" Cosmic ... "

“ ... I put these things aside for years

'Til laughter took the place of tears

It's like I was asleep yet now I'm here

I'm here ... 

I put these things aside for years

'Til laughter took the place of tears

It's like I was asleep yet now I'm here

I'm here

I'm here (it's cosmic) ... “

~ Kylie Minogue ~ Cosmic ~

***

For those that believe in the concept of karma, believe that our loved ones appear in our life due to karmic debt.  At least that is the Buddhist view.

“At present, we are closely linked with our parents and our children.  We feel great affection for them and have incredible aspirations for them.  When they suffer, or anything undesirable happens to them, we are more upset than we would be if such things had happened to us personally.  All this is simply the repayment of debts for the harm we have done each other in past lives.”- Patrul Rinpoche

Imagine ... the person you love in this moment, may have been someone you loathed in a previous life.  And they may become your rival in the next life.  As my teacher explains to us, this is the cosmic joke.  The endless cycle of attachment and aversion that eventually causes suffering for everyone involved.  And if you aren’t sure, observe how children turn on their parents and how your greatest love can become your ex-partner.

Equanimity ... loving all sentient beings equally.  It is about boundless love, which has the power to heal and transform.  And you begin by consciously expressing your love to your special ones ... and spreading this outward to those in your life.  

A practice, with a sense of humour that helps to deal with life on life's terms.  Personally, I am finding that a sense of humour is essential.  It keeps me from taking myself too seriously.  It helps me realize it is a cosmic joke and not a serious affair.  When we get serious, we are praised, respected and honoured.  But are we having any fun?

A sense of humour seems to be far more sacred than some other practices.  It requires a presence of mind, and the ability to stay present.  When you laugh like like a child you are ego less.

And so the cosmic joke continues ... there seems to be nothing more valuable than laughter.  Laughter brings you to the earth.  Laughter bring you to reality as it is.  Life as it is should be enough of a reason to laugh ... ridiculous and beautiful, absurd and wonderful ... all sorts of things together ... a great cosmic joke.

www.walkstrong.ca

" How ... "

There’s a time and place

For one more sweet embrace

And is time ... 

Time can come and take away the pain

But I just want my memories to remain

To hear your voice

To see your face

There’s not one moment I’d erase ... 

How can I forget your love?

How can I never see you again?

~ Regina Spektor ~ How ~

***

I’ve heard a lot of talk about checking things off your bucket list.  Making sure you have the experience, while you can, before you go.  And it makes sense, as I’ve myself talked about as well ... but I also believe it’s not only about checking things off your bucket list, its about being present in every moment.

Being present in every moment allows you to fully experience the now.  Sounds simple, but as most of us know by now, difficult to stay present when there are many many many things to distract you into the past or future.

So how do you live your life ... bucket list or presence?  Most will answer, presence of course.  But when was the last time you couldn’t call a friend because you were busy planning your trip, from your bucket list?  You know you’ll get to it, eventually, yet eventually sometimes doesn’t come.  And so you have all these wonderful experiences you can broadcast all over social media, to social media friends ... and completely be disconnected from society.  We’ve all either read about it, or are the one writing it at some time ...

For some, an opportunity to detach from relationships and check out LIFE.  For others, there is a quest for balance.  To be able to do what you want to do and share with those you wish to share with.  Yet life seem so busy for so many.  I hear from others how their lives are full of ... stuff.  Stuff that causes suffering.  But this suffering is familiar.  So on with the busy-ness of life.  And that is “how” most of us live ... busy planning out next experience.

But, hey you are the only judge regarding “how” you live your life ... thrive on adventure or human connections.  You have the free will, how you live your life.  But does your how bring regrets?  Regrets that you didn’t spend enough time, you didn't put enough energy into, you didn’t say what you have to say, or you didn’t do what you wanted to do ...

Is it as simple to decide in this very moment “how” you will pass each moment going forward?  Simple concept that requires moment by moment practice .

Move with purpose, have an intention ...

How we live our lives is an example of who we are, not what we say we are going to do, or going to be ... but how.  How we live and how we treat others.  And it is never too late ... to change how you want the rest of your life to be.

" Shut Up ... "

It seems like everyday I make mistakes
I just can't get it right
It's like I'm the one you love to hate
But not today

So shut up, shut up, shut up
Don't want to hear it
Get out, get out, get out
Get out of my way

Step up, step up, step up
You'll never stop me
Nothing you say today
Is gonna bring me down ...

~ Simple Plan ~ Shut Up ~

***

How do you accomplish a personal goal?  ... by thinking about it, dreaming about it, obsessing about it ... but what about shutting up about it?  Yeah, didn’t expect that one right?  

We’ve all been there ... we talk about our big, challenging, amazing goal ... it is fun, feels awesome to bask in the glow of people who admire you for wanting to take it on.  It can almost feel like you’ve already accomplished the goal.  But you haven’t and are probably less likely to because when your ego inflates when concerned about what people are thinking, you are less motivated to actually complete the goal.  

And yes, I know this first hand ...

This may not make a whole lot of sense.  We share our intentions to receive support and further motivation.  Our need for certainty makes us declare those intentions even if we have not yet become those things ... so where is our sense of identity when nothing is certain?

Focus solely on the work ... the rest will happen

" .personal satisfaction of achievement is infinitely sweeter than public acclaim "

In all that we do, we will face doubt.  There is always a starting point and there is always a struggle.  This is what makes it a journey, an adventure ... life.  Shut up and keep going, I often tell myself.  So many times that I’ve lost count.  mental note ... when in doubt, ask yourself, what would your life look like if you didn’t give up so easily? What separates those who keep going from those who give up?

“judge not before you judge yourself”

And as for those that tell think you won’t amount up to much anyhow ... does it really matter what they think?  Remember, they are usually the ones ranting and raving about themselves, selfies and other social media play-by-play status updates.  You have to wonder if the amount of time dedicated to the aforementioned was actually directed towards a goal, so much would get done!  

Practice what you preach and live by example ... and watch the magic unfold.

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

" I Deserve It … "

Many miles many roads I have traveled

Fallen down on the way

Many hearts many years have unraveled

Leading up to today ...

I have no regrets

There's nothing to forget

All the pain

Was worth it

Not running from the past

I tried to do what's best

I know that I deserve it

***

~ Madonna ~ I Deserve It ~

***

Have you ever thought about what you deserve in your life?  

And do you believe you deserve it?  

I love the saying, “What other people think of me is none of my business.” by Wayne Dyer, because we tend to get caught up in others opinions.  And this leads to making excuses as to why we don’t deserve the very best.  Think about it ... we don’t try to improve our relationship with our spouse rather we compare to much worse relationships and therefore we figure it is good enough.  Or we don’t reach for our dreams because we feel it may project selfishness.  

Realize that the only thing holding YOU back is YOU .... 

Personally, I started to make a list ... a list as to what I think I deserve, in hopes to live this code, and focus on what & whom I accept in my life.  This provides clarity, alignment and a release of what is blocking and propels me forward.  This, I believe, is in full support of the Universe.

The following is my list which I continue to add to … I Deserve ...

• GOOD HEALTH ~ my journey for the last 3 years has allowed me to take care of my body from the inside out.  I have learned a wealth of information regarding wellness, continue to do so and hope to continue to pay it forward

• LOVE ~ I am blessed to have meaningful friendships dating back to over 30 years, while others are still budding.  I am excited to meet more beautiful souls.

• PEACE ~ I support my mental health with meditation & yoga, as I am committed to keeping my practice going on my personal growth journey.

• HAPPINESS  ~ the key is to learn to live you dream ... love what you do and do what you love

• RESPECT ~ there is no room for relationships in my life that are not respectful as the serve you no purpose

• ABUNDANCE ~ I’ve developed the self-worth to know in my heart that I deserve success and abundance as equally as others

Knowing what you deserve and practicing what you deserve are two totally different things.  The bridge is ... commitment.  A commitment to yourself.  This involves times when you have to have the ability to speak up and stand your ground, say your truth because YOU now know what YOU deserve … 

" Willing ... "

I wake with the wings of morning

To the light of a new day

Now my eyes are open

Through the darkest times

I find you

I find you always ...

I could break

Fall back into sorrow

Give me life

Make my faith much stronger ... 

Though I stumble ...

Though I fall

I'm willing

~ Times of Grace ~ Willing ~ 

***

Recently I heard a definition of the word Will and it resonated with me.  Understanding your personal will or willingness was defined as “the moment you realize that nothing outside of you can make you small”.  How powerful that statement really is ...

You hear about people losing their will to live, when they couldn’t hang on anymore, when there had no “reason” to go on, or when they lost their appetite for life.  I think if we are really honest with ourselves, we have all experienced times of despair, doubt and desperation.

So how do you get the space described above ... how do you regain the will to live?

By starting with acceptance.  Resistance to what is IS the source of suffering, therefore allow the natural flow of life to occur.  The reality is that it will occur with or without your participation.  And trust that there is nothing “wrong” with you.  The Divine did not place us here to suffer ... consider every experience a lesson, where victims are replaced with students.

The past is just a memory, a thought in the present.  The future is just anticipation, a thought in the present.  The only moment we have is this one, and this, and this and ...

Those who survive the most threatening situations find a reason to live ... they dig deep and have the will to carry on.  They realize the reason is not external and not temporary.  They understand unattached, unconditional joy.  And, they make a choice because in essence, life is a choice.  A choice to participate or sit this one out ... similar to walking in an amusement park without entering any of the attractions.  

Living day by day allows you to become less concerned about why you are here and what to do next ... and more appreciative about the NOW experience.  

There are two ways to live ... 

you can life as if nothing is a miracle; 

you can life as if everything is a miracle 

~ Albert Einstein 

" Another Year Has Gone By ... "

I know you can still remember
Things we said right from the start
When we said that this could be special
I'm keeping those words deep down in my heart

Another year has gone by
And I'm still the one by your side
After everything that's gone by
There's still no one saying goodbye
Though another year has gone by

~ Celine Dion ~ Another Year Has Gone By ~
***

Another year has gone by and I can’t help but wonder how the heck did I get this far?Did I think I would make it, no.  But here I am.  Year two of GT.

I guess I could write about the pounds of carrots and greens we juice, or the pounds of potatoes we eat, or the number of coffee enemas, or ... but instead, I think I’d rather write about who I am today.

Looking back at two years ago, I don’t recognize that person anymore.  Yes, on the outside, I look a bit different.  But what is so cool is on the inside, I feel like a whole other person.  Hopefully kinder and more loving than before.  Hopefully a better me with what I choose now ...

if you constantly compete with others, you become bitter...

but if you constantly compete with yourself, you become better ॐ

For me ... 
I choose to take responsibility of my life.  If I want change, it is up to me to do it and no one else.  I stopped blaming other people and external conditions.  I choose to make room for growth as well, and this starts in my mind.  I have to believe in myself that I can grow and make the changes I want ... aiming to be the best that I can.  I choose to have realistic expectations, because it takes time.  

I choose to extract lessons from my experience.  Trying to keep my eyes open and grab every possible learning opportunity from challenging moments.  I choose to write about my journey to share with others who may find themselves in similar state.  I choose to build consistent habits such as prayer, meditation, playing music, reading and yoga to help my growth.  I choose to feed my mind with daily uplifting thoughts because my input determines my output.  I choose to have people in my world that are provide positivity, unconditional love, encourage me, act as a source of energy and inspire me.

Becoming a better person is a real process, something that doesn’t happen overnight.  What I realize is that it is important to grow every day, because growth provides progress ... so I choose to be a work in progress ... and yes, Happy 2nd Birthday to me !

" Into The Void ... "

tried to save myself but myself keeps slipping away

talking to myself all the way to the station

pictures in my head of the final destination all lined up

(all the one's that aren't allowed to stay)

tried to save myself but myself keeps slipping away

tried to save a place from the cuts and the scratches

tried to overcome the complications and the catches

nothing ever grows and the sun doesn't shine all day

tried to save myself but myself keeps slipping away

tried to save myself but myself keeps slipping away

~ Nine Inch Nails ~ Into The Void ~

***

One of my favorite shows is The Biggest Loser.  I think because I empathize with the participants.  I get it.  I was there for the majority of my life.  I was overweight from a very young age and used food as my vice, my fix to fill the void in my life.  Even after developing an eating disorder, I still believed I was in control of it that I could stop at any moment.  It was the farthest from the truth because that empty feeling just didn’t go away and neither did my addiction.

Most of us can identify with that emptiness.  Life can be great most of the time, but that underlying feeling remains.  We try to find a way to manage it but the truth is it never gets filled ... you can’t run from it, you just have to face it.

So do you recognize your void?  

Usually we attempt to “fill the void” with either positive or negative people or activities.  Some people grew up in homes where love was conditional based on performance, achievement and productivity.  Others, in abusive homes and never received approval or acceptance from their parents.  Therefore emotional voids evolve and as children we find a way to cope, survive.

Reflecting back, I had an AHA! moment ... I use to be a “giver”, a "people pleaser". Constantly doing things for friends and people, being there for them and draining myself in the process.  And even though I said I had no expectations, we all do.  And mine were never fulfilled.  I never received as much as I gave.  Maybe because I gave in unrealistic ways ... maybe because my expectations were too high ... maybe because my giving was conditional.  Maybe.  But really my epiphany came when I realized that it was because I didn’t feel I deserved it.  I didn’t feel that I was good enough.  I didn’t think I was equal to others.  So, I think I set myself up, self fulfilling prophecy if you will ... my expectations would never be met and I would always end up disappointed.  This I expected, this was familiar and therefore this I created.  I wasn’t open or ready to receive.  Yikes!

So how do you fill your void? 

As previously shared, I filled my void with food.  And there is a price that comes with filling a void with food.  Besides the obviously health issues, it comes on slowly.  It is likely that the rut you are stuck in has also developed with time.  And it stems from a feelings of inadequacy and imbalance.  I was unhappy, depressed and probably not a barrel of laughs to be around (I apologize to my loved ones and am so grateful for their presence still in my life!)  Thankfully, now I have a my renewed sense of excitement and purpose in life which makes me feel full.  I turned my negative into a positive.

So if you are unsure if you have a void in your life, listen to your heart.  Feelings of emptiness, hollow, nothingness, meaninglessness ... you know as you go through it, you experience an undesirable state of being.  You are existing and surviving, not living.

Voids are mainly caused by terrible loss and experience of inadequacy in life.  When joy, security and self-realization is lost, a vacuum is created within.  Life becomes empty without a point of reference or a common thread as Oprah shared.  The bigger the investment on the source of meaning, the more hollow the void is after its loss.  

The key is to live your life in its “fullness” ... 

I read that the universe hates voids and always finds ways to fill empty spaces.  So as part of this vast universe, you are also enabled to fill this void starting from your own.

Recognize that you are a person with depth and serious search for meaning in life ... 

Be grateful that if you feel the void, you are in touch with your inner self.  And once you have this awareness, you can change.  So go back to your most important values in life and recover what you consider most precious because as human beings we all need HOPE, essential for us to truly live our lives as they are meant to be lived ... 

" Help ... "

Help, I need somebody
Help, not just anybody
Help, you know I need someone, help

Help me if you can, I'm feeling down
And I do appreciate you being round
Help me get my feet back on the ground
Won't you please, please help me

~ The Beatles ~ Help ~

***

This blog is a collection of thoughts, experiences and emotions about my natural, wholistic journey beating cancer.  I am not a physician, nor legally able to tell you how to cure yourself of cancer.  What I choose to share is what works for me, so please take it for what it’s worth.

Today’s post stems from a conversation this past weekend with a friend.  A friend that is facing the possibility of an “official” diagnosis.  I felt like I was looking in the mirror, understanding the flooding of emotions that are all too consuming.  

For her and others facing cancer, here what I suggest ...

Tip #1: Let go of your prognosis.  Being given an expiry date is damaging on all levels ... emotionally, physically and spiritually.  I believe expert practitioners should be prohibited from delivering death statements.  People all over the world have cured themselves of cancer ... you have the option to believe and it is critical to your survival you do so.

Tip #2: Maximize your nutrition.  You are what you digest.  Currently, I am vegan, meaning my diet is plant-based and I have cut out all meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, and dairy.   Studies have shown that a diet high in animal products and dairy, which is full of hormones and saturated fat, can cause cancer ... while organic, vegan diets can help prevent and even reverse it.  

According to The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, "People consuming a low-fat vegetarian diet tend to have higher levels of natural killer cells, which appear to make the immune system more effective in destroying tumors."

Tip #3: Invest in a quality juicer.  Digesting food, even healthy food, can be taxing to the body.  Juicing and proper food combinations minimize the load on the body, easily allowing it to assimilate nutrients and spend its energy on healing.  

Tip #4: Coffee Enemas.  As unpleasant as this may sound, coffee enemas are a necessity for the very ill because the liver may be too weak to rid the body of toxins.  As tumors are broken up and absorbed by the body, they also create toxins. If I were carrying a heavy toxic load and my body could not eliminate the toxins, I would die due to a overburdened, toxic liver.  (My Gerson Therapy schedule, prescribed by a medical doctor, decides my frequenty and duration based on my illness and toxicity level.  Consult with a supporting physician whenever engaging in a new protocol).  

Tip #5: Seek a professional natural treatment.  Of course I am an advocate for the Gerson Therapy, yet there are many clinics in Mexico and Europe that are governed by medical doctors and use exceptional natural ways to treat and cure cancer.  My journey has allowed me to connect with many people who have successfully treated their illnesses.  Research these places and search one that you feel comfortable with.

Tip #6: Do what you love to do.  Cancer is a sign telling you that you are not doing what you love.  Loud and clear.  I started to modify my life by doing things that bring me joy and comfort.  Resulting in an abundance of blessings during a very difficult and challenging time.  View this sign as an opportunity to make the rest of your life, the best of your life.