Today I am a really sad at a recent loss of a dear, dear friend to cancer. Cancer is so ugly, and totally the opposite of the energy I am striving to promote in my own Life and that of my loved ones. I have always followed a path of healthful activities; Physically (inside and out), Emotionally, and Spiritually. I believe there is a connection between the physical, emotional, and spiritual, which keeps us balanced and in good health. Although outside influences beyond our own control are causing our health to falter through means we are not always aware of, we can invoke a positive influence on our own bodies which may serve to counteract the negative energies assualting us from many directions.

As I already knew our bodies are animated through Life Force Energy, and our health depends upon what we feed our bodies, as well as that energy in which we gather and store, it was an easy choice to open the following book and soak up the knowledge within… Raw Food Life Force Energy: Enter a Totally New Stratosphere of Weight Loss, Beauty, and Health.

Raw Food Life Force Energy – by Natalia Rose is not your average weight loss type book. I don’t diet, and never have. I like to feed my body that which I believe is naturally good for me, yet even I was shocked at a few eye openers I found within the pages of Natalia’s book!

If you are striving to feel beautiful, healthy, and alive, then I would suggest taking a few moments to learn what Natalia Rose has compiled. She is a top nutritionist, and highly sought after amongst people from all walks of life. Her insights teach us that we can all have a beautiful lean body, youthful radiant skin, abundant energy, and attain a state of natural bliss. The secret is tapping into the ultimate source of well-being-Life Force Energy. If we can properly harness and increase our Life Force Energy through simple dietary and environmental principles, and therefore cleanse and bring our bodies back to their natural, harmonious frequency, we can experience radically improved levels of health, beauty, and happiness.

Rose presents four fundamental energy principles and practical applications, leading us to the best sources of natural energy-such as raw fruits and vegetables, sunlight, and fresh air, to name a few. These principles lay the groundwork for Rose’s comprehensive 21-day program, followed by more than seventy original, mouthwatering recipes that range from healthful cooked fish dishes to raw vegetarian soups, entrees, and desserts to accommodate all levels of raw food energy dieters.

I am quite excited about getting my hands on this book, and although I have not quite finished the program as outlined above, I will be certain to create an updated review as soon as I do! I am already well versed in gathering energy from Nature and the Environment around us, so I am curious to see how my body responds to a positive change from what I feed it. I was actually suprised to find certain foods in which I thought were healthy, are in fact not good for our bodies at all!

I wish any and all who venture on the Path to inner Vitality, Health, and Beauty much luck and good thoughts to help you on your journey. We are all Energy Beings who deserve to live up to our full potential. Happiness will follow, of that I am certain!!

Enjoy each moment,

Teri
~

Vegan breakfasts are easy: Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, and don’t think I let being vegan get in the way of that. Here are some yummy vegan breakfast ideas that are filling and nutritious.

1. Porridge. Steel-cut oats cooked with almond milk on the stovetop. Add in a drizzle of flax or coconut oil at the end of cooking for richness, and lots of chopped dates and apricots for sweetness.

2. Sweet potatoes. Yes, baked for an hour in the oven tastes best. I like to mash in lots of almond butter for protein, as well as a dash of cinnamon.

3. Scrambled tofu. No, it tastes nothing like eggs, but yes, it is delicious. My favorite recipe, lovingly titled Golden Tofu Scram involves tahini, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds. How does that not sound good?

4. Granola mash-up. Warm up some homemade berry compote, top with a few handfuls of granola, and pour in a little hemp or almond milk for creaminess. Then, stir away! Trust me, its delicious.

5. Breakfast burrito. Wrap beans, guacamole, and leftover stir-fry veggies in a whole wheat tortilla for one commute-friendly breakfast.

6. Quinoa pilaf. While quinoa is cooking in water or your favorite non-dairy milk, stir in some pecans and dried cranberries. When finished, fluff with a fork and top with a little grated orange zest.

7. Cherry smoothie. This one is especially great in the summer. Combine 1 cup frozen cherries, 1 cup water, 1/2 T coconut butter, 1 T cocoa powder, 2 T unsalted almonds, and a few medjool dates in a blender and whizz away. Fresh, frothy, and fabulous.

8. Vegan pancakes. They’re easy! Doctor up your favorite traditional pancake recipe like this: Replace each egg with 1 T ground flaxseeds and 2 T water, and sub hemp soy or oatmilk with a little bit of cider vinegar for the buttermilk. I also like to replace half the white flour with whole wheat, and add in some blueberries or sliced banana.

9. Fruit salad. Another warm-weather favorite when you’re looking for something light. My favorite is a mix of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, topped with chopped almonds.

10. Banana boats. You can do this with one or two bananas, depending on how hungry you are. Split each banana length-wise and spread each half generously with peanut butter. Top with raisins, drizzle on the agave nectar, and dust with cinnamon.

~ By Marygrace Stergakos, Eat. Drink. Better. ~

If there is one thing that irritates me when it comes to nurturing our garden, it is the battle we wage with the wee little buggers that love to eat our greens as much as we do. Some of these plant loving creatures are highly visible, and bold as brass when it comes to taking advantage of our loving care to create a healthy green atmosphere, in which they seem to believe is a lovely banquet set out just for them.

Personally, I would prefer they find a better place to feast, yet unfortunately I cannot persuade natures little nasties to find a new place to dine without getting a little mean about it. Even though it goes against my nature to eliminate creatures that must have some purpose on this planet, I just wish it could be served elsewhere, preferably far away from our beautiful garden. I would be very happy to find an organic pest control that can eliminate my gardens most unwanted enemies without using strong, toxic poisons, or causing harm to my family and the environment.

In my search to resolve these concerning issues, I believe I may have discovered a way to conquer the bugs without feeling too guilty over this pest elimination in my tiny yard and garden space. In comes Green Light Organic Neem. This is 3 Products In 1, Insecticide, Miticide, & Fungicide.

Use On Flowers, Trees, Ornamentals, Vegetables, Fruit & Nuts, Shields To Prevent The Germination & Penetration Of Fungal Spores On The Leaf Surfaces, Contains 70% Neem Oil.

Well then, I do believe the tide of this battle may have just turned in my favor! Now that I have such a great weapon in my organic arsenal to help in this Battle of the Bugs, I can share this knowledge with others interested in learning how to fight natures nasties as well. I am always happy to hear other peoples opinions and/or experiences, so feel free to comment and let me know what you think!

Whilst searching through some blogs for some going green tips that I just may not already be aware of, I discovered a really cool blog authored by two modern day earth lovers. These women know what it means to focus on the green aspect of life, and even though it is not always easy, they are willing to give it there best shot while blogging about it to get the word out.

I have a great amount of admiration for those who go the extra mile to keep this planet green and beautiful, while setting good examples for others to follow. So much is taken for granted, that when one looks at the really big picture we can see how each seemingly insignificant act can have a huge impact on the world in which we live in.

It takes all of us to be earth conscious and aware of how we walk on this Earth. Every action we take may be multiplied to the good or ill of the health of the natural world. Whether we know it or not, we are all responsible for our own actions, and the reactions that result.

As Stefanie and Joie seem to share my love of all things green, growing and beautiful, I would like to share their blog Focus Organic with you. I like their style, and you will find a lot of tips on going green, and how to enjoy an eco-friendly lifestyle.

Please take a few moments to visit… I am sure you will not be disappointed. Enjoy!

PS… Speaking of organic, I found something totally cool to satisfy my grandkids giant craving for candy… YummyEarth Organic Lollipops!

~ Mix of Sour Apple Tart, Pomegranate Pucker, Mango Tango, TooBerry Blueberry, Googly Grape, Strawberry Smash, Very Very Cherry, Wet-Face Watermelon.
~ Organic; allergen-free; gluten-free; GMO-free; egg-free; soy-free; nut-free; casein-free; dairy-free
~ All-natural: fruit extracts; red cabbage and purple carrots for color; no artificial dyes or flavors

Some days I just wonder how we manage to live in a natural and healthy way. Unless we grow and produce all our own food, it is always uncertain exactly what is inside, even when claims are made as to the wholesome and natural aspect of a given product. I tend to stay away from prepared foods as often as possible, yet I am not the only member of my household who does the preparation and cooking, so I am always concerned with what my family is consuming. My shopping cart looks like a giant fruit and veggie mobile, and I love to go to markets when the season permits.

Organic foods are avidly sought after items and my cupboards are loaded with what I hope are truly natural food stores. It costs me more to eat this way, as I am very picky about what passes through my mouth, and I only use pure maple syrup on my delicious oat and grain pancakes and when we need a great natural sweetener in our recipes. We only cook with olive or grapeseed oil, and corn oil seems to last forever as we only use it upon the rarest of occasions.

Still, I always wonder at the quality and true source of the food grown. Is the soil safe and clean? Are we getting true nutrients from the food grown? Is it handled in a responsible manner so we are not given harmful germs or viruses? Why are we still getting deadly diseases such as cancer if we are following our instincts by living as naturally as possible?

I woke up today after a night full of disturbing dreams. My dreams tend to tell of things to come, as I have dreamed true dreams of events before they occur on many, many occasions, so I pay very close attention to them for this reason. I dreamt of a terrible accident involving a loved one, and it put me in a strange mood upon waking. Of course I was upset, so I performed a calming excercise to give myself a chance to consider the implications from a place less full of the panic of my waking moment. I decided to just keep my senses aware and my eyes and heart open to events, and possibly avoid a dangerous situation which may or may not occur. The world is a very unsettling place to live in, so this is how I walk forth anyhow, yet I vowed to keep extra vigilence of my surroundings and in watching out for my loved ones.

I have experienced so much loss in the past few years, and most of these losses occured through preventable causes. Cancer and health related issues have taken several family members and friends to the other side before their time, in my eyes and heart. I am very close to the age of these dear ones who have crossed, and I am blessed with excellent health. I have always striven to take good care of this body the creator has blessed me with, and try to set good examples for those I come into contact with, or those who enter my sphere of influence.

Yet what about those who cannot afford to do this? And those who are not aware of the dangers surrounding them… how can we truly know what is safe and what may be potentially toxic?

I do not wish to experience the devastating feeling of grief and loss of losing a loved one through either neglect, or blatant disregard of our fellow humans health after consuming what they think is a pure and natural product. Most people do not seem to realize that they are stocking their homes with a whole lot of poisons and cancer-causing products, from household cleaners to soaps, shampoos, lotions, scented sprays, and even make-up. The list is huge, and I am always grateful when someone points me in the right direction by informing me of dangers inherent in a certain product, either consumed or applied to my body. Cancer is so ugly and dark, and I have no wish to allow it entry into my life or that of my loving friends and family. I am not afraid to speak out in a firm, yet gentle way, when I see people walking forth in ignorance to the dangers surrounding them. That is what Love is.

I am also deeply concerned when it comes to our four-legged furry friends. We have four guinea pigs, five rats, a dog and two cats. They get the same treatment as other family members, as they are family too, and we feed them as naturally as possible as well. They get plenty of fresh fruit and veggies, and a diet which is appropriate for them. Dogs and cats have not survived through the centuries from food out of a bag, full of fillers and goddess knows what else, which may not be prepared with the care most loving animal friends may think. Our furry friends are given the best we can find and supply, and are healthy and happy for it. We do not mind the extra time it takes to ensure quality, and the efforts to prepare healthy snacks and meals are well worth it. The balance in our home brings such a good feeling, and at the end of the day I feel good about doing what I can to keep my family happy, safe and healthy.

Just so folks know why I am not around, it is that time of year when we head out to go camping for two weeks. We have an Isnati Lawanpi (young girl to woman ceremony), a memorial for a beloved family member who crossed last year, and our Sundance to attend. We choose to follow the path of the Lakota peoples, as this is a natural way, with respect for the Earth and all her inhabitants. This is such a special time for us, as it is always good to gather together with family and friends in this way. So, I just wish to say that I hope folks enjoy each moment and each other… our time on this plane is so precious.

Pilamaye,

Teri
~

Today I am reminded how precious time truly is. We have one and a half weeks until we leave for Goldendale WA for Ceremonies and camping for two weeks. We Love to camp! There is something about living outdoors in the Summer that brings Nature into a truer focus, and helps us to honor the Land in a more intimate way. It is still quite cold at night, and the wind seems to blow often, yet for some reason we do not seem to mind those things. We just bundle up, prepare to get dirty and remember how precious fresh water is. There is just something about connecting with the Earth and utilizing her natural resources to survive that brings out the best in me. Some people love the City… I love all that is pure and natural about the great outdoors which brings about such a wonderful sense of freedom!

During this time, we all work together setting up Teepees, preparing sweat lodges, cutting wood, gathering fresh water, and getting evergreen bows for the Sundance shade arbor. My little S and I have our own special place, in the shade of an Oak tree, in which we camp each year. This sweet little spot is very near our main camp… although some folks have individual camps, there are several main camps in which we set up to cook, eat and socialize together. The greatest thing about this whole adventure is how well we all work together! Everyone pitches in, so no one is overburdened, and there is such a great feeling of comraderie. Even if we haven’t seen some people in a year or more, we just seem to come together as if it were yesterday since we last saw each other. There is so much Love, hugs and sometimes tears, and we just feel so very grateful for these lasting friendships which carry us through some difficult times.

Well then, time to get back to organizing our camping gear and supplies. We still have to some last minute things to attend to, and I need to finish up the beaded medallion of a horse, which will be presented to one of our beloved Elders at a camp meeting before Tree Day. We are honoring each of our Elders with a medallion to show our Love and Gratitude for the Wisdom they share with us, and I feel blessed to be chosen to bead one for a very dear friend who has touched my heart many times throughout the years.

So you see, about this time every year I am reminded just how precious our time together is… S and I treasure every moment spent with our friends and family who live far away. This year we have an extra special focus on the Children and teachings for them, as well as learning more about the plants and herbs around the Land, and certain survival skills. There should be some very interesting discussions and plans for the future, which I am looking forward to. I am very happy to see such positive growth. I wish to send out prayers for safe travels for our friends and family who are preparing for this journey as well.

Although I am mindful of this wonderful and beautiful Earth each and every day, today is as fine as any to create awareness. As folks celebrate world-wide, I send out my heartfelt prayers for the healing and preservation of this Sacred planet.

We lost a Great and Ancient tree to the machinations of modernization, just recently. My daughter and I have loved to walk a path through the trees near a river by our home. Along this path lived a beautiful Cottonwood tree, the largest I have ever seen, standing watch over all the smaller plants and trees nearby. Each time we passed this Ancient Spirit we would stop and touch it, giving a prayer of thanks for the air we breathe and the wonderful shade provided during hot days. Although we love all that is green and natural, this Ancient One held a special place in our hearts. It had been here for much longer than the ugliness of some places nearby, and brought a timeless beauty to this place.

Last week we were walking across the river from this favourite tree, and I stumbled when I looked to see this tree. I could not seem to catch my breath and tears came to my eyes. My daughter grew concerned and asked me what was wrong. When I could speak I pointed across the river with a heavy heart. Our dear and beautiful tree still stood, yet all of it’s branches had been cut off. This still-living tree was about to be cut down, for no reason that I could see. It was still healthy and strong! I felt the pain of this quite deeply, and was so sad!

We crossed the river the next day. I truly dreaded approaching the part of the path where this Great tree had lived for so long. It still stood, and I swear I could feel the pain of this poor tree as it stood, with all of its branches full of new life, lying in piles around it. My daughter was very sad as well and asked me why. Why had they done this to a tree in a place where nothing was to be built and the tree represented Life, and was no danger to folks walking? I do not know why… so I approached the tree and offered tobacco to the spirit of this Ancient One. I cried and prayed and asked forgiveness for man’s folly. We said goodbye to this wonderful tree that had given us such pleasure and comfort on our many walks. This place no longer brought me pleasure, and I am not certain we shall return. I prefer to stroll in the wild places that man has not touched.

Each day it is good to take time to honor Life, and all living things. We do not own this planet… we are just here for a little while. The Earth is Ancient, and generous in her gifts. It is only right to be thankful for what we have been blessed with, and to teach our children to be caring and thankful as well. This is part of the great Balance. So each day, let us promote Life by planting seeds, and nurturing our gardens and forests. Let us care for each other as well.

Here are a few helpful tips to get started…

Reduce – Reuse – Recycle; bring your reusable grocery totes. If you must buy disposables, buy paper products rather than plastic or Styrofoam. The manufacture of Styrofoam depletes the ozone layer.

Conserve water, waste not and fix leaks.

Use fewer harmful chemicals and pollutants, and dispose of them properly.

Try to use phosphate-free laundry and dish soaps.

Don’t use electrical appliances for things you can easily do by hand.

Save your kitchen scraps for the compost pile.

Boycott tuna or buy only “dolphin-safe”

Use Seafood Watch to choose seafood that’s good for you, and good for the oceans.

Volunteer your time to conservation projects.

Participate in stream and beach cleaning programs.

Become more involved in marine environmental issues.

Vote for candidates that share your sentiments.

Write your legislators when you have an opinion about pending legislation on environmental, land use and other issues.

Plant native, insect resistant, trees and shrubs in your backyard to provide food and shelter for birds and other creatures.

Pull weeds instead of using herbicides.. Learn about natural insect controls as alternatives to pesticides.

Use public transit.. Ride your bike or walk instead.. Drive a more gas efficient car.

Today I would like to share a special post as shared by a friend of mine. Our health and our lives are greatly enriched when we embrace the gifts of Nature. We are surrounded by too many man-made products which are made from harmful materials and chemicals. Decreasing these deadly objects from our homes and increasing that which is natural, will bring forth harmony and balance to our bodies as well as our Spirits. Let us love, honor, and respect our beautiful planet Earth.

Adapted from The Lost Language of Plants by Stephen Harrod Buhner (Chelsea Green, 2002)

In earlier times, when nature was perceived as alive, with intelligence and soul, people bonded with nature much as people bond with their pets or family now. This bonding process engendered a certain kind of attitude toward nature. It is an aspect of what Edward O. Wilson calls biophilia – a genetically encoded or innate emotional affinity toward all other life-forms on Earth. It means a deep fondness for, connection to, and love for life forms and living things.

We can begin to undo the cultural conditioning that teaches children that thinking defines their value, that Earth is dead, that other life-forms intrinsically possess less value. Bringing nature indoors is one way to begin bonding with life.

Here are a few ideas for welcoming the natural world into our homes.

Simple Solutions…

* Stones, rocks, pebbles. Placed in bowls or in a ring around a vase, heaped in a small cairn or put singly in a special place of honor, the infinite variety and solid beauty of stones add grounding and stability to our homes.

* Plants. Many potted plants need very little care, and they repay a minimum of effort on our part with so much benefit: plants filter the air we breathe and add vitality and good green energy to our rooms.

* Sunlight. Cheering, uplifting sunlight is such a necessity for the human body, mind, and spirit. Open the curtains and let it stream in.

* Windows to the elements. What do you see when you look out of your windows? If you are fortunate to live in a place where nature isn’t overpowered by buildings and concrete, consider opening up a wall to create a window overlooking a special scene. Annie’s bathtub is surrounded by windows: when she bathes, she soaks in the spaciousness of sky, the majesty of trees, and the freedom of wild birds in flight.

* Gifts from the animals. Some of us find special treasures when we walk in nature: a feather, a cast-off antler, a shred of snake-skin. Consider bringing these inside to honor the animals.

* Seasonal reminders. We can bring bare branches indoors, place them in water, and watch the new leaves emerge in Spring. In Summer, we can put a handful of lush grass in a vase to appreciate. A few nuts and colorful leaves connect us to the spirit of Fall, and pinecones and evergreens help us celebrate Winter. Find your own ways to mirror seasonal changes inside.

* Tabletop fountains. It isn’t difficult to create small water fountains for our home. The gentle sound of trickling water is soothing and the principles of feng shui say that fountains create good energy. For easy directions, see /greenliving/good-fortune-fountain-how-to.html.

* Tabletop gardens. Fill a pretty container with soil and use it to create a miniature garden in your home. These can be both seasonal and fanciful: in Winter, for instance, you could imagine a gnome garden with moss, evergreen twigs, and quartz crystals to evoke ice.

* Flowers. Flowers are an instant cheer-up, such lush reminders of the natural world. If you compost them when they begin to fade, you won’t waste them: they can help to nourish your garden. We like to choose organic flowers, since most commercial growers rely on harmful pesticides.

* Decorate with food. Many of us love to put a bowl of cheery oranges, lemons, or apples on the table, or heap a few pumpkins and squashes on the countertop in the autumn: food makes a lovely natural decoration, as long as it isn’t too quickly perishable, that connects us to what we eat. Be creative: there is so much beauty in food!

* Birdfeeders visible from your window. We may not be able to let the birds inside, but placing a birdfeeder where we can watch it from indoors makes it feel as if they are in the room with us.

* Fresh air. If the air in your area is fresh, open your windows as often as possible to let it in! And be sure to use all-natural cleaning products, furnishings and building materials so your air is fresh even when the windows are closed.

* Nature-themed artwork. The next best thing to being there is having a painting or photograph of a natural scene or wildlife on the wall.

* Companion animals. Sometimes we forget that pets are part of nature (as are we), but when we watch a cat stalking its favorite catnip-filled mouse toy, or a dog worrying a bone, we can see the wildness peeking through!

* Choosing natural materials. Using all-natural household products, bedding, building supplies, and furnishings all add up to a home that resonates with nature — and is more healthful for you and your family.