" Uplift ... "

" ... On one whole bottle "uplifting" 

There is no telling what I'll do 

Run head first into traffic 

with a mind set of annihilation 

No sense makes sense 

You can't get bought without thought 

No sense makes sense 

You can't get bought without thought inside of your head now ... "

~ Pantera ~ Uplift ~

***

Kundalini is a Sanskirt word meaning coiled.  It is used to modify the word Shakti, which means the spiritual power dwelling within every being.  This sacred inner presence is the Divine within, the sacred light and love and life that illumines each of us and guides us to union with One.  This inner Divine Guide is the very source of our manifest existence, and its constant striving is for our union with our true Self.

Kundalini Yoga is a type of yoga that uses specific pose sequences or kriyas, hand postures or mudras, mantras or sounds and meditations to elevate and uplift the practitioner.  It is a practice designed to awaken the Kundalini Energy, which is the creative and Divine power located within the body, coiled at the base of the spine.  The kriyas and meditations were created by the ancient Kundalini masters to raise the Kundalini energy to create harmony, balance, and bliss within the body, mind, and spirit. 

Kundalini Yoga originated in India thousands and thousands of years ago. The poses, meditations, and mantras were considered sacred and were passed down from teacher to student only once the student had proved themselves worthy to learn them.  In the Kundalini culture, Harbhajan Singh Khalsa also know as Yogi Bhajan is respected and loved for sharing the light and knowledge he had of Kundalini Yoga.

It is believed that to raise ones Kundalini increases consciousness and one-ness with the Divine.  And with the use of various breathing exercises carry life-giving energy into the body, reviving and renewing the body and mind at the cellular level.  Once the Kundalini has been awakened, individuals may feel a variety of experiences including sensations along the spinal cord, trembling, tingling sensations, waves of heat, bursts of joy and even transcendental visions. With some believing that activating the Kundalini energy begins the path toward Enlightenment.

www.walkstrong.ca

" Surrender ... "

“ ... Surrender every word, every thought every sound.

Surrender every touch, every smile, every frown.

Surrender all the pain we've endured until now.

Surrender all the hope that I lost you have found.

Surrender yourself to me

I think I found a flower in a field of weeds,

I think I found a flower in a field of weeds.

Searching until my hands bleed,

This flower don't belong to me ...

(Surrender) I never had the nerve to ask ... “

~ Billy Talent ~ Surrender ~

***

It takes a quiet knowing within to understand you were born for something unique, something more.  And answering our personal calling is a walk of raw courage.

I have come to understand that surrendering is allowing and surrendering is receiving.  Because when it comes to accessing the courage to step into this life and who we really are, self-doubt rears its ugly head.  Inner criticism, groundless-ness, confusion ... all part of the journey.  So surrendering is a yielding to the calling within.  Avoidance of it, halts our spiritual growth.

When we surrender to our calling or our path, we feel uncomfortable, hidden and misunderstood; yet, the deepest healing, growth and inner transformation takes place.  Because it is in surrendering to the process of the call that we find our whole.  We are brought back to truth.  

Each one of us has a unique gift to share, some just haven’t taken the time to unravel it yet.  Surrendering is part of the unravelling and easily misunderstood as passivity.  Yet it is change in stance, state of being.  It is a softening, a coming home to.  it is what we receive when we’ve made peace with life.  We feel a softness, not striving in our lives.

Take meaningful action and find your true self.  Wake up to what it’s all about and what all the circumstances are for, LOVE.  Begin to see how life is releasing exquisite gems to you in every moment, like water dripping from the tap.  And realize that connection and tenderness are available for the faces that grace your life.

www.walkstrong.ca

" Spirit ... "

To live with grace, to ride the swell

To yet be strong of will

To love the wind, to learn its song

And empty space to fill ...

A winters journey from the moon

To reach the summer sun

To rise again, to sing for you

A song that's yet unsung ...

His spirit joined and so was formed

Ten thousand years ago

Between the swan and Hercules

Where even dark clouds glow

~ John Denver ~ Spirit ~

***

It seems that there is more and more information available about detoxifying your physical body.  Cleanses, shakes, supplements and foods.  But what about your spirit?  

Our spirit is suppose to be perfect and divine.  Yet sometimes we need to cleanse our essence after experiences.  You see each one leaves an imprint and therefore the impact remains, perhaps at a subtle level.  

If we were perfect, we would be in alignment with our true self at all times, even after difficult events.  But we know that this isn’t the case as the life happens and our emotional reactions occur.  We generate thoughts and they mingle into our emotions which create thoughts and patterns ... muddling our spirit.  And our soul expresses itself through our energy field with the brightest presence being our essence.  Hence when our energy field can affect the clarity of our light.

Recognize and Let go of Things That No Longer Serve You ...

Analyze your attitude and behaviours ... how do you view the world?  do you need to take out pettiness and cultivate generosity instead?  try to drop the negative and grow a positive outlook.

Analyze your relationships ... what is causing you stress? can you fix the issue?  are you willing to renew your commitment or is spiritually strong to let go?

Analyze your time ... what activities occupy you?  do you receive strength from what you do?  do yo burden yourself with too much senseless activity?  make more time to nurture yourself.

Analyze unfinished business ... do you have long-standing issues with someone?  can you approach them with love, warmth and honesty?  can you share a solution?  can you let go of grievances?

Analyze your abilities ... do you have unrealistic expectations of yourself?  do you compete against others or yourself?  strive for personal best that are in tune with your talents and let others shine where you can’t.

Analyze what will quiet your mind ... can you make peace with the past?  can you seek joy in the future?  forgiveness allows miracles to occur.

Cleansing our spirit allows us to embrace what is present, here and now, for our enrichment.  We release patterns that clog our aura.  And when we reach inside ourselves for strength to live each day to the its fullest our world shines a little brighter and our soul flourishes.  

Inspired by Calgary's spirit ...

Inspired by the bravery courage and spirit of our city, a video montage ... ♥

http://youtu.be/jUJIXRnc9ZY

(Images from various News Media, Facebook & Google Images)
(Music by Vitamin Quartet performing Bon Iver's "Calgary")

"Thank You ..."

"And even if I'm there, they'll all imply, 
That I might not last the day,
And then you call me and it's not so bad,
It's not so bad.

And I want to thank you,
For giving me the best day of my life,
And oh, just to be with you,
Is having the best day of my life"

~ Dido ~ Thank-you ~

***

Here, this weekend, we are celebrating Thanksgiving.  Canadian thanksgiving is about a month earlier than the American date, but the significance is the same.  It is a holiday celebrated primarily in North America.  It is a mix of traditions set by the Europeans and the Native people.  To celebrate before and after the harvest cycle, giving thanks for good harvest, and rejoice together after much work within the community.  And harvest marks the end of the growing season or growing cycle.

This year, I identify with harvesting ~ the growing cycle.  Personal growth.  This year, the turn of events in my life have improved my awareness and identity, helped me develop other talents, enhance my quality of life and contribute to my realization of dreams and aspirations.  And in my wellness journey thus far, I have had an immense amount to be thank-ful for, to be grateful.  You see with our newer Gerson lifestyle, I am looking at so many different aspects of our life, with a different way of looking.  I see differently.  I keep on discovering new ways of living and I AM so grateful to everything that is happening in and around our life.  So I got to thinking ... What are YOU grateful for?  What keeps you inspired and motivated even when things seem bleak?  

One of the most effective ways to stop worrying and boost your personal power is to simply acknowledge what you already have in your life right now that you are so grateful for.  For me, it is my Faith in God, my Family and my Friends I can count on for my lifetime ... yet what about including little things.  The little things that you take for granted in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, that already make your life sparkle if you'd only see them with renewed eyes ... 

Commit to starting up your personal gratitude journal by writing down 5 things you are grateful for every day ... it will allow you to collect and reflect on the things that make life great and it has the power to transform us into healthier and happier spiritual beings ...

grat⋅i⋅tude  noun: the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful; 

"make sense of the past, bring peace for today, create a vision for your future ..."

"Make That Connection ... "

"Oh what would I do...
I have this feeling...
It's never ever ever explained...
Yeah I'm afraid a part of my heart...
You know there's nothing I would not do...

I want to make that connection, that connection to you

I want to make that connection, that connection to you"

~ Tom Petty ~ Make That Connection ~

***

Relationships, friendships and other "connections" are dynamic.  Constantly changing.  Sometimes we handle the change, other times we welcome them, but most of the time it hits us up side the head and we are like ... what the heck was that?  Scratching your head you ask what do you do now, how do you handle it now and where do we go from here ... basically what does it "look" like ...

For me, my old patterns and habits were not very ahem ... mature.  In the past, when my relationships would change, I would immediately retreat back into my shell, and feel victimized.  And once I came out of my shell, watchout!  I was angry and wanted to hurt back to those who hurt first.  And I never gave it a thought that maybe they didn't hurt first?  Maybe they didn't really mean to make me feel left out, bad, sad, lonely, neglected and just not needed anymore?  Maybe, just maybe, it's not all about me ... LOL!  What? Really?  okay, okay just being a bit silly ... but seriously, we, and I mean the collective "we" usually think "we" have done something wrong.  And in some instances maybe we did.  

Now, with a different mindset, change is more satisfying.  And I use the changes I have endured in the this year as a template for change in other aspects of my life.  First, I take some time to myself, wrap my head around the situation and decide if, in a recent example, I still want this relationship in my life.  How important is it to me ... and when I listen to my heart, really listen, I KNOW my truth.  It is not a dependency, it is a true desire to have the person in my life.  That it is so worth the effort ~ I decide to reach out, reconnect and in some cases extend the olive branch ... making sure the olives are still on it!  I take responsibility of my own actions, not theirs.  Now, I express myself authentically.  I tell them I miss them.  I tell them I appreciate them.  I let them know I truly care and that I am okay with change.  Their change.  I accept them for who they are now and who they were.  I am there for them ...

So how does this all come about ... well here are a few mental notes help me to navigate gracefully ...

Relationships change happens to all of us ~ change happens every day, to everyone; it's the one constant in life, the thing that connects us all.  And when a relationship changes, it's natural to find it difficult. 

Something good will come ~ people who are good at relationship change always focus on the positive that will inevitably come from any transition.  Change may lead you to new people, help you develop a stronger faith and belief in yourself, give you new opportunities, or inspire you to live a healthier life. 

Turn to your change support team ~ One of the quickest ways to embrace change and move through it is to surround yourself with a team of supportive people.  These people are there to listen, support, and encourage you. They will keep you on a path of hope and optimism as you move through the transition.

Use your Spiritual strength ~ When everything is changing, it's important to find the part of yourself that doesn't change--your calm, centered, spiritual side, your higher self. It's the part that's connected to something greater and uses your intuition as a guide.

Accept change and take action ~ Go in the direction life is taking you and focus on re-aligning yourself with a plan of optimism on the future and not the past, with or without that relationship.  Make a plan that feels right, realistic and hopeful ~ something that resonates with YOU.

There is an opportunity to have some clearing, a new perspective ... for some to start over, others a "re-do".  A new friendship, a new relationship ... that has evolved to meet you both where you are today that is newly defined, mutually serving and with a fulfilling purpose.

"Hello Fall ..."

"Hello Fall, my new old friend
Found me here again
Hello Fall, from green to red (mellow)
Push me higher, did you go anywhere as well
Spaceman he flied
I heard sirens, I felt the signs
Hieroglyphics in my mind"

~ Lord Jungalee ~ Hello Fall ~
***

Today is the first day of Fall or Autumnal Equinox 2011 in the Northern hemisphere.  The stars and planets line up for the change of seasons.  And, I always love this time of year.  This is the time of year Russell and I married, and it reminds of that amazing time 10 years ago.

For some  it is a reminder to renew ourselves, and many of us relate this to starting school, programs, courses, detox and healthy lifestyles.  It is a great time to set new intentions too.  For some a do over, for others a fresh start.

So what exactly is an equinox?  An equinox is an astronomical event, which dates back to our ancestors and their ability to build the first observatories to track the suns progress.  It is when the days and nights are equal in time.  It is the time of harvest and the gateway to autumn.  As our earth is in transition and those changes will be seen in the days to come ... leaves changing from green to red.

And we can benefit from this transition as a type of healing during this equinox.  In this moment, we can chose to calm our minds and listen to the heartbeat of the earth.  And regardless if you hear anything, we will receive a profound feeling of being here.  When we allow ourselves that shift we have the opportunity to bring more of our attention, focus and energy into the here and now ~ an amazing body and spirit connection.  You see from an intuitive perspective we too are in transition, and it serves us to take the time to rebalance and restore for our body, mind and spirit.  Deep inner reflection with the simple idea of finding your center and standing your ground ~ search for enlightened truth.

Like a chapter in a book, this equinox is full of intrigue, adventure and healing if we allow it.  By taking part in the purification, detoxification and allowing the healing to soothe, we can embrace the joy and real empowerment gifted to us.

"Friends ..."

"Keep smilin', Keep shinin'
Knowin' you can always count on me, for sure
that's what friends are for
In good times, And bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for"

~ Stevie Wonder ~ That's What Friends are For ~

***


Today I write with a heavy heart ...  a hurting heart.  Our beloved friend Paul is fighting for his life at the moment.  His beautiful wife Jacki, his angel, right by his side, feeling every single moment of this battle.  And we are on the other side of the world, wishing we could reach out across the ocean.  Russell and I are heartbroken.  We cannot even put into words the feelings we are experiencing right now.  I hesitated to write because I didn't know how to put down all my emotions through my constant tears.  Feeling helpless and profound sadness.

We met Paul and Jacki at the Gerson Clinic in Tijuana in March of this year.  It was a time when we had no clue what to expect and were quite vulnerable.  I remember the first day after the doctors consultation and settling into our room, we headed down to the main dining hall.  I had a fake smile on my face after a good cry in our room, constantly thinking what I am doing here?  As we sat down at the table Jacki and Paul walked in and there was literally this beam of light that surrounded them.  And, instantly there was an attraction and a warmth about them.  You know when you meet someone for the first time, but feel you have known them all your life????  Instant connection ♥ That night they shared their story of Paul's battle with cancer and I started to open up and share mine.  I was a newbie at all this "you have cancer" diagnosis ... I was looking for some armour, some protection, some way to deal with my diagnosis ... I couldn't even say I had cancer ...and Paul, who is battling a reoccurrence, had a lightness about him, a sense of calmness and assurance that he was going to beat this, no problem Mate!

I was in awe and that night, inspired by Paul and knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be. I thanked Him for the opportunity to be at this place at this time.

Our stay at the clinic was 3 weeks, and although we were all there for treating cancer, it was a special time for us.  A loving time.  Our days were eventful, actually enjoyable with something planned between treatments.  We had it all figured out as to when we could leave the clinic and still ensure we were on our therapy schedules.  You see, Paul has an itchy foot, just like Russell, so walking to the beach was usually on the agenda.  Hmmmm maybe something to do with being from the South Pacific??  Well, along with trips to the crazy downtown marketplace, drives down the coastline, Starbuck runs for the caregivers, jamming at the beachfront cafes, sharing funny stories at meal times, celebrating Jacki's birthday, practicing yoga, consoling each other when the range of emotions were stirred up .... and really just having moments when we needed to express ourselves ... because all fears, doubts, and frustrations were welcomed with open arms. We called it the Gerson bubble ... a safe haven for us to just BE.

Russ and I know, our experience in Tijuana would have been vastly different if we had not met our beloved Aussies.

One of the greatest blessings of being diagnosed with cancer is where this journey has taken us thus far ... we were destined to meet Jacki and Paul ~ all had to be spiritually aligned so that we would be at the clinic at the same time. And it has been an amazing blessing.  Every day I thank God for all in my life, all my blessings, family and friends and I ask for healing prayers to help my fellow friends rid this horrid disease from our bodies.  You see when we parted ways, the deal is that once we are able, Jacki and Paul will visit Canada and the boys will ski their hearts out ... in turn, we will visit the Gold Coast and there are a few pending surfing lessons by Paul.  And we know Paul is a man of his word.

So I am once again at the mercy of God.  And I know that I have been asking for a great deal these days.  And I apologize if it is too much, but I ask our Heavenly Creator to bless this time when Paul needs the strength, courage, and will to fight.  I ask Him to show love and solace to Jacki, their families and friends.  I ask Him for His Miraculous Healing to turn weakness into strength, suffering into compassion, sorrow into joy and pain into comfort.  God, I don't always understand Your ways and why our friend has to suffer, but I trust You and ask You look with mercy and grace toward Paul.  By nourishing his spirit and soul, please restore Paul to full health and remove all fear and doubt from his heart ♥

"We Like To Party ... "

"I've got somethin' to tell ya, 
I've got news for you,
gonna put some wheels in motion,
get ready cause we're comin' through.
Hey now Hey now Hear what I say now
Happiness is just around the corner
Hey now Hey now Hear what I say now
we'll be there for you ..."

~ Vengaboys ~ We Like To Party ~

***

This year for Russell's birthday I bought him tickets for Shambhala Music Festival.  For those of you that don't know what it is about, Shambhala is a celebration of music, art and life.  It is an annual electronic music festival held during the first week of August at the Salmo River Ranch in the West Kootenay mountains of British Columbia. The festival lasts four days and three nights and offers a mix of music and art in the middle of nature.  It is an amazing event!

So after a bit of planning, Russ and brother Tim head out on the road early this morning.  With encouragement to have a wonderful time, and even though I bought the tickets, deep down I wish I had not.  Yeah a little odd no?  Well, being selfish, I wish I was heading down the highway with them to one of the biggest events in Canada.  Shambhala has been going on for over 10 years, its a community and it is one big dance floor ... and those that know me ... I LOVE to dance.  So I am a bit jealous, and a bit sad ... but I know that it's a great gift for Russ.  He has been eye~ing this event for some time.  He even thought about volunteering when we got back from the clinic and I wasn't too keen on the idea.  Mainly because he would be gone for a week or so.  Yes, selfish I am, but not knowing what physical or emotional state I would be in, I didn't want to be alone.  Now, closing in on 6 months of therapy, I am able, god willing, to make meals and prepare juices, and take medications.  

And although I have family and friends offering to stay over, get groceries, make meals, do whatever I need or what (they are amazing aren't they?) ... and I thought that this would be a nice break for Russ ... the truth is I just miss him.  I miss his presence, his laughs, his silly jokes, his smile, his music, his voice ... *sigh* yeah I know suck it up, its only for the weekend ... but I think you realize once someone is away how much you really miss them.  We spend a lot of time together and yes we do have disagreements and no we don't spend EVERY moment together ... but when you know that they are there, maybe in the other room, but there if you want is a beautiful thing.  I am so blessed to have so much love in my life.  I am so blessed to have Russ in my life ... counting down the moments when he gets home ;)

So this weekend, as I go through my usual therapy schedule ~ 16 hours a day, 7 days a week ... I will be at the festival in spirit.  I know they are going to have an amazing time, full of stories, ideas and experience.  And as I drink my carrot juice, take my meds, eat my vegan meals and complete my coffee treatments ... my soul will be dancing with my love seven hours on the dancefloor ... 

"We Like to Party, We Like, We Like to Party, 

We Like to Party, We Like, We Like to Party"