28 January 2009

The Intuitive Way

In nearly every religious tradition adherents are called to sit still and go within. Whether it is through prayer, meditation or simply being silent it is only through this state of being that we are able to connect with Divinity that resides within.

Be still and know that I AM. That is what SOURCE calls us to.

It is that still small voice, sometimes not so small, that tugs at us or calls to us to go this way or that. Only when we take the time to listen to our inner voice will we have what we need to move forward in a way that is fulfilling to our souls.

The inner guide is called intuition and I believe this inner guide is our spark of Divinity which dwells within or you can envision it as the cord that connects us to our spark of Divinity connect us ultimately to the SOURCE of LIFE.

There are some that naturally follow that inner guide. And there are some of us who have yet to learn to trust that inner guide.

If you are looking to expand or jump start your innate intuitive I highly suggest you check out Penney Peirce's book:

THE INTUITIVE WAY: The Definitive Guide to Increasing Your Awareness.
(THE CLASSIC PIONEERING WORK ON INTUITION DEVELOPMENT)

The Intuitive Way: The Definitive Guide to Increasing Your Awareness


I am usually weary of any book that calls itself "Definitive" however you will not be disappointed.
I have the first edition copy of this workbook style guide.

Penney Peirce sensitively and intuitively guides you through the process of awakening to your inner awareness. She really does a wonderful job of this. I was very impressed with this book. It is like having a wonderful seminar in your hands. It is definitely NOT a boring read.

I have the 1997/2005 edition however there is a new edition coming out in September 2009 which has been expanded by at least 80 pages if not more.

Below is a link to the new edition and afterward a link to the older edition if you like to get started now.

Enjoy!

New Edition 2009:

The Intuitive Way: The Definitive Guide to Increasing Your Awareness

Older Edition 2005:

Intuitive Way: The Definitive Guide to Increasing Your Awareness

Trust me, you will not be disappointed in this more than adequate and well grounded book/workbook.

Thank you Penney Peirce, you rock!

22 January 2009

In Your Back Yard


In million's of back yards across the country lies a much maligned and disgraced plant that is the target numerous assassination attempts.

This plant is so disliked that it is not even given the honour of being called a plant. Plants are something wanted, nurtured and cultivated. No this special being that has the potential to bless us in so many ways is given the ill gotten name "Weed".

What comes to mind when you here the term weed?

Pest. Annoyance. Destructive. Ugly and unwanted.

That is what most people normally think of when they see, hear the name of or think about the Dandelion.

The Dandelion is also known as Lioin's Tooth, Priest's Crown and the lovely name we remember from our childhood, Puffball.
Oh the joy of a child when the come across a dandelion ready to disperse its seeds. Blow on a dandelion and make a wish. Watch as its multitudes of seeds as the wind carries them off. They resemble sparkly angelic fairies as they dance away in the wind.

Oh the angst of adults when these see the dread Dandelion popping its head up out of their rich, lush and carefully manicured lawn. The Dandelion is no longer a gift waiting to explode so that its seeds dance away like fairies, no, the dandelion is a much abhorred aberration of what a beautiful lawn should be.
A few years back while at one of the local Middle Eastern grocery stores I came across a beautiful bundle of Dandelion greens for sale. Up until that point I had not idea that these beautifully hated "weeds" could be eaten.

Being adventurous as I am when it comes to vegies I decided to buy the bundle and cook them for dinner that night. Actually they were pretty tasty sauteed in EVOO and onions.

They were bitter!

Last year I was the local Mennonite health/bulk foods store and I came across a bag of Dandelion tea.

Of course I bought it. And a few weeks later I decided to look up my new found item in my book: "The Little Herb Encyclopedia" by Jack Ritchason, N.D.

I found so many interesting and surprising tidbits of information regarding this royal weed.

Dandelions are rich in potassium and are a natural diuretic. It is also helps to detoxify the system thus benefiting stiff joints. It is known to help reduce serum cholesterol.

European herbalist use it to treat diabetes and liver ailments. The Dandelion greens is a super source of vitamin A, so high that it makes it a carrot bush. It also acts as a gentle laxative. Contains all of the nutritive salts thus aiding in blood purifying.
Juice from the stem can be used to treat acne and warts.

When you eat the greens it helps to improve the enamel teeth.

Some aliments that are listed that Dandelion may help with are:

Acne
Age Spots
Anemia
Bladder
Arthritis
Blood cleanser
Constipation
Corns
Digestive disorders
Fatigue
Gas
Hypoglycemia
Pancreas
Stomach
Yeast Infections

The list above is very short. Check out the book to see more information. So before you decided to de-weed or shall I say de-flower your lawn of the beautiful majestic dandelion plant please think twice.

Pluck some up from your yard. Enjoy a fresh salad, sauteed greens or drink as a tea.

The above post is only a snippet. I encourage you to do your own research. I drink Dandelion tea every day at least one cup.

Of course you should never attempt to self medicate and if you are in need of medical help please seek a qualified medical professional. :-)

11 January 2009

Hugs Are Banned





Today I went for a much needed walk around town with my 14 year old 8th grade son.

My boy took me to the Dollar store for window shopping and then we went over to CVS where he bought a DOVE chocolate bar for his dear mother.

We passed by three late middle aged folks (2 men and 1 woman) chatting just before the entrance to the CVS. One of the men said to my son and me, "Hi, girls."

Mind you my son looks NOTHING like a girl, female or woman.

Well I kept walking but my son stopped and turned his 5'11 frame around and just looked at the man who in turned said, "Oh I mean and boy, sorry!"

It was amusing. Especially to know that I can still pass for "a girl" even though I am pushing 40 years.

We left the CVS and took a nice walk over to my friend's, Marilyn Fox, house. I had two of her jazz cd's that I needed to return.

About a block from Marilyn's house my son proceeds to tell me that hugging has been banned at his middle school.

The announcement went something like how would you like it if the teachers were hugging in the hall. The students are told that hugging should be done on their own time not during school.

Let me tell you that I do not understand this situation. Inappropriate touching such as kissing between boys and girls is one thing...but not hugging a friend? That's another.

Human touch is a fundamental necessity of life. Yes, touch is important. Many a baby has failed to thrive when human touch is out of the equation. No matter how much food and or medication as person is given for what ever ailment if they are not touched they will not make it.

When you eliminate contact with another person there are direr consequence to be had.

I was very happy to know that the kids ignore this rule and give each other hugs anyway.




Yes, I was happy to know this!

A pat on the back, a kiss on the cheek and a good ole fashioned hug are basic and necessary fundamental building blocks of life that can not be over done.

Have you hugged someone today? If no one is around, hug yourself and (the cherry on the top) tell yourself how much you love you!



Another blog post on hugging.....

05 January 2009

Touched By An Angel

You be the "judge"



and one more take