When I sat down to make my Rainbow Food Charts, I suddenly could not think of all the foods that I enjoy and that fit into each color category... I kept asking myself, "What else is bluish that I eat?" "Surely there is more to orange than oranges and peaches!"
Here are a few resources to help you include all your favorites in your Rainbow Food Chart:
Foods in Color Categories from PBH Foundation
Phytonutrients,Foods and Colors
Don't forget... YOUR chart may look different from anyone else's. Where one person puts cheese for protein, I put it as a fat. If I think of cheese as anything other than a dairy fat, I'm likely to consume way more than I need bec/ I really enjoy cheese. I choose the lower fat/lower salt varieties and save the creamy sharp cheddar or the decadent Havarti or the smooth munster cheese for my most delectable recipees or to have with crackers for a snack that satisfies. You might have garlic on your green foods list but it isn't even on my chart--I'm allergic. Annie has chocolate as both a sweet and a green food, from the earth. My organic dark chocolate is a decadent sweet in my chart. That's sweetness I can live with (a little) every day!
I love soy nuts and certain soy based meatless products by Quorn foods company (chicken nuggets to die for) but as much as one of my doctors wants me to drink soy milk for the phytoestrogens-- there's no way... I have tried and it tastes worse than that stuff my mom gave me as a kid to make my tummy aches go away.. milk omagnesia was it?
KMR
Saturday, December 26, 2009
the Science Behind Why the Angels emphasize Color--
Annie and I are going into the final innings of getting this book to come together. the researcher that I am, I just went through all of the blog posts from earlier this year to date-- lots of powerful stuff here, as you all know. One query from an ETAW follower caught my eye... this person asked why the Angels are so keen on colors of foods. Annie already discussed the association of colors of foods with the chakras and balancing the energy of the bodymind.
Here are two more "reasons" the Angels may be so "big" on the color of the foods we eat:
1. Science is beginning to show us that the chemistry that naturally exists in plants, namely the COLORS, are necessary for good health. The chemical that makes grapes PURPLE is natural plant chemical that helps keep cholesterol from building in our arteries. BLUEberries contain a natural chemical they may proect against memory loss and loss of occirdination as our bodies age. The GREEN in broccoli has agents that may protect from cancer. ORANGE in carrots can maintain good eye health.
You might here the term "phytonutrients" or "phytochemicals" when reading about the naturally occuring chemical properties of fruits and veggies. Also, notice I keep saying NATURALLY OCCURING. There is no evidence (or none that I've come across) that genetically altering a fruit or veggie to have more of a phytonutrient, or creating hybrind fruits or veggies, or fortifying the soil with these nutrient will yield more 'powerful' plant chemistry that has a more powerful effect on our health.
Nutritional supplements are an insurance policy for your body. In a day and age when you can't always get the foods you most want or need, or are unsure of the source/growing methods/method of harvesting, a nutritional supplement is like a back-up plan to help your body get key vitamins and minerals. All of the integrative physicians I have interviewed have assured me that there is NOTHING as good as real, wholesome food and the natural symmetry and integration that occurs between foods groups and between food and the body.
2. Two years ago the PRoduce for beteer health foundation ran a campaign called "Five a Day the Color Way"... emphasizing, you guessed it, "Eat a Rainbow of Colors everyday" they also encouraged eah of us to make our plates and our kids plates as colorful as possible (I no longer feed my kids on those busy cartoon character plates--they can't see what they're eating and how beautiful it is!). to quote "Treat yourself to the colorful variety of ffurits and vegetaables. You deserve this special treatment because you are a special person." I think the Angels would agree!
One last point... in regards to the question about why emphasize color... it seems to me that so few of the thousands of diets and dietary advise on this planet has actually really worked for most people for any meaningful length of time.. so why NOT plan your meals and quench your palate with the colors of nature... of divine creation? YOu have nothing to lose, and everything to gain (in a healthy way).... is that an Angel pun that I just channeled, Annie? -- KMR
Resources: PBH Foundation - Five a Day the Color Way
A more recent campaign: More Matters: Fruits and Veggies
The Power of Color (in your fruits and veggies): The Power of Color
5 a Day -- for Kids Phytonutrients in KidSpeake from the USDA
Quick Guide to Colorful Foods -- this will help you with your food diaries
Here are two more "reasons" the Angels may be so "big" on the color of the foods we eat:
1. Science is beginning to show us that the chemistry that naturally exists in plants, namely the COLORS, are necessary for good health. The chemical that makes grapes PURPLE is natural plant chemical that helps keep cholesterol from building in our arteries. BLUEberries contain a natural chemical they may proect against memory loss and loss of occirdination as our bodies age. The GREEN in broccoli has agents that may protect from cancer. ORANGE in carrots can maintain good eye health.
You might here the term "phytonutrients" or "phytochemicals" when reading about the naturally occuring chemical properties of fruits and veggies. Also, notice I keep saying NATURALLY OCCURING. There is no evidence (or none that I've come across) that genetically altering a fruit or veggie to have more of a phytonutrient, or creating hybrind fruits or veggies, or fortifying the soil with these nutrient will yield more 'powerful' plant chemistry that has a more powerful effect on our health.
Nutritional supplements are an insurance policy for your body. In a day and age when you can't always get the foods you most want or need, or are unsure of the source/growing methods/method of harvesting, a nutritional supplement is like a back-up plan to help your body get key vitamins and minerals. All of the integrative physicians I have interviewed have assured me that there is NOTHING as good as real, wholesome food and the natural symmetry and integration that occurs between foods groups and between food and the body.
2. Two years ago the PRoduce for beteer health foundation ran a campaign called "Five a Day the Color Way"... emphasizing, you guessed it, "Eat a Rainbow of Colors everyday" they also encouraged eah of us to make our plates and our kids plates as colorful as possible (I no longer feed my kids on those busy cartoon character plates--they can't see what they're eating and how beautiful it is!). to quote "Treat yourself to the colorful variety of ffurits and vegetaables. You deserve this special treatment because you are a special person." I think the Angels would agree!
One last point... in regards to the question about why emphasize color... it seems to me that so few of the thousands of diets and dietary advise on this planet has actually really worked for most people for any meaningful length of time.. so why NOT plan your meals and quench your palate with the colors of nature... of divine creation? YOu have nothing to lose, and everything to gain (in a healthy way).... is that an Angel pun that I just channeled, Annie? -- KMR
Resources: PBH Foundation - Five a Day the Color Way
A more recent campaign: More Matters: Fruits and Veggies
The Power of Color (in your fruits and veggies): The Power of Color
5 a Day -- for Kids Phytonutrients in KidSpeake from the USDA
Quick Guide to Colorful Foods -- this will help you with your food diaries
Dr. OZ -- Tips that Support the Angel Way
Dr. Oz has the following tips listed in O Magazine January 2010.... page 95 -- The Angels are smiling....
Spoil Your Dinner (eat snacks between meals)
Why? the hormone that gets your tummy growling is called ghrelin. Once you start to eat it takes about 30 minutes for ghrelin levels to drop and for your tummy to begin to feel satisfied or "full"... A 100 calorie snack 30 minutes or so before your main meal will temper those ghrelin levels (I likes say "gremlins"-- KMR). By the time you sit down to eat your main meal, you won't feel famished. What does Dr. Oz suggest for a snack: a handful of nuts like almonds, an apple, walnuts... wise choices!
Reduce or eliminate soda at meal time
Why? Leptin is the hormone that tells your brain "I've had enough. I have stored enough energy from food." Sugary soft drinks interrupt the feedback loop so your brain does not get the message (another brain imaging study, unrelated to this article, shows that sugar substitutes like those found in diet soft drinks also disrupt the message but the mechanism of action is different). So, in all likelihood you could be overeating because the soda you consume with your meal has saturated the area of the brain where the the message needs to get through and you realize "I've eaten enough." Opt for water or, as Dr. Dean Ornish suggests, tea (green oolong white, etc)
Eat with Awareness
Eat at the table, sitting down; not reading, not hypnotized by TV or a magazine or your iphone, or web surfing. Mindful eating increases the satisfaction you get from each bite of food-- the flavor, the texture, the temperature and allows extra time for your gremlins (ghrelin) to subside.
Move Your Body
10,000 steps a day the good Dr. OZ suggest. The Angels love walking, too. Muscle burns a dozen more claories than fat... strengthen your body with weight bearing exercise for both upper and lower extremeties
As always, consult your healthcare providers before embarking on any changes to your physical activity routine or dietary habits.
Happy New Year! KMR
Spoil Your Dinner (eat snacks between meals)
Why? the hormone that gets your tummy growling is called ghrelin. Once you start to eat it takes about 30 minutes for ghrelin levels to drop and for your tummy to begin to feel satisfied or "full"... A 100 calorie snack 30 minutes or so before your main meal will temper those ghrelin levels (I likes say "gremlins"-- KMR). By the time you sit down to eat your main meal, you won't feel famished. What does Dr. Oz suggest for a snack: a handful of nuts like almonds, an apple, walnuts... wise choices!
Reduce or eliminate soda at meal time
Why? Leptin is the hormone that tells your brain "I've had enough. I have stored enough energy from food." Sugary soft drinks interrupt the feedback loop so your brain does not get the message (another brain imaging study, unrelated to this article, shows that sugar substitutes like those found in diet soft drinks also disrupt the message but the mechanism of action is different). So, in all likelihood you could be overeating because the soda you consume with your meal has saturated the area of the brain where the the message needs to get through and you realize "I've eaten enough." Opt for water or, as Dr. Dean Ornish suggests, tea (green oolong white, etc)
Eat with Awareness
Eat at the table, sitting down; not reading, not hypnotized by TV or a magazine or your iphone, or web surfing. Mindful eating increases the satisfaction you get from each bite of food-- the flavor, the texture, the temperature and allows extra time for your gremlins (ghrelin) to subside.
Move Your Body
10,000 steps a day the good Dr. OZ suggest. The Angels love walking, too. Muscle burns a dozen more claories than fat... strengthen your body with weight bearing exercise for both upper and lower extremeties
As always, consult your healthcare providers before embarking on any changes to your physical activity routine or dietary habits.
Happy New Year! KMR
Thursday, December 24, 2009
a Christmas message from the Angels
"Living against your body clock — as so many of us do — can affect your health and well-being in myriad ways." Olivia Judson, The New York Times - Dec 24, 2009
What gift will you give yourself?
It's the season of Frazzled Women, a friend of mine observed yesterday. And men, too, if my husband is any measure - he's been running around coordinating a Christmas dinner at a Hartford soup kitchen among a myriad of other things, all while fighting a cold.
And yet, in this darkest part of the year, our mammalian bodies are telling us to sleep, to rest, to slow down and dream. It's this living out of synchrony with our bodies and our environment - our real environment, not the ones we attempt to create for ourselves - that leads to so much chronic sickness, to fatigue, and even to weight gain.
science is only now catching up to what everyone's body instinctively and intuitively knows: living out of harmony with our own intrinsic physical rhythms not only makes us tired and stressed, it makes us fat and sick in the long run.
The gift the Angels urge all of us to give ourselves is love...the kind of Love that gives us the strength to say "no" when pushed to the limit of what we can reasonably accomplish or achieve in one day, one hour or even five minutes; the kind of Love that gives us the ability to close the doors, turn off the phones, the lights and the alarms and allows us time to rest, to sleep, to simply do nothing, even as the silent trees outside my window aren't really doing anything in particular, except Being; the kind of Love that enables us to choose what we put into our bodies with the same tender care or sense of responsibility so many of us shower on those around us.
The point, the Angels say, is that without the experience of true Self-Love, a person will have a very difficult time being truly loving to anyone else. how can you know how to treat your neighbor like yourself, after all, if you've become so used to denying, to denigrating, to punishing your own Self, you've become innured to your own pain? if you don't accept your own needs, it can become difficult to understand anyone else's.
it is in this way that we inflict the numerous thoughtless hurts all of us do. we're so used to treating ourselves badly (or allowing ourselves to be treated badly in the name of whatever virtue we think we're serving) that for the most part, we don't recognize when we're being unkind to others. i have seen time and time again that most people i know don't set out intentionally to do harm or to cause pain - it's that so innured are we all by our own pain, our own calluses and scars and missing pieces, we cannot recognize the suffering we inadvertently cause.
if we want peace for the world, say the Angels, we can begin by making peace with every aspect of our Selves - including our appetites, our hungers and all our physical needs. if we would be healers in the world, begin by loving the individual wounds each of us possess. the more we work to accept - not necessarily to heal - our own woundings, the more aware we become to how our actions and our words affect others.
some people - like mother theresa and nelson mandela - are called to work for peace on a global scale. right now, many people i admire and a few i know personally are preparing to go to one of the most historically war-torn and wounded areas of the world and march for peace. however, peace is not something that can really be imposed from outside. real peace, true peace, the peace that leads to not wanting to harm one's neighbor in the first place, comes in some measure from a deep sense of self-acceptance....of one's WHOLE self, not just the socially acceptable or more readily controllable parts.
the Angels urge all of us to take some time in the midst of the lights and the caroling and the gifting and the gratitude and the chaos to do something kind for yourself that no one else knows to do as well as you. sink and relish and revel in that experience ... give to your Self some of the energy you are doubtlessly expending on everyone and everything else on your lists. throughout the days ahead, be kind and gentle to your Self. listen to the Child who lives in you, and allow her or him to have her holiday, too.
the Angels are all around us and we truly are Loved.
What gift will you give yourself?
It's the season of Frazzled Women, a friend of mine observed yesterday. And men, too, if my husband is any measure - he's been running around coordinating a Christmas dinner at a Hartford soup kitchen among a myriad of other things, all while fighting a cold.
And yet, in this darkest part of the year, our mammalian bodies are telling us to sleep, to rest, to slow down and dream. It's this living out of synchrony with our bodies and our environment - our real environment, not the ones we attempt to create for ourselves - that leads to so much chronic sickness, to fatigue, and even to weight gain.
science is only now catching up to what everyone's body instinctively and intuitively knows: living out of harmony with our own intrinsic physical rhythms not only makes us tired and stressed, it makes us fat and sick in the long run.
The gift the Angels urge all of us to give ourselves is love...the kind of Love that gives us the strength to say "no" when pushed to the limit of what we can reasonably accomplish or achieve in one day, one hour or even five minutes; the kind of Love that gives us the ability to close the doors, turn off the phones, the lights and the alarms and allows us time to rest, to sleep, to simply do nothing, even as the silent trees outside my window aren't really doing anything in particular, except Being; the kind of Love that enables us to choose what we put into our bodies with the same tender care or sense of responsibility so many of us shower on those around us.
The point, the Angels say, is that without the experience of true Self-Love, a person will have a very difficult time being truly loving to anyone else. how can you know how to treat your neighbor like yourself, after all, if you've become so used to denying, to denigrating, to punishing your own Self, you've become innured to your own pain? if you don't accept your own needs, it can become difficult to understand anyone else's.
it is in this way that we inflict the numerous thoughtless hurts all of us do. we're so used to treating ourselves badly (or allowing ourselves to be treated badly in the name of whatever virtue we think we're serving) that for the most part, we don't recognize when we're being unkind to others. i have seen time and time again that most people i know don't set out intentionally to do harm or to cause pain - it's that so innured are we all by our own pain, our own calluses and scars and missing pieces, we cannot recognize the suffering we inadvertently cause.
if we want peace for the world, say the Angels, we can begin by making peace with every aspect of our Selves - including our appetites, our hungers and all our physical needs. if we would be healers in the world, begin by loving the individual wounds each of us possess. the more we work to accept - not necessarily to heal - our own woundings, the more aware we become to how our actions and our words affect others.
some people - like mother theresa and nelson mandela - are called to work for peace on a global scale. right now, many people i admire and a few i know personally are preparing to go to one of the most historically war-torn and wounded areas of the world and march for peace. however, peace is not something that can really be imposed from outside. real peace, true peace, the peace that leads to not wanting to harm one's neighbor in the first place, comes in some measure from a deep sense of self-acceptance....of one's WHOLE self, not just the socially acceptable or more readily controllable parts.
the Angels urge all of us to take some time in the midst of the lights and the caroling and the gifting and the gratitude and the chaos to do something kind for yourself that no one else knows to do as well as you. sink and relish and revel in that experience ... give to your Self some of the energy you are doubtlessly expending on everyone and everything else on your lists. throughout the days ahead, be kind and gentle to your Self. listen to the Child who lives in you, and allow her or him to have her holiday, too.
the Angels are all around us and we truly are Loved.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
More holiday tips
We all have times where we nibble while we prepare. When I realized what I was doing I was appalled. This had never been a problem for me. I examined (using my journal) why I was famished/ stressed/ nervous/rushed). To curtail this UnAngelic eating habit, I started chewing gum during meal preparation, focusing on my breathing or humming. if I want to nibble, its on crunchy veggies rather than startches (which I was "tasting" bec/ I was so darn hungry from not following the guidelines in the first place). When I follow the Angel Way as it is intended to be followed, I don't feel so famished by supper time that I am eating standing up as the meal is being prepared.
This is important around the holidays because it is so easy to nibble while you prep, then sit down to the big meal and find your pants have popped a button or two!
When I've followed the guidelines, I don't feel the urge to do these things. bodyandmind are satisfied.
So, if you do have a day or two where you don't follow the Angel Way... try to plan for it so you can be mindful about it. Enjoy each bite. Express gratitude for the flavors of the season and the celebration with friends and family. And if you have too many slices of apple pie, forgive yourself and get back on the wagon as soon as it is right for you.
KMR
This is important around the holidays because it is so easy to nibble while you prep, then sit down to the big meal and find your pants have popped a button or two!
When I've followed the guidelines, I don't feel the urge to do these things. bodyandmind are satisfied.
So, if you do have a day or two where you don't follow the Angel Way... try to plan for it so you can be mindful about it. Enjoy each bite. Express gratitude for the flavors of the season and the celebration with friends and family. And if you have too many slices of apple pie, forgive yourself and get back on the wagon as soon as it is right for you.
KMR
Honoring All Family Members Unique Needs
A while back I posted a query about Moms/careproviders of the family balancing their own nutritional needs while feeding the rest of the family. Like Annie says, sometimes you will find yourself preparing differen things for different family members. And as Annie also admitted, when our lives get busy, its easy to lose track and slip into old habits or just not pay attention. The next thing I know I five hours have passed and I'm just noticing the screaming coming from my gut: "feed me properly!"
Annie also makes a good point about the importance of honoring each family members unique needs. The way I approach this is to have choices available around 2 base food items. I'm now using higher protein grains, like wheat berries and barley. Combine these with veggies, beans/nuts / dry fruit for complete protein. I don't worry, then if my kids don't eat the meat my spouse has to have with his supper (we do require they try everything, though).
As a mother, I have to identify when my kids are just being picky and when they really don't like something. If I plan ahead for their plates to be filled with things they like, many colors, and the "new food" to try then I don't hear "make me something else." There is plenty to choose from and that's what's for dinner.
This is why we try to get them to taste two bites. The first bite of a new food still has the mental imprint of "it looks funny and I don't like it." I can tell by my daughter's reaction if she really finds a food unpalatable. I honor that and don't force feed. I know there will be another opportunity for her to try that food. Still, You'd be surprised how many times that second bite is taken with vim and vigor!
(Taste buds change as children grow so what she did not like three months ago she may like at later time. come to think of it... so do our tastes, due to medications we might be taking, hormonal shifts related to pregnancy and life changes, stress).
Karen
Annie also makes a good point about the importance of honoring each family members unique needs. The way I approach this is to have choices available around 2 base food items. I'm now using higher protein grains, like wheat berries and barley. Combine these with veggies, beans/nuts / dry fruit for complete protein. I don't worry, then if my kids don't eat the meat my spouse has to have with his supper (we do require they try everything, though).
As a mother, I have to identify when my kids are just being picky and when they really don't like something. If I plan ahead for their plates to be filled with things they like, many colors, and the "new food" to try then I don't hear "make me something else." There is plenty to choose from and that's what's for dinner.
This is why we try to get them to taste two bites. The first bite of a new food still has the mental imprint of "it looks funny and I don't like it." I can tell by my daughter's reaction if she really finds a food unpalatable. I honor that and don't force feed. I know there will be another opportunity for her to try that food. Still, You'd be surprised how many times that second bite is taken with vim and vigor!
(Taste buds change as children grow so what she did not like three months ago she may like at later time. come to think of it... so do our tastes, due to medications we might be taking, hormonal shifts related to pregnancy and life changes, stress).
Karen
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
menu planning the Angel Way
one of the most important aspects of following the Guidelines is planning. not only does menu and meal planning help you to keep track of what you and your family might be eating, you also have a better idea of what you need when you shop - no matter how you shop, even if its via internet and you have your groceries delivered.
planning also helps you see where challenges might lie - an eating extravaganza like thanksgiving is more easily managed if you know in advance you're eating a bigger meal than normal at an unusual time of day.
it's important to plan for all your meals and all your snacks. i can run on empty almost all day, and if i don't have nutritious options available, i'll devour every edible calorie in sight. knowing ahead of time that i have grapes, celery sticks, carrots, almonds and yogurt available, for example, means that i don't find myself staring into an empty fruit bowl when the four oclock munchies hit.
you may find yourself forced to plan different kinds of meals for different family members. people who put too much focus on the needs of the other people they're making meals for, can sometimes find themselves in a state of energetic imbalance for no other reason than that they're not addressing their own nuitritional (or possibly other) needs.
so if you're cooking for someone with a food allergy or a condition that necessitates a special diet, don't always force yourself - or other family members - to conform to those special needs. try, as much as possible, to offer options on occasion that honor and recognize we ALL have unique nutritional requirements.
planning also helps you see where challenges might lie - an eating extravaganza like thanksgiving is more easily managed if you know in advance you're eating a bigger meal than normal at an unusual time of day.
it's important to plan for all your meals and all your snacks. i can run on empty almost all day, and if i don't have nutritious options available, i'll devour every edible calorie in sight. knowing ahead of time that i have grapes, celery sticks, carrots, almonds and yogurt available, for example, means that i don't find myself staring into an empty fruit bowl when the four oclock munchies hit.
you may find yourself forced to plan different kinds of meals for different family members. people who put too much focus on the needs of the other people they're making meals for, can sometimes find themselves in a state of energetic imbalance for no other reason than that they're not addressing their own nuitritional (or possibly other) needs.
so if you're cooking for someone with a food allergy or a condition that necessitates a special diet, don't always force yourself - or other family members - to conform to those special needs. try, as much as possible, to offer options on occasion that honor and recognize we ALL have unique nutritional requirements.
approaching the holidays... the Angel Way
as some of you may have noticed, this blog has been conspicuously silent for a few weeks. that's because whenever i stop following the guidelines, the writing flow dries up. i find i can still answer questions for others regarding this approach to eating, but i can't write.
so. here i am, back on the Angel Wagon, as a dear friend and Angel-Way practitioner likes to call it. but how did i fall off in the first place?
like everyone else, i got busy. where should i begin on my list of reasons? thanksgiving, extended visits from family, a new novel with compelling characters who keep wanting me to write about them, home improvement projects, my youngest daughter's 16th birthday. for me, it doesn't happen overnight. i don't wake up one morning and decide not to pay attention or to stop eating with awareness. for me... it just sort of... happens.
what's interesting for me is that i can come back to this blog and see where exactly i stopped Listening... just about two weeks before thanksgiving - when my schedule and the demands on my time started to implode.
this has happened before.
the first thing i did was forgive myself. i spent this past weekend being very quiet. i didn't shop, i didn't even go to stores. i ate what i "felt" like eating, paid attention to what it was, and began to keep track. several patterns emerged. i sat and examined what kind of food i'd been drawn to, and what i might be telling myself.
yesterday i asked the Angels for some guidance on menu-planning before i went to the store. today, with plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, almond milk and yogurt at my disposal, as well as karen's new Journal charts she's developing for our book, i feel very hopeful and very focused.
if you've been less than mindful of your eating, Gentle Readers, today might be a good day to pay close attention. don't judge, don't require anything of yourself. just write down what you eat... and Pay Attention.
so. here i am, back on the Angel Wagon, as a dear friend and Angel-Way practitioner likes to call it. but how did i fall off in the first place?
like everyone else, i got busy. where should i begin on my list of reasons? thanksgiving, extended visits from family, a new novel with compelling characters who keep wanting me to write about them, home improvement projects, my youngest daughter's 16th birthday. for me, it doesn't happen overnight. i don't wake up one morning and decide not to pay attention or to stop eating with awareness. for me... it just sort of... happens.
what's interesting for me is that i can come back to this blog and see where exactly i stopped Listening... just about two weeks before thanksgiving - when my schedule and the demands on my time started to implode.
this has happened before.
the first thing i did was forgive myself. i spent this past weekend being very quiet. i didn't shop, i didn't even go to stores. i ate what i "felt" like eating, paid attention to what it was, and began to keep track. several patterns emerged. i sat and examined what kind of food i'd been drawn to, and what i might be telling myself.
yesterday i asked the Angels for some guidance on menu-planning before i went to the store. today, with plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, almond milk and yogurt at my disposal, as well as karen's new Journal charts she's developing for our book, i feel very hopeful and very focused.
if you've been less than mindful of your eating, Gentle Readers, today might be a good day to pay close attention. don't judge, don't require anything of yourself. just write down what you eat... and Pay Attention.
Monday, November 9, 2009
what should i eat when im sick?
there's a lot of talk this winter about how to stay healthy. here's what the Angels suggest for if or when you do succumb:
what to eat when you are sick depends on what kind of illness you have. fluids, such as teas and clear broths, like chicken soup, are usually beneficial no matter what kind of bug you've got. for common colds and flus, to prevent them from becoming worse, nourish yourself with teas, juices, and chicken soup. chicken soup contains antibacterial agents that make it nature's antibiotic. additionally, teas with lemon, lemonade, and orange juice are all good for colds.
avoid heavy dairy foods - even yogurt can be too much when you are fighting a cold. a scrambled egg might be a good white-light food choice, for example. you don't want to tax your system, you want to stay hydrated and you want to ingest as many naturally derived vitamins, minerals and antioxidants as possible.
the Angels remain neutral on the use of supplements. however, for women especially, additional B vitamins - water soluble so they can't be o'd'd on... can be beneficial when you feel stressed or under assault from cold germs. sunlight is extremely important this time of year - 20 minutes between 10 and 2 with appropriate sunscreen depending on how fair you are is a good idea as often as you can.
chinese herbs such as astragulus root can be added to stews, soups, casseroles or teas. one good rule of thumb the Angels suggest we might all remember is that to strengthen the body's energetic system, strengthen the intensity of the colors you eat. cranberries, squashes, lemons, spinach and elderberries are examples of intensely colored foods in their chakra categories...and if all you ate were these five through the winter you'd be nourishing yourself quite well.
what to eat when you are sick depends on what kind of illness you have. fluids, such as teas and clear broths, like chicken soup, are usually beneficial no matter what kind of bug you've got. for common colds and flus, to prevent them from becoming worse, nourish yourself with teas, juices, and chicken soup. chicken soup contains antibacterial agents that make it nature's antibiotic. additionally, teas with lemon, lemonade, and orange juice are all good for colds.
avoid heavy dairy foods - even yogurt can be too much when you are fighting a cold. a scrambled egg might be a good white-light food choice, for example. you don't want to tax your system, you want to stay hydrated and you want to ingest as many naturally derived vitamins, minerals and antioxidants as possible.
the Angels remain neutral on the use of supplements. however, for women especially, additional B vitamins - water soluble so they can't be o'd'd on... can be beneficial when you feel stressed or under assault from cold germs. sunlight is extremely important this time of year - 20 minutes between 10 and 2 with appropriate sunscreen depending on how fair you are is a good idea as often as you can.
chinese herbs such as astragulus root can be added to stews, soups, casseroles or teas. one good rule of thumb the Angels suggest we might all remember is that to strengthen the body's energetic system, strengthen the intensity of the colors you eat. cranberries, squashes, lemons, spinach and elderberries are examples of intensely colored foods in their chakra categories...and if all you ate were these five through the winter you'd be nourishing yourself quite well.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
ninth guideline - eat as locally and organically as possible
The Angels understand how difficult it can be to make healthy food choices. As Karen's post so eloquently pointed out, we're a world of people on the go. As much as so many of us WANT to slow down and take time for ourselves, it's not always that easy.
However, food - like anything organic - has an energy vibration, and the higher that vibration, the more holistically nourishing that food is going to be. thus, fruits, grains and vegetables grown and harvested in a manner that respects the land, the water and the air, as well as the people who do the work, and animals who are raised humanely and slaughtered with respect for the process have a much higher vibration inherently than mass-produced, mass-engineered and mass-packaged meat and produce.
Everyone needs to decide for themselves how locally they wish to eat - here in New England as winter closes in, I'm indulging in the last of our local harvests, but I am planning on continuing to eat bananas. On the other hand, Barbara Kingsolver's book, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, is an inspiring account of her family's decision to eat only locally raised foods for a year.
Whatever decisions we end up making, the Angels wish us to be mindful of the effect our choices have on the wider world around us all.
However, food - like anything organic - has an energy vibration, and the higher that vibration, the more holistically nourishing that food is going to be. thus, fruits, grains and vegetables grown and harvested in a manner that respects the land, the water and the air, as well as the people who do the work, and animals who are raised humanely and slaughtered with respect for the process have a much higher vibration inherently than mass-produced, mass-engineered and mass-packaged meat and produce.
Everyone needs to decide for themselves how locally they wish to eat - here in New England as winter closes in, I'm indulging in the last of our local harvests, but I am planning on continuing to eat bananas. On the other hand, Barbara Kingsolver's book, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, is an inspiring account of her family's decision to eat only locally raised foods for a year.
Whatever decisions we end up making, the Angels wish us to be mindful of the effect our choices have on the wider world around us all.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
eighth guideline - eat like a baby
... nourish your Self every three hours.
babies come with remarkable sound alarm systems that let everyone know when they need to be fed. in the process of learning more socially acceptable ways to signal others when we need to eat, we lose the fundamental connection between feeling hungry and knowing its time to eat.
frequently, in our busy lives, we feel hungry but suppress the urge, because it's not "time", it's not convenient, or it's not congruent with fitting into our skinny jeans. for me, as for many women, NOT eating was more of a problem than overeating. i can literally "forget" to eat for hours.
when i finally stopped to take a look at what i was doing to myself, i realized i was treating myself in a very mean way. i was literally putting my own needs so far at the bottom of my daily list of what was important, i was forgetting them. of course i needed to eat, i realized, i had just got really good at ignoring my body's own signals.
consequently, when i asked the Angels how often i should eat, or when i should eat, They gently suggested to "eat like a baby." as They explained it, all the needs of the baby i once was still exist. feeding myself on an "infant schedule" or every three hours reminds me to take care of myself. it provides opportunities throughout the day for me to stop and do something kind, something nourishing and necessary for myself. it also helps me stay mindful, not simply of the state of my body-mind, but of those of the beings and circumstances around me.
on the other hand, for those of us for whom not knowing when to stop is an issue, eating every three hours allows for more opportunities to pay attention to the signals your body sends when it has had enough. for some people, just knowing that they "are allowed" to eat again in less than three hours helps. One friend decided she didn't need to spend more than 20 minutes eating out of every three hours. Soon she was paying attention to the kind of food she was eating in those 20 minutes. Eventually, she began to make the choice, more often than not to eat a healthier alternative. Now, she's feeling better, eating less in total volume and making much kinder, gentler choices.
babies come with remarkable sound alarm systems that let everyone know when they need to be fed. in the process of learning more socially acceptable ways to signal others when we need to eat, we lose the fundamental connection between feeling hungry and knowing its time to eat.
frequently, in our busy lives, we feel hungry but suppress the urge, because it's not "time", it's not convenient, or it's not congruent with fitting into our skinny jeans. for me, as for many women, NOT eating was more of a problem than overeating. i can literally "forget" to eat for hours.
when i finally stopped to take a look at what i was doing to myself, i realized i was treating myself in a very mean way. i was literally putting my own needs so far at the bottom of my daily list of what was important, i was forgetting them. of course i needed to eat, i realized, i had just got really good at ignoring my body's own signals.
consequently, when i asked the Angels how often i should eat, or when i should eat, They gently suggested to "eat like a baby." as They explained it, all the needs of the baby i once was still exist. feeding myself on an "infant schedule" or every three hours reminds me to take care of myself. it provides opportunities throughout the day for me to stop and do something kind, something nourishing and necessary for myself. it also helps me stay mindful, not simply of the state of my body-mind, but of those of the beings and circumstances around me.
on the other hand, for those of us for whom not knowing when to stop is an issue, eating every three hours allows for more opportunities to pay attention to the signals your body sends when it has had enough. for some people, just knowing that they "are allowed" to eat again in less than three hours helps. One friend decided she didn't need to spend more than 20 minutes eating out of every three hours. Soon she was paying attention to the kind of food she was eating in those 20 minutes. Eventually, she began to make the choice, more often than not to eat a healthier alternative. Now, she's feeling better, eating less in total volume and making much kinder, gentler choices.
Friday, October 23, 2009
The Angel Way for Moms (in a hurry!)
I've really been struggling with the balancing act these past few weeks. My girls are at two different developmental stages and my mind is persistently split in two directions.
We always seem to be on the go, even on the days that I don't plan to go anywhere or to take a trip to the library. We're eating on the road, in between activities, and I'm not enjoying, not even tasting, most of what passes my lips. I'm not use to this and I don't like it. Even when I choose healthy foods, I'm totally out of synch with the process of honoring and enjoying-- and I rarely feel satisfied by anything. (Thank heavens I can stay away from sweets with ease or I'm sure i'd have packed on the pounds). I miss the colors of summer, the fruits of the season; i am struggling to get a daily rainbow in my diet, when I was eating 3 a day! As a result, I'm gettting run down, sick and tired more often.
The other day, my three year old says to me "Mommy you need to eat more rainbows so you can have a healthy body and not be so fussy."
So, how do we Mom's eat the Angel Way-- even in a hurry? I'd love to hear from you and I'll be back with some ideas of my own, as well as Annie.
KMR
We always seem to be on the go, even on the days that I don't plan to go anywhere or to take a trip to the library. We're eating on the road, in between activities, and I'm not enjoying, not even tasting, most of what passes my lips. I'm not use to this and I don't like it. Even when I choose healthy foods, I'm totally out of synch with the process of honoring and enjoying-- and I rarely feel satisfied by anything. (Thank heavens I can stay away from sweets with ease or I'm sure i'd have packed on the pounds). I miss the colors of summer, the fruits of the season; i am struggling to get a daily rainbow in my diet, when I was eating 3 a day! As a result, I'm gettting run down, sick and tired more often.
The other day, my three year old says to me "Mommy you need to eat more rainbows so you can have a healthy body and not be so fussy."
So, how do we Mom's eat the Angel Way-- even in a hurry? I'd love to hear from you and I'll be back with some ideas of my own, as well as Annie.
KMR
Friday, October 16, 2009
seventh guideline - everyone needs a little cushion
the Angels want us to understand this literally as well as figuratively. everyone needs a little cushion, in terms of resources - of all kinds.
according to the Angels, fat is not bad. fat serves important functions within the body. it helps regulate our temperature by keeping us warm, it helps provide cushioning in between our joints. the intake of fat signals our bodies that we are full. this is one reason low-fat foods can make us eat more calories.
just as with sweets, its not the fact we want to eat fatty foods that's the problem - it's the kind of fat we eat. fats like those found in olive oil, dairy products, and nuts are preferable to the artifical kind like margarine.
the Angels urge us to take the time to understand why we crave the foods we do. if you find yourself craving foods that are high in unhealthy fats, perhaps you may wish to examine if there are areas in your life where you might feel the need for a bit of "cushioning." (you can read about how food cravings can be a signal of other energetic issues or needs in the post entitled Here's An Example...)
there may be other ways to "feed" this need than with food. for example, creating a rainy day fund by putting aside every five dollar bill you get, might be one way to create another kind of "cushion" in an area where most people would like to have extra padding. or, another area where many people can feel squeezed is time - so scheduling more time between activities may be another way to create a "cushion."
as we begin to make these kinds of connections and observations about our lives, we may become more aware of why we make the choices we do about food. by becoming more aware, we can learn to make the healthier, nourishing choice more often than not.
according to the Angels, fat is not bad. fat serves important functions within the body. it helps regulate our temperature by keeping us warm, it helps provide cushioning in between our joints. the intake of fat signals our bodies that we are full. this is one reason low-fat foods can make us eat more calories.
just as with sweets, its not the fact we want to eat fatty foods that's the problem - it's the kind of fat we eat. fats like those found in olive oil, dairy products, and nuts are preferable to the artifical kind like margarine.
the Angels urge us to take the time to understand why we crave the foods we do. if you find yourself craving foods that are high in unhealthy fats, perhaps you may wish to examine if there are areas in your life where you might feel the need for a bit of "cushioning." (you can read about how food cravings can be a signal of other energetic issues or needs in the post entitled Here's An Example...)
there may be other ways to "feed" this need than with food. for example, creating a rainy day fund by putting aside every five dollar bill you get, might be one way to create another kind of "cushion" in an area where most people would like to have extra padding. or, another area where many people can feel squeezed is time - so scheduling more time between activities may be another way to create a "cushion."
as we begin to make these kinds of connections and observations about our lives, we may become more aware of why we make the choices we do about food. by becoming more aware, we can learn to make the healthier, nourishing choice more often than not.
Monday, October 12, 2009
sixth guideline - everyone needs a little sweetness in their lives
frequently we crave sweets because we crave sweetness in our lives, and the taste of sweet is the easiest way to get it. each person's individual health needs have to be taken into consideration - diabetics, for example, need to monitor their blood sugar very carefully - but very few people can or should eliminate sweets altogether. and considering that most people enjoy sweets, why should we?
another point to consider is that advertisers who want to turn "sugar" into the enemy ignore the fact that sugar is what our bodies turn all our food into, in order to use the energy from it. to constantly claim that "sugar" is bad for us runs counter to the wisdom of the body.
that said, it's important to be aware of the kinds of sweets and sugars we choose. the more natural the sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup, the better. however, even simple white cane sugar is preferable to artificial sweeteners of all kinds. your body knows what's real and what isn't.
another point to consider is that advertisers who want to turn "sugar" into the enemy ignore the fact that sugar is what our bodies turn all our food into, in order to use the energy from it. to constantly claim that "sugar" is bad for us runs counter to the wisdom of the body.
that said, it's important to be aware of the kinds of sweets and sugars we choose. the more natural the sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup, the better. however, even simple white cane sugar is preferable to artificial sweeteners of all kinds. your body knows what's real and what isn't.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
the Angels on empaths (and brown foods, too)
Empaths are getting a lot of press lately. Lately everyone I know is claiming to be one, or know one, and one even showed up on this season's Ghost Whisperer. (I used to love that show - used to being the operative phrase.)
An empath is someone who is extraordinarily sensitive to the feelings of others AND is able to transmute those feelings into something better. you leave the presence of an empath feeling better about yourself or your life, often for some reason you can't quite name. Empaths - at least evolved ones - don't spend a lot of time being afraid of anything. The reason for this is that their natures are like deep sea sponges saturated with so much divine love and grace it spills over to everyone.
Such evolved empaths are still relatively rare. However, ALL people have the ability to develop their empathy skills - empathy, after all, is a fundamental part of our human nature. children who fail to develop empathy turn into serial killers, narcissists, and sociopaths. part of the Big Waking Up as the Angels sometimes call the process we are all going through is that more and more of us are aware of our empathic abilities.
Newly aware empaths will sometimes turn to foods - specifically brown foods* full of cushioning fats and softening sweets - to create a natural buffer between themselves and a world they feel too intensely. This is why many lightworkers, especially as they begin to develop their abilities, develop some extra cushioning. Women at menopause typically put on a few extra pounds for many reasons, and among them is that psychically, a woman is entering her most sensitive time of life.
The energy of brown foods is grounding. There are many indigenous cultures that believe that infants, until they're weaned or turn a certain age, aren't fully "human" and may not even give them names. What this reflects is that until a child eats "brown" food, his energy body is not fully anchored into his flesh.
Just as under our skins, we have a kind of spider-man suit called the fascia which holds us all together, there's a similiar layer of energy that connects the energy body into the physical body. This layer is directly nourished by brown foods energetically, so eating brown foods literally grounds us into our own flesh. (No wonder eating too many of them will make us fat faster than any other kind of food!)
Thus, all evolving empaths must learn to fill themselves not with brown foods or other people's emotions but with an awareness of the Divine Love that emanates from the spark of Spirit within all of us. When a sponge becomes saturated with clean water, it can't pick up much of anything else from anywhere else. That's how evolved empaths are meant to move in the world - as sponges, but so saturated with awareness of love that their very presence affects any negative people around them.
An evolved empath is able to shift and lift the energy all around her, and is not brought down by the presence of negative or sad or depressing people. Such a person might never ENJOY such people's company, but she is not affected personally.
Therefore, it's especially important for empathic people to pay close attention to the brown foods they eat and to eat brown foods with awareness of the kind of energy they contain. Wholesome grains and starches provide not just fuel for what we do in the world, but also energy to nourish the connection between our physical bodies and soul-bodies as well.
An empath is someone who is extraordinarily sensitive to the feelings of others AND is able to transmute those feelings into something better. you leave the presence of an empath feeling better about yourself or your life, often for some reason you can't quite name. Empaths - at least evolved ones - don't spend a lot of time being afraid of anything. The reason for this is that their natures are like deep sea sponges saturated with so much divine love and grace it spills over to everyone.
Such evolved empaths are still relatively rare. However, ALL people have the ability to develop their empathy skills - empathy, after all, is a fundamental part of our human nature. children who fail to develop empathy turn into serial killers, narcissists, and sociopaths. part of the Big Waking Up as the Angels sometimes call the process we are all going through is that more and more of us are aware of our empathic abilities.
Newly aware empaths will sometimes turn to foods - specifically brown foods* full of cushioning fats and softening sweets - to create a natural buffer between themselves and a world they feel too intensely. This is why many lightworkers, especially as they begin to develop their abilities, develop some extra cushioning. Women at menopause typically put on a few extra pounds for many reasons, and among them is that psychically, a woman is entering her most sensitive time of life.
The energy of brown foods is grounding. There are many indigenous cultures that believe that infants, until they're weaned or turn a certain age, aren't fully "human" and may not even give them names. What this reflects is that until a child eats "brown" food, his energy body is not fully anchored into his flesh.
Just as under our skins, we have a kind of spider-man suit called the fascia which holds us all together, there's a similiar layer of energy that connects the energy body into the physical body. This layer is directly nourished by brown foods energetically, so eating brown foods literally grounds us into our own flesh. (No wonder eating too many of them will make us fat faster than any other kind of food!)
Thus, all evolving empaths must learn to fill themselves not with brown foods or other people's emotions but with an awareness of the Divine Love that emanates from the spark of Spirit within all of us. When a sponge becomes saturated with clean water, it can't pick up much of anything else from anywhere else. That's how evolved empaths are meant to move in the world - as sponges, but so saturated with awareness of love that their very presence affects any negative people around them.
An evolved empath is able to shift and lift the energy all around her, and is not brought down by the presence of negative or sad or depressing people. Such a person might never ENJOY such people's company, but she is not affected personally.
Therefore, it's especially important for empathic people to pay close attention to the brown foods they eat and to eat brown foods with awareness of the kind of energy they contain. Wholesome grains and starches provide not just fuel for what we do in the world, but also energy to nourish the connection between our physical bodies and soul-bodies as well.
Monday, October 5, 2009
another example.. of nourishing the chakras
this afternoon, i hosted a dear friend for lunch. although i'd made plans with her a while ago, on saturday, my friend's mom died. although the lady in question was in her 90's, and my friend was as well-prepared as anyone could be, my friend's entire energy system was reeling under the hit. so, mindful that her root and heart chakras were experiencing the brunt of the loss, i prepared this meal for us to share. a few tweaks here and there and it could easily become vegetarian or even vegan:
butternut squash-apple soup:
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1 tbsp butter
6 cups cubed peeled butternut squash
2 apples, peeled and chopped
1 box (32 oz) vegetable broth
2 tsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
1 cup light cream
in a large saucepan coated with cooking spray or rubbed with olive oil, saute the onion and garlic in butter until tender. add the squash, apple, broth and thyme. bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 45 - 50 minutes until squash is tender. using a potato masher, mash the squash and apple. add a tablespoon or so to the cream. heat the cream in the microwave for 30 - 45 second. add to soup slowly. once you add the cream, do not allow to boil.
grilled bacon, tomato and sweet basil sandwiches:
lightly toast four slices of bread. layer broad whole basil leaves, tomato slices and one and a half strips of oscar mayer prepared bacon. brush outside of bread with olive oil and grill in 2 -3 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat until the outside is brown and crispy and the basil is wilted.
apple-almond crisp:
peel and slice four granny smith apples. arrange in buttered pie pan. top with a crumb mixture of 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup oats, 1 stick softened butter, 1/2 brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon. sprinkle 1/4 cup slivered almonds over all and bake at 375 for 25- 30 minutes. serve warm with whipped cream, creme fraiche, or clotted cream.
to complete the rainbow, and soothe the entire soul, i served lavender tea.
butternut squash-apple soup:
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1 tbsp butter
6 cups cubed peeled butternut squash
2 apples, peeled and chopped
1 box (32 oz) vegetable broth
2 tsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
1 cup light cream
in a large saucepan coated with cooking spray or rubbed with olive oil, saute the onion and garlic in butter until tender. add the squash, apple, broth and thyme. bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 45 - 50 minutes until squash is tender. using a potato masher, mash the squash and apple. add a tablespoon or so to the cream. heat the cream in the microwave for 30 - 45 second. add to soup slowly. once you add the cream, do not allow to boil.
grilled bacon, tomato and sweet basil sandwiches:
lightly toast four slices of bread. layer broad whole basil leaves, tomato slices and one and a half strips of oscar mayer prepared bacon. brush outside of bread with olive oil and grill in 2 -3 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat until the outside is brown and crispy and the basil is wilted.
apple-almond crisp:
peel and slice four granny smith apples. arrange in buttered pie pan. top with a crumb mixture of 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup oats, 1 stick softened butter, 1/2 brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon. sprinkle 1/4 cup slivered almonds over all and bake at 375 for 25- 30 minutes. serve warm with whipped cream, creme fraiche, or clotted cream.
to complete the rainbow, and soothe the entire soul, i served lavender tea.
fifth guideline - eat brown foods with Awareness
brown foods include grains and starchy vegetables like corn and potatoes. these foods have an earthy, grounding vibration, and these are the foods many of us turn to when we are feeling lost, ungrounded, or in need of comfort. these are also the foods that turn up disguised in other foods in different ways and some where you might least expect it.
the Angels repeatedly emphasize that no food that comes from the Mother - as They refer to our earth - is bad food. however, brown foods are frequently abused foods in that they are broken down into chemical components, and then added to other foods in ways they were never intended to be added. it's estimated that over 70% of the foods in the center of the supermarket aisles contain either high fructose corn syrup or msg disguised as "natural flavor." gluten, derived from wheat, is added to so many foods that many people are developing sensitivies to it.
thus, the Angels encourage everyone to eat a healthy amount of "brown foods" every day - we all need their stabilizing, grounding, boundary-building energy, as well as the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients they offer. however, the Angels urge us all to be aware of how many places those brown foods can be found, and thus, how easy it is to eat far more than we may think we are.
the Angels repeatedly emphasize that no food that comes from the Mother - as They refer to our earth - is bad food. however, brown foods are frequently abused foods in that they are broken down into chemical components, and then added to other foods in ways they were never intended to be added. it's estimated that over 70% of the foods in the center of the supermarket aisles contain either high fructose corn syrup or msg disguised as "natural flavor." gluten, derived from wheat, is added to so many foods that many people are developing sensitivies to it.
thus, the Angels encourage everyone to eat a healthy amount of "brown foods" every day - we all need their stabilizing, grounding, boundary-building energy, as well as the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients they offer. however, the Angels urge us all to be aware of how many places those brown foods can be found, and thus, how easy it is to eat far more than we may think we are.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
do the Angels want us to be vegetarian?
this question came in via google, and it's a good one. it doesn't have a simple answer.
in my meditations, the most important thing that comes through is that the Angels want us to love our bodies, to treat ourselves with compassion and kindness and gentleness, and then, from that place, treat others with the same kindness, gentleness, compassion and respect.
it's much easier to love your neighbors as yourself when you understand what it truly means to love yourself.
the short answer to the question is no - the Angels recognize that just as there are cultures where vegetarian or vegan cuisine may be more the cultural norm, there are also those where meat is the preferred or most common source of protein and other nutrients. the Angels also recognize that some people, for example, young girls and young women, may crave red meat and the nutrients it contains. for these people, it's hard to be a vegetarian.
on the other hand, just as the Angels would like us to treat ourselves with compassion and love, They would also like to see us at some point extend the same respect to ALL natural forms, including animals, plants, and the planet itself on which we all live.
as you follow the Guidelines, you may find, as i did, and as many others who have incorporated them into their lives, that you are naturally drawn to eating more vegetarian meals. for one thing, you become more sensitive to the energies contained within the food itself. it is dismaying and possibly even painful for sensitive people to ingest foods that contains the vibrations of fear and pain. it is no secret that the "food industry" treats livestock like widgets, and that many of the animals we eat spend their lives in pain and horrible distress. on the other hand, plant foods that've been genetically modified and otherwise manipulated, don't feel so great either.
so what's a sensitive, spiritually minded person to do? eat with awareness. at the very least, make a ritual before each meal to silently thank the people who worked to raise, bring and prepare the food, and, if applicable, the animals who gave their lives so that you may eat. then, if you really want to honor the Angels and all creation, do something to make the world a better place, no matter how small or insignificant your action may seem.
one grain at a time, say the Angels, ants move mountains.
in my meditations, the most important thing that comes through is that the Angels want us to love our bodies, to treat ourselves with compassion and kindness and gentleness, and then, from that place, treat others with the same kindness, gentleness, compassion and respect.
it's much easier to love your neighbors as yourself when you understand what it truly means to love yourself.
the short answer to the question is no - the Angels recognize that just as there are cultures where vegetarian or vegan cuisine may be more the cultural norm, there are also those where meat is the preferred or most common source of protein and other nutrients. the Angels also recognize that some people, for example, young girls and young women, may crave red meat and the nutrients it contains. for these people, it's hard to be a vegetarian.
on the other hand, just as the Angels would like us to treat ourselves with compassion and love, They would also like to see us at some point extend the same respect to ALL natural forms, including animals, plants, and the planet itself on which we all live.
as you follow the Guidelines, you may find, as i did, and as many others who have incorporated them into their lives, that you are naturally drawn to eating more vegetarian meals. for one thing, you become more sensitive to the energies contained within the food itself. it is dismaying and possibly even painful for sensitive people to ingest foods that contains the vibrations of fear and pain. it is no secret that the "food industry" treats livestock like widgets, and that many of the animals we eat spend their lives in pain and horrible distress. on the other hand, plant foods that've been genetically modified and otherwise manipulated, don't feel so great either.
so what's a sensitive, spiritually minded person to do? eat with awareness. at the very least, make a ritual before each meal to silently thank the people who worked to raise, bring and prepare the food, and, if applicable, the animals who gave their lives so that you may eat. then, if you really want to honor the Angels and all creation, do something to make the world a better place, no matter how small or insignificant your action may seem.
one grain at a time, say the Angels, ants move mountains.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
here's an example...
of how food and cravings can be connected energetically to something else.
just yesterday i was having lunch with my friend ruth. in the course of our conversation, she described a situation in which she Listened to Guidance, and made a business decision based on what she felt she was being Told to do. unfortunately, the other people involved weren't up for the Challenge (not unlike my own former business associate) and backed out, leaving my friend holding the proverbial bag containing merchandise worth over $700. as a result, she was questioning herself, questioning her relationship with her Guides and Angels, and questioning her ability to pay her bills for the next month.
then she asked me why she might be craving fresh yellow corn, right off the stalk.
last night i ate six ears, annie, she confided. why in the world might i do that?
the answer is in the situation she described. my friend works hard to cultivate her relationship with Spirit, and tries to Listen as best she can. her solar plexus chakra - the seat of identity and boundaries and personal power - suffered quite a hit. when i pointed out the connection, ruth immediately saw how her sudden craving for fresh yellow corn is linked to this sudden blow to her energetic center. by doing other things to help balance and heal this essential part of her energetic body, ruth felt confident she would be able to alleviate - or at least control - this sudden craving.
not all cravings have such clear connections, but on reflection, many of us might find we crave things that can be traced to needs that are more metaphorical than physical.
just yesterday i was having lunch with my friend ruth. in the course of our conversation, she described a situation in which she Listened to Guidance, and made a business decision based on what she felt she was being Told to do. unfortunately, the other people involved weren't up for the Challenge (not unlike my own former business associate) and backed out, leaving my friend holding the proverbial bag containing merchandise worth over $700. as a result, she was questioning herself, questioning her relationship with her Guides and Angels, and questioning her ability to pay her bills for the next month.
then she asked me why she might be craving fresh yellow corn, right off the stalk.
last night i ate six ears, annie, she confided. why in the world might i do that?
the answer is in the situation she described. my friend works hard to cultivate her relationship with Spirit, and tries to Listen as best she can. her solar plexus chakra - the seat of identity and boundaries and personal power - suffered quite a hit. when i pointed out the connection, ruth immediately saw how her sudden craving for fresh yellow corn is linked to this sudden blow to her energetic center. by doing other things to help balance and heal this essential part of her energetic body, ruth felt confident she would be able to alleviate - or at least control - this sudden craving.
not all cravings have such clear connections, but on reflection, many of us might find we crave things that can be traced to needs that are more metaphorical than physical.
Friday, October 2, 2009
fourth guideline (part two) - and "white-light" food at every meal
"white light" food, i wondered, when this message first came to me. what is white light food?
the Angels explained that white-light foods are complete protein foods. just as white light contains all the colors of the spectrum, white-light foods contain all the basic building blocks of all the body's structures. the analogy They showed me was that to neglect to put enough complete-protein foods into your body while feeding it every thing else, was like putting gasoline into a leaky gas tank in a car. yes, you can make the engine run but you're making an awful mess and wasting a lot of gas. better to fix the tank first.
in order to make more of itself, in order to repair and heal the tissues of the body, the body needs its raw materials. these are found in complete protein foods, which include meats, eggs, and dairy products. however, combinations of grains and legumes and nuts, such as rice-and-beans, create complete-proteins out of plant proteins. it is perfectly possible to use the Angel Guidelines to create a vegetarian or vegan diet.
one of my health issues this summer uncovered the fact that my gall bladder meridian was inflamed, and one of my challenges this fall has been to incorporate more vegetarian proteins into my diet and to eat less meat. however, i continue to eat a white-light food at every meal, such as yogurt, eggs or a combination of plant proteins.
the Angels explained that white-light foods are complete protein foods. just as white light contains all the colors of the spectrum, white-light foods contain all the basic building blocks of all the body's structures. the analogy They showed me was that to neglect to put enough complete-protein foods into your body while feeding it every thing else, was like putting gasoline into a leaky gas tank in a car. yes, you can make the engine run but you're making an awful mess and wasting a lot of gas. better to fix the tank first.
in order to make more of itself, in order to repair and heal the tissues of the body, the body needs its raw materials. these are found in complete protein foods, which include meats, eggs, and dairy products. however, combinations of grains and legumes and nuts, such as rice-and-beans, create complete-proteins out of plant proteins. it is perfectly possible to use the Angel Guidelines to create a vegetarian or vegan diet.
one of my health issues this summer uncovered the fact that my gall bladder meridian was inflamed, and one of my challenges this fall has been to incorporate more vegetarian proteins into my diet and to eat less meat. however, i continue to eat a white-light food at every meal, such as yogurt, eggs or a combination of plant proteins.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
fourth guideline: eat a rainbow every day and a white-light food at every meal
this guideline is probably the single most important to help us understand exactly what it is we "should" be eating. if you do nothing else good for yourself in a day, the Angels urge you to consider eating at least one "rainbow" - ie, a food in one of each of five colors - a day.
the reason is because colorful foods - fruits, veggies, herbs and spices - all nourish and restore not just our physical bodies - they also help to balance and refresh each of our seven chakras. (the Angels are talking about the natural colors of foods... not those artificially added! rainbow skittles don't count!)
examples of red foods include raspberries and tomatoes, orange foods include peaches and carrots. yellow foods include things like bananas and parsnips and yellow onions; green foods include broccoli, spinach and limes. blue/black/purple foods are harder to find and include eggplant or aubergines, purple onions and lavendar. try to include one of each color at least once a day. if you are feeding small children, it can be fun to encourage them to "eat a rainbow."
i find it rewarding to see how many complete rainbows i can fit into my daily diet. the most i've ever been able to do was four - and that was on vacation in hawaii. the more i eat, however, the better i feel, and most days' menus include at least two full "rainbows" for me. even when im not as careful about sweets, fats or brown foods, i find that the more "rainbows" i eat, the better i feel in general.
"white-light" foods are how the Angels describe complete protein foods. i'll share more about this, and why the Angels feel these foods are so important, in the next post.
the reason is because colorful foods - fruits, veggies, herbs and spices - all nourish and restore not just our physical bodies - they also help to balance and refresh each of our seven chakras. (the Angels are talking about the natural colors of foods... not those artificially added! rainbow skittles don't count!)
examples of red foods include raspberries and tomatoes, orange foods include peaches and carrots. yellow foods include things like bananas and parsnips and yellow onions; green foods include broccoli, spinach and limes. blue/black/purple foods are harder to find and include eggplant or aubergines, purple onions and lavendar. try to include one of each color at least once a day. if you are feeding small children, it can be fun to encourage them to "eat a rainbow."
i find it rewarding to see how many complete rainbows i can fit into my daily diet. the most i've ever been able to do was four - and that was on vacation in hawaii. the more i eat, however, the better i feel, and most days' menus include at least two full "rainbows" for me. even when im not as careful about sweets, fats or brown foods, i find that the more "rainbows" i eat, the better i feel in general.
"white-light" foods are how the Angels describe complete protein foods. i'll share more about this, and why the Angels feel these foods are so important, in the next post.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
guideline three: begin slowly
a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and ants move mountains one grain of sand at a time. undoing lifetimes of conditioning and beliefs is not easy, and doesn't happen overnight. we are amazingly resistant to change - including, and perhaps especially, beneficial changes.
initially, the Angels cautioned me to eat with the kind of mindful awareness the guidelines encourage no more than one or two meals at a time. the next step was to do it for no more two days at a time.
why only two days, i wondered.
because, replied the Angels, infinitely kind and patient, eventually you will want to eat this way on the third day of your own volition, not because We ask it of you.
the first practical step therefore, to incorporating the guidelines into your life is to simply begin to pay attention to the food you eat right now. begin to keep a journal of not just when and what you eat, but how you feel - before, during and after each meal. don't try to be "good" - the more honest you are in your assessment of yourself, the easier it will be to make the changes eventually. to some extent, the food journal is a kind of self-portrait. don't be afraid of it - no one else ever has to see it. you may be surprised by what you see - i know i was.
initially, the Angels cautioned me to eat with the kind of mindful awareness the guidelines encourage no more than one or two meals at a time. the next step was to do it for no more two days at a time.
why only two days, i wondered.
because, replied the Angels, infinitely kind and patient, eventually you will want to eat this way on the third day of your own volition, not because We ask it of you.
the first practical step therefore, to incorporating the guidelines into your life is to simply begin to pay attention to the food you eat right now. begin to keep a journal of not just when and what you eat, but how you feel - before, during and after each meal. don't try to be "good" - the more honest you are in your assessment of yourself, the easier it will be to make the changes eventually. to some extent, the food journal is a kind of self-portrait. don't be afraid of it - no one else ever has to see it. you may be surprised by what you see - i know i was.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
one of my favorite...
substitutions for meat as a white-light food is an egg. i love eggs - and one of my favorite ways to serve them for dinner is as a frittata. i like to add potatoes, onions and spinach as a base, but i know a lot of people who are way more creative than that. served with a root-veggie roast like i had the other night, and i can complete my rainbow by adding either black olives, or drinking lavendar or blackberry tea.
what are some of yours?
what are some of yours?
guideline two: men are like raindrops, women are like snowflakes.
no, this doesn't mean men are all wet :). what it means, in terms of figuring out how to nourish ourselves, we need to keep in mind that men vary across a much narrower range of what's considered normal than women do. it's easier for men to get the correct amounts of nutrients because their bodies remain far more static than women's bodies do across their lifetimes.
one of the most frustrating things for me personally that i experienced on my journey was how different i seemed to be from everyone else i knew. i understood why i'd be different from my husband, but i didn't understand why my mother, my sister, my friends all seemed to have such differing physiologies. why do we all react so differently to things that are supposed to be good for us, i asked the Angels one day.
because you ARE different, They replied. you and every woman differ across a much broader spectrum in terms of dietary needs. and no two women are exactly alike. in fact, karen found in some of her research that what makes one woman peppy and energetic, can make another feel sluggish.
this is why the Angels urge us all to go slowly, to pay attention to the signals from our wise body-minds, but most importantly, to recognize how uniquely special each of us truly are, and therefore, how deserving of loving nurturance.
one of the most frustrating things for me personally that i experienced on my journey was how different i seemed to be from everyone else i knew. i understood why i'd be different from my husband, but i didn't understand why my mother, my sister, my friends all seemed to have such differing physiologies. why do we all react so differently to things that are supposed to be good for us, i asked the Angels one day.
because you ARE different, They replied. you and every woman differ across a much broader spectrum in terms of dietary needs. and no two women are exactly alike. in fact, karen found in some of her research that what makes one woman peppy and energetic, can make another feel sluggish.
this is why the Angels urge us all to go slowly, to pay attention to the signals from our wise body-minds, but most importantly, to recognize how uniquely special each of us truly are, and therefore, how deserving of loving nurturance.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Days without Rainbows
Recently, I found out just how lousy it feels to not follow this divine and loving way of eating. Last week I went out for Girl's Night at PF Chang's. My first night out with the WomYn Folk in a long, long, long time. We decided to order and share appetizers... there were 9 of us. We ordered a nice wine, too. The lettuce wraps were wonderful, the steamed shrimp and veggie dumplings, too. I didn't overindulge but the small amounts of other things I ate-- like the spring rolls the egg rolls and what i thought would be green bean veggie chips (green beans wrapped in tempura batter--translation frided)-- by the end of the meal I felt well, yucky. Kind of oily and sluggish (and I did not even finish the wine.) Despite having eaten fairly well throughout the day, prior to our night out, this one meal left me feeling hungover the entire following day. I craved fruits, water, and healthy grains. In fact I ate fruit and yogurt for breakfast, three pieces of fruit and tea with crackers for lunch, and a large salad with egg whites for supper. And more tea. By mid afternoon I felt clearer, cleaner and more energetic. By bedtime, I felt like "me" again.
You see... as your bodymind comes to love The Angel Way... you realize you can't go back to your old ways .... even visiting those less than loving and healthy ways for a special night out will affect your energy, mentally and physically. WE all have these days without Rainbows .... but let them be few and far between. Your bodymind and spirit will thank you for it. Peace -- KMR
You see... as your bodymind comes to love The Angel Way... you realize you can't go back to your old ways .... even visiting those less than loving and healthy ways for a special night out will affect your energy, mentally and physically. WE all have these days without Rainbows .... but let them be few and far between. Your bodymind and spirit will thank you for it. Peace -- KMR
first guideline - what you eat, is up to YOU
the first guideline sets the tone for all the others, and puts the responsiblity for nurturing your Self - your whole Self - squarely into your hands. one of the most remarkable aspects of the whole process was the way in which the Angels never said i "had" to do or eat anything. They made it abundantly clear that the foods i ate, the manner in which i chose to eat it, and the method of preparation was completely up to me. as perfect emanations of the Divine Source of All Things, the Angels bow to our free will.
however, what the Angels wish everyone would understand is that the choices we make about what and how we nourish ourselves, reflect key attitudes, beliefs and needs. if we are not aware of the full spectrum of what we're seeking nourishment for, we may make choices that not only reflect this lack of awareness, but may also be less than beneficial in the long run. we can learn to nourish our entire energy body, so that we feel nurtured, supported, balanced and whole in every aspect of our beings.
as the Angels see it, every time we eat, we have an opportunity to show our Selves how much we love, honor and value our Selves.
however, what the Angels wish everyone would understand is that the choices we make about what and how we nourish ourselves, reflect key attitudes, beliefs and needs. if we are not aware of the full spectrum of what we're seeking nourishment for, we may make choices that not only reflect this lack of awareness, but may also be less than beneficial in the long run. we can learn to nourish our entire energy body, so that we feel nurtured, supported, balanced and whole in every aspect of our beings.
as the Angels see it, every time we eat, we have an opportunity to show our Selves how much we love, honor and value our Selves.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
root-veggie roast
there's nothing i love more on a rainy autumn sunday than something hot and nourishing from the oven. tonight's dinner included this root-veggie roast which includes red, orange and yellow chakra foods:
1 red apple, cut into chunks
1 small yellow onion, sliced
4 carrots, sliced into thin rounds
4 parsnips, sliced into thin rounds
1 cup butternut squash, cut into chunks
3 tbs olive oil
3 tbs maple syrup
toss veggies with olive oil and maple syrup. cover and roast for 30 minutes at 425. remove cover, stir veggies, and roast an additional 15-20 minutes.
how many rainbows did YOU eat today? :)
1 red apple, cut into chunks
1 small yellow onion, sliced
4 carrots, sliced into thin rounds
4 parsnips, sliced into thin rounds
1 cup butternut squash, cut into chunks
3 tbs olive oil
3 tbs maple syrup
toss veggies with olive oil and maple syrup. cover and roast for 30 minutes at 425. remove cover, stir veggies, and roast an additional 15-20 minutes.
how many rainbows did YOU eat today? :)
the ten guidelines - revisited
Over the next ten days, I will post a guideline a day and talk a bit about each one. here they all are - not in the order I received them, but in the order Karen and I (with some angelic guidance) decided they made the most sense:
1. What you eat is up to you.
2. Men are like raindrops, women are like snowflakes.
3. Begin slowly and be gentle with yourself.
4. Eat a Rainbow every day and White-light food at every meal.
5. Eat Brown foods with awareness.
6. Every body needs a little sweetness (in their lives.)
7. Every body needs a little cushion.
8. Eat as organically and locally as possible.
9. Eat like a baby – nourish your body every three hours.
10. Keep a diary and plan how you will nourish yourself.
1. What you eat is up to you.
2. Men are like raindrops, women are like snowflakes.
3. Begin slowly and be gentle with yourself.
4. Eat a Rainbow every day and White-light food at every meal.
5. Eat Brown foods with awareness.
6. Every body needs a little sweetness (in their lives.)
7. Every body needs a little cushion.
8. Eat as organically and locally as possible.
9. Eat like a baby – nourish your body every three hours.
10. Keep a diary and plan how you will nourish yourself.
Friday, September 25, 2009
adventures in veggie-land
as i mentioned in my previous post, health issues of my own forced me to take a closer look at my diet this past summer. i've always been a meat-and-potatoes kind of girl - my favorite dinner is prime rib and baked potato with extra butter. i dont eat my favorite dinner very often, but i WAS eating a lot of meat - nearly every night for dinner and at least six or seven other times a week for lunch or breakfast.
when my chiropractor told me, during an accpuncture treatment, that my gall bladder meridian was inflamed (that's the meridian that runs through the nerve involved in morton's neuroma), i decided it was time to change my diet.
for a long time now, i've been feeling the tug toward a more meatless diet. i've resisted because i really like meat. however, the more i follow the Angel Guidelines, the more sensitive i've noticed myself becoming to the vibrational energy in the food i eat. in meat that's been commercially - corporately - processed, there's a lot of residual pain. i prefer to eat meat that's been humanely raised and slaughtered, but that kind of meat is more expensive. so by cutting back on the amount, i can more readily afford the kind of meat i prefer to eat - meat that has a much clearer vibration.
the challenge for vegetarians and vegans, according to the Angels is to include a "white-light" food - ie a complete protein food at every meal. in the last few weeks, i've been experimenting with various vegetarian alternatives to the complete proteins found in meat. here's one of my favorites:
pasta n' peas rainbow primavera
2-3 tbs olive oil
1 small green onion, sliced thin
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1 small green squash
1 small yellow squash
2 carrots, sliced in thin circles
3 cups fresh spinach
3 tbs fresh chopped sweet basil
4 plum tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup of pinenuts
1 small bag frozen baby peas
1 box small shell pasta
in a skillet, preferably seasoned cast-iron, saute the onion and garlic until transparent. add the carrots and the squashs, saute a few minutes more, then layer in the spinach and the basil. allow the bottom layer of spinach to wilt, stir to combine, and add the peas. when the spinach is thoroughly wilted, add tomatoes and pine nuts. saute briefly until tomatoes are heated through and peas defrosted. meanwhile, prepare pasta according to directions on box. when pasta is ready, combine with the vegetables. garnish with black olives if desired for a true rainbow... or enjoy with lavender or blackberry tea. i've also substituted forbidden rice and french lentils for an alternative "white-light" combination.
when my chiropractor told me, during an accpuncture treatment, that my gall bladder meridian was inflamed (that's the meridian that runs through the nerve involved in morton's neuroma), i decided it was time to change my diet.
for a long time now, i've been feeling the tug toward a more meatless diet. i've resisted because i really like meat. however, the more i follow the Angel Guidelines, the more sensitive i've noticed myself becoming to the vibrational energy in the food i eat. in meat that's been commercially - corporately - processed, there's a lot of residual pain. i prefer to eat meat that's been humanely raised and slaughtered, but that kind of meat is more expensive. so by cutting back on the amount, i can more readily afford the kind of meat i prefer to eat - meat that has a much clearer vibration.
the challenge for vegetarians and vegans, according to the Angels is to include a "white-light" food - ie a complete protein food at every meal. in the last few weeks, i've been experimenting with various vegetarian alternatives to the complete proteins found in meat. here's one of my favorites:
pasta n' peas rainbow primavera
2-3 tbs olive oil
1 small green onion, sliced thin
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1 small green squash
1 small yellow squash
2 carrots, sliced in thin circles
3 cups fresh spinach
3 tbs fresh chopped sweet basil
4 plum tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup of pinenuts
1 small bag frozen baby peas
1 box small shell pasta
in a skillet, preferably seasoned cast-iron, saute the onion and garlic until transparent. add the carrots and the squashs, saute a few minutes more, then layer in the spinach and the basil. allow the bottom layer of spinach to wilt, stir to combine, and add the peas. when the spinach is thoroughly wilted, add tomatoes and pine nuts. saute briefly until tomatoes are heated through and peas defrosted. meanwhile, prepare pasta according to directions on box. when pasta is ready, combine with the vegetables. garnish with black olives if desired for a true rainbow... or enjoy with lavender or blackberry tea. i've also substituted forbidden rice and french lentils for an alternative "white-light" combination.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Updates n' Angels
happy fall, angel-readers! it's been a very hectic summer but karen and i are THRILLED to report that the proposal for our book Eating... the Angel Way is in the hands of a publisher! all happy thoughts are MUCH appreciated... this is giving us a chance to finish the manuscript, hopefully in time for some GOOD NEWS!
in other news, i've struggled with my own health issues this summer - i was diagnosed morton's neuroma in both feet in late july. i write about my healing journey on my other blog, but i will summarize in another post the steps i've taken (haha - there's another Angel pun) to ease the pain in my feet. needless to say, Eating... the Angel Way has played a major part in my recovery, and interestingly enough, there seemed to be a dietary component to the problem, that i would never have uncovered had i simply stuck to a traditionally western allopathic approach.
the upshot has been that i am finding i am eating a LOT less meat than i was - from ten - twelve times a week to three. since i don't eat cheese and i don't like beans, it's been a challenge to find acceptable combinations to make complete "white-light" foods, but i've also discovered and rediscovered some interesting alternatives, such as quinoa, french lentils, forbidden rice and yellow peas.
yesterday on blogtalkradio, karen and i made our first "appearance" together. you can hear the archived show at www.blogtalkradio.com. i will also be appearing at the NEW ENGLAND ATHLETIC CLUB in Cromwell CT on OCTOBER THIRD from 8:00 to 1:00 - i hope you will stop by if you are in the neighborhood and say hello!
in other news, i've struggled with my own health issues this summer - i was diagnosed morton's neuroma in both feet in late july. i write about my healing journey on my other blog, but i will summarize in another post the steps i've taken (haha - there's another Angel pun) to ease the pain in my feet. needless to say, Eating... the Angel Way has played a major part in my recovery, and interestingly enough, there seemed to be a dietary component to the problem, that i would never have uncovered had i simply stuck to a traditionally western allopathic approach.
the upshot has been that i am finding i am eating a LOT less meat than i was - from ten - twelve times a week to three. since i don't eat cheese and i don't like beans, it's been a challenge to find acceptable combinations to make complete "white-light" foods, but i've also discovered and rediscovered some interesting alternatives, such as quinoa, french lentils, forbidden rice and yellow peas.
yesterday on blogtalkradio, karen and i made our first "appearance" together. you can hear the archived show at www.blogtalkradio.com. i will also be appearing at the NEW ENGLAND ATHLETIC CLUB in Cromwell CT on OCTOBER THIRD from 8:00 to 1:00 - i hope you will stop by if you are in the neighborhood and say hello!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Clouds covering my Rainbow
Sometimes you will get stuck, as has happened to me, and your Rainbow Path will be engulfed in clouds. You won't know what to eat, won't understand your cravings for a particular food or foods, won't feel clear and centered.... it is at these times that deep breathing, a walk around the corner (or even down the driveway) can help you regain clarity. There may not always be time to write in your journal about triggers or emotions or anything else... but dep down, you DO know... the wisdom and understanding is there... it is only clouded by the "happenings" in your life ... let go of your connection to what is outside of your bodymind and reconnect to the breath and the spirit within you... Guidance will come, sooner than you think, and you will understand and be able to choose more wisely, more healthfully... should you get stuck in the clouds for a day or two or even a week... don't begrudge yourself... find some time to journal, reach out to a Rainbow buddy or send a note to the blog ...
There's a balance that we all have to find for ourselves... in eating... in life... if only we listen to the Wisdom within.
Peace, Karen
There's a balance that we all have to find for ourselves... in eating... in life... if only we listen to the Wisdom within.
Peace, Karen
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Rainbow Challenge!!!
today is the day... count 'em up... let me know... how many rainbows did you eat in june?
the person with the most rainbows... wins an Angel-Approved prize!
the person with the most rainbows... wins an Angel-Approved prize!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
rainbow anomaly... from karen
about a week ago, i posted about the rainbow karen and i saw on the day we got together to work on our book proposal. i suspected that what we were seeing was a very rare occurence, but one that was almost impossible to manifest given the conditions. the great thing about having a research assistant is that she checks out my hunches. here's what she sent me regarding our noon-time rainbow:
Annie:
You were on the right track about conditions for and time of day for a
rainbow...See the link below. An excerpt is below.... Not only did we not
have local,morning rain to create refraction, we saw this rainbow between
12:15 and 1pm, when the sun is highest in the sky. No rainbows are seen
at noon when the sun is directly overhead. Quite the anomaly we witnessed! There is more info at the weather channel website, too.
Earth Science-Rainbow
A rainbow lasts only about a half-hour because the conditions that create it
rarely stay steady much longer than this. In many locations, spring is the
prime rainbow-viewing month. Rainfall is usually more localized in the
spring, and brief showers over limited areas are a regular feature of
atmospheric behavior. This change is a result of the higher springtime sun
warming the ground more effectively than it did throughout the previous
winter months. This process produces local convection. These brief,
irregular periods of pre cipitation followed by sunshine are ideal rainbow
conditions. Also, the Sun is low enough for much of the day to allow a
rainbow to appear above the horizon—the lower the sun, the higher the top of a rainbow.
The "purity" or brightness of the colors of the rainbow depends on the size
of the raindrops. Large drops or those with diameters of a few millimeters
create bright rainbows with well-defined colors; small droplets with
diameters of about 0.01 mm produce rainbows of overlapping colors that
appear nearly white.
For refraction to occur, the light must intersect the raindrops at an angle.
Therefore no rainbows are seen at noon when the sun is directly overhead.
Rainbows are more frequently seen in the afternoon because most showers
occur in midday rather than morning. Because the horizon blocks the other
half of a rainbow, a full 360° rainbow can only be viewed from an airplane.
Annie:
You were on the right track about conditions for and time of day for a
rainbow...See the link below. An excerpt is below.... Not only did we not
have local,morning rain to create refraction, we saw this rainbow between
12:15 and 1pm, when the sun is highest in the sky. No rainbows are seen
at noon when the sun is directly overhead. Quite the anomaly we witnessed! There is more info at the weather channel website, too.
Earth Science-Rainbow
A rainbow lasts only about a half-hour because the conditions that create it
rarely stay steady much longer than this. In many locations, spring is the
prime rainbow-viewing month. Rainfall is usually more localized in the
spring, and brief showers over limited areas are a regular feature of
atmospheric behavior. This change is a result of the higher springtime sun
warming the ground more effectively than it did throughout the previous
winter months. This process produces local convection. These brief,
irregular periods of pre cipitation followed by sunshine are ideal rainbow
conditions. Also, the Sun is low enough for much of the day to allow a
rainbow to appear above the horizon—the lower the sun, the higher the top of a rainbow.
The "purity" or brightness of the colors of the rainbow depends on the size
of the raindrops. Large drops or those with diameters of a few millimeters
create bright rainbows with well-defined colors; small droplets with
diameters of about 0.01 mm produce rainbows of overlapping colors that
appear nearly white.
For refraction to occur, the light must intersect the raindrops at an angle.
Therefore no rainbows are seen at noon when the sun is directly overhead.
Rainbows are more frequently seen in the afternoon because most showers
occur in midday rather than morning. Because the horizon blocks the other
half of a rainbow, a full 360° rainbow can only be viewed from an airplane.
Monday, June 22, 2009
my rainbow weekend
i kept very close track all weekend. these amounts cover two days.. here's how i did:
RED: red grapes, tomatoes, apples
ORANGE: carrots, sweet potatoes, peaches
YELLOW: bananas, lemonade, corn
GREEN: lettuce, cucumbers, green grapes, sweet basil, coffee, tea
BLUE: blueberries, blackberries, purple onion, blueberry tea
BROWN: whole wheat bread cubes, french fries, coffee cake, baklava, bread crumbs on the chicken breast, vodka (1).
WHITE-LIGHT: yogurt (4), egg, pork chop (2), chicken breast, nuts in baklava
SWEET: baklava (dessert sat night) coffee cake (dessert sun night)
FAT: light cream in coffee, vinagrette dressing on salad, coffee cake, baklava, french fries, olive oil cooking chicken, butter on corn.
keeping track of my food in this way helps me visualize the full range of what i need to satisfy myself and enables me to set reasonable limits on the amounts of fat and sweets i choose to eat. also, i don't have any health conditions that might necessitate me including more perameters.
so... how about YOU?! :)
RED: red grapes, tomatoes, apples
ORANGE: carrots, sweet potatoes, peaches
YELLOW: bananas, lemonade, corn
GREEN: lettuce, cucumbers, green grapes, sweet basil, coffee, tea
BLUE: blueberries, blackberries, purple onion, blueberry tea
BROWN: whole wheat bread cubes, french fries, coffee cake, baklava, bread crumbs on the chicken breast, vodka (1).
WHITE-LIGHT: yogurt (4), egg, pork chop (2), chicken breast, nuts in baklava
SWEET: baklava (dessert sat night) coffee cake (dessert sun night)
FAT: light cream in coffee, vinagrette dressing on salad, coffee cake, baklava, french fries, olive oil cooking chicken, butter on corn.
keeping track of my food in this way helps me visualize the full range of what i need to satisfy myself and enables me to set reasonable limits on the amounts of fat and sweets i choose to eat. also, i don't have any health conditions that might necessitate me including more perameters.
so... how about YOU?! :)
Saturday, June 20, 2009
rainbow challenge check-in
how's it going? are you managing at least one rainbow a day? i've noticed my daughter becoming addicted to frozen blueberries...that's an addiction i can encourage! how about you? anyone notice any healthier changes in your eating habits, or notice any differences in how food tastes?
Thursday, June 18, 2009
im so excited!
now that karen's back and operational - she has a great space to write! - she's chugging away at our proposal. it's just about DONE... and now... on to the manuscript itself! our hope is to have it in the mail to my agent by JUNE 30!!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Angels and Rainbows
this morning, karen and i got together to put the finishing touches on our proposal. it's so exciting for both of us to see this come together, and its so amazing for me to see how much research karen has been able to find that support and confirm the guidelines.
and today we got another kind of confirmation...the sort only an Angel could send. karen was changing her baby, and i was standing at her front door, looking out over her quiet street and immaculate front lawn. i happened to look up, into the bright blue, cloud-feathered sky.
in the sky, almost directly overhead, was a rainbow. it stretched across the feathery white clouds, shifting color upon color. i called karen and she ran with the baby, fresh diaper barely plastered into place. for easily ten minutes, we gazed wondering, at what we saw.
you think the Angels are pleased with us? i asked karen, as we stood side by side, taking turns staring at the rainbow and cooing to her baby.
it even looks like an Angel, she marvelled.
it was high noon. the sun was overhead, the clouds were barely visible, the light a blinding intense white. a rainbow that time of day, under those conditions, is a rare sight, im certain.
so maybe it wasn't a rainbow at all...
and today we got another kind of confirmation...the sort only an Angel could send. karen was changing her baby, and i was standing at her front door, looking out over her quiet street and immaculate front lawn. i happened to look up, into the bright blue, cloud-feathered sky.
in the sky, almost directly overhead, was a rainbow. it stretched across the feathery white clouds, shifting color upon color. i called karen and she ran with the baby, fresh diaper barely plastered into place. for easily ten minutes, we gazed wondering, at what we saw.
you think the Angels are pleased with us? i asked karen, as we stood side by side, taking turns staring at the rainbow and cooing to her baby.
it even looks like an Angel, she marvelled.
it was high noon. the sun was overhead, the clouds were barely visible, the light a blinding intense white. a rainbow that time of day, under those conditions, is a rare sight, im certain.
so maybe it wasn't a rainbow at all...
Thursday, June 11, 2009
the Angels on fear
an old chinese curse begins "may you live in interesting times." the times are certainly interesting, and change is in the wind.
for many people, the prospect of change brings fear, uncertainty, and gnawing anxieties of what-ifs and maybes and should-such-and-such-ever-come-to-pass. it is not an easy state of mind to endure, and the constant stress will literally eat away at your body.
for many people, states of anxiety and fear trigger old patterns, whether they are functional patterns or not. many of us slide back into these patterns not because we like how we behave or what happens when we engage in these patterns, but because they feel familiar and therefore, somehow, safe.
in such times, we may typically turn to grounding foods - those which are converted most readily into stored fat - to provide a sense of stabilizing energy, or a literal bulwark against the world. extremely sensitive people may build a visible boundary of extra fat around themselves to protect themselves from a world they feel all too keenly, and even the less sensitive will most likely be tempted to indulge.
when that happens, forgive yourself. the times ARE a'changing - major shifts are happening, planetary awareness is rising. if you feel buffeted by the events all around you, first of all, take heart - we are all in this together. i personally know no one in my immediate circle who is not feeling some direct effect of all the chaos that's happening all around us.
the Angels urge us to be gentle with ourselves. when we feel the urge to go faster, they suggest we slow down. when we feel the panic beginning to rise, they urge us to take deep breaths. they urge us to try to see the positive in every situation, to find the lesson and the grace. they know how difficult this is to do.
this is why they suggest we begin with nourishing ourselves. it was the first act of love we experienced as tiny infants - it is the most fundamental way we have of taking care of ourselves. when we hold ourselves in a vibration of true love - even true self-love (which is very different from selfishness) - it is impossible to be truly afraid. the antidote to fear is love.
red, orange and yellow foods - those that nourish, strengthen, balance and cleanse the first,second and third chakras - are all important to include in your diet when you feel fearful of outside events. it is also important to eat healthy grains in order to feel a sense of grounding and balance. fats in reasonable quantities are necessary to provide that "little cushion" without which life can feel quite hard, indeed. be kind to yourself - don't forget to add at least one daily treat for yourself. remember, chocolate is a green food! green foods nourish the heart chakra, and the heart chakra is the seat of love and self-acceptance.
for many people, the prospect of change brings fear, uncertainty, and gnawing anxieties of what-ifs and maybes and should-such-and-such-ever-come-to-pass. it is not an easy state of mind to endure, and the constant stress will literally eat away at your body.
for many people, states of anxiety and fear trigger old patterns, whether they are functional patterns or not. many of us slide back into these patterns not because we like how we behave or what happens when we engage in these patterns, but because they feel familiar and therefore, somehow, safe.
in such times, we may typically turn to grounding foods - those which are converted most readily into stored fat - to provide a sense of stabilizing energy, or a literal bulwark against the world. extremely sensitive people may build a visible boundary of extra fat around themselves to protect themselves from a world they feel all too keenly, and even the less sensitive will most likely be tempted to indulge.
when that happens, forgive yourself. the times ARE a'changing - major shifts are happening, planetary awareness is rising. if you feel buffeted by the events all around you, first of all, take heart - we are all in this together. i personally know no one in my immediate circle who is not feeling some direct effect of all the chaos that's happening all around us.
the Angels urge us to be gentle with ourselves. when we feel the urge to go faster, they suggest we slow down. when we feel the panic beginning to rise, they urge us to take deep breaths. they urge us to try to see the positive in every situation, to find the lesson and the grace. they know how difficult this is to do.
this is why they suggest we begin with nourishing ourselves. it was the first act of love we experienced as tiny infants - it is the most fundamental way we have of taking care of ourselves. when we hold ourselves in a vibration of true love - even true self-love (which is very different from selfishness) - it is impossible to be truly afraid. the antidote to fear is love.
red, orange and yellow foods - those that nourish, strengthen, balance and cleanse the first,second and third chakras - are all important to include in your diet when you feel fearful of outside events. it is also important to eat healthy grains in order to feel a sense of grounding and balance. fats in reasonable quantities are necessary to provide that "little cushion" without which life can feel quite hard, indeed. be kind to yourself - don't forget to add at least one daily treat for yourself. remember, chocolate is a green food! green foods nourish the heart chakra, and the heart chakra is the seat of love and self-acceptance.
Friday, June 5, 2009
no, im not off the wagon...
... im writing!!!
the Angel book is coming along really well - chapters one through three are taking shape. today i'm tweaking the introduction that karen so beautifully wrote, adding a few sentences here and there to help make the concepts clearer.
if YOU have an experience with the Angel guidelines that you feel guided to share with others, please email me at anniekelleher@aol.com.
the Angel book is coming along really well - chapters one through three are taking shape. today i'm tweaking the introduction that karen so beautifully wrote, adding a few sentences here and there to help make the concepts clearer.
if YOU have an experience with the Angel guidelines that you feel guided to share with others, please email me at anniekelleher@aol.com.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
what happens when i fall off the Angel wagon?
i'll be the first to admit this isn't always easy.
it requires some planning, some forethought, some patience. it works best for me if i plan my food a few days in advance, if i shop with a list and a sense of a menu. sometimes i forget to eat, sometimes i get pressed for time or hormonal or upset, and if i haven't planned ahead of time, i find myself making... well, let's say call them less than loving choices.
this is why the Angels suggest to begin slowly, to be patient, to expect to eat this way no more than two days at a time. it's not easy to stay practiced and focused and aware.
it's not easy to change the attitudes and beliefs and limitations that have been imposed and created over a lifetime and the older i get, the harder i see it is.
so sometimes, even i fall off the Angel wagon.
and then what happens?
well, first of all, i don't tell myself i'm bad or stupid or fat or undisciplined. i tell myself im human and that i needed the break for whatever reason i had at the time. i tell myself it's okay not to be "perfect." i try to remember if i enjoyed what i ate, and if i didn't, i resolve to have better food available for when i need it next time.
and then i plan to follow the guidelines as closely as i can for at least the next two or three days, or, as soon as i can. the Angels never seem to run out of patience or out of love. the Angels never berate me or make me feel bad. the Angels simply offer loving reassurance of Their presence and may slip in a suggestion or two of what i might have been looking for in my time off the path.
it requires some planning, some forethought, some patience. it works best for me if i plan my food a few days in advance, if i shop with a list and a sense of a menu. sometimes i forget to eat, sometimes i get pressed for time or hormonal or upset, and if i haven't planned ahead of time, i find myself making... well, let's say call them less than loving choices.
this is why the Angels suggest to begin slowly, to be patient, to expect to eat this way no more than two days at a time. it's not easy to stay practiced and focused and aware.
it's not easy to change the attitudes and beliefs and limitations that have been imposed and created over a lifetime and the older i get, the harder i see it is.
so sometimes, even i fall off the Angel wagon.
and then what happens?
well, first of all, i don't tell myself i'm bad or stupid or fat or undisciplined. i tell myself im human and that i needed the break for whatever reason i had at the time. i tell myself it's okay not to be "perfect." i try to remember if i enjoyed what i ate, and if i didn't, i resolve to have better food available for when i need it next time.
and then i plan to follow the guidelines as closely as i can for at least the next two or three days, or, as soon as i can. the Angels never seem to run out of patience or out of love. the Angels never berate me or make me feel bad. the Angels simply offer loving reassurance of Their presence and may slip in a suggestion or two of what i might have been looking for in my time off the path.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
raising your vibration
everything is energy, and all energy vibrates. our energy bodies have a vibration that varies throughout each day. when our vibration is high, we not only have more energy and feel better, we also feel greater access to spirit as well as equanimity about the challenges we face in our lives.
there are many ways to raise one's vibration, but some of the easiest and best ways are appropriate and loving self-care. spending time out of doors, eating well and indulging in gentle exercise - walking or dancing, for example, nothing too harsh or hard or mean - are all ways to stabilize and begin to raise your own vibratory rate. sleep is also helpful (but stressing about getting enough is not!)
eating a full rainbow - all five colors - at least once each day will help to cleanse, balance and nourish your chakras, or the energy centers of your body. brown foods stabilize and ground, white-light foods infuse your physical body with all the raw materials it requires to function. overeating too much of any one kind of food automatically creates a vibrational imbalance. this is why it is really helpful to pay attention and to be mindful of what you eat, when you eat it, and in what form you eat it in.
other ways include bathing in salt water, working with plants or animals or the creation of any form of art. paying attention to your dreams and working with them - whether through the creation of a dream journal or other form of conceptualization is another way to enhance your connection to your own sense of the Divine.
one of the most effective ways, albeit one of the most potentially painful and difficult, is to allow yourself to confront all the nasty, dark, ugly places of your being. we all experience negative emotions - jealousy, envy, anger, fear - and yet most of us would prefer to pretend we do not.
this saddens the Angels, because They love even our angry selves, our fearful selves, our jealous selves. these parts of us are all part of the human experience and to deny these parts is to deny an integral part of our journey here. there are many techniques - from talk therapy to more indigenous practices such as feeding the demons in tibetan buddhism - which encourage and enable us to make friends with all sides of our Selves.
do not, say the Angels, be afraid to embrace the scared, hurt, lonely, misunderstood, starved, you. the deeper you heal, the higher your vibration goes.
there are many ways to raise one's vibration, but some of the easiest and best ways are appropriate and loving self-care. spending time out of doors, eating well and indulging in gentle exercise - walking or dancing, for example, nothing too harsh or hard or mean - are all ways to stabilize and begin to raise your own vibratory rate. sleep is also helpful (but stressing about getting enough is not!)
eating a full rainbow - all five colors - at least once each day will help to cleanse, balance and nourish your chakras, or the energy centers of your body. brown foods stabilize and ground, white-light foods infuse your physical body with all the raw materials it requires to function. overeating too much of any one kind of food automatically creates a vibrational imbalance. this is why it is really helpful to pay attention and to be mindful of what you eat, when you eat it, and in what form you eat it in.
other ways include bathing in salt water, working with plants or animals or the creation of any form of art. paying attention to your dreams and working with them - whether through the creation of a dream journal or other form of conceptualization is another way to enhance your connection to your own sense of the Divine.
one of the most effective ways, albeit one of the most potentially painful and difficult, is to allow yourself to confront all the nasty, dark, ugly places of your being. we all experience negative emotions - jealousy, envy, anger, fear - and yet most of us would prefer to pretend we do not.
this saddens the Angels, because They love even our angry selves, our fearful selves, our jealous selves. these parts of us are all part of the human experience and to deny these parts is to deny an integral part of our journey here. there are many techniques - from talk therapy to more indigenous practices such as feeding the demons in tibetan buddhism - which encourage and enable us to make friends with all sides of our Selves.
do not, say the Angels, be afraid to embrace the scared, hurt, lonely, misunderstood, starved, you. the deeper you heal, the higher your vibration goes.
Friday, May 29, 2009
june rainbow challenge
how many rainbows can YOU eat in a day? the Angels suggest - and i CHALLENGE you - to see how many you can fit! the MOST i've EVER been able to fit ... is THREE! so leave a comment here and let me know if you'd like to participate in the JUNE RAINBOW CHALLENGE - the person with the most rainbows at the end of the month... wins an Angel-approved Prize!
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Thursday, May 28, 2009
weighing in
another blogger wrote this morning about how stepping on the scale every day affected her mood. if she found herself weighing even ONE pound over what she considered her "ideal weight," her mood and her self-image were affected ALL DAY.
wow. that's a lot of power to give one little number, but how many of us do the same? i grew up watching my mother weigh herself religiously every morning - and i do mean religiously. i started doing it just because i thought it was something people do. then i fell into the same trap as the blogger i read - if i happened to be even a pound or two over what *I* thought i "should" weigh, i worked out even harder and deprived myself even more. at times, i've ditched the scale and at times, i've found myself inevitably lured by its siren call.
so where do the Angels stand - scale or no scale?
the scale, say the Angels, is simply a tool - like a measuring cup or a serving spoon. you wouldn't banish all the spoons from your kitchen simply because you find yourself dishing out too much. if you realize you've given the scale and its number too much power - as the blogger and i did - then it's time to put it away.
on the other hand, you might find the scale a means to help you gauge your progress. if, for example, you have a medical reason to lose weight, and you find it reassuring to see the weight come off, then by all means use the scale. however, understand that weight loss is not slow and steady. many bodies tend to drop a few pounds, then seek an equilibrium. as a body seeks a new balance, one may see a see-sawing of weight in the other direction.
women are also affected by hormonal shifts. it is perfectly normal for some women to fluctuate between several dress sizes over the course of a month. understanding her own range of normal fluctuation will enable a woman to get on the scale at any time of the month and feel perfectly fine about the number. the Angels also recommend that we stop trying to fit into the same size clothing as our bodies ebb and flow. They suggest that instead of sloppy sweats for days when our bodies are fullest, we dress in clothing that flatters our rounder curves.
our bodies are not machines and they don't respond in mechanistic ways. women's bodies are particularly dynamic. learning to understand, appreciate and accept the natural rhythms of our bodies is paramount to loving and healing ourselves.
wow. that's a lot of power to give one little number, but how many of us do the same? i grew up watching my mother weigh herself religiously every morning - and i do mean religiously. i started doing it just because i thought it was something people do. then i fell into the same trap as the blogger i read - if i happened to be even a pound or two over what *I* thought i "should" weigh, i worked out even harder and deprived myself even more. at times, i've ditched the scale and at times, i've found myself inevitably lured by its siren call.
so where do the Angels stand - scale or no scale?
the scale, say the Angels, is simply a tool - like a measuring cup or a serving spoon. you wouldn't banish all the spoons from your kitchen simply because you find yourself dishing out too much. if you realize you've given the scale and its number too much power - as the blogger and i did - then it's time to put it away.
on the other hand, you might find the scale a means to help you gauge your progress. if, for example, you have a medical reason to lose weight, and you find it reassuring to see the weight come off, then by all means use the scale. however, understand that weight loss is not slow and steady. many bodies tend to drop a few pounds, then seek an equilibrium. as a body seeks a new balance, one may see a see-sawing of weight in the other direction.
women are also affected by hormonal shifts. it is perfectly normal for some women to fluctuate between several dress sizes over the course of a month. understanding her own range of normal fluctuation will enable a woman to get on the scale at any time of the month and feel perfectly fine about the number. the Angels also recommend that we stop trying to fit into the same size clothing as our bodies ebb and flow. They suggest that instead of sloppy sweats for days when our bodies are fullest, we dress in clothing that flatters our rounder curves.
our bodies are not machines and they don't respond in mechanistic ways. women's bodies are particularly dynamic. learning to understand, appreciate and accept the natural rhythms of our bodies is paramount to loving and healing ourselves.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
how do YOU meditate?
mention meditation, and most people i know get an image of a serene buddha, sitting crosslegged in perfect contemplation, or a roomful of people wearing yoga garb, chanting sanskrit.
but these aren't the only ways to meditate.
repetitive motions of any kind can be a way to meditate. thus, gentle activities that occupy the hands or the feet, can be an excellent way to calm the mind and nourish the soul. kneading clay or bread dough, walking, weeding, folding laundry, washing dishes, or even painting a wall can become forms of meditation.
the technique i use is much the same as the one i use for when im sitting still, but instead of focusing on what's going on internally while i breathe, i focus on what i'm doing. at some point, my awareness unlocks and i experience a sense of being in two places at once - doing whatever it is im doing, and Aware of Something Else. in this way, ordinary activities become opportunties, even if only for a few minutes at a time, to connect to Spirit.
it also (almost) helps me look forward to doing these chores! :)
but these aren't the only ways to meditate.
repetitive motions of any kind can be a way to meditate. thus, gentle activities that occupy the hands or the feet, can be an excellent way to calm the mind and nourish the soul. kneading clay or bread dough, walking, weeding, folding laundry, washing dishes, or even painting a wall can become forms of meditation.
the technique i use is much the same as the one i use for when im sitting still, but instead of focusing on what's going on internally while i breathe, i focus on what i'm doing. at some point, my awareness unlocks and i experience a sense of being in two places at once - doing whatever it is im doing, and Aware of Something Else. in this way, ordinary activities become opportunties, even if only for a few minutes at a time, to connect to Spirit.
it also (almost) helps me look forward to doing these chores! :)
debts and other perceptions
my dear sister-in-spirit, laura rose posted an interesting message from Spirit yesterday on her blog, suggesting an upside-down look at whatever you might be presently perceiving as a negative. instead of being upset over the amount of debt you have, for example, you might try being happy about it.
hm, i thought to myself. Angels, i'm not sure i understand this. isn't this just calling a sow's ear a silk purse?
i happened to be weeding at the time.
Annie, i heard Them say, how do you feel about the weeds?
well, i replied, not so great. i've been out here almost a whole hour and i've managed to clear a plot the size of the kitchen table. at the rate im weeding and the weeds are growing, i'll be weeding from now til doomsday and i'll never be done.
you could try, They gently pointed out, being grateful for the weeds.
grateful for the weeds, i wondered. how do i do that?
in that instant, i understood exactly how. i could try being grateful i had land to pull weeds out of. i could try being grateful for the lush fertility of that land, of the bounty She so generously spills forth. i could try being grateful that i have so much time available to me that i can revel in being out of doors on one of the most gorgeous days ever created for as long as i please, and to the weeds for providing the purpose to keep me out. the longer i looked around, the more i saw to be grateful for.
i went inside feeling considerably humble and grateful for the weeds.
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hm, i thought to myself. Angels, i'm not sure i understand this. isn't this just calling a sow's ear a silk purse?
i happened to be weeding at the time.
Annie, i heard Them say, how do you feel about the weeds?
well, i replied, not so great. i've been out here almost a whole hour and i've managed to clear a plot the size of the kitchen table. at the rate im weeding and the weeds are growing, i'll be weeding from now til doomsday and i'll never be done.
you could try, They gently pointed out, being grateful for the weeds.
grateful for the weeds, i wondered. how do i do that?
in that instant, i understood exactly how. i could try being grateful i had land to pull weeds out of. i could try being grateful for the lush fertility of that land, of the bounty She so generously spills forth. i could try being grateful that i have so much time available to me that i can revel in being out of doors on one of the most gorgeous days ever created for as long as i please, and to the weeds for providing the purpose to keep me out. the longer i looked around, the more i saw to be grateful for.
i went inside feeling considerably humble and grateful for the weeds.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
"brown" foods - a definition
grains and starchy vegetables - corn and potatoes - are included in brown foods. these foods contain necessary vitamins, minerals and plant-proteins essential to a balanced diet, and for many people, "brown" foods form the basis of their diet. bread, in all its myriad forms, is quite literally the staff of life for most people around the world. the energy of "brown" foods is different from the energy of rainbow-colored foods, and from that of "white-light" foods.
you may remember that complete protein foods such as eggs are called "white-light" foods by the Angels because - like white light that contains all the colors of the spectrum - these foods provide the material to enable our to repair and replace dead and damaged cells of all types. rainbow-colored foods - fruits, veggies, herbs and spices - nourish our energy centers, or as many commonly call them - our chakras.
"brown" foods are the foods that nourish the link between our physical bodies and our energy bodies. the energy of brown foods is grounding, and many times when we are not feeling grounded - for any reason at all - we turn to brown foods. brown foods also nourish our boundaries, as well as our ability to both integrate into our environments and to remain apart from it - to be IN the world, but not OF it.
the ability to remain grounded, to be balanced, to feel part of one's environment but not be buffeted by it, are critical to our happiness. cravings for "brown" foods, therefore, can indicate, among other things, a need or a wish to create a boundary or a buffer between ourselves and a world we don't understand, but feel all too intensely.
it is not enough, say the Angels, for most of us to simply understand the role "brown" foods play in our diet. in order to make truly healthy choices about the kinds of foods to eat, we need to understand the energy each food contains and how it nourishes us.
you may remember that complete protein foods such as eggs are called "white-light" foods by the Angels because - like white light that contains all the colors of the spectrum - these foods provide the material to enable our to repair and replace dead and damaged cells of all types. rainbow-colored foods - fruits, veggies, herbs and spices - nourish our energy centers, or as many commonly call them - our chakras.
"brown" foods are the foods that nourish the link between our physical bodies and our energy bodies. the energy of brown foods is grounding, and many times when we are not feeling grounded - for any reason at all - we turn to brown foods. brown foods also nourish our boundaries, as well as our ability to both integrate into our environments and to remain apart from it - to be IN the world, but not OF it.
the ability to remain grounded, to be balanced, to feel part of one's environment but not be buffeted by it, are critical to our happiness. cravings for "brown" foods, therefore, can indicate, among other things, a need or a wish to create a boundary or a buffer between ourselves and a world we don't understand, but feel all too intensely.
it is not enough, say the Angels, for most of us to simply understand the role "brown" foods play in our diet. in order to make truly healthy choices about the kinds of foods to eat, we need to understand the energy each food contains and how it nourishes us.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
from lynette: portion control is a good thing!
portion control is a very good thing. we all need to be aware of how much we eat, and more importantly, how much of any given thing we WANT to eat. because it's not the portion part most people have difficulty with - its the control. so how big is a "portion," anyway?
the Angels suggest we think in terms of serving size rather than portions. for example, i can fry up a five pound bag of potatos for my family of four but while my "portion" may feel like it should be a quarter of what's in the pan, a serving size of those fries is considerably less.
the trouble with serving size - at least for me- is that it starts to feel awkward and cumbersome. i mostly dish up meals to the accompaniment of the cries of hungry people and hunting hounds underfoot. i dont always (ha- more like never!) think about how much im dishing out and my criteria for my own plate used to be how much i feel like eating. (and given that until i started listening to the Angels, i was usually ravenous by dinner time, the answer to that question was frequently: Quite a Lot.)
so what can a busy person do? the Angels suggest the answer is in our hands. a general rule of thumb (pun intended - the Angels love them) is to consider that the palm of your hand is a reasonable serving size for meat, that the size of your fist is a reasonable serving size for just about anything else and that what you eat in a meal should fit comfortably on your two hands held out side-by-side before you.
these are rough guides and parameters, of course, and ultimately, how much you choose to eat, like what you choose to eat, is up to you. so this piece of portion control - deciding how much you give yourself and how much of your plate to fill - all involve planning about your food.
what this doesn't address is what happens when i sit down to eat my measly fist-size serving of my favorite potatoes. i really love these potatoes. i make them with red skins, usually, scrubbed clean and sliced thin, then layered in a cast-iron pan with butter, paprika and maybe if im feeling wild, onion. i cook them on top of the stove, covered, for about twenty minutes until all the butter's melted and the potatoes have softened. then i take the cover off and let them fry crispy and brown, while fat and starch and cast iron all meld together into what for me represents a nearly perfect union of flavor, texture and sustenance. i am capable of eating the whole frying pan myself, and since im the cook most of the time, capable of making two frying pans full - one for the family and one for me. (fortunately there aren't many foods i feel this way about!)
but i knew eating a pan-full of potatoes, pleasurable as it could be, wasn't good for me. a more reasonable serving-size, sure - but how could i learn to control myself over something i liked so much?
i asked the Angels for help, and this what They suggested:
begin by dishing out your normal portion size of whatever food you would like to focus on. They suggest you do this one food at a time, in order to pay close attention to it. (for me and my potatoes, it was nearly a full plate.)
then, They said, eat half. when you've finished half of however much you've given yourself, put your eating implements down and focus on how you feel. focus on your stomach, on your tongue, on your tastebuds and nose. breathe in the scent of the food, now that you've eaten some of it. pause and consider the food on your plate is now part of the food in your body. if you choose to continue eating, and you well may, initially, again, eat half of what is left, and then put down your fork. pause again and consider how you feel and how the food feels. in this manner, you continue to eat as long as you feel the urge, stopping each time you eat half, to savor the food and the eating of it.
it took me a few tries to stop wanting to eat a plateful of potatoes, but there came a point when, as i was putting them on my plate, i actually paused and remembered how stuffed i started to feel after eating about half of my usual portion size. and then a minor miracle happened - for me anyway - i CHOSE of my own volition to put a reasonably-sized "serving size" portion - on my plate of a food that previously the only way i could control myself with it was to deny myself. the Angels had helped me to learn what my body felt like when IT had "enough" and i was able to choose THAT feeling over the less-healthy one, not because anyone told me i had to - but because i liked it. and i was satisfied with it.. and, what was even more of a miracle - i didn't go back for seconds.
the Angels acknowledge that for many of us, a need to indulge in certain foods may be indicative of deeper issues that may need to be resolved with the help of allopathic or alternative doctors or therapists. They wish to reassure everyone that They are with us all in our healing.
the Angels suggest we think in terms of serving size rather than portions. for example, i can fry up a five pound bag of potatos for my family of four but while my "portion" may feel like it should be a quarter of what's in the pan, a serving size of those fries is considerably less.
the trouble with serving size - at least for me- is that it starts to feel awkward and cumbersome. i mostly dish up meals to the accompaniment of the cries of hungry people and hunting hounds underfoot. i dont always (ha- more like never!) think about how much im dishing out and my criteria for my own plate used to be how much i feel like eating. (and given that until i started listening to the Angels, i was usually ravenous by dinner time, the answer to that question was frequently: Quite a Lot.)
so what can a busy person do? the Angels suggest the answer is in our hands. a general rule of thumb (pun intended - the Angels love them) is to consider that the palm of your hand is a reasonable serving size for meat, that the size of your fist is a reasonable serving size for just about anything else and that what you eat in a meal should fit comfortably on your two hands held out side-by-side before you.
these are rough guides and parameters, of course, and ultimately, how much you choose to eat, like what you choose to eat, is up to you. so this piece of portion control - deciding how much you give yourself and how much of your plate to fill - all involve planning about your food.
what this doesn't address is what happens when i sit down to eat my measly fist-size serving of my favorite potatoes. i really love these potatoes. i make them with red skins, usually, scrubbed clean and sliced thin, then layered in a cast-iron pan with butter, paprika and maybe if im feeling wild, onion. i cook them on top of the stove, covered, for about twenty minutes until all the butter's melted and the potatoes have softened. then i take the cover off and let them fry crispy and brown, while fat and starch and cast iron all meld together into what for me represents a nearly perfect union of flavor, texture and sustenance. i am capable of eating the whole frying pan myself, and since im the cook most of the time, capable of making two frying pans full - one for the family and one for me. (fortunately there aren't many foods i feel this way about!)
but i knew eating a pan-full of potatoes, pleasurable as it could be, wasn't good for me. a more reasonable serving-size, sure - but how could i learn to control myself over something i liked so much?
i asked the Angels for help, and this what They suggested:
begin by dishing out your normal portion size of whatever food you would like to focus on. They suggest you do this one food at a time, in order to pay close attention to it. (for me and my potatoes, it was nearly a full plate.)
then, They said, eat half. when you've finished half of however much you've given yourself, put your eating implements down and focus on how you feel. focus on your stomach, on your tongue, on your tastebuds and nose. breathe in the scent of the food, now that you've eaten some of it. pause and consider the food on your plate is now part of the food in your body. if you choose to continue eating, and you well may, initially, again, eat half of what is left, and then put down your fork. pause again and consider how you feel and how the food feels. in this manner, you continue to eat as long as you feel the urge, stopping each time you eat half, to savor the food and the eating of it.
it took me a few tries to stop wanting to eat a plateful of potatoes, but there came a point when, as i was putting them on my plate, i actually paused and remembered how stuffed i started to feel after eating about half of my usual portion size. and then a minor miracle happened - for me anyway - i CHOSE of my own volition to put a reasonably-sized "serving size" portion - on my plate of a food that previously the only way i could control myself with it was to deny myself. the Angels had helped me to learn what my body felt like when IT had "enough" and i was able to choose THAT feeling over the less-healthy one, not because anyone told me i had to - but because i liked it. and i was satisfied with it.. and, what was even more of a miracle - i didn't go back for seconds.
the Angels acknowledge that for many of us, a need to indulge in certain foods may be indicative of deeper issues that may need to be resolved with the help of allopathic or alternative doctors or therapists. They wish to reassure everyone that They are with us all in our healing.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
a question from martha
Question: Please share re.vitamins, supplements, and Superfoods. I have been using Superfoods x 9 years and some specific supplements for me to assist when I have fall off the Angel wagon. Thank you, GA
Answer:
supplements are one of those gray areas where the Angels advise us to listen to ourselves and our health care providers with utmost care. on the one hand, it is perfectly theoretically possible to obtain all needed nutrients from the food we eat. on the other, certain situations - for example pregnancy or lactation - may necessitate the use of supplements.
if you have been using food supplements with success, you find your situation is helped by the inclusion of supplements in your diet, then by all means continue to do so. go slowly, however, and with care, before deciding to add megadoses of vitamins, for example. try new regimens for a few days and see how you feel. metallic aftertastes, digestive upsets and other discomforts may indicate a way to find other ways to increase certain nutrients.
for example, iron is frequently prescribed for pregnant women - iron in pill form is very difficult to digest. by cooking in cast iron pots, food not only picks up additional iron from the pots, but also in forms much easier to digest. the addition of a couple new pots may mean the end of anemia. is this a supplement? iron in pill form is.. .but the additional iron from the pots? im not sure.
from time to time, i supplement my smoothies with a whey protein powder - i find the additional protein keeps me satisfied when i know im going to have to go a bit longer than three hours with access to food. on occasion, i use seasonal herbs - dandelion root in spring, astragulus root in fall and winter, oatstraw and lavender all year round. are these supplements, or teas or herbs? i count herbs as green foods or whatever color seems appropriate.
so the answer from the Angels is maybe yes, maybe no. my sense is that you, martha, with your health care background, feel far more at ease identifying what your body needs than some people might. my sense is that you have indeed chosen what works for you.
however, for most, this is an area where the Angels urge everyone to make decisions to add supplements - herbs, teas, vitamins, etc - in concert with health care providers who can help you make the right choices based on your individual needs.
Answer:
supplements are one of those gray areas where the Angels advise us to listen to ourselves and our health care providers with utmost care. on the one hand, it is perfectly theoretically possible to obtain all needed nutrients from the food we eat. on the other, certain situations - for example pregnancy or lactation - may necessitate the use of supplements.
if you have been using food supplements with success, you find your situation is helped by the inclusion of supplements in your diet, then by all means continue to do so. go slowly, however, and with care, before deciding to add megadoses of vitamins, for example. try new regimens for a few days and see how you feel. metallic aftertastes, digestive upsets and other discomforts may indicate a way to find other ways to increase certain nutrients.
for example, iron is frequently prescribed for pregnant women - iron in pill form is very difficult to digest. by cooking in cast iron pots, food not only picks up additional iron from the pots, but also in forms much easier to digest. the addition of a couple new pots may mean the end of anemia. is this a supplement? iron in pill form is.. .but the additional iron from the pots? im not sure.
from time to time, i supplement my smoothies with a whey protein powder - i find the additional protein keeps me satisfied when i know im going to have to go a bit longer than three hours with access to food. on occasion, i use seasonal herbs - dandelion root in spring, astragulus root in fall and winter, oatstraw and lavender all year round. are these supplements, or teas or herbs? i count herbs as green foods or whatever color seems appropriate.
so the answer from the Angels is maybe yes, maybe no. my sense is that you, martha, with your health care background, feel far more at ease identifying what your body needs than some people might. my sense is that you have indeed chosen what works for you.
however, for most, this is an area where the Angels urge everyone to make decisions to add supplements - herbs, teas, vitamins, etc - in concert with health care providers who can help you make the right choices based on your individual needs.
ten reasons diets don't work from kathy
This, I know:
1. I can only lose weight for myself.
2. If I lose weight, I won't suddenly be an extrovert, an organized person, or a ballerina.
3. If something is forbidden, I WANT IT!
4. Starving isn't pretty.
5. There are no bad foods. There are some not so hot foods.
6. I don't want to waste calories on food I don't like.
7. I don't want to eat food that makes me feel like taking a shower afterwards.
8. I LIKE fruits and veggies.
9. Eat your dessert first, if that's what you want.
10. Enjoy every sandwich.
i totally second number three! :)
1. I can only lose weight for myself.
2. If I lose weight, I won't suddenly be an extrovert, an organized person, or a ballerina.
3. If something is forbidden, I WANT IT!
4. Starving isn't pretty.
5. There are no bad foods. There are some not so hot foods.
6. I don't want to waste calories on food I don't like.
7. I don't want to eat food that makes me feel like taking a shower afterwards.
8. I LIKE fruits and veggies.
9. Eat your dessert first, if that's what you want.
10. Enjoy every sandwich.
i totally second number three! :)
a comment from Stacie...
"i think the Angel guidelines are definitely more than a diet, it is a way of life. learning to listen to one's body and to love and nurture oneself.
i love it that the Angels don't have a long list of do's and don'ts, no hard and fast rules. they never tell you what to eat, they just offer suggestions. it's very liberating and it's neat to learn to listen to my own body and intuition.
so many of us have negative relationships with food, and have for years. learning to love ourselves is the first step to changing this, and this is what the Angels are trying to tell us.
i agree that the vibrations are so different for food that has been raised and prepared with love, food that is locally grown, in season and especially homemade. i can feel a distinct difference in free range chicken and eggs, and in in season produce."
i love it that the Angels don't have a long list of do's and don'ts, no hard and fast rules. they never tell you what to eat, they just offer suggestions. it's very liberating and it's neat to learn to listen to my own body and intuition.
so many of us have negative relationships with food, and have for years. learning to love ourselves is the first step to changing this, and this is what the Angels are trying to tell us.
i agree that the vibrations are so different for food that has been raised and prepared with love, food that is locally grown, in season and especially homemade. i can feel a distinct difference in free range chicken and eggs, and in in season produce."
on empaths and "brown" foods*
empaths are people who are very sensitive to other people's emotions. they are like sponges and can find it very difficult to be around others. personally, i think ALL people have the ability to develop their empathy skills - empathy, after all, is a fundamental part of our human nature. children who have no empathy turn into things like serial killers, narcissists, and sociopaths. part of the Big Waking Up as the Angels sometimes call the process we are all going through is that more and more of us are aware of our empathic abilities. more and more of us are realizing we fit the definition of "empath."
novice empaths will sometimes turn to foods - specifically brown foods* full of cushioning fats and softening sweets - to create a natural buffer between themselves and a world they feel too intensely. this is why many lightworkers, especially as they start to wake up, develop some extra cushioning. its part of why our hormones as we age encourage us to gain weight. women who go through menopause put on a few extra pounds for many reasons and one of them is that psychically, a woman is entering her most sensitive time of life.
so... the energy of brown foods is grounding. there are many indigenous cultures that believe that infants, until they're weaned or turn a certain age, aren't fully "human" and may not even give them names. what this reflects is that until a child eats "brown" food, his energy body is not fully anchored into the flesh.
just as under our skins, we have a kind of spider-man suit called the fascia which holds us all together, there's a similiar layer of energy that connects the energy body into the physical body. this layer is directly nourished by brown foods energetically. so eating brown foods literally grounds us into our own flesh. (no wonder eating too many of them will make us fat faster than any other kind of food!)
again, the key here is balance. an empath has to learn to fill herself not with brown foods or other people's emotions but with an awareness of the Divine Love that emanates from the spark of Spirit within all of us. when the sponge becomes saturated with clean water, it can't pick up much of anything else from anywhere else. that's how evolved empaths are meant to move in the world - as sponges, but so saturated with awareness of love and spirit that it sort of leaks out of them, and so THEY start to affect the negative people around them. an evolved empath is able to shift and lift the energy all around her, and is not brought down by the presence of negative or sad or depressing people. she may never ENJOY such people's company, but she is not affected in a way that impacts her personally. on the other hand, an empath without this awareness is like a dry sponge that's inevitably going to suck up whatever goop in which she finds herself.
therefore, it's especially important for empathic people to pay close attention to the brown foods they eat and to eat brown foods with awareness of the kind of energy they contain. wholesome grains and starches provide not just fuel for what we do in the world, but also energy to nourish the connection between our physical bodies and soul-bodies as well.
the more closely you follow the Angel Way Guidelines, the more you find yourself aware of the emotions of others in this way. you may even begin to feel vibrations from the food you eat - you may, for example, feel some lingering distress from the migrant worker who picked your fruit. there is no need to ingest this distress along with your strawberries - wash the fruit with the intention of purifying it not just physically but energetically as well, thank the person who picked it and packaged it as you prepare it and send them thoughts and prayers of gratitude and lovingkindness and that their suffering may be lessened, and if you are able, do something to alleviate suffering in your community in whatever way you can. these are small actions and may not seem like they could ever amount to much, but it's one grain at a time that ants move mountains.
* "brown" foods or "earth" foods as characterized by the Angels include all grains and starchy vegetables such as potatoes and corn.
novice empaths will sometimes turn to foods - specifically brown foods* full of cushioning fats and softening sweets - to create a natural buffer between themselves and a world they feel too intensely. this is why many lightworkers, especially as they start to wake up, develop some extra cushioning. its part of why our hormones as we age encourage us to gain weight. women who go through menopause put on a few extra pounds for many reasons and one of them is that psychically, a woman is entering her most sensitive time of life.
so... the energy of brown foods is grounding. there are many indigenous cultures that believe that infants, until they're weaned or turn a certain age, aren't fully "human" and may not even give them names. what this reflects is that until a child eats "brown" food, his energy body is not fully anchored into the flesh.
just as under our skins, we have a kind of spider-man suit called the fascia which holds us all together, there's a similiar layer of energy that connects the energy body into the physical body. this layer is directly nourished by brown foods energetically. so eating brown foods literally grounds us into our own flesh. (no wonder eating too many of them will make us fat faster than any other kind of food!)
again, the key here is balance. an empath has to learn to fill herself not with brown foods or other people's emotions but with an awareness of the Divine Love that emanates from the spark of Spirit within all of us. when the sponge becomes saturated with clean water, it can't pick up much of anything else from anywhere else. that's how evolved empaths are meant to move in the world - as sponges, but so saturated with awareness of love and spirit that it sort of leaks out of them, and so THEY start to affect the negative people around them. an evolved empath is able to shift and lift the energy all around her, and is not brought down by the presence of negative or sad or depressing people. she may never ENJOY such people's company, but she is not affected in a way that impacts her personally. on the other hand, an empath without this awareness is like a dry sponge that's inevitably going to suck up whatever goop in which she finds herself.
therefore, it's especially important for empathic people to pay close attention to the brown foods they eat and to eat brown foods with awareness of the kind of energy they contain. wholesome grains and starches provide not just fuel for what we do in the world, but also energy to nourish the connection between our physical bodies and soul-bodies as well.
the more closely you follow the Angel Way Guidelines, the more you find yourself aware of the emotions of others in this way. you may even begin to feel vibrations from the food you eat - you may, for example, feel some lingering distress from the migrant worker who picked your fruit. there is no need to ingest this distress along with your strawberries - wash the fruit with the intention of purifying it not just physically but energetically as well, thank the person who picked it and packaged it as you prepare it and send them thoughts and prayers of gratitude and lovingkindness and that their suffering may be lessened, and if you are able, do something to alleviate suffering in your community in whatever way you can. these are small actions and may not seem like they could ever amount to much, but it's one grain at a time that ants move mountains.
* "brown" foods or "earth" foods as characterized by the Angels include all grains and starchy vegetables such as potatoes and corn.
Friday, May 22, 2009
technical difficulties
im having difficulties opening other blogs - internet explorer keeps aborting the operation. im not sure whats going on - i saw a notice blogger was aware of the problem... please forgive my lack of comments on other blogs! im thinkign of you all and really frustrated i can't catch up!
dieting... the angel way
some people come here looking for a diet, in the sense of losing weight. some people who try the angel guidelines WILL lose weight, because they are carrying more weight than they need or is healthy.
but the Angel Way guidelines are not a "diet" in that sense.
the Angel Way guidelines represent a diet in the most general sense of the word, in that they address what the human body needs for nourishment. but the Angel Way guidelines are more than simply a diet... they can assist you in shaping a lifestyle that will enable you to make healthier - and hopefully more palatable and easily assimilated - foods.
the Angels don't tell you what to eat... at best, They offer suggestions. the Angels never negate or in any way attempt to take away your free will. what the Angels do offer is a way to understand how the choices you make about the food you eat reflect how you truly feel about yourself.
it's only when we really feel love for ourselves - as evinced by a willingness to make the healthier choice most of the time, and forgive the unhealthy choice the rest of the time - that our relationship with this most critical aspect of ourselves can be healed. in our culture, food and body image present difficult challenges for just about all of us, even those of us in relative physical health. it can be very hard to know what to eat in order to feel healthy, it can be harder still to truly allow ourselves to nourish ourselves with this tangible form of love.
for the Angels, all acts associated with eating and food preparation - right down to the raising of the vegetables, the picking of the fruit, or the slaughtering of the animal - are opportunities to show love. This love is shown not just in the form of sharing with those who don't have food, or aren't able to cook it, but in how we raise our foods, in how we treat the people who pick it or prepare or bring it to us, and in how we treat ourselves by what we do and don't choose to eat.
someone asked me yesterday if i thought the Angel Guidelines would "work" for everyone. i don't think "work" is the right term - but in the broadest sense, yes, if applied and followed, they WILL "work" for everyone - just in very individual ways. no two angel-guideline followers are going to have the same diet or eating habits or food preferences. or, a vegan and a meat-eater may choose a similar rainbow-salad, but the "white-light" food accompanying it may be quinoa and forbidden rice for the vegan, and cold sliced beef filet for the meat-eater. a vegetarian may choose cheese. someone on a heart-healthy diet or with other health concerns might choose salmon. someone who wants to lose a couple pounds might choose a hard boiled egg or cottage cheese.
however, the Angel Way guidelines aren't just about WHAT you eat, but how you eat it, prepare it and plan for it. i find it helpful to visualize each chakra as i eat each color, and to imagine myself being filled with clear white light as i eat my "white-light" foods. "brown" foods help me feel grounded, present and fully integrated into my surroundings, engaged with those who surround me, and yet not be over-run or overtaken by others' emotions, or beliefs. limiting the amount of processed or artifical foods helps both my physical body and my energy body feel clean.
have i lost weight when i've concentrated on eating like this? yes, but only when i've exercised at the same time. at fifty, my metabolism needs the boost. one benefit of getting older generally, is that ive become very aware of how much of a conscious choice i've so far gotten to make - and i've become much more aware that i need to make careful conscious choices in order to keep it that way as long as possible!
this is why the first Guideline is "what you eat is up to you."
but the Angel Way guidelines are not a "diet" in that sense.
the Angel Way guidelines represent a diet in the most general sense of the word, in that they address what the human body needs for nourishment. but the Angel Way guidelines are more than simply a diet... they can assist you in shaping a lifestyle that will enable you to make healthier - and hopefully more palatable and easily assimilated - foods.
the Angels don't tell you what to eat... at best, They offer suggestions. the Angels never negate or in any way attempt to take away your free will. what the Angels do offer is a way to understand how the choices you make about the food you eat reflect how you truly feel about yourself.
it's only when we really feel love for ourselves - as evinced by a willingness to make the healthier choice most of the time, and forgive the unhealthy choice the rest of the time - that our relationship with this most critical aspect of ourselves can be healed. in our culture, food and body image present difficult challenges for just about all of us, even those of us in relative physical health. it can be very hard to know what to eat in order to feel healthy, it can be harder still to truly allow ourselves to nourish ourselves with this tangible form of love.
for the Angels, all acts associated with eating and food preparation - right down to the raising of the vegetables, the picking of the fruit, or the slaughtering of the animal - are opportunities to show love. This love is shown not just in the form of sharing with those who don't have food, or aren't able to cook it, but in how we raise our foods, in how we treat the people who pick it or prepare or bring it to us, and in how we treat ourselves by what we do and don't choose to eat.
someone asked me yesterday if i thought the Angel Guidelines would "work" for everyone. i don't think "work" is the right term - but in the broadest sense, yes, if applied and followed, they WILL "work" for everyone - just in very individual ways. no two angel-guideline followers are going to have the same diet or eating habits or food preferences. or, a vegan and a meat-eater may choose a similar rainbow-salad, but the "white-light" food accompanying it may be quinoa and forbidden rice for the vegan, and cold sliced beef filet for the meat-eater. a vegetarian may choose cheese. someone on a heart-healthy diet or with other health concerns might choose salmon. someone who wants to lose a couple pounds might choose a hard boiled egg or cottage cheese.
however, the Angel Way guidelines aren't just about WHAT you eat, but how you eat it, prepare it and plan for it. i find it helpful to visualize each chakra as i eat each color, and to imagine myself being filled with clear white light as i eat my "white-light" foods. "brown" foods help me feel grounded, present and fully integrated into my surroundings, engaged with those who surround me, and yet not be over-run or overtaken by others' emotions, or beliefs. limiting the amount of processed or artifical foods helps both my physical body and my energy body feel clean.
have i lost weight when i've concentrated on eating like this? yes, but only when i've exercised at the same time. at fifty, my metabolism needs the boost. one benefit of getting older generally, is that ive become very aware of how much of a conscious choice i've so far gotten to make - and i've become much more aware that i need to make careful conscious choices in order to keep it that way as long as possible!
this is why the first Guideline is "what you eat is up to you."
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
the Angels on being outdoors
it's important to spend time every day out of doors. our bodies need sunlight and fresh air. we know this, and yet for many of us, outdoors is something we experience in between rushing from place to place, from house to car to office to school to car to house to store... you get the idea. even i find myself very guilty at times, of not spending time outdoors.
i'm not sure what stops me - maybe it's a sense of all the things i feel i "should" be doing if im out there - maybe it's the sense i "shouldn't" be outside goofing off. but even here in chilly new england it's finally spring.
today the Angels suggest that we turn off our computers, put down our tasks and take as few as five minutes to simply sit outside. close your eyes, feel the light - or the rain - and breathe. if you are fortunate enough to live in a place where you can be relatively undisturbed, take whatever time you can give to yourself to release whatever stress you might feel yourself holding. with every in-breath, imagine yourself breathing in relaxation and love, and with every out-breath, imagine yourself breathing out any worries. do this every day, for at least five minutes if at all possible, and preferably, before engaging in any stressful task.
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i'm not sure what stops me - maybe it's a sense of all the things i feel i "should" be doing if im out there - maybe it's the sense i "shouldn't" be outside goofing off. but even here in chilly new england it's finally spring.
today the Angels suggest that we turn off our computers, put down our tasks and take as few as five minutes to simply sit outside. close your eyes, feel the light - or the rain - and breathe. if you are fortunate enough to live in a place where you can be relatively undisturbed, take whatever time you can give to yourself to release whatever stress you might feel yourself holding. with every in-breath, imagine yourself breathing in relaxation and love, and with every out-breath, imagine yourself breathing out any worries. do this every day, for at least five minutes if at all possible, and preferably, before engaging in any stressful task.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
the Angels on water
water is what we are mostly made of, and water is an extremely important part of our diets. sometimes what we perceive to be hunger is actually thirst, and factors such as temperature, humidity levels and certain foods or ingested substances, such as caffiene, can dehydrate us without our awareness.
therefore, the Angels suggest we pay attention to how much we drink and what we drink as much as what we eat. while many diets urge us to "drink more water" or to drink a certain amount of water, convenient access to potable water is relatively recent in human history. therefore, it's not so much WATER we should pay attention to as LIQUID.
our bodies require a certain amount of liquid nourishment, just as they do solid nourishment. and as with solid food, there's a range from healthier choices to not-so healthy choices from which to choose. if you enjoy water, if you have access to a source of fresh spring water, for example, or you enjoy the taste of your local or filtered water, then by all means, drink water. however, teas - especially herbal teas, but be wary of any diuretic capablities - coffee, lemon- or limeade, seltzer water or club soda, and fruit juices are all acceptable alternatives for those of us who shudder at the thought of downing gallons of water.
for example, i brew myself a pot of tea every morning, and then another at lunch. i drink the tea throughout the day. my mother used to say i always had a glass in my hand - i still do, but now its usually a mug!
in terms of how much to drink, and when, the standard answer "when you're thirsty" is really the best answer; the trouble is that it can be very hard to know if you're thirsty before you're almost dangerously dehydrated! therefore, plan to drink something nourishing - a glass of water, a cup of tea, a club soda and cranberry - at least every three hours along with your meal or snack. then plan to take at least one extra cup or mug or bottle along with you afterwards to sip between.
and the Angels do gently suggest to avoid, if at all possible, water in plastic bottles. the plastic is not at all healthy and the water absorbs very dangerous chemicals.
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therefore, the Angels suggest we pay attention to how much we drink and what we drink as much as what we eat. while many diets urge us to "drink more water" or to drink a certain amount of water, convenient access to potable water is relatively recent in human history. therefore, it's not so much WATER we should pay attention to as LIQUID.
our bodies require a certain amount of liquid nourishment, just as they do solid nourishment. and as with solid food, there's a range from healthier choices to not-so healthy choices from which to choose. if you enjoy water, if you have access to a source of fresh spring water, for example, or you enjoy the taste of your local or filtered water, then by all means, drink water. however, teas - especially herbal teas, but be wary of any diuretic capablities - coffee, lemon- or limeade, seltzer water or club soda, and fruit juices are all acceptable alternatives for those of us who shudder at the thought of downing gallons of water.
for example, i brew myself a pot of tea every morning, and then another at lunch. i drink the tea throughout the day. my mother used to say i always had a glass in my hand - i still do, but now its usually a mug!
in terms of how much to drink, and when, the standard answer "when you're thirsty" is really the best answer; the trouble is that it can be very hard to know if you're thirsty before you're almost dangerously dehydrated! therefore, plan to drink something nourishing - a glass of water, a cup of tea, a club soda and cranberry - at least every three hours along with your meal or snack. then plan to take at least one extra cup or mug or bottle along with you afterwards to sip between.
and the Angels do gently suggest to avoid, if at all possible, water in plastic bottles. the plastic is not at all healthy and the water absorbs very dangerous chemicals.
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