Muzzle-scoff

"Biologists have yet to discover any wild carnivore that cooks its food."  ~ Kymythy Schultze

The only way to know exactly what is in the food you eat is to prepare it yourself.  The same goes for the food you feed your furry family members.  The food packaging may claim to be beneficial to your pets health, but then why do domestic animals seem to suffer more and more from common 'human' allergies and conditions such as obesity, diabetes, cancer and arthritis?  While the list of ingredients and nutrients on processed pet food may look impressive, often tests are not done to check bioavailability and quality after processing.

Dried pet food only appeared on the market about 60 years ago but has been big business ever since.  Before then, pets ate what their guardians offered and what prey they could find outdoors. 
   
Dr Karen Becker recommends we find out exactly what is in our pet food and check it is fit for human consumption.  You could also switch to a fresh frozen BARF diet, which has bones mixed in, or even prepare your own food with fresh ingredients.  

The changes in your pets' health will lick you in the face.  I highly recommend researching the topic before you embark on this life changing diet for your beloveds.  Have confidence and faith and surround yourself with people who support your decision, those who have done it themselves and have seen the benefits with their own eyes.  Buddha said something along the lines of never believe others, but discover truths from your own personal experiences.  We are all different and must find what is right for us, not what other people think is right for us.

While we cannot determine the longevity of our pets, we can still do our best to ensure they are happy and healthy.  We decided to invest in our Muzzles' nutrition, by following Kymythy's species appropriate diet and have since created our own MUZZLESCOFF based on Kymythy's 'prey model' recipe below, including meat and bones to ensure the animals get all they need for optimum nutrition.

Pet’s weight: 10 lbs/4.5kg
1. Raw meat: ¼-½ cup muscle meat (plus organ meat or egg) 
2. Raw bone: 1-2 chicken necks 
3. Veggies: ½-1 tbl, pulped 
4. Kelp/alfalfa: ½-1 tsp 
Cod-liver oil: ¼ tsp 
Essential Fatty Acids: ½ tsp flax oil
Vitamin C: up to 500-1,500 mg 

Pet’s weight: 50 lbs/22kg
1. Raw meat: ¾-1 cup muscle meat (plus organ meat or egg) 
2. Raw bone: 1 turkey neck or 6 chicken necks 
3. Veggies: 3 tbl, pulped 
4. Kelp/alfalfa: 2 tsp 
Cod-liver oil: 1 tsp 
Essential Fatty Acids: 2 tsp flax oil
Vitamin C: up to 3,000-6,000 mg

Schultze, Kymythy (1999-10-01). Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats (p. 5). Hay House. Kindle Edition.

The physiological and mental changes in our Muzzles, Henry, Hugo and Kevin, have been amazing.  Henry's always been a bit on the podgy side and even managed to collapse our neighbour's fence once, by climbing up it.  On a species appropriate diet, he is more spritely, has toned up his jelly belly, sports a waistline now and is even graceful, on occasions.  Kevin de-toxed heavily, having been on a processed diet for 14 years.  He lost weight and fat before gaining muscle, which is all part of the de-toxification process.  Kymythy tells you how to comfort your pets through their healing process :o)  

Kevin's dry, scaly 'elbows' cleared up and are now smooth and lovely.  He lost his 'turkey neck' and acquired a gorgeously glossy coat.  In fact, all three of the Muzzles have luscious, soft fur. Kevin's cheekiness and energy levels are constantly increasing and people compliment him on looking fabulous for 14 years old!  The vet even commented on his improved hind limb flexibility, so yeay!  We also give Kevin glucosamine with chondroitin as well as massages and Reiki to help him feel fabulous. The bonus is that whatever the cats don't eat, the Lab-Retriever obviously will, so there is no wastage and every one is a happy bunny...or kitty...or puppy.

Shopping trolley of thoughts

Inspiration for this blog came from an empty fridge.  A shopping trip impending, it occurred to me that careful choices are made about what goes in our shopping trolley.  We don't think, 'Urgh, liver! I'll have some of that!' or 'Wheat makes me ill, so let's get a loaf of bread!' 

So why do we allow this to happen with our thoughts?  We sometimes choose to feed on what we don't like or what makes us feel bad.  But when you chew on that, is it actually sensical to make ourselves feel bad?  Most of the time, dismal thinking is due to allowing your ego mind to ramble aimlessly.  You need to take control of your thoughts, to ensure they are empowering and encouraging, in order to evolve.

A friend suggested wearing a bracelet to remind you to think about the thoughts you think.  When you catch yourself thinking unhelpful thoughts, you focus on something that makes you feel good and switch the bracelet to the other wrist.  This way you condition yourself to think more nourishing thoughts and banish those blues.

So, throw the doomy, gloomy thoughts into the bin, where they can be recycled into something better and start to practise putting delicious fruity, vegetably thoughts of wholesome goodness into your trolley and see how much lovelier your life can become!

Happy shopping!

I don't eat my friends

Animals are my friends and I don't eat my friends  ~ George Bernard Shaw

Monday 20 - Sunday 26 May is National Vegetarian Week.  So, if you are a meat muncher, maybe consider sinking your teeth into something refreshing, juicy and veggie for a change, rather than the flesh of another creature, and notice how you feel by the end of the week.  Even if you are already vegetarian or vegan, maybe try new dishes or nibble some new vegetables.  I didn't even know what salsify was until last Winter.  It struck me as more of a verb than a veg.

It is a good idea to be thoughtful about what we pop into our mouths, because the food we eat affects us energetically.  Plants, seeds, nuts, fruit and vegetables, which are all energised by the sun, carry very different vibrations than that of slaughtered animals. 

If you choose not to remove meat from your meals to feel what it's like to vibe on a higher level, then perhaps take a peek at Food Inc.  It's an eye opener, to say the least.

According to the ancient Ayurvedic diet, we all need to eat right for our body type to remain in good health.  Deepak Chopra's Dosha Quiz could help you discover the types of food that may benefit you.  To find out more about union of body, mind and soul through a yogic diet, click here: yum!

Lettuce spread the smiles and sparkles far and wide  xXx

Love and Peas xXx

Have you met Kevin?

We sincerely hope you have made the most of this Winter by staying snugly and warm when you weren't busy playing in the snow.  In the heart of England, we have had heaps of the powdery white stuff and lots of icy wind.  But, while cold winds are wonderful to blow cobwebs away, they also harness the power to turn us into human popsicles.

Finally, after what seems like the longest Winter in a gazillion years, the sun is taking a cheeky peek from behind the grey blanket that has long consumed the sky.  Spring is on its way.  The days are getting longer and the nights shorter.  The time of introspection and hibernation are coming to a close as we are coaxed to uncloak ourselves from our snugly Winterness and let ourselves be rebirthed by the youthful energies of Spring.  Yippee!

This Winter we discovered yet another way to lead a happy, healthful lifestyle.  It requires getting the vacuum cleaner out daily, standing out in the cold and stuffing little bunny eared black bags in every backpack and jacket pocket.  We adopted a Kevin.

In the past few months we've been blessed as Kevin's guardians, we have already experienced so much love and joy.  Everywhere we go, he spreads loads of love and squillions of smiles.  Kevin has helped little kids get over their dog phobias, soothed grieving 'owners' and raised awareness about Guide Dog retirement.  We have engaged in many uplifting conversations with random strangers and it is quite amazing just how many people carry dog treats.  People actually queue up to stroke and talk to him.  He is quite the local celebrity; loving and so deserving of all the attention.

 He spent his puppyhood in training and the majority of his life in service, being a most awesome Guide Dog. He will be 98 dog years old this June. That's 14 human years on this planet, being awesome. 

We enjoy giving him heaps of hugs, regular massages, lots of rest, reiki and lovely, gentle walks. Brushing and vacuuming is a far too frequent occurrence, but it is a small price to pay for all the love we get in return. He also enjoys a wholesome, species-appropriate diet.  We have seen his energy levels, mobility and flexibility improve and he just loves wiggling and rolling on his back down our slopey garden.  But some days, when the sky is heavy with cloud and the duvet beckons us during the day, the old dog shows his tired face.  He literally feels under the weather.  So we just give him even more cuddles.

We all adore Kevin.  We don't know how much longer Kevin will choose to spend with us on the physical plane, but every moment we share is one we will always treasure.  There is no such thing as just a dog or just a pet.  Every living being, no matter how big or small, furry or bald, has an equally important part to play in this game of life.

Don't count the days. Make the days count.

- Muhammed Ali

Get squashed and other fun things to do

Today was another extraordinary day, just like every other.  The blustery energies outside confirmed it was a snuggly stay indoors kind of day.

Looking for new ways to keep fit and healthy, we recently bought Maya Fiennes' Kundalini Yoga to detox and de-stress.  I do yoga as part of my morning routine and having seen the trailer with Maya's butt firmly planted throughout, I was lulled into a false sense of security.

What I love is that Kundalini yoga uses muscles and breathing work that is different to my usual style.  It is easy for beginners and yet some of the exercises still make you feel like you have had a good workout, especially if you are not that flexible.
  

I can feel my energy increase throughout the workout and am completely buzzing by the end.  The first time I did it I felt totally ungrounded, but then ice skating has the same effect.  Eating something nourishing and feeling my feet in contact with the ground soon sorts that out.  

MiBu found the Easy pose less than easy to start with, but by the end had improved his flexibility and this is something he wants to continue to work on.  Kundalini yoga is fun and enjoyable and now part of our healthy lifestyle.  

As if an hour of Kundalini Yoga wasn't enough, we decided to get squashed.  Well, we had already booked and paid for it during the week.  Again, Squash is completely new to us.  All you need is a sense of humour and some squeaky shoes. The game takes place in an acoustically enjoyable court. You can't understand a word of what the other person is saying, but you can chant and sing like a pro.  Well, that's how it sounded in my head!    

There are pretty red lines marked out and I'm sure they mean something, but we just bashed the ball and bounced around the court for an hour.  Then we decided we liked it so much, we've booked the court again for next week!  

And how do we feel after a day of pleasuring ourselves with heaps of energetic, enjoyable exercise?  Well apart from being sorely reacquainted with the muscles in our right forearms, we feel fabulous!   

So, even if the weather is pants or you don't know the rules of a particular sport, just get out there, try something new and have heaps of fun xXx

The Beauty of Simplicity

I know people who regularly race around their home frantically searching for keys or paperwork.  It's also not unusual to hear the kids whine: 'I can't find my shooooooooes!'  Arguments flare, then fingerpointing results in frustration and a stressed out, unhappy family.  

The chaos about thee 

is but the confusion within thee

But peace could prevail by taking a few simple steps.  Keep everything in its proper place and you will save time and energy which could be better spent, by having fun or relaxing.  

Ooh, what sounds more appealing now, eh?!

If something only takes a couple of minutes to do, do it immediately rather than putting it off till later, when no doubt other things will be requiring your attention too.  That's how mountains grow out of molehills.  Master Domestic Goddessness through experience.  If something doesn't work for you; try something different!

I remember the olden days of insurmountable mounds of ironing.  One day I just decided to throw away my iron.  Life's too short to spend it doing pointless things.  No body has commented on how creased our clothes are and we have freed up hours of play time.

We are fortunate.  Both MiBu and I believe LESS IS MORE and our home is simple and tidy and everything has a place that is accessible.  Even when our home needs cleaning, it still appears tidy and this makes housework a joy.  Yes, I actually adore my Domestic Goddess 'chores' and making our home sparkly and beautified.  It is a blessed ritual for me.  Yes there is a good chance I am mad, but it's not been certified...yet.

Some people have an attachment to things and this can cause unhappiness.  Also, the more you have, the more responsibility you possess.  This can actually suck the joy out of whatever it is that you own.  

Whilst getting rid of stuff you have spent time and money acquiring may bring you out in a cold sweat, the feeling of getting rid of superfluous stuff is so liberating.  You might even turn it into a hobby.  If you haven't used something in 6 months, chuck it out!  What's the point surrounding yourself with stuff you don't use? 

When everything around you is sacred,

your whole world is sacred.  

 

Your environment reflects who you are.  Look around your room.  What does it say about you right now?  Do you still keep stuff that is broken or hideous, but it was a gift and you'd feel guilty if you ditched it?

Honestly, if what you look at every single day doesn't make your heart sing - change it!  If it's broken, fix it or ditch it.

When you let go of the old, 

you make way for the new.

If it doesn't benefit you, bring you joy or improve your life....

Get rid of it!!

Ways to de-clutter your life

Even more ways to de-clutter

Enjoy the beauty of simplicity and surround yourself with all that is sacred to you xXx

Warrior or worrier?

It is bad for our health and fantastically futile, yet so many people still do it.  

“I've had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened”   

Mark Twain

Worrying is a waste of energy.  It is a fear of unknown or negative possibilities, that might not even happen, or negative thoughts about something that may have already happened. So why worry?

Tell your worries to the Worry Dolls.  They really don't mind and they are good at keeping secrets.

As the quote states, most of the time worry doesn't even manifest in physical reality but drowns our thoughts in a whole bunch of 'what ifs...' which snowball out of control and have a detrimental effect on our daily lives.

And when you are full of fear you are restricting the amount of joy and fun in your life.  Why on earth would you choose fear over fun?!

Fear also causes the body to release adrenalin, which affects the digestive system.  An acidic and negative internal environment can make you feel sick and suppress your immune system which leaves you vulnerable to attack.  Then that'd give you something else to worry about!

The universe says YES! to whatever you focus on.  Therefore the more you worry, the more things you will find to worry about.  On the positive side, the more you focus on what you are grateful for in your life, more things will present themselves that you can be thankful for.

So don't worry.  Help is at hand!

Here are a few ways to help let go of worry and bring a sense of peace and harmony into your life:

• Meditation and relaxation.  You make the time to meditate and relax, if you don't feel there are enough hours in the day.  There are even 10-minute guided meditation cds, so no excuses even for really busy bees.

• Don't take life so personally.  When you take yourself seriously it sucks the joy out of the whole experience and is really quite unattractive.  Learn to laugh at yourself.

• Practice Reiki, yoga, tai chi or qi gong to learn discipline, focus and to help maintain harmony and peace.

• Get enough sleep.  When you are well rested, you can manage your emotions better and anything life may throw at you.

• Talk to people rather than keep your worries bottled up.  When you realise that you are not in this alone, a weight is lifted from your shoulders.  

• Hug lots and don't be afraid to ask for a hug if you need one.  Touch is healing.  There is too much emphasis on 'bad touch' which is making people withdraw, whereas the power of 'good' touch is immense.

• Write in a journal. Talking and writing about your worries and fears can disempower them. My pen is my pressure valve. If I go without writing for days, I feel like I'm going to POP!  It is a most beautiful, artistic and creative form of release and self-expression. 

• Whether you are religious or not, the serenity prayer is beautiful.  When looking for an image I was astounded by the number of people, both men and women, who have it as a tattoo!  I think I'd want it printed backwards though so I could read it in the mirror!

NOW is the time to become friends with your body, mind and soul.  You might as well, as you are all in this together! :o)

Mind how you go! 

Loads of love and Heaps of Healing xXx