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The Bond : Book Review by Felicia Weiss, Ph.D.

The Bond will transform the way you view the world. It will help you understand how the Darwinian notion of “survival of the fittest” has led to a win-lose mentality that has caused a lot of damage and is really not in keeping with what is really in people’s hearts. It is not the most effective way to live your life nor does it lead to happiness and success.

Through a discussion of countless research experiments and scientific findings, Lynne McTaggart helps us to see that our natural, cooperative, win-win way of being ultimately leads to more positive outcomes, greater joy, and increased satisfaction with our lives. Quantum Physics supports the notion that cooperation is the key to the dynamics of our relationships. In fact, Lynne McTaggert demonstrates that biologists, psychologists and sociologists have also provided evidence of a Bond that exists between all of us. She further notes that “Nature’s most basic impulse is not a basic struggle for dominion but a constant and irrepressible drive for wholeness.” Furthermore, it is the Bond we make with our world that is even more important than our individual genes in driving evolution.

I found the research studies discussed in this book to be fascinating and eye-opening. They clearly demonstrate that our most basic need is to feel a connection and a sense of belonging with others. In fact, Lynne McTaggart discussed studies that concluded that our relationships with others had more of a positive effect on our health than even our lifestyle choices, such as diet. The greatest stress and the most serious illnesses tend to occur when a person feels isolated and disconnected from others. Surprisingly, research has demonstrated that happiness and success appear to be determined less by how much difficulty you have in your life and more by your response to it.

Lynne McTaggart has divided this book so that the first three sections help us to understand that we are geared for connection and cooperation rather than separation and competition. Part IV offers tools to help us apply these principles and bring them into our lives. The exercises she offers in this section allow you to become better at seeing the whole, relating to others, coming together for common goals and being a spiritual change agent. She also offers suggestions on how to work together cooperatively to achieve a common goal so that even disputing groups may be able to overcome their differences and achieve successful outcomes. Lynne McTaggart points out that by seeing yourself as part of a bigger whole, that you will behave differently and more positively toward others. In this way, we can help make powerful and profound changes in the world. As an added bonus, we are more likely to be healthier and happier.

I highly recommend The Bond. I believe that just reading it will have a positive impact on your life. It will change the way you view yourself and your relationship with the rest of the world. You are likely to have a greater sense of what is truly important and you will be better able to regain your perspective about life. I found it very empowering and enlightening. I was struck by the multitude of scientific evidence that supports a cooperative, win-win approach to life and how our connection with others allows us to truly become more than the sum of our parts.

Lynne McTaggart, a world expert on the science of spirituality, is the award-winning author of six books, including the worldwide bestsellers The Field: The Quest for the Secret Force of the Universe, The Intention Experiment: Using Your Thoughts to Change Your Life and the World and The Bond. As editorial director of What Doctors Don’t Tell You (www.wddty.com), she also publishes one of the world’s most highly praised health publications and runs highly popular health and spirituality teleconferences and workshops. Lynne is also the architect of the Intention Experiments, a web-based ‘global laboratory’, testing the power of intention to heal the world theintentionexperiment.com. Learn more at www.thebond.net

A Simple Mantra for Healing Your Dark Night of the Soul

By Rajiv Parti, MD (aka Dr. Raj)

Healing from my ‘Dark Night of the Soul’ was not easy but the three main steps I had to go through were:
1. Forgive 2. Love and 3. Heal.

This mantra “Forgive, Love, Heal” will help one heal from a dramatic ‘Dark Night of the Soul’ as mine or even what I call a ‘Mini Dark Night’ ? which can happen all the time to us in busy modern life: they could be simple things like being shown the finger in an unloving exchange, or being cut off on the road in traffic!

In my own ‘Dark Night of the Soul’ I had to deal with prostrate cancer, surgical complications, life threatening sepsis, depression, chronic pain and dependency on pain medications. I had to sell my house, quit my job, all the while feeling how my marriage tethered and my health suffered.

I was very angry at myself, at God, the people, at the world ? at the universe.

My healing happened in three steps.

The First Step is to Forgive

I had to forgive myself for any thing I had done, or contributed to the dark night. Forgive the circumstances. ‘Forgive’ God and accept God’s will. I had to surrender to the possibility that the Spirit alone has the infinite wisdom. These were the lessons I had to learn in this life time, so that I could evolve.

The forgiveness is defined as:
“the process of concluding resentment, indignation or anger as a result of a perceived offense, difference or mistake, or ceasing to demand punishment or restitution.”

To help in the forgiveness process I rediscovered the serenity prayer:

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.”

It transformed me. I started to live in the present in the ‘Now’ and not to be stuck in what my circumstance once were in the past or what I wanted them to be in the future.

The Second Step is to Love

The second step was to start to love myself, my life, my circumstances.

The beauty is that when I started to love ‘myself’, my health improved in leaps. I started eating healthy, going to the gym regularly, meditating and praying regularly.

This self love should not mean a narcissistic way of prioritizing the self at the cost of others, for I truly believe one can only love others when one becomes ‘love’ itself. I started to have gratitude and love re-kindled for the Spirit, the people, the world, the environment; I even changed my car from a Hummer to a Camry Hybrid.

Love is defined as:
“A virtue representing all of human kindness, compassion, and affection; and “the unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another” and one self’

A Mother Teresa quote comes to mind:

“We all cannot do great things but we all can do great things with great love”

We all can become a sun of love ? radiating love all around.

So my friends, start the ‘ripple effect’ from the heart, from inside your heart, from your Source.

The Third Step is to Heal

After the first two steps of change within our mind, and within our heart comes the step that addresses change at the level of the soul, our spirit.

I have observed in others, and personally experienced that to really heal, there has to be a ‘shift’ that has to happen at a deep level of our consciousness. Effectively, the consciousness has to not just heal but evolve too.

Healing is defined as:
“to make healthy, whole, restore to health; to rejuvenate, to free from evil; cleanse; purify”

Looking back I am thankful to the Spirit for the circumstances I had to go through. It has brought love, compassion, ‘Seva’ (service with gratitude), sharing, and creativity as my guiding principles ? where as before I lived for cancerous materialism, expensive toys, the satisfaction of myself above all others: it really was all about me: my status.

My ‘Dark Night’ transformed me to find my true Divine purpose and my Dharma to be a Healer at the Soul level. I wouldn’t be writing this but for going through the heat of that Dark Night. It made me whole.

I learned to embrace my Dark Shadow.

A Gandhi Quote comes to mind?

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Only yesterday I received a short email from a friend who had last seen me a few years back. It read:

“Hi Raj ? It was so nice to have you with us last weekend! You have changed a lot since I last saw you in India.”

Another friend said how after five years of knowing me that one can see how even how I drive has changed. That is so true. I was always in a rush in the fast lane.

But now I have what I will call ‘Buddha Driving’ !

I am driving in the middle lane. Somebody cuts me off? So be it ? they must be in a rush.

So my friends ? my experience is that this approach works. Through the practice of my own prescription for Wellness in “The Soul of Wellness,” and through the adoption of this mantra ? “Forgive, Love and Heal” ? I have managed to reduce my doctor’s orders to take 36 pills every morning to manage my health crisis down to only 5 different pills a day.

The truth is that I have gotten myself out of intense pain, managed to free myself from depression, free myself of addiction, and reverse being overweight through this mantra. The quality of my relationships with my beloved wife, my beautiful children, my dear friends and working associates ? is, I can tell you ? genuinely infused with joy, understanding, love and laughter.

My advice is to not just say the mantra, but to practice it ? to live it: to BE the change it beckons from us.

Rajiv Parti, MD (aka Dr. Raj) is a world leading specialist in pain management with over 30 years of practicing clinical experience. He was the Chief of Anesthesiology at Bakersfield Heart Hospital where he specialized in cardiac anesthesia for 15 years. Dr. Raj founded the Pain Management Institute of California, and under his direction it has served thousands of patients for acute and chronic pain relief. He now specializes in promoting spiritual wellness and personal growth with various non-traditional healing modalities. His new book “The Soul of Wellness” is being released by Select Books in October 2012. www.drraj.com

Wellness Expo in Addison

Wind down with a reflexology session, shop for essential oils or some unique jewelry and then top it all off with a healthy treat. Featuring over 100 vendors and 24 lectures, shopping, and plenty of good food the Wellness Expo in Addison provides unique learning, shopping and entertainment experience. Enjoy the Wellness Expo twice a year in April and October.

Being Present

Aron Schoenfeld recently interviewed me for his blog “Do It In Person” (doitinperson.com). Aron wanted to learn about my WordPress Meetup group which is one of the largest blogging Meetups in the world with over 1200 members. The internet makes distance learning so easy, so why do 80+ members of the WordPress Meetup come out in person to learn about blogging and new media when they can watch any number of videos and webinars in their PJ’s?

Despite all the advances in virtual reality, I believe that people are inherently social. We enjoy being with others in person and having a shared experience in real-time and in real-space. I told Aron that people get to know and trust each other by sharing conversation over soft drinks and snacks. The ability to share a private joke or a piece of gum may seem small and inconsequential, but that is how we build trust—in person, one moment at a time. Friendships develop at meetups that transcend the monthly meeting and people begin to rely on each other for advice and business referrals.

These face-to-face interactions are important because we not only grow to trust others, but we also bolster our own trustworthiness by showing up regularly and supporting others. With our presence, we give a gift that cannot be replaced or duplicated—the gift of our attention in the here and now. To be fully present with another human being is a unique experience that transcends the moment. These moments are special and are such a deep part of our consciousness that I believe all longing, desires, and hungers are merely pale shadows of our deep longing to connect with others at a spiritual level—to connect with our higher selves and experience a timeless reality that exists in a shared moment of complete openness and trust.

The D/FW WordPress Group has met monthly since 2008. Over the years I’ve watched members learn WordPress, create blogs, and start new ventures together. More importantly, I’ve made lasting friendships.

I encourage you to join Meetup.com and find some groups that align with your interests. If you open up and become present with others, I guarantee you will meet the most amazing people and you will have the time of your life.

Being There

You can really know about a person by how they treat others in their time of need. Do they push and shove? Are they absent and unavailable? Or do they hold out a helping hand and offer support until that person is able to stand on their own again?

A few months ago my mother told me that she was experiencing a lot of back pain. I was concerned, because she was living alone in a city quite far from my siblings and I. As the day wore on, she did not sound any better and I felt very nervous about her precarious situation. The next morning I was wondering who could go and be with her. My daughter, Marissa, was home on her college break and I asked her if she would be willing to go and help her grandmother for a few days. She immediately said that she would be happy to and that I shouldn’t worry because she had this covered. I was so impressed and gratified by her response. I told her she was a heroine and that I was very proud of her. A few hours later, she boarded a plane to Las Vegas.

By the next day, my mother felt even worse and the following morning she fell when she was attempting to get out of bed. Fortunately, she had her cell phone within reach and she called Marissa, who immediately came running downstairs to help. Marissa took her to the hospital and stayed in town for 6 days after which time I made the trip and stayed for another 6 days. After 7 days in the hospital and 9 days in inpatient rehab, my mother was finally strong enough to make the trip to stay at my home in Dallas.

I am happy to report that after a month of outpatient rehab, acupuncture and herbs with Dr. Dashima Dovchin, Fascial Integrative therapy with Frankie Burget, and massage therapy with Trish Daniel, my mother has made a full recovery. In fact, she has even lost 8 pounds, is in better shape than she has been in years and is ready to live independently again. I am very grateful to these wonderful healers, who offered their incredible services to aid in this happy outcome. I am also so thankful that I have a daughter, who can be depended upon. She is a great blessing in my life and the lives of all those she touches.

I hope you will also be the kind of person, who is there for your loved ones. There is no greater gift that one can give than to be someone who can be counted upon.

Love & Light,

Felicia Weiss

Your Spring Stars: Astrology Forecast (Spring 2012)

On your mark. Ready to reset? It’s time to reload…let’s go! We begin this season with Mercury retrograde, but about to go forward. Mars also begins to move forward on April 13th. Then Venus moves forward, takes some time to reflect on love and money in the past, then moves forward again at the end of June. There is no better season to dust off your plans for the future, while learning from the past. Venus and Saturn are strong all season. Anchor your heart in real-life commitment and build your life and love on solid and fertile soil. The season begins with us “getting real” while we reload and get ready to go forward. The only caveat: be generous with your heart and your resources. If you are acting out of greed, then you may fall quickly from actions past or present. That’s Saturn for you: he reminds us that life in a body is limited, while simple gifts are limitless.

This season, reboot your resolutions and reload your optimism. Mars has been in the constellation Leo (in Vedic or crossing from Leo to Virgo in the western Zodiac) since November 1, 2011. If Mars happened to hit your personal planets, then you are ready for a break, maybe even a breakup, but probably not a breakdown. Mars is all about action. Some folks took up a sport and are now more proficient. It is tempting to really push it, but there is nothing quite like a strain or a sprain to slow you down. By the end of this season, many of us have learned how to listen to our body no matter how seductive adrenaline can be. You see, we are relearning aspects of love, money, passion, and persistence. The dark side of this season’s Venus and Mars is denial that the body or spending really does have limits.

April brings the promise of life. Venus enters the constellation Taurus where she is oh, so, comfy! She is the goddess of love. She has a weakness for sweets and is known historically for her vanity and jealousy. That hasn’t changed much. Only now we celebrate the “skinny body”. What is a goddess to do? Well, she can dust off her ego and enter the world full of confidence. Mars appears to stop in the heavens on the 13th and then move forward. That means that he is literally standing still all month. There is an alternative to starving for months; you can dust off your dancing shoes and get moving. The combination of Venus and Mars energy lends itself to the push-pull, lead-follow dance of the sexes. I didn’t say which gender was leading? but it is important to get moving. It is a great month to reset your metabolism.

On another note: Mars is not happy about doing taxes. He appeared to stop or “station” on Feb 13th. Folks will be late even with two extra days to file. By the way, these planets are really good for the economy and spending in general. Once Mars moves forward the economy gets stronger and should be good for retail and even resale. Yes, I mean real estate.

May is the month of the goddess herself. On the 5th, Venus appears to stop in the heavens and go backward. She isn’t alone. The Sun joins Venus in the constellation Taurus on the 14th and Jupiter enters on the 17th. Even Mercury pulls into Taurus on the 21st. Ketu, or the South Node of the Moon, is already there. That sets the stage for a Solar Eclipse on the 20th. When Ketu is involved it’s time to take care: if you turn your back on responsibility there is a karmic cost to pursuing your desires. Mercury is about communication. This spring we quickly learn the cost of our words and actions on our bank accounts. Not only Rush Limbaugh, but we all get a sense that words matter and there is a karmic price to pay for nasty name calling. With Venus, there is more charm, but the potential for harm and the consequences with Ketu are high. What is the antidote? Conscious, heart-centered communication or a sincere apology if you happen to do harm. Venus in Taurus can bring her very best. She is the planet, in Vedic astrology, that signifies the greatest or highest sense of spiritual consciousness and the depths of self-centered greed. Whew! Talk about highs and lows. Find your inner Mother Theresa and bring her with you when you go to the meeting. Can you be compassionate to “those” folks? What if they are voting for the “other” guy?

There will be loads of cash flowing to the respective political parties and their candidates. However, with Ketu in Taurus there are karmic strings that will become visible within the next few months. Many of them are already appearing in the news. However, for most of us, it’s a matter of what we earn and what we share. Venus retrogrades on May 5th, but will move forward on June 27th. Yes, she is still in Taurus and yes, we get to see her depths of greed, however, she is at her heights of selfless compassion. Would it be too much to ask politicians to wear patches to identify their benefactors much like Nascar drivers do? That wasn’t my original thought, but it would be the ultimate Truth in advertising for all elected officials. Unfortunately, it won’t happen, but it would be fascinating to follow the money and see where it ends up. The Retrograde Venus and the Ketu dominated eclipse may well bring out financial scandal within a few months. Sometimes retrograde planets are good at hiding or in the case of Venus, charming deception so skillfully that it sounds reasonable. It is time to ask and expect more.

The Solar Eclipse on May 20th is a total eclipse. It’s a big one. It occurs at 6:47pm CDT. It begins in Western China and travels to the Texas Panhandle. We should get a look. Nations beneath the eclipse path tend to be in the news for several months even after the eclipse moves into history. It is no surprise; these areas are in the news now. Hopefully the news will be positive and not all about China holding the strings to our economy or aggressive actions. Eclipse periods bring Market ups and downs. All that emotion is reflected in our faith or fear for the financial future.

June brings us back to face our resolutions and reboot our enthusiasm. Finally, things begun in late 2011 are coming to fruition. Rework your resume and push ahead. Folks are looking for new talent and appreciate your excitement. Mars will leave the constellation Leo on the 22nd. It’s been a long 7 months. Like the end of spring, he leaves behind those who didn’t fit and makes an opening for a new face: Reapply. Venus appears to stop in the heavens on the 27th, which suggests that long-lost lovers will resurface in this month of weddings. Is that a bad sign for a June wedding? Not at all! When Venus is strong, then it’s good for all sides of Venus. Keep an eye on your budget, but do find a way to look your best. Even when you are certain you know who’s on the guest list, you may be surprised by what your heart knows when your head long forgot. This is another strong month for finances: Money is moving.

Politics & World Affairs: Romney’s chart still has the best overall transits of the Republicans. Gingrich had heavy “karmic” aspects in March as did President Obama. “We the People” now look back at how each man handled his past. The irony of these races is how little we actually hear about their respective plans for the future of the nation. Once the big cash flowed in it seems the tabloid journal style took over. I would love to see each prospective President give his plan, but that seems unlikely so I’ll say that I hope for a leader who will do the right thing for the nation rather than his party. Maybe that’s Venus and Jupiter talking. Mid-May through June is the time when the candidates and the President will be tested on an International event. It is most likely to come from Iran. It’s tricky business to pick the next President. This election is unusually difficult. Obama doesn’t have the most wonderful aspects, but his feelings about the job are probably very mixed. I suspect that he would gratefully resign and move into post-Presidency status. In our society, that is where wealth and respect seem to find our Presidents. It would not surprise me if there were more surprises as the election moves on. As I write this Santorum is in the news and gaining. Unfortunately, I do not have his time of birth. However, I do not believe he will make it through the primaries. Uranus on his Venus suggests a big surprise, but the nature of Uranus is innately unpredictable.

I suspect more bluster than bombs from Iran and Israel, but the final pass of Mars through Leo on the President of Iran’s Jupiter is an arrogant and daring transit. It also triggers President Obama’s chart. Iran will push him and he will respond.

Obamacare: as I write this I do not know what the Supreme Court will rule. I suspect that they will revisit the constitutionality of President Obama’s health care legislation at a later time. I do not believe they will rule in its favor, nor totally against it. I do know that the transits for the President are very difficult and karmic this spring. However, in the summer he begins a new cycle. How he makes that transition and how he presents his vision for the nation will be very important. Romney has better aspects in November. I’m hoping the conversation will be focused on the good of the nation and not on the tabloid-ready sound bites that the PACs will pour over us until the election.

Saturn is strong and wise and should help the economy grow. In politics, we all need the wisdom of Saturn to endure the spin without being swayed by tabloid-like lies. Saturn is a truth teller. It is time to clearly follow the facts and to use the word “lie” wisely when it applies. We each must expect or demand facts, no matter how weary we are of the deluge of discrepancies.

I hope you will check back for more exciting news of 2012. This is the year we’ve been waiting for. There is a big party at the end. I hope to see y’all there.

Cynthia Novak is a professional astrologer. She can be contacted at metro 817-261-2984. Read Cynthia’s daily astrological message atwww.HolisticNetworker.com/dailymessage/ or see www.CynthiaNovak.com Come hear Cynthia’s talk at the Wellness Expo in Addison on Sunday, April 22 at 11:30am entitled “Astrology & You”.

Breast Choices Book Review

Book Review: Breast Choices for the Best Chances: Your Breasts, Your Life, and How You Can Win The Battle!

By Shawn Messionnier, D.V.M

Reviewed by Felicia Weiss, Ph.D.

Dr. Messionnier is a naturopathic/holistic veterinarian, who wrote this book to help women make their own informed choices regarding their own healthcare, as well as to help those charities he felt were most in need of his financial support. It is the story of his wife Sandy’s successful fight with breast cancer, as well as a sharing of the results of all of the research he found in his efforts to help her with this battle. He does an excellent job of explaining what tests are most helpful in obtaining the knowledge a woman needs to make an informed decision regarding her treatment. He also provides a summary of the research results currently available in order to know how to interpret those tests and to fully understand what stage one’s cancer is in. In addition, he offers an explanation of the many supplements one can take to minimize one’s risks and to serve as an adjunct to conventional therapies. Although he believes that an integrative approach of conventional and alternative treatments is best, he does a great job of presenting the information so that each woman can make her own decisions about what is the most optimal approach for her.

I feel this book is an excellent guideline for all women to aid them in the prevention and/or treatment of breast cancer. It is also an important resource for those serving in a supportive role, such as a husband or parent to a woman with breast cancer. I learned a great deal of valuable information while reading this book. I feel better informed and more knowledgeable on ways to stay healthy and what to do should I ever be confronted with this horrible illness. Although Dr. Messionnier found that not much progress has been made in the war on cancer, he feels that the world of integrative oncology does offer a lot of hope for the cancer patient. Of course, knowledge is power, and those wishing to prevent cancer or those diagnosed with cancer will find this book a must read.

As Dr. Messionnier says, given that “Cancer therapy is very much an individual and personal decision”, it is important for people to have all of the information available in order to make the best decision possible for their particular situation and condition. He does a wonderful job of educating current and future cancer patients about all of their options. I feel that many people will benefit from the knowledge Dr. Messionnier gained on this journey with his wife.

Shawn Messonnier DVM. Author, the award-winning The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats, The Natural Vet’s Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs, and Breast Choices for the Best Chances: Your Breasts, Your Life, and How YOU Can Win The Battle! Listen to Dr. Shawn each week on his award-winning show, Dr. Shawn-The NaturalVet, on Martha Stewart Radio Sirius/XM 110, Tuesday night from 7-8 PM CST.

Dr. Messonnier may be reached at: 972-867-8800 or visit his website at: www.petcarenaturally.com or www.drshawnsorganics.com
Come hear Dr. Messionnier speak on Saturday, April 21 at 3pm at the Wellness Expo in Addison on “Breast Choices for the Best Chances”.

What is Enlightenment?

Today more than ever humanity is exploring various spiritual practices in search of truth. With so many choices, it can be difficult to know what is best for you and what will really lead to the great goal of enlightenment. Part of the challenge is many people do not have a clear picture of what the goal of spiritual development really is. It is ironic because the purpose of metaphysics is to help you reach your spiritual potential which will ultimately lead you to great goal of enlightenment.

Enlightenment is not an abstract idea, nor a vague wish or fanciful notion. It is a very real part of your life and something attainable. At the same time, enlightenment is not something you will reach overnight. It will require all your talents, dedication and abilities to accomplish.

What exactly is enlightenment? Enlightenment means many things. It is the culmination of a long spiritual journey where many facets of human development come together as a unified whole. At its core, enlightenment is ability to connect with the God presence in you. It means you have passed from a phase of inner faith to inner knowing. You are one who is truly “communing with the divine.” An enlightened soul has reached a high level of maturity and awakened the inner sensories latent in all humans.

Enlightenment shows itself unmistakably in a person’s auric field. The aura is the energetic blueprint of a person’s soul. Everything we think, feel and do registers in the aura and can be clairvoyantly seen. And as a person reaches the enlightened stage of consciousness the aura developed glorious colors and hues. The whole aura changes shape to a beautiful pointed oval. There is an expansive outer glow of light and power. Gold energy is strongly pronounced along with white light. With an enlightened aura, there are no dark or undeveloped areas. Every facet, from the chakras to the auric divisions, has taken on new qualities.

How do you reach enlightenment? Like any skill or art, spiritual development takes effort and training, yet the best way to start is right where you are! Start by building up the spiritual power in your aura and consciousness with every good word, thought, act and deed. Start at home with your family and friends. Bring the divine into your finances and workplace. Every good thing you do builds up and enlightens your aura.

The steps to enlightenment are essentially the same as they have been for ages. What has dramatically changed in today’s world is that rather than being for a select group of people who were ready for the journey, millions of people are now ready. Many have had the spiritual calling. This is God knocking on our door to awaken us to our true potential.

Enlightenment is your destiny. Regardless of when you reach this goal, every soul on this schoolhouse earth is meant to enlighten their soul and graduate so they can go onto greater spiritual adventures. If you have had your spiritual awakening, then it is time to start paying closer attention to this part of your life.

The key is application. As you mediate and pray, pursue your potential and purpose, meet the challenges of your life, you are building your bridge to enlightenment.

Barbara and Dimitri will be in Hurst TX, March 17, 2012 to do their workshop, What is Enlightenment?
Contact Spiritual Arts Institute for details 800.650 AURA (2872) or visit www.spiritualarts.org

Dimitri Moraitis & Barbara Martin Photo — Dimitri Moraitis & Barbara Martin

Barbara Y. Martin is an internationally renowned clairvoyant, award-winning author, and spiritual teacher. Dimitri Moraitis is co-author and executive director of Spiritual Arts Institute. Their latest book Karma and Reincarnation: Unlocking Your 800 Lives to Enlightenment is published by Penguin/Tarcher. www.spiritualarts.org. Copyright © 2012 Barbara Y. Martin, Dimitri Moraitis

What is Enlightenment? Poster — What is Enlightenment? Workshop - March 17, 2012

Book Review: Is Your Hair Made of Donuts? (Children’s Nutrition)

Is Your Hair Made of Donuts? (book cover)

Whether the subject is religion, education, politics, or even eating — when you swim against the current, you’d better be strong, confident, and resilient. Parents who work to feed their children nutritious foods know this well.

The Sea Change

Around the world and throughout time, the choice of what to eat has been made by adults combining the foods harvested in the region, along with an understanding of what food combinations best served the health needs of the people in that area and created pleasant tastes. Children were not consulted in this matter, as of course, they would not yet know what is best for their bodies. Rather, they were given to eat what the adults ate—the adults knowing what was best and taking the time to prepare it.

It is only in the last 75 years or so that food, for the majority in the States, has become a matter of what was easiest to serve and most entertaining—regardless of the affect on the body—and that children as young as two or three years old were asked at the drive-through window, What do you want to eat?

The change in approach has been so complete that now people who invest the time and money to buy local, organic foods, to prepare home cooked meals, and who refuse to eat processed factory foods are considered extreme. In the case of parents who do this for their children, they are called “strict”, “strange”, or even “mean” when working to protect their children from factory foods and toxins! Further, other adults will often sabotage the parents’ efforts with their children by offering—or sneaking –“treats” to the kids when parents aren’t watching.

When children see the other kids at school and in the neighborhood eating foods that glow in the dark, sparkle, and pop, it is only natural that they will be curious about them, and in many cases, devour them when parents aren’t around.

Whoa!

In that environment, parents swimming against the “food current” and working to keep their children healthy can use all the support they can get.

Some Helpful Ideas

In Utero and Breast milk: Mothers set the stage for their children’s tastes in utero and when breastfeeding. Of course the baby’s nourishment is directly affected by the healthy choices a mother makes before it is born, and it develops taste preferences and the ability to digest different foods from the micronutrients that are transferred in the breast milk.

Beginning on Solids: When beginning children on solid foods, there is no need whatsoever for them to have added sugars, oils, salts, or flavors. Sugary fruit juices (this includes juice without “added sugar”) and fruits in syrup are not an ideal choice, and are discouraged in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Baby food in the States—along with adult food—has become a circus of flavors and colors that are not only unnecessary, but according to TCM doctor Bob Flaws, also leads to many of the chronic ear/nose/throat infections we see in infants and children.

Simple, organic puréed grains and root vegetables first, followed by other vegetables, legumes and meats and/or other protein, and a small amount of seasonal fruit sets the stage for healthy choices for a lifetime.

Young Children and Teens: Constant learning and involvement helps children understand why parents are giving them foods different from what they see all around them.

Have them shop with you, choose different colored fruits and vegetables, have them help cook, and discuss the nutrient properties of the foods—make it fun!

Tell them that you know what you’re doing is different, and that it is because you love and respect them that you are working to provide the best for them. They can learn to be proud rather than ashamed of their difference.

Read books about nutrition together with kids. But what books? There are many, and today we’ll introduce a new one called Is Your Hair Made of Donuts?, from nutrition speaker and writer, Joy Feldman.

Is Your Hair Made of Donuts?

Joy Feldman, author of award-winning Joyful Cooking in the Pursuit of Good Health, now turns her focus to helping children—and the parents working so hard to feed them properly.

In her book, Is Your Hair Made of Donuts?, she presents in a colorful and engaging way how literally we are what we eat! She does a wonderful job of capturing children’s attention with a subject they would often otherwise find boring. Further, she helps them see that though they are not surrounded by other children eating the way they do, they are not alone or weird—they are intelligently building strength and health.

For parents who could use a little support in helping their children appreciate nutritious foods—and who wouldn’t?—Is Your Hair Made of Donuts? is a fun read and creates memorable impressions on those growing minds!

Is Your Hair Made of Donuts? (ISBN: 978-0-615-55515-7, Category: Children’s Picture Book, 40 pages, 18 full color illustrations, $8.95, Distributed by Pathways) will be released on March 1, 2012 in conjunction with National Nutrition Month. Is Your Hair Made of Donuts? will also be available in an eBook edition.

Joy is available to read to young children at schools, libraries, and events throughout the region.
Contact Nancy Thomas, 401-447-8182.

For more info on Joy Feldman’s book, which is available for pre-order and for her nutrition information, visit www.joyfeldman.com

Allie Chee is a certified Traditional Chinese Medicine Nutritionist

http://texanesemama.blogspot.com/

Your Intuition Compass – LaRue Eppler

Listen to LaRue Eppler’s talk at the Wellness Expo on April 16, 2011

You were born with an internal guidance system installed, but what gets in the way of trusting it? LaRue will debunk two common myths that inhibit or block your ability to recognize, trust, and follow Inner Guidance, with certainty. LaRue Eppler is the developer of Evolutionary Kinesiology, an international course leader and speaker, popular radio guest, transformational facilitator and co-author of “YOUR ESSENTIAL WHISPER: Six Distinct Ways to Recognize, Trust, and Follow Inner Guidance with Absolute Certainty!”