylic in a light blue color, then added a layer of medium blue. I took stencils to it and laid them down with white spray paint. I then added my lettering. "Truth - Speak it". I added the letters because we must discover our truths from A to Z and we use these letters to create words, sentences, actions, our life. I finished by adding the transformation butterflies, rhinestones for some shine, and a border of glittery flowers going down the left side. I am very happy how it came out. It represents my Throat chakra perfectly. Lots of layers, mixed with letters and transforming energy.

I hope you have a moment to expand truth in your life. Whatever that may mean to you. Truth often leads to freedom, and the chance to expand up and out. Facing our truth is one of the hardest things we may do in this life, but once we conquer that, we can overcome anything, because we will be seated in our truth. Our vision. Our dream.

Namaste dear friends.

I Know My Dosha, Now What?

2013-01-17T18:12:00.001-08:00

Now we can begin to observe if we are in tune with nature, or, do we have any imbalances, or aggravated doshas.

Signs of a balanced dosha:

Vata is energetic, strong sense of humanity, adaptable, quick comprehension, easily adaptable, positive spirit, strong healing energy, flexible, true enthusiasm, good in communication, and able to initiate things.
Pitta is intelligent, warm, friendly, courageous, good guide, clear, great perception, visionary, courageous and discriminating.
Kapha is calm, peaceful, strong faith and devotion, nurturing, supportive, patient, forgiving, compassionate, loving, loyal, stable, and content.

Location of Doshas:

Everything in the body is broken down into the 3 humours (doshas), and each dosha has its respective site on the body.

Vata (Air) is located in the colon, thighs, hips, ears, bones, and it's associated with the organ of touch. Its primary site, however, is the colon. Produced from below, as gas from the colon
Pitta (Fire) is located in the stomach, small intestine, sweat, blood, lymph, and the organ of vision. It's primary site, however, is the small intestine. Produced in the middle as bile and acids from the liver to the small intestine.
Kapha (Water) is located in the chest, head, throat, pancreas, stomach, lymph, fat, organ of taste and smell (tongue and nose). Its primary site is the stomach. Produced above as phlegm in the lungs and stomach.

Symptoms and Signs of Aggravation:

The doshas accumulate in their primary site in the digestive system, giving rise to the process of dis-ease. When the doshas are aggravated, they give rise to a variety of symptoms and dis-eases. The doshas are aggravated by over consumption of a specific taste in our diet. Ayurveda has 6 tastes: sweet, salty, sour, pungent, bitter, and astringent (not a taste but an important aid in scraping of old toxins in the body and eliminating).

Vata aggravation leading to excess causes debility, emaciation, liking of warmth, tremors, distention, constipation, dizziness, confusion, insomnia, depression, incoherent sleep, sensory disorientation, piercing pain, cracking of joints, dehydration, stiffness, astringent taste in the mouth and dark, or reddish brown discolorations
Pitta aggravation leading to excess causes thirst, yellow color of urine, eyes, stool, skin, a burning sensation, feeling hot, boils, sweating, pus formation, bleeding, fainting, exhaustion, difficulty sleeping, pungent and sour tastes. Strong body odor is a good indicator as well.
Kapha aggravation leading to excess causes depression of digestive fire, nausea, heaviness, lethargy, cough, excessive sleeping, difficulty breathing, chills and looseness of limbs. Excess creates phlegm, hardness of tissue, itching, obesity, edema, indigestion, sweet and sour tastes.

These symptoms alert us there is aggravation and we can begin to take the necessary steps to bring the doshas back to balance. Unfortunately, very few of us recognize these as beginning symptoms and continue with life, which leads to chronic aggravation and chronic disease, such as diabetes, and high blood pressure, etc. Treating them at the site of location by their respective methods, we are able to address the root problem and eliminate the dis-ease, returning the Self back to balance.

When we know our dosha, and our imbalance (vikruti), we can then begin to treat by pacifying dosha with food and herbs, and in chronic cases with various therapeutic modalities, as well. I am kapha, I (try to) eat kapha pacifying foods to avoid aggravation. Every dosha has it's respective methods of pacification and treatment. Every person has a different treatment because NOT EVERYONE LIVES THE SAME LIFESTYLE, so each client is treated as an INDIVIDUAL, not as a whole. If you'd like more information for study, I recommend "Ayurvedic Healing" by David Frawley, I used this book as a reference in this post and use it religiously in my home. It breaks down most dis-eases and how to treat.

If you'd like further information about healing with this modality, send me and email or tweet me.. I'm a counselor, and I know some very good practitioners.
Next we will focus on the methods of balancing each dosha. Hope you are enjoying this journey.

Namaste

Consider This.

2013-01-12T18:37:00.002-08:00

To consider others is hard work, right? If you're a mom, this is the adjective that best describes how we spend our day. Considering the feelings and needs of others, our children, our spouse. Is this something we do out of obligation?

While growing up the theme in my home was consideration. We had to be considerate of those we lived with and shared space. If we woke up before everyone else, we were to be quiet and consider those still sleeping. If we wanted to watch tv, we'd have to ask what everyone wanted to watch. If we brought a snack home, we had to bring enough for the whole house, not just for ourself. I was supported and encouraged to think of others while exploring this life. My mother taught us to be humble, kind, and considerate. To have manners, and speak to people with respect, with honor, and with intention. She always said everyone was navigating the best to their ability and we needed to consider this when out in the world.

As I navigate this world, now as a mother, I see how much lack of consideration we have as a society. When did we become so inconsiderate of others, of our world?? Are we so lacking in self respect that we no longer realize we need each other in order to survive this journey? Do you realize that I need you? How? I need you to be here, read this, share with me, teach me, show me, and in turn, I offer you the same. I have experienced things that could alleviate your heartache, and vice versa. All our journeys are different, however the pain, sorrow, suffering, and anger we feel is all the same. It's the same emotion, the same hurt, the same feeling. We choose to focus on the difference because we want to be unique, all while already being unique. We must begin to heal ourselves by loving our true Self. Without judgement. Let us stop comparing ourselves to others, to society, and begin to reflect on our inner self. On self healing all of the experiences and traumas we experience on this journey. If we begin to consider our self, and heal with awareness, we can begin to consider others. Then maybe, just maybe, the world will begin to reflect this.

Consider your feelings, your needs. Ponder them, digest them, process them, embrace them, and then release them. Begin to breathe again. Stop holding your breath. Most of our traumas are from not processing our feelings, getting stuck in a certain state of mind/feeling and continuing in the loop. Like a broken record, we play the same tune over and over, and many times we don't realize this is occurring. Many times we continue on our journey and wonder how or why things are occurring all while forgetting we have the choice in this life. If there is one thing that is for sure, it's that you will always have a choice. Always. Take deep breaths and embrace the unknown. Your breath is your super power in this world, don't take it for granted. Delve into it all while considering yourself.

I was riding my bike this afternoon and there were no cars on the street. I decided to stay on my side instead of taking up the entire street while no one was around...and I thought, hmm, I wonder how many people would consider staying in the bike lane, while having an open highway. Is it a brainwashing, or is this my true nature? I don't know, but I like it. I like thinking of others, I enjoy aiding in other's happiness. Why shouldn't you be happy, 'tis the reason for this journey...to enjoy. Being born is the blessing, everything else is cake and ice cream. Trust in life, it only want's the best for you. Thank you for being here, now, with me. I appreciate you.

Namaste