Eat Real: Probiotics

Probiotics are another supplement my family uses on a regular basis. We all take them every day, sometimes twice a day. Currently we are using a brand by Jarrow called Jarro-Dophilus EPS.

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria. The name means 'pro-life'. Our bodies are actually more bacteria than cells. We've been taught that bacteria is bad or unclean. Well, I've got news for you. You are bacteria!

I first discovered these products about 4 years ago when my son had roto-virus. If anyone has had this, you know what I'm talking about. He was hospitalized twice for it because of dehydration. He just couldn't stop pooping and vomiting. The doctors recommended probiotics to help reestablish his gut flora. The strands usually start out with the name "lactobacillus or bifidobacteria. For instance, one strand is lactobacillus acidophilus. Another is lactobacillus casei or bifidobacterium bifidum. See how the strands are identified?

There are tiny little hairs in our intestines called villi. These villi absorb nutrients into our intestinal lining and then the nutrients pass through the lining into our blood. Using probiotics helps to lengthen the villi. In doing so, the intestine is stronger and better able to absorb nutrients. The other wonderful thing about probiotics is that when more good bacteria is in the intestine, there is less room for the bad bacteria. So we stay healthy more often and recover more quickly from illnesses. The University of Michigan is one of the nation's leaders in probiotic research and have studied the immune system response to probiotics. Check it out if you want more detail.

You can get probiotics through supplements which are usually refrigerated or in foods. Some foods that have probiotics are yogurt, keifer, kombucha, saurkraut, tempeh. The bacteria is sensitive to pH, heat, humidity and oxygen. Also, if you think, "Wow, I eat yogurt, I'm already getting them" - think again. If you're eating yogurt for the probiotics make sure it has more than two strands of bacteria. The two main ones are just 'starter' for the yogurt to culture and really don't add too much of a benefit to our gut flora. There should be as many strands of probiotic cultures in it to reap the true benefits.

Be Real: Follow the Light

Death is transformation. Our ego thinks it is the end, but it is just another beginning. Birth is a transformation. Our soul knows this because it has chosen to come to this world and be transformed. It chooses the opportunity to transform so that it can learn and grow and one way it can do that is through the experience of it's life here. We let the dark go and choose to follow the light.

We die a little every day and this is a good thing. We allow old thoughts and patterns of behavior to die away and make room for the new, higher thought that will bring us closer to the God in each of us. We are all pieces of the same whole. And in allowing the old, limiting beliefs to die, we transform ourselves everyday.

September has been a huge transformation time for me. My old self would have looked at all the blessings I've experienced as 'challenges'. However, in receiving all of these blessings, I've been able to grow in a big way. All I had to do was get out of my own way and let it happen. I've learned from the experience if it was one that no longer served me and redefined the role I want to play in the upcoming show. For all of this is a show, it's play. We can make it up as we go along. We don't need a plan for we already have one. We just need to follow it and remember who we are along the way.

Change is death and this is fascinating to me because it is a choice. It's a choice at a soul level. The soul is ready to transform again. The ego is not always aware of what the soul chooses, but in the end, the soul is the boss. Some death can be avoided. In taking care of our body, our emotions and our spiritual selves on a regular basis, we prolong our lives and allow our soul to carry out its mission. However, one has to choose on a conscious level to participate. It is not to be judged, it is what it is. When it's time to go, so be it!

We choose to look at experiences as blessings or challenges. To learn from or to suffer from. Which do you choose in your life? When we get out of our own way, we allow God to show us the way. All we have to do is show up. Nothing 'needs to get done', we don't have to 'make it happen'. Just do it and show up. Follow the signs and the good feeling signs mean your soul is driving the car and the bad feeling signs mean your 'self' is driving the car. I don't know about you, but I like the good feeling!

Guidance from the Self can be punishing - this is doubt in God. Guidance from the Spirit, or Soul is easy - this is trust in God. Even daisies face the sun. Be like the daisy and allow the light to guide you...

Eat Real: Omega 3, 6, 9 - EFA

EFA stands for Essential Fatty Acids. Why are they so important? Well, cells have a lipid layer around them. This lipid layer allows the communication between cells. The communication is enhanced by the use of EFAs because the lipid layer is softened. The communication between 'signaling agents' is allowed an improved response. If the lipid layer is hard, the communication between cells is dampened.

The reason they are called Essential is because the body does not make them, so the body must ingest them in order to receive them. The two main ones are Omega 3 & Omega 6. We hear about Omega 9 as well. This is produced by the body when there is enough Omega 3 & 6 present. However, it may be ingested through food as well.

Benefits of EFAs:
-improved mental function
-reduced inflammation
-brain development
-immune system response
-blood pressure regulation

Omega 3 is also termed ALA - Alpha linolenic acid. We hear about this one in relation to eating fish, especially salmon to get enough of this EFA. But it's also found naturally in grains, spirulina, hemp seed, walnuts and flax seed to name a few sources.

Omega 6 is also termed Linolenic acid. Omega 3 & Omega 6 should be eaten in the proper ratio of 2:1. Meaning twice as much Omega 6 as Omega 3. What's happened though, in our fast food world is that people get almost 15 times as much Omega 6 as Omega 3. And because of these extreme ratios, the health benefits are usually negated. Good sources are found in chia seeds, grains, olive oil and pumpkin seeds, among others. Many of the same sources of Omega 3 and Omega 6 are the same and come in the ratios nature intended, like hemp seed. Isn't that convenient?

Omega 9 is called monounsaturated oleic acid and steric acid. If the diet is poor in Omega 3 & Omega 6, then the body won't make enough Omega 9. It can be ingested through food sources of avocados, pecans, and olive oil. Of course the list goes on. It has been associated with improving hardening of the arteries and improving immune function.

Now, let's discuss EPA and DHA. This is what the body turns Omega 3 into so it can be used. EPA is Eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA is docosahexaenoic acid. Many times, if our bodies are burdened by our diet, fish oil may be recommended as a way to get these nutrients directly. The body doesn't have to break them down and can use them immediately. If you choose to use a fish oil supplement, make sure that it is third party certified to be at least 99% free of contaminents. Blue-green algae is also a good source of EPA and DHA.

It's been scientifically proven over and over again how EFAs improve brain function and related mental issues. There are studies that show suicide rates, Alzheimer's disease and attention deficit disorders are associated with a lack of DHA. That's something to think about the next time your brain is feeling unclear or foggy.

Be Real: Keep Moving Forward

I don't know about you, but this month and the past two weeks have been a huge transformation period for me. Man, it'ss been an incredible ride for me to experience, but also incredible to witness in the lives of those around me. Some of the experiences have manifested in the physical - the a/c needs repair, my hip was hurting, a kid caught a cold. And some have been metaphysical - feelings of heaviness, worry, fight or flight responses. What matters though is that I gave myself some time to integrate it all and find the light - the higher vibration response was, in this case, no response.

The funny thing about this transformation, it has allowed me to redefine myself and what I want to experience. Not only that, but it has allowed me to define new & better parameters for the experiences I choose to take part in. What seems like an injustice is an opportunity to learn and choose the light in the situation. What seems heavy or negative in feeling is an opportunity to learn what it is I want or don't want. And, since I've made the conscious, subconscious and soul choice to follow the good feeling - I've been learning alot about the 'choosing' in my life. I've noticed I needed more sleep, more quiet time, introspective work. I've had to go within to integrate and understand. The transformation was honored by listening to my body and feelings to know what to do - more hot baths, less email, more sleep, more complex carbs.

In order to keep moving forward, I've been cleansing my relationships this week. Now, this does not mean saying good-bye to people. It means saying good-bye to patterns of behavior in myself that are holding me back. By changing my patterns of behavior, some people may quietly move on, but if I've set my intentions correctly, these people will adapt, rise in vibration and join me in moving forward. They are catching up and I'm catching up to others. It's pretty amazing to be a part of!

I've released need, cleansing obligation and settling debt (some money, some emotional). In the process, it's allowing those I'm involved with the opportunity to transform their patterns of behavior and to choose the light and rise to a higher vibration. It's incredible!!!

To all the beautiful souls I've met with and talked with this week - Thank you! Thank you for showing me the light and the dark and loving yourself and me enough to witness without attachment.

Hold on, it's a great ride. Transformations keep us moving forward. How else would we learn?! Bless you and I look forward to October! Oh yes, more food articles to come!!!

Be Real: Choosing the Light

Need is a funny thing... we think we need others, when all we really need is ourselves. Need, quite frankly, used to scare me. Someones need of me, my need of another. We choose to put ourselves in the presence of others and request their participation in our experience of remembering. We can project ourselves into others and they can be the mirror for us. Boy, did I create a big mirror. I understand what I did. I have greater clarity of who I am and I choose to move up the higher vibrational scale!

We project ourselves onto and into others lives and look for confirmation of what we consider beliefs about who we are. In this way, we are looking for approval (love, really) and trying to figure out who we are. Everything we could ever want is already inside us!!! It's truly a miracle. By choosing what roles others define us by, sometimes we get a clearer picture of who we think we are. But, here's the secret - we can be whatever and whomever we want to be! If what another thinks you are does not feel good, let it go. You don't have to be it or do it. Don't give it a second thought. You don't have to play the game if you don't want to. You can take your ball and go home or just let them play with the ball and take yourself home! Do what your intentions are. Be who you intend to be. Have the experience you want to have.

In my journey to greater self awareness, clarity and direct connection to God I was led down a path. The people in my path have helped me remember who I am and have supported and encouraged me along the way. I am blessed to have known so many. However, it's time to release the need for them. Release the obligation. I understand, clearly, the signs of when it's time to release them and myself of the obligation. This is what I discovered...

As soon as I felt need of others, I projected that need and the need manifested. But, what I've realized is that it doesn't always feel good. Especially for the other person. For lack of a better term, it can be a real downer! In the other person or people playing this role, there is an exchange of energy, As soon as I projected myself and my needs, the Universe (God) answered. He answered immediately. And guess what, it was up to me to choose the path or not.

Remember the bad feeling vs. the good feeling. Well, this is where my choice is made today from the experience I manifested. The higher thought is the higher vibration and is free from distraction - nothing needs to be done. No action needs to take place. Just let it go. Choose not to participate. Inaction is action. The lower vibration, the heavy feeling, is the ego not understanding what is being communicated by the soul.

I've asked myself - has this experience served me? Yes, it has. Does it serve me now? No it doesn't. Do I do anything? No - just let it go. Doing requires energy. It's distraction, having to say 'something', do something. I'm in a path of forward motion, this is the energy of God. I just have to get out of the way and LET IT FLOW. I recognize the heavy feeling as a sign it's time to let it go. Nothing needs to be said or done. No one is right or wrong. The lesson has been learned. It's time to bless the lesson and those involved and send it to the light. This has been an exercise in recognizing what I don't want which has helped me identify what I do want. And an opportunity to choose light over darkness by setting clear boundaries in my experience.

There were two beautiful souls that helped me remember how to choose the higher thought today - the higher vibration. I did it! Today, the three of us got extra stamps in Heaven for moving towards the light. Everything is a choice we've made and we've manifested. It's remarkable when you are conscious of the manifestation and recognize it. However, it's given me tools in how to get back on the horse, so to speak, and let God take me where I'm suppose to go. And that's the good feeling! Suffering need not be part of the equation - unless, of course, you choose that.

Recognize the dark and bless it.
Seek the light - choose the higher thought.
Determine what role I want to play.
Release myself, and in doing so, others, from obligation.
Do not feed the need.
Detach from the expectation.
There are no victims.

So, I'm getting clarity about what sin really is now... it's forgetting who we are. And original sin, that's not knowing who we are. Ha!

Today, I say: I love you, I'm sorry, Please forgive me, thank you and I forgive you and release you to the Holy Spirit. I choose not to participate in anothers perception of who I should be and choose for myself who I am. I choose an experience without projecting need and perpetuating need. I'm a "remember-er". I've gotten out of my own way to let God shine through. Boy, does it feel good! I wish the same for you! Energy in motion baby!!!!!

Eat Real: Acai and Gogi Berry Juice

In theory, if we eat a healthy enough diet, remove enough toxins from our environment, reduce our stress - we really shouldn't need supplements. However, we live in a culture where even if we did all of these things to the best of our human ability - there may still be something missing. This is when our family has found supplements to support us.

Our family uses supplements derived from whole food items. Some of our favorites are acai berry, gogi berry, camu camu, maca, chlorophyll, probiotics and EFAs. Today, I'm writing about acai and gogi. I'll go into the others in future articles.

Our goal is to get most if not all of our nutrients from whole foods. During the season change from warm to cool, though, our bodies need a little help making the transition. The extreme Yin of the summer (expansion) is now changing to the Yang (contraction) of the fall and winter. Have you noticed an inclination to slow things down a little? Maybe nap or stay in? That is your body communicating to you. It is preparing for the cooler weather that is approaching.

It's at this point, our family has identified when to introduce supplements and which ones to introduce. This is where the acai and gogi berry come in. These are superfruits with a complete array of healing and invigorating properties for the body. The brand we use is Genesis Today. This has been the most potent brand and easily absorbable for us to use.

The Gogi berry has been known as the "happy berry". The juice we drink is undiluted and uses the whole fruit. They are high in vitamin C, are excellent antioxidents and contain 18 of the 22 amino acids and EFAs (essential fatty acids). We start using this as soon as one of us starts showing signs of grumpiness. Yes, that's as technical as I get. Usually, my husband, who is very easy going, will start getting a little grumpy. I, on the other hand, manifest the transition by 'over thinking' things or taking life a little too personally. These subtle indicators tell us that nature is transitioning and if we want it to be a smooth transition, it's time for gogi and acai!

The Acai berries have a similar profile to the gogi berries. We like to alternate between the two juices as buying both at the same time can be cost prohibitive. However, I find that the acai seems to be a little more powerful when it comes to brain function. The amino acid profile is nearly the same, but for me, the absorption and utilization seems to be stronger. This is a good! As anyone with kids can tell you - keeping track of multiple schedules requires more brain power than one might think!

The message here is that supplements don't have to be synthetic mixtures or pills - they can be as simple as a different fruit or juice added to your diet for a short term issue. In fact, food is the best supplement there is! Man has not been able to duplicate the perfection of what resides in nature even if we've come close. God has given us everything we could possibly need in it's perfect form and we just have to stop long enough to remember the perfection. It's within us and around us. I wonder - is that the original sin - forgetting the perfection we already are?

We are here to remind each other of who we really are - our perfection in the Creator of All that Is. My prayer for you is that you remember your perfection, your beauty - your truth. For in each of us is the key to happiness. If you want the world to change, be the change. If you want happiness, be happy.

Oh yeah, check out this incredible site: foodmatters and watch the trailer. It will open your mind!


The image of the gogi berries was provided by Sten Porse on Wikipedia and is licensed by the Creative Commons Attribution Sharealike 3.0 License

Be Real: Ego & Soul (part 2) - Folding the Laundry

If you're wondering about our laundry system - there's a clean pile and a dirty pile. If the kids are lucky, they get to pick out of the clean pile because it's bigger than the dirty one. However, there have been occasions when they've had to pick out of the dirty pile. Hey, what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger - right!?

That's the idea here - Some of us have the physical ego experience figured out. Some of us have the soul's spiritual experience figured out. The goal is to get the two in balance at the highest vibration of LOVE.

Instead of pushing down the 'bad feelings' (which are low vibrational thoughts), we recognize them, accept them and allow them to flow so that we can understand what it is that is really being communicated to us. Many times these 'bad feelings' are limiting beliefs and/or programs of behavior we learned as children. You know the statement "you sound like your mother"? Well, we do for a reason. It's been programmed into our cells. However, now that we have consciousness, we can change our programs just like changing a computer's programs. We can choose the 'higher vibrational thought'. The good feeling...

This is an example that happened a few nights ago - I was putting the kids to bed, the little one was screwing around. I felt the anger well up inside me. I yelled at him. Now I felt like crap. So I stopped. Why am I angry I asked? - because he always does this and I'm sick of it. So what do I want to happen? - that he go to bed peacefully and easily and without screwing around. Why, my ego asked? So I can have time to myself. So, I was angry because I was wanting peace, but expecting 'screwing around'.

The two emotions were polar opposite, so anger was the emotion that came up to show me the disharmony of thought - peace vs. chaos. How did this change? Well, after yelling at him a second time, I figured it out and started folding laundry. I began expecting that it would change, he would go to sleep. The term 'fake it until you make it' had new meaning!

I became 'lost' in the 'now' of the laundry. My thoughts shifted to peaceful, repetitive work that occupied my ego. Once my thoughts became peaceful, the situation lost it's disharmony and before I knew it, he was quiet and sleeping. Yes, he did cry a little and procrastinate with "I'm thirsty, etc...", but instead of feeling guilt and catering to him as I would usually after a situation like this, I said "you can do it, go ahead, now go to bed". I let him whine a little. My ego wanted to rock him. But my soul made me understand that I would be doing it out of guilt and that guilt does not serve but to continue the pattern of behavior I wanted to change.

So, where am I going with this? Just as the body has cravings that teach us what nutrients we are missing - negative emotions teach us what we are craving. Ultimately it is LOVE we aspire to. The harmonious connection between God and ourselves. The GOOD feelings.

Sometimes we are blind to the connection between what we want to experience and what we are actually experiencing - peace vs. chaos. These emotions can show us what 'nutrients' our ego is not understanding. By understanding what it is we 'don't want', we are able to define what we 'do want'. When we define the feeling that we do want in our experience, that is the vibration we start to rise towards and we start to feel good. This is how something perceived as 'negative' really is positive! These 'bad' feelings basically tell us there is a block to allowing God's love to flow. We must allow ourselves to love.

Have you heard of an emotional guidance system? That's what it is - understanding what we don't want so we can define what we do want and feel good. If you want more detail on this, you can explore Ask and It is Given, by Abraham Hicks.

If the negative feelings are not allowed to be understood, the body will start to feel pain and/or sickness. So we really do need to understand the feelings before we get to the pain, right? I know I do. Instead of denying how I'm feeling, I need to pay attention to it and accept it in order to move into understanding of it. But, without wallowing in the negative emotion to long.

How does this happen?
1. Identify the feeling
2. Does this feel good or bad
3. Do I want this feeling
4. If I don't want this feeling, what do I want
5. Identify the feeling I want
6. Look at the situation and decide if I can let it go
7. Ask God to show me the way... listen to His answer

Proceeding with the situation can be as simple as stopping what I'm doing to sit down and breathe. Usually, it's pretty simple. Part of this is asking for God to lead me and show me the way to understanding of this issue - or enlightenment.

Disease & pain begins as a feeling and by not understanding what that feeling is trying to tell us, we misinterpret the communication between the soul and the ego. Then the body manifests these messages - louder and louder until we stop and take time to get it. The mind is the bridge between the ego and the soul. The mind transmits the messages - it is the messenger.

If the ego feels bad, it needs to ask the soul, which is God, what are you trying to tell me. The thought is the answer from God, the bird singing outside, the person you just met, the blog you read. The signs are everywhere. His answer is everywhere and in everything. It comes down to LOVING YOUR EGO. The soul is perfection. The soul is teaching the ego to love itself. LOVE YOURSELF. Love is the highest vibration there is. It is the vibration of God.