It’s No Mistake!
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Mistakes offer opportunties to see if you still have a sense of humor and to resolve any issues about proving yourself or being good enough. So are they really mistakes?
Around here, we just assume that “issues” are simply miracles waiting to happen.
There are no mistakes. There is just what happens in your life that you may or may not like. Now the crazy thing is the more time you spend observing what happens as bad or wrong, the less likely it is that you will see the miracle of it all.
By the way, when/if you’re right about something being wrong, it gets you nowhere. Amazing how we love to do that sometimes, hunh? You can only see the solutions, miracles and silver linings when you give up righteousness. Are you doing that with anyone in your life right now? Just checking.
Assume the Universe has your back. It’s another lesson today in making sure that you don’t take score too soon in your life. If the Universe ALWAYS has your back, then it’s all good, right? Maybe the answer, insight, or solution hasn’t shown up yet, but that is a far different way of looking at it than “something is wrong!”
Know that your answers will come.
Jennifer Hough
The Laughs of Life
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There are many times where you’ll find yourself in embarrassing situations. Like when you’re walking along and you happen to trip on that crack in the sidewalk. Or when you go to speak, and you fumble your sentences into a blathering mess. How about when you have food stuck in your teeth and don’t realize it until you check yourself in the mirror, hours later? Maybe that’s just me, but these little embarrassments happen too many times.
When I was younger and these occurrences happened, I used to get very red in the face and tell myself I’d never do it again. (Ah, to be young!) Little did I realize these little blips are human and should be laughed at instead of shamed upon.
Now that I’m older, I tend to really enjoy it when these things happen, mainly because I can now find great humor in them. It puts a little sparkle into my day. If anything, it definitely gives me a good story to tell people.
Life was meant for laughs and fun, so take a moment and laugh at something silly you did today. Even if it feels weird … laugh, share, and be silly.
~Amanda~
Love Your Body
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It’s good be alive, isn’t it? Able to create, love, experience, converse, expand, and feel. Who ever made up the idea that how are bodies look outweighs the importance and joy of actually simply having one? Who did that? I’d like to have a talk with that person.
Then again, my great life is my choice. The person who made that up is too busy working on his or her body to remember that joy is the point of being here on this planet, not fixing yourself—especially since fixing yourself is based in an imaginary “perfect” that may or may not make you happy when you get there. Not only that … YOU AREN’T BROKEN!
Think of it this way, my friend. If the Creator of all things put us here, and we have this body, then who are we to make it wrong, hunh? Your body is perfect. You’re here, aren’t you? Now you may have things to do, based on what your body’s symptoms tell you. Or you may also have things to do that make you feel better physically. But do those things from the attitude that just having a body that does what it does is a blessing. Whose arms have held a baby, whose eyes have seen a sunset, whose legs have walked in nature, whose face has felt a warm breeze, whose body has laughed out loud with every cell? Yours has! Didn’t matter what ya looked like, did it?
Your body, your temple, your mirror. Instead of beating your body up, acknowledge it for allowing you to be here, and just listen to what it is telling you. And thank it very very VERY much for doing that. After all, how else would you know you need a little mind tweak?
Jennifer Hough
Keeping Your Kitchen Clean: Watch What You Wipe With
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Sponges and cloths are playgrounds for nasty kitchen bacteria. Bacteria goes everywhere because we spread it about while cooking, cleaning, and preparing meals. Just think of how many times you touch and use that dish towel while preparing a dish such as roast chicken!
The concept of paper towels is what we want to go with—frequent disposal (or laundering) of the cloths. Paper towels are ingenious yet wasteful, so here is the environmentally friendly way to keep things clean.
Have a stack of 7 dishtowels and use one a day. (Think: those socks with the days of the week embroidered on them.) At the end of the day, toss the dishtowel in a separate basket along with your other cleaning rags and launder it at week’s end.
For cleaning counters, we recommend getting cleaning cloths (available at grocery stores; they’re a cross between a dish towel and a face cloth). For those who get incredibly excited about cloths, try microfibre cleaning cloths. Clean what you like during the day, but pitch it in that laundry basket before you hit the sack.
You may find that a good microfibre cloth will eliminate the need for a sponge (clearly because you are already using the great pot cleaning techniques I discussed in the vinegar and baking soda blogs). If you do require a sponge, clean it by soaking it well in water (get all soap out first) and then microwaving for 2-3 minutes to kill most germs and spores. The inside of the microwave will be damp and steamy, at which point you can wipe it clean with a dry cloth. What a great way to multi task!
Melissa
Pets as Herbal Teachers—Part 1
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I was thinking of all the teachers I’ve had over the years who helped me become an herbalist. My animals (dogs, birds, and even my fish) really taught me a lot about the power of herbs. As they are animals, there was no placebo effect. I’d like to spend the next few blogs discussing Whiner.
Whiner was a stray we adopted, a little terrier cross, 25 pounds, who lived to be about 17 years old. He was always getting into trouble. Being a terrier, he was so spunky! Whiner taught me the power of herbs in a crisis situation. I came home on a Friday night and couldn’t find him. I called and called; finally I heard him whimpering. After spotting him, I realized he couldn’t stand and could barely raise his head.
I am more of an intuitive healer. Realizing he hadn’t been hit by a car, I brought him inside. I strongly felt he needed support for his digestive system ASAP and I couldn’t wait to take him to the vet’s in the morning. I proceeded to give him capsules of marshmallow herb (a plant that is as nutritive as oatmeal) and activated charcoal every hour.
A few hours later, he coughed up mushrooms. The herbs had given his body enough strength to get rid of some poisonous mushrooms that had caused his paralysis. Whiner’s poor tummy turned deep purple due to severe hemorrhaging, but in a few days, his strength came back and in a week, he was as good as new. During this time I gave him other herbs as well, but if I hadn’t acted quickly, I know he would have died during that night. Because of this experience, I gained more confidence in the herbs to heal, even in a crisis situation.
Wendy
Competition
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I was reminded today that when we think we are not good enough, that is mostly in comparison to someone else. There is no competition because in the Universe’s eyes, you are so far beyond good that “good enough” isn’t even in the Universe’s vocabulary when it comes to you.
Competition did not exist until human beings invented the concept. Think of it this way: you will attract exactly those who are a match for your gifts. And by definition, your unique vibration will not be the same as anyone else’s. Spend your time becoming who you are, unfold your magnificence and purpose. When you do that, you will see the expansion of love, clients, appreciation, and relationships, without needing to compete with another—because you will be a magnet for those seeking the always unique powerful YOU.
I am reminded by Hailey (in our office—she was a pro athlete) that competition can be fun in sports. Most people don’t look at their jobs, careers, businesses, relationships, or love as a game. We take it all so seriously. How do you change that feeling inside of trying to “get ahead”, trying to “win” (usually to prove our worth)?
Well, stop making it about winning or beating someone. Whether it be about love, attention, career, or whatever you dream, start making it about making a difference for someone else, expanding joy on the planet, and asking for the perfect people to come into your life—people who vibrate just right with you.
Jennifer Hough
Set Yourself Free!
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Setting yourself from from guilt, shame, and anger is easier than you think.
Step 1—Taking Responsibility for Yourself
The first and most challenging part of setting yourself free is actually taking responsibility for yourself and where you are. Blaming others, genetics (your mom’s fat thighs), your partner, or anybody else isn’t going to help you set yourself free. It’s your life and your choices that create your life! So take a deep breath and say gently to yourself, “I take responsibility for who and where I am now. My choices have got me here and that’s OK. I can always make different choices next time.”
Step 2—Forgiveness
What better time than now to wipe the slate clean and forgive yourself and others for past hurts! It’s not going to do your mental, emotional, spiritual, or physical health any good to hold onto it, so set it free.
Forgiveness 101—The Art of Allowing
Being able to forgive is all about allowing—allowing yourself to be you, to make mistakes, to have fun, to move on. It is also about allowing others to be who they are without constantly trying to control them or holding grudges for “silly” things they do. So next time you do something silly, think to yourself, “Oops, I guess I made a mistake, and that’s OK. Making mistakes does not change my worth. I am OK!” And next time you are faced with someone who annoys you, think to yourself, “They are who they are, and that’s OK. It is not my job to change this person. I’m different and that’s OK.”
Step 3—Gratitude and Appreciation
Having lived around the world, I find it funny what we take for granted and what we complain about. We are so lucky, despite what we see as huge faults in our lives, our government, our partner, our children, etc. Part of setting yourself free is to allow gratitude and appreciation to replace some (or all) of that perception of lack and negativity.
I propose that you begin and end each day by giving thanks for being alive and for all the goodness that will/did come into your day. Even if it feels like you are lying at first, eventually you will begin to feel the love. Positive thoughts are like magnets: the more you have, the more good stuff comes to you.
Step 4—Feeling Good
When you look in the mirror every day, give yourself a compliment instead of a criticism. Instead of remarking on how dry and lifeless your hair is, give thanks for your bright eyes and full lips (or whatever it is that pleases you!). And give a compliment to someone else too. You know how good it feels to get a compliment—it feels good to give them, too!
Feeling good is a choice! Hope you choose to make it!
Step 5—Imagination and Creation
Set yourself free to imagine what you would like to be, do, or have, and give yourself the flexibility and grace to take that journey in a healthy and fun way! Write down what you would like to be, do, or have, then let life bring you the ideas to help you achieve it! If necessary, do take action in joy to help yourself achieve your desires. After all, you can’t lose 10 pounds if you don’t get off the couch sometimes!
The Bottom Line
For years I lived caged in layer upon layer of expectations, rules, and goals that I made for myself because I couldn’t bear to be wrong, weak, or disappoint others. I now see that all along, my inner self just wanted to help set me free so I could really love life. And I do now. And you can, too!
I hope you set yourself free to love life, love yourself, and enjoy every day!
Jane Large
Joy of Scent
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Many institutions and businesses have banned perfume from their offices and buildings due to increasing allergies. What most people don’t know is that the allergy develops as sensitivity to the chemical and synthetic components of the perfume, not the scent itself.
Traditionally perfumes were made from pure essential oils from flowers and herbs as well as flower waters and alcohol as a medium to carry the scent. Most perfumes now, even very expensive ones, are not made from any form of natural ingredients; most contain large amounts of chemicals that can cause sensitivities.
A more natural choice exists as some companies have created more natural, chemical-free perfumes. Another option is the use of essential oils to scent the body; many can be mixed with light carrier oils such as sweet almond and apricot kernel. You can also find flower waters that are mixed with essential oils to create a natural body spray.
For more information on natural perfume options or customized natural perfumes, check my bio for my phone number and email address.
Jane Large
Listening to Your Body 101
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In my last blog, I talked about what happened when I didn’t listen to my body. Be sure to listen to yours!
• Take 5 minutes daily to sit or lie in a peaceful place and ask the question, “Body—what do you need today?” You might be really surprised by what comes to you then or later on in the day! A great time to do this is just before you get out of bed or as part of your regular meditation routine.
• Don’t procrastinate when you get a signal. When you look at your bath tub and think, “Wow, it would feel good to have a bath,” DO IT! When you feel a churning in your stomach about a tricky issue, deal with it now! Don’t wait until the signals get stronger!
• Generally aches and pains are a signal that we are not nurturing our bodies and selves. So next time you are feeling achy, don’t pop a pill—take a warm bath, curl up with a good book, make yourself a hot chocolate and watch a movie, or spend some time with loved ones. Do something for you, something that makes you feel good inside and out!
• If you are experiencing digestive upset, assess what you have been eating or what emotional issues you are having trouble “digesting.” Difficult emotions that go unexpressed can have the same affect on our digestion as eating less-than-nutritious foods. The same goes for constipation—our bodies can’t let go if we are stubbornly holding onto feelings of unworthiness, anger or hatred.
Our bodies are amazingly intelligent and know exactly what they need to feel good! If we practice listening to the signals our bodies give, they will feel better and be healthier over the long run.
Feel free to call or email me for more information about listening to your body and intuitive eating.
Jane Large
Your Body Is Trying to Tell You Something!
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I think we can all agree that our bodies are marvellous biological machines! It amazes me how incredibly my body works to allow me to eat, talk, feel, and move. However, our bodies are not only skin and bone; our bodies have this wonderful inner intelligence that can give us signals that what we are doing, thinking or feeling is not conducive to our overall health and well-being.
These signals can take many forms, and most of us tend to ignore them on a regular basis. Frequent aching of muscles and joints, neck and back pain, elevated heart rate, cracked skin, etc., can all be signals that we are not treating our bodies with respect and/or that we are not dealing with important emotional issues. Yet if we can learn to truly listen to our bodies, it is amazing what we can learn about how our activities, emotions, and thinking patterns are affecting our bodies, either positively or negatively.
One of the best examples I can give you about the consequences of ignoring our bodies’ signals is what happened when I did just that! I was a dedicated tri-athlete and runner for over 10 years, training dozens of hours each week with little rest. A few months after my first Half Ironman, I began to notice a tightness and weakness in my right hip. So I stretched more and got more physio. Soon I was having trouble running and biking as my hip tightened up even more and became weaker. The more frustrated and angry I got, the worse my body felt and performed.
My big lesson—I wasn’t listening for a long time and I paid for it! Looking back I see what was wrong: I was a raging perfectionist who was restricting my eating beyond healthy levels, over-exercising, and berating my body daily every time I looked in the mirror. I wasn’t giving my body the rest or respect it deserved, and I also wasn’t dealing with some emotional issues that I had let fester inside me over time!
Jane Large
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