"The Power of Love ..."

"The power of love
A force from above
Cleaning my soul
Flame on burn desire
Love with tongues of fire
Purge the soul
Make love your goal"

~ Frankie Goes to Hollywood ~ The Power of Love ~

***

Over this past weekend, we had a wonderful visit from my close girlfriend Ann.  Ann lives in California with her family, but we are childhood friends and met in Calgary.  We had a chance to visit, talk, share, play and laugh.  We put in the effort to stay in touch and be involved in each others lives.  Distance can be hard, we manage, and some days are a bit better than others, but we do because we Love each other.  In regards to Love, one of the conversations brought on the discussion of the Five Languages of Love.  We discussed each others Love language, checking in to support each other, validate each other.  Even after so many years together, it just further helps nourish and enrich our friendship.  

So what is a Love Language?  A primary way of expressing and interpreting Love.  And oddly enough, we are drawn to those who speak a different language than our own.  Of countless ways to express ourselves to each other, five key categories or love languages are proved to be universal and comprehensive.  Once we understand each others language of love, we can work on further building our relationships and a rebirth of Love.

The Five Languages are:

• Words of Affirmation
• Quality Time
• Receiving Gift
• Acts of Service
• and Physical Touch

Words of Affirmation ~ unsolicited compliments mean the world to you; "I Love You" can soar your spirits and fill your soul.  Insults can shatter you and are not easily forgotten.

Quality Time ~ words aside, uninterrupted, undivided attention is what you crave; being there for this person is critical showing them that they are special and loved.  Distractions and postponing dates are hurtful to them.

Receiving Gifts ~  not to be mistaken for materialism, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you.

Acts of Service ~ easing the burden of responsibilities weighing on the person can be an expression of love; laziness, broken commitments and creating further work for them shows that their feelings don't matter

Physical Touch ~ Holding hands, Hugs and pats on the back are an example of this type of language showing concern, care and love.  Neglect or abuse of physical presence or accessibility can be hard to forgive and destructive.

By simply identifying and using the appropriate Love Language, we can help our relationships, short or long term, new or childhood, young or old.  Getting additional information is always a sign of wisdom, and asking “I need your help in understanding this,” is always a good way to begin.  

"Use Me ..."

"But my answer yeah to all that use me stuff
I wanna spread the news that if it feels this good getting used
Oh you just keep on using me until you use me up
Until you use me up"
~ Hootie & The Blowfish ~ Use Me ~
***


As I walk thru the drugstore, I pick up bottles and bottles of Hydrogen Peroxide.  You see, Hydrogen Peroxide is consider an all-natural and safe.  Besides being environmentally friendly, at less than $3.00/bottle it is a very affordable solution.  So why the big buy on Hydrogen Peroxide?   Well, while we were at the Gerson clinic, anytime there was a cut, rash, canker sore, blister ... the doctors recommended using this stuff.  As well, after showering, we were recommended to sponge our bodies with Hydrogen Peroxide.  Initially I was curious as to why Hydrogen Peroxide, and what magical benefits will we receive.  


One thing conventional and alternative areas can agree on is that cancer cells thrive when their environment is lacking oxygen.  So, to kill off these suckers, we need to alkalize and oxygenate our blood.  Hydrogen Peroxide helps in doing just that.  You can even intake via IV or drink it when diluted.  So what makes up Hydrogen Peroxide? ... it is water with an extra oxygen molecule that breaks down into oxygen and water.  Hydrogen Peroxide is created naturally in our environment by sunlight and water.  


Other than the above, H2O2 has many other great benefits.  I consulted the Gerson doctors and got proper protocol as to how to proceed.  Prior to any intake, it is important to consult with your health practitioner as to what is right for you ... so please make sure you do the same prior to trying any of the below ...

• Whitens your teeth - dip your toothbrush into 3% diluted hydrogen peroxide
• Whitens your laundry - add to your load with your laundry detergent
• Household cleaner - toss out your chemicals and use H2O2 with baking soda, vinegar and water instead; better for you AND the environment
• If you have a cut, burn or rash - apply topically on the area with cotton swab
• If you have acne - again, apply topically on the area with a cotton swab
• Clean your ears - using half glycerine and half 3% diluted H202 drops into your ears and let stand for 15 minutes
• Add to your bath -  speed up detoxification and promote the elimination of toxins through your skin

So really the greatest benefit of this natural product is the effectiveness of the product itself.  H202 and other natural remedies have been known and practiced for centuries.  Nature provides all that we need to thrive, and the best the planet has to offer.

"Toxic ...don't you know that you're toxic"

"With a taste of your lips
I’m on a ride
You're toxic I'm slipping under
With a taste of a poison paradise
I’m addicted to you
Don’t you know that you’re toxic
And I love what you do
Don’t you know that you’re toxic"

~ Britney Spears ~ Toxic ~ 

***

During the course of the Gerson therapy, there is a great emphasis on toxicity.  A cancer patient has a toxic liver.  We detoxify, detoxify and detoxify ... among MANY other factors to heal our physical bodies.  But what about the emotional and spiritual detoxification process.  If you believe in the alternative treatments and natural modalities, you probably believe in the mind, body and soul connection.  Our body responds to the way we feel and think.  When we are stressed, upset or under emotional pressure, our body tries to tell us that about it and we experience some physical problem.  If you have poor emotional health, your body's immune system will become weak, causing you a feeling of torn from inside and outside.  

Science will tell you that cells contain the DNA for the design, or “blueprint” of your physical body. What science hasn’t been able to prove yet is the theory of cellular memory which many believe holds the key to our past memories, habits, interests, and tastes believed to be stored in the cells your body.  I believe when we detoxify, these memories are triggered, stirred and amplified.  So you're probably thinking "Great, as if I don't have enough to deal with ...".  Well, trust me, the initial pain and discomfort will lead to the ultimate path of healing ... forgiving and letting go.

Now don't get me wrong, I have had a very hard time with forgiveness, especially forgiving myself.  I can let go, but I hold on to the past, the pain and the awful memory that seems to play over and over and OVER again in my mind.  Yet it seems when you are diagnosed with cancer, a lot of things are put into perspective.  I realize that I have had toxic friendships in my life time that I didn't think were all that bad.  You know what I'm talking about ... whether it be snide remarks about you to someone else, finding fault and criticism in all that you do, unreliable, jealous, over-demanding, complains about their life and dumps on you all the time, no time for your problems and issues, excuses for not being there for you ... and really the list goes on ...

But what is really odd is that we stay in these friendships for longer than needed.  And even though we may feel unsupported, unaccepted, stifled, shame, unequal, depleted, drained, tired and angry, we find some comfort in knowing the situation and the friend.  So our cells hold on to  these negative feelings and when we detoxify, all of them start to pour out and believe me, it is hard to deal with.  Now in some cases we decide to forgive, let go and move on  ...  and others are salvageable.  With the ones we choose to keep, and work on ... we have to be careful to not compromise ourselves and who we are.  These toxic relationships are addictive.  From experience, I "detoxified" a friendship last year, it was tough, real tough to walk away from a longtime friend, but I had to.  I had to take care of me.  And I thought that was good enough and all my problems would be solved.  But guess what, those feelings I mentioned came back and I played them out with others that were none the wiser, only to have me explain my actions if they were totally uncalled for.  I am courageous enough to realize my mistakes and take responsibility and that is exactly what I did.  I was honest and aware of my actions.  And I believe awareness is more than half the battle.  

Real friends understand not only what you say but what you don't say at all ... they get it and they get YOU.  Why?  Because they are Real people, making the same mistakes you do and have allowances for you to just BE who you are and work through it.  I cherish those friends, the ones that have stepped up to be in my life at a time of crisis.  You know the one that don't desert you at a time need, lift you up when you are at the end of your rope and the ones that pray for you.  For better and for worse, in sickness and in health.  What a beautiful marriage vow ... I guess we have friendship vows, unwritten ones but ones that are signed with love, compassion and forgiveness.

So there's a "whole lotta detoxifying" going on right now for me ... emotionally at times I can be all over the place and am so blessed to have a man in my life that gets me, gives me the space and won't go running for the hills when this gals goes momentarily crazy.  You see, you don't just detoxify your body, you detoxify your soul .... and I'm hoping during the process that the right people will be in my life, right for them and right for me.

In loving memory of Ricardo de Castro ...

Today is a sombre day.  Today our beloved friend Ricardo de Castro passed away.  We met Ricardo in Tijuana, Mexico at the Gerson clinic this past March.  He was a beautiful, gentle soul.  He was our friend.

Ricardo spoke fondly of his children and his wife.  You see his caregiver, Nanci, was a good family friend who left her children to take care of Ricardo.  They had travelled from Sao Paulo, Brazil to Tijuana, Mexico, exactly 6,037.8 miles.  Ricardo's wife stayed with their small children so that he could come to the clinic for the therapy.  For all involved, a huge sacrifice.  But Ricardo was hopeful that the therapy would help him get better.  We all saw his determination.  He was a brave man, a very brave man.  

At times when we would gather for meals or lectures, Ricardo would be present, smiling when you asked him how he was feeling.  Sometimes you would even get a thumbs up gesture.  He loved movies and would be a trivia genius when it came to remembering them.  He was such a brave man.  Although Ricardo and Nanci spoke Portuguese we communicated.  Our communication was the universal language of LOVE.  A type of LOVE that was unconditional, supportive, and full of compassion.  We all understood what we faced, some of us had endured a lengthy battle with cancer and others had just started.  But we were all in it together, a new family, holding each other in our hearts and prayers.  

With so many precious memories of our time together, I fondly remember one day when we all ventured down to the beach and jammed at the Lat 52 pub/coffee shop.  Russell and I started playing on the piano and drums, Manuel danced around, Paul played the tambourine, Jacki and Ronda cheered us on and Ricardo clapped along to the beat and smiled.  He was having a good time, perhaps forgetting his battle.  Ricardo had a beautiful smile.  Through his pain, he smiled and shared stories.  On our way back to the clinic, I walked with Ricardo as he shared with me his love of music, his love of life and his love for his family.  He was fighting for them, as he promised his children that he would get better and take them to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.  A promise that may seem he cannot fulfill, but Ricardo is still with us, his spirit lives on.

Ricardo, we will miss you but celebrate your life, your beautiful spirit, your kind soul and your LOVE of life.  You are a true inspiration to us all.  Rest in peace my friend.

"Clean ...The cleanest I've been"

"Clean, The cleanest I've been, An end to the tears
And the in-between years, And the troubles I've seen
I've broken my fall, Put an end to it all
I've changed my routine, Now I'm clean
I don't understand, What destiny's planned
I'm starting to grasp, What is in my own hands..."


~ Depeche Mode ~ Clean ~
***


When we ache and we have pain, we gravitate towards a prescription pill ...a Tylenol, an Asprin or maybe an Advil.  Hey if it works for the lady in the commercial it's gotta be good right?  And if that work for you, wonderful.  I for one have never been fond of masking the symptoms only because the pain comes back and sometimes it is worse.  For me, to rid the pain in my knee only to load my liver with toxins from prescription drugs just doesn't make sense ...


Another option we were introduced on the Gerson Therapy is Bentonite Clay packs.  Funny, I thought this stuff was only good for face masks?  Well, it turns out that healing clays in general have been around for thousands of years. They have been used in rituals, to cure diseases, and as dietary supplements in some of the oldest human cultures.  Specifically with the North American Indians, these clays were used for what they deemed to be body purification.  It is for these reason that detox Bentonite clay are seeing a resurgence in popularity today.


In the past, military were treated with clay therapy to reduce the effects of diarrhea, food poisoning and infections due to wounds.  It was also placed upon the Chernobyl disaster site to help reduce the effects of radiation in the atmosphere.  Currently, Bentonite clay is used by Russian nuclear engineers to protect them from radiation because it is such an efficient absorber.  


Bentonite clay has been used both internally and externally to detoxify the body, though it is most popularly today used externally in detox Bentonite clay baths, and clay packs.  Bentonite clay draws out the build up of metals from your body. These metals are continually deposited in our body through contact with our environment and from your diet. They are slowly poisoning our bodies and contribute to things such as sluggishness and advanced aging among other conditions.  


Bentonite clay is a healthy and relaxing way to cleanse our system of toxins.  From my research there are various different types of clay to chose from most of which have some sort of healing properties and practical uses.  Do your own research to select the type which supports your detox.

"Snake Oil ...It's been around for a long, long time"

"Now I've been travelin' all around 
I heard trouble's come to your town
Well I've got a little somethin'
Guaranteed to ease your mind
It's call Snake Oil y'all
It's been around for a long, long time"

~ Steve Earle ~ Snake Oil ~

***

Essential Oils and Aromatherapy go hand and hand.  Most of us have been exposed to them either for refreshing our homes or supporting our well-beings or both.  Essential oils are distilled, pure essence extracted from the fruit, peel, twigs, leaves or flowers of a plant. Yet we need to be cautious when purchasing them since you don't always get what you pay for ... Essential Oil or Snake Oil??  

Cheaper oils created in a lab can be highly toxic when applied to the skin.  As well, not all products labelled with "aromatherapy" are considered pure or natural.  When reviewing the label, check to see the therapeutic grade of the oil - anything labelled "perfume oil", "fragrance oil" or "nature identical oil" is a red flag.  Labels should state 100% essential oil and the botanic name of the plant should be included under its common name.  Another consideration is the price - it can be a guide as essential oils are not cheap.  The more difficult it is to extract the oil, the more the essential oil will cost. 

Also, always buy from a reputable dealer only and check the expiration date to avoid the oil becoming rancid.  Like perfume, it can be confusing to smell different samples at once, especially since the strong scent of essential oil can be overpowering, so take a break and return to the store later.  

Currently my favourite is "Cedarwood".  The effects of this type of oil is soothing and strengthening.  The scent is woody as expected and really my desire for this smell was triggered by the raised beds project for organic gardening in our backyard.  For me, the beautiful smell of cedar is comforting.  After approval for 100% essential oils from the Gerson doctors, I started to research more on this type of oil and found Cedarwood has the following properties: Antifungal, Antiseptic, Astringent, Expectorant, Sedative.  It is used for Arthritis, Bronchitis, Cellulite, Cystitis, Dandruff and various Skin Conditions.  More information can be found at Natures Aromatherapy.  

Essential oils are considered nature's effective tools for stimulating and storing positive energy, and supporting our quest for a balanced, healthy and harmonious life.  Have fun exploring as one or more will resonate with YOU.

"Doctor! Doctor! ... oh, Castor! Castor!"

"Dance with me across the sea
And we could feel the motion of a thousand dreams
Oh, Doctor, doctor, can't you see I'm burning, burning
Oh, Doctor, doctor, is this love I'm feeling?"

~ Thompson Twins ~ Doctor! Doctor~

***

Well it's been almost 10 long weeks of every other day CASTOR OIL mornings.  What does that mean, well I wake up early and take 2 oz of castor oil in 2/3 cup of black coffee with 1/2 tsp of organic brown sugar.  One word to describe it ... disgusting!  But the best part about it is the coffee and really the only time we have added sugar on the Gerson Therapy.  Both the coffee and sugar assist stomach peristalsis - activating the stomach muscles and move the oil out as fast as possible.

Hmmmm ... so you may ask why we do this?  You see, toxins released from the liver by the all-important coffee enemas still have a long way to travel ... 25 to 27 feet within the small intestine, then 4 to 5 feet of the large intestine ... before they can leave the body.  In the course of this "evacuation" some of the released toxins get reabsorbed.  Yeah, I know pretty yucky to think about but it's true because sometimes it takes too much time to expel from our bodies the accumulated residues of years of faulty eating, AND the toxic breakdown products of tumours.  The Gerson Therapy sees the real need to speed up the elimination process in order to reduce the reabsorption to a minimum. 

To say that every second morning is a “mild inconvenience” is an understatement and staying pret-ty close to the bathroom is recommended and my fellow "Gersonators" would tend to agree.  The castor oil acts as a powerful cleanser and literally sweeps it out of you.  Yet, if it helps to eliminate the tumour toxins ... bring it on and sweep, sweep, sweep it out!

"Searching for the real thing ..."

"No more waiting, anticipating

We're searching for the real thing

No more waiting, anticipating

We're going for the real thing"

~ 2 Unlimited ~ The Real Thing ~

***

Well we just ended week 9 and onto week 10 of the therapy.  Actually it is kinda funny how fast the days go by.  I am sure some may wonder "what do you do all day" and I would direct them to my blog on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 "Time After Time" to see what my daily schedule looks like.  But there has been some modifications after my test results last week, some medications have been decreased as well, one less coffee treatment (whahoo!).  Looking forward to seeing my next progress report in about a month.

In the meantime, and between time of the therapy, I have been doing some research on Organic Beauty Products ~ The Real Thing ...you see, I am a sucker for nice smelly stuff, bubble baths, Epsom salt soak, hair colour, hair straighteners and body cremes.  But while you are on the Gerson Therapy, the aforementioned are not allowed.  Mainly because they are made up of numerous toxic chemicals.  And basically we are what we absorb.  I found out that our skin is our body's largest organ.  The analogy use is that every single pore on our body is like a thirsty mouth, drinking up and absorbing in whatever you give it.  That being said, the average adult uses 9 personal care/cosmetic products on a daily basis, and is exposed to more than 160 chemicals each day - linking to cancer, potentially harmful to our reproductive systems or fetal development, and disruptive to our hormones.  

Yikes!  and here we thought we were doing so good with our "natural" moisturizers and foundations.  In some cases we are, but what troubles me is reading that there are some loopholes within our laws to allow companies to label any ingredient into personal care products with little pre-market safety tests.

As you can imagine, there is an enormous amount of information available, and over the next little while, I will be exploring fabulous organic products.  First things first, I am trying to understand the difference between Natural and Organic.

Natural 

Basically this implies that one/some/all of the ingredients used are unprocessed such as fruits, sugars, vitamins and minerals.  But it doesn't mean they were grown or gathered organically.  So, all the ingredients come from nature but could be mixed with synthetics.  Natural does not always mean safe.

Organic

These ingredients must be produced without the use of antibiotics, synthetic hormones, genetic engineering, or irradiation.  As well, they are minimally processed without artificial ingredients or preservatives - there are fewer toxins released into the environment and less likely to make it into our products.

So, like anything else, Buyer Beware.  If you find you are concerned about certain ingredients, educate yourself and look for products you are comfortable using.  

Remember, you have to be comfortable in your own skin.

"Ice Ice Baby ... pH Baby..."

"Something grabs a hold of me tightly 
Flow like a harpoon daily and nightly
Will it ever stop yo I don't know
Turn off the lights and I'll glow ...

Ice ice baby vanilla
Ice ice baby (oh-oh) vanilla
Ice ice baby vanilla
Ice ice baby vanilla ice" 
~ Vanilla Ice ~ Ice Ice Baby ~
***


Oh happy day!  Today's a good day ... actually a great day!  The doctors at the Gerson clinic are very happy with my test results.  You see, I had my 4 week follow-up blood and urine tests done and things are looking up ... yes, they are.  Finally.  It has been quite an adventure.  The last 5 months have been the most difficult times of my life, Russell's life, my parents lives, my sister and brother-in-law's lives, my extended family's lives and my close friend's lives.  Wow, when I write this I realize how many people have been affected by my illness.  I thank God every day to bless them ...my pillars and my strength.  


So back to the test results and one of the little numbers that show how I am responding to the therapy.  Urine pH.  This pH determines whether your body is acid or alkaline. The body needs to have a pH reading of between 7.35-7.45 in order to be alkaline.  Bingo, in the range!!!  You see, anything below 7 means your body is acidic. And an acidic body does not absorb vitamins, minerals and other nutrients and reduces our ability to repair cells. Acidity also prevents the blood from carrying oxygen.  The good news is that cancer cannot survive an alkaline or non acidic environment. One of the main benefits of Gerson Therapy is its rapid elevation of the pH, or alkalinity, within the body.  This not only makes the body a difficult environment for cancer to live in, it also reactivates important (protein-digesting) pancreatic enzymes that help keep cancer in check.   As pH goes up, red blood cells carry more oxygen, the immune system becomes more active and the body transforms into an environment that is actually hostile to disease. 
In this state, your body will heal itself.  Oh, what a beautiful thing!


So today, we celebrate, and yes, the cancer is still there, but the fight is on.  These are baby steps towards  my wellness journey.  It is important to celebrate these steps because as they say, "Rome wasn't built in a day"  And what a great day to celebrate ... 
Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone and Happy pH ME!

"Meditate ..."

"Mediate
Clear the state
Activate
Now radiate
A perfect state
Food on plate
Gravitate
The Earth's own weight
Designate your love as fate"


~ INXS ~ Meditate ~
http://youtu.be/VFUEgFdP5zE

***


I love, love, love this song ... and love the message.  It seemed appropriate as today I finally get to plan my meditation space.  I have been threatening to do this for some time, and now the time is right.  I get a chance to be in a sacred space and quiet my monkey mind, well, at least slow it down.  My motivation has come from listening to podcasts, specifically Kelly Howell, Theatre of The Mind, thanks to my close friend Joelle Gilmour.  In one particular podcast, the expert talks about meditation, and how meditation can help to refuel our emotional bank account.  How cool is that thought ... it makes perfect sense.  Sometimes, we find that people and situations can drain us.  It is true, we all know who they are or what it stems from.  It is important not to raise our awareness and manage the situation.  Whether it be a family member, our boss, or friend, once we aware, we can limit our exposure and protect ourselves.  It is more than okay to put ourselves first ... first priority to get well, heal and be well.


Back to the meditation space ... first things first is to remove the vibration machine I purchased a year and half ago.  It was a great machine, as most of you have probably read numerous benefits possible, I loved it.  But, the time is right to pass it on, so we did to my Mom.  She suffers from chronic arthritis.  Yes, I have already preached to my parents about the benefits from the Gerson therapy, and shared how my arthritic pain is down to a miniscule bother, but everyone embraces change when they are ready.  The good news is that my family is excited to incorporate different juices into their diet now.  Oh yes, there are some benefits of crisis.


Next is to arrange all my educational material I gathered during my Personal Training certification, as well as move some furniture around.  Some things in my minds eye are comfortable pillows, draping fabrics, 100% natural essential oils, candles, tibetan bowl, bells, water feature and of course music.  


This room needs to reflect my feelings, interests, beliefs, attitudes, desires, passions, dreams ... my very spirit.  I want this to be a sacred space to re-energize, re-fuel and re-new me.  A place to heal and rejuvenate.  I like to think of it as a portal between the physical and spiritual worlds. Where I can just BE.  When I walk into my sacred space I want to immediately feel a difference in energies ... feel that I am a part of nature and the universe.  I am so excited to get this project going as I know it will support my journey to wellness.

"When calm your mind and your senses, you become conscious of your always-present inner Self."
~ R. Sasson