Treasure Hunting

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Cathy Silver

Reef belowI’m not really sure how deliberate synchronization materializes for swimmers as they bend and sway with each other in unison. A choreographed underwater dance, but I imagined it feels and looks quite similar as I observed the protected coral reef this past weekend in the Keys. The small tiny forest bending and swaying with the current in exquisite and breath taking beauty.

Breathing deliberately and with focused intention I took in the unique textures and the colors that existed in the small universe, from behind the face mask. The inhabitants totally unaware and seemingly carefree as we swam freely among them. The hundreds of brightly colored fish, warm water lobsters, conch and unnamed sea creatures who live in the silent world beneath the air in the warm tropical clear blue water is something we have all watched with Jacques Cousteau or National Geographic. However to experience it is something to behold, somewhat of a bucket list entry.

The inviting bright blue waters of the Caribbean have always held a fascinating intrigue–so foreign and far from the cold dark Puget Sound of the Northwest; my roots.

Breathing with a regulator is an activity my inner guidance has resisted–waving the red flag of cautiousness in my mind. Nevertheless, with the promise and excitement of finding some shells I made a spontaneous decision to try something new, and daring. I classified and categorized scuba in close proximity with sky diving and gliding. Each a certain risk. Each a certain beauty. Each a glimpse into a world normally invisible and inconceivable to our senses.

I sensed driving was similar to a wild stallion. Without mutual respect one would fail. However, with good sense and a knowledge of the sport and horse, the experience becomes rewarding and the memory becomes etched and forever locked deep in the psyche of the mind stored safely like treasures for another day. My diving experience was just that: beautiful, memorable and most of all fun!

Be Well,

Cathy

www.energiesofhealing.com

If this adventure sounds right for you, contact Brent @ http://www.coralcharters.com.  He will be happy to help you with your treasure hunting! 🙂

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Salon M

Posted on August 21, 2012 by Cathy Silver
Chere hard at work on my hair!

The Salon is in Coconut Grove.
3098 Fuller St.
Miami, FL 33133

Darkening roots, unmanageable hair. It was time once again to see my friend and very talented hairstylist, Chere, extraordinaire. In spite of close to gridlock traffic surrounding the ever continuing road construction (sigh) and the hour+ drive south, I was excited to have my hair coiffed, shaped and highlighted. Once revitalization was complete, I always felt like a million dollars; sexy and ready to take on the world. Bouncing into the salon late from the snarled freeway mess, Chere was already hard at work with her first client. I kissed her on the cheek, hello.
“I found a gym, I am spinning” she gushed, excited as her face formed a big smile. Instinctively, I congratulated her and smiled back. I want to hear all about your new gym I said, as she pointed for me to don the familiar black salon smock in preparation.
Settling in to her chair we chatted, catching up on our lives and how things had been going since my last visit months before.
You know, I am exercising because of you she beamed. Me, I said? Your example and your enthusiasm, she mused. I was speechless for a moment. Yes, I reflected.
Many times I had encouraged her to workout; she knew the benefits. For me my daily workout is a lifestyle choice; brushing my teeth is another. When I miss a day, there is something lost–and I guess I showed up that way each time I sat in her chair. My motto: lead by example.
It was a terrific day, but what pleased me most was Chere’s commitment to herself, and her own well-being. She seemed happier, more energetic and slimmer. I felt good as I headed to find my car. The gym is a tough leap sometimes, and it takes commitment, but she had done it! We both felt good. As I pulled out of the parking lot I thought, Chere, “You Rock; Keep up the good work!”

Be Well,
Cathy

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Real Life 15 minutes to Live–not always.

Posted on August 18, 2012 by Cathy Silver

Four friends celebrate together;
Cathy Silver, Joy Pritchard, Sally Baldwin, Rose Hunt

The Institute for Integrative Nutrition asked us this question (this past week). We participated in an on-line Forum. Students answered this with various responses—but sometimes we have no conscious warning—and no time to say good-bye–and I share  … about my friend Sally.

I awoke, my house shaking. Steve had been violently banging on my doors to find me. In my sleepily state, I thought the city had begun another new project. I pulled back the blinds and opened the sliding glass door.

Her husband standing there visibly shaken, out of breath & with tears in his eyes threw his arms around my neck yelling, screaming and crying ‘Sally’s dead! What I said in horror trying to process what he was desperately trying to tell me. ‘Sally died’ he screamed again–wailing.  We held each other close and cried. My dear friend Sally died June 6th. She was 59. I followed Steve to their house, and there she lay, still in bed, still in her nightwear and still as a statue. I have gratitude for our friendship, what she meant to me in the last weeks of her life as Sally. When I reflect, I believe, Sally knew she was leaving, unconscious as it was; I equate it to the “nesting” women experience before they give birth.

In the several weeks before her transition, she stopped by one evening unexpected, I was on my way out but asked and we took time to have a glass of wine together. We agreed to meet Sunday at one of our favorite restaurants for a quick bite and then sat and chatted contently Tuesday at an open house hours before her soul carried her out. It was her heart. She left in her sleep–peacefully. She is missed.

Take the time to love and laugh and enjoy the ordinary, simple and mundane. You may not get your fifteen minute warning.

I am also going to share some information, about a Grief Recovery Program if you have recently experienced a loss in your life:

Myths about Grief:
• Time Heals All Wounds
• Replace the Loss
• Grieve Alone
• Be Strong For Others
• Bury Your Feelings

I have participated in Debbie’s program, and I highly recommend it. If you have experienced a lost in your life—death of a loved one or divorce, a career, or loss of trust, you might want to look into this excellent grief recovery program. This is: “One of the least acknowledged and least addressed concerns in our society is GRIEF, the normal and natural reaction to loss.”

Debbie offers private consultations, lectures, and workshops. She can be reached at 561-504-5834 or at: homeopath9@aol.com. She is located at the new Hollywood Healing Center. Hollywood, Florida.

Be Well,
Cathy

www.energiesofhealing.com

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Say “Yes to You!”

Posted on August 16, 2012 by Cathy Silver

Catching up on a weeks worth of calls, I finally listened to a voice of my friend Jen. She called to tell me in a voice of uncertainty, sadness and trepidation that she and her husband were separating. She was moving to a nearby house with her son. I reflected back to my own divorce seven years ago and the intense sadness I experienced.  It was my own journey and growth.  I am stronger, happier and free to be myself.  I wish her the same.  Now, I must call her and extend any emotional support and wisdom she needs; even if it is just the opportunity and safety to cry.  The Universe is love, Jen is love and I know she will be fine.

One of my favorite authors is Paulo Coelho.  He writes most profoundly about change and titled it “Closing Cycles”.  “One always has to know when a stage comes to an end. If we insist on staying longer than the necessary time, we lose the happiness and the meaning of the other stages we have to go through.

Closing cycles, shutting doors, ending chapters – whatever name we give it, what matters is to leave in the past the moments of life that have finished. . . . Before a new chapter is begun, the old one has to be finished: tell yourself that what has passed will never come back.

Remember that there was a time when you could live without that thing or that person – nothing is irreplaceable, a habit is not a need. This may sound so obvious, it may even be difficult, but it is very important.

Closing cycles. Not because of pride, incapacity or arrogance, but simply because that no longer fits your life.

Shut the door, change the record, clean the house, shake off the dust.

Stop being who you were, and change into who you are.”

These are good words for me and for you?  Maybe somewhere in us all, are there things we have held onto that no longer serve us?  I know I can relate, can you?  Let go! Just like winter turns to spring, and dormant trees and flowers bud and blossom,change affects us all, but we too can blossom.  Sometimes easy and sometimes difficult, this is life and tomorrow is a new day.  “Say Yes to You”.

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The “NEW” Emergency Broadcast System Message

Posted on August 13, 2012 by Cathy Silver

Quick Healthy BreakfastI am not sure when the alerts stopped; that awareness just occurred to me yesterday as I headed south on I-95. (Another driving moment.) A distant and faint memory; one that many will be unfamiliar with in 2012. Growing up, television stations/networks were required periodically to stop all programming and for about 30 seconds, as I recall, give a cautionary loud auditory warning signal which was followed by the unforgettable directive: This is only a test. If this had been a real emergency . . .

Today, we have a real emergency, and it has nothing to do with the Russians, Iranians or China. It is ours alone.

As a population, we are “overweight and obese “. The food guidelines that have been offered up are wrought with special interests, greed and dishonesty. The primary purpose of these guidelines is to provide the public with information on what to eat, but sadly we are instead influenced by catchy slogans and slick advertising campaigns. America’s food consumption is lagging behind the USDA’s recommendations. Our nation spends about 3.8 trillion dollars on its annual budget and spends absolutely nothing promoting the food guidelines or healthy eating. When was the last time you saw an ad suggesting we eat vegetables or exercise? Ask your child, where a carrot comes from; the first comment probably won’t be from the ground! Isn’t it time to wonder why a wealthy country that has reached pandemic weight and obesity issues refuses to budget funds to begin campaigns of “eating awareness” to its children–or to those who feed them? “We are what we eat”–right? What can I do today?
First, the red alert:
1.) Avoid anything with Trans-fat. They are simply a metabolic poison. Check at labels.
2.) Avoid Soda pop. Period. There is nothing healthy about this beverage, “diet”or not.
3.) Choose your carbohydrates carefully. There are better cereals than corn flakes, Lucky Charms or Trix and alternatives to fat-free sauces, orange juice. Low fat yogurt is misleading; skip it. Baked potatoes and fat-free cake also lead to weight gain. Foods like these have a high glycemic index because they are rapidly absorbed. Better choices will not give a sudden spike and then the all too familiar blood sugar crash which sends us all running for something else to eat to quiet those pangs of hunger. Instead try Kasha, quinoa, or steel-cut oats. Try fresh lemon and olive oil. A whole fresh grapefruit or apple. Skip the dairy all together. Sweet potatoes are a better alternative, and if you really need the cake, have a small slice of the real thing–or natures gift, a fresh seasonal fruit selection. And, FYI, the mango’s have been heavenly this year!

An excuse of “not enough time” is only resistance. Ask yourself, “what am I committed to?”

For a fast, healthy breakfast that you can take with you in the car, try making a green shake. It will take you less time to make and clean up than going through the drive through. This is something that really “does a body good”! Try this for a week, and see how you feel. 🙂

Make your internal guidance your Emergency broadcast system. Imagine the new directive: the green challenge. How many veggies did you eat today?
Be Well!

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 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  “live” organic powdered greens and reds

(Optional) scoop of organic protein powder—such as Sun Warrior or GreenOrganicsInternational

Udo’s Oil  3-6-9 to taste

Blend, pour and Go!

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Do I see ghosts?

Posted on August 10, 2012 by Cathy Silver

I climbed aboard the ecliptic exerciser this morning located on the upstairs level at the gym.  Within minutes, another gentleman took the recently vacated empty machine next to mine.  Each lost in our own thoughts, I peddled on with my familiar routine.  I cast my eyes over to notice and ponder the large bottle of Evian nestled in the grey plastic beverage holder.

How interesting I mused as I stared at the cost of that water. My choice, as a self designated water connoisseur and health advocate, was one that required a bit more technology & health benefits than was available by simple marketing, or implied lifestyle.   Bottled waters including Evian were outdated. Now, hold on, what did you say??

I’m sure you know  first lie parents tell their children. You know,  Santa Claus? When you believe in Santa, no amount of pleading, petitioning, or praying can convince someone ( usually your younger sibling) otherwise.  Until one day, your younger brother or sister’s beliefs begin to change–and they question the whole Santa Claus fable. Are we, as a society, hanging onto false ‘truths’ about the water we consume, mislead by the media, well paid celebrities,  and misleading propaganda much the same as a young child’s belief about the overweight senior in the fire engine red suit?

The clairvoyant is able to see objects beyond the range of natural vision.  Is it so difficult to accept that new technologies can bring benefits to water which truly support our health? Is it believable that we can build a better mousetrap? Is this a vision to which many cannot see? I truly look forward when mainstream is able to “hear” the virtues and see the benefits that I see and not succumb to the likable fear-based quick fix solutions Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson or Merck seem to offer.   Weather our choice involves picking non-GMO organic food,  stress relieving physical activity, creative enriching professions and healthy relationships or drinking the best water, we must assume responsibility and choose new ideas that support our wellness.   We can begin today to make simple choices that make the most sense and are the easiest to incorporate for our rushed and busy lives; and the water we drink is certainly one!

Healthy water suggestions:

*Water should be alkaline in pH (8.5-9.5).  This helps bring our body into balance.
* Water should have a anti-oxidant value, meaning a negative ORP. ( This makes the water anti-aging as it is neutralizing free radicals.)
* Water should be small hexagonal’ structure water clusters to properly hydrate and remove toxins from our cells/body.
* Water should be clean, refreshing & tastes great.
*Avoid plastic bottles. They are shown to leach chemicals into our body and pollute Mother Earth.
*Have an open mind and an open mouth–Drink alkaline, ionized micro clustered water daily.

The wonderful thing is you can make you healthy water.
” To enjoy good health we must understand and comply with the lesson nature teaches us–Balance.  Ionized water plays a significant role in restoring the oxidation-reduction balance. ”  –Dr. Tim McKnight, MD

“A healthy attitude is contagious but don’t wait to catch it from others. Be a carrier.”

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Make your own for a fraction of what you pay for inferior bottled water

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Turkish Coffee

Posted on August 7, 2012 by Cathy Silver

Turkish Coffee

Today I stopped into a small Organic Mediterranean Grill; Apropo Kafe. As you know, or will soon learn, eating  healthy has become a way of life, a lifestyle.  And so after a wonderfully delicious plate of baked faffel, homemade hummus, freshly sliced tomatoes–greek olives and a side basket of warmed flat bread, I took Orly’s suggestion to try her Turkish coffee. With a lovely smile and warm caring eyes, she brought the tiny coffee to my table.  Served in a petite Demitasse cup that reminded me of my grandmother’s fine china, this blended Turkish rendition tasted of froathy chocolate gently sweetened and very pleasing to my palate.

. . . Voila, ce finis.

If you care to visit the Mediterranean Grill and sample the Organic fare, you can find them at www.apropokafe.com or find Robert & Orly at 147 SE 1st Avenue, Boca Raton 33432.  561.393.1223

“Be Simple. Enjoy the simplicity of things. Life gets complicated enough on its own.”  The Zen Book

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Retail Therapy

Posted on August 6, 2012 by Cathy Silver

Why is it that sometimes, women need to get stress relief from a department store or mall? Do I speak for the gender, or a small minority? Today, I choose my therapy this way. Why, you may wonder, like a close girlfriend sitting across the table, staring intently and waiting patiently for me to continue; seconds passing like time without end.

Caught in a trap weeks ago, I was pulled over by the somewhat arrogant and righteous motorcycle cop as a passed through a (my opinion) poorly marked school zone. It felt like entrapment as I sat in the car waiting for the officer to approach my window. School zone violation; big trouble!

Rallied by a close friend and his attorney brother upon hearing my confession of the morning event, they declared, ‘You must go to court!’ “What”‘, I said, as my stomach knotted with angst and I fought back the tears. How could a simple offense bring such fear? I tried to logically make sense of my emotional fragility. My normally strong demeanor had vanished. And so it was that I visited the downtown Broward County courthouse for my first pre-trial court appointment. Room 241, the computer printout directed me upstairs.

Within minutes I had stood before the judge. Everyone of us there for some traffic violation. Wow, I thought to myself silently, what a dependable source of steady income for the County; a whole industry based in the procurement of minor violations. The boring routine of the clerks catches my attention. They sit in proximity to the judge Busily attending to the volumes of paper, like nurses on some ward, recording decisions, and dosages making notes for a future time or date. I observe the obligatory stamp. ” NEXT!”

And it was over for the moment. I get to return to face the officer armed with my photographs of the poorly marked school zone. Face to face. In the meantime, and to sooth my battered emotional state, I treat myself to lunch and splurge, adding a glass of white wine. Yes, looking for a new pair of shoes and new lipstick definitely shifted my afternoon.

Conquering this fear today, and maybe for a lifetime, I will walk through the door one more time. I know this experience is important. I know it will make me stronger. I know this is part of my journey. I challenge you to face something that you fear today. We do not come with all the answers, and I believe co-create these lessons. As the eternal beings we are, there are many mysteries which escape our intellect. I feel this is one of mine.

Be well,

Cathy

“Having climbed certain peaks you’ll descend no more, but spread your wings and fly beyond.” Messiah’s Handbook

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The Bike Ride

Posted on July 30, 2012 by Cathy Silver
Soaked to the bone after the Rain Storm but feeling good from the Ride

Exercise–does a body good!

I climbed aboard the spare bicycle I was borrowing.   It took me a minute to get used to the seat, handle bars and gear set.  It reminded me of climbing onto a new horse, rider and horse each taking a minute to settle into a safe familiar rhythm. I looked around mindful of cars and potholes, legs pushing the peddles forward and off down the sidewalk we rode.

And so it was that my friend Richard and I set out yesterday on a bike ride, despite the predictably hot humid July summer day.  Our destination:  Chocolada Bakery & Cafe in old Hollywood.

In spite of the 90+ degree temperature predicated by the morning meteorologist, the unexpected breeze was cooling and felt wonderful against my face as I peddled along, weaving in and out of sidewalks and the thinly white-painted designated bike lane.   To my surprise, this ride had transported me back to a childlike feeling;  I rode along in utter joy and glee. I am not sure if it was the exercise, fresh air or sunshine that sparked my amusement and good humor, but the carefree feeling was liberating.

The simple idea to ride had arisen as a healthier and greener alternative to get something to eat–instead of the instinctual, mundane and expected vehicle of choice: the car.

Our leisurely lunch was delightful, catching up, the way old friends do, touching on conventional topics and concerns that affect our lives. I was grateful that my Saturdays allowed time for such connection.  In the end, the simple things mean the most and Saturdays were the perfect time for such indulgences.

Returning home, we retraced our path. The usual cast of humanity showed their character. It was nothing I should take personally, I reassured myself, when impatience or anger spilled out like a  bucket of hot molten black tar towards others on the road; this included us.   I always appreciated the courteous drivers best.

Almost back to our starting point,  we were suddenly beset by a tropical torrential downpour–the kind south Florida knows so well. The usual feeling  of panic was absent.  Richard and I rode on.  Within minutes we were both soaked to the bone.  My sunglasses becoming useless as the rain beat upon the lenses; then fogging the way ski goggles do in the mountains. I removed them. Unprotected by metal and glass, my senses took in the wet grass, and sensual smells of the blooming foliage.  The warm steam and heat rising off the sidewalk.  Novel and refreshing the childlike feeling overcame us both, what fun to be soaked, riding along lighthearted and untroubled enjoying the moment. This day had been a gift.

Bike riding is for young and “old” alike; there are no age limits.  The only thing required is a positive attitude!  It is multi-generational. Timeless.  Maybe you and your family or friends could plan your adventure? Bike rentals are a good way to test the waters and many cities now have bikes for rent!

The benefits of exercise:

1.  Weight Control
2. Health/Disease Conditions
3. Moods Improve
4. Boosts Energy
5. Better Sleep
6. Brings sparkle back into Sex life
7. Exercise  is Fun

Source: Mayo clinic

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A Little About Me

Posted on July 25, 2012 by Cathy Silver
Me, with my boys, David and Joshua

Truly a “kodak” Moment . . . me with my boys Joshua (R) and David (L). 🙂

Ok, let me back up a bit and return to a introduction–of me.  This introduction is not within the pages of a  New York Times best seller, or a favorite hardcover, or even an ebook. It  is a personal glimpse into who I am, what I’m about, what ‘s important to me and why.

It is easy for me to describe a friend, but when asked to describe myself,  I freeze, I don’t know what to say.  What do others want to know? This introduction or profile reminds me of the new kid at school and something that goes way beyond–“what’s your major” and “where do you live?” LOL

What about descriptions like: female, old soul, cancer sun sign, (June 21-July 22)  scholar, Kappa, athlete, foodie, Mother, water lady, kind, caring, passionate,  eternal,  energy, and Leader.  Is this me? This and more.

My passion for health and wellness lead me to the miracles in alkaline-ionized micro-clustered mineral rich water which brings our body into balance and creates true health. Which lead me  to dig deeper and to enroll in the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, which you will hear about more in the future!  I began Monday, July 16th. 🙂

But before that, I was an athlete in high school, my proudest moment winning the state basketball tournament as captain of our team.  Then playing for the University of Washington.  Go Huskies! But did this form my desire as an advocate for true health and wellness.? Graduating from the University with a degree in Speech-Communication and immediately going to work for Pfizer–hum?…

Well that certainly gave me a education into Big Pharma.

I nursed both my children, believing natural was better. I subscribed to “Eating  Well” and “Cooking  Light”.   My Prized Gourmet magazines taking a backseat for ideas that supported that strong maternal desire for healthy children!  I invested in my first water system in 1983, fenced our small military back yard to keep my boys safe, and  was continually looking for that proactive movement needed for a healthy lifestyle.

Deep inside my soul, there has always been a desire to find the truth and a better–more holistic way to live.  Yes, we can live well, simply and have it all.  I marched to a different drum, always guided  by intuition and inner voice.  I know now that I am here to participate in the paradigm shift. My astrologer Brenda says that I am an original, out-of-the-box, no boundaries creative gal.  Because of Jupiter ( our philosophy in life or what we’re interested in ) is in Virgo and Virgo is HEALTH.  So, at my core I am interested in helping others be healthy and she says, ” ahead of my time.” And, something that helps mankind; to nurture the world!

Michael Brill, brilliant Cosmic numerologist says I am a 9. The “9” he writes, works to raise the level of self-awareness on the planet, this person is selfless, loves unconditionally, and is compassionate.  My horoscope also tells me I am ruled by the moon; the Mother of the zodiac; nurturer extraordinaire. Cancers are the home and family builders.  The Michael Teaching  tells me I am a scholar (my “primary  beingness”) and I have “an insatiable thirst and curiosity for new information and experience”. I am curious, honest, truthful, comprehensive, diligent, thorough, unassuming, methodical and thoughtful. Wow . . .

But no matter what, I have a voice and something to say and I will share it with you here! I hope it will enlighten and enhance life. And as I come across cool new stuff and healthy choices, I will share that too!

Love and light, and to our health,

Cathy

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