Silent Rain

Outside my window there is a down pour of rain, but I cant hear a drop. The rain is falling in straight lines as if there is no wind what so ever. I was In need of rain, to clean the area around my home of floating allergy agitators and negative vibes, to calm my spirit and bring peace, to water my garden with love from the Creator. Sitting here inside observing the rain through my window is so peaceful. It makes me smile all over and reminds me that the universe still loves us. This is a beautiful day that I hope the world is grateful for, may you find your silent rain and reveal in it.

Deep Inside

It has taken me almost 40 years of mistakes, trial and error, reflection and introspection to finally see that I have always been fabulous. I never saw myself as beautiful until recently taking a long pause and staring at the faces of my children who are all a real reflection of me. They are beautiful, hence I am part of the source. I love rediscovering new/old things about myself, I was reminded by an old friend how much fun I am to be around and how they were always so excited to see me coming, my personality lights up a room and draws positive energy.
Having children has brought about a whole new meaning in life. Watching them grow is miraculous within itself, knowing that one day they too may have the opportunity to become parents. I teach them to be aware, truly aware of their surrounds as turning the wrong corner can wreck a lifetime. I share almost everything with them and we have grown together, they know me as I have learned myself. They instantly sense my moods and are not afraid to question the reasons I may be feeling out of character and in that connection I do the same. We are truly family. The meaning of being a family can only be described as being open with the ones with whom you share your life and willing to bend to create an atmosphere for growth in any situation.
This year we have planted a garden. One for herbs and the other for fruits and vegetables. The process was soul gripping. To once again reconnect directly with the earth and all the over looked creatures that dwell beneath our feet was humbling. Showing the children how a seed is planted, watered, cared for and grows into plants that will sustain our lives is a necessary lesson that I hope more people will embrace. Watching theirs eyes light up to see the seed break through the dirt and form leaves let's me know that we are on the right path.
Sitting down with my daughter and picking up a box of crayola crayons and coloring brought so much joy, and renewed my youth spirit. I have never felt so in tune with who I am and how I truly feel about life, where I am in my life, and where I want to be in my future.
Loving ourselves and opening up that endless supply of light and love that we all posses as individuals is the ultimate find. I can truly say I love you in the mirror. I now see the scars and past pains as stepping stones to getting deep inside.
If we all come together, get green, and humble ourselves to the earth, I believe there is still hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Diggin for health

It's been a while once again since I caught a minute to type thoughts, first let me say there is healing in the earth, literally. Diggin in the dirt has done wonders for my spirit as I have almost completed my garden. Growing up it was mandatory that we planted every season, harvested, and canned. That's the most real life lesson that stayed with me until this day. The one who plants his own food, nurture's it, waters it, loves and cares for his crops is guaranteed to reap the harvest. It's one of only a few guarantees left on earth aside from sunrise, sunset, & rain. Get in touch with the earth in that way, it will grow you spiritually and sustain your life.

May I have a word

Anything can and will happen while we live. This has been an activity packed time for me that just would not let up, and I love it. I apologize for my absence but trust it was necessary. I just want to take a moment to talk about being aware. Aware of your surroundings at all times, aware of what is going on inside your being at all times, aware of your mental state. Re align yourself with the Universe, breath deep when you walk past some fresh flowers, embrace the rain as it falls from the sky, live, love, and be yourself. Our surroundings may not be what we truly need to be surrounded by, evaluate what makes you truly happy and keep it in your life.

It's Strawberry time!

Each year there is a celebration in the Carolina's to commemorate the start of Strawberry season.
So I am compelled to share the lovely qualities that the strawberry holds. This anti inflammatory, anti-cancer, and heart protectant fruit is a powerhouse of goodness. These little red gems also have folate, one of the key ingredients that manufacture red blood cells.  
Making a mask of crushed strawberries lends healing properties to the skin that includes tightening pores. The beneficial vitamins and mineral are B2, B5, B6, vitamin K, copper, and magnesium, as well as omega fatty acids.  The fiber in strawberries helps your body absorb nutrients, inhibits the production of cholesterol in your liver, and helps stabilize your blood glucose.
We all know that they are a delicious treat so, eat plenty of strawberries this season and your heart will surely thank you.

Time flies

Time the one aspect of life that just goes and flows like water.
This past week has been a week of creativity for me. I sew and when you find something that can totally erase time, create a space where nothing matters aside form your goal, that thing that keeps your attention through any and all distractions that come from being alive at this present time on earth, you have found your calling, your purpose.
The greatest feeling is holding the finished product in your hands and knowing that you created the very thing you now hold, from scratch. Gave dimensions to somethig that started out dimensionless.
There are many of us who have numerous gifts and talents and I say, explore, and if possible master them all. I am in the middle of a line of hats so excuse my absence from this blog.  My next post will be coming soon and will be all about my favorite fruit. Its, green outside and pale yellow inside, stay tuned!

A look at the Apricot

There are so many fruits on earth we should commit to tasting each one this life time, that in itself would start a great and rewarding adventure. We are always told that fruit is good for us, now we can get informed on the details of exactly what each and every fruit is really good for. The Apricot, one of my favorite dried fruits, has its own special healing properties. This adorable little fruit can aide in constipation by smoothing out those bowel movements. They can also treat fevers, help with anemia ( because of the presence of copper and iron), cancer and skin diseases. The oil when strained can be used to treat woulds, strained muscles, and ear aches. The next time you are walking down the fresh fruit isle, or  in the farmer's market pick some apricots and keep it flowing. 

Where the wind blows

Growing up I always felt as though there was something out there somewhere always calling me. I am from a concrete filled river town with lots of industrial corporations that produce smoke that fills the air with black clouds that can be seen from miles around. It was down right depressing, not to mention bad for your health. So, as soon as I was old enough to leave, I did. I have been going where the wind blows me ever since. Having never settled for a conventional, predictable way of life has given me many opportunities to learn unforgettable lessons. I love life, exploration, traveling, cultures, and possibilities.
When we have had the chance to get in touch with the deepest part of ourselves and have engaged our own fantasies they become so much easier to reach. The Universe is open for us to question.
Free yourself from conventionalized routines sometimes and reach for a star, drive through the country, try food from another country, do whatever makes you feel alive.
I have been called a tumbleweed and a gypsy amongst other things But, I have absolutely no regrets. Who knows where the wind will blow me next.
Thought for the moment: Breathe deep,exhale boredom, and dive into life - head first!

The ART - ICHOKE revealed.

If you are looking for different ways to get that vitamin C other than the usual orange, take a look at the Artichoke, it is by the way the oldest known cultivated vegetable in the world. It's origin began in Ethiopia and has always been known to have digestive regulation benefits for it's dietary fiber. We now know that this strange yet delicious, yet slightly bitter vegetable has the power to reduce cholesterol, contains folic acid, biotin, vitamin A, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, chromium ( the trace mineral), as well as potassium.

Find new ways to enjoy the artichoke, add the hearts to a summer salad.
If you know someone suffering from diabetes let them in on the fact that the artichoke can stabilize blood sugar levels.
Here's to your health and well being!

Thought for the week: If you are feeling down, just look UP!

The metaphysical remains silent unless you ask for a way in, unless you seek truth and understanding beyond the obvious. Within this realm of existence lies so many other parallel worlds that most eyes cannot see. We have the capability but, do we really want to know the truth. Let's for one moment recognize that they are there and we are here, how can they help us to be all that we are suppose to be in this life time?
The first step to being free is recognition of the existence of "others", then protection from all things negative. Daily dose of peroxide in your ears as a cleaner, is a sure bet to keep the melochia (evil eye) away. Practice that. Our ancestors are there for us, to guide us in our decisions, to go before us and make a way out of no way, to open closed doors. Take the time to research where you come from, literally. The chain of love goes beyond life and death, without them there would be no us.
Research and find your ancestors, pay respect, and include them in your search for self, they love us and are there and willing to help.
For more info on this subject email me at vclingman@yahoo.com

Eat good to heal

I am sure you all know that eating fruit is healthy, but do you know the true facts about the specific fruits and what they will actual do for you? Let's start with the kiwi, with this little green wonder you can fight respiratory disease, stroke, cancer, lower ldl cholesterol, has double the vitamin c than the orange,and it is also a natural no side effect blood thinner.It even works to repair cell damage. There are so many benefits from a simple fruit salad and summer is on its way so get ready to heal.
Here are a couple other edibles to keep in mind for that salad:
Cherries, these little red wonders force cancer cells to kill themselves.They are also extremely high in iron for those suffering from anemia.
Onions, these balls of white goodness actually decrease bone loss as we age, are natural anti oxidants, are rich in sulfur and impede the growth of viruses and yeasts, amongst a host of other things.
Combining fruits and vegetables in a salad is a great way to stay on track with a healthy diet.

Gorgeous day today here in the south east. I just finished digging in the dirt. There are several four and five leaf producing clover patches in my yard and the flowers are finally blooming. Nature is the best natural medicine. Breathing is the Most High's most precious gift. Today I want to share the power of the apple.
 It's not just a saying, the apple can actual keep the doctor away. Although in Samhain rituals of prophecy a maiden would peel and throw apple peels over her left shoulder to reveal the initials of her husband, I want to focus on the actual healing power.
The apple gives strength to the whole metabolic system by cleansing, balancing the digestive system, and stimulating blood production, the apple can even lend a hand when it comes to relaxation.
The power of the apple lies in the nutrients it possesses which include vitamins B2,B, & C, mineral salts, iron, magnesium, phosphates, pectin, amino acids, potassium, natural sugar, tartaric acids and carbohydrates. A powerhouse of goodness.
So on this day in which we are blessed to breath if you are feeling fatigue, hyper, have a cough, constipated or just not 100%, bite into an apple and thank Mother earth for her constant love through the wonderful nourishment she constantly provides.

Oh, and think of me(:

Credits
http://www.makemymood.com/2009/12/04/apple-love

Be Still

This world is filled with so much chaos, negativity, and upheaval.
The key to personal sanity is stillness.
In the quiet we can find answers to questions we asks ourselves, in the stillness we can heal our own ills, every thing happens in silence.
Flowers bloom, trees grow, and the world keeps spinning.
Be one with your surroundings, embrace nature and it will in turn embrace you.
Commit to being still and silent for at least one hour daily, allow the universe to rejuvenate your energy and show you which way to go.

Thoughts on silence:

True silence is the rest of the mind,

 and is to the spirit what 
   sleep is to the body,

 nourishment and refreshment. 

 It is a great virtue; it covers folly,

 keeps secrets, avoids disputes, 
   and prevents sin. 
                      Penn


 Silence, when nothing need be said,

 is the eloquence of 
   discretion. 

                       Bovee

Whoever guards his mouth and tongue

Keeps his soul from troubles. 

 Proverbs 21:23 

May your day be still and filled with peace!
                                                  

Life throws many curves and sometimes the loop holes just keep coming. We all need an escape from the stress each day can bring, consider this, Yoga. Practicing the art of Yoga can not only decrease stress, it can give a safe haven from negativity and keep us vibrant, physically flexible, and place us in a blissful, peaceful state of mind.
Yoga is not strenuous at all, as a matter of fact it is like a slow dance performed alone.
As we age our bodies become victims of the elements and time, turning back the clock only takes discipline and a decision.
Make the choice to engage in this ancient art of self preservation for at least one hour a day and the outcome of inner peace is a guarantee.
Mantra for today: Give it ( negativity, anxiety, depression, fear,etc...) to the wind, that it may be carried far from where peace dwells within.

luv n' life ... Soy continued

Lactose Intolerance was the dividing factor in my life between youth and adulthood. I could no longer enjoy a tall glass of milk with ice, that's how I like it. A bowl of cereal with cow's milk was out of the question. You would find me bent over in tremendous pain.
Alas, soy came along and gave me my snacks back. If you are not familiar with soy milk, and you are lactose intolerant take heed. Now that I know there is no better way to enjoy my morning bowl of cranberry + flakes cereal, a tall glass of vanilla soy on ice, french toast with soy in the mix, I also add panko bread crumbs to the bread for a crunchy delicious treat. Soy has protein, fiber, iron, and naturally occurring ala omega-3 fatty acids. 
Soy has truly gave me my youth back and that is just the tip of the iceberg...Soy can go from making us healthier to providing us with romantic candle light.

In life we sometimes settle for what is handed to us. Following family traditions or what our parents have steered us towards. Our true life calling may take years, even decades before we get to the bottom line of why we are here. In the mean time caring for our spiritual, intellectual, and physical health should be our number one priority.

These times in which we live offer us a plethora of ways to maintain health and beauty but, it is up to us as individuals to make the right choices towards our personal zen. Filling our bodies with things that are alive and filling our minds with positivity will enhance our lives and set us on a fulfilling life path. Let's start by inspecting our  diets. Reaching 40 years old has marked a changing point in the way I am able to digest and enjoy food. In my search for alternatives to traditional foods, that have brought diabetes, high cholesterol, and cancer amongst other  diseases into my family and circle of friends. I  have discovered the blessings of soy, and I must share it's benefits with you. The USDA has confirmed that soy helps to reduce the risk of heart attack, reduces the risk of colon cancer, prostate and breast cancer. It also contains high levels of calcium which in turn can help with osteoporosis. For women like myself it has the added benefit of diminishing the dreaded symptoms of menopause! Who knew!  Not to mention the fact that soy has no cholesterol.
Stay tuned as I will be adding new new facts about the subject of soy, vegetables, fruits, grains, lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements, mental exercises and many other ways to enhance your quality of life in the days, weeks, and months to follow.