" Less Is More … "

The more you buy, the less you've sold

The more you try, the more you fold

The more you read, the less you see

The more you need, the less you're free

I'll always need your love I guess

I've looked for more but more is less

You take me in, you take me slow

You let me be, you let me know

That less is more, less is more

Hold me tight and everything is right ...

Love is more, love is more

~ Rupert Holmes ~ Less Is More ~

***

Life and work have become so overly complex ... yet it doesn’t have to be when we realize that what we have is good enough.  Perhaps along the idea of “don’t use a lot where a little will do”.

But we are bombarded with the message that the more we have, the happier we will be.  Because at this moment in time, we are not enough ... we are incomplete ... we lack something.  We must do more, achieve more, own more and consume more — we get the message loud and clear!!  This is what marketers what us to believe ... that we would be happier if we had more “stuff”.  But what happens when get that stuff ... we want more right?  It is never enough, because we have put our happiness on something.  

But, happiness is not a goal or a thing, it is a choice right ?

 ... once our basic needs are met, the benefits of “more” plateaus … 

as your add more material possessions, well being actually decreases ... 

Personally, less is more gave me more time.  I had less to manage, organize, sort or figure out.  By de-cluttering my closets, I de-cluttered my life.  As I’ve simplified, I’ve questioned the importance and usefulness of most of my belongings.  I realized that owning less lets me choose what truly matters.  I appreciate what I do have.  I am kinder to the planet as there is no quest for more while trashing our planet.

More importantly, there is space ... and although seemingly empty, somehow fills me with peace.  A peace that I have never experienced when I had more  ... possessions, friends, “stuff” … Living simply is not easy.  The pressure to conform is overwhelming.  

 ॐ Yet the more I have simplified the more I find my strength and certainty within ॐ

www.walkstrong.ca

" Spiritual …"

Magic, or one, or mystery
All of you trying to work on me
I would surrender myself
Holy how, and heaven high
You will open up my heart
And I'm finally here

This is spiritual, under your spell
For not me no, the way you make me feel
Like an angel, oh, at blow
Like a feather, you make me float
Love you crazy kite on your left
Lost in sweet ecstasy
Under nirvana finally

~ Katy Perry ~ Spiritual ~

***

Are you willing to risk losing by telling the truth?  Are you blazing new trails?  Do you embrace new challenges?  Do you learn from detours and diversions?  

... and why all the questions???  

Because it takes a heart full of courage, integrity, loyalty and honesty to become “spiritual”.  

The generic definition of spiritual is a difficult one, as it has been hard to define ... but to get our heads around it ... Spiritual is a search for the sacred, where the sacred is broadly defined as that which is set apart from the ordinary and worthy of veneration ... whatever that means.

And I remember someone I use to know that really struggled with “life”.  She use to grasp at whatever would give her some sort of comfort.  Only to suffer, as all grasping does.  Yet all she would talk about is how awakened she had become and how she could give me my awakening ... 

Personally, spirituality is about spending time getting to know myself ... allowing me to know when something isn’t working and to let go ... trusting my instincts ... acknowledging my inner voice ... trusting that all is well and for my higher good.  Being grounded and responding consistently & consciously to the inevitable tension that growth creates inside of us, meeting each opportunity fully present, and ultimately integrating our experiences ... is what spiritual awakening means to me.

Our resistance to change causes pain. 

Acceptance releases it. 

And all this work on the inside allows us to see past the illusion so that we can connect deeper to other wonders of life.  As we accept change on the inside, our external possibilities expand.

It is about acceptance to what IS.  Which leads to spiritual awakening … 

and here are signs that you may be in the middle of experiencing just that ....

1. You're feeling confused

Confusion feel muddy and scary — almost paralyzing. Yet resisting create more confusion. The way out? Stay open to the new, and relinquish your attachments to beliefs that no longer work.

2. You no longer ‘fit’ your life

Like confusion, feeling disconnected from your current life can be re-framed as one of the signs of spiritual awakening. and is calling out for change.  You notice what no longer fits, also notice what you're drawn to, what lifts your heart. Then take action. 

3. You're rebelling against where you came from

Questioning is one of the signs of spiritual awakening  as it will lead to new activities, rituals and a new dynamic in your relationships.  Be happy — you're ready to come into your own! Keep what works and tweak the rest for you.

4. Your life feels ‘blocked’

Sometimes, ‘blockages’ can be one of the signs of spiritual awakening. Or it's a soul sign to turn inward and re-evaluate. 

5. Your dreams are wildly intense

The dream realm is powerful. It's where we can get in touch with our own and the collective unconscious. When dreams rise up, honour them. Truly, dreams are one of the signs of spiritual awakening.

6. You've had moments of psychic clarity

A deep knowing, psychic vision is simply our attunement to the realms which we cannot detect with our five senses, presenting possible and probable outcomes. Embrace it. This vast knowledge is there to guide you.

7. You notice more chronic body pain

This represents the cells of your body waking up to a new vibrational level. Our minds and spirit is more fluid than our bodies... which need support when we awaken. 

8. You've encountered death

Facing your own mortality or that of a loved one because of illness.  A gateway to a new way. For bursting forth from the resonance of grief, incredible beauty and healing is possible. 

I imagine many spiritual teachers, gurus and scholars would much to say around the aforementioned, yet this comes from my own personal experience.  

I now understand what it is to be “spiritual”.  I now understand what it is to have “faith”.  

I encourage you to “truly” find yours …

www.walkstrong.ca

" Cowards … "

I blame myself for never saying anything.

You're dead to me,

but I'm the fool who still believes

that one day you'll actually see

that you missed out on everything.

My innocence you devoured,

you ------ coward!

I'm finding faith in myself tonight

and finally, I got it right.

I must forgive you to move on.

It's my only choice;

cause' you'll never come

to fill up all the cracks in this foundation.

You're the fear, all the panic and shame.

I'm afraid I'll be like you one day.

I'd love to hear the things you tell yourself

to pass the blame.

~ Senses Fail ~ Cowards ~

***

Warning: this one is going to be a bit of a rant ... 

I don’t have cable.  I don’t have satellite TV.  I indulge in social media sites daily.  I keep up with the world through the media apps on my phone.  I  enjoy from viewing friends on Facebook, and following various publications and websites on twitter.  

This information is available, with ease, on my time.

Well, all of the information ... and the drama.  Yes the drama.  The kind that allows you to hide behind whatever they can find in order to avoid face-to-face confrontation.  

What happened to the days when you walked up to the person you had a problem with and sorted it out?  What happened to courage and maturity?

And no, I am not really fond of confrontation ... who is?  I mean there are times has been times that I’ve kept my thoughts to myself, only to channel my inner bitch towards someone else.  

Not cool.  Not going to happen anymore ...

As an adult, are we not able to handle our issues, by our self, in the most respectful way?  Can we not treat another human being they way we would like to be treated?Well, sadly, not everyone has the same philosophy.  Within the past three years, I have dealt with some ... “interesting” situations ... some personal, some professional ... same commonality ... COWARDS.  

Today, people can type up letters, send emails, post status and instant message others to tell them their feelings that they are not prepared to discuss in-human.  They make excuses, hide their heads in the sand, lie, blame others and generally take the easy way out.  But all actions have consequences, and so does LACK of action ... how you treat others is a direct reflection on YOU and not them.  

The worst thing about being lied to 

is knowing you weren’t worth the truth to them …

So here it is ... if you have a problem with me and cannot handle coming to me to tell me, it really isn't worth discussing at all.  It must not be serious enough if you are unable to tell me with your mouth and not a machine.  Because if you have the courage to start the drama, at least find the gumption to continue it when the target of your slander ends up being more mature than you.

www.walkstrong.ca

" All Would Envy … "

She was treated like a queen

Anything she ever wanted ...

And everyone expected soon

That she could ask him for the moon ...

Yes, all would envy

... She lived a life she'd only dreamed

The life was never what it seemed

To all her friends that she'd ignored

She denied she was bored ...

Who would envy?

~ Sting ~ All Would Envy ~ 

***

There is an old East Indian saying, “Nazar Na Lag Jaaye”, loosely translated, 

“Don’t Get Effected With Any Bad Eyes” ... in other words ... ENVY.

At a time when it seems all are taking compassion, kindness and peace ... envy is so rampant.  Because if we are truly honest with ourselves, we are either envious of something or someone, or being envied … be careful, don't let your green show!

Envy is considered a negative feeling, coming from insecurity and a sense of loss or lack.  Amplified during times of economic and/or social crisis.  And envy doesn’t dissipate with time.  Because envy stems from greed.  Envy is wanting something belonging to another.  Feelings of inferiority, loneliness, distrust, suspicious, ill will, resentment, bitterness and anger rise.  Followed by shame and guilt.  All rolled up into a ball of stress, which is doesn’t do anyone any good.

So what can we do because there will always be someone prettier, thinner, smarter, funnier, oh and richer than you … no problem, this is the human experience!
Hooray, we are human!  

Humour aside, the first to remember is that just because you feel these emotions, doesn’t mean you are a bad person.  It is about taking accountability for yourself.  Realize that this is happening and YOU are letting it happen!  Yes YOU are the cause of your own suffering.  I know, it sucks, believe me, I had my epiphany a while back (thanks to my Guru!!) … It is about developing feelings of gratitude and appreciation for what you have rather than what you want.

True happiness is state of being, not a state of having.

Remember everyone has a story, a challenge, a dream, a journey.  Remember that your light will not shine brighter when blowing out someone elses.  It is about finding out their story ... why they do what they do, why they have what they have.  
Maybe it is even about finding out HOW and making it happen for yourself?

Personally, I am happy for the success of others, but it took work, to come from a place of darkness to a place of love.  I think that is why I continue to freely write and share what I can with whomever is interested even though I've been criticized, ridiculed, mocked, copied and ignored … And yes it is easy to want what another blogger or writer has, but I know that life isn’t meaningful because of what we have, it is meaningful because of who we are ... I know my happiness does not depend on how well known I am, rather about who I am, writing, sharing and serving others.

I choose to create good for myself 

by celebrating who I am and what I do for others

www.walkstrong.ca

" Count On You … "

Don't hurt me

Desert me

Don't give up on me

What would I wanna do that for?

Don't use me

Take advantage of me

Make me sorry I ever counted on you

Understand I've been here before ...

But I'm willing to put my trust in you ...

I really hope you understand ...

I promise to be careful from the start ...

Never been so vulnerable ...

~ Count On You ~ Big Time Rush ~

***

In the past, when asked “who do you count on?”, I would go into an egotistical monologue about so and so, and so and so ... really a false sense of security.  

Because the only person you can count on is YOU.

We come into this life alone and we depart, alone.  You yourself are the only person that you can and out to rely on.  This is not a depressing thought, yet a realistic one.  You may say to yourself that you have that support you and that you have family that is there to help you when you need help.  This may be true ... but it does not change the fact that when push comes to shove and the end is nigh, you are alone — completely. 

Friends are very important in our lives and if we are lucky enough, they love us.  When required, they are there, but would they sacrifice ANYTHING for you?  Of course not ... only YOU can do that for you … 

Follow my heart and intuition ... Don’t be pushed by your problems ... 

Be led by your dreams ... Live the life you want to live ... 

Be the person you want to remember years from now .. 

Make decisions and act on them ... Make mistakes, fall and try again ... 

Be your own best friend ... and your own biggest critic ... 

act as if what you do makes a difference ... Express gratitude ...

Make your time count ... Be honest with, yourself ...

Be good to those you care about ... Know what unconditional love feels like ...  

Forgive yourself ... Forgive others ...

Take full accountability for your life ...Be with who makes you smile ... 

Laugh as much as you breathe ... Love as long as you live ... 

Let go of the things you can’t control

I for one, will not give anyone the power over my happiness anymore.  That is the one thing I can control, and so it is empowering ... but I still desire to have support.  Sometimes you just need that cheering section don't you?  So perhaps it is about having a healthy interdependence on people you care about, but not depending on them for everything.  

Back to Balance ... the difference between interdependence and unhealthy dependence is you aren’t worried about losing these people’s help.   Basically, you haven’t placed all your happiness and well-being on them ... and you’ll survive if they don’t come through. 

www.walkstrong.ca

" Simple Living … "

Slacker mindstate livin on time that's borrowed

My motto's I'll stop procrastinating tomorrow

I took the sorrow from the wind chimes, 

left happiness lonesome

And strung up sarcasm to make the melody wholesome

From my lungs to my feet, I'm breathin everything I speak 

I'm convinced I'm built for better things

~ Gym Class Heroes ~ Simple Living ~

***

After 2.5 years of following the strict Gerson Therapy protocol, and 6 months of Gerson maintenance … what now ... Gerson Living and I LOVE it.

What is The Gerson Therapy?

A gentle reminder … The Gerson Therapy is a practical and highly detailed guide to the intensive nutritional treatment of cancer and other life-threatening dis-ease that many would consider to have been impossible to obtain.  Dr. Max Gerson, MD, discovered enormous success when patients followed a strict fat-free, salt-free, low-protein, essentially vegetarian dietary regimen, based on great quantities of fresh vegetable juice, supplements, and systemic detoxification.  As well, contrary to what is being communicated, 

The Gerson Therapy has NO substitutes

The Gerson Therapy requires a FULL commitment by the patient.

What is Gerson Living? 

Just ask Jessica Ainscough, a beautiful, young woman who has inspired me daily.  But personally speaking, Gerson Living is a clean, simple, and organic lifestyle.  

We know where our food comes from, we know where our products come from, we support fair trade practices, we buy only organic, we buy only natural ingredients, we support local business and farmers, we support healthy relationships, we vote with our dollar, we practice what we preach, we reduce our exposure we negative people and places, we meditate, we practice yoga, we practice gratitude, we live life rather than fear death, we give back whatever and where ever we can ...

Our bodies have to decompose is some manner ... and a great deal of the human population is suffering and dying from chronic, degenerative diseases that hardly existed a 100 years ago.  The philosophy is that when adhering to a lifestyle based on the “principles” of the Gerson Therapy, these dis-eases can be completely prevented and even healed.

So some may read this and think ... this doesn’t apply to me.  My response ... YET.  That is not to hope, wish or curse anyone a dis-ease, but the incidence of cancer use to be 1 in 50 in the 1900s ... now it is 1 in 2 in industrialized nations ... maybe based on the simple fact that our modern society refuses to live in harmony with the Laws of Nature.

Statistics show that, today, the average lifespan of a woman is 77 years of age while it is 72 for a male. With that in mind, the typical person, after retiring, will enjoy less than 10 years of life before they leave this earth and they likely will not enjoy those ten years at all as those ten years will be spent consuming mass amounts of unnecessary pharmaceutical drugs and undergoing numerous surgeries to combat whatever degenerative disease ultimately leads to their unnecessary, early death.

We’ve heard the saying ... “we all have to die of something sometime” ... but I feel we could re-focus on quality of life and longevity instead.  YES, this is possible.  See me, following the principles of the Gerson Therapy helped me not only clean up my body ... but clean up my life.  Regardless of age, this therapy provides you a lifestyle of prevention and can promise the highest quality of life far beyond that of ones peers.

Reflecting back on the day we started Gerson (March 7, 2011), I thought that I was about to embark on something that would “save” my life.  Little did I realize that this could be “the” catalyst of a life far greater than I could ever imagine.  

I am grateful for the amazing powers of healing with nutrition and detoxification and realize that this kind of therapy is not a compliment, but a choice for proper healing and health maintenance.  And I am reminded by my meditation teacher, guru and guide ... life does not require our approval, suggestions or even participation ... life flows with ease where miracles occur every single day ... 

Gerson Living and Loving it … 

I'm thankful for my struggle because without it 

I wouldn't have stumbled across my strength ॐ

www.walkstrong.ca

" Happy … "

It might seem crazy what I’m about to say

Sunshine she’s here, you can take a break

I’m a hot air balloon that could go to space

With the air, like I don’t care baby by the way ...

Bring me down… can’t nothing…

Bring me down… my level's too high…

Bring me down… can’t nothing…

Bring me down, I said (let me tell you now) ...

Because I’m happy

Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof

Because I’m happy

Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth

Because I’m happy

Clap along if you know what happiness is to you

Because I’m happy

Clap along if you feel like that’s what you wanna do

~ Pharrell Williams ~ Happy ~

***

There seems to be a constant reminder regarding the ticking of most women’s biological clocks ... with one purpose only and that is to have children.  Yet, there are many of us that live a full and satisfactory life without them.  And thankfully, it is widely accepted by free thinking women that it is quite alright to not reproduce.  Giving it some thought being Mother’s Day, I felt safe enough to write about why some don’t.

Recently I had a conversation with a couple of girlfriends.  Both getting married, one was interested in children and the other ... not so much.  
Her reason ... over population.  

Coming from a place of curiosity rather than judgement, maybe it is possibly that not having children means two people are making a choice regarding conception and not letting it choose them. 

Personally speaking, I LOVE children and have my entire life ... but loving children and RAISING children are completely different.  And oddly, people automatically assume you have sadness from not having children and your life is hollow.  That you marriage may be unfulfilled due to not having reproduced and even possibly a shame because you have not procreated ... yes there are still those views out there.

“Not having children means a couple is able enjoy together humanity’s insightful conquest of nature”

So whether you are a Mom or celebrating your Mom … appreciate their desire, passion and yearning to have YOU.  Today is a day to celebrate THEIR love, guidance, support, comfort, nurturing and sacrifices.  I think of all the women in my life who have provided these elements for me during my life and I thank them on this day ... please honour yourself for what you have given and continue to give to others in your life.

www.walkstrong.ca

" Wicked Games … "

With all the noise above
He tried to call his name
The trial would go on
The day is just begun

Living in an empty world

The diamond cuts her eye
The crowd behind went wild
They weren't all that proud
By now they hear it loud

Living in an empty world

~ Strokes ~ Wicked Games ~

***

I never thought that cancer could be a competition, but for some it truly is.  Comparison of the degree of sickness, hair loss, nausea, etc ... Basically, unless you are not suffering enough, you may not qualify in the cancer games.

Cancer IS cancer ... with emotions of denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.  All people, survived or living with cancer, go through the same process.  How you get through it depends on a certain type of attitude or shift in attitude.  Because some feel that the same attitudes that are responsible for having caused the cancer are often also applied to explaining how you heal, which shapes your personality.  

With a great deal of information about how attitudes and emotions can affect our endocrine and immune systems stress response, we can change an internal process to make an impact on tumor growth or the body’s response to it.  

YES, we DO have the ability to heal our own bodies!! 

But is not that easy and never really is.  With the general brainwash attitudes about cancer and it’s impact on our lives, we automatically feel cancer victimizes people.  That right there, is our demise.  See me, it takes a great deal of strength to put on your war face when dealing with the outside world.  The expectations in the cancer games of who is at the finish line, and who still has a few laps to go ... because every time some one dies of from the “treatment” or the dis-ease itself ... people start checking in ... confirming your status ... and so the games continue.  And usually being the one living with cancer, you have to reassure them, satisfy their worries and redirect their fears.  

Personally, I avoid people who think cancer is a death sentence and there is no cure.  I put energy into health, wellness and healing.  I put energy into gratitude for what IS present, here and now.   I am NOT a victim ... and news flash ... we are ALL terminal. 

So take a different approach and check out of the games.  It is not a requirement to fulfill the role of the cancer patient.  YOU decide how YOU live … because as I explained to a good friend today, I currently live a loving and nourishing life with cancer and … so far so good ;)

www.walkstrong.ca

" Bad Things … "

When you came in the air went out.

And every shadow filled up with doubt.

I don't know who you think you are,

But before the night is through,

I wanna do bad things with ...

I'm the kind to sit up in his room.

Heart sick an' eyes filled up with blue.

I don't know what you've done to me,

But I know this much is true:

I wanna do bad things with ...

~ The Radiacs ~ Bad Things ~

***

I use to believe that bad things happen to good people.  That is just the way life is.  Now I believe that things just happen.  And it’s your viewpoint, your perspective that determines if it is good or bad ... because these things that “happen” can be considered as neutral ... and your reactions determines it all.

When my body was designated with cancer, I believed I was being punished for all the “bad” thing I did in this life ... and maybe even paying for from previous lifestimes.  So I believed that if I prayed hard enough, I could reverse all of that.  

But if you aren’t buying any of this ... why DO bad things happen to good people?  Well, bad things happen to EVERYONE.  

It is naive to believe that one is going to cruise through the human experience without facing evil in some of its severest forms ...

Culturally, I’ve grown up with conversations within the East Indian community such as “it is not far that so much has happened to our family recently”.  But don’t we all get what we are meant to get and what is fair?  Personally, I have come to a place where NOW I can be grateful for all my challenges as I wouldn’t have stumbled upon my strengths if not so.  

Remember, these are the times you find out what you are made of ...

And do we really need to compare ourselves to a less fortunate one to appreciate and be grateful for what is present in our lives.  Do we feel “if only” and things will then be good?  And how can we be so sure of that?  There are times in life we are smaller and other times we are bigger.

I do believe that everything that occurs in life is meant to bring us closer to our soul’s purpose, and everything we are given is a tool to help us.  Every one of us has a unique mission and sometimes we veer off course.  A terminal illness, a divorce, a death of a loved one ... moves us closer to our mission, as painful as it may seem when it occurs, are the cloaked difficulties full of lessons and messages.  

The question is are you paying attention 

because you don't need a major event to listen ...

Personally, when I now speak about this designated dis-ease, I believe it was Divine’s act to shift me out of the thinking, being and living in a different direction ... a direction that required a re-alignment with my higher self, bringing happiness, joy & contentment with no attachment to an outcome.

I do believe EVERYTHING that occurs in my life is for my higher good ... 

Although this one thought has helped me trememendously, I don’t pretend to have a wide angle view on why things happen to me, let alone to anyone else.  Yet personally shifting from a place of “why me” to “why not” allows you to surrender to the process and be open to all the miracles around us.

www.walkstrong.ca

" Show Up … "

if there be anyone who's going through,
we have an answer to the problem for you ...

only the strong shall survive and win.
Just ask the question and the answer shall come,
just exercise your faith and know He's the one ...

If there is no sign,
keep this in mind,
He'll show up on time.
He will show up, show up on time.

~ John P Kee ~ Show Up ~

***

It’s not about you.  Those are the four words I said to a friend of mine.  Four hard words but words that needed to be said.  “Speak your truth even if your voice shakes” is what was playing in my mind as I spoke.

You see, we were talking about how someone she knew was diagnosed a while back.  And my friend didn’t know what to say, didn’t know what to do and was worried so she did nothing.  Sound familiar?  

And as we have become closer, my girlfriend asked me considering my journey, what were my thoughts.  I told her she won’t like what I have to say but I need to be honest if she wants me to respond.  Since I speak from my heart, she didn’t expect any less.

So here it is ... 

all you have to do is show up … TA-DA!!!

Yup.  that’s it ... as a friend, you need to show up, be available and be present.  There are NO expectations for you to fix, say, do and feel anything.  Just. Show. Up.  Now you may be reading this and say ... ah, yeah?  are you kidding, that’s it? ... yup, that’s it.  Well personally speaking at least.  

I never wanted sympathy.  I never wanted to be fixed.  

I never wanted to be treated differently.  

I only wanted you to show up.

I only wanted you to be available

I only wanted you to be present and love me ...

Every one of us needs someone that understands what we do not say.  Oddly enough, as people fade away space is available for new experiences ... so not all is lost.  I have been so blessed to have compassionate people in my life that are full of generosity, kindness and pure love.  They understand that living with cancer is not a curse but can actually be a blessing. They appreciate the down side so that they can appreciate the up side.  And there is ALWAYS an up side.

When facing any pivotal moment in your life, you find out what you’re made of ... and those around you.  Some step up and others shy away.  How they respond is a reflection of what is happening in THEIR life not yours.

So whether YOU are “uncomfortable” with what someone is going through remember ... it is NOT about you and it rarely is so don't  let your doubts sabotage your actions.  In life we never lose friends, we only learn who our true ones are.

www.walkstrong.ca