Have you ever had someone you love let you down or another who failed to fulfill their end of a deal? Maybe you’ve had complete strangers wrong you by letting a door close in your face or by cutting you off on the highway? Would you believe these are gifts?!

Last week I shared with you that I was starting Debbie Ford’s 21-Day Consciousness Cleanse on Opera.com. Yesterday I finished Day 4: The Gift of Forgiveness.

(It’s an incredible program and only takes 10-15 minutes every day!)

I consider myself a very forgiving person; even thinking on occasion that I let people off the hook too easily.

But after yesterday’s cleansing ritual and meditation, I realized that I was harboring some pretty toxic feelings – and towards people that I absolutely love!

Ms. Ford revealed:

Releasing the invisible ties to those who have left you, betrayed you, disappointed you or hurt you, you open up to higher realms of love, peace and joy. Without forgiving them and cutting the cords of resentment, you continue to be imprisoned by the very people you’ve spent years (or a lifetime) trying to get away from and you are bound to the incidents that caused the resentment in the first place. And because the outer world is a steadfast reflection of your inner world, these resentment and grudges ensure that you re-create situations that spark the same bad feelings you want to escape from. Resentments and grudges are two of the main culprits that perpetuate cycles of self-abuse and victimhood.

What I realized from yesterday’s consciousness cleanse was that when people piss us off, they are actually presenting us a gift – if we choose to accept it.

I can hear you now, “Have you lost your freakin’ mind, Steph? These people are disrespecting us, walking all over us and damn it, we deserve better!”

No, I haven’t lost my mind and yes, we deserve to be treated better. However, people don’t intentionally set out to hurt others (maybe some do but it’s a small percentage); they’re just wrapped up in their own world. They’re dealing with their own issues or simply trying to cope with life the only way they know how.

So what’s this gift we’re talking about?

When someone does or says something that disappoints, angers or hurts us, they are triggering a very old, internal wound within us from childhood. These are our personal issues that we haven’t yet bothered to heal.

Now before you balk at this, saying that you had the perfect childhood, please keep in mind that perfect parenting is impossible! Childhood development is so rapid that no parent has the capacity or resources to fulfill every need a child experiences. Plus, we’re extremely sensitive as children. We get hurt very easily.

Time to get REAL personal

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There’s a lot of hype about the benefits of eating a live or raw food diet. This post defines living food, it’s health benefits and why some say that it’s not as healthy as some would have us believe.

Living food is all-natural and uncooked.

We know about the powerful health benefits of natural food, but what’s wrong with cooked food?

In general, food heated over 46°C (116°F) destroys it’s enzymes and alters the molecular structure of the food, creating toxic elements which must be eliminated or stored to protect the body from damage. It’s this internal damage that causes the external effects we label as aging.

What’s the difference between live and raw foods?

Live foods contain high concentrations of “active” enzymes. Raw food, on the other hand, has sleeping or “dormant” enzymes. These unactivated enzymes are awakened when raw foods are sprouted, like nuts and seeds, which then become “living food”.

What’s so great about enzymes?

Enzymes are catalysts which activate chemical reactions. In food, they’re called digestive enzymes because they facilitate digestion and food absorption.

Living food proponents contend that enzymes are the “life-force” or “energy” of food. Cooking food, in effect, kills or suffocates the potency of food.

One major criticism of a living food diet is that these enzymes are destroyed by stomach acid which render them useless to us since nutrient absorption takes place in the small intestine. Proponents maintain enzymes are merely deactivated in the stomach and reactivated when they reach the small intestine.

Health benefits of living food

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Editor’s Note: This guest post features Toronto freelance writer (and my respected friend), Grace Cherian, who specializes in writing for holistic health professionals. Today she shares with us several forms of expressive therapy and their healing potential.

We’re made up of body, mind and soul. If one of these aspects goes out of kilter, that adversely affects our overall health. But the expressive therapies can help us to stay balanced.

Last year, I joined Creative Works Studio (CWS) after seeing a display of the works of some of the artists from the studio. CWS is a community art program of St. Michael’s Hospital which operates in partnership with the Good Shepherd Non–Profit Homes Inc.

The expressive therapies such as drawing, painting and sculpting help us to reconcile inner conflicts, release deeply repressed emotions and foster self-awareness as well as personal growth. They also help us to heal.

On November 26, CWS will be launching our 2010 calendar and an exhibit, the theme of which is Reflections on Joy. I’ve sculpted an elaborate clay peacock candle holder and completed two Joy paintings for this exhibit.

Painting

I go to CWS regularly because I’ve experienced the power of art to heal me. For instance, one of my Joy paintings depicts a baby with a sunrise in the background. The baby represents my youngest brother, Wilson, who died very tragically fourteen years ago when he was just thirty years old. Wils lit up my life. The sunrise in the painting represents that.

As I discussed this painting with Isabel Fryszberg, the facilitator and occupational therapist at CWS, I began to weep. The painting evoked many mixed, deeply buried feelings that had had no other outlet: the joy Wils had brought into my life, regret and guilt over not having done certain things with or for him, etc. But the tears were incredibly cathartic and helped me to heal a little from losing Wils.

Dance/Movement

For some of us, our spirits soar when we let our feet fly. Others, particularly those who prefer more structure or who feel we have “two left feet,” gain the same sense of release and inner peace from the martial arts such as Tai Chi. Those of us who are recovering from physical, sexual or emotional abuse may find these techniques especially helpful for gaining a sense of ease with our bodies. The underlying premise to dance/movement therapy is that it helps us integrate the emotional, physical and cognitive facets of “self.”

Music/Sound

Many of us turn on soothing music to relax or snazzy tunes to help feel upbeat. Research suggests that music stimulates our body’s natural “feel good” chemicals (opiates and endorphins). This stimulation improves blood flow, blood pressure, pulse rate, breathing and posture changes. Music or sound therapy has been used to treat disorders such as stress, grief, depression, schizophrenia, autism in children and to diagnose mental health needs.

Prose/Poetry

Writing provides us with another creative outlet to work through and heal from difficult experiences.

For many of us, healing is a spiritual path, a transformational process and a way of being. The creative process provides us with a powerful healing force. Making art frees our bodies’ healing mechanisms. It unites body, mind, and spirit.

Grace Cherian is a Toronto-based professional copywriter. For more information about her, go to www.gracecherian.com.

Are you searching for a (natural) magic bullet for preventative health and curing illness? Including colds and flus? Well, you’re in luck because there’s growing evidence to suggest that the healing rays of the sun, even if the sunshine has to come in a pill, is exactly what the doctor ordered!

What is vitamin D? It’s a fat-soluble vitamin synthesized in the skin when exposed to sunlight that is also present at low concentration in some natural foods, and in many artificially-fortified food products.

Why is it so important? Not only does optimal vitamin D levels increase your immunity to common colds and flus, it helps treat a laundry list of illnesses and diseases.

Here are just a few:

• coronary disease
• lung disease
• autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and lupis
• allergies
• many cancers including prostate, breast, colon, brain tumours, leukemia and myeloma
• osteoporosis/osteopenia and osteoarthritis
• depression and many other mental disorders including schizophrenia
• high blood pressure
• migraines
• epilepsy
• PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)
• diabetes mellitus (both types 1 and 2)
• fibromyalgia
• obesity

From Vitality in Dr. Rona’s article, Vaccination Controversy:

If you have an infection, the truth is you need more vitamin D. That’s a given. In other words, vitamin D acts as a natural antibiotic. It works against every type of microbe (viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites).

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In our hectic society, we often neglect the needs of our bodies and inadvertently weaken our immune systems. A regular cleanse helps us focus on our health for awhile and heal the damage caused by hectic lifestyles.

But no one ever said cleansing was easy. It takes a firm decision, self-discipline, a little knowledge and preparation to be successful because you’re ultimately changing your habits. At least for a spell.

Plus, your body may need a little extra assistance in detoxing. It’s held onto these toxins in your fat cells in order to protect you from the harmful chemicals. By cleansing, you’ll be releasing these toxins back into your system and you’ll want to get rid of them as quickly as possible.

Here are a few tips to make cleansing a little easier:

1. Do the best you can at any given time. No one is perfect so please don’t beat yourself up if you slip, or use it as an excuse to give up! Just enjoy the indulgence (guilt will only make it worse) and continue with your cleansing efforts.
2. Plan your cleanse. Check your calendar and schedule your cleanse. Avoid cleansing during major commitments, such as a move, vacation or large social events.
3. Drink lots of water. At least 2 liters a day during your cleanse to flush the released toxins from your system. Use spring water or reverse osmosis water, if you can. Filtered water would be the next best choice.
4. Reduce stress. If your life is too hectic, try reviewing your commitments to see where you can trim the fat. People will understand, especially if you find a replacement or offer alternative solutions to fill the gap that you’ll be leaving. In addition, learn stress-management techniques and use them! Read the rest of this entry

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Earlier this week we discussed, Should We Get Vaccinated, or What? While we discovered health risks associated with vaccinations, it’s always up to the individual to decide what’s best for them. It comes down to what you trust more: an untested, manufactured chemical cocktail or your immune system.

For those who lead fairly health lifestyles and have faith in the robustness of their immune systems, you’ll most likely opt to stay away from the flu vaccinations. But you may want to boost your natural combative power this flu season to take extra precaution. Here are a few ways to boost your immune system through food and nutritional supplementation:

From Dr. Rona in his Vitality article, Vaccination Controversy:

• Vitamin D (this is a POWERFUL nutrient with microbial properties. Studies suggest it’s as effective as a vaccination!)
• Vitamin A
• Beta carotene (provitamin A)
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin B6
• Zinc

From Dr. Martin in his Healthy Directions article, Get Ready for H1N1 (flip to page 38 in the online mag):

• A broad spectrum probiotic treatment for 30 days
• Maintain an alkaline PH (mainly through a clean diet, stay tuned for an upcoming post, “How to Get More Alkaline”)
• Oil of oregano (several drops a day)
• Vitamin D3 (through sunbathing 1/2 hour, 3 times a week)

And here’s one for Halloween: garlic will not only keep the vampires away, it’ll also keep flu at bay! Please read this informative, lively Vitality article, “Garlic Medicine: Folklore Traditions from the Far East“.

Alright Live Lighter readers, time to cough up your own nutritional secrets for boosting your immune system! Come on… I got one in my head that I didn’t include (on purpose) in this post, so I know there are more! Please share them in the comments below.

There’s a new virus on the block and it’s raising hell. Pharmaceutical companies mass produce vaccinations. Doctors and government agencies recommend them. (Some government bodies insist!) We’re in the middle of a pandemic and it’s flu season!

No wonder people are getting vaccinated.

In this month’s issue of Vitality magazine, Dr. Zoltan Rona, M.D., M.Sc., Complementary Medicine practitioner in Toronto, writes an enlightening article that dispels the media hype about the seriousness of H1N1, provides natural solutions to vaccinations and tells us why he doesn’t recommend them.

If you have time, please read, “Vaccination Controversy“.

Why do some docs say, “Stay away from vaccines”?

Here are some of the highlights from Dr. Rona’s article:

• Limited clinical testing before releasing it to the public in order to get on top of the situation.
• No more effective than a placebo. Some reliable studies have called into question the necessity of vaccinations.
• Toxic ingredients. Many vaccinations carry `fillers’ that have been linked to cancer, autoimmune, brain damage and several neuro-degenerative diseases. Among the chemical cocktail: formaldehyde, thimerosal (a preservative and derivative of mercury), aluminum and mercury.

Who should get vaccinated?

Most doctors seem to agree that certain people are at risk for complications steaming from the flu and H1N1: pregnant women; caregivers and household contacts of children younger than 6 months; children 6 months to 5 years of age; health care providers; people over the age of 65; and people ages 25 to 64 with existing health problems.

Odd contradictions

The CDC (Center for Disease Control) does not recommend that pregnant women, very young children and people with compromised immune systems receive the nasal vaccine (which contains the live virus).

Isn’t it interesting that the people who are most at risk for the flu are recommended to stay away from the vaccinations (at least the live version)? And why should we get vaccinated again?

Natural solutions to vaccinations

Many consider the flu as an inevitable fact of winter, but this is not necessarily the case. Although our lifestyles may not always allow it, the best way to prevent this viral illness is to keep our health at its optimum. This can be done by getting enough rest, limiting stress and by eating a nutritious diet.

Dr. Zoltan Rona, Vaccination Controversy, Vitality magazine, October 2009.

Dr. Rona also stresses the importance of nutritional supplementation and outlines some hard evidence for its effectiveness in boosting the immune system. Here are the highlights:

• vitamin A
• beta carotene (provitamin A)
• vitamin C
• vitamin D (antibiotic properties may be more effective than vaccinations!)
• vitamin B6
• zinc

Flu extras you might be interested in

Again, the article is well-worth the read but if for those who want just the nuts and bolts, Dr. Rona also shares with us:

1. Vaccine exemption in Canada. If anyone tries a fast one and says you HAVE to get vaccinated, just print, fill out and get this form notarized. It’s your choice and this affidavit will protect you.
2. More flu information: credible resources like the National Vaccine Information Center and vaccination is not immunization.

What do you consider acceptable risks?

What are your thoughts on vaccination for the flu and H1N1?

If everything in the Universe is made of energy, like quantum physicists say it is, and it can never be destroyed or created but can be transformed, then it IS possible that thoughts can become reality. A real-life instance is the placebo effect, which proves the powerful link between belief and physical health.

PSYCH-K is a personal development method of reaching the subconscious and changing your life from the inside-out. You are completely aware the entire time and a belief change can happen within minutes. The effects sometime take time to show up, as Aileen shares with us in her amazing story:

“Email to Doug Parks [PSYCH-K facilitator], Spirit 2000 Oct. 7, 2009

Hi Doug,

These days I am totally infused with profound gratitude, especially for you, Bruce [Dr. Lipton, cellular biologist] and Rob [Mr. Williams, Founder of PYSCH-K] and the work that you all do! I feel I must let you know of a personal experience emanating from last year’s November Psych-K workshop in San Mateo.

Coming to the workshop, my recovery from a stem-cell transplant had stalled and my oncologist had concluded I had “xyz” condition resulting from my stem cells being damaged during transplant. I was told this (anemia) would be a life-long condition which would be moderated with periodic blood transfusions.

Figuring Bruce knew a heck of a lot more about stem cells than my esteemed oncologist, I posed the question to him. His response: “If your stem cells had been damaged during transplant you wouldn’t be standing here today. There’s nothing wrong with your stem cells… It’s their environment.” I was infused with hope!…But still a bit skeptical.

During the ensuing two days, Rob taught us Psych-K. When we learned the Resolution Balance [one of several PSYCH-K techniques], I balanced [reprogrammed the subconscious] for “Every part of me is perfectly healthy and functioning in total harmony” with the overall goal of “robust health.” One of the visual indicators was “100% perfect health via any medical test possible.”

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Antibacterial soaps, sanitizers and sponges are evil. They kill every germ they come in contact with. Even the good guys. They poison our bodies, lower our immune systems and cause bacterial resistance.

With less drama, experts say most antibacterial products do more harm than good. As usual, nurturing Mother Earth provides healthy alternatives! Here are a few natural antiseptics:

1. Cinnamon Oil is a hot since the New Yorker published, “The Claim: Cinnamon Oil Kills Bacteria” earlier this month. Based on recent studies, some researchers recommend sanitizers with cinnamon oil. Read this link for the numerous health benefits of cinnamon!
2. Tea Tree Oil is always in my medicine cabinet for my homemade cleaner and acne assistance. This article covers it’s many antiseptic applications from bruises and headaches to sunburn and warts.
3. Thyme is the main active ingredient in Listerine, did you know? It’s also used to cure toe-nail fungus and tea made from thyme is said to help coughs and bronchitis.
4. Honey. Another lucky break. According to Wellsphere.com, honey is not only antibacterial and anti-fungal, it’s nourishing and soothing. Read the rest of this entry

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Do you have digestive issues and want to learn if food sensitivities or intolerances are part of the problem? If you’re starting an elimination diet adventure and want some ideas for yummy meals and recipes that comply with even the most strictest of elimination diets, then this post is for you!

For your convenience and thanks to reader, Heather, here is a compilation of elimination diet-friendly recipes published here on Live Lighter so far:

1. Outta this World Elimination Diet-Friendly Meal. 5 recipes: Coconut-Almond Crusted, organic Chicken Fingers, Spicy Homemade Mustard Dipping Sauce (or Honey Garlic Dipping Sauce), steamed Garlic Asparagus and Broccoli and Watermelon-Berry Fruit Smoothie.
2. 3 More Yummy and Good on Your Tummy Recipes. 3 recipes: Miller’s Supreme Millet & Veggie Dish, Black Bean Spread and Kinda Like Chocolate Pudding.
3. Elimination Diet Adventures Continued… and More Hypo-Allergenic Recipes. 3 recipes: Organic Chicken with Oregano & Basil Soup, Bitchin’ Black Bean Quinoa Salad and Even MORE like Chocolate Pudding.
4. Elimination Diet Adventures… On Pause. 3 recipes: Cuban Black Bean Dip, Broccoli, Spinach & Sweet Potato Stir-Fry with Coconut Milk and Spicy Stewed Apples.
5. Game On! Elimination Diet Adventures Continue. 2 recipes: Steph’s Easy Broccoli Quinoa and Steph’s Roasted Garlic Black Bean Dip.
6. Berry Guava Elimination Diet-Friendly Froozie.
7. 3 Allergy-Friendly Recipes. 3 recipes: Steph’s Zesty Black Bean Dip, Steph’s Yummy Lamb Dish and Elimination Friendly Rice Pudding.
8. Smoky Chickpea Stew.
9. Fresh Basil & Black Bean Quinoa Salad.
10. Warming Chickpea Stew.
    
11. Green Detox Blender Meals. 19 recipes in 6 posts. These blender meals add variety to your elimination diet, help you cleanse your system of offending foods faster and more thoroughly and will give you a break from cooking and cleaning.

Please note that some of the above listed recipes have been reproduced or inspired by those found I’ve found in 2 amazing recipe books:

• The Vital You’s Ultimate Holistic Cookbook.
• CCNM’s Brown Rice Cookbook.

These recipe books are FULL of many more recipes for you to enjoy and alter to suit your tastes and/or particular elmination diet. Unfortunately, their cookbooks are for sale in person only. Please contact them and request that they sell their books online!

So there’s 42 recipes for you to try while you’re on your elimination diet. Good luck and as you discover/create other elimination diet recipes, we’d love to have you share your allergy-friendly recipes with us!