Sun SHINE

Sunshine is our friend.  It is the catalyst to health and wellness and the best natural source of Vitamin D.  We all know what can happen if we spend too much time in the sun, but are you aware of what can happen if you don't get enough?  Do you of the wonderful benefits of the sun?

Let the sun SHINE in

In our recent history, we have been taught to shun or stay away from the sun.  For thousands of years however, our ancestors worked, exposed daily, in the sun for hours, and our ancient predecessors actually worshipped the sun, never suffering from the sun-based ailments we suffer from today. So what happened?  How did we transition from loving to fearing the sun?  It is simple, our diets changed.  When we ate diets heavy with whole fruits and vegetables, the sun was our friend,  the catalyst to health.  Now, as our diets are laden and clogged with processed and animal based foods, we have poor cell health and deficiencies which block our ability to naturally absorb the benefits provided by the sun.  We need to let the sun shine and thrive within us in the same manner as our ancestors, and as a few native cultures which continue to do so today.  We have to allow the sun to SHINE:

Sun   Helps  Initiate  Natural   Equilibrium

When we let our life SHINE, the Sun:

• lowers cholesterol
• improves sleep
• provides natural protection against disease
• promotes cell generation and growth
• improves immune system
• enhances well state of mind/mood and being
• helps break down toxins

Vitamin D 

The best source of Vitamin D is the Sun.  Lack of Vitamin D can lead to cancer, however too much sun exposure is also a cancer source if you are not eating properly.   Early morning sun establishes calmness and peace, but does not produce Vitamin D.  Mid-day sun is optimum for Vitamin D absorption.  This is also when deadly UV rays are the highest point as well. Over exposure can lead to illness and dis-ease.  Daily, all you need to do is spend a solid 10-15 minutes in the mid-day sun to absorb Vitamin D.  So it's a balancing act to understand when and how to spend time in the sun to reduce your risk of cancer instead of increasing it.

In addition to increased risk of cancer, deficiencies in Vitamin D can contribute to many illnesses including diabetes, elevated blood pressure (hypertension), heart dis-ease, weakened bones (osteoporoses), and multiple sclerosis.

Watch the Sun Screen

Sun screen products block the harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays.  However, they also block the ability to absorb and produce natural vitamin D.  Remember, for healthy sun absorption, you only need 10-15 min per day, unless you are already suffering from a melonoma, let the sun block go for a few moments to initiate the Vitamin D and cell growth processes.

Sun Bathing

The purpose of sun bathing should not be for vanity. It is not about getting a "tan".   If done properly, sun bathing has great health benefits.  It contributes to clear skin, reduces risk of heart attacks, and high blood pressure.  The key is to do so responsibly.  Steps for safe and effective sun bathing are:

• hydrate, hydrate hydrate
• eat properly - reduce or eliminate animal and processed foods. A clean body will reduce risks of cancers and sunburn
• bathe in the mid-day sun between 11am and 3pm when the sun's rays are at peak levels. 

Many argue this is the most dangerous times for sun exposure.  However, exposure times should be based upon consumption habits, health history, and skin tone.     The fairer your skin, initially, you need to spend the least amount of time, perhaps 2-3 min, the darker your skin, you can stay out a little longer.  Daily maximum times to spend in the sun varies for each person.  For some it is 15 minutes per day, while for others, a few hours. Regardless of where you begin, you can gradually increase your exposure safely by adding a minute or two per day.  Sunburn occurs only when time in the sun is not spent wisely, causing overexposure.

Sun Gazing

Sun gazing is the age-old act of staring directly into the sun.  For some it is spiritually based, while for

others, it is to increase energy levels.   The best time to sun gaze is different than that of sun bathing.  When sun gazing, it is best to do so before 11am or after 3pm when the rays are not at peak levels.  If not done properly or during high sun (mid-day), you run the risk of permanently damaging your eyes or causing blindness.  To sun gaze, stand barefoot or in a restful pose.  Look initially for 10 seconds, gradually increasing by 10 seconds each day for up to 1 hour.  Why do this? It is said that sun gazing promotes hormone growth by stimulating the pineal gland, increases production of serotonin and melatonin which are the body's natural endorphins that help us feel "good" or exhibit positive mood.  If you are interested, please research and seek the guidance of a practioner who can help facilitate the process safely to avoid detrimental results.

We are graced with the awesome powers of the Sun.  Accept its gifts with gratitude.  Spend a day in the sun.  Plan activities based upon optimum sun exposure times:
Morning: Sun-Salutation
Mid-Day:  Sun Bathing and Vitamin D absorption
Afternoon:  Sun Gazing

Enjoy the resulting euphoric mood and positivity.  Rejoice, bask, and SHINE!

Surya Namaskar - Sun Salutation

The purpose of the Sun Salutation is to honor the sun. Surya Namaskar means to bow to the sun).  It is a series of 12 asanas  practiced together in a flow which many use to start their day.  Surya Namaskar is traditionally practiced at sunrise, facing the sun.  It is sometimes practiced with recitation of mantras  for honoring the Sun, honoring nature and to obtain spiritual balance...a beautiful way to start each day.

Eat your Vitamins!

Deep Green Leafy Vegetables -  Source of multiple vitamins 

Where do you get your protein?  Do you use supplements?  Do you suffer any deficiencies? Do you take vitamins?  These are some of the questions I am asked on a frequent basis.  Let me answer:  I get protein from my fruit and vegetable intake, I do not consume supplements, I am not suffering from any deficiencies and I don't take vitamins.... I eat them.  Yes, I eat my vitamins.  Fruits and vegetables provide an abundance of the vitamins we need for health.  For every animal based "vitamin" source, there is a natural, plant-based alternative.  So here's a jump start for you:

Vitamin A - dark green leafy vegetables (especially spinach), carrots, pumpkin, squash, cantaloupe, sweet potatoes    for:  immune system, bones & teeth; aids vision

Vitamin C  - berries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, cantaloupes, peppers, lettuce, papayas, mangoes, kiwi  for: bones, teeth, gums, blood vessels, antioxidants; aids iron absorption; immune system health

A few Vitamin C Sources

Vitamin D - sunshine 10-15 minutes/day    calcium

Vitamin D - Enjoy this gift from the sun.
Spend time daily, in practice, basking in the rays

Vitamin E - avocado, nuts, seeds, dark green leafy vegetables  for: cell protection, red cell growth, skin/tissue repair, hair, and antioxidants

Vitamin K - dark green leafy vegetables, cabbages   for: bone formation, blood clotting and repair

King Kale:  Vitamin A, B, C, E, K

The Mighty B's

Vitamin B - bananas, seeds, deep green leafy vegetables  for:  energy; nerve growth; red blood cell regeneration

B1 - nuts, seeds

B2 - deep green leafy vegetables

B3 - mushrooms, asparagus, deep green leafy vegetables

B3- Asparagus, Mushrooms

B6 - fruits, vegetables

B9 (Folic Acid) - deep green leafy vegetables

B12 - yes, there are Vegan sources:

Seaweed & Kelp noodles-Vitamins  B12, A, C, E, K and folate

green vegetables

kelp and seaweed

sprouted soybeans

sprouted seeds

root vegetables

 Other Goodies:

Banana smoothie with flax seeds: Omega 3,
Potassium,  Vitamin B

Omega 3 - flax seeds; walnuts












     

We've got your protein coming right up!!!










These examples are just the tip of iceberg,  do your homework, research and put together the fruits and vegetables you like.  Examine your vitamin intake.

Try something new...Bitter Melon
excellent source Vitamin C

Recognize those you are consuming.  Identify what you are missing.  Be adventurous.  Try a new fruit or vegetable to experience a complete compliment of natural foods to facilitate all of the protein and vitamins your body needs. You don't have to supplement vitamins or proteins...all you have to do is eat them.

Live Life.  Eat Raw!
Namaste.

RE-lease

I've been releasing.  At first it was unintentional.  My new work consumed the majority of my time every day for the past five months.  I dedicated a lot of energy to it.  This dedication took me away . Soon, I found myself letting go of the very things near and dear to me.  I lost priority.  I love my new work.  I don't notice the 12-16 hours days.  I like the feeling of that I am affecting change.  It is a new project for me.  I love the thrill of contributing to stories of success. Unfortunately, along the way, I realize that the more I relished in my new found joy, the more lost I became in my "new" way of life - the very reason I am working so hard in the first place

Losing the Way
When it became clear that I was releasing my day to day touch and connection with my vegan community, no longer having time to create recipes, post pictures, write, or coach others, a few things happened: First, one of my vegan idols reached out to me with an amazing, international offer.  I accepted, adding to my already overloaded basket.  The offer never materialized and was silently withdrawn, presented to someone else.  My idol had released me, seeing what I could not see - that there was no way in which I could truly dedicate any resources and that perhaps a better suited candidate is the way to go.  Second, one of my vegan mentors, with no knowledge of my vegan idol, offered me an incredible opportunity to travel within the states, yet once again I could not partake.  This time, my mentor just let me know the offer will wait for me. Once again, released.  These two things allowed me to look back into the bubble from whence I came  to look with clarity, objectivity, and truth.  I was on the outside looking in. Many had moved on and I lost touch.   I had lost the way.  However, the third occurrence put everything into a perspective.

Finding the Path
My yogic community was the one constant that embraced and supported. It was through this connection that I as able to reconnect with myself. My sisterfriend soulmate  Jen who is forever tapped into my psyche sent me a care package. In it was a mirror with a personal inscription to  reMIND me of who I am, sweet grass to cleanse my environmental BODY, and some music filled with the sounds of gongs to resound balance of SPIRIT.  What a catalyst. the reconnection  of the three key elements of Yoga proved to be.  Yoga for me is the way to my vegan path.  It is who I am.  What an epiphany.  This connection caused me to look again at my "release" with positive instead of negative to change the paradigm of "release"  and instead to see RE-lease.

Establishing Meaning
This experience caused me to examine the prefix "RE".  It means "again".  It is typically a positive prefix.  I pondered how the word "release" became associated with letting go? Perhaps RE-lease is just the opposite.  If to "lease" is to obtain for a period of time, then perhaps RE-lease is to re-establish, to obtain again. Think about it.  Many words that start with the prefix "re" mean just that:  refresh, renovate, re-do, restart, re-engineer, renew, rejuvenate, re-claim, rebound, recalculate, re-animate, regroup, etc.  Of course there are words to the contrary, however this is the  common meaning for RE.  So, I decided to go with the positive.

RE-Leasing
The joy and excitement of returning was exhilarating.  Many of my yogini sisters helped me find the way to my other love - my open, vegan life.  As I coach others and experience in their revelation, I decided to get a coach of my own, someone who can objectively hold the light while I find my way out of the dark.  Fortunately, I was able to sign up with a certified health coach.  With serependity, my new health coach is a yogi.  In just two coaching sessions, she has helped me rework my schedule, prioritize my daily workouts, and design how and when I'll practice yoga, do cardio/aerobic workouts, and  resume my strength/body building training.  I am RE-leasing "me". I have actually begun to  take my days off and work only 5 days a week.  I have shortened my work days to about 10 hours.  I have begun to write again and post pics of my fruits and veggies.

As I return, I do so as a new creature.  Nutritionally, my health coach and I decided I needed a reboot.  I am on a 5 day juice feast to rid my body of the sluggishness I obtained from eating high fat raw vegan such as avocados, nuts, seeds,and almond milk banana smoothies daily.  The detox will get me back on track to low fat raw vegan, energy and vitality - to as she puts it "to give me the energy to do the very things I wish to do".  She helped me to find my balance and for that I am grateful.  It's working.  It's day 2 of my fast.  I am writing, have completed a chakra cleanse, and went outside yesterday and ran for the first time in weeks.

What about you?

Rebooting and Removing:  Juice Feast/Fast

How are things for you?  Do you need to jump start?  I recommend:
Retreat-Yoga, spa, massage
Reboot-Watch movie Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead
Rework-routines, re-prioritize
Remove-toxins (mental, physical, and spiritual)

If you don't need to RE-lease, then pay it forward with gratitude, reach out to be a coach to someone else, help them find their way.  Either way, look at any negative and turn it into a positive to know that some times you have to let go in order to gain, that you have to release to find RE-lease

Utthita Hasta Padangustasana -Standing Big Toe Pose

A pose that is grounding, balance, yet REleases to look toward a new direction, allowing you to be present and grounded in the present moment, yet rejoice in the newness of each day and as my dear friend says, to "expand outward"

Be IT

As one year ends and another one begins, so many reflect over what they could have, would have or should have done.  They "resolve" to be better, bigger, brighter, or anything associated with overcoming that which they failed to accomplish previously.
It is commonly known that many do not achieve what they resolve and many fail resolution within the first weeks or months of declaring intentions.

Why?  Very simple.  A resolution is a wish without any plan to actually achieve it.  It's just something simply said.  In a previous post Affirmation, I discussed how resolution is just a part of the formula.  Instead of resolving, we must also affirm, to realize the words of our resolution to fruition.. To visualize it into reality.

To affirm successfully, you must continue pass the initial resolution stage of "say It".  You must also, believe It,  do It,  and be It.

Saying IT
Please do not think that I am minimizing the importance of resolution.  Saying it is the first, crucial step.  If we don't first say it, we can not proceed.  It is key to verbally express your intent.  Saying it incorporates reflection of where you have been, recognizes your present moment, and introduces where you plan to go.  Saying it truthfully is the next step.  If you distort any component in saying it, you are destined to break your resolve which is why many never move past this point.  The problem is that most resolutions are passive intentions.  For example, to say "I resolve to loose 30 lbs"  without truthfully acknowledging how long it initially took you to gain those pounds, the habits that placed you 30lbs  up or the real reason why you wish to loose it, will become burdensome and you may give up before you actually get started.  Perhaps you  really don't need to loose 30lbs.  Perhaps you are only trying to loose weight for an artificial event or reason, or perhaps the real root cause is your health and to loose 30lbs is a by-product.  So instead of resolving, say your intent with affirming truth "I reduce my pre-diabetes risks".

Believing IT

The reason most do not get past the Say IT stage is because they either set a superficial resolution or they don't believe it themselves.   A realistic statement that exemplifies your truth will lead to successful realization.  You say what you believe and believe in what you say.  When you believe your statement, you will exhibit it and those around you will believe it also.  As said in the past, imagine yourself not failing.  Believe in your success.

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world" ~ Gandhi

Doing IT

Saying and believing your statement is the catalyst.  Remove the passivity of resolution - instead, do it.  Actually doing It is the action to bring it to be.  Remember

"Actions speaks louder than words" 

Put your words into place.  Prioritize the steps needed to accomplish what you desire to be.  Address each step an item at a time.  For example:  "I live cruelty free".  Begin by believing you are cruelty free in your actions and intentions.  Make a list of things you will no longer do and those which you will:  get rid of all of your animal based products,  replacing each one-by one with cruelty free items - start with your pantry, the move on to your refrigerator, then your closet. As you move through the steps,  acknowledge that you are "doing IT", say your affirmation out loud as you "do".   Remember, no artificial or stressed-filled created/generated deadlines.  Work through doing IT, one day, one step, one moment at a time.

Being IT

After you have done it, the final step is to actually Be IT.  Being it is reinforcement and the physical manifestation of the original words "said".  It is accomplishment of objective.   Successfully being IT reinforces your  belief in yourself and allows you to proudly state who you now are, for example:   "I am vegan", "I climb mountains", "I run marathons", "Today is a great day", "I help the homeless", "Absolutely nothing is out of my reach", etc.    Being IT transforms resolution into affirmation and affirmation into a positive self-fulfilling prophetic truth.   When you have become that wish you sought to be, a euphoric empowerment washes over you, giving you the ability to "say it" again, to move on to do and be the next thing.
So, whatever IT may be for you, as one year ends and a new one begins, remember to realistically wear the realization that "it" is more than resolution, "it" is affirmation. Proudly say it, believe it, do it.....BE IT.

Happy New Year

Being Super

I apologize.  I've been away for the past two months. I've been busy....busy taking on a full time project directing a group of health and wellness representatives.  It has been hard, work, the hardest I've worked in recent years.  I love it though.  I feel as if the 12 to 16 hour workdays will be worth it, that the reward shall be realized through the positive results of those involved, to know that I am physically making a difference.  Two weeks ago, after a  particularly long, arduous yet successful task, my colleague commented that she felt as if the two of us were standing strong, each side by side with a huge "S" on our chests, capes flying in the wind....that we were incredible, that we were.... "super".

Super, Fit, and Vegan?

Jeff Sekerak,  Super, Fit, and Vegan

Wow. Super. The statement was true.  We had worked hard and tirelessly because we believed in that in which we were engaged.  As with everything in my recent life, I immediately applied the thought to my vegan path. How does the act of being super apply?  Is there such a thing as a Super Vegan?  When it comes to coaches, activism, cooking, nutrition, and education, many can think or name several super vegans.  However, when it comes to the image of a vegan super man or super woman, not too many come to mind.  That is due to the common misconception that vegans are scrawny and very thin in physique.  There are many however, who proudly promote to the contrary.  Along this journey, I've met many strong vegans who exhibit physical strength and fitness.  Once such being is my friend, Jeff Sekerak, the Superfit Vegan.  Jeff who daily runs several miles, practices yoga, completes intense workouts, and is the epitome, of fitness states there are: 

5 Proven Keys to being Super Fit for Life:

1. Eat a 100% plant based diet (with emphasis on raw fruits and greens)
2. 30-60 minutes of uninterrupted calisthenics per day
3. Fast walk, bike or run everywhere you go
4. Aspire to greatness in all you do (cultivate true friendships, stand for something)
5. Enjoy silence (turn off the television)

Jeff practices what he preaches.  He, along with his partner, Megan, are committed to:

• Humility -  https://www.facebook.com/PowerOfSimplicity?fref=ts
• Love -  http://veganplusvegan.com/
• Education -  http://superiorbodyhealth.com/blog/
• Power/Fitness -  http://www.youtube.com/user/jeffsekerak

Belief in these things are evident in the countless posts, pictures, books, and videos he generates. There is a  sweet, genuine aura about Jeff, who has now begun to spread his message internationally as he travels around the world.  He takes each of us along for the journey as he selflessly sends daily posts of positivity from where ever he has roamed that day, promoting that we all can be the best that we can be, as strong as we can be, and as super as we can be. His super-human approach to body weight exercises have transformed me into a strong, lean, vegan, machine.  Many often marvel at how I can be as slender as I am yet exhibit the strength that I have. Through Jeff's numerous videos, I have learned how to workout smart, hard and simple.  I am grateful to know this super being with a super humble soul.

su-per (soo^.per) adjective  

of the highest degree or power; first-rate; excellent

More than just physical.....

Being super is also more than just physical.  It is tapping into your personal source of power to become the best that you can be in all that you do.  Innately, we all possess the ability to excel, to utilize our power.  What is it for you?  What makes you super?  The discovery can be just as amazing as the very gift itself.  Last evening, I spoke with my aunt. The conversation reminded me that while growing up, she was always my example of superwoman.  She was strong, smart, beautiful, creative, sophisticated, independent, and successful.  As I watched her from afar, I wanted to be just like her.  I wanted to look like her, dress like her, act like her.  I wanted to be...her.  It took years to realize that as much as I wanted to be, I could not be my aunt.  I had to be...me.  The realization that a superwoman was lying dormant within me was phenomenal and awakening. Now that I have brought life to my own super being, my aunt, as I spoke with her, told me she thought that I was strong, smart, beautiful, creative, sophisticated, independent, and successful.

How ironic.  The entire time I focused upon her, she focused upon me.  We both saw and marveled at  the same thing within each other at the same time not realizing that we were looking at ourselves.  Are you missing the picture of the truth of your nature?  Are you overlooking the super entity that lies within you?  I challenge you .   It is more than just physical. When you are super, you can be a writer, baker, candlestick maker.  It doesn't matter as long as what ever it is, it is that which awakens you to fulfill your purpose.  Awaken to the being within.  Awaken to your superness, put on your cape, and allow it to flow confidently in the wind.

Yoga:  Tadasana -Mountain Pose 

Tadasana is often used in grounding.  However, this quote says it all:

"Mountain pose is an affirmation.  You can conquer anything 

with your natural boldness and resolute strength"  ~Terri Guillemets

Namaste.

ABC's and 123's

September.  In this country, it is a month that traditionally marks change - students return to school, seasons transition, and the final quarter begins signifying the end of the year is near.This month also marks a personal change – it is the anniversary of this blog and my conscious decision to eliminate all animal-based products from my life.  It has been an extraordinary two years.  If you have followed from inception, you will note the ups and downs happiness, disappointment, growth, and lack thereof… however through it all, the consistency of elated forward movement and positive energy through the power of education has carried me and holds me with strong steadfast along this path.

Easy as 123

The key to any successful transformation is simplicity.  The less complex you keep things, the easier it becomes to maintain.  As I reflect on the eve of year three, I take with me and present to you three simple things that I’ve learned up to this point:

1.       KISS yourself every day.  (I know I’ve said this many times before, but I can not express enough how important it is to Keep It Short and Simple).   If you are transitioning to veganism, whole, live foods are the ultimate fast food.  Just pick up a piece of fruit or vegetable and go.  Keep meal preparation within 5 minutes or less with 5 ingredients or less.  If you are transitioning in another area, KISSing yourself each day will facilitate your success.

2.       Never underestimate the importance of daily movement and exercise.  Movement, as simple as a brisk walk or as challenging as a two-hour workout, makes such a difference in your overall wellness.  Get up, get your blood circulating, oxygenate your system, increase your brain cells, introduce your body to a little perspiration.  The more you exert, the more overall energy and strength you will gain.

3.       Embrace calm.  Calming down and introducing breath into your day detoxifies your body and remove stress. Take the time to pray, meditate, chant or do whatever it is you do to rest, restore, renew, and re-nourish the whole self.  Express gratitude and humility each day.   Calmness changes your demeanor and your approach to life.  In the end,  everything will always be alright.

The ABC’s of it

As I reflect, I thought I’d have a little fun to measure how many new things I’ve embarked upon during this journey. The best way to categorize is to find a place amongst the alphabet for these great tidbits.  Although  previously aware of some of areas listed, I soon discovered there were more things about them that I did not know as opposed to what I did.    I figured I’d come up a few things, however, to my surprise, I have actually accumulated a wealth of information.   Let me share just few with you, a small fraction, of that which has brought new awareness:

Bitter Melon &  Cucumber

A – Affirmation (be it), Awakenings (goodwill and balance by Jen McGown) , Alkalization (ultimate cellular state; dis-ease can not live here!),  Apple (yes, one a day does keep the doctor away.  See malic acid below), Avocados (vitamin C, K, folate)

B – Body Weight Exercizes; Breathe (key to life); Bananas (best fast food ever!- fiber, vitamin c, b6, potassium, mangaese), Beets (lowers chlorestrol), Bittermelon (strengthens immune system) Bok Choy (folic acid, vitamin C, antioxidant, potassium) BAV(it's ok to go bold by John Lewis)

C – Chia seeds (a super –dooper super food); Cucumbers (who knew?-too many good things to mention); Coconut water (natural electrolyte - perfect to rehydrate or to start your day); Cleanse (detox regularly)

D – Dates (medjool - best natural sweetner! and great treat); dry brushing (surprising aid to digestion)

E – Embrace (yourself as well as others), emote, energy, eggplant (yes, you can eat it raw)

Jicama "Sandwich" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFVe0MSJRuk   

F – Fennel (awesome source of source of iron, calcium, magnesium, folate, fiber, vitamin C; Focus; Folate (crucial B vitamin essential to cell growth and reproduction) Food Combining; Fitness (one of the key factors to wellness that provides cohesion)

G – Greens (deep greens - perfect to eat raw!); Guava; Grapefruit; Guru (become experienced; get help; give help); Gratitude

H – Happiness & Harmony (key to well being - bring your internal sunshine out by AsanteGeorge)

I – Indian Cherry (fiber rich, potassium, vitamin C, A)  

J – Jackfruit; Jicama (pronounced "hic-ca-ma") sweet root vegetable -fiber, potassium, vitamin C); Juice Fast (nice way to cleanse detox and jump or re-start)

Kale Wrap

K – Kombucha; KISS; Kale (superfood king; 45% protein; vitamin A, K, calcium); Kundalini yoga (unites the mind, body and soul) Kalvarti (raw vegan and life coach, Jo Ann Hazelhurst)

L – Live Food; Lemons (secret wonder food-cleanses inside and out)

M – Metta (the state of lovingkindness and good will); Meditation; Malic acid (key ingredient in apples-provides energy and promotes muscle health); Mango (mm mm good)

N – Nectarine; Naturally Healing (Pele Chen-healing through holistic consumption; Newsletter (the next step I'll share)

O – Om (reminder that universe is within); Oranges (super fast food #2)

Quinoa

P – Presence; Pulp Madness (growth, my first e-book)

Q – Quinoa (pronounced "kee-wah"- a seed not a grain; considered a complete protein- contains all essential amino acids, iron, calcium)
R – Radish (copper, manganese, folate, potassium, riboflavin, vitamin C) Raw veganism; Rest; Raw & Delicious Lifestyles (raw vegan education Toni Allen)

S – Sabbe satta suku hontu (pali chant - May all beings be well); Sprouting; Starfruit (vitamin C, fiber, copper); Sunflower seeds (too many to name -here's a few: copper, magnesium, selenium, vitamin E); Sun baking; Sexy Raw Vegan (my coach Drew McCall Burke, who first believed); The Super-Fit Vegan (body weight expert, Jeff Sekerak)

T – Tumeric (powerful root spice-great for anti-inflammation); Transformation; Transition

Zucchini Sliders

U – Uncooking; Ujjayi breathing (cleansing breathe of fire); UBRaw (raw chefs Ronnie & Minh Skurow)

V – Validation

W – Wellness; whole food;  water (brain food; re-energizes; drink it for life)
X – Xigua (Chinese translation for watermelon; full of vitamin A,C)

Y – Yoga Girl goes Vegan (tangible dreams come true), Yams (yes, you can eat them raw); Yoga (my base, the trigger that started it all)

Z – Zen (learning to be present in the moment), Zucchini (protein packed, vitamin C, K, B6, Folate, Magnesium, fiber)       

Whew!  That's quite a bit.  For as much as I listed; there is much that could not fit. The information obtained in this short span of time demonstrates that you can increase your knowledge if you obtain, apply, and adapt it into your daily life.  Take a moment to reflect upon your own journey.  Marvel at how the mass of what you have learned has become integrated into your new way of doing things.  In the beginning, the goal was to execute change for 21 days - the magic number to create a new habit.  Wow! In no time, it's now a little over 21 months.  The same shall be true for you.  You'll realize that all it takes is a little education to go a long way.  As you think about your personal season of change, remember that continuous education, repetition, and building upon newly established foundations will guide your steps.  The amazing part is that each day you learn a little more and it will just seem to become easier and easier.  As easy as ABC's and 123;s.

Possessing Power

Points, objectives, tasks, initiatives, projects, destinations, alterations, changes, transitions, reformations, transformation all equal the same... goals.  Each of these represent things we would like to achieve.  Sometimes just observing it becomes overwhelming and we loose the ability to see successful implementation.  Other times, we over think our approach - the "how" or method by which we will achieve that which we desire.  It cripples us and stops us from accomplishment because we simply do not realize that we each possess the power to make it happen.

In prior posts, Chain Reaction and Affirmation, I have referenced the quote by Robert Schuler, "What would you do if you knew you could not fail?  It is a very strong statement that provokes deep thought.  Let's change it a bit.  Ponder this::  What would you do if you knew you possess the power to do anything you set your intentions to do?  WOW!  A jolt of strength and energy should be coursing through your bloodstream right now, awakening your mind.

The Power of ONE

"The Power of ONE to change a few, 

the Power of a few to change many,

the Power of many to change Nations,

always begins with....the Power of ONE." 

~ Drew McCall Burke 

Suzanne Africa Engo

Last week, I was fortunate to experience this first hand.  I watched Suzanne "Africa" Engo's documentary "I Love Africa"*  which chronicles her journey to raise Aids Awareness.  I met Africa through social media without any prior knowledge of her "power".  I immediately found her to be a bright, shining light, humorous and an inspirational raw vegan chef.  What I did not know is that this wonderful human being decided to raise awareness for this devastating dis-ease by dedicating her life to veganism, incorporating fitness, and then move with her power possession, to change the world...and she did it.  She initially started off on a run from New York to Chicago.  The success and notoriety propelled her to then run across the world, from Milan, Italy to Cameroon, Africa on behalf of her cause.  Prior to becoming a raw vegan, she weighed 250lbs. She used her power to transform herself, loosing 110lbs.  Africa then took this power, sharing and spreading it through her infectious smile and positive energy to share with one, many and thus, nations on behalf of her cause.  Her power has become international.  She demonstrates that all you need is you to start using your power. 

 "If you build it, they will come" ~Field of Dreams ©1989  

Africa's added another initiative to her "plate", encouraging Americans to eat healthy and vegan in the National Fight Against Obesity.  As a raw vegan chef, she loves to keep it simple.  Here is my take on one of her dishes:

1 sweet potato

handful of walnuts

1 tsp cold pressed coconut oil

Shred or with a noodle tool, make sweet potato noodles, sprinkle nuts and drizzle with coconut oil.  Simple, nutritious, and tasty

*for those in the United States, the documentary via this link:  I Love Africa, is avail for free viewing until the end of the year at which time it will be produced into a DVD for international distribution.   May her story inspire you.

Power to say NO

Sometimes, you don't need power to start something new or to transform the world  Sometimes, you need the complete opposite - just a little power to change an element in your surroundings for your well being. Sometimes, you need to possess the power to say "no". Many of us are people pleasers.  I am guilty.  For many years, I worried about providing the right answer, the right solution for acceptance or judgment.  So, I always said "yes" to people, situations, and things that I should not have.  It wore on me down both professionally and personally.  Everyone else was happy because I took on their projects and goals. I made it happen for them.  Yet, I was not happy.  I had not taken the time to please myself.  I had not said "yes" to me.  It was  not until I learned how not to be co-dependent, that I learned how to say "no".  Sometimes, if we remember to say "no", we will remember to say "yes" to those elements we need for our well being:  air, sun, water, freedom, tranquility, positive energy, and light, each of which empower us to be the best we can be.  Begin to say "no" to situations and things that drain and wear you down - that steal your power. Regain possession, realize there is a difference between giving and doing with selfless humility and giving away that which fuels you.  Initially, practice saying "no".  It's okay - the world will still be standing after you say it.  Look into the mirror to see how you look saying no.  As you say it, observe how your jaw bones move. "Feel" it physically.   After you say it, smile and remember that in order to achieve your goals, sometimes you have to say no in order to say "yes" to make things happen, and that you must first realize that not only do you possess the power to do so, but that YOU are the only ONE who can, and the rest of the world will follow.

Namaste. 

Yoga:   Ardha Chandrasana Half Moon Pose

Highlights the power of one.  It is an alignment or standing pose in that improves balance, flexibility and anchors grounding of legs and ankles.  The possession of this one pose, is powerful enough to strengthen the core of the entire body.