Three Aspects of  Creating True Health and Wellness

Cathy-Silver-logo (2)

Last week I received several questions from a client regarding news blasts on the latest discovery about the fat gene—the best way to prevent cognitive function demise in the gym’s weight room—bottled water, pH and good and bad carbs.  Rather than go head to head with the single focused claims and promises, I wanted to address instead what I felt would be the most important areas concerning true health and wellness. Isn’t that after all, what we all want to know?  How can I create or maintain good health?

We are not merely mechanical objects and therefore any discussion must include physical, mental and spiritual aspects. This holistic or “whole body” philosophy is important as nothing can be separated—all aspects of ourselves are entangled on many levels in spite of what we “see” in the mirror.  I think realistically more and more health care professionals are coming to accept this reality, but the change is slow.  

The authors of the various articles I received, all addressed hot topics of concern today: obesity, water, carbs, cognitive function, pH.  Yes, these are all important pieces of the health puzzle. But, it’s kind of like subjects in school.  The emails all seem to be targeting and asking you to choose one thing; like choosing to study just one subject—math, english, history, art or shop. . . etc.   We would never do that to our kids—and the health industry shouldn’t do that to us either.  It’s the synergistic energy of everything working together.

On the physical,  I don’t believe anyone would  dispute that if you put sugary processed junk into your body—you create an imbalance.  And, no nutrition professional would dispute the importance of good carbs—which really translate to whole fruits and vegetables in your diet. (Fresh, organic and non-GMO being at the top.) The problem is the Standard American Diet is “SAD” and sorely lacking vegetables and fruits.  So bad in fact, experts are now counting ketchup in the vegetable count! Really!?? Highly processed cheap food is junk.  It really only “looks like food”. So much of it has been refined and modified from the original form; filled with words we cannot pronounce nor dare ask what they do.  Normally added for the benefit of the manufactures bottom line—certainly not ours!  This includes most fast food pick-ups and processed foods.  Microwave cooking destroys and changes the molecular structure of the food before we even eat it.  Mother Nature cannot be tricked! At some level our “Smart body” knows this.  Maybe that’s where some of the cravings come from—lack of nutrients—a starvation of sorts, being overfed and under nourished? But why would we choose such foods?  I’ve been witness to many who have stayed in my house!  Keywords: Pick and eat the best organic whole food available for your budget. One way is not necessarily better than another.  It depends on our individual genetic and akashic heritage. The watchword here being, bio-individual; there is no one diet for everyone! Select and eat organic whole foods which make you feel your best and look your best. 🙂

It’s hard to believe, but we are really walking columns of water with most people only drinking water when they take their medication.  Bottled water comes with it’s own inherent set of concerns.  Plastic or glass—with many brands, really just bottled “tap” water, not to mention the energy and consumption of energy it takes to get that bottle to the table.  (In my opinion, it would seem prudent to spend money on improving our local municipal water sources sans the chemicals and added extras like pharmaceuticals.)  There are solutions that help with both pH and hydration.  My client had purchased the Enagic Alkaline-ionizer, SD 501 years ago from me which makes Kangen water available 24/7 in your home. I believe it is one of the best decisions we can make to maintain our wellness.  I’m including a link to a demo, for those who are not familiar and a separate review about the pH discussion from a unbiased esoteric source. I carry my Kangen water  with me wherever I go—including on the plane!  TSA doesn’t like it, but I have a prescription and they must allow me carry it through security.  I feel great—and look much younger than many my age.

Cognitive function is so important and exercise is brings oxygen to the brain and relieves stress.  Do what you enjoy—and exercise daily.  Releasing stress, toxins and endorphins are all beneficial.  At the same time, improving muscle tone and creating an over-all feeling of happiness and optimal health are benefits.  Just do something you love. If you love your workout—you will make it a life long habit and not a passing phase.  For some that may be yoga or pilates.  For others it may be a swim everyday.  For others, it is the weight routine and the gym workout.  Nothing is better for me than going for a walk or taking my bike for a ride in the fresh air and sunshine.  Body types are different and so are the exercise routines and their appeals—not one recipe for all.  As you know, the important thing is do something you enjoy. (smiling) And, as a side bar, high frequency sound therapy is now being researched for Alzheimer’s  disease.  New medical break-throughs are on their way . . . stay tuned . . . and it will be different that we imagined!

There are two pieces missing, and maybe the contributors have written about them in the past? They are the mental and spiritual aspects to creating health. Neither of these authors address the mind-body connection, but “no disease can appear without the active participation of the brain.” Emotional imbalances in our life lead to lack of internal harmony.   Unresolved trauma’s underlie all conditions, diseases and stresses—and have greater influence than we could ever imagine or give them credit for. It is our message from us to us that we have “this” condition.  Everything from ingrown toenails to arrhythmias has an unresolved emotional component.  Louise Hay talked about fear and anger in her book years ago—so the concept is not new in this country.  In fact, “Modern research is confirming what the Chinese have always understood: “So much of all illness begins in the mind,” In the final years of the twentieth century, we are finally beginning to accept the long held truth that body and mind are not only connected, they literally talk to each other all the time, in an ongoing dialogue that dramatically influences your health and well-being.” This balance is reflected both internally as well as externally. The internal environment represents itself as our emotions, trauma’s, thoughts and our responses to them.  The external environment includes our lifestyle, our nutrition, our movement (exercise) our relationships, etc.

Let’s go back to the obesity/fat gene query from my client.  Are overweight individuals eating and choosing sugary, processed, foods in a quest or yearning for the unresolved trauma of childhood or unresolved emotional conflicts within the clan? Somehow trying to full the void to love?  We all know times when we eat or drink too much. Why? Is the reason to distract or used as a means of soothing ourself—or somehow as a way of receiving the love we desire because we are lonely or upset about something in our life.  After all, being nursed by our mother is our earliest form of receiving love.  But, what happens if we don’t receive that?   The physical body is designed to heal itself, but unable when the mind-set that created the condition (our story) is untouched. What is the message from you to you? After all, obesity is usually recognized as a form of protection—“excess fat that my body puts between my inner being and my outer surroundings indicates that I unconsciously seek and want to isolate myself, either through my communication with the outer world or because there is an imprisoned emotion or feeling ‘isolated’ in me that I don’t want to see.” . . . I want so much to love people, but I am so afraid!  Am I protecting myself from assault, remarks, criticism, or uncomfortable situations, notable those involving my sexuality?”  Earthly nourishment also represents emotional nourishment . . . am I filling that inner void?

This emotional mental aspects help bring awareness to some of the missing link.  In fact, Bio Decoders help you investigate and discover the conflicts that generated stress, leading to pain and illness. They assist in providing a deeper understanding of how and why people become ill, and how the programs of illness can be decoded and released from the subconscious mind, where the illness was programmed and stored.  Dr. Claude Sabbah contributed more than 40 years experience and expertise puts it this way:  “Love is the true healer in the work that we do to resolve the conflicts giving rise to the onset of disease.

The spiritual component is the easiest, and yet the hardest.  For belief and intent are at the basis now for healing.  In today’s energy and shift, the same remedy or process, for all but only a few are healed.  The future of healing yourself is here, but it’s never been as profound as it is today.  “The consciousness of belief is needed for what you have in the next step of self healing.”   Self-healing, self-awareness, affirmations; anything you’re trying to accomplish right now—even synchronicity—you have got to align yourself with pure intent and believe it before it will happen.

Here is a simple affirmation, (below) Start with this—you can make up your own, but begin with the “I AM”.  This is powerful stuff to create well-being. Look into the mirror and say:

“I AM HEALTHY. I AM YOUTHING. I AM A SPIRITUAL BEING AND PART OF GOD. I AM THAT I AM. I AM ON PURPOSE. I AM BEAUTIFUL BEFORE GOD BECAUSE I AM PART OF THE PLAN OF GOD—AND THERE IS JOY THAT RINGS THROUGH THIS!”

These are the aspects of creating true and lasting health and wellness. It is up to us—and it won’t come in the form of a pill.  We are bigger than we have any idea, with multi-dimensional parts; all parts must be included as we continue to move further into the new human consciousness.

“Inspired wellness from Within”

Love and Light,

Cathy Silver, HC, AADP

www.CathrineSilver.com

Biological Decoding, Family Constellations,

Hypnosis, Nutrition, Spiritual Guidance & Counseling

Oh, and the cognitive unresolved conflicts associated with Alzheimer’s Disease have to do with the “unconscious desire to terminate my life, to leave the world once and for all or to escape my reality, due to a chronic incapacity to accept or to face and deal with this reality and certain situations in life because I am afraid and am finding it painful to live.  I therefore make myself insensitive to my surroundings and to my inner emotions. ‘I numb myself’, I become ‘Light-headed’, and life then seems easier and death more acceptable . . . ” Want to know more?  Email me at cathysilverhealth@gmail.com.

These were several questions asked and  posted on the Kryon Website from Lee Carroll.  I re-post them here as an unbiased source around the sometimes controversial and hotly debated topic of pH.  You decide for yourself . . . If you are interested after reading this . . . go to www.kangendemo.com. If you are still interested, email me at cathysilverhealth@gmail.com for more information or to order a machine for your home and family.  The health of you and your loved ones is priceless.

~Cathrine  Silver, HC, AADP 

P.S. I have owned my SD501 machine by Enagic since 2009!

QUESTION (26): Dear Kryon, my first questions are regarding stabilized oxygen water. Is it really of any value other than to the people selling it? Is it a good idea to pH-balance our water before we drink it? What is the best water accessible to us, in general?

My second question: I’m extremely confused regarding what foods to eat and whether pH balancing is really all I’ve heard it is. Would you expound on this?

I guess my most profound question (to me, anyway) is, through the power of intent and melding with our total self, is any of this really necessary?

ANSWER: The answer to these questions are quite logical, but they don’t conform to a simple answer.

Three years ago we told you that there would be more water products coming your way than ever before. The reason? Because your heath workers would begin to understand how important this basic sustenance is for you, and the beginning of the “secrets” of real biological balance would begin to be found. We told you that you’d discover that what you had felt was needed and healthy would end up looking like the dark ages of knowledge. In other words, you’d say, “How could we have ever believed this would be good for us?”

Now all this is at your doorstep. There are many waters available, and the first thing you do is ask, “Which one is right?” What if most are right? Why do you wish to limit your options to just one? Yes, the pH balance will be new information that will be controversial, then be validated over time by the health of the individuals who drink it. The process is still not fully understood, since your health industry still gives no credibility at all to the body’s intelligent structure. That is to say that the body isn’t just a chemical machine that reacts. It’s a creative machine that actually calls upon processes that are beyond chemistry, and which change portions of your DNA that speak to all cellular structure, and which create new paradigms of reality for you . . . immune setups, and longevity schemes that you haven’t discovered yet.

Are some just making money from this new fad? Yes. So what do you do? The answer is obvious: Try samples of what is offered and decide for yourself. Don’t weigh what others say or experience as your guide, since many of these new products aren’t generic to all biology. This means that they will affect some more than others. This is knowledge we brought to you many years ago. Throw away the idea that all biology is the same, and that a cure is a cure is a cure. It’s not, and you’re going to begin to see far more individuality within medicine and health substances.

The same is true with food, and there will be many discoveries there as well. But through all of this, we’ve also given you information that says that above all, the power of your consciousness can change both food and water. You can balance both to allow for everything you need. You can even change matter, and create a situation where ingesting food or water that might make another sick will actually nourish you. This is the promise for those who wish to examine this issue and take it all the way.

So, greet the food and don’t worry about it. Change it to match your own biological structure. This is actually very old spiritual information, lost along the way of modern civilization.”

 

Baby Zucchini SautĂ© with Mint

Beautiful baby zucchini at the farmers market

Beautiful baby zucchini

This is a great tasting easy to prepare recipe I made in San Diego for a dinner one night. I really enjoyed how the lemon and garlic added so much  flavor to the sometimes blandish green squash.  Zucchini is a summer squash according to Rebecca Wood and the medicinal benefits support the stomach, spleen, large intestine and liver.  Zucchini is easy to digest and contain anticancer properties and carotenes. This is a “keeper” for many dinners to come!  Enjoy.  

                                      ‘Inspired Wellness from Within’ –Cathy Silver, HC

Total: 20 minutes
10 servings

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, (orange flavor if you have it in your pantry)
1-3 large garlic cloves, very finely chopped
3 pounds baby zucchini, trimmed and halved lengthwise
Sea Salt and freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup chopped mint

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil.  Add the chopped garlic and cook over moderate heat stirring until it is fragrant but not browned, about 30 seconds. Add the baby zucchini halves, season with salt and pepper and cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp tender, about 8 minutes.  Add the fresh lemon juice and transfer the zucchini to a serving plate. Sprinkle the zucchini with the chopped mint and serve.
Adapted from Katie Lee Food & Wine

Be mindful unless you’re buying yellow summer squash at the farmers market, the odds are that it has been genetically modified (GM).  In a store, if possible, purchase certified organic or squash that are labeled non-GMO.  To a lesser extent commercial zucchini squash may be GM too!

Zucchini ready to serve

Zucchini ready to serve

Amazing Frozen Lemons!

fresh lemonsFirst bananas and now lemons–What a concept! Many professiona­ls in restaurants and eateries are using and consuming entire lemons and nothing is wasted. How? Simply . . . place the washed organic lemon in the freezer. Once the lemon is frozen, use your grater and shred the whole lemon—peel and all—and sprinkle it on top of foods.

I buy and use lemons to season chicken or tuna salad in place of salt. I also love them in water or tea. So after reading about this earlier in the week I tried grated lemon in tuna salad—someplace I normally add fresh lemon juice. This was easy and tasted great. Frozen grated lemons are also great and suggested to add into a vegetable salad, ice cream, soup, cereals, noodles, spaghetti, rice, fish dishes and more . . . the list is endless. Your foods will have a wonderful taste.

Even better, lemons peels or zest contain as much as 5 to 10 times more vitamins than the lemon juice. Peels are also health rejuvenator in eradicating toxic elements in the body. Place your washed lemons in the freezer and grate when needed.

Consulting, Rebecca Wood she reveals the medicinal benefits in her book, The New whole Foods Encyclopedia, that citrus in general is a miraculous food. A cooling agent for our body—be it from a fever, physical exercise or hot flashes. But, did you know that citrus varieties contain 58 known anticancer agents? One article claimed Lemon (citrus) is an extraordinary product to kill cancer cells and claims to “be 10,000 times stronger than chemotherapy”. I guess the labs have jumped on to this news and are in the process of making a synthetic version. Personally, I’d trust Mother Nature—both energetically and the micro-nutrients which work in harmony with our system. Lemons constrict body tissue, they dry damp conditions, resolve stagnation, and dispel sputum. If your digestion is off, lemon stimulates the flow of saliva, easing the work of the liver. They help to alkalize the body and are helpful in high blood pressure—good for sunburn, insect bites, sore throats, hiccups and weight loss.

For a great Morning Elixir, to gently bring your energy up restoring balance and rehydrating your body without the jolt from caffeine, boil (on the stove) 1 cup of water. Add two Tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and honey to taste. Cayenne to taste (optional)

This will help your body if it is feeling stiff—or your mind if it is feeling cloudy. It could be your liver is complaining it didn’t complete its middle of the night task of blood cleansing. Who knew this beautiful yellow fruit brought to us from India was such a world class seasoning ingredient—and so remarkable for our health!

Inspired Wellness from Within

Cathy, HC

http://www.CathySilverHealth.com

lemon tree

The Power of Apple

The wondrous apple     Anxious to grab a morning walk before the temperatures rose to quickly, I snatched a crisp red organic apple out of my refrigerator drawer–a Gala to be precise.   Apples are one of my favorite fruits–conveniently packaged in a  portable size and sturdy enough to be carried almost anywhere.  They have the advantage so far–of making it through airport security; my yogurt was not so lucky!  As I munched through the house multitasking, my mind wandered just briefly about the iconic  platitude “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” 

This is one fruit that we apparently love.  Emerson called it “the American fruit.”  Those who keep track of such things estimate that we consume about 120 apples per year–per person.  And, did you know that the apple originated not far from the mythical Eden, in Almaty, Kazakhstan in Central Asia where wild apples still cover the foothills?   Most of ours don’t come that far, and although they grow in almost all states,  if you have ever driven through Yakima, Ellensburg or the Wenatchee Valley you would not need to be convinced  that most apples in the United States come out of Washington state where 12 billion apples are thinned and picked by hand.  That’s a lot of apples!

No one is better suited than Rebecca Wood, author of The New Whole Foods Encyclopedia to detail the medicinal benefits of apples.  According to her expertise, apples are a cooling food–and both a yin & chi tonic that treat the heart, lungs, large intestines, stomach and spleen.  They invigorate and promote vital energy and help dispel toxins.  Apples contain something called Malic and tartaric acids which inhibit fermentation in the stomach making apples easier to assimilate than most other fruits.

They are moistening and so reduce thirst, reduce fever, and ease dry hot lungs.  In addition, apples, especially green, help to cleanse the liver and gallbladder and help to soften gallstones.  Rebecca recommends giving grated raw apples to children to reduce their fever. To ease a dry cough her recommendation is to steam apples with honey until they’re soft and eat–to eliminate phlegm from the lungs, prepare apples with agar.

Apples are a rich source of pectin and so can lower cholesterol, promote beneficial intestinal flora, and support normal colon function.  They’re high in quercetin and other flavonoid antioxidants that help protect against heart disease, cancer and asthma.  They are also an excellent low-calorie source of fiber and vitamin C–and other nutrients.

When we look back not too far in our own history, I ask: Did our love affair with this American fruit begin here with the  myth and legend of John Chapman–a.k.a. Johnny Appleseed.  An interesting character,  he traveled the vast unsettled territories of our new country with his bag of seeds planting trees: a unspoken message– perhaps one that we should heed more closely today?  Is there a synergy between man and the apple or apple and man?   You know kind of like the squirrel and the acorn? Once thing is sure our love affair with the apple is far from over and it seems with out a doubt  is good for our system of creating health within.   For me it can certainly be taken out of “bible lore” and brought into the our  daily ritual–for snacks, salads, dried, cooked, –juiced or cider.  Whether we call them Braeburn or golden, Granny Smith or McIntosh the message is clear–an apple a day really should keep the doctor away.

“Inspired Wellness from Within”

Cathy Silver, HC

http://www.CathySilverHealth.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

Obama Care or Wellness for Me? It’s time to Paint a New Picture!

Healthy 2

Lets change our mindset. A declaration to ourselves.  I’ve been thinking about our dysfunctional sick care  or insurance reform that’s been in the news almost daily and know this is not the answer. American’s are smarter than this, and it’s time to take control of our own destiny. The question is really, how do we stay out of the sick-care spiral? Our current system  is a failure to create true health.   What about instead, a  pro-active choice to live a life of vitality and wellness?  The WHO (World Health Organization) defines health “is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.”

Ask yourself in this moment,  what do I need to do to insure myself a life of wellness– Today? (Not next week, or next month or next year or when I get around to it or after I have a heart attack or diabetes.)  The responsibility has to shift to us and our choices in the moment; not some future situation or event.  I always tell my clients it’s easier NOT to have to DIG YOURSELF out of a ditch or mud hole–you know when your boots are stuck.   What does it take to avoid the ditch and mud?  Everybody can live a life of wellness–not just a few.  Just like the air we breathe–there is not a limited number of people who can be well at one time.  There is  no preset number or rotation or take a number; the responsibility  becomes ours.

Educators and parents have used the philosophy of  Natural and Logical consequences for years.  I used it on my own children. It goes like this: If I choose option A (this could or will happen) and if I choose option B ( another set of potentials must happen) but the responsibility ultimately falls on our shoulders or in the case of my kids–theirs– and I have no one to blame, but myself!  Nifty for kids–more to think about when it us!

Hum, let me see, what do I get to do today that supports me being healthy? That gives me vitality? That allows me to fulfill my passion, purpose and desires? That creates positive energy in my life?  How can I shift the box I now live in to create this space?

I  love the metaphor of the painter and his canvas.

Could I use a few new paintbrushes to paint another canvas? Is it time to bring out the paint set, set up my easel and dream for a minute about a new way to paint? Is it the paint, brushes, technique or time of day–what I wear or don’t wear that inspires me to paint without the constraint of what I was taught? A roller, a rag, stones, leaves, splashing, throwing, dripping, spinning, mixing our medium and colors to recreate and unlearn all that we we taught in Art School?  Maybe forgetting everything and painting with our innate wisdom, a more beautiful and profoundly moving piece of art and portrait?  What if our paintbrushes were our tools for wellness–and the canvas was our body.  Are we able to UN-learn what we think we know?  How open are we to a new technique not restricted by someone else’s belief and truth moving forward without our fears in our personal new paradigm of wellness.  Drop your resistance. We can do this.  You can do this! Begin today! Do whatever it takes to wipe the cobwebs off your easel.

Pick up ‘one new color’ that calls to you–and a small brush. The brush represents a more healthful lifestyle choice;  the color; our action. Could that be a pair of walking shoes to walk around the block? Or eating something green? Or having a apple with lunch or skipping the drive-thru or packing something from home because its organic? What about  becoming gluten free or reading labels and watching our ingestion of sugar laden foods? Or drinking more water? Each of us is on our own time schedule–and our old canvas we’re painting over is sometimes cracked and worn, but the new masterpiece is well worth the effort, if we can just use our imagination and see in our minds eye, what is possible. Now download some Mozart, write your intentions and make a dream board.  The Universe always tells us “yes”. Choose one big thing and one small thing that you can do today to begin this journey! Shut your eyes and feel the joy and vitality shifting with your intent and declaration. Congratulations, you’re on your way!  The master is you, soon to be unveiled!

Painter Painting“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step”  ~Lao Tzu

“Inspired wellness from within”

Cathy Silver, HC

http://www.cathysilverhealth.com

When You Just Don’t Feel Like Exercising . . .

Exercise, movement, physical activity or fitness. Whatever you choose to call it, some days are tougher than others.  Motivating ourselves to do the right thing can be a challenge some days. So, how do we get past our resistance?

First, acknowledge we all have days like this.  A spontaneous discussion after class with my yoga instructor last week revealed something similar: the exact same class, movement, and poses were easier some days than others for him. Lets call it human nature.  I don’t know if it is  tied to the moon, our bio-rhythms, stress or energy levels, but it’s important to find ways to get past it.

How do we convince ourselves to get moving when our job is weighing on our minds–our kids have soccer practice or we’re fighting a virus or boredom and the motivation that is usually there seems to have taken a leave of absence?

I share these thoughts as I fight to get out and do something; it is how I am feeling today.  I have a cold–nothing serious but my energy level is definitely waning. I’m afraid the cold is winning.  My friend Keary’s  kids have soccer practice and Wendy is frustrated with her latest job.  A common  scenario? Our reasons are all valid and convincing for not exercising.

I know I always feel better after my trip to the gym or a walk. The outdoors make me feel refreshed and renewed; especially this time a year in south Florida. The endorphins and the negative ions circulate wellness to my being.  I could choose to walk the treadmill or pedal the bike, a variation from my almost daily elliptical tete-a-tete.  What about a spontaneous dance or step class? What made me feel good as a kid? Could I get out on my bike, or jump in the pool for a swim? Maybe a reward? A feel good massage, a facial or another form of pampering? What about treating myself to a pedicure or a new spring work-out top?  A few sessions with a personal trainer, perhaps? My friend Debbie, suggests belly dancing! If  that sounds fun, let the inner-child out to play!  The reward is worth the fight.  Anything that can get us out of our routine and stimulate our desire and motivation encouraging  us towards some sort of daily fitness– does a body–and attitude good! But sometimes, it’s just nice knowing, we’re not alone!

Keary has decided to walk the grass soccer field while her kids run its length chasing that white and black ball. Wendy and I decide to go for a nice long walk. Debbie loves her tennis!   What will it be for you?

“Inspired wellness within

Cathy Silver, HC

www.cathysilverhealth.com

Meatless Half-Hour Chili

Image

This is a family favorite—updated a bit.  You will not miss the meat in this chili as Bulgur adds texture to the (mildly spicy) mixture of vegetables and beans.

1 Tablespoon olive oil

3-4 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

3 onions, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon minced jalapáșœno pepper or

for less heat and more flavor substitute poblano pepper, to taste

1 carrot, graded

1 28-oz can and 1 14-oz. can organic tomatoes, chopped with their juices (I use the roasted tomatoes which are delicious, if you can find them.)

1 teaspoon brown sugar

1 piece Seaweed, such as Wakame*

2 15oz. can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1/3-1/2 cup fine or medium grain bulgur

œ cup low yogurt

1/3 cup chopped scallions

Œ cup fresh cilantro or parsley

 In a Dutch oven or a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat, add spice and sautĂ© for 1-2 minutes—(this intensives the spices) until they are fragrant.  Add onions, garlic, carrots and pepper.  SautĂ© for 5-7 minutes—until the onions and carrots are soft. Add tomatoes with their juice and the teaspoon of brown sugar. Toss in your Wakame. Cook for 5 minutes over high heat.  Stir in beans and bulgur, and reduce heat to low. Simmer the chili uncovered for 15 minutes, or until thickened. Serve with a dollop of yogurt, scallions and cilantro or parsley on the side.

*In traditional Chinese healing, sea vegetables correspond to the winter season and to the kidneys, adrenal glands, bladder and reproductive organs. The strengthening, balancing and cleansing properties of sea vegetables are known to help these organs as well as the hair, skin and nails. Sea vegetables (or seaweeds) provide a variety of minerals and vitamins, including calcium, iron and iodine, and can help balance hormone and thyroid levels in the body. Eating too many processed foods or foods grown in mineral-depleted soil can result in a lack of minerals in the body, leading to cravings for salty or sugary foods. Adding sea vegetables to your diet can help balance your energy levels and alleviate cravings.

Adapted from Eating Well, 1992

Moving into a New Energy – 2014

2014 Happy New Year

The past year of recalibration has concluded and we continue to slide quickly into 2014. Is it astute to ask:  What is the flavor to come?  A “seven-year” in the eyes of numerology means–one of divinity, perfection and wholeness.  So what does that really mean?I can’t say exactly how your world or for that matter my year will unfold, but what I am sure of, is, it all begins with intention. A declaration to ourselves and to the Universe that lovingly supports our growth and enlightenment–unfolding before our eyes–seen or unseen, our actions will support this unfoldment.
What about a year where we create wellness, vitality and a body of health?  And if so, what changes does that mean for you? I say it’s possible to use our intuition, not our intellect, on what our body needs–more greens, veggies, fresh fruit or water perhaps? A morning meditation? Or do we need more movement in our life such as a new exercise routine; something we love to do! What about healthy relationships and a career of passion?

Emotions are something we cannot afford to ignore!  Can we admit and recognize deep pains stuffed and stored in the recesses of our being, begging to be released once-and-for-all? We are supported on many layers–each building upon another by the larger intelligence to which we are all deeply connected. Our challenges differ slightly for each of us. But if we adopt a “whatever it takes attitude” to walk through our fears and trust what lies ahead on the other side will be a life of joy, compassion, acceptance, tolerance and our integrity for ourselves.  Truly able to be free and to celebrate us–our shining perfection– flaws and all!  Make your list with heartfelt intent and the synchronicity will follow. To a  Happy Healthy year of Wellness; let it begin now!

“Inspired Wellness from Within”.

Love and Light,


Cathy Silver, HC AADP
Wellness Warrior
Energies of Healing, LLC
 P.S. Call or email me if you need support on your NEW Resolutions!

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Gaia’s Abundance â–Ș What’s Fresh in the Market Right Now?

Brussels SproutsFall brings its bounty; there are many vegetables and fruits that we typically consider “fall”. We all know pumpkins ripen around Halloween, but what about pomegranates, or a new variety of winter squash? This year I began to notice, and try some new varieties, a medley I typically haven’t  prepared in the past.  Acorn squash is one example, as I’ve always been more of a sweet potato gal.  I wondered, though, if Mother Nature provided this harvest, what are the benefits of eating such things as:  acorn squash, chestnuts, cranberries, or Brussels sprouts? And, do these vegetables prepare us for the winter?  I whipped out my Whole Foods Encyclopedia by Rebecca Wood and share what I discovered.  I hope this will encourage you to try something new!

Acorn Squash started this whole discourse. LOL.   Squash is considered a chi tonic* and a warming food that is medicinal to the spleen, stomach, large intestine and lungs.  It improves energy and blood circulation. Winter squash is exceptionally high in complex carbohydrates (A good thing for keeping the glycemic index stable.) and is medicinal for diabetics and those with digestive problems.  Squash provide vitamins A and C, potassium and magnesium.  It is an excellent source of pre-vitamin A and often carotenoids and therefore has anticarcinogenic properties.

I experienced hot chestnuts while visiting NYC many years ago from a street vendor.  I didn’t know if I liked them at first, because of the texture, but it happened to be cold and blustery and after a few, I decided I did in fact appreciate their uniqueness to my palate.  I now look forward to their appearance in the stores.  They are easily and quickly boiled—sliced with X’s and “roasted” in the oven.  They happen to be a chi and yang tonic** and the chestnuts nurture the kidneys, stomach and spleen.  Rebecca describes them as sweet like fruit, but unlike fruit, it warms and builds, rather than cools and cleanses.  They are a good ‘convalescing food and they have an astringing nature that controls diarrhea, coughing, whooping cough and rheumatism’.

I have already made my first batch of cranberry sauce this year—one of my favorite condiments.  Cranberries are actually native to North America and a welcome sight when I see them in the store.  They are a cold food and dispel heat and damp.  They act upon the bladder, kidney and large intestine.  They are rich in polyphenol antioxidants and appear to benefit the immune and cardiovascular system. They have anticancer properties and have a chemical compound called proanthocyanidins which help inhibit bacteria in the bladder, urinary tract and teeth.  Cranberry consumption also reduces some types of kidney stones.  Who knew?

Brussels sprouts seem to be a controversial food; they are either loved or hated!  But, given the evidence and benefits to the body, perhaps they are worth taking another look—and taste.  They happen to be a warming food that helps disperse cold.  They support the stomach and large intestine function and mildly stimulate the liver out of stagnancy.  They are an excellent source of folic acid, vitamins C and K and beta-carotene.  Nutritionally and energetically, they’re similar to cabbage and contain numerous glucosinolates, which are cancer fighting phytochemicals.  At their prime need only to be seasoned with butter and salt or with extra virgin olive oil and lemon after they have been blanched or steamed.

And, last but not least are Pomegranates, not typically something I buy often. But I was recently a host-family to a student who grew up in Iran.  She showed me how they ate them and I watched her squeeze the rind and turn this fruit into fresh ruby red juice—I was amazed!  Pomegranates are a yin tonic*** that disperses heat and treats the bladder, spleen, stomach, liver and large intestine.  They promote the production of red blood cells, expel tape worms, strengthen the bladder and gums and soothe ulcers in the mouth and throat. Rebecca also states that they have punicalagins (the tannins in the pomegranates) have free radical activity and therefore treat heart disease and help protect against cancer.  Clinical data shows the effectiveness of pomegranates in treating breast, lung, and prostate cancer.  They also help with the assimilation of fats, protein and carbohydrates.

*Chi Tonic: Improves and maintains the quality and quantity of available energy in the body.
**Yang Tonic: Maintains and improves our ability to generate warmth and stimulate our system.
***Yin Tonic: Complementary to yang in Chinese philosophy. Yin is the female element and associated with moon, night, damp, cold, interior and decending.

“Inspired Wellness from Within“--Cathy Silver, HC and Wellness Warrior

Acorn Squash

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