Sign petition today and pass it on! China about to ban cats and dogs for human consumption! This is a huge step towards a more humane China.

I'll never forget the first time I witnessed a film expose on the cat and dog markets of Beijing in the early 90's. Larry King gave fair warning that what we were about to see was shocking. Not in my wildest dreams could I have ever imagined such cruelty and I suffered many a nightmare for years following. Millions of others watched in horror as well and it soon captured the awareness of the masses worldwide. Many thought this practice would end when Beijing won the Olympic bid for 2008 but it was only hidden deeper in the bowels of the city so the general public could not see. Well it's been two decades of ongoing pressure from other governments and international animal welfare groups and finally now ~ China is slated to ban cats and dogs from human consumption, imposing heavy fines to individuals and restaurants who continue to do so. This change has come from the rising pet-loving middle class. But the fight has not been won as yet. Please sign this petition today and pass it on. This is a monumental vote for China's government, people and pets. The beginning of the end of a cruel practice.... a more humane China is on its way! http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/980306975

The Kind Diet ~ A simple guide to losing weight, feeling great and saving the planet!

I was beyond thrilled to tune in to Oprah last night, my usual 'end of day therapy' while trying out a new dairy free broccoli and cauliflower soup. Alicia Silverstone was discussing her new book 'The Kind Diet' which I purchased just before Christmas. There is truly a food revolution happening out there and it is timely and exciting to see. Our planet is in peril for sure - BUT the same message we ourselves have been promoting here at Grail Springs keeps delightfully showing up in the media lately.... "If we choose health for ourselves, we are choosing health for our planet!"  YES!!!

It is true on every front. If we buy local, buy organic and embrace a vegetarian based diet, we will see an enormous reduction in disease affliction and carbon emissions causing global warming. Not to mention of course the obvious - the end of pure animal exploitation and cruelty that is clearly inhumane and unconscionable.  It is really quite simple what needs to be done. Never mind 'Nopenhagen'. We as individual consumers have the absolute power to impact and reverse climate change. Now. And we can also solve the health care crisis, child obesity, water shortage and the list goes on.

Best quote I heard last night... "The less you are willing to spend on fresh wholesome foods, the more you are going to spend on health care."

Alicia's book is a must have, not just for vegetarians or vegans but for those who are sitting on the fence, unsure of how to get started. She offers fantastic step by step advise for the newbie who is 'Flirting' as she calls it, to the vegan 'Superhero'! Buy it! You'll love it. You'll feel great, lose weight and save the planet at the same time. http://www.amazon.ca/Kind-Diet-Simple-Feeling-Losing/dp/1605296449

I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! Use Your Spending Power to Create a Cleaner, Greener World!

I love this! It's a message I've been promoting here at Grail Springs, in all of my lectures, whenever I can! Because I truly believe it. And now... Diane MacEachern has launched a book called 'Big Green Purse' which urges women to use their consumer clout to protect the environment – and themselves!

The message is simple and revolutionary. Women CAN change the way they spend their money to directly solve the environmental crisis – and protect themselves and their families, too.

Why women? Because women spend $.85 of every dollar in the marketplace!!! YOU - WOMEN - have the power to change the world! Let's do it! Spread the word ladies. Spend green. And we'll make all those who are killing our planet rethink and recreate their business to go green. There is nothing wrong with that! It's called a Renaissance.

Buy local, buy organic, buy green, buy products with less packaging, go vegetarian, buy no leather, fur or feather products, and support women entrepreneurs who have created businesses that are in alignment with the same values! Buy Diane's book at www.amazon.com or www.amazon.ca

PS - Watch out for our big announcement for a huge women's event being held this summer at Grail Springs - women changing the world!

What are some doctors calling THE missing link for disease prevention and balanced weight?... Why it’s the pH Balanced Approach to Diet!

After seven years of presenting a pH balanced acid/alkaline meal plan at Grail Springs, Canada’s Premiere Health Spa and Wellness Center, I am utterly convinced it is indeed THE missing link to weight management, disease prevention, healing and maintaining the highest-level of wellness for life.

Bonus factor; it can also help to save the planet! pH balance is primarily maintained in the body by eating lots of lots vegetables, especially our greens. Kale for instance is one of the highest alkaline foods. Animal protein on the other hand is highly acidic food.

There are so many wonderful substitutes nowadays, some of my favorites; Gardein, Yves and YingYing all readily available in your grocery store.

It was this approach to eating that was the final healing I needed to free me from my own debilitating illness. It's simply the most important key to disease prevention and the whole world needs to know about it! You can find a list of acid/alkaline foods in my bestselling book available at Amazon.com!

Buddha Balls...I keep getting asked over and over again to share this tastiest easiest recipe for healthy snack… Y-OM!

A delicious health snack you can store away in the freezer

I discovered these little gems in a tiny little vegetarian cafe in a local town nearby and asked them if they would be so kind as to share the recipe with me. I've since made these in bunches many times over, freezing them and pulling a few out at a time as a convenient and fulfilling healthy snack to take on the road.
Once you've made them once or twice, you will feel you can start to experiment with other combinations of ingredients.  Roll them in coconut, or cocoa or leave them plain. Delicious and healthy at the same time!

2 cups plain almonds, finely ground
½ cup carob powder or cocoa
1/3 tsp Himalayan salt
1 cup shredded coconut
¾ cup agave nectar or brown rice syrup
2 Tbl olive oil
Add a handful each of a couple of ingredients, whatever your heart desires such as:
Ground pumpkin seeds
Hemp seeds
Raisin

Go Vegetarian in 2010 ~ THE most impactful choice YOU can make to save our Planet AND get healthly. It's a WIN WIN.

When is the last time you did something for your own wellbeing that benefited everyone else? That is what happens when you choose not to buy or consume animal products and move to a plant-based diet.  Not only are you making the right choices for body, mind and conscience, you are majorly reducing your carbon impact on the planet.

Did you know that the fields across the planet that are filled with cow manure waste emit 20 times more menathe gas into the atmosphere then CO2? This scientific finding from the EPA (Environment Protection Agency) has rich cattle ranchers up in arms as they are being required to clean up their business. And as can be expected the fight is on as they turn to politicians to support their polluting industry. And they just might get it as $$ talk in Congress as per usual.


We can't afford to wait for politicians or cattlemen to clean up their act or our planet for us. This world is primed to change from an old paradigm to a new one, but this time it has to come from the ground up. Us. Our non-purchase of animal products is our vote against further destruction to this planet. This is our voice speaking that we will not tolerate the continuous stripping of our precious resources.  There is nothing more you can do to save the planet then to go vegetarian, more than switching to a hybrid!

As head of the United Nations Environmental Committee announced earlier this year, "The most impactful thing we can all do to save the planet, is to go vegetarian."

Winter Solstice: Meaning & 7 Simple Steps to Manifesting

The first full moon in December signifies the beginning of the Winter Solstice whereby thousands of people around the world begin a consicious process of inner self-reflection while also focusing on their vision for the upcoming year. For many, this process runs from the full moon before the Solstice (December 22nd ) until New Year's Day.

This practice goes back thousands of years when the Winter Solstice was one of the most important celebrations. For the Celts it marked the rebirth of the suns power, also seen as going from darkness into the light. It took root in the agricultural significance for their human survival, as well as spiritual significance. The two worlds, heaven and earth, were weaved as One. Hence, the Celtic knot.

Two decades ago I became familiar with this celebration and have been practising it ever since. I have come to understand that solar astrology is the science of relationships between all living things within the universe. This has proven to be an amazing process in manifesting my own dreams and goals and recognizing my personal responsibility and relationship to the planet. We are significantly influenced by that which is present around us; weather, other people, world events, solar and planetary influences. How aware we are of these influences gives us a better handle on how to transform these influences into positive experiences in our life.

At the full moon in December, I set time aside to reflect and do an accounting of the year that has passed. I compare it with what I had written the year before. It never ceases to amaze me as to what has actualized, and am convinced that it speeds up the process and attracts opportunities towards me. Of course you have to align yourself with making it and allowing it to happen ~ in other words, you have to do the work.

A helpful tip...When I consider my aspirations for the New Year, I make sure I include aspirations for all of me... career, body, mind AND soul. Don't forget about your spiritual needs, the most important of all. If you are spiritually content and connected, the physical, the career, your relationships, they will get the boost they need to be fulfilled in a positive way as well.

7 Simple Steps to Get Started

Copenhagen or No Hopenhagen; Canadians must sign petition today! http://tinyurl.com/yjr5ezu

Today is the day to sign and send this petition demanding Prime Minister Harper start representing the people's will on climate change. Sign and share to all fellow Canadians today!  http://tinyurl.com/yjr5ezu

Give a Gift That Matters....3rd world gift giving project

A cool website for giving to third world projects this holiday season.  For the person who has everything, why not buy seeds for a woman's co-op in Africa in their honor. Or for instance:

In the village of Dakpemyilli in Northern Ghana, clean water is very scarce. Families regularly bathe and drink from the same water that livestock use, so water-borne diseases are a significant health hazard. The villagers are building water systems to provide clean water for the community.

This year why not skip the usual and ‘Give a Gift That Matters’ in honor of someone you love.

Did you know that you can re-infect yourself with the flu or cold with your own toothbrush!?

Ever wonder why – just when you think you are over the flu, you get a second round of it and goes on and on for weeks?! Well guess what the culprit could be? Not only should you be replacing your used toothbrush every two to three months, you should be replacing it every time a cold or flu has run its course.

Other common sense pointers, not allowing your toothbrush to be stored with those of your families like in the photo above. Store your brush alone and standing up in such a way that it will dry out quickly. Letting it remain wet will only promote the breeding of more  germs. And when traveling, dry it really well before packing!

Chakra Energy Health

The bio-energy field surrounds every living thing, from a planet, human being, animal, tree, leaf to a cell. Today science can read this frequency as it appears by way of a light and colour spectrum resulting from bio-feedback or bio-pulsar measurements. Here are the seven Major Chakra Centres and their corresponding Colour, Glands and Organs. Next time you come to Grail Springs you can have your aura/chakra health photographed with our latest investment in this dynamic technology!

7th Crown: White~Pineal~All Organs
6th Third Eye: Indigo~Pituitary~Brain
5th Throat: Turquoise~Thyroid~Larynx
4th Heart: Green~Thymus~Spleen (organ of vitality)
3rd Solar Plexus: Yellow~Pancreas~Stomach
2nd Sacral: Orange~Adrenal~Sex
1st Base: Red~Gonads~Kidney

What you can do to create excellent energy health!
* take 5 mins daily to breathe, rest and relax; restore calm in heart and mind
* learn a new meditation
* take up yoga or Pilates
* run or do some type of cardio 10 mins per day
* start your day with the 6-min Grail World Mantra
* book yourself at least one energy therapy per month; chakra balancing, Reiki, Cranio-sacral therapy, Therapeutic Touch, Aromatherapy
* take a Himalayan salt bath once a week
* never stay mad, committ to finding your resolve each and every day
* eat live food vs dead food; as much organic locally grown vegetables as possible
* check-in to Grail Springs for a 'me' balancing retreat!

"The Shift of Ages Movie Clip"... Mayan Calendar prophecy... a balanced message from a wiseman

Good Day Friends,

Today I was sent this 6 min clip from a documentary film coming out by Steve Copeland. There is as you know much speculation about the significance of December 21st, 2012, the date the Mayan Calendar ends. I for one am not a doomsayer. I intuit this is a moment, an opportunity for a major planetary shift in consciousness. An opportunity to heal ourselves and our planet ~ what we try to do every day at Grail Springs.

Driven by greed and power, the violence perpetrated by the strategy of 'divide and conquer', men and especially women and children have suffered unspeakable atrocities. The crisis is not coming. It has already arrived. The message is loud and clear. WE are the solution to the problem. WE must take hold of the opportunity to right ourselves now. The power lies not just in the hands of political leaders, but in the hearts, voices and hands of each and every individual...especially those with a computer - the world wide web is the weapon of choice to win this war.

Watch wiseman Don Alejandro's poignant message, share it with others, and let it inspire us all to take action, both inward and outward.

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Himalayan Salt Recipe for a Sole Bath (pronounced Solay) during Full Moon = Equal to a 3~day Fast!

During the Full Moon Phase the healing process of the body is at its peak. The 88 minerals from Himalayan salt can penetrate the skin and are absorbed in the form of ions. Bio~energetic weak points are harmonized and the bodies own energy flow is activated. The cleansing effect of this easy to make salt bath, an ancient ritual of the Celtics, equals that of a three-day fast. The toxins are released into the water while the minerals from the salt are absorbed through the skin. This process reduces the acidity in our body and gets rid of skin-irritations, inflammation of the joints, and many other health ailments.

Note ~ the New Moon Phase is the highest point of detoxification: In other words, this is the optimum time for toxin release. So bathing during both the new moon and the full moon is recommended.

To make the Sole Bath try to prepare approximately 24 hours in advance or even longer.
Ingredients:
1 litre Mason Jar
1 kg Himalayan Bath Salts


The Ancient Celts added essential oils for further purification (optional):
10 drops Lavender Oil
10 drops Rosemary Oil
5 drops Sage Oil

Place 1 bag (2 lbs = 2 cups) of Himalayan Bath Salts in the 1 litre mason jar and pour enough hot water to fill the jar. Subsequently pour the drops of oil into the water and seal. Occasionally turn the jar over every few hours.

When you are ready to take your bath:
Measure the temperature exactly at 98.6 Fahrenheit with a thermometer and pour the mixture in when you have reached desired water level. Light some candles, clear the mind and ponder on purification of mind, heart and body. Bathe for about 30 minutes.

Do not eat anything heavy before your bath and don't use any other chemical substances in this bath. After the bath do not rub dry, but gently pat your skin and let the body air-dry naturally. Do not use any lotions and do not shower until the following day.

Nutritional Requirement of the Soul....LOVE xo

I've just been reminded of a very fundamental truth and thought it was worth sharing today. Our soul’s nutritional requirements consist of positive electromagnetic energy. That might sound strange but it's true...

Electromagnetic energy is released by a soul when it outwardly expresses love (a soul attribute) and is absorbed by the individual on the receiving end. Love is transmitted as a positive electromagnetic energy (protons) that bond together to form an electromagnetic band running from the source to the receiver. The exchange of energy stimulates the electromagnetic field of the receiver causing the receiver’s field of energy to literally change vibrational frequency - and then slows the pulse and breathing rate of the receiver. This is the state in which healing is optimum.

Positive energy is what sustains life. And of course we know that positive energy is made by thinking positive thoughts. When you think positive, you generate positive energy which is then transmitted through the electromagnetic field which surrounds your body. When this occurs, the positive energy negates negative energy it comes into contact with, balancing the scales. The more positive energy transmitted, the more negative energy negated. It is really that simple but how easy we forget.

So today, take a big dose of soul nutrition...and love, love, love and love being loved too. What does the world need now? Is love sweet love! xoxoxo SWAK

If this posting resonated with you, consider taking our 10 week 'Science of the Soul' Telecourse that I will be hosting commencing this January 26th. http://www.grailsprings.com/GrailLifeAcademy

Fill Your Cup with the Grail Springs 6~minute World Mantra Practice.... anyone can do it

Copenhagen...Failure is Not an Option

December 7 to 18 the World Leaders gather at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen.

Objective: There are four essentials questions that the world must receive positive and clear answers on in order for this years conference to be deemed a success. The new climate treaty will be replacing the Kyoto Protocol, adopted in Kyoto, Japan, in December 1997 and entered into force on 16 February 2005.

1. How much are the industrialized countries willing to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases?
2. How much are major developing countries such as China and India willing to do to limit the growth of their emissions?
3. How is the help needed by developing countries to engage in reducing their emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change going to be financed?
4. How is that money going to be managed?

FYI - George Bush and the US Senate never enacted the treaty. Ironically ~ they felt is was contra to the US economy. An entire decade lost and too many losses to mention.

Failure to act this time around is not an option. But action is not just required on the level of government. It is also required from us, the individual, the consumer. Buy less, buy local, keep our carbon footprint at a minimum. We can make our purchases count as a vote for planetary renewal.

Say what?!...

"With its new recommendations, the USPSTF is essentially telling women that mammography at age 40 to 49 saves lives; just not enough of them. The task force says screening women in their 40s would reduce their risk of death from breast cancer by 15 percent, just as it does for women in their 50s. BUT because women in their 40s are at lower risk of the disease than women 50 and above, the USPSTF says the actual number of lives saved is not enough to recommend widespread screening."

Perhaps you saw this recent report in this weeks news. The US Preventative Services Task Force (a George Bush initiative), recommended to US health insurance that widespread screening is not necessary for women in their 40's! Predictably this will lead to insurance companies jumping on the opportunity to save itself more money - disallowing mammograms to women under 50 years of age - which in turn will lead to many thousands, even millions of women choosing not to go for regular screening because of the added cost, and hence will predictably lead to many pre-mature deaths. This is outrageous, shameful and I hope that American women stand up and say enough is enough!

Mercy for Animals

I know for many people it is very difficult to watch undercover investigations that expose the cruelty taking place in animal factory farms and fur farms. I used to turn away from such imagery, however, as I have grown older and more determined to make a difference in this world, I have found the inner strength to view these types of videos allowing them to empower me and give strength for my convictions.

It is no secret I am an advocate for the protection of animal welfare, and have as a business owner eliminated all animal meat at Grail Springs, moving into a compassionate vegetarian pH approach to diet which also happens to be the healthiest diet. Some say it was a business risk. I say it is a matter of conscience and wish I had acted on it sooner. Vegetarianism is the most sustainable, planet friendly diet so there are many benefits in the bigger scheme of things.

This video and the cruelty that takes place, if you have the strength to watch it, and I hope you do, occurs in 5,800 slaughter houses every single day just in the US alone. You cannot watch this video and not demand mercy for farm animals. Join the 12 million plus members of Care2, sign their petitions, get involved, make your voice count.

The number one thing you can do right now is enact your power as a consumer by not purchasing cruelty ridden products.

Received an important lesson in EMF's: Electric Magnetic Field Safety...What you can do to protect yourself

Had experts here at my home yesterday giving an assessment of my 'dirty electricity', and me a personal lesson about the health consequences of microwave radiation exposure from wireless technologies - such as my wi-fi, my lap top, cell and my cordless home phones. These exposures are becoming better known as some of the hidden reasons behind illnesses - possibly 35% of the population may be affected. You may be sensitive to EMF's (Electric Magnetic Field) without realizing it. Here are some symptoms listed below:

• confusion or poor short term memory or 'brain fog'
• headaches, dizziness, numbness and even tremors
• nausea or general feeling of being unwell
• fatigue and weakness
• problems with vision and hearing, buzzing in ear
• depression, anxiety, mood disorders
• skin problems such as rashes, arthritic pain
  

Much more research and dialogue will come out in the next year on this subject - coincidentally Dr Oz aired a show on it yesterday. Here are some of the things I have done to protect myself and my family and how you can get started as well:

• contact an EMF specialist to come and do an inspection/read of your home. You'll get a full demonstration. Cost: approx. $300 depending on the size of your home.
• specialist can install filters throughout your home to stop the free flow of EMF's into your environment. Cost per filter is approx $40. My 2100 sq ft home took 15 filters
• change all of your cordless phones in your home back to corded phones (yes I know - no more multi-tasking unless you buy a really long cord!)
• move your hard drive and wireless antennas as far away as possible, behind your desk.  It is ideal if you can put a piece of wood between you and it.
  
• never buy a metal desk as this acts as a conduit for EMF's. Buy a wooden desk.
  
• purchase a piece of silver lined shielding fabric to throw over your hard drive (looks like a piece of white muslin, approx $100) http://www.safelivingtechnologies.com/
• use cell phone as little as possible
  
• purchase a keyboard that you can plug into your laptop, allowing you to distance yourself an extra foot or two away from it. You want to get your hands off the main keyboard belonging to the laptop.

Here are more articles and expert interviews on EMF health and safety:

http://www.emfsolutions.ca/?gclid=COvmj6zTlJ4CFRWbnAodbRBWoQ

And you can call 1 877 987-5185 or send a message to EMF Solutions Canada and book an appointment to have your home inspected for harmful EMFs.

Though I had no symptoms that I was aware of, I started to wonder if this really weird rash that has been hounding me for about one year now has something to do with my wi-fi antennae located under my desk. Blotchy itchy patches on my legs appearing and disappearing ever so often - my wi-fi was installed about a year ago. And btw - not the doctor, not the skin specialist, and no testing so far can figure out the cause...hmmm....have to wonder. I am sure you don't really want to hear about my rash problem however it will be interesting to see, now that my house is pretty much EMF free, will it be the end of this curious rash! Will keep you posted...:o)