Author: Nicole Ciccarelli

I speak my truth through means of this artistic expression. I write with the intention of bringing thought-provoking musings through profound soul-searching and questions. A lifestyle site with topics ranging from travel, anecdotal thoughts, health, meditation, yoga, economics, environment and esoteric teachings.

Kansas City, a gem of the Midwest

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It had occurred to me while along this adventure to call my friend Jen, whom I had connected with on the magical black sand beach in Hawaii. Where we were all students of the power this magical island held, teaching us the ways to live harmoniously, aligned and sustainably.
On this powerful, mystical island, we would discuss something and within minutes to hours the object of our focus would somehow present itself. We were a powerful conduit for creating and abundance. Hawaii would generously give of herself to us with foods and the lushness of her lands. We would pick avocados and coconuts off the trees to take to the beach, and delve into transformative conversations that took us deep down the rabbit hole.
It was happy, bubbly, conscious living with the elements.

What a more suiting person to visit on this trip, someone I learned so much from,
a loving, vibrant light that helped me to become more conscious.

I knew that Jen lived in Kansas city, Missouri, which is on our way out west. I put it out there to her that we would be coming that way.

Come, you can stay here, she told me

Perfect

Kansas city is a hidden gem in the midwest, not a place I would think to come to. I am really glad we stopped here. The city has an older charm to it and an open friendliness to the people we have come across, a laid back, slower pace is felt here. An ease of sorts.

First priority today was yoga. After sitting in the car for 2 days, my body was in dire need of a good workout. Bikram was calling me, getting a workout while also detoxing through sweating is so perfect to unwind.
Finding a studio was simple and the class was more challenging than some I have taken. A smaller class size with a teacher who pushed us to our limits, not so much guiding, as counting and having us hold the poses as he counted.
Exactly what I needed.

So here I am, sitting in a homey, brick enclosed room in Blue Bird Bistro.
We just ate an incredibly natural, nourishing meal. After traveling for a couple of days and eating more dried foods, nuts and fruit, it’s a comfort to eat fresh.
This gem in and of itself is impressive with the local, organic produce including fresh and local dairy and meats.
Amazing, I think to myself.
Their breakfast/lunch dishes contain delectable varieties of cheese, stuffed chicken, shephard pies, fresh eggs, greens, sweet potatoes, vegetables and curry.
Our first thing of course was coffee, all organic up in here, and the cream is fresh from a local farmer.
To eat, we ordered a baked stuffed sweet potato with sauteed veggies and a black bean, carmelized onion and feta tortilla wrap. The taste was exquisite and my heart is singing with the feeling of eating well.
Eating like this every meal, would be a pleasure beyond measure.

Darrin and I are venturing out tonight in this city that I have formed a fondness for. We will see what it has to offer with its artistic nightlife. Jen no doubt will show us a good time, as is her nature.

Until then, here’s to local charm.

xo,

Nicole

Signs and Synchronicities

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I am en route right now, in the midwest, the heart of America and whatever stops may present themselves along the way. Headed to Vail, Colorado for a few weeks, to get my bearings and jet to where we are guided to from there.

Fun, lightness, adventure and communication is what is building and it almost feels too easy, but after all, it’s a dream manifestation.
Finally.
We have left everything behind, sorted this adventure out in under 5 days and we are off.
Everything has lined up in an almost magical way, abundance has come to us for this journey and I know will continue to be with us.

This, is undeniably what feels right.
As much resistance as I want to place on this experience, I have to give in and trust that all will work out, as it always does.

Trusting has not always been the easiest thing for me to do.

let go, let go.

I have had my signs, synchronicities that are too uncanny not to trust in.
Reminding me of one of my favorite books, that I first read when I was 13. The Celestine Prophecy.

 

First stop
I knew that I had to go to this candle store in downtown Detroit, and once I arrived there, the woman who ran the store said that someone had come in earlier with a message, a prayer. She felt it was meant to give it to me. She told me that I was the only person she could trust to get it out to the world, and that the woman who came in said it was important and knew I would come in for it. That she wanted for it to be published on the internet.
I received it with gratitude and a bit of bewilderment, the fact that she entrusted me with something of the sorts.
I am not religious by any means, rather taking in the tenets of what I feel is best for me within all religions, doctrines, philosophies and ways of life.
I am about discerning truth for self.
As I was walking out another woman handed me a sheet with a seperate prayer on it.

prayers repeatedly showing up on this journey.

I am taking them as a good sign.
And that’s my truth

they speak to me of

REVERENCE for the forces that are not in our control.

We had been questioning where to go from the states. I knew that I desired to volunteer, be in the jungle, ocean and sun and also learn a valuable lesson or two. I kept having visions of Costa Rica and/or Peru, and researching avenues and organizations in both places.

Our next stop was to get coffee.
While cashing out I looked down, in front of my eyes, loudly and colorful was a sign that said:

COSTA RICA

Marketing a new coffee, with a picture of the jungle and beaches.
Not really taking this too seriously I went into the bathroom to powder my nose. While in there I was smiling to myself, laughing for what already seemed like an auspicious beginning.
In gratitude.
Shockingly,
the lights flashed off, once ,
then again
and again.

alright.
Got it.
A sign where to go, a place I was already having visions of.

We then stopped at a gas station, and pulled up to the pump to another sign.
again staring us in the face

PERU
with coffee and beans surrounding it.

This is becoming a treasure hunt, and the treasure is in each of these magical moments. Prompting us on, giving us clues and ideas of where to head and what to do.

Peru,
I had already been wanting to visit your luscious lands, I will keep you in mind along these adventures. Coffee and Central/South America seem to be a running theme here and yet, even if these signs don’t work out, something just as amazing will.

With adventuring, I don’t know every destination, but will understand the signs when needed.

Trust

The intentions are to explore, help, learn and grow, while also bringing myself and gifts to wherever it is I land.

cheers to life, and being spontaneous.

xo,
Nicole

On a side note…….

Detroit,

I will be back from journeying to build the healing/arts/garden sanctuary I have been envisioning, bringing what I learn to you.

Bon Voyage

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After a contemplative, confusing and deliberating search over the past 4 months.
I have come to some conclusions about my life,

as of recently, my main questions have been
WHERE DO I GO?
WHAT DO I DO?
This has been a search that has caused me and many around me much confusion.
After thinking a chosen course was going to be my life, to end up where I started in the beginning, these questions highlight my current existence.
Leading me to dreams and more dreams
I am a visioneer, and my dreaming mind has taken me far and wide recently.
From Australia to study Naturopathy
to Europe teaching english
Toronto or back to San Francisco ( I heart SF)
Wait, I love Chicago too
maybe I should study Ayurvedic medicine and Yoga in India?
A little Thai massage in Thailand????
More recently wanting to volunteer in Costa Rica and Peru
I want to do all of it
NOW

patience, I kept telling myself
the answer will come

And what the answer has appeared as, is completely different than what I thought it would be.
It came as a surprise a few days ago.
I had thought I was going to be moving to NYC to start a job that I had received while on a weekend trip. This job is good, and by all logical propriety was a step I should take.
By American societal standards.
meaning
work to live, live to work.
NYC
A city that I lived in for 5 months last year, a place of excitement, energy, passion, action, determination, culture, culture, culture,
SUCCESS…..

In one of the greatest cities in the world, hands down.

First question to self

What is my vision of success?
Its definitely not working a job every day that pays the bills and keeps me going, maybe working harder and I can be in the middle upper class.
WOO HOO!

My vision of success is my level of happiness and being lead by my intuitive heart, essentially following my dreams.

Second question
Is this my dream, and will I be happy doing this?
I desire to know, without a doubt that I am always making the best choice for myself, not just what is dictated by others, or a success driven society.

The answer was

No, my dreams are much more unconventional

Traveling, writing, dancing, loving, laughing, living, being in the present and whatever it may bring.
Using the world as my school, learning tools that aren’t presented in a classroom setting, nor with a certificate behind my name. Building my life into a space supporting all of my creative endeavors and giving to all who surround me.

Hands on yo

So do I listen to logic, and what is deemed appropriate by a society in its own rigid work schedule?

have I ever ; )

as much as I would like to take this job, it wasn’t feeling right to me.

and these feelings are what I base my life around.

I am following my guidepost, and what life has presented is completely different than what I thought I would be doing.
Like I said, I try to plan, and life itself doesn’t always want to be planned, so I give up trying to dictate what is right, and instead ask to be guided and shown by this force that works through me.
This is the basis for my existence.

Dear Detroit,

Much LOVE to you

Adios

I will fill you in tomorrow with where I am, and what has already transpired.

Until then,

here is to listening to my heart.

xo,

Nicole

Detroit’s Paradise

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It seems that I always try to plan what I am going to post, only to be surprised with what the post itself would like to be.

Art reflecting life, unpredictability, making for exciting company.

Over the past few months I have been in transition, preparing for what I knew was going to be change, moving forward, growth, yet I didn’t know what it was.
I will elaborate more on that in my next post, which now will be more frequent.

For now, I have ideas.

Ideas a plenty.
This particular idea came to me whilst in Europe.
While there, I realized that one of my favorite parts about the sprawling, cobblestones, low-lined cities were all of the trees interspersed throughout.

Berlin, a city that was torn to pieces less than 100 years ago, is now a thriving metropolis, with a more sustainable city structure. Teeming with wildlife and parks that the Germans take pride in, life and structure are interwoven together.

I thought to myself

How to integrate more of the natural elements into our city of Detroit?
A city that is an empty canvas, waiting to be painted, into what my generation desires for it to be.
It’s truly up to us.

As a metaphor, I feel that Detroit was once a beautiful young woman and in her prime was the hottest lady around, where now she has a hunched back, her makeup is dripping off of her face, the remnants of her beauty still remaining, yet buried underneath the struggle of what has occurred.
Its time for a makeover 😉
I have a vision of Detroit being created from this into an oasis, filled with vibrancy and life, being green and setting examples for cities around the country and world.
Imagine a more sustainable Detroit, a city empowered in it’s glory.

There are already organizations like the greening of Detroit that are working towards more urban farming and planting more trees.
I would like to see it done on an even larger scale.

Where all of us can take part in beautifying the city of Detroit.
A tree planting day, that includes any and everyone, a day set aside for this specific purpose, where all can come regardless of race, class, creed, gender, age.
For all to come plant their own tree in Detroit.

Doing so would not only clean the air and give back to the earth what has been taken.
It would also be much more aesthetically pleasing, as the ancient Greek quote goes, “That which is beautiful, is also good”.

I love Detroit, love the people, energy and depth of this amazing city.

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, it will come to its full glory yet again.
This is not something that will be overnight, but imagine a city that for our children and grandchildren could be a place of splendor and beauty, one that rose from the ashes to be reclaimed and reinvented as never before imagined.

So with that being said, I have the idea

and……..

I am passing this torch on, this idea is for you to do something about, or not, it has been put out there, I gave a summary of it to the city council commissioner.
So now it’s time for me to leave it in your hands friends. This is going to take a team, working together.

For I am departing, my heart is calling me onward.

Guiding me yet again, this heart that has lead me into some obscure places over my lifetime, yet I would not take back ANY of it.

I am needed elsewhere in this world.

I will be back tomorrow and the next few days, as I have so much I would like to address now that there is more clarity.

Sayonara for now

xo,

Nicole

Animus Totem

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Animus

Carl Jung theorizes that us humans have a subconscious, conscious and super-conscious (collective) mind, and they work together to create self.

The subconscious, or animus, is represented by our more primal instincts and qualities, like a sponge it retains everything that happens within our lives.
According to Kahuna (Hawaiian) and Native American traditions, every human has a totem, or animal spirit. These animal spirits have characteristics that hold aspects of our personality. They can also become our protectors and guardians as well.

Could I perhaps, have an animal spirit?

Animus…..

who are you???

Totems are something I view similar to horoscopes and astrology, it can be taken metaphorically or literally. If anything, it adds an element of fun to life. Signs, messages, traits are whatever we make them to be.
I give my life meaning, and the meaning I wish to give it is being a magical experience.
This is one of my many ways.

When I was 23, I had a profound experience introducing me to my main Totem.

It was a warm, sunny, brilliant day and I was driving to a friends house.
Happy, anticipatory, with the warm spring air blowing through my car, I was on a two lane road going up a hill, when I was stopped dead by the car in front of me. Before realizing what was happening, I looked in my rearview mirror to see a huge dump truck barreling into me. I knew that it wasn’t going to be able to stop. As if on cue I felt some force come through me to guide me in that moment, I veered my car to the the embankment, only to be plowed into with such force that it spun my car.
I knew that if it wasn’t for me turning to the right, I would’ve been smashed between the car that was in front of me and this bumbling, unstoppable dump truck.
I stepped out shaking, scared and in shock. Raindrops and white petals appeared, falling from a clear blue sky.
Bemused, I looked up and circling above me was a hawk. It seemed to stay there, as though it was watching over me.
I connected in that moment with the gliding, circling, grace and knew that what had happened was to connect me with this bird.
It was a beautiful moment.

Hawks appear around me, guiding me with a gentle grace
They speak to me….
You are on the right path, follow the signs.

Hawk represents spirit, being a visionary and messenger, not always accepted in the times that they are brought into.

I find it a game to see what totem is working with me, at different times I have had visits from varying animals in my life. Each one representing qualities that I was coming into or working towards owning.

During my travels I visited Montana, while there, one of my initiations was a mini vision quest.
A vision quest is a native american rite of passage to find oneself in solitude and nature, usually lasting 3 days. I had a distilled version for myself, which consisted of me gallivanting off into the forest by myself for 3 days, 10 hours a day.

The first day of this vision quest I was walking into the forest, unbeknownst to me there was an owl perching on a tree stump next to me, startling me as it flew up, it’s huge wing span almost hit me in the face.

Two days later, while meditating in this same forest, I opened my eyes to be staring 100 feet ahead of me into the yellow eyes of the owl, penetrating me with it’s gaze.
It was freaky and amazing, all in one.
I viewed it as a sign, as this was a time for me to go into my underworld, to use my night vision to journey within darker places within my unconscious mind.

IMG_9979

How to find your Animal Totem

Sit quietly with yourself and ASK.

It may show up in your life unexpectedly. An animal or bird will appear and you will have an understanding. It may also come to you in dream form, or from another person telling you that you remind them of an animal.
Think about yourself and aspects of your personality that may relate to an animus.
Once you come to know this animal, then it is time to become more acquainted with its traits, so that it can be something to benefit you.

What is your Animus Totem?

xo

Nicole

Come Together

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It is time for us to remove the veil surrounding us,
for us to come together as one
see past the races,
past the gender,
past the social standing,
past everything.

I think about the next few generations, and question the survival of our species.
In order for humanity to survive, we have to come together in a place of love, acceptance and tolerance.

I guarantee you can find a common bond with every human on this planet, regardless of culture, class, race, creed.
I am you, and you are me, we are everybody.
So the question I’d like to pose is, there are obviously differences,
do we judge or honor those, and celebrate the similarities?
What does that take?

There is a mentality of intolerance that breeds superiority, I know it well from my firsthand being in it. It causes separation, and separation is the antithesis to real change.
I love humanity, I love every person, or try to, I don’t care who you are.
We may not agree, or have the same opinions, but I honor each and every person on this planet for the path they are walking.
It may not be mine, but that doesn’t make it any more or less.

It just is.

the differences are our uniqueness, and without that we would all be the same, so instead of turning away from one another and judging what is not the same, its time to love and celebrate the common bond we do share, which is being human, living on this earth, and being the guardians of her.
NOW is the time, the time for action,
the true age of Aquarian.

We are a species, just like any other species, we all have our purposes within the “packs”, as we have migrated we have evolved to look different, but we are essentially the same.
A group, which has been difficult for me to wrap my head around, with how anti group I can be at times.

I am part of a group, many groups and I respect what I have learned from all of them.
When one thinks in a group mentality there comes a point where everyone is thinking for the whole, which is a beautiful concept.
Truly caring, loving and looking out for one another.
Its like thinking of the whole of humanity as one mass, and when one of us is broken or hurt, all of us are.

The allopathic approach Is symbolic of our way of being in the world, that somehow the rest of the world isn’t affected by us, or we aren’t affected by them.
Allopathic thinking, which can cause major stress on the whole, similar to a human body having a cancer cell, it will spread and take over if not healed properly.
It seems like we all are trying to heal a “broken finger” not realizing that the cause is the starvation in Somalia, the people who are hurting over there.
If you look at us as one pod of being, then many issues would cease to exist, because when someone else is hurt it directly affects you, or me.

Whether or not I am consciously aware of it.
With that idea, taking responsibility for everyone will create the change that is needed within our world.

Thinking, it’s not up to me what is happening in our world……
I am here safe in my space,
is a lie.

So it goes for all of us, we directly, or indirectly affect one another and the world, everything we do, think, say and feel goes in to the web that is currently creating our reality.
My way of helping our web of human consciousness is thinking positively, which isn’t easy all the time, sending love vibes out, and also loving myself, and working towards honoring everyone’s individuality.

How to think in a we mentality?
It would help the whole, not that everyone has to be, but it would be nice if every human had their basic needs met, and did not have to worry about survival. We have reached a point in the evolution of our species that it is feasible.

We live in a country that has an abundant food supply constantly being shipped in from all over the world, and there are still people in our own country who die of starvation?
not to mention the more impoverished countries.

There is a mentality of
“someone else will take care of it, it’s not my responsibility”
Look where that kind of thinking has gotten us and our current state of existence on this planet.
I think its time to take responsibility, own up and care about each other, the planet, ourselves.
collective consciousness yo.
It’s the whole of humanity, forget about what religion, sex, class, gender,or age one is.
Look through the eyes of the higher plane and see that we are

one species, one earth, connected to one another, whether or not you like it….

Lets stand up for humanity and be empowered as a WHOLE.
Lets turn towards one another, instead of away.
Lets let one another know how much we care,
Lets make a difference in each others lives.

It doesn’t have to be at the level of changing the world per se, but changing the way we perceive the world,
seeing and bringing our individual gifts and light.
Now is the time.

xo
Nicole

Break Free

Posted in EmpowermentTagged , , , , , , , 7 Comments

My inner child is coming through

she would like to say to

ME

and

YOU

“You take yourselves WAY too seriously

I see………

see through

underneath the hardness and ego,

therein lies an innocence and wonder

strip your masks away and come play

come frolic with me in the magic of the world.

Revel in the pleasure and beauty

come laugh, dance, sing, skip and jump

be blissful, delightful in every day, every way

be a princess, fairy, queen, angel, prince, elf, king, hero.

be your hearts desire on the stage of the world.”

In a world so fear saturated
it can be a daunting task
as we all have our swords drawn
waiting to attack or be attacked.

 

I would like to pose these questions

What defines you?

Is that who you are?

are you your bank account, your career, your car, your friends, your house, your status, your religion?

NO

you are not what you know, where you went to school, what you have, who you hang out with, your past, your future.
You are not what you look like, what kind of clothes you wear or how much money you spend.
you are not where you live, what you listen to, what you watch on tv, what you quote, what you have learned.
how cool you think you are
how great you want to be
how exclusive and different
YOU are not even your story.

Step outside of everything you identify yourself with for a minute,
just try it beyond your reservations and withholdings.

how does letting go of all of that, even for an instant, feel?

what I want to know is

where are you when time stands still?

when you feel the connection to all of life?

when you are feeling limitless, all encompassing and in this moment?

YOU

are so much more and yet much simpler.

YOU

unravel all the outward identifying definitions of self and you are left with

YOU

underneath all of the materialistic defining sources

YOU

an essence
a space
a beautiful light
more exquisite than you can comprehend.

a vulnerable, sensitive space of no time
a place that exists beyond labels and generalizations,
an individual light of the same source.
that source being a force
of knowing and love
of stillness and acceptance
buried underneath
same same but different

from me

trust me
I know, feel, see, understand it.

that, my friend,

is the real

YOU

The question becomes
how can we collectively strip off these masks and truly understand and embrace the inter-connectedness to one another?

before its too late?

before our race self-destructs?

a vicious, voracious cycle we as humans are in.

superficiality, inferiority, superiority, group us-vs them mentality, power dynamics, exclusivity, elitism, hierarchies are all forms of fear and separation (insecurity)
keeping us locked in our shell and mentality,
judging what is different, instead of embracing what is similar.
feeling superior because we fear being inferior
power-playing outwardly to feel powerful
all the while
the power-source is within.

gossip, criticism, judgement, anger, hatred, ostracization, blame, vindication, separation,
are all part of this fear paradigm.

and fear will keep us imprisoned forever if we allow it.

I don’t care what your judgements, fears and insecurities are
I will accept you for you
I will always think of you as equal
I will try to be in a space of encouraging you for who you are
shadow and light.

I understand

We are humans
with our own emotions and insecurities,
all on our individual paths,
no one right way or one right truth
billions of micro truths, ways and beings
in owning our truth we become sovereign.

what do you feel, what is your passion, how are you the way you are……

without ego?

break free with me
love, love, love, love, love,
is the only space worthy of being,
for love is the key
and will get us through any and everything.

come from that place, show me your realness,
in my opinion
that is the most beautiful you can be
I appreciate you for the light that is underneath all of the fabrications resulting from a plastic, ego-driven, fear-based society.

it is all within

YOU

and

ME

I am learning to love my space within
of unlimited potential,to do, experience and be
in the now
It is all I have and am,
this moment.
all I wish is to be loved and accepted through my guards, fears and fallacies.
Allowing my inner light to shine brilliantly.

xo
Nicole

Water

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I am totally calling myself out as I sit here being the epitome of an American consumer, drinking a $3.00 plastic bottle of water, in a Starbucks, in midtown Manhattan.
While I love the hustle, energy and excitement that ensues in this metropolis, I laugh at myself, as I’m about to tell you why what I am drinking is not ideal.

WATER SOURCES

Water is currently the most precious resource on our planet. Our life itself stems from it. Our rivers, lakes and streams are carved and flowing as the earth’s own life-giving force that is one of our life forces.
We are absolutely reliant upon this resource as a race, without it, we would perish. With that being said, there are water shortages going on worldwide.
Through industry, it is becoming tainted, privatized and corporatized for monetary gain; polluted by waste, herbicides, pesticides and countless other toxins.

What are the best sources for our water?

We have Bottled water:

Pthalate is a chemical in plastic, that is shown to be an endocrine disrupter that is also adversely affecting children. This chemical is found in water in plastic bottles, that has leeched due to the bottles heating up.
Who knows what happens to those bottles on the way to that refreshingly cold cooler?

Not to mention how absurdly damaging the transportation, cost of manufacturing, consumption and waste of the 100 billion liters of this precious resource is on our environment.
1.5 million tons of plastics are being used per year, while much is recycled, there is still tons taken to landfills.
Did you know that Nestle has been pumping half a million gallons a day out of Michigan’s lakes and streams for their product “Ice Mountain“?
No, it’s not coming from that snow capped mountain.

This saddens me because I treasure Michigan’s lakes and streams. Albeit some being polluted, they are still our pride and joy, providing flourishing ecosystems and a source of natural beauty.

With this being stated, what are the smartest and most sustainable options for drinking?

Home water filtration systems. This includes the shower, as the skin is the largest organ in the body and extremely permeable.
Reverse Osmosis is said to be a good filtration system, although demineralizing, it removes the yuck from tap water including fluoride. Remineralizing can be done with Iodized sea salt, there are also mineralizing solutions for ionized water.

The ideal would be an alkalizing system. If you do have a filtration system, filling up before leaving the house in glass or stainless steel bottles makes the choice more sustainable and cost-effective. When I was living in Hawaii our water system was a rainwater catchment and filtration system. I found this to be brilliant, it tasted as sweet as the lands, leaving a taste of the clouds on the tongue.

Spring water is said to be the most beneficial source for water, containing antioxidants and minerals. There are natural springs all over, it just takes some researching. I have a friend who fills up 5 gallon jugs at a spring near NYC when living there. Of course, be cautionary of contaminants if going to a spring and filter accordingly.

Water Crystals

Studies and photos by Dr. Masaru Emoto have stated that water has a crystalline structure, like snowflakes. Thoughts, words, emotions and intentions when emitted into the water change the structure of the crystal. Water has a consciousness and absorbs what surrounds it. When water comes from a more pure source, like springs or aquifers it has a higher effect on the body, with more absorption.

Our bodies are composed of 70% water. I like to give my body the purest, most positive, cleanest form of this life-sustaining force.

Allowing me to naturally be in that state of mind and being.

Which is why I bless my water with love, light and Reiki.

Water for thought, and life…how is your water intake today?

xo

Nicole

Food Sources

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Agriculture and farming are within the evolution of our DNA, most of humanity’s lineage comes from farmers. Many of us have forgotten this fundamentally integral part of our nature. We seem to be in a predicament with the foods we are ingesting and distributing in our country.
How heavily we rely on outsourcing for our food supply is one of the contributors of the high price of food and more importantly disease.
We are taking in so many chemicals, due to mass production farming, furthermore the soil that our food is planted on is in many cases nutrient deficient. Not only are we taking in these chemicals, we are also not receiving the proper nutrients for our bodies in order to process these chemicals.
Researchers are finding that aluminum toxicity within our soil is in excess and reducing the availability of other important elements. It is causing our soil to be acidic, acidity is where disease stems from within the body.
We are products of mass marketing and consumerism, faster, quicker, more, more, more. Especially with our food sources. Many are eating processed foods, that have slim to no nutrients in them, eating at places like McDonald’s thinking a chicken sandwich is healthier.
Where is that chicken coming from?
Others are drinking beverages like Diet Coke, thinking “Diet” is somehow healthier, not realizing the disturbing effects that it has on the body.
Aspartame is a poison, do your research on it.

GMO

In Britain, The BMA (equivalent to AMA) called an outright banning of GMO foods, and labeling the same in countries where they still exist, this was due to people standing up to it.
Sadly in this country, we aren’t even informed about it.
Monsanto, the giant behind this movement is and will keep pushing for it to be kept under our noses, without us being informed of the side effects that GMO products are causing.
On a daily basis, by the millions, we are consuming GMO products,
and we are completely oblivious.
In our country, most of our corn and wheat products are genetically modified unless it specifies organic. I think this is one of the main contributors to the rise in gluten and wheat allergies. Genetically modified hybrids are injected with viruses to alter their DNA structure, our bodies way of fighting this is in causing an allergic reaction to these viruses.

Did you know that Monsanto is also the producer of the largest pesticide, Roundup, and that the GMO seeds are designed to withstand and grow under the spraying of Roundup and other Monsanto pesticides.

Do you think that is normal?

More so, do you think that is healthy and something that you want to ingest?

I don’t.

It is now more difficult to find non-GMO seeds, and purchase organic seeds due to Monsanto’s monopoly on the seed market. If there are GMO’s found growing on a non- GMO farmers property…
Guess what?
Huge lawsuit, usually ending where Monsanto states that the farmer has been stealing their patent on that seed, claiming rights over the whole farm. This is happening all over the world, in India it has caused the rate of suicide to rise in the farmer population.

This information has caused me to alter my eating habits, becoming much more conscious of what I buy and consume. I try to be aware of where my food comes from, and how it is processed. I always read labels of what I am purchasing, straying from the more chemically laden foods.
I eat ORGANIC….
Why?
It is not genetically modified and is 80%-300% more nutrient dense, allowing my body to absorb more nutrients, gaining more energy from what I eat, over time leaving me feeling less hungry.
We do not know the long-term effects of ingesting pesticides and herbicides, and I would rather spend the extra money on ensuring I am healthy and feeding my body what it deserves. After all, I only have one, and I want it to be radiant and flourishing for a long time.
We spend millions on the daily with other needless consumptions, why not on what will support us?
The way that I eat has a DIRECT effect on the way that I feel.
In changing my diet, I feel more beautiful, and it stems from within. I think true beauty is a result of how we nurture our temples.
Other than my occasional indulgences, I have cut out sugars, MSG, alcohol, gluten, dairy and most processed foods. I find that when I do eat sugar or wheat, it makes me feel sluggish, fatigued, foggy and irritable. In listening to my body, I have found that it doesn’t like these food sources.
I still have organic vegetarian fed eggs and free-range chicken, but have cut red meats out of my diet. It is important to me to eat free-range chicken as I do not want to ingest the hormones that are pumped into factory-farmed animals. The feed that non free range animals are given, are hormones and our favorite…..GM foods……
Yes this includes McDonalds.

I try to eat as much raw foods as possible, cooking food causes it to lose the electrons, which is a major source of energy for the body. When I eat raw, I feel more clarity, more energy, more vibrantly me.
Also, juicing is an unparalleled form for obtaining nutrients, it leaves me feeling ALIVE.
We are what we eat in every sense.

I worked on an organic farm for a summer in New Mexico, and doing so helped me to acknowledge pertinent information about food and the farming community, information that I may not have gained if it weren’t for the opportunity. (Thank you B and N ; )
It is in my opinion that everyone learn how to grow their own food source or buy local, so as to not rely on a corporation for our most basic of needs. My dream is where every human has access to their own food source, implementing systems and communities of sustainable farming and food forests. Utilizing unused land, rooftops and backyards for this purpose.

Why isn’t that taught in school?

Food for thought….

xo
Nicole

Daily Habits

Posted in HealthTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , 3 Comments

I have always been fascinated with herbs, natural medicine, and alternative healing modalities.
As a child I had a 1000 page book of natural remedies that I would rifle through,already drawn to my passion.
At 25, I had tipped the scales with my diet, I was an unhealthy health nut. I desired health but kept polluting my body with unhealthy eating patterns, thought patterns and habits.It was time for me to balance that out, a process that took almost 3 years taking me all over the country, while meeting amazing and informative people.
Being a creature of habit, it has taken for me to switch my bad habits to ones that encourage my health and well-being, for the most part.
I have learned how to nurture my temple, by listening to my body’s desires and taking care of my whole. It has resulted in my feeling more energized, healthier and happier, consistently. I believe that nurturing the physical is one step in a healing process of an emotional, mental, and spiritual undertaking.

Here is a list of some daily additions that have improved my state of being. I hope these benefit you as they have benefitted me. I will get into more superfoods on a later date.

For informational purposes only, not intended to diagnose or cure.

Sea Salt

Sea Salt is a better alternative to table salt, and one can get Iodized sea salt.
If I am ever tired or foggy headed, sometimes a pinch of sea salt under my tongue perks me up immediately.
If you drink a lot of water it is important to keep mineral balance and adding sea salt to your water and diet will do so.

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

An amazing antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-fungal. It contains caprylic and lauric acids that help the body ward off disease, virus and stress.
Assists in maintaining cholesterol levels, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism, aiding in thyroid production.
I use 3 Tblspn in my black coffee or tea daily, it helps regulate digestion, and provide more energy.
If ingesting for the first time, I suggest starting off with 1 tlbsn a day and building up to 3. There can be a herxheimer reaction that takes place.
This amazing oil can be used in place of butter when cooking.
I use it on my face and body as my moisturizer, I like it much more than a store-bought moisturizer.
Coconut water and Milk are extremely beneficial to the body as well.

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

My cure-all. The benefits range from weight loss, arthritis, cholesterol, skin disorders, sinuses, anti-aging and MANY more.
Transforming my health in numerous ways, it is a great detox for the body.
If purchased, make sure it is RAW, it is important that “the mother” probiotics are present.
Can be used in dressings and taken internally 1-3 times a day. It can also be used as an astringent, leaving clearer skin and a more pronounced glow.

Aloe

An amazing anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral.  Contains vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants, fiber, amino acids, enzymes and naturally rich in polysaccharides. Cooling and healing for the stomach and intestines, taken internally can clear up many issues of poor digestion. Lubricates joints, brain and skin, while supporting immune system in fighting infections.
I take it with a bit of squeezed lemon juice 30 minutes before eating or as an addition to power smoothies.

Algae

Chlorella, Spirulina and Blue Green algae have numerous benefits, I like to think of them as brain foods.
Cyanobacteria is the oldest living form on this planet, one of the most nutrient dense sources that contains minerals, vitamins, probiotics and enzymes, B12, chlorophyll and is an excellent way to get most of our daily uptake of nutrients.
Chlorella is an immune system booster, aiding in treating many symptoms, assists in chelation process of removing heavy metals from the body.
Spirulina is a freshwater algae that contains vitamins, minerals and high protein.

 Cayenne Pepper

The health benefits are numerous. It is an antifungal and alleviates allergies while assisting in carrying toxins out of the system. This little red pepper increases metabolism, helps fight disease, benefits the circulatory system, blood pressure and prevents heart disease.
I sprinkle some in my Apple Cider Vinegar daily and use it in most of my cooking.
Another cure-all I can’t go without.

Turmeric

A natural antiseptic and antibacterial, and useful as a disinfectant.
Can assist with allergies, liver and metabolism.
The property curcumin found in Turmeric boosts and aids many regulations within the body. Black pepper helps the absorption.
Take 1 tspn a day.

Cinnamon

Used as a spice as well as medicine. It helps with digestion, lowering cholesterol, fights cancer, brain tonic, and many other useful benefits. I use in my coffee and anything that calls for sweetness.

Here is a website that has helped me immensely, it gives testimonials on what I have presented.
www.earthclinic.com
Just scratching the surface, I will be getting into more remedies and supplements further on.

xo,

Nicole