Two nurses in Rushden, Ann Woodcock and Jenny Embling, have gone beyond conventional nursing of late and are now ready to launch a program where they are going to use hypnotherapy to help people lose weight.They have designed a course where Miss Embling is going to give instruction on healthy eating and exercise, whilst Mrs. Woodcock is going to follow up with hypnosis to help people achieve their ideal weight.

They have recently given a statement to the Evening Telegraph in which they testify to the success of this combination between a traditional and a novel approach to help people. The reason, they claim, this combination works so well is because hypnotherapy can get to the crucial connection between the mind and body in such a way as to have the mind succeed with the body where the body alone would not be able to do so.

An essential lesson that the mind learns under hypnosis is that food is energy and not a reward for good behavior. In other words, eating is an essential survival technique. Yes, it can be a pleasurable activity in and of itself, but that’s just icing on the proverbial cake.

Further evidence for the success of complementary therapies is provided for us by another pair of professionals, Tracy Jones and Carolyn Arnold. They are both hypnotherapists and they decided to try a model approach. They decided to see if they could hypnotically influence each other’s behavior by the use of Skype and the Internet. This trial was necessitated by the fact that they live more than a hundred miles from each other. Tracy Jones was interested in using hypnotherapy to help women with fertility issues after her own problems with that earlier in her life. Carolyn Arnold and she have now been able to help each other lose weight by connecting through the use of Skype. They are now convinced that this method can work, and they are now going to start using it with their respective patients.

A staggering 40 per cent of pregnant women may be smoking while trying to carry their babies to term. The North Lincolnshire Council has funded an anti-smoking campaign in Scunthorpe for pregnant women who smoke to the tune of £15,000. This fund is going to pay the salary and cover the other costs entailed by the part-time worker who is going to provide the essential hypnotherapy to pregnant women who wish to give up smoking for their own as well as for the sake of their unborn children.

It is clear that hypnotherapy added to traditional treatments can increase the rate of success for women who want to lose weight or have fertility issues or are trying to quit smoking during pregnancy.Instead of getting rid of the old (traditional treatment), this is a case where the new (hypnotherapy) added to the old gives us a combination that delivers results with surprising efficiency and a high rate of success.

This is indeed a promising development: combining the old with the new can, it appears, work wonders in the present. And this should be the case for the future as well.

This article provided courtesy of: http://www.naturaltherapyforall.com/

I have been observing my own self-healing practices for years and the most amazing thing about yoga and qigong is how “in touch” you become with your own body! When you practice yoga and qigong you begin to connect your mind to your body. When this happens the body begins to talk to you. It can help you be aware of aches, pains, sickness, potential health illnesses that can be addressed before illness sets in. When you bring these new discoveries to light and try to understand the root cause which may be mental, emotional, physical and trace them back it can be so liberating what you find and how much you can heal your own body.

Healing can begin at any time in one’s life. Some people have a nurturing instinct from the get go & then other’s don’t realize until they have become hurt, broken, abused, old, run down or ill. Rejuvenating one self should be part of our daily or at least weekly life regimen.

As we age our machines/bodies become weak, misaligned, toxic, unconnected to the other parts of the self like your mind or spirit. But, we truly have the ability to heal ourselves in simple yet profound ways. The culmination of these healings can elevate our overall health level. We do have the ability to know our own bodies, listen to them and become proactive in the way we take care of them!

Modern medicine is a must in certain situations but imagine if you were “tuned in” to your body way before you got to the level of disease. Finding ways to care for your self and rebuild your own health, when and if possible. Yes, I am speaking of diet, herbs, exercise, live/raw/organic foods, supplements, massage, reiki, qigong, chiropractic care, alternative ways of caring and healing the self.

As we continue to add more supplements to our diet, drink lots of water, pay more attention to your nutrition, get some rest, do some deep breathing, practice yoga/qigong or stretch on a regular and we can witness an improvement to our mood, energy level, fitness and maybe even our relationships.

I am amazed and aware of how much stronger my energy is and how much more deep and effective my self-healing rituals are and my ability to heal others is now as compared to the beginning of my journey due to the practice and concentration of energy cultivation. It is empowering to know how strong we as people/humans are and that we have tools to harness and extend those powers to help others and ourselves.

Taking time to care for your self can save you BIG by avoiding the culmination of bad habits, laziness, avoidance that we use instead of being proactive, motivated, health seeking individuals that build well ness in our communities of family, friends and strangers all brought together on the philosophy of respecting and caring for the self.

Promoting wellness within slowly becomes evident to others and it feels great when someone asks for advice from you because you appear to look, feel healthy and vibrant. Sharing your health practices will make you feel better and inspire others to join in the fun!

Creating energy for healing is simple and effective.

*  Practicing Qigong daily will increase your overall energy level, boost immune system, improve your mood and well being, reduce stress, and raise your awareness of internal energy.

*   Practicing yoga will bring self-discipline, focus, coordination and stamina among many other benefits.

*  These Eastern art forms are the beginning of how to tap into and cultivate your internal energy.

****Of course, this is not medical advice and see your doctor if you are not feeling well. Some illnesses are genetic or imminent. I am only suggesting the more you know about your own body and keep up your health- the better off you will be in general.

Your Health is Your Wealth. I think more people value and understand the meaning of this statement each day. Unfortunately, as we age it becomes more “work” to keep up with the preventative health maintenance we need to do to keep our bodies strong. There are many types of treatments and tons of herbs, vitamins, supplements you can take to maintain and improve your health. How do we find out what is right for us as individuals?

I have been interested in health & wellness since I was a teenager. Like any other subject you are an expert or want to become proficient in; you read lots, ask questions, discuss and experiment as to what works for you. Of course, this is with caution, and if there is nothing seriously wrong with you.

I find the NewLife Expo an excellent place to concentrate on learning and improving your health and mind, body, spirit wellness. You can spend hours talking to professionals in the industry. People there will have one on one conversations with you or you can listen to lectures to hear various “experts in the their field” opinions, information and strategies which helps other people create a program for themselves. At the expo you can sample a lot of different products, get a massage, foot reflexology, infrared ray treatment, sweat in a sauna, get light treatment, have a reading by a psychic or tarot card reader, eat macrobiotic food, try herbs, juice and get an energy treatment. There are so many different kinds of people who stroll through all in venue. It is totally fun and cool to walk around and get energized!

This was the 4th time I had attended a NewLife Expo. The event is a great excuse to go to New York for the weekend. I enjoy myself each time I attend the expo. The expo is a high energy and interesting representations of the modern spiritual world we live in. Here you will find all walks of life who know something about alternative health and wellness. Most people who attend are open and easy to talk to and it is great to hear of their knowledge, attitude and approach they take to getting healthier, developing their spirituality and taking care of themselves.

So, I must be called a “NewLifer” by now. The next expo is in June, 6/11-6/13, which features yoga and raw food. Maybe you will check it out yourself.

Surrendering in a yoga posture. What does that mean? To me, it is to be in a posture and let go. As I teach yoga, I look around and find so many people still holding so much tension in their bodies. When I go inward I can find places within my self I need to surrender from in order to be open or relaxed in a posture.

It is possible to release and open each part of your body from head to toe. If we were able to get rid of the tension and stress that is built up on a daily basis, how much less tension would be in our bodies?

Whether it is in a contracted yoga posture or a true relaxation posture, little by little, just like a hip opener, you can draw deeper into surrender if you keep practicing it. This is the only way to truly train physical relaxation in yoga. There is a certain type of magical feeling when you get to this point. Like nirvana must be, full body relaxation is splendid and so rejuvenating! This is the point of surrendering so completely that you let go of the physical body and just reside in your spiritual self.

By practicing surrender in different challenging or relaxation postures will get you lots of different kinds of releases. Some of them are mental, some emotional, and there are spiritual releases as well. Surrendering and breathing into a relaxation posture will restore your body significantly if incorporated into a regular practice. Personally, as I have continued with this practice, I can feel my bodies’ ability to rebuild as I open, breathe and relax. Emotionally, mentally it can help people not feel like you have to control everything. Start telling your mind and body to take a break. Find peace, happiness and emptiness.

Give yourself a gift of surrender and release from the normal pressure, tension and activity that we live our lives in on a regular basis. Taking these moments to surrender you will become enveloped by a state of grace. In that place of openness you can experience the merging of your self with the Universal energy to become one. Allowing yourself to trust the Universal law that guides us through life. This will help you release the suffering of your own will and ego and allow the Universal energy to direct your soul. Or at least your body will be a bit more relaxed.

ON THE MAT EXERCISE

Ideally you start this practice in a meditative state so that the work is very deep. Start in corpse pose. Lie on the ground, chin down, hips open, arms open. Try releasing the spine deeper into the Earth. In all directions you expand and release against and into the Earth. Fill your body with breath and send relaxation into the posture.

Breathe in and out deeply to the surrender of your physical, mental, spiritual self. The act of letting go is so freeing. It allows the body to just be and not be in control. From this place your mind will clear and what is your core will be emitted from your center. Take the focus off yourself and become ONE with the Universe for a while.

Each time you do this practice in a posture the body lets go and releases a little deeper. The process is about letting go so much you find what is in your true center. Only you know if you are concentrating and focused in the specific place of your body so that you will be able to release it. Concentration is a definite component of getting to the state of “surrender.” Whether it is tension, negativity, toxicity, emotional, physical, spiritual stress- just let go of it.

OFF THE MAT EXERCISE

Challenge yourself to find one time every day you are holding tension in your body or mind, release it and take 9 deep breaths in and out of that space and think open, relax and surrender.

Try to visualize or call the attention of your mind to a body part. Release that area by releasing the stress, tension or blockages. Use your mind’s eye to scan your body parts and open and release the places where you are holding on. Let the breath guide you a little deeper each time.

Or once a day take time to let your shoulders relax, let your jaw open, relax your hands and feet. Then move into your mind and surrender anything you hold in it just for a few moments by using the breath as relaxation. This is a useful tool for every day life.

]]> http://www.totallyzen.com/what-is-it-to-surrender-in-a-yoga-posture.html/feed 0 http://www.totallyzen.com/transformation-something-to-ponder-on-halloween.html http://www.totallyzen.com/transformation-something-to-ponder-on-halloween.html#comments Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:57:02 +0000 Stephanie http://www.totallyzen.com/?p=490 Continue reading →]]>

I was out on Halloween night with my master/teacher and we went to a party where everybody dressed up. He chose to be a monk & I chose a daredevil or a female evil keneival. As I pondered the process of picking out a costume, getting in costume and presenting yourself to others I realized this could be easy or difficult for a person. I got to thinking about why that might be and went on to observe what I thought of the night in a new paradigm. One that made me question: who we are, what we are made of and how comfortable we are in this process. The Halloween party was a unique experience because I felt like the hundred’s of people that were there had transformed themselves into a deeper version of themselves or brought out a hidden part of themselves. Either way the party was full on and everyone was in character. It was so great to see people living life and feeling free and happy!

As I thought of the act of transformation I decided that yoga was the catalyst for my most complete and significant transformation. I’m not sure if the people around me really know how different I feel in my same skin. I don’t know if others realize that while I am the same being; I do not resonant on the same channel, in the same vibration or in the same harmony. Much like music I have changed my tune. It is a subtle thing from the outside; it is the deep internal changes that make me feel like a slightly different person; oddly, more like the little girl I remember from childhood. Shedding layers of negativity and toxicity to shine as the person I had lost somewhere along the way. It has been several years since I felt whole and calm; but, I do notice the process continuing and that each new dimension continues to be significant as I continue on my path to be One with the Universe.

In yoga transformation comes as a byproduct of practicing yoga. The positive effects of yoga are so overwhelming that most who find that connection are like spokesperson for the cause. Yoga can take an old body and make it flexible and graceful, meet a rigid mind and make it more focused, clear and take a closed spirit and soften it.

Yoga can literally burn off layers of your former self in the form of physical, mental, spiritual toxicity. It is amazing to experience the process of change for yourself and in others. We hold old memories
In our bodies, spirits and minds. Eventually if a person has enough bad or negative experience their being shifts toward darkness. Once this happens it becomes more difficult to look for or believe in the light. Eventually life can become like a self-fulfilling prophecy never quite treating you right or turning out the best. On the other hand, if the cup is half full then life can keep getting better and better.

Transformation starts with feeling things could be better or they are not right, the action is change and the goal is transformation.

The Greenfest of 2009 in Philadelphia, the 4th annual festival, was a representation of how a community can help educate and expand a movement. From humble beginnings and dedicated participants the event has taken on a life of its own. Each year this event draws more people, and there, they can find information, resources and people to create more understanding and more connection in the sustainable living community. Seeing many of the same faces and companies, friends who are dedicated to promoting these ideas. When you walked through the festival you could truly feel that there is a consensus to be a part of a growing culture or movement here and globally to be more appreciative, giving and respectful of the Mother Earth.

Locally, The Urban Green Partnership helps Philadelphia in green initiatives and education. Some of the improvements I notice in Philadelphia are: individuals recycle more and it has become easier, green buildings, energy and green alternatives/programs that are popping up everywhere!

The idea of sustainability, being mindful of how and what you use effects the world which has been defined as a way of life and a mindset from which to operate your personal and professional choices from, is catching on…

Last year, we did some research and found out just how much waste we create yearly and it is horrific to think of the ramifications, think about this: http://www.totallyzen.com/getting-green-is-a-continual-process.html.

Understanding the many interconnections between economy, society and the environment is essential. We need to learn to conserve, reuse and recycle everything. There is far too much waste and excess in all parts of our living. Reducing your carbon footprint on the world is a humble yet powerful undertaking. I strive to reduce my use whenever possible.

Eventually, this should help to establish a more equal distribution of resources and opportunities that will begin to disperse throughout the land. Creating opportunities for everyone who desires to be a part of a growing movement that is moving over the Earth. This change is coming and is undeniable. We must quickly unite and move forward to ensure that we collectively give back to Mother Earth as she has always been there for us. The more we do this: the greener our Earth will be, the more healthy, happy, green our lives will be and this will be felt all over the world.

Help to move towards a more sustainable future!                            

]]> http://www.totallyzen.com/greenfest-2009-moving-deeper-into-sustainable-living.html/feed 0 http://www.totallyzen.com/gurmukh-kaur-khalsa-moving-from-karma-to-dharma.html http://www.totallyzen.com/gurmukh-kaur-khalsa-moving-from-karma-to-dharma.html#comments Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:22:20 +0000 Stephanie http://www.totallyzen.com/?p=474 Continue reading →]]>

The Being Yoga Conference at the Omega Institute, just one week ago, offered many outstanding teachers. One of my favorites is Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa. She is a Kundalini yoga master. She studied with Yogi Bhajan her Spiritual Teacher since 1970. He gave her her spiritual name, which means “one who helps thousands of people across the world ocean.” For over three decades Gurmukh has traveled the world to teach, inspire and fulfill her namesake.

Her classes in Kundalini yoga, meditation and pre and postnatal training are phenomenal and are highly sought after in the yoga world. She has a center in Los Angeles, The Golden Bridge, with many classes and offerings and you can study with her at a number of workshops offered throughout the country.

Yoga means to yoke the person’s own consciousness and the universal consciousness. Kundalini yoga is comprehensive in it approach as it integrates yoga, meditation prayer and physical practice and breathing exercises. *”Kundalini” literally means “the curl of the lock of hair of the beloved.” This poetic metaphor alludes to the flow of energy and consciousness that exists within each of us.” The Upanishads, Hindu’s sacred scriptures that date back to the fifth century B.C., describe Kundalini, although the oral tradition reaches back even further into history. For thousands of years, this sacred science and technology was veiled in secrecy, passed along verbally from master to chosen disciple. Yogi Bhajan broke with this long-held tradition of silence and gave up a government job to spread the philosophy of yoga in the United States.

At Being Yoga, I participated in Gurmukh’s workshop centered on moving from karma to dharma. In English words, it means to move from reaction to action. Gurmukh points out that in our modern world we are stuck in a way of living that resides in gossip, lies, slander and infatuation. She even referenced Desperate Housewives as a show that exemplifies the paradox of American culture.

When we choose to step out of this vicious cycle we can listen to what our intuition is saying and choose a different way. We can open our hearts and send others love. This act of reacting differently will set up the gradual effect of changing the self. This is something that will need to be practiced daily to develop new behaviors and ways of thinking and acting, we also teach this here at TotallyZen.com, in many ways.

When we have a daily practice; we have an outlet to accumulate good energy and intention. Eventually this kinder, universal mindset will become your way of interacting with people and the world. You will then see profound changes in our life and relationships.

When we operate from the lower energy centers we are in the “me” phase which express the actions of run, fight and procreate. When we move to the higher energy centers we focus on the “us” and we have more loving kindness and compassion for others.

Fascinatingly, usually when we react to another person negatively it probably doesn’t have anything to do with them but with the past. It is likely that these problems are issues or behavior patterns that were established previously in our lives. Breaking these patterns is one of the highest benefits of yoga because if we do not get past these issues we may not become enlightened.

Stepping into the light or walking on the path towards light takes tremendous courage, requires strength, perseverance and discipline. It is a true challenge to live and work from this place in our existence.

Try yoga, as a way to collect the skills, energy and practice you will need to support the process of change!

]]> http://www.totallyzen.com/gurmukh-kaur-khalsa-moving-from-karma-to-dharma.html/feed 2 http://www.totallyzen.com/being-yoga-conference-2009-at-the-omega-institute.html http://www.totallyzen.com/being-yoga-conference-2009-at-the-omega-institute.html#comments Tue, 01 Sep 2009 22:08:16 +0000 Stephanie http://www.totallyzen.com/?p=470 Continue reading →]]>

The Omega Institute has an annual Being Yoga Conference in late summer. I have attended for the last three years. It has moved from Ft Lauderdale to New York and this year it was held in Rhinebeck, NY. Rhinebeck is home to the Omega Institute campus. After having experienced the conference in various locations I feel the true spirit of Being Yoga and the best place to absorb the information of its teachings are at Omega’s home base. There is something to be said for the environment’s affect on the whole experience, no matter what you are doing and where you are in a particular circumstance. In practicing yoga, what better way to be open, receptive and excited about receiving knowledge about your mind, body and spirit than by being at a nature’s haven in the form of a long standing, well respected wellness camp?

Some of the most gifted teachers of yoga, healing and meditation come to Omega to participate in the Being Yoga Conference. There is a wealth of information being presented for each of us to receive and incorporate into our lives. Some of the students are actually teachers and we go there to educate ourselves for the benefit of others as well. We become better technically, anatomically, spiritually and energetically. Even if you are simply going there for your own personal development the effect you will have on others is almost undeniable. The soul will be different after a few days at Omega no matter what you go there for.

Yoga is truly a science and educating yourself in different dimensions of yoga, such as: philosophy, form, meditation, practice and self care are all layers that will meld into a deeper understanding of the profound shift yoga can bring to your life. Yoga is a catalyst for deep changes that are possible if you become a knowledge seeker for the enlightenment of your soul. When we move away from karma into dharma and become enlightened beings your existence will be more satisfying.

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to study with: Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa, Marla Apt, Mark Whitwell, Sharon Gannon, David Life, Marla Apt and Mark Whitwell. In the following weeks will be writing a post on the workshop I took at the conference. I will review their larger knowledge base, training and community that they have created or work in when not traveling around the world teaching others yoga.

For now, consider checking out the Omega Institute campus for it is a lush, green landscape equipped with lodging or camping, filled with friendly people, good, healthy, fresh vegetarian food, wellness services and never a dull moment due to the daily meditation, yoga, tai chi, and movement classes. At night they have special presentations like music. Most people go to the campus because they are interested in a particular offering of a specific subject or teacher; but even going for a stay at Omega will leave you refreshed, charged and ready to go back to life with new energy.

Omega offers an immense amount of diverse courses on spiritual awakening, development and transformation through work on the mind, body and spirit. The environment itself is very nurturing, comfortable and easy. This prepares the self for opening to the information you have come there to learn. Sometimes it is a lot more difficult to open up and connect to subjects that the soul has created barriers or blocks to for various reasons. In our life part of our work is to unlock the barriers to become free from the restrictions our lives’ circumstances, development or reaction has created with us. Omega campus and its staff and the other people youmeet there will show you that it is a safe, heart-felt community that will help you accelerate the process. You can feel good Omega has its intention in the right place.

Don’t forget to check back in soon and learn about some of the different schools of yoga and their teachings!

P E A C E                                          

Our spine is the axis in which our body is supported between heaven and Earth. It allows us the mobility and freedom to move and express ourselves. Our arms and legs extend from this beautiful stack of vertebrae that are tenderly placed one on top of the other. The spine is a work of art and sheer mechanics at the same time.

Keeping the spine supple, maintaining its alignment and its straight form to live actively and pain-free are great goals. They may require a bit of effort but the benefits far outweigh the costs. Stiff spines will loosen over time!

When we perform spinal twists we are releasing trapped energy along the spinal column. After we have twisted to engage the body/back, we breathe to clear the old energy out. Think of collecting the old energy with the movement and releasing it with the breath. Instantaneously you feel more open and at ease. Like wringing out a wet towel.

Check with your doctor first. Move with total awareness of the area you are engaging and stop if there is sharp pain.

Being mindful and connected to the area you are engaging is the objective of any yoga posture or practice.

The benefits of spinal twists are immense:
• Increased flexibility
• Increased circulation
• Increased energy
• Digestion
• Strengthen the muscles through breath and repetition.

When our spine is not healthy we may not be able to feel comfortable or able to move with ease. We can slowly improve the spine with conscious spinal twists and lessen back pain or discomfort.

Qigong Spinal Twists:

Try standing feet hip width distance apart take your arms with fists or simple palms for your hand positions.

Begin with moving the right arm in front, left in back as you twist from your foot, ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, neck to the back. The head follows the twist from side to side.

Breath in as palms swing open through middle and out as they collapse on each side.

This should allow for the body to warm slowly and feel wonderful.

In yoga, there are several ways to twist your spine. In seated, or lotus position, on your back.

Spinal Twists on your Back:

First we align the body, legs straight out of hips, and arms straight out of shoulders. Then we lift our left knee into chest use right arm to pull knee in & gently twist right. Close your eyes, relax. Hold & Breath 9 deep breaths into the spine back & hips.

Use the opposite body parts in same order to twist left to open right side.

Once you have twisted to engage the body/back, we send breath to clear the old energy out moving the breath up and down the side of the body that is open.

Spinal Twists in Lotus Position:

In seated yoga, beginning in lotus position, we have our sit bones planted into the Earth. Using the dimes you sit on every day you draw them down to ground you.

Sitting tall we align the spine and shoulders.When you twist left you place your right hand on your left knee and your left hand on your right hip.

Breath in to center, breathe out as you twist. Hold and flow the breath through the posture.

Use opposite structure for right side.

We have a relaxing and fun ways to twist the spine out. This will increase our flexibility and relaxation at the same time. Try to incorporate more spinal twists into your week!

Two weeks ago I went up to New York City and attended the Yoga and Raw Food Expo by New Life. It was a good opportunity for me to further my knowledge of why we should eat raw foods and living foods. Also, I got to take a few yoga classes. I do have to say once in a while, it is nice to practice and learn yoga without having to teach.

Anyway, I do my best at eating healthy all the time. It is no doubt different for each person how natural and how much raw or organic food they eat on the path of healthy eating in their own lives. For me it has been a process of getting healthier and making better choices gradually. I did not notice the changes at first; but, after you adopt these choices as a constant and they become part of your life style the benefits of eating this way are undeniably received by each person.

The Benefits of Eating Raw/ Organic/Live Foods can be:

• Feel Lighter
• Having More Energy
• Feel Better
• Heal the Body
• Boost the Immune System
• More in sync with the Environment
• Create a Connection to the body so that it speaks to you about what type of foods it needs.

It is hard to eat organic or even fresh food for a lot of people. It is another task to fulfill in your weekly chores. To eat fresh food weekly might send you to the store 1-3 times a week. Some people can’t find the time, the resources of money or choices to get to the “right” food choices. I often find eating organic hard and expensive. I would like to increase the percentage of organic food I eat daily. I probably eat 30-50% organic on a weekly basis. I do better when I visit local farmer’s markets. Although there are a lot of them around Philadelphia I still can’t seem to make a lot of them regularly. So, I sympathize with everyone’s hardship on the path of organic, raw, healthy food eating and realize there is no other solution other than to “just do it.”

Raw foodies tend to eat 75-100% of their food uncooked, un-processed and organic. Most are total vegans and others are raw vegetarians (meaning they can eat a portion of fish, eggs and dairy).

Eating food in their original, un-heated state means the food is raw and alive. Live foods contain a wide range of vital life foce nutrients in them. Live foods provide: live enzymes, vitamins, minerals, oxygen and amino acids. All of these properties are ones that the body needs for the proper maintenance of human bodily functions.

It is definitely recommended you research the foods you would like to consume for nutritional content and food sensitivities. It is NOT recommended to completely “go raw” at one time and it IS recommended to go see a nutritionist or teacher that will help you transition safely and healthily.

While I was at the Expo I went to a lecture with Brenda Cobbs of the Living Foods Institute. In 1999 Brenda was diagnosed with breast and cervical cancer. She healed herself without radiation, chemotherapy or surgery and now dedicates her life to helping others. She spoke about how right mental thinking, emotional healing and to nourish the body at a deep cellular level, reverse aging and detoxify the body through organic, raw foods.

Hopefully, you will encourage and challenge yourself to incorporate more live, organic foods in your daily diet and feel the many benefits of a rich, diverse, fresh plant- based diet. I am with you though; it takes effort!

Here is a Juicing Recipe:

1 Large Mango
1 Ripe Banana
4 Strawberries
2 Tbspn Flaxseed
2 Tbspn Coconot Shavings or Coconut Milk
6 Ice Cubes
1 Cup of Milk or Water

Serves 2

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