LOVINGRAW BLOG

Empowering Youth Through Music

2009-11-05T22:21:43Z

Isn’t it great when the most positive and the best music is combined with an awesome cause. Not only does the music have a cause on its own then, but distributing and selling it does too. There’s even purpose to creating the music in the case of Project Ahimsa’s Global Lingo: empowering youth through music.

According to their website:

The organization was founded in 2001 in response to the violent attacks on Sikhs and South Asians after 9/11. Project Ahimsa’s mission is to empower youth though developing and supporting community based music education. The vision is to generate unity from the means to the ends. Funding to develop the “means” comes from music concerts featuring artists from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.

Now I’m all about supporting project that have a cause and that are about music. But one question that pops up in my head when someone tells me about an organization like this, is “is this music any good?“. And you’ll be blown away - it’s not just good, it’s freakin’ amazing. It’s hip, has a very moving quality to it, and the lyrics are so powerful. Something that you can listen to with your kids and they’re give you that funny look like “is my Dad really listening to this …. huh?!”

The music is created by the youth in India and then backed + mixed with the assistance of:

Michael Franti + Spearhead with Sly and Robbie (geniuses, Frank’s absolute favorite)
JBoogie (Hip hop phenomenon, love him)
Miguel Migs (Bay area dj with amazing skills with mixing music)
Junior Reid (Jamaican reggae and dancehall musician)
Nimesh Patel (dear friend from conscious hip hop group Karmacy)

If you like some of the tracks posted above and appreciate the cause, just buy the album off iTunes. It’s the best and easiest way to support the cause and obtain some high quality music!

Your Conscious DJ,

Nirav Sheth

What is EFT?

2009-11-04T19:43:11Z

In short, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) is a way of quickly & simply healing yourself. Perhaps surprisingly, it can also be used to change habits, beliefs & behaviours.

Where did it come from?
EFT was discovered by an engineer called Gary Craig, who had been working with something called TFT (Thought Field Therapy). TFT is quite fiddly & specific, & Gary's big breakthrough was to notice that you could pretty much do one simple pattern of tapping around the body for any issue you had. It was crude, but much simpler than TFT & just as (if not more) effective.

How do you do it?
Simply focus on your issue - using a simple, summary phrase helps. Tap (just like tapping a keyboard) around the upper body with a couple of fingers, 5-10 times on each meridian point. Do a few loops and see how you feel.

Here, here's my photogenic assistant to demonstrate:

See? How easy is that? It's a doddle. That's how easy. It's basically the most idiot proof healing technique I've ever found (& I've checked a LOT of them).

If you'd like a picture of the points to tap on, I have one here. Don't panic if the points I'm suggesting are a little different from those suggested in other EFT resources. The only difference is that I'm tapping on ALL the suggested points, & both sides of the body at once. It's not actually any different, just more thorough & faster. Gary initially discovered EFT more than 20 years ago, & a lot of improvements have been found since then.

So how does it work?
There's a couple of basic things that combine to explain why EFT works.

The first is the points that you tap. Meridian points are used in acupuncture also - so EFT is very similar to acupuncture, but without needles. Meridian points also happen to be points of lower electrical resistance on the surface of the skin.

The key here is that a big part of how our systems (emotional + physical + spiritual/energetic) work is based on energy, electricity. This is why we have EKG (which measures electricity in the heart), EEG (for the brain) & so on. Our entire nervous system is electrochemical. So, much as we have pathways for blood (veins, arteries), lymph (the lymphatic system), control & feedback (the nervous system), we also have energetic pathways. These aren't mapped so closely to the physical (although some large lymph centres are also meridians), but they're definitely there, & their behaviour intersects the emotional & physical aspects of our overall systems.

Meridian points then, are merely the joins between those energetic pipes. Tapping the meridians is just like whacking a plumbing joint with a wrench. It shakes loose any blockages inside, then everything flows normally again, allowing you to naturally heal.

The second point is - why do these energetic blockages occur? Well, they occur as the result of emotional traumas.

So, by focusing on (eg by talking, or even just thinking about) the trauma that caused the blockage, & tapping all the points in turn, we shake the blockage loose & our energy starts flowing again. As the energy flows, so we heal the trauma - plus, as a benefit, any related side effects. It's very common that physical ailments have an emotional cause.

What is it good for?
Well the 'E' bit of EFT is a big give away. Tapping can heal anything that has a strong emotional reaction in you, for a start.

So, that includes any negative event in your past. Anything that bothers you right now. Anything you're worried or fearful about in the future.

It can also be used to change habits or behaviours. It's also great for changing negative or limiting beliefs - just start with "Even though I believe [...] I love & accept myself", then on each point "I believe [...]."

Anytime you get upset by something, a few quick rounds of tapping will take the sting right out of it, if not heal it completely.

Personally, I've used it, or helped it work on: PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) from being in a war zone (& having to kill children), PTSD from surviving a mass murder (the largest in Australian history), anorexia, someone being repeatedly raped by her brothers, as well as a host of much more mundane things (eg, I got my first black belt in Aikido by methodically tapping out all my bad Aikido habits/behaviours). All of these worked very quickly (less than half an hour, often only minutes). Of course, that doesn't mean there aren't things to clean up after (eg body image issues, once the anorexia was gone), but each of these disappears similarly quickly. Yes, EFT is very powerful.

How will I know if it's helping?
A good way is to measure before you start, from 0-10, how much something bothers you. Then you can reassess again after a few rounds & see the progress.

Some times while tapping you'll yawn deeply, burp, get bad breath (as toxins leave) or even cry. This is all normal.

Often the issue will just start to seem really ridiculous, like "How could I EVER have been worried about that?!?" Umm, yeah, that's coz you healed it.

Some times things will flare up a little while you're tapping, as you reach below the level of consciousness & pull up things that your ego had been protecting you from. This is all normal too. Whatever happens, just keep tapping. Typically these emotions fade away as quickly as they came up & you'll be feeling relief in no time.

Some key tips

Be very specific (not just "my life sucks")
Drink water (your system needs it to shove energy around)
Be persistent (sometimes things take a bit of effort to clear. It's still working, don't give up!)
Try it on everything

While EFT still works if you're not specific, it can be hard to see progress. It's like taking an inch off the top every tree in the forest, vs chopping down a single tree. So, being specific just helps you focus right in on one issue, & see that it's working.

Drinking water is just super useful any time you're doing any energy work. Plus, you know, every organ in your body needs it, so how could this be a bad thing?

Persistence is important for several reasons. Firstly, when you start, it's often hard to think clearly on any subject. Our minds jump around all over the place. So you'll start on one subject, then veer off here there & everywhere. Now, the tapping will still be helping, but it'll be trying to help 10 subjects at once. Persistence will help clear out that noise too.

The other issue with persistence is this. A lot of times there can be several strong emotions attached to a specific event, so it's helpful to tap out each of those emotions in turn. If you don't, you'll need to perservere to get through them all. There can also be several similar events with similar traumas (eg, every time you were rejected by a girl). Tapping out each event in turn helps you see progress ("Ok, don't care about that girl anymore, on to the next!"). The good news is, you typically only need to tap a few similar events before all of them disappear.

EFT works on a surprising range of things. It only takes a minute or two to apply, so there's nothing lost by trying it on everything.

Where to from here?
As you may be gathering, there can be a bit of an art to applying EFT successfully. It's estimated though that 60-80% of things can be easily dealt with by a beginner (& usually in only a few minutes), so go right ahead and give it a shot.

I've got a (totally free) website up with a ton of tips & suggestions at AnyFutureYouWant.com, along with a quick start guide with a super fast intro & diagram.

The official EFT site is up at emofree.com. Here you can search for specific problems you may be having, and see how different therapists have applied EFT to your case. It contains a wealth of information (in fact, it can be quite daunting just how much is there).

Tapping.com is also a great site with a ton of information, videos, ebooks, articles & forums with lots of helpful people.

I'll also be talking more about applying EFT to specific issues right here on LovingRaw in the future, so stayed tuned.

In Love

Si Dawson

sidawson.org
@sidawson

Raw Pregnancy & Parenting

2009-11-03T23:18:37Z

Courtney writes....

First off, thank you Philip & the Lovingraw team for asking me to be one of your resident bloggers! I am honored, and enthusiastic about this fun opportunity and all the diverse wisdom we'll be sharing as a group.

Probably the best place to start is to tell you a little bit about myself, as it relates to the subject my blogs will be centered on: Raw Parenting... or in a much broader sense (of which raw is definitely part of), raising children in a way that retains and enhances their joyful, strong nature as sovereign creative beings.

So much of my thought is directed towards this topic lately. Here's why:

Raw veganism as a lifestyle is nothing new to me. My personal eating style has been raw vegan since January 2001, so nearly 9 years at this point. It is second nature to me... It has become “normal” to my worldview and everyday experience.

What IS brand new to me is parenting. I am currently in my 9^th month of pregnancy with my first child, who is due to enter our world right around the time this blog will be published! I am in awe, gratitude and immense joy about this huge new phase in my life, and the all-encompassing importance of the task appointed to me as a mother.

I've always been aware that my style of thinking and living is “radical” compared to mainstream practices. I was raised in a way that was radical at that time in our culture. I was born at home, unschooled, and generally encouraged to learn about our world through pursuing my interests at all times, with no “rules and regulations” and “shoulds” about how to live my life. What was of highest importance to my parents is that I think things through before making choices, communicate clearly, and trust my heart about all things.

Now that I'm near the “grand finale” of my pregnancy (cosmic, sacred, ecstatic BIRTH!), and considering my highest choices for my approach to raising my child, I'm even more “radical” than I originally thought!

As you read my blog, you will be embarking on an adventure of discovery with me. The purpose of my adventure is to nourish a specific state of beingness: what paths will I take, what choices will I make, that will result in my family's deep and overflowing joy, conscious awareness of our powerful creative selves, living as fully sovereign beings, as a great blessing and benefit to all humanity and all life on Earth.

And my purpose in sharing my adventure with you is to light a new path of possibility, and stimulate new thought pathways, for those of you who feel the calling in your hearts to do your part in raising the generation of Man who will naturally, simply by the purity and sovereignty of their nature, restore Paradise on Earth.

So here's the plan:

Isaac & I will be sharing this blog-space, and each posting blogs as we're inspired to write about certain things. Our blogs will focus on raw parenting, and even moreso, parenting specifically geared to achieve the results I described above, of which a raw eating style is a big part of! Since mama and daddy perspectives are both so important and valuable (since depending on your gender, you'll certainly relate to one more than the other :)), we're going to team up to give you some hefty doses of new food for thought about the vast variety of topics that affect all parents!

I also have a LOT to say about my experience of my pregnancy, which has been joyful, comfortable, spiritual, and deeply transformative for me. I even began writing a book which I will finish at whatever moment is appropriate! Read a preview/excerpt here: http://NudeFood.com/pregnancy-bliss

I am also enthusiastic about sharing lots of outrageous recipes with you! I came up with quite a few cosmically delicious, nourishing and easy recipes during my pregnancy which I know many pregnant women will greatly appreciate!

Here are some examples of the delicious raw vegan concoctions I've enjoyed during my pregnancy:

Raw Chocolate Mousse
Strawberry Lemonade (great during my 3rd/hottest trimester in the hot Texas summer!)
Sea Chowder
“Scrambled EGGS”
Cheezy BBQ Jicama Fries

Who needs junk foods when you have things like this?! There are always super nutrient rich options for ANY pregnancy “craving”!

Thank you for enjoying our contributions. More to come very soon!!

A photo of me in my final month of pregnancy...

Pristine Raw Super Foods & Raw Food Education @ http://NudeFood.com

*** Did you get your tickets for the next NYC Raw Food Event this weekend?.

My 33 Birthday Wishes For You

2009-11-02T03:50:57Z

I am a big fan of numbers, always have been. Especially odd numbers, maybe because I have always felt I was a little odd.

On Nov 2nd I will be 33 years young, that’s right “young.” I feel more and more gratitude for each passing birthday. It is quite an honor to be alive in such a time as this. So instead of a birthday present I decided would share with you my 33 birthday wishes for you..

My 33 Birthday Wishes for You

1. To read the “Ringing Cedars” book series, at least twice.

2. Practice random acts of self-love, daily.

3. Travel outside your comfort zone, often.

4. Approach every fear straight on.

5. Gratitude for everything you’ve gone through to be where you are today.

6. For us all to breathe deep, and breathe low.

7. Only speak positive things about yourself, always.

8. Only speak positive things about others, always.

9. Dance like nobody is watching, even you.

10. Cry without shame whenever you feel the need.

11. Laughing until your belly hurts, then cry cause it hurts from laughing.

12. Do something nice for someone else, without telling anyone.

13. Remove the idea of “good” and “bad,” and just recognize experiences as growth.

14. Love your family unconditionally, yup, even your family.

15. Go skinny-dipping in a hot spring, at least once.

16. Create only amazing things with your thoughts and intentions.

17. Shine your light at every possible moment, even times that appear difficult.

18. Realize that even death isn’t forever.

19. Watch movies that make you feel like a kid.

20. Jump in a pool with your clothes on, just because you can.

21. Realize that you already have everything you need, right inside you.

22. Love yourself unconditionally, even if you eat “naughty” food.

23. Take yourself on a date and do whatever your heart desires.

24. Forgive everyone that you felt “wronged” you, even your parents.

25. Take full responsibility for all your actions… all of them.

26. Know that you are limitless, for real.

27. Spend money on yourself every once in awhile, you’re worth it!

28. Try beat boxing, even if you just end up spitting on yourself.

29. Plant your own garden, even if its just one plant.

30. Lay on your back, under a tree, and watch the leaves blow in the wind.

31. Know that you are loved unconditionally.

32. Know that I believe in you.

33. Know that I love you.

Now forget everything I just said cause there are no rules.

Well, except that "I Love You"

*** Come celebrate with me for my upcoming NYC Birthday Party!.

Changing With The Seasons

2009-11-01T12:42:08Z

I sit here at my desk with a heart full of gratitude to be part of this beautiful community. I can smell my kale chips in the dehydrator and I'm listening to an Abraham playlist on YouTube. My senses are indulged. Life feels so wonderful right now. But I feel intimated as I type text into this little box. When I was asked to be part of LovingRaw I was beyond ecstatic. And now my head races with wonder. What to share? In a conversation I just had with my mom I compared a situation in the family to a soap opera, and realized that my life feels like a reality show. Not one of those ones that are obviously staged and edited for extra added drama, but I feel like I'm in my own Amazing Race. You may have seen my "My Way" post on We Like It Raw, that detailed the first days of my new job-free living. Well it's been two months since that post and more has happened than even fathom sharing in one little post. So what I can share is where I am in this present moment.

First off for those who don't know me. I'm Disa or Mandisa. My name means sweet. Being that I am a loving Leo, and I love to make and serve sweets, that is a pretty nice way of summing my essence up. I'm am a raw mommy, I am an entrepreneur, I am a fun-loving barefoot, hot-spring loving hippie, and I am just another young girl dancing the night away in West Hollywood. I can be all of these things and more. But I claim no one particular label or expertise. So What do I do best? Enjoy life. Lately I find myself deeply enthralled in the ever-changing moments of my life. Whether it's appreciating the amazing scene of a sunset sky or amazed at the sight of my son walking out from his Kindergarten class. I am grateful for my ability to easily flow from one contrasting experience to another.

This skill has really come into play with the concept that is on my mind at this moment. The seasons. A friend recently compared a day to a cycle of seasons, and a perfect day like waking up in spring and ending the day in winter. It made me think of all the possibilities. I thought of the recent all summer-like or all winter-like days that I have had lately. More deeply I can see now how a season for me is coming to completion. It's not just a weather thing, as I put on a sweater today for the first time since I left the fridge like office setting. But seasons really do bring change in all areas. In my life I have felt a huge shift in letting go of a some hot heavy fears that have stayed with me through lifetimes. I also see a growth and strength in my son as he embarks in Kindergarten and I come into and fully realize my power as a mother. Our family tree is now feeling strong and rooted, both of us shedding the leafs that no longer serve. My business goals are clear as a spring day, with creativity and playfulness abounding. And the amazing people that I choose to surround myself with give me the comfort of being bundled up on a cold winter night. The reason this is a big revelation for me is because since going through so many life changed I felt like I was on a sometimes really rough roller coaster. Instead of staying on that ride, I now choose to look at things like a endless flow through seasons. Knowing that each phase will pass and come again, to be enjoyed in a whole new light.

When people say raw food will change your life they are not joking. It will change your entire life. True, not everyone who embarks on the raw journey is going to quit their job to start some raw food business. But guaranteed, you will shift! So if you are going through the shifts ever so fast, like myself, try thinking of it as a season. Feeling hot and bothered like it's the hottest day of summer? Figure out how you can cool yourself off. Let your sweat pour out and release your toxins as you sip on a refreshing smoothie. When you feel overwhelmed with creativity and ideas, enjoy the simple pleasures. You can only smell one spring flower at a time. Let things Fall into place. And nurture yourself and recharge in the harsh cold Winter. I could go on forever with my cheesy play on words. But you get the idea. It's all about recognizing what you are going through instead of resisting. To finish up I am going to share on of my favorite ways to stop resisting and get back into the flow. Dancing!!!

In Joy,

Disa

*** Sign up now before tickets run out for the upcoming NYC & LA Raw Birthday Party Events.

Commitment: Freedom from Chaos

2009-10-31T01:47:42Z

Have you ever burned to know your purpose? To serve our family planet? To be the best person you can be? At the same moment, do you sometimes feel lost inside all the choices, all the options, the paths?

This Earth is ripe for transformation. The monks are coming down from the mountains and the fairies are landing. Wisdom is being shared, and we are yearning and learning!

Sages talk of the ages. Yogi Bhajan, founder of Kundalini yoga and the Yogi Tea guy, taught that we are in the very tender transformation time from the Piscean age to the Aquarian Age. The Piscean age was characterized by power struggles, the quest for hidden knowledge, and proving ourselves. The Aquarian age is characterized by equality, free information, and demonstrative wisdom through right action and right speech. These shifts are coming about in a quickening flurry.

What is needed to stay in the flow in this wild ride of transformation? How do we stay balanced, grounded, and at peace? The answer is commitment.

WHAT IS COMMITMENT?

The dictionary defines commitment as "the act of committing, pledging, or engaging oneself" and "engagement; involvement." When we find ourselves spinning in the whirlpool of the quickening of the ages, we can put our foot down on the ground by engaging in our world and being involved.

A wise friend once told me, "Jaya, you are interested in so many things, and never really choose any of them. Don't you know that you can just start something and the path will unfold? It might end up being a life-long passion, or you might realize it's not for you, but it gets the ball rolling and will set you on course and lead you to the next step."

I had been overwhelmed by all the choices and options in my life and was suffering from stagnated inertia and creativity because of my fear of choosing the wrong option! As we know, acting (or not acting) from a place of fear leads us nowhere.

WHAT IS FREEDOM?

How are we truly free? Is it freedom to know that you can do whatever you want whenever you want to do it? In the past, I spent many years as a fun-loving young gypsy traveller woman, in the flow and open to all the new adventures of life. I would wander from place to place searching out my place in the world. I have had many friends on this path also. As we mature into our true self-knowingness, many of us are coming to the same conclusion. "Hey, all this freedom can be exhausting! Maybe we should plant some roots, make some choices and water some seeds!"

The world is crying out for our gifts. How and where do we start? The great mystic poet Rumi says, "Submit to a daily practice. Your loyalty to that is a ring on the door. Keep knocking, and the joy inside will eventually open an window and look out to see who's there."* Committing to something is sending your vote out to the Universe, or to God. You are saying, "Ok God, I'm ready. Here's my intention, here's what I'm gonna do."

The reply comes back, "I'll believe you're ready when you show me." Then through our beautiful self-discipline, joy-filled surrender, self love and trust, we just do it! We become joyful plants with our roots deep in the earth and our branches dancing in the wind. This is true freedom.

THE POWER OF COMMITMENT

I have done many cleanses to regain my health. It's amazing how temptation comes up in my everyday life to eat things that I know aren't the best ever. Amazingly though, when I'm cleansing, I have no problem. It's like I just flip some commitment switch inside. It creates a super power I never knew I had. "I am eating all blended foods this week and that's that. I'm fasting. I'm going to drink this cup of oil." Voila! Poof! Done! The intention created through true commitment is one of the most powerful manifestation magnets imaginable.

Recently I recommitted myself to my Kundalini yoga practice. I took the training 5 years ago, when I was a much different person. They gave us crazy challenges like meditating for 31 minutes with a chant each day for 40 days! "Well", my ego said, I don't need to do that! I will get what I need out of this training without doing all that ridiculousness!" I didn't even consider it.

Yogi Bhajan, Founder of Kundalini Yoga

Now, 5 years later, I am in my second teacher training. After non-stop searching for self love, health, and abundance, I am finally ready to surrender to a higher teaching. I am allowing my higher self to step in and say, "you know, I think I'll give this a chance. Maybe this is the one thing I haven't tried yet. Maybe someone up there who made me knows better than me. Maybe I was sent this teaching for a reason. Maybe I should try a little trust."

So here I go, I'm on the way to completing a 40 day meditation, and committing to my path as a teacher. This blog is another step. Thanks for being a part of my own path of commitment, transformation, and freedom! I am already experiencing life transformation as the old snake skin layers of false identity fall off. At first the changes were subtle, but as more time of commitment passes, the change is undeniable. My confidence has sky-rocketed with this renewed sense of "I can do it!"

YOUR OPPORTUNITY

Here is a gift, should you choose to receive it. I invite you to trust yourself and take on a 40 day commitment. Choose something you have received persistent messages and intuitions about in the past, but haven't yet made a regular practice. It takes 40 days to change a habit.** The scriptures around the world have endless references to 40 day practices.***

Maybe you will commit to looking at yourself in the mirror 5 times a day and saying, "I love you", how about a green smoothie every day, or doing that cleanse you've been talking about for years? How would it feel to wake up and just sit quietly each morning focusing on your breath for 11 minutes and listening to your higher guidance? Hey, how about upping the ante on your physical fitness everyday for 40 days? You could dance every day, trade massage with your honey or massage yourself daily. Creative expression, driving the speed limit, fasting from complaints, fasting from solid foods, eating organic, giving up gluten, letting go of stimulants, or fasting from the TV or Facebook. (ok, I know that's practically impossible for some of us! We could set a limit, say 10 minutes of personal time online a day.)

These are just a few ideas. Pick something that is easy enough to be doable for you so that you can experience the joy of success. Also, it should give you a nice challenge to do it every day, no matter what. Pick something you might want to continue on with for a long time, maybe the rest of your life. If you miss a day, that's fine, just start over on day one the next day. Any time you're awake during the day is good, and a regular time can build more stability.

Commitment is the key for integrating this transition from the Piscean age to the Aquarian age. When we have a regular, daily practice, we can better face the world. When we have made a commitment to ourselves and followed through, we build self confidence and character. We find deep joy and peace through letting go of trying to "figure it out" and easing into committing to something for now. Our eyes begin to shine in a new way and people are drawn to the depths of the wisdom found there. Then we truly open up the window to our true identity. Sat Nam****

Thank you for reading and giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts on this great path of commitment! As you are more interested in what I have to offer, please visit my website at:

http://www.jayalove.com

With Love and Gratitude,

Jaya Sat Kriya

a.k.a. Jaya Love

* http://www.jayalove.com/sunriseruby.html

** http://www.jayalove.com/minutesanddays.html

*** http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/40_(number)

**** http://www.kundaliniyoga.org/kyt03.html

*** Sign up now before tickets run out for the upcoming NYC & LA Raw Birthday Party Events.

Source: Sunrise Ruby poem by Rumi (http://www.jayalove.com/sunriseruby.html) by Rumi
Source: Meditation Minutes and Days (http://www.jayalove.com/minutesanddays.html)
Source: The Number 40 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/40_(number))
Source: Gurmukh Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RmLOqq-ycg) by Gurmukh
Source: Sat Nam Mantra (http://www.kundaliniyoga.org/kyt03.html)

My First Raw Food DVD!!!

2009-10-28T23:19:47Z

My First Raw Food DVD, Finally!!!

After almost three years of traveling, lectures, YouTube videos, and countless emails, I finally came out with a DVD. I am beyond excited to have this amazing product available for you, recorded this year live in England at my sold-out "Ecstatic Evening" event with Shazzie.

This is going to be launched on Amazon in a week or so but I thought I would get a sneak peak link out to all my wonderful blog subscribers who have been such an amazing part of my own personal weight loss transformation.

This past year I asked God (Universe) to help me squash my ego even more, cause I love transformation and growth... and really wanted to clear myself of a few issues.

LOL, be weary what you ask for!

The night before I went to give the lecture, without notice and apparently for no reason, I broke out with pimples all over my forehead. What the heck, that's never happened before!!!

Of course I did the lecture as planned anyway, but was fighting over whether or not I should use this recording for my DVD. It was a real test of faith as I immediately thought to myself that it wasn't good enough. Then I took a moment to be still, meditate, and realized that its the content that important, not the channel. So here you go... love bumps and all.

I love you all so much. You are my constant source of inspiration and I adore you.

Click below to order your copy:

(Free shipping for Amazon Prime Customers)

***This is the perfect gift for friends, co-workers, and family members who never seem to want to go to a raw food event or read a book, but you know would benefit from some healthy weight loss tips and ecstatic living inspiration. Thank you for your support and for blogging about this new DVD!

Ok, now here is the official copy:

Transforming Your Life With Raw Food: Philip McCluskey

Learn about Healthy Weight Loss, Overcoming Obesity, and How to Live an Ecstatic Life!

Thousands have been inspired by Philip to improve their lives already, now this information is available to you on this DVD to a sold-out crowd. Philip McCluskey discovered and now shares the secret to overcoming obesity through vibrant eating and living! It begins with rawfood, and it continues with a whole host of ecstatic living tools. Learn how to enjoy exercise, trust your intuition, release your need to control, calm your mind, and re-discover your inner kid-like ability to have FUN. Most importantly learn how to fully love yourself and create the best life EVER!

Through his entire life Philip had tried everything to reverse his morbid obesity, unsuccessfully attempting over 30 diets, and ALMOST going through with gastric bypass surgery. That was until he found the SECRET.

Find out how Philip became half the size he used to be (and twice the man!), dropping over 200lbs, and KEEPING it off. If you are ready to become the sexy, adventurous and glowing person that's waiting inside, you need to watch this! You're WORTH IT.

"After Philip had spoken to a sold out crowd, many of them told me that he was the most authentic, compassionate and loving speaker they'd ever hear. Philip's delivery was fast, funny, tear-jerking, thought provoking and captivating. My customers are already asking me to host him again, and we are still receiving letters of thanks for this life changing night."

- Shazzie, author of Detox Your World, co-author of Naked Chocolate

Click below to order your copy:

(Free shipping for Amazon Prime Customers)

Raw Pregnancy & Avoiding Deficiencies

2009-10-24T04:10:28Z

Sitting in the pastel colored office of “Dr. G” waiting for my first prenatal exam, I had a gut feeling I was in the wrong place. “Dr. G” is a MD/ OB who shutters at the mere whisper of words like natural birth, home delivery, water birth, midwifery, etc. I didn’t even mention to her my diet choices of high raw for fear of a colorful debate. After three what appeared to be a waste of insurance money-visits to her un-supportive to my personal needs- office I made the decision to go elsewhere. Due to my insurance plan’s coverage I was unable to have the privilege of a home for the awaited November birth. To our relief we had the option of The Sutter Birthing Center where they are fully staffed with licensed Midwives, and actively initiate more natural birthing methods with water tubes, specialty beds, stools and ropes. Even though they do offer C-section surgeries, epidurals and emergency surgeries, I felt well supported. The Center is free of noisy intercoms, white walls and the token lame cafeteria. Sutter offers private plush rooms that look more like luxury hotel rooms with large jet tubs, shady balconies and stereo systems for your plug in Ipod music for the mood. I exhaled in relief. This was a beautiful option to our original Home Birth dream.

Visits with my new OB/ Midwife Dr.”A” & her partner “T”, were routine so I am told. I tried not to get offended when they asked me to take a gestational diabetes test and other blood work to insure I was healthy. One month prior to this visit I had some tests done back at “Dr G’s” that showed my blood was dynamic and I was clean as a whistle. G’s office was surprised by my results given the fact they knew I didn’t eat meat. This was a strange and dangerous concept to them. After getting my test results from the diabetes screening, Dr A’s partner had a different opinion. She said I was borderline anemic and that I needed to get on supplementation right away and even suggested I eat meat to make up the difference. I declined her offer to write me a prescription for something generic from the standard pharmacy and polity asked what other options I had.

“You’re a vegetarian right?” She prodded while listening to the baby’s heart beat through a monitor.

I hesitated for a moment keeping in mind I didn’t want her to be alarmed I was eating primarily fruits and vegetables.

“Yes…yes I am.”

She looked a bit disappointed “Where do you get your iron?”

“All leafy greens have iron!” I answered “couldn’t I drink a few fresh green juices a day to get enough?”

“Where is the scientific proof that will work?” she asked adjusting her glasses and grinning as if I had said something completely outlandish.

Her response was disappointing to me. At that moment I knew once again that my inner voice and intuition was right on track with my dietary choices. According to these test results what made me borderline anemic and how could I remedy the situation in a realist manner and still follow a cleaner diet for my baby?

In closing to my visit, “T” mentioned to me her experience with vegetarian mothers and that most of them were very unhealthy. She went on to say “They don’t eat meat but they eat chips, breads, cakes and doughnuts.” I understood where she was coming from. She was placing me in a category of her experiences of the standard junk food vegetarians and the poor unbalanced choices they make especially during pregnancy. I assured her I eat lots of leafy salads, fresh fruits and super foods along with my New Chapter prenatal vitamins.

I found out most if not all women who are pregnant experience iron deficiencies, so I was not out of the ordinary. This is because when a woman becomes pregnant, her blood volume increases to help support the growth of a new being! Since iron is needed for the production of hemoglobin (an oxygen carrying protein in red blood cells), if pregnant women don't have enough iron it leads to anemia. It is suggested you need about 30-60 mg of elemental iron during pregnancy a day.

Symptoms of anemia are fatigue, weakness, irritability, short of breath and fainting spells. There's some research that shows babies of anemic mothers are at a higher risk for prematurity as well as risks for the mother during labor.

Most doctors and magazines will advise mothers to eat more meat to make up for the need of more iron. If you are like me, and prefer to go vegetarian or the high raw route here are ways to get balanced and be sure there is no need to be freaked out about not getting enough iron.

Bread is Dead: Like “T” mentioned, most vegetarian proudly drop the meat, yet pick up the bread, and refined processed foods to feel full and get the recommended whole grains in. This is a very common slippery slope. Drop the meat, but pick up on loads of fresh or lightly steamed vegetables, fresh fruits and maybe a little steamed quinoa. Quinoa is a great clean food that is a complete protein as well as light on the digestion. Breads today do not offer anything but a clogged colon and pasty completion.

Eat more fresh fruits and veggies!: Dried fruits such as apricots are great sources of iron, and they're easy to snack on. Be sure to only eat a handful so you stay hydrated and keep the bowels “flowing”. Large amounts of dry fruit can not only hurt your teeth, but be very dehydrating especially during pregnancy.

Other good sources of iron include spinach, pumpkin, collards, kale and turnip greens. Beans such as green peas, sprouted lentils and chick-peas are also good sources of iron. Now I am going to offer the same advice that was given to me by another raw mother just recently. During her pregnancy she went to a local organic farmer and purchased eggs. She blended one in her nut milk everyday and that seem to work for her. I was squeamish and a bit judgmental at first, yet now I understand and respect that if having an organic, truly range-free egg a day keeps momma’s iron and other nutritional needs up, I am supportive of that. Eggs are a complete food, so it is up to the individual where they stand with eating eggs.

Most fruits and vegetables have nonheme iron, which is why “T” wasn’t a big fan. These foods are a little harder for the body absorb so it's very important that you take these iron-rich foods with iron helpers such as Vitamin C so your body absorbs the iron rather than flushing it away.

My secret iron boost is spirulina. I try to do at least 3 tsp a day on salads, in smoothies or stirred into fresh juices.

Eating food high in Folic acid is key as well to prevent anemia and insure your baby is free from potential birth defects. For a folic acid boost, enjoy foods like fresh organic peanut butter on celery, asparagus, collards wraps, sprouted almonds (pate’), ripe peaches, oranges, bananas, marinated broccoli, and wild mushrooms such as shiitake.

Increase the “C”: It's not enough to just increase the amount of iron you eat; you also need vitamins that will help you absorb the iron. Vitamin C is a great "helper" in iron absorption. Try drinking a glass of fresh, non pasteurized orange juice or using OJ as a base in your smoothies as you eat foods high in iron. If you can't stomach that due to morning sickness, add a side of brightly colored vegetables such tomatoes or bell peppers to your meal.

Steer clear: You can be eating all the right foods, however know that there are foods that can decrease your absorption shouldn't be taken with iron-rich foods. Calcium and caffeine both decrease the absorption of iron. To best insure you are absorbing iron properly, avoid food items such as caffeinated teas, all animal milks, soy protein, and coffee to name a few. While you shouldn't cut calcium out of your diet, a better solution is to enjoy calcium rich foods between your meals so that your body can fully absorb the iron. See nut milk recipe below.

Fresh Live Foods rich in calcium such as sesame or sunflower milk, parsley, fresh figs, dandelion greens are among the many choices you can feast on. There is no need to be fanatical, just be aware of what foods and in what combinations you are eating to best serve you and your little one.

Over the past six months I have become more and more comfortable with my natural ability to use my best judgment when it comes to my nutritional needs during pregnancy. Deciding to take a truly more unconventional-natural route with fresh live foods especially during pregnancy takes great care and knowledge. Educating yourself on your food choices and being prepared for the occasional skeptical doctor is important. I found that it is easier not to argue or try to battle the “system” and the opinions of the average doctor, rather take full responsibility and go for it! The doctors have a reason to be concerned because most mother-to-be vegetarian that stroll into their office are not balanced and it stuffs the rest of “us” into an uneducated/junk food vegetarian category.

Needing scientific proof that fresh fruits and vegetables have what it takes to feed my body right during my pregnancy is not my concern. I have all the proof I need when what happens when you do not consume fresh foods as a lifestyle choice and that happen to suffer from bloating, pale skin, weight gain, diseases, deficiencies and other lack of health foods related issues. These issues can easily be taken care of through a high mineral rich diet, adequate rest, proper hydration and of course belief. Making sure your pregnancy is a healthy one is not simply a matter of consuming the commonly recommended diet of 2500 calories, tons of meat for iron and so on. A pregnant woman’s daily calories need to be of high quality and nutrient dense from whole natural and plant based foods. Your must source your nutritional needs from a large variety of fresh foods.

If you are a woman who hopes to have a healthy child someday or as an expecting mother, stand strong in your decision to take great care of your health and diet choices during your pregnancy. No need for fanaticism or fit into a hardcore “ideal”, simply use common sense when choosing foods for fuel and building blocks. It is every woman’s responsibility to tap into her primal instincts and feel confident in her decision to thrive on primarily fresh, live foods which will give her baby the greatest gift!

Melissa Mango

MelissaMangosGreenCuisine

Kitchen Tips: For a nutritious, energizing and clean breakfast, I personally recommend making a huge green smoothie that includes the following:

1.) A base such as nut milk, water, or Orange juice

2.) Fresh, ripe and seasonal fruits such as peaches, berries, mangos, pears.

3.) 1 tsp spirulina

4.) 1 leaf of kale, collard, rainbow chard or big handful of wild lambs quarters.

5.) If you need it to be sweeter, try a few drops of stevia or a touch of raw honey

This smoothie is packed full of iron, contains vitamin C for smooth absorption as well as mega protein fit for your baby.

Have at least one glass of fresh sesame milk (the highest source of live food calcium) with vanilla, cinnamon and sweetened with stevia or honey 2-3 hrs after breakfast, an hour before a meal or whenever you need a snack.

Perfect smoothie Recipe

Blackberry kisses Serves 2

2 c fresh blackberries

3 c pure water

Gently blend together, strain, then place liquid back into blender

1 large banana

1 c lambs quarter greens

1 tsp spirulina

7 drops of vanilla cream stevia

Blend well, enjoy!

*** Sign up now before tickets run out for the upcoming NYC & LA Raw Birthday Party Events.

Harvesting Treasure in the Dirt

2009-10-21T20:05:23Z

With the Harvest Moon come and gone, it's fitting that we delve into the greatest harvest there is and the rich treasure that we're gathering the last frost-sweetened bits of before winter arrives (at least here in the Northeast).

Recently, gardening has been brought to the forefront of popular culture with everyone who's "anyone" digging in and getting dirty to grow their own fruits, vegetables, even making their own compost and choosing to eat at restaurants that feature simple and locally-sourced menus. The Obama’s brought gardening into world-wide headlines and into politics (where it desperately needs to be as we battle seed giants like Monsanto and other corporations with a less than conscious view of food) as Michelle and Sam Kass (White House chef) revived FDR's Victory Garden. A few years ago, slow food pioneer Alice Waters convinced the mayor of San Francisco to tear up the lawn in front of city hall and an overwhelming number of Bay City residents turned out to help plant their own Victory Garden.

Gardens are springing up in areas where they haven't really been seen before- on rooftops, in urban alleys, at schools and universities, growing up the sides of walls, and even in the backs of pickup trucks (check out the very cool Truck Farm).

With this gardening comes amazing food and with that food comes just as amazing waste that is easily turned into compost. The cycle is completed with that compost becoming food once more and so it goes in the most beautiful, sustainable and beneficial journey from earth to plate.

Gardening, real food, whole and fresh ingredients, keeping worms in your apartment to turn waste into rich soil. . . All of this is suddenly not just for the rural, Mother Earth News reading hippies (Speaking of which, have you looked at Mother Earth News? My parents had the entire encyclopedia and I spent a large part of my childhood poring over the volumes and trying just about everything in them, I highly recommend seeking them out, both old and current volumes). These things are now seen as incredibly hip and cool (check out Farmer D and the list of 40 Farmers Under 40 for example) and I, for one, am completely psyched. Anything that gets people’s hands (and especially kids) into the dirt, putting them in direct contact with their food, while teaching them how to care for their own bodies and health, as well as our planet, is amazing. I firmly believe the greatest gift we can give to our children is the opportunity to connect with a garden of some kind (even if it’s some potted herbs or jars of sprouts in a city apartment) and all the lessons and values that come along with it.

When my own vermiculture bin is full (during the summer months when I’m stuffing myself gloriously on the fresh vegetables, melons, and herbs coming out of our ears, the worms are a bit overloaded and have trouble keeping up with my scraps!!), I bring my bags of compost (stored in the freezer to keep it running more energy efficiently and from attracting fruit flies) to friends who are outside the city, or farmers as they’re packing up for the afternoon at the end of the weekly market; my friends Dan and Ginger happily schlep it back to add it to their piles. Sometimes I want to climb in the truck with the compost and go back “home” where there are rolling fields and falling down barns; my first jobs were working on organic farms near my house growing up, and I loved packing up the truck after a before-dawn harvest and driving into the city to feed the busy rush of urbanites clamoring for fresh off the farm produce, feeling like the happiest girl in the world leaving after a busy morning with smiling people, dirt under my fingernails and a wooden box full of my own personal gold.

And that’s exactly what it is: our own personal cache of gold. What treasure could possibly top armloads of jewel colored beets, leafy greens (as a little girl thinking dreamily about a wedding someday, guess what I pictured as wedding bouquets? Ruffled lettuce heads and tall spires of swiss chard!), cream-colored turnips, purple and yellow carrots, sweet smelling dill, unusually huge bunches of basil, and the ugliest/most beautiful heirloom tomatoes ever. . .

We brush the dirt off, crunch, and are healed with the energy of the earth, air, sunlight and water. We are connected. And when we share with others, compost the scraps and plant more seeds, we complete that essential circle and connect with the entire universe.

There is no greater gift than that of soil, seed and the space to grow, and I encourage everyone, in whatever way works for your lifestyle, to give yourself and those around you that gift.

Jenny Nelson

Local / Eco Warrior

*** Sign up now before tickets run out for the upcoming NYC & LA Raw Events.

This Is How We Party!

2009-10-19T15:49:36Z

It's my joy to share with you some yummy captured moments from Raw Spirit Festival, Santa Barbara, May '09. We had 3 days of fun in the sun - sober. This is how we party: music, dancing, frolicking & eating the best food ever, with loved ones old and new.

Contrast this with your average drunken, drug-fueled festival. For me, this is what makes raw events so unique. No hangovers, drug downers or the stink of smoke. Just shiny eyes, clear skin & vibrant energy. This lifestyle is not about food ~ our food choices enable other interests & passions. These choices foster new relationships with ourselves & others. Everyone is beautiful, and that has nothing to do with genetics - when you shine bright & live your light, you cannot help but be Beauty-full.

And at events like this, the kids stay up as long as they like - without separation from 'adult' areas or activities. There's a lot of love & chocolate shared - the festivals span all ages, types, fragrances & proclivities!

I dance between word-smithing for Qito, making Xocolati, Photography & my work as a custom private fasting facilitator @ Deep Tissue Cleansing. As Rumi said,

There's hidden sweetness in the stomach's emptiness.
We are lutes, no more, no less.
When you're full of food and drink,
Satan sits where your spirit should,
If the brain and belly are burning clean with fasting,
every moment a new song comes out of the fire..

With love, Suki x

PS. If your in the NYC or LA area be sure to check out the upcoming fun events in Nov.

Raw Apple Pie In a Glass

2009-10-16T22:29:04Z

Around this time every year I am fortunate enough to get a huge box of freshly picked apples from friends who come to visit from Southern Ontario. Naturally, it's the perfect excuse to whip up something sweet and delicious! Today I've got 2 recipes to share with you featuring one of the finest of Fall's ingredients.

The first recipe, Apple Crumble Cake, comes from my Just Desserts ebook. It was inspired by my apple picking experience in New Zealand a few years ago. I only lasted a week at that job, and came away with a newfound respect for fruit pickers. It was hard work walking up and down tall ladders all day with a huge tub of apples strapped into the front of my body! I sure got my fill of delicious apples though, and in the process dreamt up all kinds of recipes to make as soon as I had a real kitchen again (the accommodation was pretty rustic in the orchard).

Apple Crumble Cake

Filling:

8 medium apples of your choice, peeled, cored and separated
½ cup pitted, packed dates
¼ cup raisins, soaked for a few hours
1 tbs lemon juice
1 tsp cinnamon

Blend 2 of the apples with the other filling ingredients, until smooth. Thinly slice the remaining 6 apples and fold into the blended mixture.

Crumble:

2 cups pecans
1 cup pitted, packed dates (8-10)
1 1/2 cups ground oat groats
2 tbs melted coconut oil
3 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp sea salt

Process the nuts and dates. Add the rest of ingredients and pulse into a crumbly mixture.

Assembly:

Press 1/3 of the crumble mixture into the bottom of an 8” pan. Layer 1/2 of the apple mixture on top. Sprinkle another 1/3 of the crumble on the top, followed by the remaining apples. Finally, top with the last of the crumble.

Enjoy this way, or dehydrate for 6-8 hours at 115F to soften the apples. Slice and eat!

For Apple Berry Cake, spread 2- 3 cups fresh or frozen berries over the first layer of apples.

For an even more decadent treat, enjoy with a side of raw vanilla ice cream!

Onto the next item of business! Wanting something a wee bit different from the regular ol' apple pie, I came up with a "pie parfait". Super easy to throw together! It combines the filling from the crumble cake with a maple macadamia whipped cream, and chopped nuts in place of a pie crust.

Apple Pie Parfait

Filling: Same as crumble cake but process the 6 apples into small chunks instead of thinly slicing them.

Nut Crunch: Pecans

Roughly chop a desired amount of pecans (or other nut)

Maple Macadamia Whipped Cream

1 cup macadamia nuts
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
2-3 Tbs melted coconut oil
Seeds of 1/2 small vanilla bean
3 Tbs water

Blend all ingredients until smooth

Assembly: Layer the filling, cream, and nuts in parfait glasses!

Now here's a little poem with a glimpse of life lately in my northern neck of the woods. Written by my mom...

Autumn Harvest

Days grow shorter as the strong winds grow

The leaves turning colour at their finest
The sun reveals all to be thankful for
A multi-coloured, rich delicious harvest.

I can't keep myself from the Honey Crisp apples
Or returning to the garden to pull carrots
I may even venture into the forest for some mushrooms
In this land so far from the parrots!

Swimming in my lake is over the season
Instead I'm creating soups delicious!
With zucchini, red pepper, celery and herbs
How could it be more nutritious?

For more Autumn dessert ideas, check out this post featuring pumpkin pie bars and ice cream!

That's all the for now. It was Canadian Thanksgiving this past weekend so I'll most certainly be inspired to make something new and scrumptious, so stay tuned for more from your Loving Raw Dessert Diva, Heathy Pace!

And don't forget, leave comments and let us know how the recipe worked out for you.

The Party is Coming to Cali

2009-10-16T00:37:39Z

(Click this link to go to the site if you don't see the Party Flyer)

Cali, so you want to party like a ROCKSTAR?

Well now you can... with me, Chef Ito, Raw Disa, a rocking DJ, and Tattoo artist Siva for a birthday party celebration to remember.

What: 4-course Gourmet Raw Dinner, DJ, dancing, and like tattooing all night long. It's my birthday party, you know how we do it!

Special Bonus: As featured in National Geographic, 17 year raw foodist Siva will be joining us for the party with a live art/tattoo presentation. Feel free to contact him direct if you want an appointment for a tattoo during the event.

Where: Au Lac Restaurant, 16563 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708

When: Nov 21th 7pm (sharp)

Investment in your sexiness:

$37.77 for a 4-course Gourmet Raw Dinner, DJ, dancing, and a live tattoo presentation.

Note: Only 50 tickets will be sold for this event, as space is limited. No tickets will be sold at the door. Purchase your tickets today to ensure your spot.

Loving that Rockstar in you,

Philip McCluskey

Ps. Check out this fun article I did for Joshua from The Discerning Brute

Primal Instincts, Superior Seeds, and (almost) Barefoot Running

2009-10-15T12:47:35Z

After completion of a daily training run, I sat down along the creek, remove my Vibrams and allow my feet to sink into the chilly rushing water. The cool waters are a perfect ending to a long run. Once my ankles get somewhat use to the change of temp, I then, somewhat timidly sink down to my waste line. A slight cringe, and a deep gasp for air, I surrender, and fully submerge myself into the depths of the river.

I am now, connected. The electrical forces of the moving waters now penetrate deep into my tissues and allow my legs to heal. It is the water, that can cleanse, and nurture torn muscles and bruised tissues to allow me to go back for another round of trail running tomorrow. I give thanks, then emerge from the waters, rejuvenated, invigorated, and electrified.

Today’s burst was a seemingly minor 6 mile jaunt thru North Conway’s pine laden, Whitaker Woods. Although the mileage is low in comparison to what I am generally use to, this was one of the most important runs I would ever go on. This run, would be the first in an attempt to relearn what I thought was proper running. Maybe proper is not the best choice of words, but for me, I was looking to get into a more primal state of running. I was hoping to tap into the minds of ancient civilizations and recreate the strides and running styles of other cultures whom, ran in extreme conditions for lengthy amounts of time without the aid of water bottles, Nike Air, or Cliff Power Shots.

A year ago, while in the deserts of Arizona, a friend introduced me to, at the time what I thought was the strangest shoe I had ever seen. He was wearing Vibram Five Fingers and easily running through the rocky, dusty and sometimes thorn ridden trails of the south west. I was educated on the pros to barefoot, (well almost) running and how eliminating your expensive running shoes can actually free you from leg and back injuries. During this time, I was deep into training for the VT100 mile foot race and was in no way ready to change my ways. But I was intrigued, so I put what I learned on the back burner until I could find use for it.

Early in the spring I was finally ready to give the Vibram Five Fingers a go. I purchased a pair of the KSO’s and anxiously awaited their arrival. A few days later UPS dropped off a box of vibram's and like a child on christmas day, I tore into the package, eager to get those gloves on my feet! Little did I know, that this would be easier said then done! Years of cramming my feet into tight soccer and football cleats, bunions, and other various foot injuries tightened up my feet and kept my toes very close together. So when I tried to get into the VFF, I found it challenging to separate my toes to fit into the individual pockets. For those of you new to VFF, they fit like a glove, allowing each toe to fit into it’s own separate compartment, so to speak. Maybe 10 or so minutes later, I was finally in and walking about. The feeling was a bit strange at first, but instantly I felt a deeper connection and noticed a change in my posture.

There is no question that being barefoot is our greatest way to connect to the land and to allow our bodies to stay grounded. Our toes are allowed to feel the earth and send signals throughout our body. But in modern days, traveling barefoot is not always as easy as it seems. I can’t say I would be to keen on barefooting through the streets of NYC, nor do most stores allow people barefoot. So like always, we need to adapt and do the best we can to find technologies that can bring us as close as we can to the real thing. That is where the VFF come into play for me. Now I have the same feeling as being barefoot, without being barefoot.

Along with barefooting a new approach to fueling has come into play after months of fruitarian-like eating. As I quickly realized, consuming excess fruit sugars is less than excellent. Once I began to notice my teeth chipping, I new for sure that high fruit is not best for me. I was never able to eat enough greens to compensate for the 10 banana a day average that I lived on.

Today my diet has come full circle since that of a year ago. I now look for smaller meals packed with much nutrition. I am also no longer dogmatic about veganism, nor do I feel that it is optimal for me, especially now that I live in a cold weather climate. After 3+ plus years of strict veganism, I have opened the doors to raw local/organic dairy products as well as small portions of raw meat. I must say that I haven’t felt this good in years!

When it comes to fueling, I now rely on compact superfoods like honey, maca, goji berries and the all mighty chia seed to bring me to the finish line in ultra races. A few months ago, I completed a 50k race without solid food. For 5 hours I fueled on spring water blended with unheated honey and goji berries. Maca tincture as well as deer antler extract were consumed throughout the race for added energy. Continuing on the deer antler also allowed me to be fully recovered in less than 3 days!!!!

One recipe that was inspired after reading Born To Run is as follows:

Chia “GoFar” Tonic

To a blender add:

3 cups fresh spring water
2T chia seed
juice of 1 lemon or lime
pinch of crystal salt
1 Heaping T of UNheated honey

Blend well, 30-40 seconds

You can use this drink before, during, or after you workout to provide energy and endurance.

Combining proper foods/fuel with endurance running can, at times, be a challenge. It is easy to just dig into the pretzels, running gels, and loads of empty calorie foods that take up the aid station tables at most endurance races. But, for me, there is no choice. Choosing the best possible foods with ethical beliefs and sustainable practices, is a top priority for me.

Blessings,

Chef Franky G

www.frankgiglio.com

Vibram Five Finger Shoes: Get yourself a pair!

Eden Hot Springs - The Retreat of a Lifetime

2009-10-14T17:06:54Z

WHAT IS EDEN HOT SPRINGS?

Most retreats or vacations we end up experiencing are often quite exciting in the moment, but usually end up just as a fond memory. You fly home with a “What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas” t-shirt, a lighter wallet, and not much else.

What if I told you that was all about to change?
What if I told you that THIS retreat could change your life?

How you ask??

Greater Confidence
More Self-Love
Immersed into Community
Download of Knowledge
Expanded Family
Vortex Energy

…And an amazing staff of people that know how to hold space for you to GROW, and SHINE! This retreat is for people that are ready to be responsible for their lives, and step boldly into their calling.

Eden is a Superhero Activation Station. Period.

What happens when you go on a regular vacation? Between events, shows, dinners, hotels, etc… you get so distracted that there is no time for growth. Well when you have a belly full of yummy raw food, as you stare into the abyss of the magical dessert, or worship the rising and setting sun with 110 other people, or swim in geothermal hot springs…. growth is all you have.

Visit http://www.epicedenhotsprings.com for more information and to register for this Epic Retreat!

You leave changed! Grateful to the point of ecstasy, all while watching the scales fall from your eyes and the old patterns break down and wash away. It’s like being yanked out from the matrix and dropped into the arms of family… safe and sound.

MY FIRST EDEN

I didn’t really know what to expect the first time I went to Eden last year. Boy was I in for a surprise. I enjoyed so many “firsts” in my life while there for those glorious couple of days. Like what you ask?

- 4 rounds in a Sweat Lodge on Cherokee land, while coyotes were howling on both sides of the Lodge, on Halloween.

- Honoring the rising and setting sun, barefoot on the top of the mountain.

- Swimming naked in a football-field size geothermal pool, letting my fears fall to the wayside.

- Preparing amazing food with love, for a group of people hungry for life

- Camping under the stars while breathing in clean air while napping on a vortex

- Feeling gratitude as I watched my first rattlesnake cross my path

- And much much more….

Note: And just so you don’t think this is a sales pitch, not only do I NOT work for the retreat, but none of the links are affiliate links so I don’t make a dollar, whether you go or not. I just know how powerful and amazing this experience is, and I will be there (kicking back on vacation) and would love to chat with you and see your smiling faces.

Oh and yes, as if what I mentioned wasn’t enough, my good friends David Wolfe, Daniel Vitalis, and many other amazing presenters, healers, dancers, and raw food chefs will be there. Read on for more details…

Visit http://www.epicedenhotsprings.com for more information and to register for this Epic Retreat!

THE DETAILS

Eden Hot Springs is a magical place to enhance and empower yourself, your health, your life and your passions. It is located in the southeast region of Arizona. A 2-hour drive from the Tucson airport and 3-hours from Phoenix.

The Fall 2009 Epic Eden Hot Springs Retreat is co-created by many community leaders who have all personally experienced great transformation on the land and in the waters of Eden. This retreat combines the undeniable healing power of 6 geothermal hot spring pools, vortexes of the ancient land, sacred ceremonies, inspiring lectures and workshops, delectable cuisine, invigorating yoga and dance and many additional healing services. Most importantly, it is an immersion into a community that is helping to create the new earth paradigm where connection, community support and living in harmony with nature are essential.

Facilitators for the Fall 2009 Retreat includes "SurThrival in the 21st Century" and several additional workshops with Daniel Vitalis, "Longevity Now," a special workshop with David Avocado Wolfe, "Dancing Freedom" and "The One Great Life" Dance Ceremony with Samantha Sweetwater, daily yoga classes with NYC teacher, Aarona Pichinson, West African Dance with Jade Beall, "The Alchemy of Self" workshop with Gabrielle Brick, Contemporary Sweat Lodge with Dan Engle & the Eden Tribe, Sound Alchemy with Jahsah, Jaya and John Dumas, Astronomy & Astrology Downloads in the Big Pool with John Dumas, "Simple Gourmet" ~ Raw Food Prep Class with Epic Eden's Chef, Franky G, "The Alchemy & Spirit of Chocolate" workshop with Chocolatier, Jeff Botticelli, "Taoist Herbal Download" with Rehmannia Dean Thomas of LA's Shaman Shack, Palm Reading Workshop with Michael Creamy Genis, Multiple Art Playshops with Kayse Budd and Celeste Ford, and to rawk the house, San Francisco DJ, Ra So will play sets for us under the stars.

In addition to the workshops, playshops and classes, there are many optional healing modalities available from top service providers including colonics, massage, thetahealing, palmisty, facials, intuitive readings, soul coaching, nutritional counseling, tongue and pulse analysis, reflexology and sound healing sessions.

This rejuvenation retreat is about employing what is essential to our well-being: pure food, healing water, sunshine, earth, fresh air and lots of laughter! You will have the opportunity to connect with nature and community, soak in any of the 6 geothermal hot spring pools, learn about vibrant living, clear your mind, purify your body and soften your heart.

WHEN
November 11-15 2009

WHERE
Eden Hot Springs is located close to the town of Thatcher, Arizona ~ just west of Safford. It is located northeast of Tucson and southeast of Phoenix heading towards New Mexico. It is approximately a 1.5 hour drive from the Tucson Airport and a 2.5 hour drive from the Phoenix Airport. It is on private land and does not show up on most maps. We will send you detailed directions before the retreat begins.

Please join us on this EPIC adventure November 11-15, 2009!

Visit http://www.epicedenhotsprings.com for more information and to register for this Epic Retreat!

Check out my Eden pictures from last year: Click here!
Watch Sean & Suki's YouTube video: Click here!

See you there,

Philip McCluskey

Ps. Disney ears not included.

Goji Rose on the Run

2009-10-13T17:40:28Z

Journal Entry: September 2009

Whew! What a whirlwind of a year this has been! And just a few months left in it.
I would love to share with you about the ability to follow your heart, within the parameters of everyone’s individual lifestyle. This subject is something I spoke about during a speech at my high school graduation, and as much as I forget all about it sometimes, it’s always in my mind.

“It’s never to late to follow your heart”, was the theme I shared with the audience on that day. I used the phrase “Whether you are 18 or 88, it’s never to late to find your dream.”

Since that age of graduation - my “dream” or my heart mission has morphed many times. It’s still never too late for it to morph again!

This year has been probably the most epic of my life. As far as breaking free from confinements of old relationships, to finding my true love and partner, to epic adventures and road trips with the Superhero crew, to spending time with my family and realizing I wanted to live closer to them. Also, rediscovering my love for dancing, rediscovering my love for singing and learning how to use my real voice. To changing my diet from a strict regime to openly embracing more of life’s gifts, and receiving full on initiations on my spiritual path. Taking control and getting my own Super Goji Girl website up and running, to embracing love because it feels right even while vulnerable, to watching my parents’ business (my mother’s food inspirations) take off and be in health food stores all over the country. Then, watching my own business (along with 3 other partners) finally take off and supply happy customers with Hawaiian NoniLand goodness, to moving from Hawaii (paradise, but not my paradise) to New Hampshire and absolutely loving it. At one point, showing up in Boston and finding my partner on his knees and asking me to marry him in the airport baggage claim. Becoming an aunt on both sides of my family. Epic hike adventures in Hawaii leading to getting inspired for running trails. To actually settling down into a house in New Hampshire after being on the road for 4 years.

I’d have to say the most significant part of it all, was understanding how to follow my heart. Once my heart was on the East Coast, I knew (somehow) that I really did belong there. It was extremely challenging being away from my parents while being in Hawaii for months at a time. If you knew my parents, you would understand.

Try to imagine your best friends in the entire world, who actually understand you, and who fully support you. They are interested in pretty much everything you’re interested in, constantly encourage you to follow your heart, and are constantly a shining example of a couple in love for over 30 years. They actually want to spend time with you and have friends that are mostly all your age. And they can actually sit down and chat for hours over elixirs and chocolate (or a baseball game) with you and your closest friends. Talk about a dream team of parents. I was fortunate to grow up in an alternative family, home schooled, natural foods and herbal medicine (never been to a doctor, except for a Naturopath still to this day), tapped in spirituality, and learning through creative arts.

My heart song mission has transformed from the desire of being a “show-stopping broadway/dance star” to hardly being able to contain my excitement for health and nutrition and being of service to this world. Not that dancing and singing is not being of service, but it’s different. This year, I’ve been able to add those elements of creative arts back into my life, but in a completely different way. Instead of this cut-throat, competitive lifestyle loaded with chemicals from all sorts of hair products, makeup, etc., I’ve developed my own style of dance which is a blend of ballet, funk, jazz, and emotion.

Which brings me to the subject of exercise. No matter how much amazing food, herbs, water, and superfoods that we put into our bodies, if there is no movement, there is no point. It’s been a challenge for me to keep up with some form of exercise while being on the road, but I’ve managed to do it. The less I eat, the more I want to move, so it seems that program works best for me. Instead of eating a de-mineralized “conventional-organic” salad of vegetables that were all grown far away and imported, I’ll eat a tiny densely packed meal of pure nutrition, and still have energy for movement.

So get out and move! Go run around your house, or run down the street, or put the music on and dance (it’s ok, no one’s watching), go take a yoga class, or go for a bike ride, and really get your movement on. Not just a quick 20 minute walk or 15 minutes on the rebounder and decide that’s enough for the day. Go till you absolutely can’t go any longer. I encourage you to do some research on the ancient and current tribes in the world, see how simply they ate and how far they ran or walked in a day. I dare you to see how much you can move in a day, and I’ll see you next time...

Super Goji Girl

www.supergojigirl.com

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