Taking Responsibility for your Well-Being

"Mystic Path to Cosmic Power" by Vernon Howard

I read this book in the late 1980's. It is still in print. Its content; somewhat obscure, especially back then. However, still to this date, I find relevant statements that help reinforce a self-empowered life.

"Your happiness depends upon what you think of yourself. That is freedom and relaxation. To place your well-being in the hands of another is like wanting a painting of a colorful dawn, but meekly allowing the artist to paint what he prefers, perhaps a bowl of fruit. You must stop that. Even if it produces a temporary emotional crisis in you--which it will--you must stop it. You must please yourself as your inner integrity tells you to do; regardless of the consquences. You must consent to nothing that compromises with what you know is right for you. And that inner voice is always telling you what is right, isn't it?"

pg 188

Winter's Theme: WELL-BEING

A New Year is soon here... and an Opportunity for a New Way of Living a Delicious Life. What are 3 ways you can simplify your life this year? What are 3 images of embodying a sense of Well-Being in your life? Incorporate these thoughts and images to this year's Individual Vision Chart. (refer to last winter's posting on Vision Charts)

It begins with the Self

Peace Pilgrim, an advocate for world peace, travelled the earth over 25,000 miles by walking penniless for over 28 years. Her belief was simple, it begins with the self, first achieving inner peace, and only then can peace among others be attained.

"The simplification of life is one of the steps to inner peace. A persistent simplification will increase an inner an outer well-being that places harmony in one's life." Peace Pilgrim

BE who you are!

Be who you are nothing more nothing less
and let the beauty that you love be….. the very best
Sing praises to the highest with your feet on the ground
And reach for your brother with the words that you sound and
Don't let mistakes be so monumental, and
Don't let your love be so confidential, and
Don't let your mind be so darn judgmental
And please let heart be more influential
Be thankful for all the Spirit provides
And be thankful for all that you can see without eyes
Give thanks to music that keeps us alive
And give thanks to all the DJs worldwide

lyrics by Michael Franti; lyrics to the song "Hey Now Now"

Delicious Living Exudes from Within

Delicious Living Well-Being Tips for Autumn:

RAW, Organic & UNFILTERED Apple Cider Vinegar hosts many health benefits. 1 Tbsp mixed with some purified water daily helps restore the proper PH level to your system (many people's bodies are too acidic from daily meat and coffee consumption), helps digestion and elimination, and thus will help foster improved skin conditions.

TAN TIEN, the Chinese term for "core" or "personal power center" is located approximately 2 1/2 inches below the navel. This area is used as a mental focal point in martial arts to assist the overall energy flow and well-being of the individual. Qi Gong is such a martial help that will help foster one's systemic energy level. Pilates is another such exercise technique that focuses on the core area. This type of regimen is somewhat like yoga but more calisthenic-oriented. Check for classes in your neighborhood for both of these exercise programs.

MOVEMENT. Daily CONSCIOUS movement of at least 20 minutes per day will help blood circulation and get fresh oxygen into your body.

ATTITUDE. Positive thoughts are essential. Thoughts (personal perspective) create your reality.

Delicious Living's Beauty Tip of the Season!

NEUTROGENA's Healthy Skin Enhancer SPF 20

My MUST have! Somewhere between moisturizer and foundation this SPF20 tinted moisturizer goes on smooth and leaves a luminescent coverage! The pump dispenser gives just the right amount of fluid to give my complexion a more even finish and gives a subtle glow. I absolutely love this product! With my fair (&somewhat dry) complexion I have always found it hard to find the "perfect" foundation that would give me coverage, not feel heavy on my skin, and would give my skin a dewy, fresh look....this is the product I've always searched for. ~RV


My Holy Grail
by Sarahbelle (6 reviews)
This is it. This is the right combination of color, coverage, sunscreen, finish, etc. Coverage is sheer-to-medium (it's fairly buildable), the finish is semi-matte, stands up to humidity, and looks good doing it. win, win, win.

Going Meatless? Awesome "Burger" Recipe!

MARINATED PORTOBELLA MUSHROOM SANDWICH

4 washed portobella mushrooms, destemmed (save stems--can roast them too!)

1/4 - 1/2 c extra virgin olive oil

2 T - 1/4 c worcestershirer sauce

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 sweet vidalia onion cut into slices

salt and pepper

fresh rosemary sprigs ***key ingr. is the fresh rosemary

Wash mushrooms and dry with paper towel. Set aside. In mixing bowl, stir together olive oil, garlic, worc. sauce, salt and pepper. Take mushroom caps and coat each one with olive oil mixture. Place mushrooms in 9 x 13 baking pan. Add the vidalia onions to baking pan (along with mushroom stems and perhaps some red bell pepper). Add a fresh sprig rosemary over every mushroom cap. Pour over remaining olive oil mixture. If you have any remaining fresh rosemary add to the sliced onions and toss in.

Roast mushrooms at 350 degrees for 20 - 30 minutes. Serve on toasted bun (we add sliced havarti cheese and melt). Enjoy!

recipe by J. Schanen

A Very Profound Read

A very dear friend bought me a copy of this book several months ago. At that time my brother-in-law was passing on from colon cancer. Soon thereafter, a very dear soul to me died suddenly in a car accident. Two months later my mother would be passing away from an 8 year battle with oral cancer. During those months in early spring til recently--- I partook of this book and shared with my family. We all found it to be a source of great importance in our Spiritual lives. I highly suggest it to any of you seeking a stronger connection to God and what it means to truly come Home.

Connecting with Creativity

"...Dependence on the Creator (within) is really freedom from all other dependencies. Paradoxically, it is also the only route to real intimacy with other human beings. Freed from our terrible fears of abandonment, we are able to live with more spontaneity. Freed from our constant demands for more and more reassurance, our fellows are able to love us back without feeling so burdened. ..."

p. 95 "The Artist's Way"

GRATITUDE...A Way to Live

Autumn is the season of Harvest and Thanksgiving. Take some time each and everyday to give Thanks for the Blessings and Goodness in your life.

"Grace isn't a little prayer you chant before receiving a meal. It's a way to live." ~Attributed to Jacqueline Winspear

"He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has. " ~Epictetus

Creative Short Fiction Piece written by Rae

Us "Bad Boys" of the 3rd Grade


"Hey! Toughskins---yu wanna play dead or alive with us?" I said in my usual friendly way.

"Na, I gotsa stay in today. Teach says I owe her a whole gol damn recess. Says she'z gonna make it 2 recesses next time I snap like that, " Toughskins replied back.

It's been almost 20 years since we all were in the 3rd grade and us boys banded into some eclectically mixed community that got along...for the most part. It was me, referred to as T-square , I guess because my name is Thomas and the others thought I was kind of a "square", and a group of about 8 other boys that hung out at recess time. Out of all the boys, I remember Toughskins most vividly.

Man, that kid had some temper on him! Us "Bad Boys" of the 3rd grade all tip-toed around him---fearing the moment he'd explode from the wrong look. But I also recall him being really smart, and, when he wanted to be, a pretty kindhearted soul.

I was one of those "average" boys. Not the popular athletic kid who in a few years would become the star high school quarterback, nor the kid with a brilliant math mind. I was simply a good kid who wanted to be everyone's friend. And this meant being a friend to Toughskins as well.

Obviously Toughskins was not his real name. But after all these years I honestly can't remember his real name. I can only remember his ordained nickname given to him from the group mind. We started calling him that name because of his hardened and gruff persona. But like I mentioned before...we saw glimpses of a marshmellow heart inside. I once saw him push a 2nd grade girl who was confined to a wheelchair all the way to school. They were neighbors and every now and then I'd see them play together, albeit quite discreetly. And I knew it wasn't because he "had to", but rather he chose to. I'd see him wear a very rare smile when he played with her. It was probably the only time he didn't wear the tough-guy facade.

After a full school year of being classmates, on the last day we found out he wouldn't be back. He was moving to another town to live with his dad. As we sat outside Sauk County Elementary School waiting for our rides-- I witnessed a very sad moment in Toughskins elementary school life. With me standing alongside my younger sister, Toughskins was sitting on the curb hiding his face into his knees. I was actually seeing Toughskins breakdown into tears. I saw him red-eyed as he waited for Gramps to pick him up.

As a 9 year old boy I was exceptionally sensitive, and smart enough to know the girls definitely would not miss Toughskins nor would alot of us boys. As a general consensus, we had grown tired of his bullying and rough play. But somehow as that 3rd grade boy I was...I knew I was going to miss him. Coming back as a 4th grader without him didn't feel right.

As our last few minutes of friendship counted down I kindly said, "I'm gonna miss you Toughskins. Hope you like living with your dad."

"Aw I ain't gonna miss this lousy school...bunch of stupid kids here," Toughskins snapped back.

"Bye," I said sadly as I waved good-bye to him.

I didn't get any verbal reply back but rather I got a lasting image. Toughskins was in the backseat of his grandfather's silver 4 door car. As he was being driven away I saw Toughskins rubbing away salty tears from his face. To me, this meant he was going to miss us, regardless what the bully said.

Here's to you Toughskins---wherever you are. Hope you are ok and staying out of trouble. Best Wishes to ya.....Your friend, T-Square.

VISION STATEMENT for SUMMER 2010

When the World says "Give up"; Hope whispers "Try it one more time." author Unknown

I HOPE

Healthy Springtime Salad

ROASTED BEETS WITH BLUE CHEESE AND DANDELION LEAVES

Slice beets into thin slices. Coat with olive oil and toss. Add freshly ground black pepper and/or freshly grated ginger root. (You can also add a few cloves of garlic leaving on the skins that are tossed in olive oil in order to roast the garlic. Once beets are done you can take off the garlic skins and mash the roasted garilic into your salad dressing or spead the garlic onto a piece of crusty bread.)Bake at 400 degrees for approximately 35 min's or until beets become tender and begin to carmelize. After removing from oven toss in a small amount of balsamic vinegar.

On a bed of mix greens containing dandelion leaves (excellent for keeping your liver and gall bladder happy and healthy!) place some roasted beets. Top with crumbles of blue cheese. Roasted walnuts also go well with this simple springtime salad.

Spring into your Ascendant

The Ascendant

(the Rising Sign of a Natal Chart)

The sun meets the Horizon...the sun greets the Ascendant. As the sun progresses through the sky during the day it moves through different "houses" of the natal chart; altering the Rising Sign.

According to Dane Rudyar (preminent astrologer of transpersonal astrology) the Ascendant is more important than one's sun sign. The ascendant is indicative of one's overall personality. It is the instinctual way one moves through life. It is the energy one grows into as a person lives their life.

Below I give a VERY brief "flavor" of each Ascendant's energy(illustrating both the positive side and less desirable side of the sign)....giving you an idea of how a person with an Aries Ascendant will differ from a Taurus Ascendant, although they are both Cancer sun signs. The tone and pace, the overall impression they give to someone they first meet will vary significantly. Fire energy Ascendants (Aries, Leo and Sagittarius) will move intuitively and have a sort of impatience to them---doing what they need to do; whereas a Water sign (Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces) are emotionally reflective and tune into their environment, thus they are more apt to consider the needs of another before doing.

This is only the beginning of what there is to know and understand about the Rising Sign of your natal chart. But hopefully this may peek your interest into discovering more about your latent potential. Spring into your Ascendant...and let the flowers of your Ascendant come into full bloom as you live your Delicious Life!

ARIES: fire energy; Adventurous, Impulsive, Bold, Forceful, "young male energy"; Blazing New Trails, Staking Claim to One's Own Identity; Headstrong

TAURUS: earth energy; Tenacious in their Aim, Comfortable living; Pleasures of Life, Steady in pace--not moving too quickly, Beauty and Finery, Vocal (Taurus rules the throat); Collector to feel secure and safe; Emotionally tend to be even-keeled; Stubborn; Endurance to Persevere

GEMINI: air energy; Communicative, Social, Chatty, Curious, Knowledge seeking, High Nervous Energy, Flitting and Flirtacious; Literal and Logical

CANCER: water energy; Mother energy, Roundness, Imaginative, Reflective, Emotionally Sensitive, Moody, Home-oriented/Family; Side-stepper (doesn't like to confront); Clairsentient

LEO: fire energy; Shine in the Spotlight...THIS IS ME!, Ego-centric, Playful, Fun-loving, Generous

VIRGO: earth energy; Discerning, Precision in Analysis, Meticulous, Health focused, In the Physical Routine World to Contribute/Serve (therefore must stay healthy),

LIBRA: air energy; Relationship-oriented; Harmony-seeking; Beauty and Arts; Love and Commitment; Doesn't want to upset or rock the boat; Placating

SCORPIO: water energy; Intense, Powerful, Revengeful, Passionate, Delves Deep into "Hidden" /Taboo Realms; Inherent Need to Merge with something other than one's self --darkness and light come together(ie intimate connection); Deep Reverence; Spiritual, Mystical and Metaphysical Interests; Intuitively will know/feel other's Motives; Studies the Psyche

SAGITTARIUS: fire energy; Optimistic, Inspirational, Philosophical, Honest; Seeks Ultimate Universal Truth; Righteous and Preachy; Expansive, Open-Minded; Overly indulgent, Speaks before Thinking; Conceptual Approach--Big Picture

CAPRICORN: earth energy; Disciplined, Structured, Seeks Leadership Role, Authoritative, Status Seeking, Constrictive in Approach and Outlook; Dogmatic; Wants to Excel

AQUARIUS: air energy; Innovative, Social, Networks well, Out-of-the Box Thinking/Approach, Futuristic, Emotionally Detached; Socially Conscious( to the exclusion of family/personal/romantic life)

PISCES: water energy; Theatrical, Compassionate, Artistic, Affinity to Music and the Intangible, Lacking Defined Boundaries; Transcendant approach, Not always clear--nebulous in their approach; Desire to be One with the Creator, Addiction Issues, Very Sensitive and Psychic

Spring Equinox calls for a New Start

Springtime calls for a "Spring Cleaning" of Body, Mind and Soul. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, this is the most opportune time for cleanses (especially a Liver cleanse). Good herbs to sustain liver health are milk thistle and dandelion root. Warm lemon (or lime) water in the morning before you partake of anything else is also helpful. BUT as with any health regime: PLEASE CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL before beginning any new diet/supplement.
This is the season in the cycles of Life that is most beneficial to Newness...make use of this phase to purge your body, mind and soul of "things" that are no longer of any use.

Have a Blessed Spring!

"Uniting with the Universal Mind" ... 7th Chakra

The 7th Chakra

The Crown Chakra

The Thousand-petaled Lotus

Union with the Creator and All things

Knowledge becomes Understanding

Cosmic Consciousness / Liberated Universal Mind

Egolessness

Communion with our Higher Self; acknowledging our Divinity

Infinity

Thought Manifests into Reality

Pure Thought, Pure Consciousness

Pure Light (combinition of All colors)

Refers to the top of the head

Not being able to accept that there is a Creator of All is a source of blockage to this energy center. Not being able to be aware of all our actions (especially the hurtful ones) and lack of our control over our emotional state impedes the full-functioning of the Crown Chakra. Overly thinking an issue and not allowing what our Heart says is yet one more way to close off the 7th chakra.

Consistent (daily) Mindful Meditation and Spiritual Practices will help foster growth and understanding to the functions of this chakra. Becoming 100% aware of what we are thinking (the silent Thought, the Thought behind the conscious thought) and WHY we are thinking it -- is crucial to allowing the Crown Chakra to do its job.

Trusting in the Universal Process, flowing with Universal Time (Divine Will) and surrendering our own personal will is a crucial aspect to facilitating the harmonizing process.

It is a delicate process in remaining open and mindful while not being barraged by the overly abundant subtle influences in our environment. This is the energy center that transcends human understanding. Only by surrendering all that our brains know --can we open up to Higher Understanding and accept there IS more to Life than what we have learned to accept as truth. Here in the 7th chakra we give up personal truth and come to understand Universal (Impersonal) Truth. However, when we place all of our attention/energies on Spirit we become ungrounded, out of our physical body and cannot deal with everyday issues. We also are not able to participate in Life or partake of the Gifts an earthly life offers.

The sensation of Isolation can take over when self cannot engage in the everyday earthly life and tasks OR when the Self seeks only a relationship with God and separates him/herself from physical reality. Thus, Isolation can be either a 1st or a 7th chakra issue. As with so many other topics...one must delve deep into the matter to understand more fully what chakra the issue is stemming from and then hopefully being able to address it more appropiately (is the chakra affected more emotionally tuned (1-4) or intellectually wired (4-7)...remember chakra 4 is a bridge from the body to the mind).

Stepping into this chakra's energy is Vast, Infinite, Subtle and beyond the scope of just intellectual rationalization. It takes us out of the everyday ordinary and into the Universal Extraordinary! ...we begin to Live from the Unlimited Potential we innately own within each and everyone one of us. Having worked through chakras 1-6...We now know how to live in our body (chakras 1-3) and remain healthy and take care of earthly needs. We listen to where our Heart guides us in order that we may express ourselves honestly and creatively and that we may manifest our Dreams into physical reality. Only the sky is the limit when we have worked through limiting beliefs and corrected the misuses of our energy.

With my feet remaining on the ground of physical reality, AND with A LOT of focus and consistent work...I, too, want to be one of the few who are able to Touch the Stars and Live Life with Wisdom & Universal Understanding!

Eastern Philosophy for the Westernized Thinker

Eastern Body Western Mind written by Anodea Judith (author of Wheels of Light). Read from cover to cover several years ago, it is still an excellent resource to refer to in fostering chakra alignment and harmony.

Beliefs and their Effect on our Life

"The Spontaneous Healing of Belief" by Gregg Braden (author of several other books)

This book helps explore and is a resource for those who want to uncover their core Beliefs. What we believe does indeed affect how we perceive and interact in Life. Change your Beliefs...Change your Life is the overall premise of this book. Believe in Change...deep Change...and live a more expanded version of Life.

This book is a beneficial adjunct for helping to harmonize the 6th chakra.

Food: What we eat and Why

In Defense of Food ...by Michael Pollan (author of Omnivore's Dilema)

This book discussed the issue of Food....what we are led to eat...for socio-cultural reasons or for the quest of perfect health via nutrient seeking and marketing buzz words. It also goes on to discuss consumerism and how the world of processed convenience foods has led us as a nation towards obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Reading this book helped me revise my view on what Eating Deliciously means...it's not just about nutrition, but also on the company you share your meals with. Bon Appetit'!

***Michael Pollan is featured in the Oscar nominated documentary "Food, Inc."

"Mental Image Created"...The Sixth Chakra

AJNA, the BROW CHAKRA

aka...The Third Eye

Vision, Image, Ideas, Colors/Light, Dreams, Intuition, & Clear Perception of One's Reality, Beliefs (what you regard as truth)

AJNA, the Sanskrit word, for the Brow Chakra (6th chakra), brings the ethereal nature of Pure Thought (Pure Consciousness)/7th chakra into a slightly more dense form ...Image/Idea. Here the Mind starts to make form and some (intellectual) sense of what it perceives...Perception.

The Third Eye governs the eyes and thus one's Vision. Holding an Image as part of one's Meditation Ritual can be a beneficial tool to help break free of a limited mind and encourage the generation of fresh ideas/concepts/possibilities/solutions to a problem. Visualization techniques have been shown to help people heal from illness, to assist in losing weight, and to facilitate in Manifestation (bringing Thought into physical reality).

~

Dreams; both the nighttime version and the Visions we have for our future, are overseen by the Brow Chakra. The Third Eye is where the behind the scenes subconscious mind interfaces with the conscious mind and our external world. Being able to integrate the two with full awareness is how people who have cultivated their skills and energy are able to Manifest without much apparent effort.

~

As energy (aka prana) travels up the "spinal column" (Sushumna channel is the main channel with Ida to its left representing the feminine energies and Pingala to the right holding the masculine energies) the nature of this energy becomes lighter, less concrete in form, more ethereal. These 3 main energy channels meet at the 3rd Eye. To help facilitate their movement and harmonization Alternate Nostril Breathing, a yoga exercise, is extremely helpful.

Colors and Art are managed in this energy center. As our eyes take in light, an image is formed and we experience our external world through a vast array of colors put together in a beautiful mix of conceptual art. (*conceptual art n. Art that is intended to convey an idea or concept to the perceiver and need not involve the creation or appreciation of a traditional art object such as a painting or sculpture.) Working with colors INTUTITIVELY (meaning feeling the color you want to use first) on a regular consistent basis can help foster growth of intuition and visual awareness (to notice in a new way what lies in your surroundings...to become more aware of nuances).

Referred to previously in the Heart Chakra post...this energy center is also at times referred to as the Buddha Mind. Focus on a Meditative Life is encouraged. We are prompted to promote our Awareness through releasing limiting viewpoints and doing tasks more mindfully. And also, a Buddha Mind implies a mind that is free of lies and delusions/illusions of reality. In the 6th chakra we are called to HONESTLY examine our Beliefs.

~

Open-mindedness, to "think outside the box", and a realization that there is more to Life than what the physical eyes see are just three of the gifts one is Blessed with when the 6th chakra is open and balanced. So get out your crayons and "feel" what color you want to express yourself as today!

***Remember...as with all the other chakras...the energy centers can all be either too closed or too open. With a too closed 6th chakra the individual may be very opinionated and not able to let other viewpoints into his/her reasoning. In a too open 6th chakra, the person moreoften than not, is not grounded into his/her physical body and their mind/actions may appear to be "spacey" or not realistic.

5th Chakra: "Vibration seeking Expression"

Throat Chakra

Sound, Vibration, Creative Self-Expression, the color Blue, Communication via Symbols

The 5th Chakra, located in the throat, is the beginning of the more spiritualized centers. The energy located within is of higher frequency, thus more subtle and faster moving. Here we begin to experience the world through the subtlies of Vibration and Sound. The vibration of sound (words and music) is how we creatively express/communicate what we choose to express.

Blocks to this energy center show up as thyroid issues, problems with physical hearing and listening to others, and issues with your integrity (say what you mean, mean what you say, Walk your Talk). People either talk too much or too little with an imbalance in the throat center. Having an internal sense of rhythm and smooth flow to creative expression indicate a healthy, open and balanced 5th chakra.

Because this chakra contains more subtle realms, if you are wanting to help balance it, a diet higher in fruits and vegetables is helpful. The denser the food (ie. meats) the more energy is pulled down to the lower chakras. Movement therapy, dance, listening to music, singing, chanting, journaling, and art therapy all help to articulate in some way the more subtle, intangible energy of the 5th chakra that seeks to be expressed!

Remembering that one needs an open and balanced foundation (now meaning chakras 1-4 are open and balanced) in order for the upper chakras to be in harmony and alignment...if one is able to master the 5th chakra, this person has now mastered the lower self/the ego and is able to pursue Expression of their Higher Self/their Divine State. This person is now able to live more in accordance with the Heavens and continue on their pursuit to become one with the Creator.

Relating to the Heart Chakra: "Nobody Right, Nobody Wrong"

"Bridging the Gap"...the 4th Chakra

Chakra 4...the Heart Center

Universal Compassion, Empathy, the Christ Consciousness

Forgiveness, Unconditional Love & Acceptance

Generosity

Gratitude & Appreciation (for life & of differences!)

Being one's own Best Friend

Letting Go of Judgment

Releasing Grudges & Resentment

Connecting the Lower (Personal) Chakras (1-3) with the Higher (Impersonal) Chakras (5-7)

A sense of warmth, perhaps an image of Grandma's house comes to mind with this energy center. Few people actually master in fully balancing this chakra. Oftentimes it is too closed off due to holding grudges, or too open when we are trying to please and give to others and are cut off from receiving or meeting our own needs.

The color associated with this chakra is green. New life, healing, nurturing one's dreams (heart's desires), and soul growth are a few of the roles that work through this energy center.

Perhaps more than anything that can help facilitate flow to this area is Forgiveness and an honest state of Surrender...giving up personal control and letting Divine Grace in to Guide our way.

I, personally, cannot say I am anywhere near being an open-hearted and totally empathetic person. Too many times I get caught up in my own personal stuff. The Heart Chakra is a Bridge. The 4th chakra takes our personal self, who we are as an individual person and Connects this personal Foundation with our Higher Self's ability to become a part of a Universal Consciousness. It is the place where the Teachings of Christ can Live from. Where we as an individual can attempt to Be more Christ-like. (Buddha energy is associated with the 6th Chakra...giving up delusion in order to see/perceive more accurately)

Praying for others, charity work, giving of our self--Generosity, extending ourselves beyond our typical comfort zone, all help to strengthen and balance this vital energy center. Rose quartz may be the most infamously known crystal to work with to help open and harmonize the heart chakra (but there are many others).

To literally take Judging Others out of our state of being is what the Heart Chakra intends for all of us. The ability to Understand WHY someone may be doing what they are doing and to Walk in another's Shoes through and across the Bridge to the Impersonal is what the Heart Chakra Desires.

The HEART of LIFE is GOOD

3rd Chakra... "Exuding Confidence --VS-- Exerting Force"

The Third Chakra

Solar Plexus, Vitality, Personal Power, Confidence, the Ego self, Digestion

From what has already been written about the first two chakras (previously posted) I have realized a Foundation of Security (physical needs (1st chakra) and emotional needs (2nd chakra) ) is established when those first two primary energy centers are balanced. It is when there is still upset and/or trauma in these first two chakras that the 3rd chakra, the Solar Plexus energy center, cannot thrive.

With an imbalance you will experience an exertion for control, domineering behavior and forcing one's will upon others in order to feel personal power and full authority of a situation. However, with force, it indicates a lack of a balanced center. Personal Power Radiates from one's Core of Being...it simply is. There doesn't need to be convincing and manipulating in order to get what you want or to have others believe you are right. There is a Confidence that is exuded from the balanced 3rd chakra that quietly allows others to know you believe in what you are doing and expressing --(in other words, you are NOT seeking validation or needing others to believe as you do).

A diet high in processed foods, sugars and caffeine, and drugs (prescribed or otherwise) tax the health of this energy center. A balance between proteins, carb's and fats is necessary since this chakra governs the digestive function. Too much or too little can easily upset the equilibrium. Once this center is harmonized a person's inherent weight set point can be more easily achieved. Adequate exercise and rest are essential to help maintain the function. Stamina and Vitality will be the Fruits Harvested along with a sense of Confidene and Belief in one's own Authority when this chakra is in a state of well-being.

As with all the 7 primary chakras, you cannot expect health and well-being in a higher chakra if the status and issues of a lower chakra have not been fully addressed. So in other words...one CANNOT be Authentically Confident in one's Core Self UNTIL one has addressed their Foundation of Security.

This is just a very brief discussion of the Solar Plexus Chakra. But it is my intention that if this minimal amount of information has hit you with "curiosity" / interest PLEASE continue on your search for BALANCE, HEALTH and WELL-BEING. Thank you~

2010: Transformation...Expanding what "Delicious Living" Means

Transformation

Expanding what "Delicious Living" Means

I began this Creative Project a year ago in hopes of expressing my interests in health and well-being and finding others who held similar values... hoping that our interests would intersect at various points, and we would open up discussion.

So much has transpired in my own life (let alone the world at large) over the past year that the same definition I applied to Delicious Living last year can no longer apply. Call me jaded, dark, or melancholic, it seems as though my view back then was a bit naive to say the least. The Universe has given me a reality check and life is not always "sugar and spice nice". HOWEVER, it has been during some of the roughest patches in my life that I find the most personal and soul growth...how can that not be DELICIOUS?!

With the current positions of Pluto in Capricorn squaring Saturn in Libra the whole world is being taught to RE-evaluate how they RE-late to certain areas of their life (depending on how these planets aspect each individual's natal charts). RE-defined structures need to be placed in order for us to advance in this Pluto/Saturn RE-ality check. A Total Transformation of our "Rules of Conduct" we lived by need a sincere overhaul. Old ways of relating to life and people simply won't work! Period.

And so...I came to understand...that my way of communicating to you, whoever that may be, needs to Transform as well...and that my way of relating to "Delicious" needed to be redefined as well.

In the past year (and it still continues) I have been stripped of a lot of personal armor I wore to protect my feelings. I've been stripped of lies and false hopes. I have been stripped of the familiar and comfortable way of doing life. I now stand more naked looking at life (my life) from an altered perspective. I feel almost as the image above...a woman standing naked, meditating on her Delicious apple. It is only now, a year later, I can stand more comfortably in my own nakedness, more free to BE ME...knowing a bit more what that feels like to Be "me". "Me" doesn't always HAVE TO BE "nice". I have come to find being "real" is far more "Delicious" and Fulfilling than placating others.

And so...on that note...the expanded definition of "Delicious Living" has evolved into not just doing xyz in life to find temporary happiness BUT in BEING one's naked & stripped SELF in order to find sustained joy and fulfillment.

Let's all have a Naked, Mindful, & Honestly Delicious 2010!

Bon Appetit`

Pain throws your heart to the ground

Love turns the whole thing around

Fear is a Friend who's misunderstood

But I know the Heart of Life is good

I know it's good

song lyrics to John Mayer's "The Heart of Life"

Happy New Year!