Natural State of Being

You were born into contrast. You were born glowing, pure, into a world of contradiction and ugliness. You have long been stifled, altered, made to feel inadequate. You will not find what you desire out in the world, but rather within yourself.  Turn inwards for the solution to your pain and confusion. Healing comes from first understanding what you are feeling. Honor your emotions.  Be present with who you are, now. Do you need to heal your solar plexus chakra? The solar plexus chakra relates to your ego, identity, self-esteem, and personal power.  It is linked to the color yellow and the element of fire.  It is physically located about two inches above your navel.  Also called Manipura, this chakra is what we associate most with our sense of who we are and our intentions in this world. In accordance to our solar plexus' health, we may change our outward appearance and interactions with the world. If you are a highly sensitive person, then it is very likely that you have faced chal

Looking for a simple, yet mindful and wholesome task to put your heart into this weekend? Fill your home with the scent of warm berries as you cook up some fresh jam. Whether you are searching for a new hobby, the perfect homemade gift, or simply wondering what to do with your leftover berries, jam creation is something you don't want to overlook! Preparation The process consists of just a few steps, and the only ingredients you will need are: Berries of your choice (My Recipe: 2 cups blackberries, 1 cup raspberries) Sugar (1:3 ratio to berries) Lemon juice Be sure to have a calm, clean kitchen before you begin cooking to add ease to the whole process. The only materials you will need are: Large saucepan  Slotted spoon/fork/masher (for mashing berries) Jars (for storing finished jam) Blackberry-Raspberry Jam Recipe 1. Wash berries. 2. Heat berries in saucepan at medium-high heat. 3. As the berries warm, mash them with a slotted spoon/fork/masher. 4. Add sugar and lemon juice (to fl

Sacral Chakra: Svadhisthana  The sacral chakra, also called Svadhisthana, is located just below your belly button, above the pelvic bone.  It is associated with the color orange and the element water. The sacral chakra is the source of passion and personal power. Creativity, sexual/sensual energy, desires, and relationships all reside within this energy center. Svadhisthana is connected with the lower back, genitals, and abdomen, so any health issues in those areas are likely an effect of an imbalance in the chakra. Do you have full control over your passions and pleasure? How do you feel towards your sexuality and relationships? When the sacral chakra is out of balance, you may be left feeling uninspired, pessimistic, and distant from life. You may even feel ashamed of your creative force, or uncomfortable with your sensual nature. Opening this chakra will allow you to take full control of your creative spirit, experience of pleasure, and power within your relationships. While the roo

What are "chakras"? Imagine spinning wheels of energy, seven of them, located in a vertical line from the base of your spine to the crown of your head.  Each wheel of energy has its own purpose, shadows (associated negative traits), and gifts (associated positive traits) that - when healthy and spinning - create a flow of energy through your entire being. It has long been believed by practitioners of Hinduism and Buddhism that having an open flow of energy through the chakras is necessary to maintaining physical and mental health. Emotional trauma, whether current or past, can cause conflict and blockages in the chakras, thereby distorting your energy.  Focus on becoming whole by acknowledging and accepting every part of yourself. This is the first in a series of posts that will explore the chakras, one by one, as you begin to heal yourself and restore your flow. It is important to move through this process slowly.  You have no obligation to anyone. Heal for yourself. Root Ch

for those who   cannot bear to sleep  because the starlight is too beautiful and closing eyes means the misery of farewell to the infinite heavens,  these words hold power and will gently guide you  to a state of renewal.  You may begin to breathe more quietly now, as a cooling mist falls delicately across your skin, the droplets settling themselves in tiny lakes which gather in the curves of your collarbones.  You slowly become more conscious of the state of your physical being.  Beginning in the very tips of your toes and fingers, a glowing warmth puddles like honey, and you feel its golden sensation filling your body from the bottom up.  You are not weighed down by the glowing presence, rather, you become impossibly light, as the warmth purifies and releases any tension that it meets as it flows steadily towards your heart.  The lightness cleanses your limbs, filling your lower body up to your chest.  Take this moment to consider what you hold in your core; what do you allow to be o

These Strawberry-Lemon Brownies taste like an early glimpse into springtime.  You'll want to add this simple delicacy to your permanent baking repertoire as soon as its fresh, gooey sweetness hits your tongue. Whether you are on the hunt for the perfect Valentine's Day treat, or just looking for a new twist on an old chocolate favorite, these brownies are sure to bring a little sunshine into your kitchen! Allow your efforts in the kitchen today to guide you on your journey to mindfulness.  The wholesome task of baking will put you in tune with your mind and body. Embrace your senses, open your heart, and sink into your natural state of being. You will need: 14 medium strawberries 2 lemons 1 egg 1 Ghirardelli Triple Fudge Brownie Mix 1/4 cup vegetable oil  1/4 cup water 8x8" glass baking pan large mixing bowl zester Instructions Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. 1. Rinse strawberries and lemons. 2. Zest lemons (save for later). 3. Slice and juice lemons. 4. Chop 6 of