Free, Fabulous and Loving Me! Happy Valentines Day.

Self Love 3Last week as I was dashing to meet a friend for dinner.  I realized how free I was at this time in my life.  I had no children to worry about—no spouse to consult and no curfew.

I believe that just as a relationship gives us growth and expansion, so does not having one. No relationship allows for our growth and expansion in a different way. It is an appreciation of ourselves. I am not talking about about conceit, self-importance or narcissism. It is the discovery of our inner core and strengths; who we are:  Our talents. Our Likes and dislikes. The joy of being alive. Our beauty.  A period of getting to know and love our authentic self! To know that we are enough—and to love ourselves is something worth celebrating—not just one day, but 365 others as well.

For me, the journey has been one of unlearning.  I was a wife and Mother for many years. (still a Mother—but my adults kids live in different parts of the country and are not underfoot.) One of the first things I used to think about—besides getting everyone to school on time, was, what shall I fix for dinner?  I don’t do that anymore.  Funny, I always used to joke about wanting a “wife.”  You know someone to do all those errands, deliveries and chores—right?  Does anyone relate?  Now, it is for me.

Someone might call that self centered.  Years ago, I would have recoiled from that label.  It was always about someone else, placing myself second, third, or fourth in the line of family demands.  Most women flinch from the thought of personal descriptions that include the word self.  As Sarah Breathnach so eloquently wrote, “this self-defeating modesty eliminates a lot of flattering adjectives: self-poised, self-assured, self-confident.  So why do we shrink from self-admiration?”

Perhaps, at some pivotal moment growing up, our Mother or other authority figure humiliated us and viewed our healthy wants as shameful and selfish; we were made to feel wrong.  So, isn’t it about time, we begin to set our boundaries and put ourselves first?  I am not suggesting we neglect our children or spouse, if you have those relationships currently in your life, but I am suggesting we begin to reframe our wants, desires and needs, and begin to radiate the vibrant glow of an intelligent, loving, self-possessed woman, shinning our light out unto the world!

I trust and know that when the timing is right, I will again be with a true life-partner.  One that supports my desires and honors me for me.  Until that time I am enjoying my freedom and all that comes from living my truth, honoring my authentic, artistic, creative, caring and compassionate self.

“What a desire!  . . . To live in peace with that word: Myself!” (Sylvia Ashton-Warner)

Happy Valentines Day to the best parts of you!

 

Why Not A celebration of the ‘Wise Divine Feminine’ Instead of Just “Mother’s Day”?

Creativity 11“I am woman hear me roar–in numbers too big to ignore and I know too much to go back and pretend, ’cause I’ve heard it all before and I’ve been down there on the floor and no one’s ever gonna keep me down again” . . . This Sunday, the elusive holiday of Mother’s Day is upon us. Although, I have two sons, and am a mother in the traditional sense and definition, it seems too limiting today.  Do I dare ask, have we outgrown the definition or perhaps can we be open to a wider definition and perception of “Mother”?  Is the idea of “Mother” broader and harder to define than just those who have given physical birth or are raising children?  Is it possible to expand this yearly observance to all women and in a sense honoring “The Wisdom of the Feminine Divine”?

Whether or not we give birth to a soul returning to earth in a new expression, the energy of the Mother is powerful.  All women as the vessels we are bring fourth innate wisdom, original creativity birthing new ideas and are able to lend our strength and leadership which has the ability to connect families, villages and organizations manifesting and completing the circle in ways of unique kinship and spark; glue that binds.  And when done with astuteness brings a gentleness to balance the masculine divine, each with complementing purpose and energy.

The feminine healing energy of the Mother extends beyond the classic boundaries. Some women choose not to have children this life time–others cannot–all within the divine plan and perfection.   Perhaps choosing instead to teach school to the little ones or care and bring nurturing energies to elders, or hospitalized patients. There are powerful healers, some who rescue and care for animals; large and small.  Or what about those creative forces which give way to new projects and creative ideas and impact our world with new thoughts and ways of being?  We celebrate such historical mythical figures and archetypes like the High Priestess, courageous Athena,  the goddess Venus, the powerful Kali, sensitive White Tara, creative Sarasvati-or even the healing White Buffalo Woman.  These perhaps are the energies within the walls of corporations, Wall Street and the science of science and medicine.

We all have unique attributes that we bring to the planet Mother Earth to whom we know as Gaia.  Each woman carries love, excitement, joy, gratitude and the possibility of expansion in all things.  We hold a light that nothing can deter.  Celebrate you and all you do for the world.

As Helen Reddy sang so eloquently in the 70’s . . . “Oh yes I am wise, but it’s wisdom born of pain. Yes, I’ve paid the price but look how much I gained. If I have to I can face anything. I am strong.  I am invincible.  I am woman”.

Happy Mother’s Day to your wise, divine, feminine you.


“Inspired Wellness from Within”  
Love and Light,

Cathy Silver, HC AADP
Wellness Warrior
Energies of Healing, LLC
CathySilverHealth@gmail.com

Spring + Easy to Make Green Shake to Detox Your Body!

Green ShakeAh, spring! This season brings increasing daylight, warming temperatures, and the rebirth of flora and fauna.   Take a moment to walk outside and notice the green plants growing in your garden. The three months of the spring season bring about the revitalization of all things in nature; usually increased rain water, waking from hibernation and the spring equinox next week: Gaia’s announcement that we have come to the season of birth.  Without our awareness—and sometimes unnoticed, nature shows us this every spring—the announcement from those small crocuses, bright happy daffodils and yellow forsythias which blossom without fail.  The swelling vibrant and bursting energy that moves the sap and forces the buds to open and bloom may be our calling and awakening from winter as well.  That burst of energy to clean, change our diet or other small rejuvenations; unseen energy that surges through body, mind and spirit that so often goes unnoticed or at least, unspoken.  Watch what greens begin to appear in the grocery stores or farmers’ markets.  Is this too a sign from nature, a calling of sorts to detox our bodies after our heavier winter fare? Alkaline food detoxes our body —leafy greens, sprouts, berries, cherries, asparagus, grapefruits, lemons, spinach or dandelion greens available now for your choosing.  See what local leafy greens appear in your neighborhood market, and how you might prepare them tonight? Or, are you more of a ‘blender chef’? See the green shake recipe below.  You might also try sipping hot water every day for two weeks.  The hot water will dilate, hydrate and begin to detoxify your tissues and encourage your lymph system to move sort of like the sap. (Smiling) Ancient cultures have lived within the harmony of natural cycles.   A balance of yin and yang promotes health and harmony.  Understanding this balance within your body is key. Happy spring!

Green Drink

Delicious Green Shake!

  • In Vitamix, place all ingredients, blend and enjoy the benefits of health and vitality!

2-3 generous handfuls of baby organic spinach

2-4 leaves of organic kale.  (I use the leaves and save the big stems for my green juice.)

A big handful of fresh organic sunflower sprouts

1 ripe avocado scooped and placed in blender (The seed has more phytonutrients than the actual ‘fruit’-feel free to add it to your shake.  The Vitamix will easily incorporate it right into the shake!)

1 ripe banana (Option: I like to freeze mine and just break them into 2-3 pieces.  Peel before freezing and put them into a zip lock bag.)

1-2 scoops of “live” organic powdered greens such as Green Organics

Optional scoop of organic protein powder such as Green Organics “Smooth Vitality”

Udo’s Oil  3-6-9  or Flax oil to taste

(A few frozen strawberries, blueberries, raspberries or even a lemon can be added for a bit of sweetness or more flavor—as in the case of lemon.  Other veggies that can be added to the shake are cucumber, celery, asparagus, ginger, garlic.  Be creative—but try to keep the shake mostly green and mostly veggies! J )

4+ cups Kangen water 9.5 or pH preference

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Clinical studies show that proper nutrition reduces oxidative stress, positively impacts markers of systemic inflammation, helps support a healthy immune system, helps protect DNA, and promotes Cardiovascular wellness.  Visit: http://www.thepowerofph.com

Anti-Aging and Healthful Benefits of Sex

Beautiful-Women-Over-502As two-50 something women, sex doesn’t particularly occupy headline news, but this weekend it became the topic du jour in a two hour phone conversation.   Products of our upbringing ‘Miss Manners Greenwich’ and ‘What would the neighbors think Seattle’ usually focus on other mind-bending metaphysical topics with the enthusiasm of professional power shoppers; esoteric inmost circles. (Smiling) I have been stretched over the years from not being able to mention S-E-X to conceding that, not only do I enjoy sex, but miss it when my life does not include such intimacy.

The WHO (World Health Organization) defines health as the complete mental, physical and social well-being and not just the absence of dis-ease and infirmity.  So, I guess that includes a healthy social life and good sex?  Nice to hear as the 60’s sexual revolution has long since passed, but paved the way for a more open point  of view,  changing belief and way-of-being in most contemporary circles.

Meaningful and loving sex actually helps to balance our body and can be a significant spiritual bridge and bonding between two souls.  Perhaps that is why, with the right partner, it feels so good—and satisfying—an acknowledgement from our higher-self, and simple nod of approval.  And, could this be some sort of unseen melding of our energies at the quantum and interdimensional space, outside of our time as we know and acknowledge.

Medical science may not be ready for spiritual bonding and quantum physics as it relates to sex, but what they do know is it makes your skin healthy and helps to keep us young.  According to naturopath Natasha Turner, N.D sex is anti-aging, immune-boosting and stress-reducing.  She reports:

1. It’s a natural pain reliever: Sex causes increased production of oxytocin, which is often referred to as the “love hormone”.  Before orgasm, oxytocin, released from the brain, surges up to five times the normal level. This increase then leads to the release of endorphins, our natural pain-killing hormones.

2. It’s a stress reliever: The endorphins released during sexual intercourse and orgasms are natural mood-boosters and stress relievers. Regular sex can also boost your self-esteem and increase intimacy between partners.

3. It boosts immunity: Endorphins released during intimacy have been found to stimulate immune system cells that fight disease.

4. It’s good for your heart: Intercourse, depending on your level of enthusiasm, can be considered aerobic exercise, burning up to 200 calories per session. Among other benefits, women who engage in regular sexual activity with their partners have higher levels of estrogen, which protects against heart disease. Research has found that men who have sex two times per week have fewer heart attacks than those who do not. The hormones released during sex cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, and it engages almost every muscle in the body. After sex, blood vessels dilate and blood pressure is then reduced. This change in blood vessel constriction may also help with tension headaches.

5. It turns back the clock: A 2002 report from a large British population of men said researchers found a 50 percent reduction in overall mortality in the group of men who said they had the most orgasms. The Journal of the American Medical Association has also reported that “high ejaculation frequency was related to decreased risk of total prostate cancer.” Having regular orgasms can increase your life span. Every time you reach orgasm, the hormone DHEA increases in response to sexual excitement and orgasm. DHEA can boost your immune system, improve cognition, keep skin healthy, and even work as an antidepressant. Therefore, the added health benefit is that you will feel—and look—younger, longer.

6. It gives you a glow: The glow of good sex is real. Women who have more sex have higher levels of estrogen, which is essential to enjoying healthier, smoother skin. This increase in estrogen also helps to protect us from heart disease, osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease.  . It also promotes the production of collagen, which keeps the skin supple and gives you a healthy glow.

If your hormones have waned, and there is “no desire”, replacement bio-identical creams are an option to consider and will put you back in the game—helping that vibrant sexy woman to emerge once again.  The supplement DHEA, building block for cell regeneration, sex hormone function and cortisol-level balancing is also very helpful in some cases.   Gematria products are particularly powerful, and I have used them personally.  Of particular interest for me is their anti-aging line. Check out: www.gematria.com.  It is always wise to consult with your physician or qualified medical professional before taking these or any other supplements.

“Inspired Wellness from Within”

Cathy Silver, HC

Yes to You! 2

Certified Holistic Health Coach

www.cathysilverhealth.com

Another Birthday . . . Another Year

Singing traditional Happy Birthday!In spite of very extreme stormy rain and near flooding conditions in many places, Saturday night a week ago was a fun-filled celebration; the nicest birthday ever. I had anticipated a small group of friends celebrating outside around my pool braving the hot humidity of south Florida mid-summer. Simple Potluck. Don’t be attached to how things are supposed to look! Right? What I got was 25 old and new friends “comfortably” in the living room with picnic tables and decorated umbrella all having a good evening. I think the angels and fairy’s made room for everyone! A wonderful energy and easiness as strangers introduced themselves. Almost the New Orleans big easy energy style. I cannot not mention the food–both homemade vegan and meat lovers lasagna, and large spinach salad provided the main fare–filled in with garlic bread, fruit salad, chicken wings and wine and of course cake! And the best part, was there was nothing to save–all had been eaten! Yes, another year has past, and my, how cliché, but where does the time go?

So Birthdays . . . a time to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the future. Was this how “make a wish” got started with the original declaration to the Universe? No matter what the approaching months bring, our ease with life depends more on our state of mind more than actual events. We all know friends who can turn mole hills into mountains. It is our perception into what is, which lies within our being and the core of who we are. Our serenity, and peace of mind are echoed in our daily life or not. We carry strength, courage and wisdom inside ourselves and it is there for the asking. My anticipation is that my year will be powerful, exciting and fulfilling. What is yours? Whatever you decide and declare you have the power to manifest–so, make it great!

Cathy's Birthday 2013

Spring cleaning; How does that look for you?

Beginning signs of springtime--

On March 20th the sun shines directly on the equator and the night and day are nearly exactly the same in length–12 hours–all over the world; the spring equinox. For us another season.  Spring or springtime is known as a time of renewal, rejuvenation and rebirth.

For some it may mean melting snow and softer breezes or noticing the beauty of the first spring flowers;  crocuses, daffodils or tulips as they merge from their hibernation. Each culture and region have their own customs and their own reminders.

For me it is the inspiration of opening up my home and shaking out the dust–maybe a bit metaphorically now since South Florida is where I live, but a shift is definitely in the air and certainly can be felt on many levels.

Today, I am starting to think about new recipes and new tastes reflected in my choices to eat–about my yearning and desire for new seasonal foods.  I have begun juicing and detoxing rituals. As the cooler weather waves good-bye, I find myself anxious to fire up my Vitamix and begin to make my trade-mark green shakes which I graciously offer to share with all who walk through my kitchen door. Somehow, my body’s innate intelligence seems to know this as I begin to think about foods that I have not really had a desire for in months.

Our ancestors ate seasonally because they had no other options. Newly sprouted greens came up in the spring, fruit ripened in summer, root vegetables sustained them in the fall and animal sources got them through the winter. Alkaline food makes the body detox. How wonderful that nature provides this naturally–leafy greens, berries, cherries, grapefruits, asparagus, spinach, and dandelion greens or wheatgrass come to mind, to cleanse the body from the heavier foods we have enjoyed throughout the colder winter months and that were needed for our survival.

What is your ritual? Are you craving something new? Is it time to begin to detox our systems–flooding our cells with fresh green juices? How can we begin to live in harmony with the natural cycles? Is it a great excuse to try a new way of doing something–perhaps buying local produce from a farmers market once a week?  Maybe it is a “Food upgrade”? Choosing less chemicalized, processed, packaged or drive-through meals?  Whatever you chose, think of the rebirth and renewal of yourself–your cells.  Honor yourself and live in harmony with your body and Mother Earth–treat yourself to the best food you can afford because in the end as Jim Rohn says, “It’s the only place you have to live.”

Maybe a Kitchen Herb Garden would fit you?

Be Well,

In Love and Light,

Cathy

http://www.cathysilverjuiceplus.com

http://www.energiesofhealing.com

SUPERFOODS . . . WHAT ARE THEY?

How could you incorporate some of these and enjoy their benefits?

How could you incorporate some of these and enjoy their benefits?

Super foods are a class of the most potent, super-concentrated, and nutrient rich foods on the planet. As I began to sprinkle them on my super healthy steel cut oats—I thought my followers may want to do the same. Breaking the fast should after all begin with some goodness. So rather than some highly processed—highly refined carbohydrate laden with trans-fat and corn syrup—why not temp yourself with a breakfast the really does a body good!
To make it super-easy and super-fast, I make a big batch of the steel cut oatmeal when I am not rushed for time, and then transfer it into a glass container to store in the refrigerator. I can either take a serving size out and heat it with a bit of Kangen water on the stove—or heat it for a minute if you are still a microwave person—
I dress my wholesome oatmeal making it tasty and delicious adding chia seeds, Maca powder, Goji berries, golden berries and some cacao nibs. I also toss in a few almonds or walnuts. Sometimes I add a bit of rice milk. It is quite a delicious mixture, and it is never quite the same.
Let me share a little about some of the new Superfoods available on the market today. The first thing, is they have a tremendous ability to increase the vital force and energy of one’s body and are the optimum choice for improving over-all health, boosting the immune system, elevating serotonin production, enhancing sexuality, cleansing, lowering inflammation and alkalizing the body—wow! According to David Wolfe, raw foodist and Superfoods expert, “nourishing us at the deepest level possible, they are the true fuel of today’s superhero.”
So, let me talk about a couple . . .
1.) Cacao (Raw Chocolate) The seed/nut of a fruit of an Amazonian tree, cacao is the highest antioxidant food on the planet, the #1 source of antioxidants, magnesium, iron, manganese, and chromium and is also extremely high in PEA, theobromine (cardiovascular support) and anandamide (“bliss chemical”). Raw chocolate improves cardiovascular health, builds strong bones, is a natural aphrodisiac, elevates your mood and energy and increases longevity.
2.) Goji Berries (Wolfberries)—used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 5,000 years. Goji berries are regarded as a longevity, strength-building and potency food of the highest order. This superfood contains 18 kinds of amino acids, including all 8 essential amino acids, up to 21 trace minerals, high amounts of antioxidants, iron, polysaccharides, B & E vitamins and many other nutrients.
3.) Maca—A staple in the Peruvian Andes for thousands of years, this adaptogenic superfood increases energy, endurance, strength, and libido. Dried maca powder contains more than 10% protein, nearly 20 amino acids, including 7 essential amino acids. As a root crop, maca contains five times more protein than a potato and four times more fiber.

The weekend is coming—you may be able to catch your breath. Break out of your routine. Try something new. Make a commitment to yourself. You are a spark of the divine—so treat yourself divinely!
“The only way to win, sometimes, is to surrender.”
–Richard Bach
Be Well—and with Love and Light,
Cathy
http://www.energiesofhealing.com
http://www.cathysilverhealth.com
http://www.cathysilverjuiceplus.com

Movement; A Daily Dose

Yoga Class

Yoga Class

Any good mechanic will tell you that is much worst for an engine or piece of mechanical equipment to sit idle; cars, boats & planes are meant to be used. If fact, things that are not used–are not “thought about” breakdown much quicker or fall into disrepair often rusting away or crumbling.   The oil, gasoline and transmission fluids are all meant to circulate through the engine.  Can’t the same be said for us? And, if movement is good for us–why do most of us resist it so? Maybe we need to see exercise as a “get to“?

Over the years, I have been a big proponent of exercise–and always enjoyed the gym; I was an athlete in both high school and college and it just came with ease. Lately, I have stretched myself to include yoga. I know the breathing is good. It connects me to a higher consciousness and I enjoy the soothing voice of our instructor and the silent nature of the practice; a refreshing change from the bombardment of noise everywhere.  Contemporary Yoga practices are used to alleviate health problems, reduce stress and make the spine supple. And, my self confession: this is not easy for me. I can’t even touch my toes, but know it is complete exercise program and an exploration into an alternative from my usual. I go once or twice a week. Sunday morning is by far may favorite class, and as the weeks pass feel it gets easier. I say all this, as we all start somewhere. When beginning a new routine, we often feel very much out of our comfort zone.  The unfamiliarity makes us uncomfortable. But in reality, we compete only against ourselves–not with the person next to us or across the room. And truth be said, probably everyone else is feeling the same way.   This is true whether it is the elliptical machine or posing in warrior 4 or riding bikes or lifting weights.  Really, it’s all about being in the moment, and taking care of us!  Exercise is an ideal way of releasing a build up of physical tension, and developing a regular exercise program to suit your particular body type and lifestyle will have numerous rewards.

Sing while you walk. Use a kick board & fins to swim. Take a dance class. Ride a bike. Take the stairs. Play tennis. Maybe for you, it is a brisk 30-minute walk, shooting hoops or kicking a soccer ball? We all need exercise to thrive. Our bodies thrive on movement. Our minds feel better!

Start small. Make it part of a lifestyle. Do something that you like. What did you like as a kid? Find what is right for you. Too much, too little or the wrong type doesn’t work. Listen to your body and the movement it desires. And, if necessary find a buddy to support you–exercising can be much more fun if you have fun while doing it!

Be Well–love and light,Yoga

Cathy

http://www.energiesofhealing.com

http://www.cathysilverhealth.com

12-12-12; Fear or Celebration?

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I feel like a kid–excited about Christmas morning or my birthday. Excited about the expectations of the upcoming impending and imminent birth of my child or marriage. Yet, none of these things apply in my life as Cathy right now. Singing, happy, excited and joyous; This is an excitement I cannot rationally and logically explain. So, I ask myself, what is it, deep within my cells, my DNA, that triggers this excitement? Is this eternal wisdom speaking to me? Is it a part of my purpose here?Am I tapping into something huge?

Sunday, I expressed these words to three other women on a conference call when the question of 12-12-12 was put forth. They tumbled out of my mouth with no conscious thought–wow–where did that come from?

This subject is on my mind–like a hanging chad. Thoughts and excitement suspended by one corner in some quadrant concealed in the depths of my mind. I find it hard to study and even sit still. Yesterday, I revisited this question again. Today, I stand in the wisdom of faith–not in the energy of fear. For me the 12-12-12 energy is a new energy and new paradigm of consciousness. Old scripture, prophecies and predictions could not have anticipated the shift in human conscious that has taken place within this last 30 year window; their writings now outdated. (like asking me to type from a typewriter not my iPad!) This new paradigm is about crossing into the energy of belief–of potentials and possibility. About a civilization dropping its investment in fears, a place the dark side of human nature cannot go. Things and systems that do not support the integrity of the collective have and will continue to fall. Things like electricity, clean water and new ways to feed ourselves will flourish. It is the movement of energy on the planet. To cross this bridge is to live in a world of love, compassion and light. It is peace on Earth. This is my truth, and I invite you to celebrate and walk with me as we cross this bridge together.

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Love and Light,
Cathy

www.kryon.com
www.energiesofhealing.com

Delicious Apple Crisp

Close up–right out of the oven–Yum!

Fall is definitely in the air and warm fruit desserts really just taste wonderful. (One of those experiential memories.) While in Seattle,  my sister delivered at huge bag of Gravenstein apples off the tree in her front yard. With Immediate celebration and gratitude to share the bountiful harvest, I set to work making a dessert that I grew up on, and I in turn made for my own family; delicious Apple Crisp. It becomes a favorite for all who taste it and I want to share it with you! For those of you who don’t create in the kitchen very often– it is an activity that can be shared with your kids participating and really takes no culinary skill–just love!

Apple Crisp-the best!

4 cups chopped apples

½ tsp. salt

¾ cup flour

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 cup sugar

½ cup Butter

Butter a shallow baking dish. Put in the Apples. Sprinkle with salt. Mix the flour, cinnamon and sugar together and rub in the butter until crumbly. Spread over the apples. Sprinkle chopped almonds over the top. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes at 350 degrees. (Serving suggestion: top with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream on top just before serving!) Enjoy!

Be Well,

Cathy

www.energiesofhealing.com

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