Self Hugging

There is more than one way to hug oneself.  There is the snugly kind of hug, like being swaddled in a fluffy, toasty towel after a relaxing bath.  The other kind of hug is uncomfortable and restricting like a self tightening strait jacket.

I used to self-hug in the less than lovely way.  I would squeeze myself to do more, achieve more and get more until I squeezed the joy out of everything and I was exhausted.  No matter what I did, it was never good enough.  No matter what I had, I was never satisfied.  I had everything I had dreamed would create the perfect, picket fence lifestyle, but I was empty.  

Then my world came crashing down and I was left with nothing but my two young daughters.  It put everything into perspective and made me realise that, actually, I was very lucky indeed, even though I had no material possessions.  In fact, having nothing brought with it a welcome sense of liberation.  I was no longer burdened by stuff that I thought would make me happy.  That was the time when I discovered feng shui and the delights of de-cluttering.  I was forced to be creative and do things with my girls that didn’t cost a penny.  I couldn’t buy them toys, so we played more together instead.  We would paint and draw together, sing, skip and walk together and it brought us all closer – the power of 3.  In fact every morning we’d hug and sing: 

LET LOVE AND FUN AND LAUGHTER BE

TO UNIFY THE POWER OF 3.

When I had nothing it made me appreciate what I actually did have and that I was more abundant than I ever knew: my daughters, good health, friends, a passion for living and ability to bounce back and stand up for my truths, silly sense of humour and wacky ways of looking at the world.  Nature gifts us with so many giggly and gorgeous moments that cost absolutely nothing and bring priceless joy, happy sighs and achy cheeks.  In fact, after I have written this, we are going on a lakeside family bimble, to watch coots and swans and smile at the peach melba sky as the sun goes to sleep.

It was also when I had nothing that I slowly learned to self-hug in a healthy way.  I praised myself for every little effort and was grateful for the opportunity to make the most of each new day.  I slowly acquired a sense of self worth and started to believe I could make a positive difference to others.  It took me many, many years to reach the state of love and compassion that I enjoy today, but I believe that if I can do it, then anyone can.  You don’t even have to wait for worlds to crumble or years to pass.  You can start loving yourself right here, right now.  In fact, go on, give yourself a gentle squeeze and smile and notice how good it feels.  Acknowledge yourself for all that you are and if there is anything you don’t like about yourself, simply accept it and be willing to change.

 When you stop beating yourself up for what you haven’t done or haven’t got and instead give yourself a gentle hug simply for being you and what you have actually achieved so far, life seems heaps more lovely.  Everything you have ever done has mattered, regardless of how little or great you perceive it to be.  You are alive and every morning you wake up alive, you are blessed with yet another opportunity to be grateful for the life you are creating for yourself.

Heaps of hugs xXx

Who The Fudge am I to Judge?

When driving home in the rain, I observed a woman holding an open umbrella over her partner's head as they walked in sombre silence.  As I do with everyone I pass, I blessed them with LOVE and continued to sing my favourite rain-themed tunes that seem to tumble out of my mouth in such soggy weather.

 

Then the voices interupted the music in my head, 'She is doing her duty, like a good wife should,' said a gravelly voice.  'That's so sexist,' a shrill voice snapped. 'She is caring for him, that's why she keeps him dry,' assured another.  'She doesn't value herself.  She is drenched!'  The hullaballoo was unacceptable as I couldn't hear myself sing (like an angel, I might add! ;op)  I suggested to the voices that they were simply two people walking, one holding an umbrella.  The end.  Whatever judgments the voices made about these folks were irrelevant, a waste of time and energy and more importantly distracting me from singing Barney the Dinosaur's song If all the raindrops...

When we judge we are usually projecting our thoughts of our reality onto others and their situations.  But these thoughts might be a gazillion miles away from their truth, which is all that matters to them.  For example, if you see a parent yelling at a child, don't condemn them as a child abuser.  Who are you to judge another? It is healthier to bless and forgive them.  You don't know what is going on in that person's life for them to react that way.  They, obviously, are not in a state of peaceful awareness and able to create a more compassionate scenario, otherwise they would. 

 

When you offer love and forgiveness, you dissolve that grumpy cloud of judgment that skews your vision.  What you send to others returns to you and so you are also sending love and forgiveness to yourself - Bonus! Judging others, however, achieves nothing and actually stops you from seeing things as they really are.  Love and forgiveness, on the otherhand, frees everyone.  YEAY!

So if we can look beyond the roles people play and not judge a book by its cover and all that, we feel free, able to accept people for who they are, rather than obscuring them with our expectations and judgments and blaming them for the way we feel about them, which only serves to make us feel blah.

 

So today's mantra is: 

Who the fudge am I to judge?  I love and bless instead.

  PS. I think I found a solution:

 

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