" Roots ... "

“ I'm talkin' 'bout R.O.O.T.S., I can't hate where I'm from ...

But now I got me, me, that's because of my R.O.O.T.S.

Hey, I can't be mad at what y'all meet ahead

I don't regret my ghetto struggle due to my success

It ain't that beautiful to write on overcoming' stress

Before you reap it, gotta sow it, yeah

I'm talkin' 'bout R.O.O.T.S., I can't hate where I'm from ... 

Somebody had to be just for me to get away ...

I'm talkin' 'bout R.O.O.T.S. “

~ Flo Rida ~ Roots ~

***

Medicinal Mushrooms ... used by all ancient cultures all over the world.  It is considered that they have the power nutritionally and spiritually.  Regardless of your view, these foods may be worth a taste.

... always consult with your health care practitioner first ... 

Medicinally speaking, mushrooms are one of nature’s greatest gifts.  Medicinal mushrooms are mushrooms or mushroom extracts used in the practice of medicine; especially those that contain key immunomodulating active compounds.  Modern scientific studies of these mushrooms have increased significantly within the last three decades, helping to popularize these fungi and their unique health-boosting effects. 

We are understanding how these mushrooms are capable of slowing aging, improving blood flow, reducing the risk of heart disease, improving your skin and hair, stabilizing cholesterol and blood sugar, protecting the kidneys and liver, improving respiratory function, decreasing platelet aggregation, increase sexual function and athletic ability.  As well, mushrooms with anti-tumor activity appear to increase the number and activity of killer T and natural killer lymphocytes, with no toxicity to healthy cells.  

Different types provide different properties so to get the full spectrum of healing agents these mushrooms have to offer, it is best to utilize a blend of several mushroom species.  Also, it is easier for pathogens in your body to adapt and become resistant to one type of mushroom than to several.  

Immunomodulating  agents in medicinal mushrooms include:

Polysaccharides, Glycoproteins, Ergosterols, Triterpenoids

It is the synergism between these elements that makes mushrooms so medicinally powerful ... 

Here are some varieties to consider for your palate ...

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)

• This potent immune-boosting mushroom; has anti-tumor and antiviral properties; lowers blood pressure and cholesterol.  
• Shiitake is``used medically for any and all diseases involving depressed immune function, including cancer, AIDS, environmental allergies, candida infections, and frequent flu and colds.’’  
• The shiitake mushroom is found on fallen broad leaf trees such as chestnut, chinquapin, beech, oak, maple, and walnut. 
• Shiitake has high levels of calcium, vitamin B2, and vitamin C. 
• It is the second-most widely cultivated mushroom after the common white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus).

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

• Reishi is useful for many ailments
• It has immunostimulant properties, calms anxiety, and is used as a general tonic.
• It is anti-allergenic and antiviral, and is used for hepatitis and heart arrhythmia.
• Reishi can also be used as an antidote for poisonous mushrooms. 
• this mushroom is “especially suitable as a calming herb for people with anxiety, sleeplessness, or nervousness accompanied by an adrenal weakness.”
• In China, reishi is known as ling zhi. Ling zhi belongs to China’s highest class of medicines
• it’s considered a tonic, thought to impart strength, vigor, and longevity.

Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor)

• The turkey tail mushroom has cholesterol-lowering effects, immune-enhancing activity, and antioxidant activity
• these mushrooms are an excellent fungus to collect in the wild because they are so widespread and abundant.

Maitake (Grifola frondosa)

• Maitake has been shown to inhibit tumor growth in several studies
• Extracts are commonly marketed to enhance immune  function and to treat HIV and cancer
• It may also help reduce blood pressure and raise HDL (the so-called “good”) cholesterol.
• Maitake means “dancing mushroom” in Japanese; some say it is so named because in ancient times, people who found the mushroom danced with joy because it could be exchanged for its weight in silver
• Maitake is used in traditional medicine to treat  diabetes and hypertension. 

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

• Chaga has anticancer and anti-tumor activity  
• it as “a hard black, deeply cracked stalk less growth found on alder, birch, and elm.” 
• Chaga looks as if it’s been burnt and can grow to lengths of four to five feet.
• chaga has also been used as a tonic, blood purifier, and pain reliever.

Oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus)

• The oyster mushroom may inhibit tumors. 
• it can lower serum and liver levels of cholesterol after two months of administration
• In China, oyster mushrooms are indicated for joint and muscle relaxation, Hobbs writes.
• Oyster mushrooms contain eight amino acids and vitamins B1 and B2. 
• The mushrooms may be an excellent blood builder; 
• oysters have 19 mg of iron per 100 g of dried mushroom.

Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis, Sphaeria sinensis)

• The cordyceps is a fungi that has been used for a wide range of conditions
• In vitro and animal studies have shown it to have anti-tumor, radio-protective and anti- diabetic effects
• it has also been used to treat fatigue, sexual dysfunction, coughs and  as an immune stimulant.

www.walkstrong.ca

" More … "

More than the greatest love the world has known,

This is the love I give to you alone,

More than the simple words I try to say,

I only live to love you more each day.

More than you'll ever know, 

Longer than always is a long long time, 

I know I've never lived before and my heart is very sure,

No one else could love you more ...

~ Frank Sinatra ~ More ~

***

It has been quite fun to introduce more foods in our diet, specifically super foods.  So what is a “superfood”?  It is a marketing term used to describe foods with great health benefits.  Interestingly, the term is not in common use by dietitians and nutritionist, as many dispute the claimed benefits by advocates.

… Spirulina is a simple, one-celled organism that got its name from the 

Latin word for 'helix' or 'spiral' because of its spring-like physical characteristic. Its scientific name is Arthrospira platensis, and it belongs to the cyanobacteria family … 

Nevertheless, we’ve been enjoying the benefits of goji berries, cacao & Spirulina.

Spirulina, technically is not a herb, as this cyan bacteria boasts is fair share of health promoting properties.  Incredibly high nutrients, Spirulina is a natural “algae” harvested from non-contaminated ponds and bodies of spring water.  Vegetarians looking for high natural iron content gravitate towards this food.  And like anything else, it comes with its controversy ... regarding its high B-12 content and if this particular form is a complete and absorbable form.

So how can pond scum be good for you?  It is hard to imagine a plant that can nourish your body by reinforcing your immune system with an abundance of good stuff ... 

• Spirulina is 65% protein and amino acids including the essential fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA) which supports anti-inflammatory properties
• Spirulina contains Omega 3, 6 & 9s
• Spirulina is extremely high in Chlorophyll which helps remove toxins from the blood and boost the immune system
• Spirulina has a high concentration of bio-avail iron which helps with anemia 
• Spirulina is a great source of B-1(thiamine), B-2 (riboflavin), B-3(nicotinamide), B-6 (pyridoxine), B-9 (folic acid), vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin A and vitamin E
• Spirulina has over 26 times the calcium in milk
• Spirulina is a great source of potassium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, selenium, sodium and zinc

When choosing a type of Spirulina, make sure to choose one that is organic, as others can have nitrate compounds as additives.  We simply add it, and the other super foods, to our veggie juices and smoothies every day.  The phosphorous makes for a nasty taste so it is great to disguise it within.  

Although there are no known side effects, our bodies react differently based on our current state of health.  Some of the most prominent reactions include slight fever due to elevation in metabolism and body temperature, dark green waste matter, rash and itchy skin due to temporary colon cleanse, and sleeplessness due to detoxification process and a sign to rest and heal.

Disclaimer: Spirulina is a powerhouse of essential vitamins and minerals ... and a potent detoxifier.  People with severe seafood or iodine allergies should be aware as well as those who are pregnant, nursing or have hyperthyroidism.  Always consult with your doctor regarding contradictions prior to taking Spirulina.

" Fading Away ... "

If I can't see what's in front of me
It's a mystery
Well than apparently

Things just ain't the same ...
Can't you see that your fading
And I finally realized ...
You're fading away

~ Rihanna ~ Fading Away ~

***

I read something powerful today ... “Running away from any problem only increases the distance from the solution ... the easiest way to escape from a problem is to solve it.”

Right ... now who is going to voluntarily sign up for conflict?  Well I guess if we view a problem  as measurable milestones than it isn’t the monumental tasks it originally appears to be?

Believing that almost all challenges and problems can be overcome is the key ... and then comes determination, focus, discipline, execution and ... patience.  Yet most people have problems with conflict and will avoid disagreements at all costs.  And the issue is that never talking things through and resolving differences is also unhealthy for other relationships.

... becoming flooded with conflict and prone to struggle with how to remain in difficult conversations in calm and productive ways ...

Scenario 1: some people directly refuse to discuss an issue and will use comments like “You are being unreasonable and I refuse to talk with you about this” or “We never get anywhere when we argue and I am not going to talk anymore.”

Scenario 2: Other people might actually leave the room or leave the conversation emotionally and it is clear that the conversation is one-sided. 

... avoiding a lengthy give-and-take conversation does not lead to “buying in” to a decision ...

It is easy to imagine that it will take too long to solve a situation/problem and go into an experience of helplessness and gloom.  But realizing that this is self manipulation to not take responsibility and face your reality.  You know the decisions that lead to a prompt leave from responsibility ... direct yourself to seek a way out ... creating a point of easy way out by finding excuses of what you need to do, a distraction from what you could give energy to.

So stop and breathe ... and believe that resolution is possible.  And be selfish about it ... it is better for you to confront so you can heal.  You don’t want to be swallowed up by your own bitterness or sense of injustice.  Because if you are unforgiving, you may subconsciously bring left over negative emotions into new experiences, you may lose joy in the present moment, you may feel your life lacks meaning or purpose.

Forgiveness is a doorway for change.  

And think about a time when you were in their situation ... 

practice empathy.

Begin by reflecting on facts of the situation, how you've reacted, and how this combination has affected your life, health and well-being.  Then when you are ready, actively choose to forgive the person who offended you.  The key is to move away from your role as victim and release the control and power the offending person and situation have had in your life.  Letting go of grudges gives you the allowance to no longer define your life by how you’ve been hurt, rather by who you truly are.

" One Year Of Love ... "

Just surrender to your love,

Just one year of love,

Is better that a lifetime alone,

One sentimental moment in your arms,

Is like a shooting star right through my heart,

It's always a rainy day without you,

I'm a prisoner of love inside you -

I'm falling apart all around you - yeah.

And all I can do is surrender ...

~ Queen ~ One Year Of Love ~

***

March 7, 2011, exactly one year since I started the full Gerson Therapy.  I know wild eh?  Three words capture it perfectly ... what a journey!  In the beginning, it seemed unattainable as I didn’t know if we would make one week let alone one year.  But I had to shift and start focusing on enjoying the journey instead of “getting off the therapy”.  I had to completely embrace my new life and the opportunity presented to me for self-discovery and growth.

My new life ... taking me in a totally different direction from where I was heading.  But to step into this path I had to stop mourning the loss of my old life.  I had to let go and surrender.  I began by cleansing each and every aspect of my life on all health levels ... emotionally, physically and spiritually.  

And upon reflection, my former life was really full of one challenge after another, as I constantly felt like I wasn’t good enough or strong enough ... basically not deserving of the success I was achieving.  I was tired of beating myself up all day, every day, and I had to make myself a priority.

Cherrie Moraga quoted “Sometimes a breakdown can be the beginning of a kind of breakthrough, a way of living in advance through a trauma that prepares you for a future of radical transformation”.  Yes, I can relate ... definitely a radical transformation.  And during this time, I have received an abundance of blessings.  As tough as this journey is, the possibilities are endless.  I have been given another chance to decide exactly how the rest of my life will unfold.

And for those that are curious about the tumours, my last consult went extremely well.  My Gerson and local doctors were over the moon with my results.  My body is healing thanks to it’s alkaline state.  Honestly speaking, we really didn’t know if Gerson would “work” in the beginning ... yet as the hours turned to days, and the days turned to months, and now one year ... all the hard work has paid off.

So as I shine my light onward to the next 8 to 12 months of therapy, my intentions are to continue to heal my body, mind and soul ... my LIFE for the rest of my life.  And although I can’t say that I have loved every moment of the last year, with every high and low has come valuable lessons.  Lessons that I know I wouldn’t have experienced if it wasn’t for my cancer diagnosis ... experiencing real healthy food, yoga, meditation, sunshine, walks, time with precious family and friends, gardening, music, writing, fun books, good movies, concerts, theater and life ... for as long as I’m blessed to have it.  

At the very least, I’ve learned about what matters ... "finding courage, keeping hope and losing fear".

Peace and Carrots ॐ 

M

" My Valentine ... "

And i will love her for life

And i will never let a day go by

Without remembering the reasons why

She makes me certain

That i can fly ...

And so i do,

Without a care

I know that someday soon the sun is gonna shine

And she’ll be there

This love of mine

My valentine

~ Paul McCartney ~ My Valentine ~

***

Valentines Day ... a designated day to express our LOVE to our loved ones.  I awoke this morning to a loving presentation from Russell ... accompanying my ritual oatmeal & juice ... surrounded by heart shaped carrots ♥  

Yet waking up today, we both have a mix of emotions ... we are remembering our dear friend Paul Botica.  News of Paul's passing late yesterday left us in shock, disbelief and profound sadness.  This is not how it was suppose to be ... this is not how it was suppose to end.  Those of you who have been following my journey know of our connection with Jacki and Paul, understand our bond, and realize the impact this has had on our lives.  Paul had an enormous fight for the last few months, he experienced an incredible recovery ... as Jacki said "with his Kiwi warrior spirit".  So his passing feels sudden after recent downturn in his health.

So we are left with a difficult reminder as to how precious life is ... how unpredictable life can be ... and the need to express our LOVE NOW, this very instant.  The need for a day named Valentines is ineffectual when facing the loss of your soul mate, your LOVE, your companion.

The hype generated by Valentines Day, a tradition of courtly love flourished.  Expressed by presenting gifts, flowers, candies and sending greeting cards.  Symbols of heart-shaped outlines, pink and red, doves and the cute little winged guy named Cupid.  So instead of contributing to the $1 billion spent on chocolates today, tell your loved one how you feel with the simplest gestures: 

• Leave a “I LOVE you” note on their pillow, in the lunch bag, on their steering wheel 

• Write a LOVE poem in lipstick on the bathroom mirror

• Write a LOVE message on the grass in your yard (using a can of water-soluble, non-toxic aerosol paint) ... okay we have snow, so write a message with footsteps instead

• Request your “wedding song” on the radio and dedicate to them when they drive to work in the morning

• Write a LOVE letter expressing a memorable time in your relationship

• Leave a series of notes to meet you in a romantic place

• Leave a trail of paper hearts, each with LOVE messages from the front door to where ever you want it to lead

• Have a romantic picnic in your home with candles and decorate based on a meaningful theme to the both of you

Truly, anything works when you speak from your heart.  Just don’t wait to tell them how you feel, life is unpredictable, so have little regrets ... remember we hold LOVE in our hearts, not in our hands ... a simple, heartfelt gesture is the greatest gift we could offer.

In loving memory of our dear friend Paul Botica ...  

Rest in Peace beautiful soul ♥ 

" Blessings ... "

During this busy time, my hope is you are able to take some time to find your inner voice, quiet your mind and reflect on what makes this time of year so special.  

Regardless of your choice of faith, honour the season and the powerful winter solstice by taking time to respect your body, rest, rejunvenate and eat wholesome foods ... 

be kind and give yourself the best gift of loving care.

May this time for you be filled with joy, peace, health, abundance, love and a deep sense of compassion for yourself and your fellow being.  

Blessings ♥ M&R

" Born To Lead ... "

"With eyes closed tightly,

I march so blindly.

Pretending everything's fine,

'Cause you're there to keep me in line.

I don't want your guidance,

I'll break my silence.

So sick of asking and being denied and now I realize.

We're holding the key, to unlock our destiny,

We were Born To Lead"

~ Hoobastank ~ Born To Lead ~

***

We all have to earn a living, whether it be as an entrepreneur or working for someone else.  During these working hours, we are required to "serve the vision of our employer or business"  We take on a load of responsibilities, learn best in class strategies and practices, get trained while immersing in the "company culture".  Ultimately, meeting the objective of the company.  And for some, including my past life, they devote their whole life to working ... workaholics .. even after work and during weekends.  Their life is essentially tied to serving their company.

So, what if you started viewing your life as your company instead?  Yep, you read that right ... if you think of your life as your company, and you are the CEO of your life.  Once you get your head around this idea, start asking yourself some questions ... are you leading your life to its highest possible success? And if your company's overall status matches your life's overall status, are you a leader?  How is your personal growth department doing?  Do others want to invest in your life?  Or are you struggling to survive?  Gives you something to think about ...

And what about the purpose of your company ... have you discovered YOUR purpose?  Your company's vision, which is an articulation of your vision, such as your life goals ~ have you identified them?  Without a clear vision, our lives can appear randomly scattered and not optimized toward a common direction ... with no singular focus at all.

This all may seem a bit difficult to take on so what I do is look at aspects of my life, like a pie (hmmmm just for a moment I fantasize about a nice slice of homemade apple pie ...) ... whoops! okay back to the subject at hand please! ... I look at the departments in my life like slices of pie ... Health & Wellness, Relationships, Career, Wealth, Spirituality, etc ... 

Many people fall into the trap of overly focusing in the department of career and wealth, neglecting the rest.  They fill their life with "things" to overcompensate for missing aspects in their life.  They measure their "self-worth" by their bank account figure.  And, hey, no judgement, if that works for you, carry on my friend.  For me, I have realized that all departments need to be performing at the peak to lead my best life.  I can't neglect your Health and Relationships and expect my life to be soaring.  

So if you dare, take the time to do a personal performance review on your life ... ask yourself some of these questions and determine if there are certain departments in your life that need some attention.  Because each department in your life exists for a reason, serving a particular unique function, to make you whole, complete, and perfectly YOU.