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.

The Rainbow Children

Posted in Collective Consciousness, Genetic REvolution, SustainabilityTagged , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

Rules abandon throw them out the window for this new generation being born is one that has their own set of codes, our future is destined to be written by them. They’re here to break down structures that no longer suit us in the most playful way.

It’s our responsibility to listen to them, they, essentially are our teachers as much as we are their elders. The sweet voices of these children speak to me at times, especially in deep meditation, guiding me to a world of visionary wonder and belief that they wish to come to fruition.

A rainbow was captured in our hands on two separate occasions with a couple of the beautiful children I work with. As the spectrum of colors and light were dancing through and around our fingers, the joy of such naive play reminded me of the messages these children are bringing.

I say the Rainbow Children because I find their spectrum and ideals are brilliantly all-encompassing ones of tolerance, compassion, empathy and understanding, which I believe is what they come to teach us. They are the evolution of Indigo and Crystal children.
Not an expert, I’m only sharing my personal experiences and what I’ve learned thus far. Gifted myself as an Indigo/Crystal Empath I feel like a magnet for the gifted Rainbow children.

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These children implore us to become more than we are, do more than we’re doing at a rapid pace for the progression of a healthy, loving, peaceful and tolerant human race.
The old model of adhering to traditional codes and structures is becoming nonsensical in a world that would incite empathy, understanding and play. Which is what I believe these children are bringing.

Our world loses its color and character when everything becomes a race for money and attainment, a drying up of the colors in the drive for materialism has become our world.

The simple things derive such pleasures for these children, they teach me the revelry and color of what is important in life:
Human connection…
Playful, Loving Expressions…
Interaction in the now with joy even through the utmost disconcerting situations.

These children are highly cognitive, understand far more than we give them credit for and want personalization tailored to their individual learning modality and curve. Which I’ll expound upon more in another post. These children are gifted on levels that I can barely comprehend and their strength can come across as stubborn to us adults.

I notice that gentle firmness as well tender speaking is very important with them, in a way that makes them feel respected, understood and equal. Hugs, playing, tickling, dancing, singing, laughing and positive expression illuminates them. Independent physical imaginary action is as important to them as sitting and learning. I’ve noticed they balk at manipulative techniques, these children are highly intelligent and give back with the same force of what they are receiving. I’ve made it a commitment to speak directly to them, even if little, they are people and deserve the same level of respect that we give each other.
If not more.
They feel very deeply and can be troubled by negative energy yet also easily able to transcend it and bring in compassion. Reiki is especially helpful during stressful situations, it becomes a comfort blanket for them to surrender into.

Fear turns them away, a lacking mentality is not understood. They see a world of abundance and prosperity for all. They yearn for a world that allows for freedoms inherent to all beings, one of alive color and beauty balanced with the logical aspects of our society. Deep analysis is futile for they thrive in momentary expressions.
As the spectrum holds many colors so do these children and their individual gifts they are bringing with such sweetness and strength.

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The rainbow children are highly gifted in subtle, intelligent ways.
As an empath it’s therapy being around their light and vibrancy. They are healers in their own way to old paradigm mentalities. Their messages come to me through visionary feelings.
These children are highly empathic themselves and with some I’ve noticed easy telepathy, especially during dreams and meditative states, or when holding them. This is experience I gain not only from the children I work with on a daily basis, but other children and families that are attracted into my life as well.

The children want us to be good role models, to cast away forms of fear in place of love and harmon. I know this to be true in the depths of my being. The notion I’m lead to is that perhaps it’s time for our world to be more in balance with nurturing instincts to lead these new generations. Puritanical ideas inhibit their natural growth if too controlling.

 

The children grant me hope for a happy future. I know their wishes are to live in a world of promise and unity, seeing the “fear” and “sin” replaced with knowing they are beautiful, wondrous, unique creations.

For an instant can you imagine this world that they wish for?

Of unity
Of sustainable natural resources on our planet
Of beauty
Of equality
Of happiness
Of freedom
Of peace
Of joyful expression unrestrained and brilliant.

No more quieting them, let them speak…
Do we have the patience to truly listen?

These children beg me in meditations to make rapid change, pulling my thoughts in a manner of visionary wonder of what our possibility is as a healthy future humanity.

I can tell you with certainty through visions I’ve been gifted if we keep going the rate we are at with technology progressing and our mindsets turned in a hierarchical fashion our future is dismal. In this vision I hear future generations of our grandchildren coming to to us when we are old and saying….

“Why didn’t you change more when the choice was still available?”

As a collective, it’s our choice to start making the changes in an accelerated way.

Not so much for us but these future children, unborn grandchildren, great-grandchildren and hopefully so on.

xo,
Nicole

More related posts:

Waldorf Education and the Indigo Children
A World of Rainbow, Indigo and Crystal Children (Leoflare.wordpress.com)
Dream, Play, Laugh and Create
Vibing with An Empath
Intuitive Opening

Istanbul

Posted in TravelTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 9 Comments

Istanbul, once Constantinople, a cosmopolitan city that is a Turkish Delight. I came here as a birthday present to myself, a long-awaited trip I’ve dreamt of for years. With a history of empirical rule that spans across two millenias, there lies an anciently modern feel in what is known today as Istanbul.

In Istanbul East meets West, North and South on the continental divide of Asia and Europe.
What once was the empire of the world falls, to create a new empire keeping the architecture and traditions alive with historical significance.

 

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Before traveling I had several dreams of being in the Hagia Sophia what was heard in my dream was:
“AYA SOPHIA”

So I booked a ticket to Istanbul. After booking it, I heard in international news of a young American woman murdered, many condolences to her family.

Needless to say, I received caring backlash for my choice. I’m a risk-taker and took the chance. More importantly, my living dream was instated in this mecca of culture and city.

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I chose to travel by myself in a country where I knew no one to experience the uncomfortably brilliant sensation that can only come from letting go of what I think the world should be and boldly appreciating it for the beauty that it is.
The people in Istanbul have been incredibly warm, generous, nice and accommodating to my American self. While I don’t speak Turkish, I understood the customs and language enough to get by with ease.

Renaissance Bosphorus:

Renaissance Bosphorus, what a gem. Like a genie in the bottle, my every wish was granted. From the staff, to the spa, to the restaurant, to the concierge.

The service was personalized in a way that I felt cared for. I was given tea when sick from the lovely lady who ran nightly guest services. I was suggested where to go and what to do by the navigator. I was questioned every time I came in how my experience was, what my favorite parts were, if I liked everything so far.
I was brought coffee and breakfast dishes in bed. What a delight.

Spa:

After 24 hours of traveling, delays and no sleep I awoke my first day at 2 pm, wondering why I had slept so long.
My energy felt heavy with travel, imbued in my state, all I could think was: relaxation and purification.
My first stop was the spa downstairs where I indulged in a traditional turkish bath, known as a Hammam.

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In this bath I laid on a marble slab in a soothing room lit up by pale blue. As I lay there, covered by a thin sheet, I was wondering what I was in store for. Then my bather gathered hot water from elaborate sinks into a large brass bucket. Dousing me head to toe thus soothing me to my core.
I stepped back in time as this ritualistic bath warmed and cleansed me. A treatment that was purification of mind, body and spirit. An honoring of myself making it to Turkey and my birthday too.

 

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With new customs intertwining an ancient stillness that envelops Instanbul,  there is movement with a slow feeling of tranquil sensuality.

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Images come to me of ancient people and smells, who were part of cultures centuries before, penetrating modern existence. Breakdowns and restructuring, changing and shifting with the times. In Istanbul there is a conglomerate of cultural reference to bygone ages. The roots of this city have a formidable, yet inviting energy.

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Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque:

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I went to Tutahnemet square where the tourist relics I wished to visit were.
Entering the square the sight of Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque was overwhelmingly vast. Coming to mind were the mammoth amounts of energy taken to build such impressive structures. There lies a strength in reverence to piety, as such I praise the minds that came up with such beautiful mastery. The ability and time it took to carve such finely laid intricacy is astonishing.
The circling of what came before is still within the now, what is now will come to pass as the past, into a new wave of future = exaltation of now.

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Aya Sophia’s structure architecturally has the golden ratio or Fibonacci sequence. The name translates literally to divine knowledge. I believe all creative processes we are gifted with, from the arts to science, religion to music come through a ratio as such.

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Looking at the inlaid inscriptions, still there after thousands of years I realize there is a mystery of Hagia Sophia. The inscriptions tell a story of some of the different faces and names divinity has taken throughout history. First built as a church in 532, it was rebuilt twice and changed into a Mosque in 1453 with the new Ottoman rule. A cultural treasure to beautiful architecture standing the times.

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I visited the impressive Blue Mosque. It was my first time entering a Mosque. In honor I covered my head with my hood and walked inside, taking my shoes off, revering the architectural masterpiece that it is; a larger, quieter, beautifully subdued way, with current religious practices taking place.
Mimar Sinan designed the Blue Mosqe known as Sultanhmet Mosque and many other architecturally astounding Mosques around Istanbul. He also redesigned Hagia Sophia in the mid 1500’s.

 

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Basilica Cistern:

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The underground roots of Istanbul, this cistern was built in the Byzantine empire as their ancient waterways. The passages are symmetrically perfect columns of differently carved structures, where old waters from the Belgrade forest circulated through.
With a past of mythological presence at the end of the passages there are two separate gigantic heads of Medusa; one upside down and one on its side. Ancient to the times of Constantinople, they were brought from ruins as relics. These heads are thought to be omens keeping away bad spirits

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As I walk through I feel almost breathless, chills run through. There is a beauty that is uncaptured and untouched down under. As though the times are unchanged and when walking through it can be felt in a compelling way.

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I meandered around the square, stopping before each relic to sit and have a Turkish coffee and dish. Rich flavors of the mediterranean represent Turkish fare; cheeses and spices with creamy overlays. Light foods like tomatoes and cucumbers, carrots with fish dishes. Ah, and the Turkish coffee, yum, like a rich, sweet espresso with grounds left in.

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The obelisks I knew about before knowing about. Brought here as ancient relics to the Byzantine empire, they’re about, give or take, 3,000 years old, looking over the plaza with Egyptian hieroglyphs lighting up each side, impressive and daunting with the clouds rolling in.

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In Taksim square I went to a local Hookah bar, where I experienced a more traditional Turkish feel of living with people playing backgammon and traditional card games and smoking apple flavored “Nargile” while watching football. Drinking black tea and passing the Hookah, the place was eveloped in a sweet-smelling smoke.
During Islamic prayer time, the game is silenced, at which point throughout the city chanting of prayers is heard through the speakers, known as the Azaan or rise to prayer. Exotic to my foreign ears.

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Grand Bazaar:

It’s in my opinion that this 500 year old indoor bazaar was the inception of the modern mall. The vendors sell everything from shoes, to lanterns, to silks to turkish delights, stones, jewelry, sunglasses to many things.

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Overwhelming, one brightly covered tunnel leads to another. Turning right to turn left to find myself facing what seemed like a never-ending maze of retailers selling colorful, bright products.

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Bebek, a section of the city on the Golden Horn where cafes gorgeously dot the streets, with lounge music and what I would say an Istanbul feeling along the Marmara sea. I was held in rapture by the panoramic beauty encapsulating this city, with sailboats and homes sparkling the sea, everything lazily caught up in soft winds rolling over the hills surrounding the golden horn.

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Spice Bazaar:

Walking through century old tunnels and streets bustling with intense activity. The spices of the city enticed me with their energy as I felt pulled into store after store creating a buzz in my olfactory glands. Stimulating, the spice bazaar has aromatic, rich scents. Everywhere I walked it seemed a new scent embraced me with its essence.

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Sampling the different spices like mint and saffron, cardamom pods and curry. I was left with a spicy sweetness on my lips, test tasting figs and apricots, dates and turkish delights. Selling, buying, bartering, trading, walking through the old streets aromas of roasting chestnuts, coffee and spices wafts through the air.
I stopped to have traditional lamb shish kabob and rice. Sitting at the table with a Turkish family table I don’t know, I enjoyed the simplicity being the oddly even one out.

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Appreciating the patterns of history and culture around me, this trip is an affirmation of my intentionality and the finely laid intricacy in the patterns of life.

I left on a nostalgic note, yet also in such gratitude for my home and life in Chicago.

Teşekkürler Istanbul,

Seni seviyorum

xo,
Nicole

10 Best Natural Antibiotics

Posted in Health, WellnessTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 23 Comments

Antibiotics ie. Anti-Life kill all bacteria, healthy and unhealthy. When one is uninformed of the adverse effects of antibiotics, it can lead to autoimmune disorders through the eradication of healthy flora (bacteria) in the digestive track and other areas of the body.

If you’re prescribed antibiotics it’s important to ingest sources of probiotics afterwards. Including ones you can buy in capsule form or eating foods like Yogurt, Kefir, fermented veggies ie. Kim Chee, Sauerkraut, or drinking Kombucha, or Raw Apple Cider vinegar.

Our bodies are meant to heal themselves and when out of balance or deficient it makes it difficult. In order for the whole to heal, homeostasis is imperative. Over the years the information I’ve come across leads right back to the digestive track if not in good health, disease is the result.

Here are some natural antibiotics that may already be found in your kitchen.

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Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE):

A study from The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that “grapefruit-seed extract was effective in killing over “800 bacterial and viral strains, 100 strains of fungus, and a large number of single and multi-celled parasites.”² No other naturally-occuring anti-microbial can come close to these results.”
Grapefruit seed extract is a natural antiseptic, anti-fungal and anti-viral. With an amazing array of antioxidant properties which neutralize free radicals. GSE helps the body to defend itself through proper immune function, while alkilizing naturally. It inhibits the growth of Candida, Giardia and other harmful intestinal issues and keeps healthy Flora intact.

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV):

Taken once or twice a day as a shot, it’s one of my all time favorites as a cure-all. The benefits range from antiseptic, antibiotic, weight loss, arthritis, cholesterol, skin disorders, sinuses, anti-aging and much more.
 ACV is a great detox for the body and can also be used as an astringent topically.

Honey:

The healing properties of honey are numerous, the best source of honey is raw and Manuka Honey from New Zealand is said to have the strongest curative properties. It’s suggested that honey has antimicrobial, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic action against certain spectrums of bacteria and fungi. Topically applied, honey releases H2O2, evidence shows that most strains of harmful bacteria die in the presence of oxygen or hydrogen peroxide.

Raw Garlic:

When crushed or chewed raw garlic has a property called allicin which has high amounts of anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. Garlic helps with a myriad of diseases and assists in colds and flu, it can be applied topically as well. Along with the family of onions it’s used as a cancer preventative.

Colloidal Silver:

“Colloidal silver has been recognised as a powerful, natural antibiotic. Research has shown that it works by acting as a catalyst, disabling the enzyme that single-celled bacteria, fungi and viruses require for the metabolism of oxygen. This then suffocates the invading cell whilst doing no harm to any human enzymes, resulting in the removal of disease-causing organisms from the body.”
Colloidal silver dates back centuries with a long history for its healing benefits. It’s reported to heal many infections and used as a natural antibiotic and defense for the body.

Pau D’arco:

Pau D’arco comes from the inner bark of trees from South America. This bark is said to be an antioxidant, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral. It is effective in healing Candida and different bacterial strains including staph and strep. Easily brewed in a tea form it also helps the body ward off colds and the flu.

Olive Leaf:

A unique plant with multi-faceted applications. Olive leaf is therapeutic towards many common ailments. Many scientific studies have been conducted investigating the extract’s properties against virus, retrovirus, bacterium and protozoan. “Research suggests that olive leaf may be a true anti-viral compound because it appears to selectively block an entire virus-specific system in the infected host.” Amongst others, some benefits of olive leaf are; supporting the immune system, energy production, healthy blood circulation and cardiovascular.

Turmeric & Cayenne:

Two personal favorites of the spice cabinet. Cayenne’s health benefits are numerous, it works as an anti-fungal, antiviral and alleviates allergies. It assists 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.
Turmeric is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial, it also assists with allergies, the liver and metabolism. 
The property curcumin found in Turmeric boosts and aids many regulations within the body.
Sprinkle each in your favorite dishes.

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil:

An antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-fungal. It contains Caprylic and Lauric acids that help the body ward off bacterial and viral infections. It assists in maintaining cholesterol levels, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism it also aids in thyroid production. Take one TBLSN daily in tea or coffee or by itself. It can also be used as a moisturizer.

An amazing article on the benefits of Coconut Oil for hair loss: hairlossrevolution.com

Oil of Oregano:

Separate from the spice Oregano, Oil of Oregano dates back centuries as an antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic that effectively wards off infections. It helps with colds and sore throats, digestive problems, topical infections amongst many other uses.

I’ll go into more detail on the healing properties of essential oils through the olfactory glands in a separate post.

: )

For now, how’s your immune function?

xo,
Nicole

 

Shilajit & Shrooms

Posted in Health, WellnessTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 10 Comments

 

Shilajit

In ancient Sanskrit texts, over 3,000 years old, there are references to a mysterious substance described as “The destroyer of weakness”. This substance was known as Soma and was unknown what exactly it was until more recently when Himalayan villagers continually observed monkeys eating a substance from the crevices within the Himalayan mountains. Upon observation these monkeys would have high levels of energy and awareness afterwards. The villagers took it upon themselves to eat this humic substance and were astounded by its benefits. “Soma was considered the elixir of immortality, the secret substance used by alchemists to perfect both body and mind.”

Shilajit is formed from ancient organic plant and animal material. As the Himalayas rose, what once was a moist, tropical jungle was trapped by layers of rock which became pressed and over time decomposition created the rich, humus substance known as Shilajit.

This tar-like substance became known as a mind, body and spirit healer and a staple in Ayurvedic medicine.
After 60 years of clinical research the claims are shown as extremely beneficial. Shilajit is an allergy and stress reducer. It increases energy, helps digestive issues, improves memory and cognition. It’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and eliminates free radicals. It’s shown to increase immunity, strength and sex drive. It is also said to be an aphrodisiac and prescribed as the “Viagra” in Ayurvedic medicine for men. Also, an anti-microbial and detoxer. It assists in mental stamina, memory and concentration. As well as treats anxiety and depression.
This Superconductor contains Fulvic acid which binds to heavy metals and chelates them from the system naturally. It’s filled with phytonutrients, biochemicals, enzymes, nutrients, antivirals, antifungals, antibiotics etc. The reason being that through years of breakdown by microorganisms such as fungi, algae, yeast, the RNA and DNA of the original plant life remains intact.

Amazing, right?

All I have to say about my personal experience with Shilajit is, I LOVE IT. I find it to be an incredible tonic of vitality.

Reishi, Cordyceps, Shiitake and Maitake

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Having been used in China and Japan for thousands of years, these mushrooms are powerful medicines, adaptogens and immune boosters.

Reishi

Also named Linghzi or Ganoderma Lucidium, Reishi is known as the “Mushroom of Immortality”. Research has found that use of Reishi improves immune and liver functions, stimulates health and prevents degenerative diseases as well as allergies. It is a perfect antidote for influenza as well as other infectious diseases. It also promotes memory and concentration as well as being a happiness booster. It’s adaptogenic meaning it adapts to the body and gives what is needed. It’s made as a tea or taken in herbal concoctions, which is how I take it. I’ve found it helps memory and concentration as well as makes me feel fabulous.

Cordyceps

A mushroom that is precious medicine. Cordyceps increase health and vitality, it’s anti-aging and prevents many diseases. It works on the kidney and lung meridians according to Traditional Chinese Medicine. A super strengthener for the body, helping with fatigue, night sweats, lower back-pain, increases libido, impotence, hyperglycemia, respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and even liver diseases. It helps with infectious and inflammatory diseases as well as sexuality and fertility. It has anti-cancer benefits and helps to regulate the body by being adaptogenic as well. I take in an herbal remedy with Reishi that is formulated for mental focus, strength and health.

Maitake and Shiitake

Similar in their benefits, known as a cancer preventative they are used to fortify the immune system. They lower cholesterol and blood pressure. They also aid in weight loss while boosting energy. They are consumed in dishes or teas. Also great healers with influenza or colds.

“Scientific research indicates that the major actions of medicinal mushrooms are stimulating the immune system and protecting against cardiovascular disease, free radicals, mutagens, and toxins. Most medicinal mushrooms contain polysaccharides (complex sugar molecules) called beta-glucans that increase RNA and DNA in the bone marrow where immune cells, like lymphocytes, are made. The combination of compounds in mushrooms is believed to target the immune system and aid in neuron transmission, metabolism, and the transport of nutrients and oxygen. Three mushroom varieties — reishi, shiitake, and maitake — have been studied intensively and have proven to possess strong medicinal properties. All mushrooms must be cooked to get the nutritional value. The cell walls cannot be digested unless they are tenderized by heat.”
Prescription For Dietary Wellness by Phyllis A Balch, page 167

For now, try these out and see how they suit you, if at all. I’ve found them all to be extremely beneficial to my mental, emotional and spiritual health.

How are your Shilajit & Shrooms’ feeling?

xo,

Nicole

For more information check out links below:

http://www.herbslist.net/shilajit.html

http://www.chinese-herbs.org/cordyceps/benefits.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/021498_reishi_mushrooms.html#ixzz2IXvKkGom

http://www.examiner.com/article/can-eating-anti-viral-maitake-shiitake-mushrooms-shrink-tumors

Dream, Play, Laugh and Create

Posted in Creative Musings, SpiritualityTagged , , , , , , , 4 Comments

Be who YOU are, not who the WORLD wants you to be.
And for a rundown of my lowdown let me debrief.

Over the past few months I’ve been intro-, extro-, retro- reflective, respectively. Physically and mentally asserting passages to create a new learning curve for myself, which I’ll elaborate on in a future post. This has caused many breakthroughs about the woman I am, the girl I was and still love, most importantly what I’m creating myself to be.

Fortified with the realization that this is on rise of building a new model of definition of success for myself.

Right now, I feel supported to create a world around me that reflects my inner vision of what I wish to see. To me this means remembering not to take life so seriously and sticking up for what I believe in a way that creates fun, excitement and ease.

Growing up in the most youthful way with structured spontaneity spontaneously structuring. I’m reflecting on the emergence of an excitement that seemed fleeting, evading me since I’d been so heady with thoughts and caring about frivolity that doesn’t have as much meaning now.

I have undertaken redefining success for my life and have come to the conclusion that success without love, passion, excitement and fun is not success to me. The modern model of success is missing heart and the ability to have youthful expression of silliness, innocence and spontaneity. I don’t buy into it and actually think it feels antiquated.

I have been inspired and challenged to push through my blockades in ways I’ve never faced before, connecting to parts of myself that have lain dormant until recently.
I contribute much of this growth to being pushed out of my comfort zone into movement and action and most importantly being surrounded by a loving family and community that is an inspirational structure to create my life into being.

So let me present you with thoughts I’ve pondered.

The societal expectations from childhood and up build into this thing called becoming an “adult”. Which in our current world can be so serious and dry at times.
As we age we enter established structures of education and peer groups. In them we’re conditioned to restructure our expressions, quieting them, turning off the imagination in place of distraction and attainment, shutting down our child’s mind. Devoid of the playfulness and dreamlands that captures childlike innocence it can feel like we’re working within a huge machine of a system. A life of doing what is needed from society in place of reference to who and what we are, or to be, within the hierarchy.

Ok, understood, I get it. The structure has value and I applaud it for the many years it has provided comfort and security for those whom it has. Yet, I truly believe a new structure is coming into place, one written by our future and not our past. To me climbing for capital gain and attainment, with the goal to hopefully capture the childlike excitement again is a paradoxical, boring cycle
With so much value placed on attaining and gaining I pose the question again, where is true happiness found?

Mine is in expression of loving life, who I am and those around me, excitedly. With comforts being met, it’s also important to me to be a caring, loving person to those around me. Manifesting beauty, harmony and joy on the physical plane.

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Dreaming and Playing:

In becoming an adult I think the most important aspect to remember is our inner child and nurture it into play again.
Underneath the aging that has occurred a part of that child is within us all. In fantastical places creating worlds upon worlds of imaginative dreamlands.

And why not?

Quintessentially the inner artist is an aspect of the inner child.
Let go of the expectations of your adult life for a moment and think about what you wanted to be as a child, is that still a part of your living dream?

The heart resides in innocence and fun.
While I’m an adult, I’ve also learned to nurture my inner child, lending to me tremendously through transformative periods. I strive to be in laughter and wonder when setbacks come up.
Coming into the excitement and playfulness with children, like a child, is where living takes on a new experience. Loving life is innocent, in the moment, present and aware with just being and experiencing what is, here and now.
Children in their dreamlands and imaginations don’t care about judgement, they imagine and create.
Hearing children laugh and play liberates my inner child to let go of the dry conditions of what can become my adult world. Promoting learning, creativity, playing, singing, dancing, being silly and inquisitive to a world that I see with child’s eyes that were asleep for some time.

My request from you is to let your inner child out, it will cause youthful expression.
Do what it is that brings up the exuberance you know yourself to be childlike with. Have fun with life in a way that inspires your youthful heart’s desire. Play on the swings, skip, laugh, be playful, create, paint, dance, make up imaginary worlds free of judgement that infiltrates adult living. If people take you seriously than that’s their issue, not yours. There is nothing wrong with being a creative mindscape to imagine from, the imagination at work is beyond comprehension of realms we live in.

Where do you think our most creative pieces and brilliant inventions came from?

Where is your inner child now?

xo,
Nicole

Trapezin’

Posted in Adventure, TravelTagged , , , , , 3 Comments

Part of my living dream, a part that was unknown to me until the idea came up. It’s the spontaneity in life that sometimes blows my mind.

A trapeze class?
My adventurous room-mate and good friend Pamela prompted the idea with a “Just come with”.

Yes, I thought to myself, I’d love to see what this is all about.

Being a bystander to something so incredible would not fit into my agenda, as is my way I will always achieve my goals, of course if it’s for the best of all involved.

Well, Trapezin’ apparently was.

Pamela had purchased her deal through Living Social, thankfully I was able to take part in the class that there were 20 others in. All of us participated in one of the coolest local adventures we could undertake.

This class took place less than a mile from where I’m residing on Belmont Harbor, perched right next to Lake Michigan. The staff of Trapeze School New York-Chicago and Living Social were rad, every one of them had their unique way of bringing this adventure to fruition.

We first took part in a twilight picnic on the grass where we mingled, ate and watched the sunset. All the while aware of the dizzying heights from where we’d be flying from.

After the picnic we were separated into groups of about 6-7, the class was a three round instruction. The first round I took part in was grounded partner balancing. In this our group was instructed on how to support one another as we performed different tricks. After which we expertly learned how to balance in a human pyramid. This part was reminiscent of kids in a gymnastic class….

 

For adults of course …..

The second part we were guided to a low swing where we tried several tricks while being supported by our expert teachers.

I got a bit ahead of myself as my yogic acrobatic spirit came out, I kept thinking…..
I HAVE to do this again, it comes so naturally.

The third part was the aerial, where we were shown with exemplary instruction on how to trapeze correctly. After watching others go, I was harnessed in and led up the ladder about 40 feet off the ground to the landing, where I prepared myself with the instructor until prompted when to fly.

On top, with the darkened sky I was under the full moon with Lake Michigan in view, to my right was the full lit up city skyline. A gorgeous sight that has left an unforgettable impression on my full adventuring memory.
It was a bit daunting as I was standing up there, waiting for the prompt. My knees were a little shaky, I was breathing deep as I grabbed the bar and flew….

Then the magic took place. Listening to my instructions, I started soaring, knees up, backwards, forwards, somersaulting, legs flying with the wind whipping through me.

Liberated and exhilarating as I exerted myself with my best effort.

 

There was a list of people who if performed well the first two flies were able to fly again, this time expertly caught by an instructor. While I made the “catch list” my defiant self didn’t listen properly, I missed the catcher’s hands and ended up back flipping my way down instead 😉
Leading me to believe I’m meant to take more classes to perfect this aerial art.
How else am I to fly if I don’t learn to properly spread my wings?

Walking away there was an exuberance of pride felt for my first trapeze class. An accomplishment that reinforces the belief that I can do anything, as long as I set my intentions.

This whole adventure not only blew my mind, but was affordable as well. The staff was amazing and I’m happy to say I felt expertly guided and safe the whole time, while having an absolute blast. TSNY Chicago not only offers many trapeze classes, but others as well including acrobatic yoga which I will definitely be taking.

Even with my adventuring spirit Living Social has incredible offers on endeavors I would never think of. At the end of this class one could buy a two for one instruction for next time. Living Social Adventure has deals all over the world that are just as unique, check them out. It’s easy to receive, all you have to do insert your area and voila, you get an email with daily specials.

Hope to see you flying~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

xo,
Nicole

Fluid to Make Waves

Posted in Creative Musings, Empowerment, SpiritualityTagged , , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments

 

And the water was where I was standing, in a river where two diverging paths became one. Bubbling and flowing around me, I let go of everything I was holding onto into this healing place and a peace enfolded me.
I was reminded that many paths lead to the source, whatever that Source may be, separate paths converge to diverge again, naturally.
After being so much like air and earth lately, I am reminded to become more fluid again like this powerful flowing river.

I fill myself with the essence of what is the surrounding environment. The trees and plants nourished by the water that flows fluidly, moving over the rocks and earth that become eroded by continual movement. The wood, trees and plants providing home and food for the animals and insects to survive upon. My totem hawk flying above representing my free spirit, in the air that gives breath to life, with the fiery Sun beaming down.

All elements are needed to sustain an ecosystem. As a small piece of the whole, becoming one with the environment, whatever it may be, brings clarity and purity.

As I’m meditating in the tranquility, I remember that becoming like water means letting go of attachment to desires, wants, needs, possibilities and outcomes to allow the flow to lead me where I’m meant to go. Flowing around obstacles fluidly creates peace of mind. Rather than resisting or turning away, which feeds energy to what’s not working, I choose to see life for how it exists right now.

Going through my Saturn return over the past year and a half have been what I would call a shift in the way I perceive my outer world. Rather than “trying” , which is a futile term, to manifest all of my separate visions and dreams into existence, I am learning to create by simply being.
My inner world has been fortified with truth, which becomes fluid as I evolve more fully into the potential that exists. I realize with new inward learning that it’s not about my belief in my dreams and goals or the outer reality, it’s my belief in myself.

I fully believe in me.

A deep truth, overlaid by the deeper truth derived from all the inner work I’ve done over the years. One that is unshakeable in its very core.

That truth is

I accept and love what is, life, living, being…….

Like the many states of water, I may continually shift, evolve and change, yet, my essence will always remain the same. Understood by the outer world or not. No thing, no one, no experience will ever shake it, it’s found outside all ego attachment and identity defined through outer means. It is a presence within that is continually unfolding like a lotus blossoming. As this never-ending flower of self unfurls gorgeous petals, I reinforce my truth …

I love my life, it’s perfect right now and continually blows my mind with organic beauty that is a flow. Exploring this creation I have…. being, here, now, continuously with gratitude for living. The same source of consciousness that resides in me resides in everything.

xo,

Nicole

Related Articles:

Bone Deep Weary (onlyhereonlynow.com)
The Flow, yo
Animus Totem
Are we adding some much-needed sanity to the world? (beyondmeds.com)
Creative Mind (dranilj1.wordpress.com)
Judge Not Others (livinginthenow.net)

Acupuncture & TCM

Posted in Health, WellnessTagged , , , , , , , 12 Comments

On my last trip to Detroit in May for a festival I attend yearly, I had a bit of an accident. I hit my head hard, really hard on the top where a baby’s soft spot is while getting into a cab.
Hard enough that it caused me loss of memory, confusion and disorientation for the rest of the evening and next few days. Thank God for a friend who helped me through it, I was a lost cause and yes completely sober when it occurred.

Grant it, I may seem a bit spacey to the outside world at times, in reality my inner world and mind is flying faster than the speed of light in ideas, creative processes, visions and notions, hence the importance of meditation and grounding for me.
I am part writer 😉

Well this incident that happened with my head caused true spaciness and confusion for over a month, it was such a different perception that I was placed or should I say spaced into. I tried to overlook it but two weeks later I started to notice that my sense of smell was diminishing, over the next few days I lost it completely.

My ability to sense my surroundings from the aesthetic beauty and intuitive notions I gather was gone. My world was off, I was amiss, missing my sense and scents and cents…

As though I had lost my way the bump was a sign to redirect what was going on around me.

Confusion ultimately clears the way for Clarity…

After researching how to naturally cure a loss in sense of smell via head injury, I was lead to understand that Western medicine had no real answer for it.

Onto Acupuncture, which I had received years ago for something minimal that ailed me since childhood that no other form of medicine could cure, Acupuncture did. Acupuncture dates back more than 2,000 years and is the basis for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which also incorporates herbs and applications far different from Western medicine. Acupuncture includes the practitioner placing metallic needles on acupuncture points on the surface of the skin.
I researched an Acupuncturist, which lead to a personal adventure scouring Chinatown into a somewhat obscure herbal store. Here, I visited with Dr. Kent in a small space where he saw patients in the back of the store with a curtain enclosing. Kent Young has practiced TCM for 30 years and hearing his healing stories gave me hope for my head.

After telling him what was going on, he checked my pulse and tongue. The pulse and tongue are guideposts to ascertain how and what is occurring in the body and are checked before a treatment.

Apparently my Chi was completely blocked in my head and knew when touching separate points on my body where it would hurt.
After the assessment he had me lay down, put needles in above stick figure I made, it was almost pain-free and very relaxing.

 

Of course this is the most brief description, please read up for more information as it’s a very complex system.

The basis behind TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) is that every part of one’s physical and energetic structure is connected through the Chi or energy system. This system has two opposing and inseparable forces (yin and yang), maintaining balance within those is homeostasis. There are meridians that connect to each organ and points on the body that lead to opening the channels of Chi or Qi. The skin being like a map to the inner universe of one’s body. There are over 2,000 acupuncture points on the body with 12 Main Meridians and 8 secondary Meridians.

TCM is based around the five phases or elements earth, air, fire, water and wood while there are also the six excesses in which any part of the system (body, chi) can have: Wind, Cold, Fire/Heat, Dampness, Dryness and Summer Heat. Which is why foods and herbs and their cooling, heating, bitter, sweet etc properties play such an important role in keeping the balance (yin/yang).
Within the balance each organ has a separate correlation to different principles and expressions of life. For instance the liver is said to be the generator of chi and where we hold our anger/irritability. When the liver has too much heat like alcohol it produces anger and fire (redness and sickness) in the body, like how overdrinking and alcoholism can trigger intensity and anger (overheating and overtaxing liver).

I was given herbs for 10 dollars a bottle and paid 45 for the acupuncture. Pretty inexpensive considering. My sense of smell along with my grounded and clear nature started to return within a few days.
I now feel fantastic and went for my second appointment last week. Of course with any healing there is Herxheimer where I believe patterns of consciousness from sickness mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually surface and are witnessed to elimination.

I’ll be back with more fun Fungi and herbs that are superb.

xo,

Nicole

Related Articles

Don’t Tell My Mom I got Acupuncture (outlawmom.wordpress.com)
Going With The Flow (msguidedjourney.wordpress.com)
Acupuncture Protocols From A Quantum View (8ightnews.wordpress.com)
Dr. Kent Young in Chicago
Acupuncture Wikipedia

Oxygenate, Baby

Posted in Health, WellnessTagged , , , , , Leave a comment

Over the past few months my equilibrium had become askew, which can sometimes be the case in the sweet spring and summer days. While there is always the extreme to pull one back into the middle, it doesn’t have to be so. There are ways to bring one’s homeostasis easily back into balance. My personal favorites are yoga, meditation and using herbs, food and natural remedies medicinally. Over these few posts I’m going to give some health and medicinal herbs. You can find what works for you and hopefully take some tips.

Oxygenation

Dr. Otto Warburg’s studies show that cancer is directly related to oxygen deprivation in the cells. The deprivation leads to mutation and decay in the cellular processes. This relates not only to Cancer but Candida (which I believe is the cause of cancer) and many other root causes of disease in our world.
We require adequate levels of oxygen in our body to maintain homeostasis. With a slightly alkaline PH there is higher oxygen uptake. (Check out post below on Acid vs. Alkaline for info and food list). The most harmful toxins in the body can be neutralized through the simple process of oxidation. Oxygenation is a disease preventative, while giving cellular rejuvenation, which helps one become more youthful.

Oxygen is the main catalyst for energy production and metabolic health in the body. Health equates to how well the body derives and absorbs nutrients and toxin release.

Hence, the importance of breathing and exercise.

How do you wish to feel 20 years from now? 😉

Get your stroll on…..

Aerobic exercise, such as walking, hiking, yoga, biking connects more with the lymphatic drainage system, giving the body a chance to release toxins. Walking for 15 minutes a day is stated to be more beneficial and oxidizing than going to the gym for 2 hours three times a week.

Get your breath on….

The most prevalent form of oxygen comes from the air we breathe, when we inhale it diffuses through membranes into red blood cells, circulates, finds tissues in need of oxygen, and then becomes oxidized by enzymes. On exhale Carbon Dioxide releases the waste from our cells, combining with hemoglobin and bicarbonates to transport back to the lungs. The cycle continues until we physically take our last breath. This function, as I described in the last post, is something our conscious mind doesn’t even have to think about… amazing!

An easy breathing exercise is breathing in for a count of 5, holding for a count of 5, breathing out for a count of 5, holding for a count of 5. You can do this up to 35 times which will help regulate the systems of the body and release stress and balance the hemispheres of the brain.

There are other forms of receiving beneficial oxygen including oxygen bars and food grade hydrogen peroxide. If you have interest in that please contact me for more info.

xo,

Nicole

Flood Your Body with Oxygen

Hydrogen Peroxide Cancer Treatment

Acid vs. Alkaline

The Judge

Posted in Creative Musings, Empowerment, Genetic REvolutionTagged , , , , , 6 Comments

I sit here, thinking and contemplating, allowing my mind to wander and analyze as it can tend to, and I think to myself…

How much

I think….

I then take a moment, becoming the observer to my thoughts allowing the superconsciousness to come through, remembering to
let go of thinking so much.

It has no meaning if it creates an analysis paralysis. This is where our beautiful brains create barriers from truly witnessing our experience in the moment from a place of acceptance. A filter placed around reality by this thing called our ego and conditioning, which is judgement for self and others.

These judgements are our conditioning. Functions formed from birth onwards as we learn ways to comprehend and be in our world that is already set up by structures in place. Created by the brains of our ancestors dating back through our genetic encoding.

Perception is based around these judgements, which are categorizations, labels, materials, senses, schools of thought, religions, races, creeds, ideas and much else. All compartments of the brain’s ability to filter through our perception and show us what has already been preconditioned by our subconscious. We are all receiving different feedbacks from our brain and conditions already in place. Which lets us understand the small faculty of what is really going in our sensory experience.

There is so much that our brain is constantly taking in, we only receive a small percentage of it consciously, that which we already have set up as belief structures.

While this serves us, it is also quite a detriment as our inner judge. This judge of our mind tells us what is good/bad right/wrong, proper/improper, acceptable/not acceptable by our standards and those of the society we are a part of.

Our judgements will vary, and are changing as we do, also being negatively or positively tipped

one person could state

those leaves are beautiful

another might say about the same leaves

look at how they’re dying

Glass half empty or full, neither is right or wrong, it’s judging based on conditioning and perception.

This is where discernment takes place, what feels right?

Someone tells you something that they’ve experienced, do you take their word or find out for yourself?

Is something done because it is status quo?

Status quo is constantly changing. What I thought I’ve known has drastically changed through time.
Evolution, correct?

Conscious REvolution

It’s easy to think that we know others and our world fully. We don’t, we can’t possibly with the small percentage that our neurological function allows us to experience from our limited perception. What our impression of others and our world are, is not all it is, only what and who they are to us in our perception of here and now.

Thus can sometimes the challenge of humanity, the misunderstanding and lack of empathy.

 

We are all connected to the superconsciousness*, like the huge brain connecting all of our little brains together. In individuality lies our similarity to being human. Let your imagination come into play. The part of brain that lets the mind wander into fanciful dreamland and artistic endeavors, bringing ideas and concepts through from faculties that are not always what are perceived physically.

xo,

Nicole

related interesting articles:

The Brain, it makes you think

*Superconscious mind

We do not see with our eyes we see with our brains

are you living in a computer simulation?

Can we have a little humor