Steph's Musings

Don't Buy into the "Spiritual Bullshit"

01/02/2013 09:52:00

Not that long ago, I took a Quantum Touch workshop with a terrific lady named Leanne. Leanne meditates, does colour readings, can see Auras and has seen miracles happen because of her work as a "Spiritual Healer". I learned a lot over the course of the weekend, but the thing that has stuck with me the most is an awareness of what she calls "Spiritual Bullshit".

As yoga morphs from something a few, spiritually minded individuals dedicate their lives to, into a trendy fad that finds many white, middle class women looking to get into shape, spirituality by association, has become an 'on trend' fad. The yoga business has become so Ego-Centric that big business has capitalized and turned it into a multi billion dollar industry. Books on spirituality like "The Secret" have become so commonplace, Oprah had it on her show twice. Doctor Oz does Reiki and frequently and openly endorses it on his day time tv show.

"Spirituality" as we know it, has gone beyond mainstream, to become fashionable and chic. Now please, don't get me wrong - I think any exposure and discussion about energy work etc. is wonderful, I believe everyone should do yoga and have an interest in spirituality, and any means that gets you to that point is great.

The fashionability of the industry makes some people's motives murky. I'm sure you've come across them, people who use their 'spirituality' to bolster their sense of superiority, grandeur and pride, a literal "holier than thou" attitude.

My point is this; doing yoga twice a day in hundred dollar pants does not make someone better than anyone else. Meditating morning, noon and night, does not make someone better than anyone else. Saying "Namaste" instead of good bye does not mean someone is closer to enlightenment than anyone else. And if you think it (or anything else, for that matter) does, you're missing the point entirely. Don't buy into the "Spiritual Bullshit". Don't let anything make you feel like you aren't on the right path because you had (gasp!) steak for supper, because you don't have a gratitude journal, or because you fall asleep every time you try to meditate.

The Sanskrit word yoga has the literal meaning of "yoke", meaning to join, to unite, or to attach. The whole point of spirituality is to reach a place of knowing that we are all connected, that we are all the same, that we are each just a different perspective point of the same source. That no one is better than anyone else, and that everyone's journey is different. In true Spirituality, there is no supremacy, no "LOOK AT ME!" - no showy displays, no ego looking for validation. The whole point is to lose the sense of "I", to get beyond the ego.

The most enlightened people I know are the most open and honest about their flaws, their weaknesses, the parts that make them human. Like my dear friend Leanne, who, during an energetic weekend, had no problems saying things like "bullshit" when most other instructors I've had wouldn't say shit if their mouth was full of it. She was not doing what she was doing so that people would think more of her, or so that she could feel better than anyone around her. She was not trying to paint a picture of herself as an perfect, flawless being. She was just herself. She held no judgement of herself and her flaws, and thusly, had no judgements of others and their flaws. It was refreshing, and inspiring, and a wonderful view of true spirituality in action.

Calmness of Mind

12/04/2012 11:32:00

Well, as I've been too busy with all my homework and assignments to pay much attention to my blog... I decided to nail two birds with one stone and share some of my Yoga Teacher Training homework.

Here's a study of a few verses of the Yoga Sutra's. Enjoy!

1.31 Sorrow, dejection, restlessness of body, inhalation, exhalation arise from previous distractions.

1.32 They can be removed by the concentration on a single truth.

1.33 Undisturbed calmness of the mind is attained by cultivating friendliness toward the happy, compassion for the unhappy, delight in the virtuous, and disregard for the wicked.

As days, weeks, months and years go by, we are presented with many different things that can be upsetting to the mind. Someone says or does something hurtful to ourselves or our loved ones, we hurt those around us, things, relationships, lives of those dear to us can be lost. Painful situations arise in the lives of everyone, no one escapes life 'unscathed'. When we hang on to the emotions associated with these hurts and regrets, they become what's known as our 'baggage'. Some of us have more, some of us have less. Some are great at leaving things behind, others move forward in life carrying as many upsets from the past into the future as they can.

These issues from the past cause us "sorrow, dejection, restlessness of body". Focusing on negative past experiences in the present is very detrimental to our mind, body and soul. They can make it hard to focus, forgive, forget, to love life for what it IS right now. Strong emotions rooted in the past can even cause physical disease. The issues causing this emotional turmoil are not happening right now. They happened in the past, and the only thing that gives them any power over our emotions, our breath, our focus and our bodies in the present is our focus and attention.

To remove the unpleasant sensations from our mind, body and soul that have been caused by past circumstances, we must simply re-route our concentration so that we are focused on truth. In the different translations of the yoga sutras, this truth can be either THE universal truth, or just a truth. I suppose it is one and the same. We are all connected, we are all cared for, we are all loved. Everything happens for a reason, and right now, in this moment, everything is exactly the way it's supposed to be. Resisting things for what they are ultimately disconnects us from this moment, from love, from gratitude, from our purpose and joy, and ultimately, from connection with the divine.

I personally find it hard to break away from my self centred, egoist point of view and adapt a detached, loving perspective when faced with challenging people. It is very easy to get caught up in the idea that every single little upset that happens to me in life deserves my full attention and emotional reaction. It's hard not to get attached to my personal ideas of right and wrong, and to hold these ideals to those I deal with in life. One of the best ways I know to counteract this is with compassion for the unhappy. Happy people are kind, unhappy people have a harder time being friendly. Instead of judging them, or taking the less than ideal treatment from them personally - be compassionate towards them. Think of their story, the baggage they may be hauling around with them.

Sometimes, when we're faced with downright wickedness, it can be even harder not to get emotionally invested. The sutras tell us to have 'disregard for the wicked'. Don't give it any space at all, disregard it. Keep yourself clear and clean of it, pay it no attention at all. Make space for what is good in your life, by having delight in the virtuous. Focus, on the universal truth, or a universal truth - beauty, love, peace.

Undisturbed calmness is possible for everyone to enjoy, and these three verses of the yoga sutra really simplify things. Make no room for bad thoughts or feelings of the past, flood them out with focus on this moment, on truth. Be compassionate towards others, forgive them when they wrong you. Nothing we deal with in life is significant in the grand scheme of things, most things aren't significant to anyone but ourselves. Focus on your inhalation, your exhalation, and be connected, be calm, be joyful, be healthy.

Long Time No Post

10/11/2012 08:21:00

It has been forever since I've updated (or, to be honest, even looked at) my website!

The reasons for this are many and varied, (Helloooo Summertime!) but I promise, I haven't forgotten!

In an attempt to offer the best service I can, I've been undertaking several courses. I am working towards becoming the only (that I know of) Master Reflexologist in the Peace Country, a certified Iridologist, and starting at the end of this month, I'm undertaking Yoga Teacher Training! To top that all off, I have taken Level 1 & 2 Quantum Touch, and I have finished training making me a Certified Detoxification and Cleansing Specialist. Yes, I have been busy!

What this means for my clients is a more rounded, wholistic experience.

While I am not currently offering Quantum Touch as a service, it is an incredibly powerful tool that I use during reflexology appointments, to add another dimension of healing to your treatment.

I will be offering Cleansing and Detoxification consultation as a service, effective immediately. In an appointment your health will be discussed, where it is, where it used to be, and where you want it. As life piles on layers of JUNK - toxins, candida, parasites, we begin to run slower and less efficiently that what is optimal. An assessment will be made of which areas require cleaning out, and a program implemented.

By the New Year, I am hoping to have obtained the Master Reflexologist credentials. After a solid year of classes and course work, I am currently working on the practicum. What this means for you is a much deeper understanding of our physiology and anatomy, different signs the feet present in distress, and more tools to make each session as powerful as it can be. I have also studied different methods for approaching different ailments. Hand, Face, Ear and European techniques are now available.

It's been an exciting time, taking sooo much in, and am extremely grateful for the chance to share this new knowledge with you.

Namaste!

Cilantro Detoxes Heavy Metals

07/06/2012 12:02:00

It's been a delight this spring to watch the Cilantro I planted come up. Not only is it my favourite fresh herb in indian and mexican meals, but it always puts the flavour of my green juice over the top... yuuummmy.

Turns out that Cilantro is actually an anti-inflammatory and detoxification powerhouse on top of it all...

This is such an awesome article I'm not even going to try to write my own... check this out!

http://www.naturalnews.com/035741_heavy_metals_cilantro_detox.html

"Being Impeccable with Your Word"

06/22/2012 16:17:00

"Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom," - Thomas Jefferson

And, coincidentally enough, it's the first chapter in "The Four Agreements". I recently dug out my copy of this favourite by Don Miguel Ruiz, and the first agreement to "be impeccable with your word" really spoke to me.

Toltec wisdom teaches that without honesty and integrity in everything you do and say, it is impossible to overcome yourself, your ego, to find "heaven on earth" or enlightenment.

"Impeccable" means without sin. When you are impeccable, you take responsibility for your actions. You chose truth, love, purity and righteousness. You don't do anything you feel the need to lie about. Being impeccable with your word then, means speaking only the truth, with respect, love and integrity for yourself and those around you.

Although it is easier said than done, your word is your power - use it for truth and love. Misusing this power in the form of dishonesty has dire consequences for yourself and the world around you. Our energy is borrowed, and using it unwisely with dishonesty is a sin against that energy, the higher source, as well as our very own mind, body and spirit.

It doesn't even have to get that 'deep' or complicated. It's as simple as this, nobody respects a liar because a liar doesn't respect themselves. How much we love and respect ourselves is directly proportionate to the quality and integrity of our word. Love and respect yourself enough to be honest, and others will love and respect you too. It's an irrefutable fact, nobody respects a liar, a sneak, or someone willing to be shady for the sake of their ego, or other selfish gains.

From a physical point of view, being dishonest is like taking a poison. Being less than honest about anything raises your anxiety and blood pressure, whether you realise it or not. You can ignore your conscience and put it out of your mind, but you can't put it out of your body. Even if you do realize it, but chose to lie anyway, guilt and shame always come along with telling a lie, and these too have dire physical repercussions, such as sleeplessness, tension, and much more severe over the long term. What a terrible thing to do to ourselves!

The truth shall set you free. Without honestly and an impeccable word, enlightenment is unattainable. Regardless of how many hours you log on the yoga mat, in meditation or counting the beads of a rosary, being honest and pure in what we say and do is vital to our wholeness. Don't disconnect yourself from the truth, as this is disconnecting yourself from your higher power! An authentic man cannot lie. It takes an intense amount of integrity to be authentic and honest in all things, but our impeccability measures our strength, our faith, our love, our goodness.

"You can attain heaven in this one agreement; be impeccable with your word."

Namaste to my subscribers and readers! <3 Feel free to drop me a line!

COCONUT OIL!

06/18/2012 18:08:00

Coconut oil has been getting a lot of press attention lately, and rightly so. The health benefits are far reaching and the uses are pretty much endless...

11 (of my favourite) Reasons to Keep some Coconut Oil on hand in your home....

1. Face Cleanser - you can actually use coconut oil as a 'cold cream' as it were to wash your face.

2. Makeup remover - all natural, doesnt burn your eyes, and works like a charm.

3. Skin Cream - after a shower it works better than any lotion available to sooth dry skin. You can even use it on your face. It absorbs quickly and isnt greasy, plus prevents wrinkles and sagging. Coconut oil also helps in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema.

4. Personal Lubricant - no synthetic chemicals!

5. Hair Care - scalp massage with coconut oil helps treat and prevent dandruff, lice and lice eggs. It's also a terrific conditioner, adding sheen and essential proteins for nourishing dry and damaged hair.

6. Massage Oil - the consistency of coconut oil makes it a perfect massage oil. Plus, close your eyes and you're transported to a massage hut on the beach somewhere tropical!

7. Shaving cream - no aerosol cans, no dry legs, no nicks. Works fabulously.

8. Coconut oil has been proven beneficial for the heart. It contains about 50% lauric acid, which helps in preventing various heart problems including high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. Add a tablespoon to your smoothie in the mornings as a fast easy way to get your lauric acid daily.

9.It also helps in healthy functioning of the thyroid and enzymes systems, helping to control both hypo and hyper- thyroidism without the use of medication. Coconut oil also increases the body metabolism by removing stress on pancreases, which helps our bodies to burn more energy.

10. It's also suprisingly effective as a treatment for bruises. It speeds up thebodies healing process by repairing damaged tissues.

11.Coconut oil is renowned for it's antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. According to the Coconut Reaserch Centre, it kills viruses that cause influenza, measles, hepatitis, herpes, SARS, etc. It also kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, etc. Coconut oil is also effective on fungi and yeast that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, hrush, diaper rash etc.

There are so many more it's suprising - but these are a few of the most shocking and easy ways and reasons to incorporate coconut oil into your beauty routine and diet.

Here in Grande Prairie, the best organic coconut oil is available at the Farmer's Market, in reusable mason jars.

Chana Masala - The Slon's Favorite Vegan Meal

05/21/2012 11:36:00

It's National Vegetarian Week this week! While a lot of people go Vegetarian for the whole week, it's also a great time just to find a vegetarian meal that you can regularly incorporate into your dinner roster. (Hello Meatless Mondays!)

This easy, filling, curry is a favourite in our house, it's SO GOOD, I've even served it to guests. Use a big wok and double up the recipe for the freezer, or for lunch the next day, the leftovers are terrific.

Chana Masala

3 tbsp. olive oil

2 chopped onions

6 cloves of garlic, minced

2 tbsp. grated fresh ginger (the powdered stuff sucks, don't cut this corner)

2 tsp EACH - chili powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, garam masala

1/2 c. tomato paste

2 tsp brown sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1 Red Chili (optional - for those of us that love some spice!)

2 cans of rinsed, drained chickpeas

2 tbsp. Lemon Juice

In a wok or sauce pan, heat oil. Add and cook onions until soft, 5-ish minutes. Add garlic and ginger. Cook for 1 minute. Stir in dry spice - coriander, chili powder, cumin, and garam masala, cook until your whole house smells like downtown New Delhi, about one minute.

Stir in one cup of water, tomato paste, brown sugar, salt, and chickpeas. Reduce heat and cook covered for 15- ish minutes. Stir in lemon juice.

This is such a versatile dish - serve on it's own or for a bigger meal, with jasmine or basmati rice (brown varieties of each are available).

If you're going the Vegan route, garnish with some chopped chilies, cilantro and lemon wedges. Coconut yogurt is also a terrific addition. If you're only going the Vegetarian route - plain yogurt works too.

PS... it's also gluten free!

Total Time - 30 minutes. 4 Servings. 439 cal / per serving.

Why Detoxify with an Ionic Foot Bath?

05/08/2012 09:42:00

Why Detoxify with an Ionic Foot Bath?

The health benefits of negative ions are well known. When water is ionized it splits into H+ and OH- ions (and sometimes into H3O+ and H2O2 ions), these ions are able to enter the body through the 4,000 pores on the feet. Then the circulatory and lymphatic systems transport the ions throughout the body. These ions neutralize oppositely charged toxins in the cells that are normally slow to exit the body. In this way, all the body's organs can become energized and stimulated to function optimally.The body then rids itself of these toxins through its normal processes of urination, defecation and sweating.

Ionic detox has been known to:

Remove toxins, free radicals and body waste products that cause health problems (In an Aug. '04 study by Carlos A. Lopez-Moreno, MD, there was a significant deposit of urea, creatinine and glucose in the foot basin in 12 patients with chronic illnesses.)
Chelate toxic metals
- In a 2008 study by Center for Research Strategies (crsllc.org), 31 participants underwent ionic detox two times per week for 12 weeks. The amount of aluminum and arsenic in their blood was measured before and after the 12 weeks. The average blood aluminum level decreased by 46% from 79.8 ppb to 43.1 ppb. The average blood arsenic level decreased 24% from 4.6 ppb to 3.5 ppb.
- In a 2002 study by Doctor's Data in St. Charles, IL, there was an average increase in toxic metals found in the foot basin from nine independent sessions. Here is a list of metals that increased in concentration:MetalPercentage IncreaseCopper905%Aluminum339%Lead233%Iron174%Manganese140%Antimony128%Cadmium119%
Raise pH levels. Approximately 95% of people experience a state of acidity in which their blood pH is lower than 7.45, indicating an excess of hydrogen ions. This makes an ideal breeding ground for worms, parasites, microorganisms and other critters that lower body function and cause disease.
Inactivate viruses, bacteria, yeast and fungus
Relieve pain and tension including headaches
Purify the blood and lymph
Stimulate and balance the immune system
Enhance nutrient absorption
Reduce inflammation and unwanted fluid retention
Help clear up skin
Assist in weight loss
Slow down aging and improve body flexibility
Quicken recovery time from disease or injury
Increase oxygen in the body
Rejuvenate and energize your whole body
Improve sleep

Forks Over Knives

05/06/2012 11:29:00

Our household isn't a Vegan one, but after seeing this movie, we've ditched Cow's Milk for Almond, and only eat meat once a day (if even that). I'm keeping my butter no matter what though, Margarine weirds me out, and we don't consume Soy substitutions.

Veganaise however? Better than the real thing. And the "So Good" brand coconut milk ice cream bars? Divine! Little substitutions all add up. Find what plant based substitutions you can use to replace your favourite animal products. Good for you and Good for the Earth!

You need Flash Player in order to view this.

Forks Over Knives - Official Trailer

http://www.forksoverknives.com/ | For showtimes, updates, newsletter sign up and more information. The feature film Forks Over Knives examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the degen...

SMILE :)

05/06/2012 10:44:00

"A gentle word, a kind look, a good-natured smile can work wonders and accomplish miracles." -William Hazlitt

The physical and emotional benefits of smiling have been widely documented - it relieves stress, lowers blood pressure, boosts your immune system and releases feel good endorphins and seratonin. As an added bonus, it also makes you looks younger, more attractive and successful.

Smile, right now as you're reading this. Regardless of your emotional state, whether you're happy or not, play around with a BIG smile or a little grin, and see how it makes you feel. You don't need to be happy in order to smile, it's a wonderful little feedback loop that works in reverse. Smiling is a little way to trick yourself into feeling happy.

Thich Nhat Hanh in his book "Being Peace" advocates the far reaching benefits of smiling. He believes that without a world full of smiling citizens, world peace is impossible. Smiling is an emotional contagion, smile and the world smiles with you! What a wonderful thing to pass on to everyone you come across in a day. Who knows the effects of something so easy, you could put someone having a bad day into a good mood, or even help lower their blood pressure.

He also offers the unique idea of smiling for your children - whether you have them or not. Because the seeds of our children and our future generations are inside of us, we have to protect our emotions for their sake. Whatever we do, whatever we feel, our children, our future generations receive it. Whatever is bothering you right now will not matter to your children down the road, so SMILE for them, and the effects can reach farther into the future than we can comprehend.

Try to gift everyone you see in a day a little eye contact and a big, genuine smile. Spread a little goodness everywhere you go.

It is that easy to become the centre of a positive change ripple.

Wishing you a day full of smiles and laughter!