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.

Ataraxia

Posted in Collective Consciousness, SustainabilityTagged , , , , 5 Comments

“All men and women are created equal and endorsed with inalienable rights such as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” -Thomas Jefferson.

The existence of a society and the highest values and progress of the people within that society being based on individual happiness through equality, peace and freedom.

That, essentially, is Ataraxia.

If the foundations of a society were to encompass those notions, with every person respecting and honoring those values in self and others, it would allow for individual and collective sovereignty and sense of purpose.
With all the counterparts of politics, economics, science, ecology, earth, production and living merging to suit the needs of the time, or Zeitgeist.

“It is not the consciousness of men that determines their existence, but their social existence that determines their consciousness”

Productions and means to produce with the relations regarding production are vital to a society. If we all were given equal opportunities in our strive for personal freedom, we would be more productive in our individual purpose. Undertaking a compassionate conscious level could lend to a world of Utopian existence.

From times of ancient societies of primal communism, to feudalism comprised of serfs and lords, we are now standing upon capitalism, turned heavy consumerism. It is on the books that we live in a capitalist society, a breakdown being private ownership of self, rights and life. That is a fabrication, in reality we are still ruled by a higher class, who own the means of production, otherwise known as the banks and corporations. A self-serving capitalist mindset with a divide and conquer strategy is what drives many.
This is no longer true democracy, it’s bought democracy, equating to the 1% and 99%.

There are many ideas surrounding what is the best economic and political system. From Anarchy to Communism, Libertarianism to Conservatism, Capitalism to Socialism, Industrialism to Egalitarianism. Every single one of these ism’s I can find something to agree with, each containing their pros and cons.

Bottom line, many came from time periods where the ideologies worked for a productive society and what worked 50, 20, even 10 years ago are no longer solutions for our future. To say that one way will govern the people is preposterous, we can no longer look to the past to govern us.

Each generation inherits what the prior generation encompasses. It’s time for a change of the guard, a guard that has many imposed ideas, categories, labels, generalizations and self-righteous thinking. Keeping our world separated in a somewhat xenophobic manner.

I think we can all agree, that true freedom are intrinsic rights of every human.

All the people should have a say over what is our governing blanket.

A new system will not have one set of ideals that permanently run it. Like flowing water, the people in it will continually evolving.

Our now is composed of technology, means to production, a world that needs to be taken care of, a desire for equality and individuality with a hierarchy structure in place.

We no longer have the luxury of keeping ecosystem, economics and politics separate, this is a new paradigm for which we have to shift our viewpoints a bit.

“Sanity in it’s essence is nothing more that learning to live in harmony with nature’s laws”

Where does creative purpose fall within this?
How can we work all the elements together to have a productive, happy, society?

I believe it’s in a balance of one’s creating, doing and being while honoring others and self-sovereignty.

A break with the idea of one system and our current consciousness.

Moving beyond rigidness, the box and one system. Shaping a form to a flowing, merging, agreement of ideas and tenets to suit the needs and desires of the whole and individual as they surface.

What is your idea of happiness and freedom, personally and collectively?

xo,
Nicole

 

Positively Facing Fears

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This, I feel, has been the largest tragedy of humanity.
We are all human, so let’s digress here a bit, shall we?

Fear is contagious, spreading through our world like the largest plague on record. Most problems stem from fear and it’s dominions (judgement, hatred, inferiority-superiority, discrimination, power-seeking, doubt/worry, jealousy, anger, abuse, gossip, lying/sneaking, living by warning/ danger, etc..)

Fears feel real, yet they are nothing more than an illusion within our perception. To understand fear we have to look at the core of our subconscious; collectively and individually.

Individually created are subconscious insecurities, formed from experiences that leave feelings of; abandonment, isolation, loneliness, unloved, inadequacy, not being right by society/ group or family….. etc.

Collectively we live in remnants of a conditioned, puritanical society, one that undermines inner power. This causes suppression, repression and projection while urging agreement with what is taught/ told/ sold without question. Seen through commercial marketing that targets people by making them feel they are lacking without their product.
Or through levels of objectification and sublimation in media, religions, education, sex and class.

Propagating conformity while perpetuating cycles for people to ignore true power residing underneath the exterior.

Most humans are seeking love, appreciation and approval. In this search, people make choices that do not come from a place of authenticity. In line with self-preservation this allows insecurity to modify behavior.

Think of all the times you held back parts of yourself out of worry, doubt and fear of others thoughts or how you would appear?

People care what others think, thus ignoring inner truth worrying how they are appearing.

Paradox within this:

most think that…..

Break free, worry is anti-intention.

Who gives a fuck what anyone but you thinks. If you own you, everything will form around that inner sense.

self

Conscious Awareness

We all have egos, the question is how to make ego work for, instead of against self?

Go within your depths to unleash your inner power.
Become a warrior/ess cutting through inner demons by facing your facets of shadow and light. Free yourself from the bars of inward insecurity by loving them into oblivion, unearthing your greatest beauty of all; inner truth, love and knowledge of self.

Quantum physics states within our brain synapses are chemicals that surface when we have a certain experience. Essentially we are addicted to similar thoughts and emotions.

(1)” We can conclude that consciousness is a quantum mechanical entity that can have an independent existence. It can localize in the human brain when the electron is in a particle state. This provides the necessary quantum mechanical base conducive for it to interact with and function in the brain. When the state changes to that of a wave, consciousness takes flight and starts floating. It takes away with it at least a part of the contents of the memory.”

Think about what you think about, become conscious to yourself and your thought, action and word. Make a consistent effort to speak, feel and visualize your highest state of being into existence. This will shift unhealthy patterns into health and positivity for self.
Feed you and your life with what makes you feel good about who you are. Positively recondition/ repattern what no longer belongs within you.
Rule of thumb, usually the opposite of a negative thought or feeling will shift the pattern, doing what might make you feel uncomfortable.

 

It takes 21 days for a pattern to change.

Examples of Affirmations:

I am not good enough~ I am amazing
I can’t do it~ I do everything impeccably
I am unloveable~ I love and accept myself completely

When you notice fears come up, delve into and visualize balloons of light surrounding and dissipating them.
Gratitude is an incredible way to shift the state of mind and emotions. Becoming grateful for what is can change your inner state.
If you are feeling negative towards another/ situation/ experience it only causes you pain.
Wrap it in love and light, every time you think about the subject, release it into this vision.
Over time, the negative feelings will disappear.

Regardless of who you are, what you have done, what you think, where you have been, and whatever insecurities are underneath:

You are important, you matter, and your presence on this earth is of great significance, fellow human.

xo,

Nicole

Check out these articles if interested in more:
(1) Quantum Physics
Keeping Track of Personal Progress

Occupy Chicago

Posted in Adventure, Collective Consciousness, Empowerment, SustainabilityTagged , , , , , 6 Comments

Fighting for our freedom, America was founded upon the ideals that every person could become wealthy and make a decent living. Creating something from nothing, millions of our ancestors left everything on their last vestige of hope and traveled to this country for the renowned American Dream.

That dream has become extremely convoluted in the corporate dynamics of gain and greed that make up our current economic and political system.

Sign on Building reads TOPPLE THE PYRAMID

With the imbalance of wealth in our country, the middle class is falling away, comparable to a third world.
People are slaving away to make ends meet, with the mindset that hard work is the greatest virtue of our establishment.
Where is it getting anyone any longer?
With inflation rising, people are losing their homes, jobs and everything they have known. Their attempts to build their “American Dream” have dissipated in our failing economy.

Why in such a recession are major banks making higher profits?

Thousands were gathered yesterday to march through the streets of Downtown Chicago. The destination was a Mortgage Broker’s party that was happening.
Occupy Chicago has occurred daily for a week and a half. As a sister to Occupy Wall Street, it started with 15 people, gaining momentum, there were thousands in attendance.

People of all ages and races were gathered, representing the 99%.
Echoing through the streets
“People over profits.”
“The banks were bailed out, the people were sold out.”
“We are the 99%” was heard.

This country was founded upon the voice and strength of the middle class.

A question that I continually ask is, how can we choose what we are inherently born into?

We can’t

How many of us desire wealth, and how many attain that 1 percentile?

Our system is erroneously flawed. People are given a head start miles in front of another based on class, money and status. As our population rises, the bottom will keep growing, while the wealthy buy their way into the dwindling top.
The upper echelons of society are bred from a young age, given the best opportunities, attending the most prestigious schools and academies.
A topic I will elaborate upon in much more detail further on.

Where does happiness fit in with our worldly system?

Why are we lead to believe satisfaction is contained in accumulation of materials, titles, promotions, and money?

Hope has gone out the window for so many Americans in a competition that is leaving people empty and forsaken.
So many are unhappy in our society, including the uber wealthy.

To the politicians, corporations and system I ask:

Why is there such blatant selfishness masquerading as care for our people?

A friend and I spoke with the police officers as they were surrounding everyone. We expressed to them, we love you, thank you, you are a part of the 99% with us.
They started smiling as they were forcing us all off the streets, it made me feel a bit like a sheeple, at least we got them to smile ; )

I spoke with a local news reporter, asking her why the occupations have taken so long to be broadcasted, while something like the Casey Anthony story is blasted on National News?

Are the corporations behind what is spun much more than we think?

This will catch wind of being a movement for all the people and will be unstoppable.

She pondered a moment, smiled and told me that was an extremely valid point. Then added
“Unlike national news, the local news does it’s best to catch wind of what is truly happening, in an unbiased way.”

A summary of the General Assembly’s statement:
The Occupation is not in line with any political party. Far beyond that, it is about being human with the people of the world uniting. It is our world, our time to take it back for all of us.
There was a declaration that was read, taken from Occupy Wall Street. It addressed the economic imbalances and inequalities of our corporate and political system.

Here is a copy of the Wall Street version, there were some additions for Occupy Chicago.

At the end there was a chance for everyone in attendance to come up and speak their truth. It was stated that this is about the people, spreading to cities worldwide.

I left before it was finished, with a feeling of hope.
This is a pivotal time in the history of Humanity, a time when we can all come together to create a real change for the future of our race. I am happy to be a part of this.

With love,

the revolution has begun.

xo,

Nicole

Collective Consciousness

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‎”The real seeker of truth never seeks truth. On the contrary, he tries to clean himself of all that is untrue, inauthentic, insincere – and when his heart is ready, purified, the guest comes. You cannot find the guest, you cannot go after him. He comes to you; you just have to be prepared. You have to be in a right attitude.” – Osho

Our minds are extremely powerful, what one believes one will see. Our beliefs individually and collectively make up our reality.
Every person is creating their own reality out of their personal belief system. At the same time we are all working within a collective belief that we all agree to believe. (mind-stretching a bit, I will take you further down this rabbit hole in a later post).
We are born into an already conditional status quo.
Our beliefs are formed from what we were born into and experience from our most subconscious level, when introduced from infancy to relationships, society and what sustains us.

Thought are in being proven to have physical mass through studies done on quantum physics levels.
The power of our minds is the greatest power we as a race have. If we can work our minds together, we can truly achieve anything.
Like a network, if enough people believe in a concept, that something becomes alive within our perceptions.
Belief manifests, belief is the cornerstone to creating anything within our world.
Collective Consciousness

collective

There are many who hold so rigidly to personal beliefs that the beliefs become blocks from evolution.
Over time these blocks can become detrimental and brainwashing. Holding individuals and collectives back from fluidly being open to new thoughts, approaches and ideas.

Paving the way for revolutionary thinking, change starts within, with a thought. A believable thought gains momentum through others, like a snowball, growing more dense with movement. Becoming a known idea within a group, spontaneously or gradually.

What was once heresy and progress is now looked at as archaic.
Why would that be any different with our economic and societal structure?

It is time for a restructuring of collective beliefs.
We are seeking transformation, it will come from collectively banding together and contributing.
Change comes from addressing and seeking solutions by counteracting what is a problem. Realigning.
That is the gift of manifesting.
Focusing on the solution will guide us to answers to our current issues. Leaders will be coming forward from all walks of life, representing all of us. These leaders will bring forth ideas from the collective that are tailored to needs and solutions within this new paradigm.

What is it we choose to believe, about ourselves, our world and one another, will those beliefs sustain us as a whole?

Sustainability has become a collectively coined term, delving into this idea will help us seek solutions.
Are we a sustainable race, working with sustainable sources?

Obviously a mass shift is in order.
Sustainability of every system and function within humanity will start to remedy what is faulty within all of our systems. Answers will come from awareness of problems, while proactively agreeing to solutions.

For an idea to work, it will have to be something many can collectively agree upon. Not every tenet per se, yet agree with a belief in the collective to be able to re-create.

From the macro to the micro, belief in self is one’s most powerful force.
Do we believe in ourselves?

Can we bring forth our most human elements into this evolution?
Produce more emotions within our dry, shriveling up and boring system.
Let the passion out, being lead by our mind, hearts and spirits, conveying what we believe in from the core of our being human.

Can we believe in
A collective truth,
a collective mindset,
a collective belief in

Humanity?

Truly, love is the most important element of all.
Can we believe in love?

xo,

Nicole

Power of The People

Posted in Collective Consciousness, Genetic REvolution, SustainabilityTagged , , , , , , , , , , 10 Comments

The power of the people is the power of humanity.

Believing in this power will be the solutions to our current tragedies and system.
WE are humanity, we are the people, it is up to us to break these chains of fear and separation within the whole of our race. The answers to our problems will be found in an understanding of the whole. Consciousness shall pervade, awareness is key, creating a new system causes the fall of the old paradigm.

This setup will not come from the current structure in place.

It will take a break from all the beliefs we have known throughout our lives. Questioning and undermining the collective conditions that are in place. Throwing that which does not serve humanity’s highest away in place of harmony, unity, love, acceptance, tolerance and building together.

Hard concept to grasp?

These are the tenets preached in most major religions, what has happened?

It is time to stand up for one another, fellow human. Unified in our common bond, we shall supersede this system that is leaving so many without hope, without love, without basic survival necessities. So many feel lack, loss and unhappiness, while the 1% is at the top, making billions off of our efforts, dirt and sweat.

The corporations and banks that run our world are concerned about monetary gain. Caring about the people that supports them is absent in our capitalistic and competitive system. With the hierarchy employee/employer dynamic, this triangular structure leaves each person below another disempowered.

When a man is found dead at his desk for five days, that is a symptom of our uncaring system.

In a world FOR the people, the corporations would give people say over the choices they make. Their aims would be for the highest good of the earth and humanity.
Such an easy concept, why isn’t it seen?

Here is a question I would like to ask.

How can we deal to another, what we would not want to be dealt?
While an easily forgotten question, being happy and placated here in our safe bubble of a world.
This bubble is quickly popping.

Treat one another the way we would like to be treated… sounds easy, look at the state our world is in. In the name of capital gain; greed, control, discipline, fear and ravaging our world are the tenets of this establishment.
We collectively treat others the way we would never desire to be treated. Whether it is working conditions that are appalling, to the many forms of discipline and punishment.

These are topics I will get into in much more detail down the road. For now, scratching the surface in question.

Discipline and punishment are archaic values in our system.
Discipline is a form of control, boxing in behavior to fit a societal mold. When that mold is not met, there are elements of judgement and punishment.
The fear of punishment and its many forms, including estrangement and rejection are factors in every human’s manner within this system.
We wonder why there are so many f-ed up things happening on our planet. The more this discipline is felt, the more people are retaliating within their personal lives and families.

Whether it is a woman being lashed for driving in Saudi Arabia, to a child being labeled ADD in an education system, to keeping up with the Jones’s in our American competition.
Discipline/punishment only perpetuates self-righteous thinking of “knowing best” for another. Essentially it disempowers self-sovereignty. While giving room to “correcting” what is “wrong”, creating abuse and punishment.

Our archaic competitive establishment will transform.  There are more peaceful ways to work through our issues.

How can we create a setup that provides and treats the whole?

It is time to heal our tragedies so that we can start working together.

Healing the whole calls for tolerance and allowing us to process what is lodged within our DNA and race for millenia, individually and collectively.

We say we want change. Changing the world starts within each one of us. Transforming our every interaction, thoughts, words and deeds towards our fellow human. Pushing through our barricades of ego and fear, into acceptance and love.

To create a society of self-fulfilled people. The aims being one’s personal derivation of creativity, love and happiness, whatever that individually means. Children, elders and everyone along the spectrum, being treated with honor, respect and appreciation.

Can you imagine a world such as this?

xo,

Nicole

Bikram Yoga

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Why does something so intense, feel oh, so good?

Yoga is an absolute essential in my life. It’s not a question of want, up there with eating, it is a need.

Like a sponge, I leave feeling as though I have been wrung out mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

I have practiced yoga off and on since I was 19. The first time I practiced, it felt impossible to hold a pose well. Shaky and fidgety, I thought to myself, “I don’t think could I ever become good at this.”
Over the years, it has become an art form that is constantly being perfected. The poses become deeper, more intense, with all the same pleasure of flexibility and stretching.

Yoga and the many types I have practiced, has brought about many shifts in my life. It facilitates a space of internal processing and healing. When practiced more, life seems to take on an easier and more beautiful presence.

Bikram yoga is a 90 minute class in a 105 degree room, consisting of 26 poses.
Sounds intense, but once in, the class seems to take a life of its own. It becomes breathing life into the poses, breathing awareness into places in the body, awakening memories and stored feelings. Breathing ease into the intensity of hurt that is felt. In pushing through those moments of pain, a true sense of accomplishment is felt.

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Bikram Benefits

The benefits of Bikram Yoga are outstanding. As with anything, some sources say the opposite.

~The asanas(poses) work for stretching the body and immensely improving flexibility.

~In one session every organ, system, function, and muscle in the body are worked on.

~Healthy weight loss, or weight gain occurs,depending on body’s needs. ( I gained)

~Bikram assists the immune system and body’s natural ability to repair and heal itself.

~Strengthening, stretching and lengthening of the muscles occurs.

~Lymphatic, nervous and circulation system stimulated.

~It gives a cardiovascular workout while building muscle.

~It works both sides of the brain, not only with the breathing exercises, but the poses as well.

~Massages internal organs, aiding in the proper removal of toxins and waste.

~Assists in regulating metabolism and healthy digestion.

~Lengthens the spine and vertebrae, allowing for more spinal flexibility.

~Helps to build focus and self-discipline, the more often you go, the better you become.

~Creates internal cleansing and purification of the blood and circulatory system.

~Causes relaxation, while stimulating the mind, body, and spirit.

Xo,

Nicole

Meditation = The Zone

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I meditated the first time when I was 9.
Sitting on my bed, I was reading a book explaining the technique.
“Sit with your eyes closed” this book said, “Let your mind take you into a quiet place.”
I closed my eyes and was immersed into a world where I was soaring as a bird, diving into the water becoming a fish.
Coming back to reality I thought,
I liked that.
Taking the art of it up again when I was 24,there are many forms I have practiced.
Meditation has been my staple over the past few years. When I stick to it, my life dramatically reflects a positive inner state.

Examination has been my source of calmness, strength and gathering of energies. It is by going within the stillness, that I have found myself to exist on a higher level than what I perceive.
I have been able to harness my true self and create more abundantly the life I choose to lead.
Forming around the inward state of being.

Inspiration calls me deep in the throes of quietness.
It is within the nothingness that anything is created.
In the stillness where life itself takes form.
The awareness of unthinking remembers who I am.

Meditating brings about a clarity that transcends thought.
Where being is here, there, everywhere.

My everyday imagination tends to take me places far away, analyzing, dreaming and reflecting.
The point of meditation is to slow the mind down to consciously create life.
It raises consciousness by seeing through the ego filters and stories of life. A gain of comprehending thoughts, actions, words and intentions.
When meditating, I literally scan myself and the world, to acknowledge how I am affecting the web of reality.
I process and come into stillness.
The result is a grounded space of tranquility and acceptance. An understanding of what I create and who I am.
This space allows me to be conscious of self, in a way that supersedes ego.

I sit silently to hear myself clearly.

Meditation has taught me self-discipline. Discipline to gain the level of living that I wish to attain.
Self discipline in doing a daily meditation.
Eating foods that are good for my body, not just what I crave.
Staying in on a weekend to build upon what I am creating.
Not balking and running away, when things falls apart around me.
Being active, not reactive.
Discipline to keep myself in check.
Having the urge, noticing the urge, overcoming the urge.

It’s all about balance, yo.

 

Getting in the Zone

While the normal idea of meditating is sitting in silence, or chanting for hours at a time. Those are not the only form.

You may not realize when you are meditating. Meditating is being conscious in a place that becomes “the zone”.
Being in the zone is like the flow, the inward reflection of the outward living “flow”.

Think about the moments when you lose track of time, when existence stands still. You are present, yet know a place of awareness higher than this life.
Unthinking, just knowing.

That is being in the zone.

Any time you are creating, doing or being and slip into the zone or
dreaming state of awareness is meditating. When athletes speak of being in the zone it is also a form of meditating.

Other examples include:
Cleaning and organizing
Cooking
Making music
Artists creating
Exercising
Visualizations
(I will elaborate more on visualization in my post about manifesting)
Yoga
Breath-work

Meditating is about you. Taking time to YOURSELF, the space that is you and your life.
While we are lead to believe the opposite in our world, self should always come first.
Why?
If you aren’t clear, grounded and engaged, how can you immerse yourself in what you bring to life and others?

A practice to try is sitting in silence for 7 minutes every morning when you awake. With the intention of allowing thoughts to surface and dissolve into nothingness.
Eventually, a space of quiet is the result.

How do you feel when you are through?

xo,
Nicole

There are so many varieties of meditating, and finding one that suits your needs may take a bit of time. By practicing you will find your groove, if you need facilitating, you know where to contact me.

Purpose and Dream creating

Locally Grown and Delicious

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Markets abundantly full of freshly picked food that smells and tastes like home.
This is precisely why I love the midwest in summer and early fall.

Right across from where I am living in Lincoln Park, Farmer’s Harvest is a biweekly Farmers Market. I make sure to frequent this small market for all of my produce needs.
A staple to my cleanse, this farmer’s market makes me beam with happiness.

Options, options, what shall I choose?

Strolling through I sample the flavors of the season. The fruits are succulent and sweet, the vegetables taste rich and alive, the eggs are multi-hued with dark orange yolks.
Fresh cheese and milk travel from the Dairy state of Wisconsin. The meats are grass-fed and organic, honestly what more could you ask for?

Why eat locally grown?

Many reasons, first the produce is fresh and picked ripe. Produce that is shipped and picked slightly unripe, which means that the nutrition content is not as high.
I am also supporting the local economy and farming families.

Secondly, it saves on the carbon footprint and I know EXACTLY where all of the food is coming from, the less handling and processing, the better.
There is something comforting knowing that I am eating from soil that I live near, the soil content is much more nutrient dense than overly farmed corporate farms.
While the food may not look as aesthetically pleasing as your everyday grocery store, the taste by far outweighs the looks with the nutritional value still intact.
Who wants an apple that has been sprayed by up to 30 pesticides anyways?
Not I.

If I have a choice, I choose organic.
I ask each stand if they spray their food, and with what. I try to stray from chemicals as much as possible.
Organic food is up to 50% more nutrient dense then produce that has been rigorously farmed. Not to mention the amount of nutrients lost in transporting.
Times are different, the nutrients derived from normal food sources is much less than it was post world war. With the constant bombardment of chemicals and toxins in our environment, I take it upon myself to try to get as many vitamins and minerals as I can.
Longevity of my health is a priority, I gain sense of pleasure in feeding my temple well. I feel a significant difference in my overall well being with how I am eating.

Sprouts are one of the most beneficial foods to eat according to Edmond Szekely. These baby foods alkalinize and assist in cell regeneration, they are chocked full of antioxidants.

At this prized Farmer’s market there is a stand dedicated solely to sprouts, which are cut fresh just for you.
For 2 dollars this stand will juice shots of wheatgrass on the spot.

Wheatgrass is extremely nutrient dense. It contains high amounts of vitamin A, C, E and K as well as B-12, which promotes great energy levels after consumption. Wheatgrass also contains high amounts of Chlorophyll, which helps to heal tissues and serves as an antibacterial. A shot of this super will cleanse and purify the body, while boosting the immune system.

Packing my body full of green power, it aids superbly in my cleanse.

I like to buy my food from farmers who are passionate about what they do, farming as their art form 😉
At this market, the people are friendly, the food is delicious, the choices are abundant.
I am in Farmer’s Market heaven.

How is your local farmer’s market?

xo,
Nicole

Moment to Moment

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STOP……..

And think about Right Now.

Add a little awareness to the moment, see if that moment can expand, expansion and enjoyment of the moment at hand, is truly all that can be had.

Right Now.

At times it seems happiness can only be once there is attainment of a certain something.

Our society is one that places materialistic urges above the here and now.
The thought that:
Once I buy this, attain a certain something, is not the key to happiness.
Seeking and searching, looking to the future, being nostalgically in the past will not create joy either.

Of course, set your sights high, reach for the stars, but remember you are here, now.

Joy is within, in every moment, it is only a matter of being present to it.
A choice of here and now, or not.
Relishing what is occurring, while savoring the moment, can help to feel bliss and pleasure in the present.

The spontaneity and surprises in life are what truly keep me striving.
I think to myself, 10 years ago would I have ever expected or planned for my life to have taken the route it has?
No
Would I have it any other way.
Absolutely not.

I ponder upon how my dreaming mind can be let down at times when I have expected outcomes to come to fruition, when they aren’t the way I expect,
I feel disappointment.

That my dears, is the catch.

Expectations can propel one forward, yet, when we are attached to those expectations they can also damper one’s bliss when not met.

When one is expecting from life, situations, self and others and it doesn’t come through, an array of negative emotions can be felt.

How are you going to react when life is not what was anticipated?

Maybe it was missed expectations.

Allow yourself to feel whatever the feelings of the missed expectation are, understand where it stems from and come back into bliss.

Life is not always going to be what is expected or desired, but that should not detract from your joy. Instead allow perceived flaws to strengthen you in the moment,

and be grateful for what is,

Right Now.

It’s in the receiving of our wishes that we can tend to get lost,

sometimes the unexpected journey is the best part.

It is always a choice how you are feeling, and choosing moment to moment will allow you to choose the moment, rather than let the moment choose you.

Choice = Empowerment.

Let go of expectations for what you want now to be, and let now show you what it’s meant to be.

There is no other time than now to be happy and happiness is not found in what is not, it is found in loving and enjoying what is.

Where is your happiness in this moment?

xo,
Nicole

Cleansing

Posted in Health, Spirituality, WellnessTagged , , , , , , , 9 Comments

Ooooh, am I feeling it…
Today I feel better than yesterday, yesterday felt better than Monday.
My Labor day consisted of feeling ICKY; headache, tired, lethargic and foggy-headed.

Picture the body like a house, when a house has dust and clutter, it’s not so easy to feel clean, same goes for a healthy body.
Over the spring and summer with traveling, family time and partying. I indulged and had a mind-blowing time doing so.
The weather is cooling and autumn is approaching, I am now in a mode of wanting to clear out the residue.

It’s my fall cleaning.

Cleansing is an important aspect of my spiritual philosophy, I have done many types of cleanses.
When I start a cleanse, it is quite a large undertaking, I like to look at it as though I am in a healing state.
I have also started a 40 day meditation to go along with this, incorporating 4 Kundalini yoga meditations. One for prosperity, health, empowerment, resilience & strength.
I am going to break down the beginning of my cleanse for you, this being a pre-cleanse of about 3 weeks. The more intense cleanse I will be doing afterwards and sharing with you when I do.
This is a short briefing, recipes, more information and detoxing the organs will come in separate posts.

The purpose of this pre-cleanse is to get the body in a more alkaline state with food consumption, so that the cells, systems and organs can properly release toxins without too much detox symptoms.
Meaning, it’s easier to do then some of the more intense cleanses, becoming a lifestyle.

The first thing to go was caffeine, which I had become quite dependent upon.
Headaches and irritability ensued for about 2 days, which I am ok with.
The Chlorogenic acid in black coffee can be good for the liver, and yerba mate is a great enhancer, yet, with what I am doing, the stimulant properties of caffeine detract from cleansing.

Adios caffeine, I love you, but you and I are no longer meant to be……

right now.

This may seem limited, but is actually quite easy once you get the hang of it.

No gluten
No peanuts
No vinegar (except ACV)
No dairy
No soy
No alcohol
No stimulants
No corn (except blue chips)
No sugars (including refined, fruit sugars, agave, and any other type of sweetener, Stevia is the best alternative)

When one cleanses the first few days herxheimer reaction may result, leaving one with flu-like symptoms.
Afterwards energy levels and health will start to drastically improve, leaving all parts of the body thriving.

I make sure to supplement everyday with a multi-vitamin that includes whole foods, Omega 3’s, Spirulina, Iodine, Magnesium, 5,000 mg of vitamin C, B- Complex, Iron. There are several other supplements that can be included, depending on body, blood type and what is being detoxed.

For everything stated below, organic and locally grown is preferred.

A clove of garlic or two every 3 days for medicinal properties. Great article on Garlic.

Oil Pulling and Chelation are very important to rid the body of heavy metals and toxins.

2 shots of Raw Apple Cider vinegar daily.

2 tblsns of extra virgin coconut oil daily.

Grapefruit seed extract

Probiotics

Cayenne on mostly everything

Sea salt

Cilantro

Lemon water, and lemons on veggies (alkalinizing)

info on what is stated above, also more to add to regimen

Superfoods that are not fruits

Water:
Drink as much water as possible.
I drink almost a gallon of water a day, sometimes infused with baking soda and sea salt.

Veggies and more veggies, either raw or steamed, sauteed slightly with olive oil or coconut oil and whatever else you prefer.

Seaweed (Wakame, Arame) daily

Beans and Legumes

Fermented foods are beneficial for digestion (Kim Chee, Sauerkraut etc)

Raw Almonds, Raw cashews, Raw hazelnuts.

Avocados & Coconuts have good fats to ingest

Grains:

Brown rice
Quinoa
Amaranth
Steel cut oats

Protein:
(At most once a day)
Free range eggs (more runny, lecithin in yolk is good for brain)
Free range chicken

For meals it’s best that grains are not mixed with protein, it should be either one or the other with veggies. The ratio being 1/4 grain to 3/4 veggies, same with the ratio of protein to veggies. For digestive enzymes when eating only eat until 80% full.

In the morning an apple or grapefruit can be eaten for breakfast, when eating fruit try not to consume anything 20 minutes prior to eating, or for 1 hours after eating, fruit mixed with other foods causes fermentation in the stomach.

Bentonite clay once a day

Senna Leaf tea (optional)

Exercise:
Exercise is extremely important not only when cleansing. It helps the body to rid itself of toxins, while raising endorphins, strength and stamina.
I am doing Bikram at least twice a week, on the other days walking for minimum of a mile.

That is all I can muster for today, I will feel better shortly : )

If you have any questions, or for a more personalized regimen, contact me.

xo,

Nicole

A really great book to check out is The Body Ecology Diet by Donna Gates for more thorough information.