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Meditation and Yoga: The Environment

Meditation and Yoga
I would like to share some information on a subject very dear to my heart. That being the naturally healthy state of being of my body. I truly believe our bodies are sacred gifts, and they allow us to learn in this envirionment we find ourselves in, here on planet Earth. Please take a few precious moments to read the following article related to Meditation and Yoga.

Meditation and Yoga: The Environment

Let’s discuss how our environment affects our mental thought processes and our lives and how Yoga and Meditation can help us deal with these issues.

First let’s define what we mean by the environment. This is everything that one encounters that is external to them. This encompasses the natural environment, the mountains, lakes, streams, animals, etc. But of greater importance to our discussion, it also encompasses the other people in your lives, and the relationships that exist with these people. It includes all of the economic, political, religious and cultural circumstances that one encounters during his or her life.

The questions posed are, “How does the environment affect our mental thought processes and our lives and how can Yoga and Meditation help”?

From the moment we are born, even before birth, we are all in a constant struggle with the environment to achieve physical safety and security. As babies, we learn to cry to alert our parents, that we need something. As children, we learn to use our eyes, put on a certain facial expression, or alter the tone of our voice, etc. to entice others to act in a certain way. We attempt to control the other, and as a consequence our environment, to attain what we want so that we may be secure and safe.

As young adults we learn to dress and act in certain ways to attain friendships and to attract a mate. Again, we control the environment to get what we need and want. We do this all of our lives. This is all fairly obvious, isn’t it?

In the process of attempting to control the environment to attain what we believe will bring about safety and security, and pleasure and happiness for us, we develop an ego.

The “I” wants and desires pleasure and happiness for itself and finds countless ways to influence the environment to attain what it wants. We spend our entire lives, countless hours, immeasurable effort, developing and fine tuning this “I” in an attempt to get what we want. To get our way. We attempt to control others, exert our will over others for primarily selfish reasons, in search of our own security and comfort. You will need to be very honest with your self to see this. The actions necessary to develop the “I” create an ever moving and changing environment because everyone is doing the same thing in their own little ways. Everyone is motivated by the self, “I” to bring about their own security, safety and comfort. So you exert your influence on another, they process your actions, realize the manipulation, and react differently the next time you meet by responding to your manipulation. They have changed and certainly you have changed as well. So we adapt, always fine tuning the “I”
to be ever more cunning and manipulative and powerful and influential than before.

We join organizations to meet like minded individuals, political, financial, religious, etc. We marry, and have children because we need to feel loved and belong to a family group. We need to perpetuate our own species, and our own consciousness, the “I”. We desire immortality through having and raising offspring to carry on for us. We are drawn towards various religions, for the same reason, because we fear death and want to live on forever. The “I” for whom we have spent countless hours developing and perfecting does not want to let go. There is so much vested in this process, it wants to continue forever.

Do you see this? Think it over carefully and you will see the beauty of this whole process. In time, you will come to a deep understanding of how this works. It should be fairly obvious that we can never hope to understand others, or our actions in relationship to the environment, if we don’t first take the time to understand ourselves. If you are at all serious about being happy and content and attaining the future that you’ve always wanted and desired, you should give Yoga and Meditation a chance. This is the true process of Yoga and Meditation in action. We hope to gain a better understanding of ourselves and others through the practice of Yoga and Meditation.

To learn more visit us at YogaAwakening.com

Until next time,

Anthony D’Agostino
Founder of Yoga Awakening


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The Pristine Beaches of the Gulf of Mexico are No More

Gulf of MexicoWhen I look at this image, with its pristine beaches and cerulean blue waters, it just makes me want to cry. My heart aches to imagine all of the billions of Life forms which have been destroyed beyond imagining, and how long it will take to bring this beautiful piece of Mother Ocean back to Life, if ever. Creation is so beautiful, and we are such blessed beings to live upon such a wondrous planet, created with health and bountiful Life to sustain us in a paradise if we can only see it. Paradise is not a heaven far away, it is right here!! We have everything we need to live in joyous harmony, and it is to our shame that we take for granted that which our creators have bestowed upon us, by placing us upon this gift of a planet.

I refuse to take blame for the mass destruction, wars, human suffering through neglect and purposeful harm, yet I too am responsible for allowing others to create such a hardship upon Nature. I too have lived a soft Life with luxuries which take a toll upon this planet to create. It is up to each of us to take a step back and look around at our own personal actions, and take responsibility for how we can make the changes which will save this planet and her inhabitants from certain destruction. Most certainly Mother Earth can shake, rattle, and roll, and our fragile human forms will cease to be. Yet in her compassion for all Life, she warns us in so many ways, if we are awake enough to pay attention.

I am heartbroken to know that I may never visit so many places on this planet which are being destroyed, and poisoned beyond recognition. The creatures which once abounded in this great and beautiful piece of ocean were not given a choice, nor warning of their imminent demise. The people who live along the coast are now devastated, their health and lives at risk, and now must decide what to do, and where to go. The beaches are poisoned beyond recognition. The air is full of toxins which place all in serious danger. This poison will be carried into the clouds and will rain down on the earth, creating even more sickness among the plants, animals, and people.

We need to seriously take action to prevent these disasters from occuring EVER again! How much will it take to wake this planet up? Must we destroy everything that flies, swims, walks, crawls and breathes? Are we really so foolish as to wait until it is too late to turn back? Our positive energy and actions can bring about powerful changes, in a good way, for this planet. If we stand together, instead of living in constant competition and judgement, then we CAN change our world Today! I know I create my own world, and I spend each moment sending out powerful Heart Energy to create a Beautiful World. I will keep striving for an awakening which will bring about the change and shift in this planets existence. I love this planet and all her wonders, and as long as I draw breath, I vow to walk in beauty, compassion, awareness, love, grace, balance, and with a greatful heart for all we are blessed with. Together, we can restore the Balance.

Pilamaye,

Aho Mitakuye Oyasin (All My Relations)


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Organic is Simple at Ramblers Way Farm

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Ramblers Way Farm. All opinions are 100% mine.

I simply love it when I am in the presence of organically responsible folks who allow nature to provide the means to care for ourselves in a manner which speaks to my ecolological personality. I am a firm believer in growing and producing our own products to enhance our lifestyles in a natural manner which does not take away from the land, or the environment. Why would I pay extra money to import a product which could be produced right in my own backyard? Each of us are responsible for the impact we have on this planet and our carbon footprint is the legacy we leave our future generations. I would like my own presence to blend in with nature as much as possible.

Dave Norman, Farmer at Ramblers Way Farm in Kennebunk, MaineI truly delight in finding treasures which bring me the quality I seek, and I am quite positive the sustainable wool apparel which can be found at Ramblers Way Farm brings a great natural energy into the making of their natural wool products. This is a generational, family owned eco-friendly business, who appear to exemplify the high standards of ecologically friendly business ethics I look for on a daily basis. I am excited to try a sample of this next-to-skin soft material which is grown and made right here on American soil. The humane practices of this family impress me with the love and care they have for the sheep, in not treating them simply as a commodity, yet as fellow creatures who deserve respect in dwelling beside us on this planet.

I would never compromise quality for quantity, and I love the lasting quality of wool. Wool is a natural, renewable fiber with multiple uses, and truly is a complex fiber with properties for superior insulation, water repellency, water absorption and odor control. Wool naturally resists wrinkling and soiling, and is flame resistant. At Ramblers Way Farm, the wool garments are natural, non-synthetic, and chemical-free.

At Ramblers Way

What makes our worsted wool products sustainable?

On our American Farms
~ We use organic, no-till, and best management practices.
~ We protect wildlife habitat and preserve critical ecosystems.

For our Sheep
~ Our sheep breed and lamb naturally, graze rotationally.
~ We use gentle combs and humane handling systems when shearing and sorting.
~ We employ trained animals to protect and move our flocks.

In our Manufacturing
~ We partner with Rambouillet sheep farmers only in America
~ Our environmentally-sensitive enzyme wash is a chlorine-free, patented treatment.
~ We use minimal packaging, made from reclaimed materials that are compostable and recyclable.
~ We generate our own renewable solar and geothermal energy.
~ We use bio-fuels in our trucks and tractors.

For the Community
~ We give 10% of our profits and 5% of our paid time back to our community.
~ We create worsted wool from natural, renewable fibers that are durable and non-toxic.
~ We connect American farms with American manufacturing, we invigorate local economies.
~ We preserve open space, farmland, and working landscapes.
~ We are web-based, connecting with our customers, with low-impact on the environment.

Wow! This really tells me a lot about this family owned business. Sound, environmentally responsible business ethics, coupled with a eco-friendly product my family can really use makes this a company I would absolutely delight in doing business with! I love to share these rare and wonderful finds, and hope this helps those of like mind in finding that which makes this Life a unique and blessed experience.

Visit my sponsor: Rambler's Way Farm


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Life Force Energy… Beauty Within as Beauty Without

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
~


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Some Delicious Vegan Breakfast Ideas

I have always enjoyed a healthy lifestyle, and it shows. Not only do I look healthy, I feel very good on the inside as well. I love to feed my body that which nature provides, and foods that bring vital energy into every part of my being. In this moment I would like to share some delicious ideas from a fellow vegan to offer up a healthy start to our day…

10 Vegan Breakfast Ideas

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. ~

 


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Battle of the Bugs in our lovely Organic Gardens

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!


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Some great eco-friendly green tips at Focus Organic

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


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Living Natural takes Careful Thought and Firm Action

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.


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Heading for Goldendale Washington…

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
~


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