Fitness - Day 4 ~Kapalbhati - A Powerful Mind Detox Technique

Kapalbhati: To Bring The 'Spark' Into Your Life

Kapalbhati is a power breathing technique that is proven to help overcome blues, negativity, stress and depression - in a minute! Almost all mind-body schools have used this single mind detoxification technique in some form or another - with dramatic results. More importantly, it is the only technique used exclusively for mind purification among all the Yoga cleansing routines. It is called cleansing breath or "kapalbhati" in Sanskrit. So we all know that laughter is the best medicine. But do you really know why? No point in guessing - because, it works exactly the same way as this cleansing breath technique. Kapalbhati has a remarkable effect as a de-stressing tool and clearing the mind of negative emotions. In fact, the Sanskrit words "Kapal" means the skull and "bhati" means polishing or shining. "Kapalbhati", as the name suggests, is a method to make the head "sparkling clean" and devoid of toxins.

Who Should Not Do It?
If you're suffering from cardiac problems, nasal obstruction, cold any severe respiratory infection, it is advisable to consult your physician. It should also be avoided if you suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes or abdominal ulcers.

The Method
Although, the cleansing breath is remarkably simple, it is important that it is done properly. Sit in a comfortable position with spine erect. You can sit either cross-legged or in any position that you feel comfortable. Breathe normally for about a minute. Once composed, you can begin. First, exercise the diaphragm by exhaling suddenly and quickly through both nostrils, producing a "puffing" sound. Don't focus on inhalation. It will be automatic and passive. The air is exhaled completely from the lungs with a sudden, vigorous stroke while simultaneously drawing inwards the abdominal muscles. The breath should be expelled fully. Inhaling is automatic - the abdominal muscles will relax automatically. This exercise should be done in three rounds, each consisting of 11 strokes (for the beginner - up to 30 for a more advanced practice).

Life Coaching - Day 4 - Cleansing our Finances

We all are capable of and deserve great abundance. Most of us have some toxins getting in the way of allowing the abundance that wants to come our way. With positive intention, here are some ways you can cleanse your finances to remove the toxins and make room for more!

- Get your bills paid and up to date
- Establish automatic payments for bills
- Establish automatic payments for yourself (savings)!
- Take care of any outstanding paperwork
- Be sure you are informed and feel great about your investments
- Be up front and make payment arrangements for any debts you still have

What we are really doing here is detoxing any negative, fearful or dead energy out of our financial life! There is also something very powerful about putting positive energy towards our abundance.

Happy Cleansing!

Don't let a caffeine withdrawal headache get the better of you ~ Wellness Coaching

If you are experiencing headaches from a caffeine withdrawal let us remind you that you need not suffer through it. If it goes beyond a 6 on a scale of 1-10, don't hesitate to take a regular recommended dose of Tylenol or Advil. Pain is not our objective. Pain will only cause you stress which will in turn affect your chemistry and increase your acidity within your body.  Take an aspirin, breathe deep, go for a walk, and even try putting your feet in a bowl of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. This draws blood down from your head and into your feet which helps to relieve headache pain.... yes, an old wise woman's remedy I was taught many years ago. And it works!

Caffeine withdrawal headaches should only last 24 to 48 hours. If you are continuing to experience intense headaches after 48 hours, or the aspirin is not working, or they are reaching migraine levels, have a 1/4 cup coffee to ease the intensity.  Again, pain is not the objective here and a compromise is quite acceptable.

Fitness Day 3 - twist out the toxins!

Just like wringing out a wash cloth, twisting your spine will help the body release its accumulated gunk! Making the twist restorative keeps the process gentle and nurturing - two qualities we all can use more of, especially as we move deeper into our cleanse.

Sit on your mat. Bend your right leg bringing your foot just underneath you. Inhale and pass left foot over right knee, placing it on the floor beside the right knee. Place right hand on the floor beside your hip. Simultaneously, place left elbow on right knee, using it to increase the twist that you will soon be creating at the spine. Exhale and twist completely towards the right and look over the shoulder. Ensure that the spine remains erect and the right foot remains flat on the ground. This correction is important to fine-tune the detox effect of this twist. Also, remember to use your left elbow to increase the effect of the twist by pressing the knee backwards. Breathe normally, holding the pose for a few seconds. Release. Repeat three times. Then repeat the same steps for the opposite side.

Benefits: This gives a powerful squeeze to your stomach, squeezing the body’s most important detox player – the liver, which is involved with over 500 functions, including detoxification of any junk we consume, like coffee, alcohol, etc. The transverse squeeze also works on the other organs and glands of elimination and excretion, including the entire uro-genital system, the spleen, kidneys, and the adrenals (involved with stress management). It busts constipation, a major problem of those with mismanaged metabolism and toxic over-kill. The squeeze-release effect it provides sends a fresh gush of blood into these regions, rejuvenating them and hastening the inner clean-up.

Twist - turn - breathe - clean - empty out - let go!

Life Coaching - Day 3 - Cleansing Your Voice

You have a sacred and powerful gift. It is your voice. Your truth. Your expression of you.

In our complex social environments it is oh so easy to find yourself drifting from the truth, expressing thoughts and making comments not because they are true for you, but because you think it's what people want to hear. Or, you may be acting unconsciously, from personality, so expressing old patterns and hurts, not current truth.

Why not cleanse your entire system, from your heart and mind, through your mouth, and into the world around you, of words that are not true. Words that aren't in alignment with who you really are. Words that come from places other than truth, love and compassion.

It's quite easy. It means being conscious, and present with yourself. Knowing what you think and feel, then opening your mouth. Once you start to cleanse your voice, you'll start to make room for your true wisdom and greatness.

Day 3 -Detox Tips

Good Morning Happy Cleansers!

How are we feeling today?

Day 3 can be a bit of a challenge, but those unwanted coffee headaches should soon be easing off .

Detoxing Tips

1) Remember to start the day off with warm lemon water to flush the kidneys and alkalize the body.

2) Chew your food 8-12 times and eat slowly. Take a deep breath in between each bite (this is alkalizing to the body)

3)Sip on water during meals but try not to exceed 4 oz. You want to dilute your digestive enzymes just enough to get the food down smoothly but not drown them out so they won't due their job properly.

4)Drink plenty of purified water ( at least 8-10 cups per day) This is essential throughout the program because it helps to flush out the many toxins that will be stirred up and eliminated from fat stores and organs in the body. Drinking adequate water will provide the necessary fluid for your body to push toxins out of your lymphatic system through the creation of lymph fluid.

* You may be feeling headaches, increased tiredness, and nausea at this time. This is the detox process beginning. Please don't get discouraged, these symptoms will soon subside and you will feel revitalized and full of energy! Try taking herbal teas with honey every 2-3 hours until symptoms subside.*

KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK EVERYONE....ITS WELL WORTH IT!

Replacing the old snacks with the new energy fueled ones!

Try to take some time out to prepare your snacks for the week ahead. Pre-cut your veggies and keep them in tupperware containers in your fridge. This way you have them readily available for snacks and meals.

Pick and choose from these healthy snack ideas and have them on hand during your detox. Depending on your metabolism and your level of detoxing you may or may not need to snack. But you’ll want to have cleansing snacks available when and if you have cravings between meals so that you don’t reach for something outside of your detox plan.

The best things to consume between meals are filtered water (with lemon) and decaffeinated herbal teas. Drinking lots of water and tea in between meals will flush the toxins out of your system as well as well as ward off hunger. Often that will be enough. 

Note: Feelings of hunger often indicate mild dehydration and are relieved when you hydrate. Wait 5 -10 minutes. If you still feel hungry, then reach for a cleansing snack.

Cleansing snacks: should mainly include, fresh raw veggies, fresh raw fruit (fresh fruit should be consummed in the morning only), dried fruit, raw nuts ( make a trail mix), or any of the specialty detox snacks listed below.

Heart Healthy Cookies
These recipes are a life saver when you’re wanting to stay on track. Cookie cravings are no problem as long as you have a few minutes to throw a batch of these in the oven. They are all natural, loaded with protein and totally delicious!
1/2 cup coconut oil (room temperature)
1/3 cup agave nectar
2 cups raw nuts (use pecans, almonds, cashews, walnuts or any combination of these)
1 1/2 cups arrowroot powder
1/4 teaspoon himalayan salt
Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2) Cream together coconut oil and agave in a large bowl by hand or with an electric mixer. Make sure to get all the lumps out.
3) Coarsely grind nuts in a food processor.
4) Add the rest of the dry ingredients to the food processor and pulse a few times to mix.
5) Stir the contents of the food processor into the wet ingredients until well mixed.
6) Form into small cookies 1/2 inch thick on oiled cookie sheet and bake at for 10-12 minutes or until slightly brown on the edges.
Makes 2 dozen cookies


Banana Oat Muffins
These sugar free banana muffins is a great snack or dessert on your detox or anytime. It’s easy to make, delicious, full of nutrients and free of wheat, sugar and dairy.
Ingredients:

1/3 cup coconut oil (melted and cooled)
2 ripe bananas
1/4 cup agave nectar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 cup oat flour
1/4 cup arrowroot powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
dash of Himalayan salt
Approx. 1/3 cup water
1/2 cup crushed walnuts (optional)
Topping
1/3 cup crushed walnuts
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon agave nectar
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Melt coconut oil in a sauce pan on medium low heat and set aside to cool.
Mash bananas in a large mixing bowl. Add agave nectar and cinnamon and stir well.
Whisk in cooled liquid coconut oil.
Combine dry ingredients in a small bowl and add them to the wet ingredients. Stir well.
Stir in enough water (about 1/3 cup) to reach the consistency of a loose batter.
Stir in walnuts.
Oil the muffin tins (grapeseed oil)or use muffin liners and pour in batter.

Mix up topping and spoon it onto the top of the batter.
Bake at 350 degrees F for about 25 minutes. Test toothpick – it will come out clean when the muffins are done Makes 8-12 muffins


Bake-Free Cocoa Cookies
If you haven’t yet learned about the many health benefits of using dark cocoa in the place of refined and sugar-sweetened chocolate, you are in for a treat. This recipe is only one of the many ways to use chocolate as part of your lifestyle. As you become cleaner you will be more sensitive to the natural stimulating properties in cacao and you will need less and less of it to feel satisfied.
2/3 cups blue agave nectar or maple syrup
1/2 cup almond milk
1/2 cup coconut oil
3 cups quick-cooking oats
1cup flaked unsweetened coconut
6 tablespoons Dark cocoa
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
1) In a large saucepan, combine the Agave nectar, almond milk and coconut oil; bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat.
2) Stir in the oats, coconut, cocoa and vanilla. Working quickly, drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper. Let stand until set, about 1 hour…

Hemp & Walnut Energy Bars
2 c dates
½ c dried fruit (ex.blueberries, gogi berries
1 c walnuts
½ c hemp seeds
¼ tsp himalayan salt
½ c rolled oats or kamut

Directions:

1) In a small bowl , pour hot water over dates and let sit for 15-30 min...drain. In a food processor, blend dates & remaining ingredients until mixture starts to pull away from the sides of the mixture and forms a dough. Flatten out on wax paper or saran wrap and put in freezer. Slice as desired

Granola Bars
Homemade Granola Bars are a great snack food. Keep them on hand to pack for lunch or grab on the run. Make a large batch ahead of time and stash them for later. Most granola bars sold in grocery stores are anything but healthy, despite what they claim. It’s always important to look beyond the marketing and really consider the ingredients.
Ingredients:
2 1/4 C Old Fashioned Oats
¾ C Sesame Seeds
3/4 c Flax seed meal
1 C Almonds, smashed into pieces (alternatively: cashews, pecans, pumpkin seeds, or walnuts)
1 tsp himalayan salt
1 C Honey
5 T Coconut oil
1 1/2 tsp Vanilla
1 C Dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, chopped figs, dates, cherries, pineapple)
Directions:
1) In a 9 x 12 pan: combine the oats, sesame seeds, almonds, and salt. Toast in the oven at about 350F for 12 minutes or until light golden. Stir every 4 min or so to prevent burning
2) While waiting for the good stuff to toast, combine the honey and coconut oil in a saucepan and heat until the two mix into a consistent liquid, stirring frequently. Then stir in the dried fruit, allowing them to soften and soak up some of the sauce.
3) Remove the oats, seeds, and nuts from the oven when they are nice and toasty. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the vanilla, then pour directly over the toasted mixture. Stir until combined and “ooey-gooey.” Press into the pan and allow to cool. (and try not to eat too much of the deliciously sticky mess)
4) When cool, cut into bars and enjoy!

Fitness Day 2 - Legs up the wall

Legs up the wall - An asana to detoxify ~ Lymphatic cleaning

Because our lymph is rich in white blood cells, it plays a vital role in our immune system and toxin removal from tissues of the body. The better this communication system is working, the better our entire body feels. Our lymph simply has to move around based on how much you move around – it uses the contractions and stretching of your regular skeletal muscles. The only way you can ensure proper lymph circulation is with exercise or massage. No other exercise moves lymph around in so many good directions as Yoga!

Viparita Karani or "Legs-Up-the-Wall" is a restorative yoga posture that helps to relieve congestion and rejuvenate the entire lymphatic system. Yoga practitioners of all body-types, ages and levels of experience can practice this pose. During pregnancy, Viparita Karani is the only appropriate inversion to practice. To invert the body, sit with one hip at the wall and knees hugged into your chest. Spin your body towards the wall to simultaneously lower your back to the flow and extend your legs up the wall. If you want to support your lower back, you can prop a folded blanket beneath your sacrum. This pose can be practiced for five to 15 minutes daily. Turn on beautiful music and sink into the experience of healing.

Other benefits of this pose: relieving tired or cramped feet; gently stretching the calves, back and neck; may relieve a mild backache; and calms the mind. Can help improve or eliminate varicose veins. It soothes the nervous system, increasing circulation. Can help bring balance to blood pressure and relieve hyper-tension. It is also cooling to the system and is reported to lessen the intensity of hot flashes. It is especially great for people who spend too much time sitting and standing since it relieves swelling and fatigue in the legs and feet by reversing the effects of gravity. Viparita Karani is good for almost everything that ails you, including anxiety, arthritis, digestive problems, headache, respiratory ailments, urinary disorders, premenstrual syndrome, and menopause. Something to try whenever you can’t get to sleep!

Life Coaching - Day 2 - Cleansing Your Environment

It's Day 2! Congratulations. It's a major step to start the cleanse and keep going! All you need do is take things one day at a time from now on and you are going to experience great benefits.

In order to encourage the process of change, it's time to get rid of things that are keeping you stuck. Here are some suggestions for things you can do to create room in your environment for positive change:

- Clean out a closet

- Organize your home office

- Give some surplus clothes to charity

- Tackle any area of clutter that bothers you

Of course, pay close attention to yourself and how you are feeling. If you aren't inspired or don't have enough energy to tackle your environment, just enjoy that you'll do it soon. However, you might find yourself quite energized very soon!

Getting rid of our physical environment toxins is part of the cleanse.

Happy Cleansing...

Cleaning out the kitchen!

Day 1 –Cleanse To prepare for the detox, remove all of these substances from your house so that you won't have access to them during the detox. These include things like coffee, chocolate & alcohol. The 5 toxic whites: Dairy, flour, sugar, processed salt, white rice. If these substances are not in your house, you'll be less likely to reach for them during the craving.you will likely experienced cravings while you detox. This is not only because you're undergoing the detox itself, which can be stressful (and which may make you crave foods as a means to cope), but it also means that at least for that short term, you're giving up certain foods and substances. Of course, for the long term, to maintain your best health you'll also want to give up unhealthy substances long-term, such as cigarettes or excessive alcohol or caffeine.When you experience these cravings, you'll likely also experience withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, moodiness or other mood changes, stomach aches and other digestive difficulties that come as a result of your body cleansing these substances out of your system. It should help you to know that although the symptoms are uncomfortable, they are also short term and will dissipate over time ( usually by day 3). When it's over, you'll feel and look better and will have given yourself a gift of good health!

Fitness - Day 1 ~ Our Breath

We begin with breath. Just as we first connected when we were brought into this glorious world, we took a deep breath in, engaging us in our present life. Breath is essential to living, and how we breathe determines how full, healthy and balanced our life remains. Deep full breath alkalizes our bodies assisting in the release of toxins. Both your inhale and exhale will be through your nostrils. This is very important as it keeps a careful balance of carbon dioxide in our respiratory system, among many other benefits.
This simple daily practice will encourage you to take care of your life giving breath. Taking less than 10 minutes, but providing vital life force to fill you with vital energy.

Sit comfortably in easy pose (cross legged) on a pillow to open hip flexors, or upright in a straight back chair. Ensure that your spine is straight, shoulders back, and chest open. Keeping your chin parallel to the floor, when our head tilts backward we tend to let our mind wander, and if the chin drops toward the floor, we tend to become sleepy. A deep breath goes all the way down to the bottom of you, to your root chakra. Distending your abdomen - filling up with life force. On your exhale you release slowly and evenly as you pull your belly button in toward your spine.

Begin by breathing slow, deep and even through your nose. Start by paying attention to the slight movement your body is making as you breathe in and out. Take 10 deep, slow breaths, feeling your body gently move.

Next, change your awareness to the feel and temperature of the air as it exits and enters your nostrils. Notice how the air is cool as you inhale, and warm as you exhale. Take 10 deep, slow breaths.

Move your attention now to the subtle sound your breath makes as you draw it in, and send it outward. Do not increase the sound, but tune into the gentle noise your breath is creating. Breathe deep 10 times.

Sit afterward for a few moments and feel the connection you have made between your body, mind and spirit. Enjoy the expansion created within.

Week One ~ 'Wiping the Slate Clean' ~ Wellness Coach

Week one is focused on cleansing the body of toxins, and as a result we begin to eliminate many of the following symptoms:

• inflammation
• water retention
• chronic pain
• sluggishness
• sleeplessness
• low energy
• bad breath
• strong body odor
• constipation
• chronic bloating
• thin hair and cracking nails

And this list goes on. If you suffer from any of the above, you should begin to feel some relief by the end of the first week.

Homework: Set your own personal goals and write them down. Keep a journal of your cleansing journey.
Ask yourself "What do I wish to accomplish besides eliminating all of the above?"...

• weight loss
• fit body
• an overall healthier lifestyle
• ability to manage stress more easily
• reconnected with self
• reconnect with my body
• reconnect with food
• inspire the whole family to get healthy and stay healthy
• a new zest for life!

We encourage you to do this homework and even post these goals on your fridge or somewhere where the entire family can be reminded and inspired daily.

We're wiping the slate clean this week so we can start with a new palette! Cheers!

It's Day 1 - Life Coaching

Congratulations.  By joining this cleanse, you have made a powerful decision that supports your holistic health, and the highest fulfillment of yourself and your dreams.  Know that at this very moment, you are doing everything you can to support your own health and happiness!

It’s Day 1, and the most important thing is making sure you give yourself all the tools and space you need to ensure a successful cleanse.  Most people need to make a little space in their lives for the cleanse.  You'’ll be cooking a bit differently, you'’ll be feeling a bit different, and you'’ll want lots of time and space for healing and getting in touch with yourself.

Are there some things you could resolve to set aside for the duration of the cleanse?  Perhaps a worry you'’ve had?  A commitment it would be better to excuse yourself from?  Do you need to temporarily create some space for yourself socially?  Is your physical environment ready to support you enjoying the cleanse and making the very most of it?

Today is your day to make space for YOU as you support yourself in this wonderful process.  Happy Cleansing!

Grail Springs Detox Elixir Recipe

This drink is so tasty it has been highlighted on Entertainment Tonight, served at the Toronto International Film Festival, the Genie Awards and the Bell Celebrity Classic! Besides being delicious, it's health benefits:

• raises alkalinity
• detoxifies
• builds immune system

This refreshing detox cocktail has become infamous at Grail Springs Health & Wellness Center, served daily to guests on our health & wellness programs, as well as at our traveling Detox Beverage Bar offered up at many celebrity functions.  The Grail Detox Elixir reduces acid and raises the alkaline levels of the body as Grail Springs is all about teaching the importance of maintaining a pH balanced to ensure good health. Though lemons are thought of as highly acidic, when they mix with digestive juices, they turn alkaline. Maple syrup is also surprisingly alkalizing for the body, an excellent substitute for white sugar, and ginger is a fantastic digestive cure and immune booster among other things.  We recommend using all organic products, and Perrier is a great choice for the added bubbly because it contains no additives.  You can make the infusion ahead of time and even store it for days in the refrigerator.  This is a wonderful and refreshing and healthy drink that the whole family with love. Excellent served with hot water in the winter too.

juice from 2 to 3 organic lemons
¼ cup finely chopped organic ginger
1/3 cup organic maple syrup (or to taste)
infuse the above three ingredients for at least 30 minutes to a day. Stores really well for days and days:
just before serving add 2 tablespoons of mixture to glass:
top with ice cold Perrier
garnish with blueberry and mint leaf
stir well
You can also serve it with hot water in the winter....
Serves 4

Meet Your Four Cleanse Coaches Today on 4pm EST Conference Call

Be sure to follow your instructions to get on the conference call. Your four coaches are:

• Chef Melissa Friesen - Nutritional Coach
• Amanda Stuart - Fitness Coach
• Michele Caron - Life Coach
• Madeleine Marentette - Spiritual Coach & Wellness Coach (host)

And do visit this blog each and every morning. This is where the daily action is starting first thing on Monday morning. You don't want to miss the fun!

    1.    When you wake up in the morning you will find the days motivational messages, inspiration and directions including other great health tips and antidotes. You don't need a GMail account in order to read the blog. However.....

    2.    If you wish to interact with your coaches, leave comments or questions, you will need a GMail account. Just follow the link provided to sign up for a GMail account. It is quick and so easy to do if you haven't done so already. http://mail.google.com/mail/help/open.html

21 Day Cleanse Starts Tomorrow! Conference Call begins 4pm EST

Hello Everyone and congratulations on taking the first steps to committing to a healthier, happier life!

This is where the daily action is every AM starting first thing on Monday morning. You don't want to miss the fun!

    1.    When you wake up in the morning you will find the days motivational messages, inspiration and directions including other great health tips and antidotes. You don't need a google Gmail account in order to read the blog. However.....

    2.    To leave comments or questions with any of the coaches under their postings you will need a google GMail account. Just follow the link provided to sign up for a google GMAIL account. It is quick and so easy to do if you haven't done so already. http://mail.google.com/mail/help/open.html

Bring inner peace back from the spa - Bring inner peace back from the spa - More magazine

Bring inner peace back from the spa - Bring inner peace back from the spa - More magazine

Posted using ShareThis

21 Day Cleanse Online begins this March 21st! Come Clean this Spring!

Hi there,

Well it's that time of year again and we are getting readay to launch our seasonal 21 Day Cleanse Online this weekend! You're in for the best investment ever made by you ~ for YOU. Grail Springs has been delivering successful holistic wellness programs to thousands of individuals each year at our Canadian retreat centre. Don't miss out on our seasonal 21 Day Cleanse Online. We come to you via....Online @ twitter, @ facebook @ blog and @ live tele-conference calls.

Four inspirational coaches including myself will guide you in real time, every day, online, for 21 days: We'll be detoxing right along with you.  $210 for your entire household could be the greatest investment you've ever made towards your family's health and well being. Includes:

• weekly tele-conference calls
• daily goals with step by step guidance
• interactive messages from four coaches specific to food, fitness, life and spiritual
• recipes from the Grail Springs detox program
• shopping lists
• at home detox remedies and tips
• 'om-so-easy' meditations for real people
• daily fitness plan
• secrets to creating a brilliant life
• tele-calls with guest speakers
• and so much more!

Register today - come clean, lose weight, feel great!  http://www.grailsprings.com/21DayCleanse

The bitter truth for cats and dogs lost in rural townships...

In response to the public outrage about the shooting of eight shelter animals in Houston, Alaska by a police officer ordered to do so by the town mayor...

The general pubic for the most part does not realize that in rural communities across America and Canada, the shooting of pound cats and dogs is the norm, a practice that occurs everyday by the thousands. The bodies are often taken to the local dump.

In our case here in rural Ontario, until I stepped in back in 1993, the cats and dogs were shot, put in garbage bags and disposed of at the local garbage dump. I also discovered through investigation and interviews, that years before, the bodies were dissolved in a vat of acid, this a best kept secret for decades in our community, still unknown to mostly everyone. Horrific, I know. When asked, the local newspaper refused to expose the practice to the public because the editor felt is was too disturbing. We were as a collective able to end the practice and engage the help of a local Vet.

People must be made aware that hundreds of rural townships still contract with local farmers, where barns act as holding cells until a lost or abandoned pet's D day is up. It is the reality.

What you can do: If you live in a rural area and don't know of a shelter nearby, call your local township office and just ask the question ~ what they do with stray cats and dogs? Perhaps you will be the one to change things in your area as did we. Not only did we stop the shooting, we had the pound redesigned for the health and safety of the animals, and encouraged an active adoption program successfully reducing the number of unwanted animals being unnecessarily euthanized. It was also the catalyst behind me founding HART: The Highland Animal Relief Team which has since 1993 rescued tens of thousands of unwanted pets, created a successful fostering program, induced a successful SNIP spay and neutral program and educated the local community on pet ownership awareness.  Perhaps there is something you too can do to assist the plight of lost pets in rural areas. Oh yes - and always adopt. Never buy! xo (that's my latest animal companion, Happy Hemi we call her, all the way from rural Ohio!)

Women on the Leading Edge of an Evolutionary Leap. SAVE THE DATE: June 27 to July 4th for The Grail Lady Faire!

 

It's been a decade in the making... now in gestation. Due date: June 27th. It's 'The Grail Lady Faire'. I could barely sleep last night. You know when something is right when it comes with ease, flow and acceptance. Just hours after going live with the event yesterday I fielded dozens of email inquiries from friends, family, colleagues, and even a male friend who is trying figure ways to qualify! I sense this is going to be one of the most magical, inspirational, evocative, and important weeks of my life, and the life of many other women. It's a pivotal point for great change and transformation, both personally and for the planet. One thing I know for sure, every woman counts.

There is a rising tide, a paradigm shift on its way. It's out with the old, in with the new. But it is up to women to decide the outcome. It is up to women to finally empower themselves with their innate female gifts that were for so long suppressed and hidden, to dig deep and rediscover their conviction and take leadership roles. It is time to put away the old fears and brainwashed ideas of female limitation. It is time to grab our swords and shields and charge to the front lines. Sounds like a war cry. It is a battle but a battle of a different kind. Our swords represent 'right thought in action', the shield represents 'the oath of justice, truth and freedom for all'. I am in my mind's eye just now visioning my favorite cinema scene of all time ~ Kate Blanchett as Queen Elizabeth in her final battle with the patriarchal Spanish Armada. An etheric vision of spirit fully embodied with the heart and mind of a true leader.

If you too have heard the call, and feel compelled to act then please join with us on June 27th to July 4th as we answer the call with sword and shield in hand and begin to co-create together a new world of love, peace, truth and freedom for all.