http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ Cristina's Energy Center Forum: Recent Posts en Fri, 21 Nov 2008 20:11:27 +0000 http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=112#post-146 Sat, 15 Nov 2008 18:43:41 +0000 cristina 146@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p>It’s easy to give into the predominant collective energy, which right now is one of fear and apprehension. As challenging as it is we need to let go of that. Below is a great exercise to rid yourself of fear and anger. </p> <p>Expelling venom - Releasing excess and negative emotions<br /> Stand with your hands gently placed on the tops of your thighs and take a couple of deep breaths. Now move your hands upward with the intention that you are scooping up all the negative and blocked energy in your body. As you bring your hands upward turn them into a fist position, lifting them to just above and behind your head as you inhale. Hold your breath and really tense up your body holding your fists tightly. Then, with a forceful exhale and making a woaaahh or sshh sound (try both because it’s good to do this exercise twice), release your hands downward as if shaking off something that has stuck to your hands.<br /> You can also try a full body shake. This is when you tense up and then shake your entire body in an energetic way as you breathe out and make a release sound. A release sound can be anything that vocally expels energy, like the woaaahh or shhh sound or something else that feels good to you. If you feel like doing it more than twice, go for it. Do it as many times as you like, until you feel clear and light.</p> <p>I usually do something to fill the space I have just created. I suggest inviting loving presence into your energy field. All you do is take a few deep slow breadths and feel yourself ground to the earth as you open your heart to the heavens. Connect with the abundant love of the universe. Feel the love and invite it in with a deep breadth and put your hands over your heart to seal the deal. Enjoy! </p> http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=111#post-145 Sun, 09 Nov 2008 13:43:19 +0000 cristina 145@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p>This is an amazing project that gives me hope. we are not alone in our desire to help the world. Many are doing amazing things and so can you! </p> http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=110#post-144 Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:57:18 +0000 cristina 144@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p>This historic election has brought focus to the power one person can have and that has a couple of meanings to me. Politically it means being counted, letting my voice be heard. Am old friend of mine once said she didn’t vote because her vote didn’t count. Her reasoning was that it’s the electoral votes of that state that matter not her individual vote and she was a republican living in a democratic state. I think its safe to say that the last two elections have shown us the importance of the popular vote and that does come down to the power of one, each vote counts and sends a message about our collective consciousness.<br /> Personally it’s been a reminder to me about the power of one and all the good we can do in our everyday lives. Change your energy change the world. When you are letting your light shine and when you understand that everything you do counts you feel, or I do, a greater sense of responsibility to think and act with love. I know that if I am having a bad day and someone randomly smiles at me or makes a nice gesture my energy immediately changes, I don’t feel alone in my misery and that brings me out of it. So share your light. Be compassionate and make an effort to do little things throughout the day, if you drive let a car cut in front of you or if you’re walking and people are in your way step aside with a smile, not with annoyed energy. Smile and tell someone to have a good day, its really that simple. Just extend your energy in a loving way to the world around you and you will make a big difference. No matter how big, or small, everything is equally important. So as Nike and my father always says, “Just do it”. </p> http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=108#post-143 Sun, 02 Nov 2008 16:33:57 +0000 Barbara 143@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p>Thanks for that clarification. </p> <p>I believe that what you described is an energetic gift.... an offering.</p> <p>If you were to send her energy with the intention of having a particular outcome without her approval... that would be out of line, in my way of seeing things.</p> <p>If I'm in a situation for instance where someone asks me to pray for a loved one, I find it helpful to set an intention that whatever I offer be for their highest good, received only if it is beneficial, and be put to whatever use is most in harmony with their destiny.</p> <p>I'm a bit tired, so this is as lucid as I can be at the moment.</p> <p>Oh.. here's a way to think of it. Emanating loving, healing light from the core of your being out into the universe... that's just a gift. And that's beautiful... in my view.</p> <p>Simply activating your strange flows and allowing your energies to flow out into the universe... that's another version of it.</p> <p>in munay,<br /> Barbara </p> http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=108#post-142 Sun, 02 Nov 2008 16:32:08 +0000 cristina 142@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p>there are so many comments i have about your amazing post and advice but before i can get to any of that...<br /> my mother is ill and i send her white light. i imagine it showering through her being, bringing her mental and physical peace, mostly mental. it feels right but are you saying it isn't.<br /> overall though i have to say i completely agree with you about not butting into peoples business energetically! </p> http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=108#post-141 Sun, 02 Nov 2008 16:31:17 +0000 Barbara 141@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p>This is a beautiful description of the work we did together, Cristina. Thanks for sharing it.</p> <p>I'm glad to hear of the dream. Seems like you cleared even more stuck energies in the aftermath of our session. Once the body realizes you're serious about letting things shift... it jumps right in... so remember to be sweet with yourself. Continue to drink plenty of water. Rest. Pay attention to changes that are arising. Celebrate.</p> <p>And be aware that thoughts are powerful. Offer thoughts that are harmonious and loving.</p> <p>The saying YES is so important. And it's also just fine to have an honest NO. Sometimes it's not the right time to shift something. Respect that.</p> <p>Also... it is so important to INVITE. Invite your energies to shift into new relationships. THANK the energies that have gotten stuck....even if they feel gross and have contributed to challenges. Thank them and offer them an opportunity to break free and transform into a raw, liberated state so they can thrive and contribute to new creations arising in the world.</p> <p>When we heal, we not only free ourselves from constraint but we offer back the trapped energies in a transformed state... so they can find new purpose.</p> <p>Well, it's important to do the work in sacred space... and to help the released energies combust.</p> <p>....</p> <p>I was delighted to be able to step up in alliance with you as you took this leap into who you are becoming, your most authentic self. We are each called to bring ourselves, our gifts, our visions fully into the world for our own benefit, the benefit of family and friends, and the benefit of All That Is.</p> <p>Thanks, also, for creating space online for communication to flow.</p> <p>As I open up to what's next on my journey I look forward to our continued and deepening connection.</p> <p>in munay,<br /> Barbara</p> <p>P.S. A few other thoughts just came to me. About sending your intent out to others.... this is something that you only do with permission. And I don't mean just asking the person if you have their permission... I mean having deep permission from their highest (what I think of as deepest, most authentic) self. </p> <p>And this is also crucial.... the ONLY thing that it is really in right alignment to do is to offer support that would be most beneficial for them at this time. Don't be messing around with other people's energies... thinking you know what's right for them. Ask... ask the body. Ask the person's spirit. </p> <p>Other actions... no matter how well-meaning we might feel we are being... are actually forms of sorcery... exerting power over others for our own intentions.</p> <p>Also... I want to be clear. Say NO... if someone is working with you and you aren't clear that you feel like saying YES. As you go along in a healing process... that power remains with you... YES... continue... or NO... that's where we stop. </p> <p>Every minute of every day... every thought we have is an act of power. Every word we utter aloud or silently is an act of power. Every time we hold a vision in our mind... power accrues around those images... and helps to bring that into being.</p> <p>So... if you want to offer healing, tune to the heart.. to what they call in the Andes "munay"... love! Let the munay center set the tone for everything you do and say and think. Let the munay balance the energies in the body/mind/spirit.</p> <p>Then let that heart light shine... just like that meditation you offer, Cristina. </p> http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=109#post-140 Sun, 02 Nov 2008 16:18:38 +0000 cristina 140@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p>New Energy Exercise - Hormone Hook-up<br /> Exercise Excerpt from the New Energy Medicine for Women Book</p> <p>Whether you are young or old, hormones affect your physical and mental well-being. By holding a set of points on your head, you can coordinate the hormones regulated by the pineal-pituitary-hypothalamus axis, three of the glands that most strongly influence your body's hormones (a.k.a., the Triple Axis). </p> <p>The points you will be holding are called neurovascular reflex points, and by lightly touching them, you can increase the flow of blood to the triple axis and balance the energies among the three glands. The technique also reduces the fallout from excess stress.</p> <p>Bring the thumb, index, and middle fingers of your right hand together and place this "three finger cluster" at the top of your head.<br /> Simultaneously make a three finger cluster with your left hand and place it just under the curve behind the top of your head. Hold both points for the length of three slow, deep breaths.<br /> Flatten your right hand so your palm is on your forehead and your middle finger is at the point on the top of your head. Flatten your left hand, cupping the back of your head with your palm, and extending your middle finger so it is touching the middle finger of your right hand. Relax into this hold for another three deep breaths.</p> <p>To learn more about how to work with your body's energies through each stage of a woman's life, read the new Energy Medicine For Women book from Donna Eden - you can find it it in the CEC shop </p> http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=108#post-139 Wed, 29 Oct 2008 22:02:08 +0000 cristina 139@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p>I have read the studies showing long distance healings were effective but had never experienced it and to be honest I wasn’t sure they could be as powerful as a one on one. How wrong I was!<br /> I had a long distance healing session with Barbara Ann O’Leary who was one of my first energy medicine teachers in the Eden Certification program but she also practices shamanism and Munay-Ki, which is about being your authentic self. Her healing style is unique and powerful and I had no idea long distance healing could be so tangible.<br /> At times it felt more powerful than some one on one healings I have had. After discussing my intentions to let go anything I was holding onto I had a clear visual of a large dark rectangular block inside me and Barbara could see it as well. After some discussion about it we cleared it with fire and with the help of some guides. The visuals and textures of everything were very real – I felt an immediate shift as we cleared away this denseness. Once that was done it cleared the way for her to see where I had an imbalance – my wood element, which made total sense because I have been on overload starting my new business. We cleared it and brought my attention to my habit patterns that were keeping that imbalance going. In the beginning she asked if I was ready to change and by saying yes I think it helped the process. As a side note I would say that if you are not willing to accept a healing or make a change you hinder the process of self-transformation so always say yes, be open and mean it.<br /> Its days later and I still feel the shift – I really let go something big. I feel lighter and I don’t have any fears of it coming back, it’s just gone and I feel clear. The fear has gone. Interestingly I had a very symbolic dream that I think was my body’s energetic way of making sure all the denseness was gone. I dreamt I was pulling out a very think darkish matter out of my ear (the ear I have had an ear ache in forever) and then out of my inner cheek. It was a bit gross but I have had reoccurring dreams of this sort of thing and I never managed to get rid of it but this time I got it out and it felt amazing, it was like the best sigh of relief you can think of.<br /> Everybody’s healing will manifest differently but you can have a very significant healing long distance. It is an amazing affirmation about the connectedness we all have and can access through intention. We really are connected to everything and everyone and all we have to do is tune into it. Once you trust the feelings or visuals you are tuning into you can create change by sending your intent to a specific person, place or thing. Our world and the things we are cable of are amazing!</p> <p>A cool long distance healing project to check out is – Love &#38; Thanks Water Project – <a href="http://www.thank-water.net" rel="nofollow">www.thank-water.net</a> </p> http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=107#post-138 Sun, 26 Oct 2008 20:10:18 +0000 cristina 138@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p>... </p> http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=106#post-137 Sun, 26 Oct 2008 20:09:02 +0000 cristina 137@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p>... </p> http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=105#post-136 Sun, 26 Oct 2008 20:05:35 +0000 cristina 136@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p>I have found these methods extremely effective, it is associated / apart of energy psychology. Watch this great video </p> http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=104#post-135 Fri, 26 Sep 2008 19:54:21 +0000 cristina 135@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p>Apart of my Eden Energy Medicine training was how to ethically handle my clients confidence and trust and after years, surprisingly, I have run into my first ethical dilemma. Well two dilemma’s but one was easy.<br /> The easy dilemma is when you see or sense something not so great in your clients energy – this has happened to me before and I never mention it because I really don’t know what it is, at best I would suggest seeing a doctor if I felt it was physical saying something like “I think this area needs some attention, why don’t you check it out to be sure” – easy. The things I don’t mention are more ethereal and this brings me to my ethical dilemma story.</p> <p>A family member called me about his relative and we spent a great deal of time together on the phone. He had been involved in some healing work during his life so we enjoyed speaking. He filled me in on everything that was going on with the person he wanted me to help and that information turned out to be very helpful. We had a great connection and conversation. </p> <p>The next week I see his relative and we had a great session and really connected. During the session I was doing very deep chakra work and called my guides in and to my surprise his popped up as well – it was an extremely vivid experience and fun, we were all working together. His guides were peaceful and helpful. But, I did clearly see a black umbilical cord extending from his base chakra into a child-like form – it was black and clearly a negative energy. Nothing scary, I was just aware that he was toting around something he needed to release. I kept that to myself since it was our first session together, noting in my head if we went further together I might mention it as I discovered more about him and this presence, for the lack of a better word. Ok, dilemma #1 sorted. </p> <p>Dilemma #2 was a bit tougher. The relative called me within hours saying how well he heard the session went and couldn’t wait to hear all about it. Hesitantly I called him back and the questions came flying at me. During out initial conversation he had mentioned how other healers hadn’t really worked and wanted to make sure I would be honest in saying whether or not I thought I could help his relative so my first response was “ I was really happy with where the session went and know we can do deeper work together”. More questions came at me, too many… I conjured my courage to say, “now that he is my client I can’t really discuss the details, ethically I just can’t”. A gasp came over the airways…oh, well I mean I have been getting detailed information from all his other healers and now your saying nothing! I did my best to explain the ethical idealology behind my decision but it wasn’t going over so well. One reason I knew it wasn’t going over well is that this person had serious memory problems and his family was concerned they wouldn’t get the information they needed – I understood and felt bad. Finally I said “listen I know you are both very close, why don’t you talk to him and get his permission for me to speak with you and once I get his ok I’m happy to discuss all the details”. Unfortunately I never got another phone call and this really disappointed me because I really feel drawn to helping this person. Maybe I’ll get a phone call, maybe I won’t.</p> <p>Keeping the trust and confidence of your client can make or break the progress you make together in the healing process, I believe this strongly so I may have lost a client but I feel strengthened by my decision to stand by my ethical code – or maybe I should say the Eden ethical code because apparently other healers he was seeing did not feel the need to keep confidentiality. To me that is an unfortunate factoid. </p> http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=102#post-133 Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:53:09 +0000 EatMoreGreens 133@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p>“Feed given to non-organic cows, lambs, pigs, and poultry is deliberately designed to fatten up these animals. When we consume the meat and dairy products that come from those animals, we start fattening up too.” Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS.</p> <p>Therefore grass-fed meat and dairy is recommend, as is free range poultry and wild fish.</p> <p>Try this delicious dairy free and protein rich dip for chips and veggies. Healthy and Delicious. Amazing!</p> <p>Cilantro Sour Cream Dip<br /> Puree the following in a blender or food processor:</p> <p>1 block firm tofu<br /> 1 tablespoon soy sauce, tamari, or shoyu<br /> 1 tablespoon umeboshi vinegar (or use the juice from ½ of a lemon with 2 teaspoons soy sauce)<br /> 2 teaspoons mustard</p> <p>Blend until creamy and smooth.</p> <p>Add ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro and pulse until combined. </p> http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=101#post-132 Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:01:04 +0000 EatMoreGreens 132@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p>There are many reasons why coconut oil is so good for our bodies, and a better choice than many other popular oils. It’s one of the easiest fats to absorb, process, and digest (one of the keys to weight loss is good digestion). And, it’s brimming with lauric acid which has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-bacterial properties (great for boosting good bacteria in the intestines, another key to weight loss).</p> <p>Because of its high saturated fat content, coconut oil is more stable than other oils (which oxidize quickly, form free radicals, and lead to premature aging). Saturated fat is much more durable than mono and polyunsaturated fats (the latter two being the main fats in the predominantly consumed oils: canola, corn, olive, safflower, sunflower, and soy). Once opened, these oils stay fresh anywhere from 8-12 weeks; then turn rancid. But coconut oil has a shelf life of 2 years; the saturated fat prevents its oxidation.</p> <p>Saturated fat also leads to stability during the manufacturing process of turning food into oil. As heat and pressure are added to food in order to extract the oils, sensitive molecules are unable to withstand this abuse, causing free radicals and trans-fats to form. Since saturated fat molecules are much are stronger than mono and polyunsaturated fat molecules, damage is that much less likely. This same concept applies to cooking and baking with coconut oil; since heat quickly and easily damages mono and polyunsaturated fats, but not saturated fat, you can cook and bake with coconut oil without fear you’ve created a trans-fat. In addition, if we don’t eat enough saturated fat our bodies take from our own reserves of nutrients to make it!</p> <p>Sidebar:<br /> No matter what type of oil you consume, it’s always best to purchase a cold pressed, unrefined, extra virgin and/or raw oil. Any of these terms denote that the method used to make the oil is as least damaging to the molecules as possible. </p> <p>I often stir a tablespoon of coconut oil into my oatmeal at breakfast. The fat helps keep me full until lunch, so I’m not inclined to snack, nor am I ravishing by noon either. Also try substituting coconut oil for butter or other oils in your baked goods. It’s healthier and tastes great too. For a satisfying meal, stir-fry vegetables in coconut oil over medium heat, then pour them over brown rice and sprinkle with cashews. Or simply spread coconut oil on your toast in place of butter. </p> <p>Carol Anne Wasserman is a certified holistic health practitioner and cooking coach. She specializes in permanent weight loss, premature female hair loss, and digestive issues. Her office is located on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, NYC; she offers consultations in person, by phone, and email. For some more delicious way to incorporate coconut oil into your diet please visit her recipes page at <a href="http://www.MacrobioticMagic.com/Recipes." rel="nofollow">www.MacrobioticMagic.com/Recipes.</a> </p> http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=100#post-131 Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:59:19 +0000 EatMoreGreens 131@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p>In ancient Greece and Rome the benefits of flax seeds were well regarded. Today, flax has been receiving much attention, in large part due to its high omega 3 fatty acid content. Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid, which means it’s essential to our functioning, but not produced by the body. </p> <p>Studies have shown omega 3s being adept at reducing inflammation and the incidence of cancer, heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, depression, and assisting with weight loss. They lower the amount of fats, including cholesterol, circulating in the bloodstream. Studies have also shown that patients who ate flax seeds lowered their cholesterol just as much as the patients who took statins (pharmaceutical drugs)! Omega 3 fatty acids protect our cell membranes by allowing the good nutrients in and getting rid of waste. Without a healthy cell membrane, cells have difficulty communicating with one another, which can lead to the growth of cancer cells. Omega 3s reside in the brain, and are therefore vital for memory, performance, and behavioral function. Pregnant mothers who don’t ingest enough omega 3s run the risk of their fetuses developing nerve and vision problems. </p> <p>An omega 3 deficiency results in dry flaky skin or a rash, stunted growth in infants and children, increased susceptibility to infection (frequent illness), depression, fatigue, brittle hair and nails, joint pain and inability to concentrate. </p> <p>Omega 3s work together with omega 6s (another essential fatty acid). While omega 3s reduce inflammation, omega 6s increase it, so too little omega 3 fatty acids leads to inflammation in the body; inflammation being a well known precursor to illness. The traditional diet of early humans consisted of an omega 3 to omega 6 ratio of 1:1. The current U.S. dietary recommendation is for 2-4 times the amount of omega 6s as omega 3s; the modern American is consuming 15-25 times more omega 6s than omega 3s, mostly in the form of animal fats and vegetable fats including corn, safflower, and sunflower oils. Processed foods are laden with vegetable fats, including “healthy” ones such as organic corn chips and rice milk. Be careful of too much tempura too, which is fried in omega 6 rich oils. Studies have shown that 99% of people in the U.S. do not eat enough omega 3s!</p> <p>Omega 3s, like almost all nutrients, are better absorbed through food than in supplement form. Along with flax seeds, other good sources of omega 3 fatty acids include: walnuts, soybeans, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, dark leafy greens (especially kale and collard greens), and cold water fish such as salmon, tuna, and halibut. If you don’t eat fish, it’s even more important for you to consume flax seeds as part of your regular diet. 2 tablespoons of flax seeds per day will provide you with more than enough (almost double) your daily omega 3 requirement.</p> <p>Flax seeds also provide an excellent source of fiber, which helps many people with constipation issues and reduces the incidence of colon cancer. And, if you are trying to lose weight, the combination of healthy fats and high fiber makes flax seeds a necessary dietary addition. On very few calories, flax seeds will help keep you full for a longer period of time, and it is food for the brain, so you will feel more satisfied with what you’ve eaten. Flax will also help stabilize blood sugar, which keeps cravings and false hunger in check. </p> <p>Flax can be purchased as whole seeds, pre-ground seeds, and oil. A whole flaxseed is almost impossible to digest, so it must be freshly ground or purchased as an oil to receive its nutrition. I say freshly ground since the oil is a highly unsaturated fat, and will begin to oxidize as soon as it’s ground. Flax seeds, like all omega 3s are extremely susceptible to rancidity (from heat, light, and oxygen). Rancidity = free radicals = premature aging. The flax seed shell protects the oil inside from turning rancid. But once ground, or turned into oil, you must properly store and use quickly. </p> <p>Flax oil unfortunately does not contain the fiber or phytochemicals found in the seeds. Phytochemicals are the other nutrients in plants apart from their vitamins and minerals. There are thousands of kinds of phytochemicals, and they act as antioxidants do, by repairing cell damage, boosting the immune system and providing anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. The main phytochemical flax is known for is lignans, which help to balance female hormones, making flax a great dietary addition for women.</p> <p>Flax seeds, along with some other raw foods, such as cashews and almonds, contain trace amounts of cyanide compounds. The human body has the ability to neutralize these compounds when they are ingested in small amounts. The US government allows 2 tablespoons of whole seeds, or about 3 tablespoons ground per day, as a safe amount. </p> <p>You can purchase pre-ground flax seeds, but I don’t recommend this; most likely they’ve already turned rancid. I have a special coffee grinder I use only for flax; I grind a small amount of seeds as needed. If there are leftovers, I put the coffee grinder with the ground seeds right in the refrigerator, but usually for no longer than 1 week. If you are going to purchase pre-ground flax seeds make sure they are in an opaque and vacuum sealed container and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Flax seed oil must be in an opaque container (because exposure to light causes rancidity) and it must be stored in the refrigerator. Also, make sure you are purchasing your flax products from a store that has a high turnover. Flax seed oil cannot be heated, so it can’t be used for cooking; a great way to use it is as a salad dressing. </p> <p>Theories for how long flax lasts varies widely. The seeds are said to store for anywhere from a few months to 2 years. I store whole flax seeds in my refrigerator and they last for quite some time, longer than a few months. Ground flax is said to stay fresh anywhere from only a couple of days to months. I’m more prone to go with the former. As I said, I throw out any ground flax that’s been in my fridge for over 1 week. Ground flax seeds should be nutty, if you get a taste of bitter, throw them away. The flax oil you buy should have an expiration date on it. Make sure you don’t keep it past this date or you will most likely be consuming rancid oil.</p> <p>Flax seeds are great stirred into morning porridges, sprinkled on salads, added to smoothies, mixed into veggie burgers. They also lend themselves splendidly to baking, in bread, muffins, and cookies.</p> <p>Ground flax has been shown to be very stable in baking, most likely due to its high antioxidant content. A popular baking trick vegans use to replace eggs in a recipe is as follows: Mix 2 tablespoons ground flax seed with 2 tablespoons water and let sit for a few minutes. It will turn gooey and egg-like in consistency. This will replace 1 egg in your recipe. </p> <p>I mainly consume flax seeds ground and sprinkled on my morning porridge (I stir it in and sneak it into the porridge of my loved ones too)! And, I bake with it. I try to avoid white flour, baking powder and baking soda in my recipes. It’s easy to do this with cookies if you make the addition of flax. So, The following are some of my favorite cookie recipes using ground flax. Though white flour and baking powder have been eliminated, you will find these treats are light and moist nonetheless, thanks to the flax! They are also all mildly sweet, especially the almond coconut melties. I especially recommend these goodies to people making the transition to more healthful diets.</p> <p>Omega 3 Cookies or… The Best Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies You Will Ever Eat</p> <p>*If you don’t enjoy chocolate keep reading, replace the chocolate chips in this recipe for raisins, currants, dried cranberries, or cherries!</p> <p>1 cup rolled oats<br /> 1 ¼ cups raw walnuts or pecans<br /> ¾ cup whole wheat pastry flour<br /> ¼ cup almond meal<br /> 1 pinch sea salt<br /> 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil or extra virgin/raw coconut oil<br /> ¼ cup brown rice syrup<br /> ¼ cup maple syrup<br /> 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract<br /> 1 Tablespoon ground flax seeds mixed with 2 Tablespoons water to form a paste.<br /> 1 cup grain sweetened chocolate chips<br /> (or 1 cup chocolate chunks: chop 1 ½ to 2 bars of 70-72% cacao chocolate)</p> <p>Preheat oven to 325 degrees.</p> <p>In separate pans toast oats and nuts for 10 minutes. Add to a food processor and grind until a fine meal is reached.</p> <p>Add to a bowl with the pastry flour, almond meal, and salt. Mix well with a wire whisk.</p> <p>In another bowl combine well the coconut oil, rice syrup, maple syrup, vanilla, and flax seed paste.</p> <p>Add the wet ingredients to the dry. Stir in the chocolate. Do not over mix. (The dough is sticky, so if you let it sit for about 15 before minutes before forming the cookies it will be easier to handle). Place heaping spoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet. With wet hands, form into slightly flattened balls. If you keep your hands wet, the dough won’t stick to them as you form the cookies. Bake at 325 degrees for 20 - 25 minutes, until the bottom edges turn slightly brown in color.</p> <p>Makes about 18 cookies.</p> <p>Oatmeal Coconut Cookies with Dried Cherries </p> <p>Dry:<br /> 1 cup rolled oats<br /> ¼ cup whole grain spelt flour<br /> 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut<br /> 1 pinch sea salt<br /> ½ cup unsweetened dried cherries </p> <p>Wet:<br /> ¼ cup coconut oil<br /> ½ cup brown rice syrup<br /> ½ teaspoon vanilla extract<br /> 3 tablespoons ground flax mixed with 3 tablespoons water, mix well and allow to sit for 5 minutes</p> <p>Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</p> <p>In a bowl mix well the dry ingredients. </p> <p>In a separate bowl mix well the wet ingredients.</p> <p>Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix well. </p> <p>Let the batter rest for 20 minutes. </p> <p>The batter will be a little sticky. Wet your hands to keep batter from sticking to them as you shape the cookies. Form batter into small balls. Place slightly flattened balls onto greased cookie sheet about 1 ½ inches apart (cookies will spread out as you bake them). </p> <p>Bake at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes, until bottom edges turn golden brown in color.</p> <p>Makes 12-18 chewy cookies.</p> <p>Almond Coconut Melties<br /> ¼ c almond flour<br /> ¼ cup cornmeal<br /> ¼ cup whole grain spelt flour<br /> ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut<br /> Pinch sea salt<br /> 3 Tablespoons coconut oil (unrefined, cold pressed, extra virgin and/or raw)<br /> ¼ cup brown rice syrup<br /> 1 tablespoon maple syrup<br /> ½ teaspoon vanilla extract<br /> ½ teaspoon almond extract<br /> 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed in 2 tablespoons water</p> <p>Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</p> <p>Place coconut in a pan and toast in the oven until light golden brown, about 6 minutes.</p> <p>Take ¼ cup of the coconut and grind in a food processor or coffee grinder until a coarse meal is reached. (this step is optional, omit if you don’t have anything to grind the coconut in).</p> <p>In a large bowl, mix all of the dry ingredients together well, with a fork, whisk, or your hands: the almond flour, cornmeal, spelt flour, all of the coconut, and salt.</p> <p>In a separate bowl mix together the wet ingredients: oil, rice syrup, maple syrup, the extracts and flax.</p> <p>Add the wet to the dry and mix until just incorporated. Do not overmix.</p> <p>This batter is quite sticky so you may need to make balls of dough with wet hands, to keep the batter from sticking to your palms. Spoon small tablespoons onto a greased cookie sheet, and slightly flatten down with your palm so it’s a disc, and not a ball. Leave at least one and one-half inches of space between cookies as they will spread.</p> <p>Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges turn slight golden in color.</p> <p>Makes about 12 cookies.</p> <p>Chewy Granola Bars with Dried Fruit</p> <p>Dry:<br /> 2 cups quick cooking rolled oats<br /> ¼ cup whole grain spelt flour<br /> 1 ¾ cup chopped dried apples, cranberries, cherries (or another dried fruit or chocolate chips)<br /> Pinch sea salt</p> <p>Wet:<br /> ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil<br /> ¾ cup brown rice syrup<br /> ¼ cup ground flax mixed with ¼ cup water to form a paste</p> <p>Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.</p> <p>Line an 11” x 7.5” or an 8” x 8” baking pan with parchment paper and grease with oil.</p> <p>Prepare the ground flax and water to form a paste. Let this sit while you gather the dry ingredients.</p> <p>In a bowl mix together the dry ingredients well.</p> <p>In a separate bowl mix together the wet ingredients, including the flax paste.</p> <p>Add the wet to the dry and incorporate well. Using wet hands to keep the batter from sticking, press down firmly into your baking pan, making sure to press everywhere, including the sides and edges. Bake at 350 for about 25 minutes, until edges turn golden brown.</p> <p>Let rest about 10 minutes, until slightly cool, then remove and cut into bars or squares.</p> <p>Makes about 9 pieces.</p> <p>By Carol Anne Wasserman, Holistic health Counselor specializing in weight loss.<br /> Visit <a href="http://www.MacrobioticMagic.com" rel="nofollow">www.MacrobioticMagic.com</a> for Carol’s newsletter, more articles, her weight loss blog, tips, and recipes! </p> http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=99#post-130 Thu, 28 Aug 2008 22:20:09 +0000 EatMoreGreens 130@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p>1. Blood oranges, cherries and blueberries<br /> Collagen is a natural protein in your skin and muscles that provides resiliency, shape and texture. Unfortunately, collagen production decreases with age- but you can fight back with dark fruit. “Blood oranges, cherries and blueberries are full of antioxidants, which decrease aging and disease by lowering inflammation. Antioxidants also increase collagen production and thicken the skin, making you look younger and healthier,” says Julia Tatum Hunter, M.D., of Skin Fitness Plus in Beverly Hills. “Antioxidants also decrease [the severity of] rosacea.” Blackberries, raspberries, plums, pomegranates, cranberries, Asian dragon fruit and kiwis also contain antioxidants.</p> <p>2. Shellfish, sunflower seeds and sardines<br /> Sunflower seeds // © Lew Robertson/FoodPix/Jupiterimages</p> <p>Sunflower seeds offer a powerhouse of essential fatty acids a component of all cell membranes in the body, regulate the flow of nutrients, waste materials, and water in and out of cells</p> <p>Sunflower seeds offer a powerhouse of essential fatty acids, a component of all cell membranes in the body, regulate the flow of nutrients, waste materials, and water in and out of cells.</p> <p>These foods may not taste great together, but individually they offer a powerhouse of essential fatty acids. Steven Chang, M.D., staff physician for RightHealth.com, says fatty acids nourish the skin, help maintain skin integrity and keep skin cells performing optimally.</p> <p>“Essential fatty acids, a component of all cell membranes in the body, regulate the flow of nutrients, waste materials, and water in and out of cells-which keeps you looking young.” Flax seeds, tuna, walnuts, canola oil, soybean oil and pumpkin seeds are more good sources of essential fatty acids.</p> <p>3. Dandelion, turnip and mustard greens<br /> “Foods that keep our livers cleansed of toxins, heavy metals and fats make our whole body function more efficiently,” says Dr. Hunter. “This makes us happier, which affects how we look. Plus, a healthy liver brightens our eyes and tightens our skin.” She recommends dense green foods such as broccoli, spinach and arugula-as well as turnip, mustard and dandelion greens. Eating these slightly bitter greens has been shown to lessen your sweet tooth. Hunter warns: “Simple and refined sugars, high-glycemic carbohydrates, and refined, manufactured foods age us.” Excess sugar has been linked to a process called glycation, in which sugar molecules bond to protein molecules, which has been linked to sagging, wrinkled skin.</p> <p>4. Oregano, thyme and parsley<br /> “If you have puffy bags under your eyes in the morning, you are almost certainly consuming much more salt than you need,” says Doris Day, M.D., author of Forget the Facelift: Turn Back the Clock with a Revolutionary Program for Ageless Skin. “Another problem is alcohol: It dehydrates you and can make your skin sag. The worst combination is alcohol and salt, which causes puffy dark circles under your eyes.” Dr. Day recommends reducing your sodium intake to eliminate bloating. Instead of salt, season your meals with herbs and spices such as oregano, thyme, rosemary, parsley and garlic.</p> <p>Celery, carrots, string beans and cauliflower contain cellulose, which helps scrub stains from your teeth—giving you a whiter, brighter smile.</p> <p>Celery, carrots, string beans and cauliflower contain cellulose, which helps scrub stains from your teeth—giving you a whiter, brighter smile.</p> <p>5. Crunchy vegetables</p> <p>String beans // © Ann Stratton/FoodPix/Jupiterimages</p> <p>Fresh raw veggies are as good for your grin as they are for your skin! Celery, carrots, string beans and cauliflower contain cellulose, which helps scrub stains from your teeth-giving you a whiter, brighter smile. “Both the cellulose and the [other] fiber in these foods act as abrasives that clean and remove bacteria from teeth,” says Mickey Bernstein, M.D., president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Crunchy veggies are especially effective for recent discolorations. If you’ve just consumed blueberries, coffee, mustard, red wine or cranberry juice, follow it up with fresh cucumber slices or an apple.</p> <p>6. Sea vegetables<br /> “Polluted cells can’t function at their optimum level. When our cells are functioning optimally, not only do we have more energy-we look and feel great,” says nutritionist Carol Wasserman. “Sea vegetables are one of our richest sources of minerals and phytochemicals.” These veggies help detoxify, rebuild and nourish all the cells in our body. Unhealthy foods, stress and environmental pollutants cause cells to age prematurely, potentially leading to thinning hair and premature wrinkles. “Sea vegetables reverse this process,” says Wasserman. “For example, spirulina is a ‘detox powerhouse.’ Hijiki, kelp, arame, wakame, and dulse also work wonders.”</p> <p>7. Meat, cheese and lentils<br /> It may take 10 pounds of milk to make a pound of cheese, but fortunately you don’t need to eat that much dairy or protein to repair your cells. As you age, your hair and skin cells become damaged, making you appear older. The protein in meat, chicken, low-fat cheese, cottage cheese, and certain vegetables promotes cell growth and repair, which translates to younger-looking skin, fewer wrinkles, less hair loss and a glossy mane. To take a break from meat or dairy, try soybeans and lentils instead (they contain more protein than any other legume).</p> <p>8. Egg yolks, organ meats and whole-milk products<br /> Dr. Chang says, “Vitamin A is especially important for skin repair, and decreased levels can lead to dry, flaky skin.” Dr. Day adds that a lack of vitamin A may cause your skin to heal poorly and wrinkle easily. The main sources of this vitamin are foods from animals, such as liver, eggs and whole-milk dairy products. Some plants-carrots and broccoli, for example-supply beta-carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A as needed. Apricots, nectarines, plums and cantaloupe are more great sources of beta-carotene.</p> <p>9. Almond or hemp “milk”<br /> Almond milk is a nutritious dairy alternative because of its high levels of magnesium, potassium, manganese, copper, vitamin E, selenium and calcium. Licensed medical esthetician Tina Seitz says, “Hemp milk is a delicious, nutty-tasting non-dairy beverage that provides essential balanced nutrition. It’s a fantastic alternative to soymilk or dairy, and has a natural well-balanced ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids to keep your mind sharp, your immune system strong and your skin glowing.” Both almond and hemp milks are plant-based, and don’t contain lactose. They offer high-quality protein that can give hair a radiant, healthy shine and helps keep skin soft.</p> <p>10. Wild salmon with avocado and mango dressing<br /> Salmon and avocado // © Jackson Vereen/FoodPix/Jupiterimages</p> <p>This is more than a delicious meal—it's an anti-aging feast!</p> <p>This is more than a delicious meal—it's an anti-aging feast! . Add avocado for its antioxidant properties and mango (for vitamin E and anti-inflammatory carotenoids) and you'll be sitting pretty after dinner!</p> <p>This is more than a delicious meal-it’s an anti-aging feast! Stephen Sinatra, M.D., of the University of Connecticut School of Medicine says, “Wild Alaskan salmon has precious omega-3 essential fatty acids, which enhance blood flow. The pink/orange color of wild salmon is an anti-aging carotenoid called astaxanthin that protects cell membranes.” Salmon also contains dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), which improves facial muscle tone and reduces wrinkles. Add avocado for its antioxidant properties and mango (for vitamin E and anti-inflammatory carotenoids) and you’ll be sitting pretty after dinner!</p> <p><a href="http://www.GetHealthyWithCarol.com" rel="nofollow">www.GetHealthyWithCarol.com</a> </p> http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=95#post-129 Sun, 10 Aug 2008 12:17:55 +0000 Sophie 129@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p>This is an interesting topic. I agree with Cristina that intuition is one of the natural instincts which we have at birth, but that is not nurtured, developed or taught in our society, so by the time we are about 5 or 6, it is pretty dormant. </p> <p>Not long ago, I realised that I had not listened to or acted on my intuition for a long long time. In many cases, I even took actions which were the opposite of what my inner voice was telling me. Was this because I didn't trust my inner voice? Or was it because my will for what I wanted in my life (what I thought would make me happy) always won out? I saw that it was both.</p> <p>To change this around, I had to bring a higher power/inner source into my life, learn to distinguish between my will and the guidance of this inner source, and then start acting on it! For me, practicing a twelve-step programme has unlocked that door. Now, reflection (learning from mistakes) and meditation (listening for the inner voice) is very important. </p> <p>There is a lot of encouragement along the way - by simply allowing my actions to be directed by my inner voice, I experience that it works. What more incentive is there? </p> http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=98#post-128 Sun, 03 Aug 2008 15:45:47 +0000 EatMoreGreens 128@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p>Tips to get you started:</p> <p>1. Incorporate at least one vegetable into your diet per day, and more if you can (as your body gets accustomed to the nutrients in vegetables, it will begin to crave them).</p> <p>2. Make a large pot of brown rice one time per week; it will fill you up on very few calories, and it's packed with nutrients, making you healthier instantly! Store leftover rice in the refrigerator to use throughout the week for quick stir-fry's, salads, morning porridges, and to add into soups.</p> <p>3. When you eat, just eat. Eating while watching television, reading, talking on the phone, or surfing the net leads to overeating and weight gain. You'll consume much less, feel more satisfied, and digest better if you make it a habit to concentrate on your food and chewing well (good digestion is a key to losing weight efficiently).</p> <p>4. Always, always, always keep delicious fruit in the house for snacks, including frozen fruit and berries. Add these to a blender with apple juice for quick smoothies (great with a banana, peanut butter, almond butter and coconut oil) - make them thick to eat with a spoon. A great treat when you need something sweet!</p> <p>For more tips visit my weight loss blog at <a href="http://www.GetHealthyWithCarol.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">www.GetHealthyWithCarol.blogspot.com</a> </p> http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=97#post-127 Sun, 03 Aug 2008 15:44:24 +0000 EatMoreGreens 127@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p>Tips to get you started:</p> <p>1. Incorporate at least one vegetable into your diet per day, and more if you can (as your body gets accustomed to the nutrients in vegetables, it will begin to crave them).</p> <p>2. Make a large pot of brown rice one time per week; it will fill you up on very few calories, and it's packed with nutrients, making you healthier instantly! Store leftover rice in the refrigerator to use throughout the week for quick stir-fry's, salads, morning porridges, and to add into soups.</p> <p>3. When you eat, just eat. Eating while watching television, reading, talking on the phone, or surfing the net leads to overeating and weight gain. You'll consume much less, feel more satisfied, and digest better if you make it a habit to concentrate on your food and chewing well (good digestion is a key to losing weight efficiently).</p> <p>4. Always, always, always keep delicious fruit in the house for snacks, including frozen fruit and berries. Add these to a blender with apple juice for quick smoothies (great with a banana, peanut butter, almond butter and coconut oil) - make them thick to eat with a spoon. A great treat when you need something sweet!</p> <p>For more tips visit my weight loss blog at <a href="http://www.GetHealthyWithCarol.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">www.GetHealthyWithCarol.blogspot.com</a> </p> http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=96#post-126 Sun, 03 Aug 2008 15:33:49 +0000 EatMoreGreens 126@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p>1. Whole grains. Everyone in fact could benefit from more whole grains. They are full of vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants, and folic acid! Examples include brown rice, millet, barley, and quinoa. Whole grain breads, pastas, cereals, muffins, etc. do not count. Try and eat at least 1 serving of a whole grain per day.</p> <p>2. Beans fill you up and keep your blood sugar steady and stable, which can reduce cravings for junk food. Try at eat beans at least 1 time per day. Examples include black, kidney, navy, chickpea, and lentils.</p> <p>3. Fruit and Veggies. I can’t stress this enough. Nutritional powerhouses. Make sure you are eating enough greens: kale, collards, spinach, and arugula really pack the punch. Make fruit salad with different fruits everyday. Steam and stir-fry varieties of veggies, then pour over brown rice.</p> <p>4. Nuts and seeds. Lightly roasted and salted nuts and seeds are much easier to digest than raw. To make almonds more digestible soak for 6-8 hours and then bake until lightly toasted. Sprinkle with sea salt at the end. Avoid peanuts, most of which contain trace amounts of mold.</p> <p>5. Drink water. For variety and a nutritional boost squeeze half of an orange, lime, or lemon in your water. Don’t count your glasses, just drink whenever you are thirsty. </p> <p>6. Exercise! And if you aren’t used to exercising, than at least take a walk everyday.</p> <p>7. Avoid chemicals. This is very important. Includes artificial sweeteners. Read the labels of food packaging. Any ingredient you can’t pronounce or don’t recognize is probably a chemical. This includes what you put on your skin. Studies have shown that at least 60% of what you put on your skin is absorbed directly into the bloodstream! And many of these harmful product ingredients are linked to birth defects, cancer, and other health problems. Research has also shown that women who use makeup daily are absorbing almost 5 lbs of chemicals into their bodies every year! This company has excellent natural skin care products: <a href="http://www.highvibe.com." rel="nofollow">www.highvibe.com.</a></p> <p>Some other interesting factoids from Carol on pregnancy<br /> 1. Women are told to take folic acid supplements because when food is refined folic acid is depleted. But if you eat whole grains and beans everyday (freshly cooked, not refined) then you are getting necessary nutrients, including plenty of folic acid. Plenty of fruits and veggies is key too. Also, go with your cravings, since they tell you about nutrients you may need. But be smart about cravings. So if you want chocolate, don't go for a Hershey's but instead by an organic dark chocolate bar (72% cacao content or more).<br /> 2. Spirulina (blue green algae) can contain toxins and heavy metals. They really don't know, and there hasn't been enough studies done on it, so they tell pregnant women to avoid it just in case.<br /> 3. Did you know that about 60% of what we put on our skin is actually absorbed into our bloodstream? So, if you really like Spirulina. Use it as a face as a mask, but always consult your doctor.</p> <p>Nourishing Face Mask:<br /> ½ avocado or ½ banana<br /> 1 teaspoon Spirulina powder<br /> 2 teaspoons raw honey<br /> With a potato masher mix all of these ingredients together well. Apply to your entire face and let sit for at least a few minutes. Then rinse. This is also a great hair mask!<br /> * You can put this on wet hair too, wrap in a towel, and let sit for 30 minutes. It's very conditioning and will make your hair oh so soft! </p> http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=55#post-125 Sat, 12 Jul 2008 13:08:55 +0000 cristina 125@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p>It's July...and i should have been done with this entire process but the process is what it is and i've lost a few pounds and feel i'm on the right path. I'm entering what i call my crunch time and feel focused. i try to get in touch with what i want. i've been visualizing what i look like and feel like with less weight on my body and it feels great. when i'm in touch with this good feeling of success and i feel the visualization is real i tap it in. i tap between my eyebrows / my third eye and this helps to tell your body that this feeling is real and your energy system begins to change into the reality of being thinner and that in turn helps your motivation and self esteem. it does for me. </p> http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=95#post-124 Sat, 12 Jul 2008 13:04:05 +0000 cristina 124@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p>Originally published in InnerResources, summer 2008 issue</p> <p>The beautiful language of energy is well understood babies and young children. Some of us hold onto this natural instinct, the ability to get information from the energy we feel outside ourselves. Unfortunately this innate gift declines as intellect and societies judgments take over so many of us discredit it. Luckily this has been changing and you can even hear it in mainstream language now - “I didn’t like the vibe” - is an easily understood description for how a person feels about the energy of the situation or person. </p> <p>At this stage in our evolution our internal wisdom is blossoming. More and more people are seeking to develop their intuitive knowing; we are getting in touch with “energy” as a global society. This offers great opportunities for more information about the powerful force of energy to be accepted as a legitimate healing tool and the opportunity to have a deeper personal understanding of it, which will bring about great personal and global transformations.</p> <p>Of course it all starts with us so learning how to understand and trust your intuition is an essential life journey. I have always considered myself an intuitive person, I held onto allot of that childhood instinct but learning how to use it on call was another story. I think if we are in any dangerous situation our instincts automatically kick in but to consciously tune in and let it become a trusted guide takes practice. For me it was difficult to figure out which direction I was being pointed in – what was my yes / what was my no? </p> <p>For me learning through failure was helpful. I would look inside my self anytime I got it wrong (I explored the feeling of getting it right as well but for some reason identifying why I got it wrong was more helpful). I would look for what it felt like and even what the texture and/or color of it. For me when it’s right the feeling is light and clear and when wrong heavy and dark. But as there are many feelings in between feelings and some of it remains a mystery…the journey continues.</p> <p>Some helpful hints are:<br /> ♥Clear and balance your 6th chakra<br /> ♥ Always ground yourself before opening to the cosmos<br /> ♥ Spin a crystal in front of your third eye<br /> ♥Crown pull<br /> ♥Gently rub forehead with palms of hand from the third eye out<br /> ♥Rub pinky finger<br /> ♥Set the intention that you are tuned in<br /> ♥Ask for help from your higher source and/or guides<br /> ♥ Whenever you open to outside energy always set your boundaries. You choose what energy comes in so state that intention, such as “I only invite loving presence and healing forces to come into my energy field” or “the information I seek will come to me with love” and to this end some other essential energy medicine techniques are helpful such as the zip up and making sure your auric filed is strong.</p> <p>Please share what works for you! </p> http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=94#post-123 Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:30:38 +0000 cristina 123@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p>&lt;embed width="320" height="270" flash </p> http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=93#post-122 Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:28:04 +0000 EatMoreGreens 122@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p>everyday...and throw in a dance to extra happiness and i feel great! </p> http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=92#post-121 Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:26:24 +0000 EatMoreGreens 121@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p>Arugula, Roasted Red Pepper, Avocado Bliss</p> <p>(for more recipes and weight loss tips visit <a href="http://www.GetHealthyWithCarol.com" rel="nofollow">www.GetHealthyWithCarol.com</a>)</p> <p>This is one of my favorite meals, especially when I’m on the go or just don’t feel like cooking. It’s quick, super-easy, and nutrient-dense.</p> <p>I’ve eaten this for lunch, dinner, a snack, and even breakfast when I’m really hungry.</p> <p>Smear 2 slices hearty whole grain bread with hummus or Vegenaise (I’m not a vegan, but this stuff is way healthier than regular mayo, and super delicious too). Add ½ of a sliced avocado, 1 roasted red pepper, and a small handful arugula.</p> <p>Tip to keep the other half (unused portion) of your avocado from turning brown: Tightly wrap in plastic wrap, making sure the plastic is touching every exposed part of the avocado flesh. Refrigerate. It won’t turn brown.</p> <p>Sometimes I add mustard to this sandwich too, freshly ground black pepper, tuna salad, or “tuna salad” (make the tuna salad how you normally would, but substitute canned chickpeas for the canned tuna).</p> <p>For a super-antioxidant boost, enjoy with a side of blueberries or cherries - they're in season now!</p> <p>***I must give my sister, Sarah, credit for this recipe. Ever since she made it for me, I haven’t stopped making it for myself. Thank you!!! </p> http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=91#post-120 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:32:39 +0000 cristina 120@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p>I’d be surprised if you didn‘t have some muscular pain, somewhere, so here is a quick fix. Take a hairbrush, one with soft plastic bristles (most have little plastic balls on end). Tap the area that hurts as hard as you can take it (use common sense people). I mainly use this technique for my back and calf area.<br /> When we feel pain it is an indication that there is over-energy in that area and by tapping firmly on that area you break up the energy congestion that has gathered there / or is stuck there and you will be amazed at how much it helps! We don’t have to accept pain in our life! Enjoy this simple solution<br /> If you have any questions about this process or want more detail just ask me. And, if you want to share your experience of this pain relief technique please post a comment.<br /> Enjoy. </p> http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=90#post-119 Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:51:11 +0000 cristina 119@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1US3bvrDWY&#38;feature=related" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1US3bvrDWY&#38;feature=related</a> </p> http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=89#post-118 Sun, 25 May 2008 16:01:13 +0000 EatMoreGreens 118@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p>If you consume a good quality and satisfying breakfast you'll crave, desire, and eat less food for the rest of the day. Whole grains are one of the best ways to start your day if you're trying to lose weight. Not only are they filling, but they are packed with fiber and protein so they'll keep you full for a sustained time. Whole grains load you up with vital nutrients and antioxidants. A whole grain, as opposed to a refined grain, provides you with a steady rise in blood sugar, for sustained energy and brain power. For a great breakfast try my Whole Grain Raspberry Cornbread and my Naturally Sweetened Granola with Almonds, Cashews, and Walnuts.</p> <p>Cornbread With Raspberries<br /> 1/3 cup soymilk<br /> ¼ teaspoon apple cider vinegar<br /> ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil<br /> ½ cup maple syrup<br /> 1 cup finely ground cornmeal or corn flour<br /> ¼ cup almond flour or almond meal<br /> ¼ cup whole grain spelt flour<br /> 1 teaspoon baking powder<br /> ½ teaspoon baking soda<br /> ¼ teaspoon sea salt<br /> Finely grind 1 tablespoon flax seeds, or use 2 ½ tablespoons pre-ground flax seeds. Mix the ground seeds with 3 tablespoons water to make a paste.<br /> 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries or blueberries. If using frozen, defrost and drain in a strainer before using.</p> <p>Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.</p> <p>Mix together soymilk and vinegar. Let sit.</p> <p>In a separate bowl mix together the flours, baking powder and soda, and sea salt. Use a wire whisk to incorporate everything very well.</p> <p>Add oil and maple syrup to the soymilk mixture. Mix very well.</p> <p>Add the flax seeds mixture and wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until almost incorporated. Gently stir in raspberries. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix.</p> <p>Bake at 325 for 45 minutes. Let cool about 20 minutes before cutting.</p> <p>Almond Granola<br /> 2 cups rolled oats<br /> 1 cup raw almonds<br /> ¼ cup raw cashews<br /> ¼ cup raw walnuts<br /> ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut<br /> ¼ teaspoon sea salt</p> <p>Mix well in a large bowl.</p> <p>Add the following:<br /> ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil<br /> ½ cup brown rice syrup<br /> ½ teaspoon almond extract<br /> ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.</p> <p>Bake at 350 for about 25 minutes, stirring about every 5 minutes or so. Bake until light golden brown.</p> <p>Granola will be sticky when you take it out of the oven. Transfer to a bowl and stir until cool.</p> <p>Stir in ¾ cup dried fruit such as currants, raisins, cranberries, cherries and/or blueberries.</p> <p>Serve with ground flax and fresh almond milk.</p> <p>If you would like to see the photos for these recipes they are posted online at <a href="http://www.GetHealthyWithCarol.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">www.GetHealthyWithCarol.blogspot.com</a> </p> http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=88#post-117 Wed, 21 May 2008 18:25:30 +0000 cristina 117@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p>from cristina </p> http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=55#post-116 Wed, 21 May 2008 18:24:26 +0000 cristina 116@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p>Three straight days on point, whooo hoooo! but, i did get on a scale and realized i have much more weight to loose than i thought but at least i know the truth of the situation which is a great motivator. Now i just have to get to the gym:) </p> http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=87#post-115 Wed, 21 May 2008 18:22:41 +0000 cristina 115@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p>Women need healing, specifically older women dealing with a society that values youth and beauty as the only assets that matter. There are allot of great men out there so I in no way want to generalize. Men are victims too as well, victims of media’s distorted perception of how they represent women, of a certain age. If they buy into this and disregard an older woman just because of that they loose out on something really special.</p> <p>I was listening to CNN entertainment and one panelist made a comment that this woman in her 40’s was washed up and nobody took offense. I heard a group of power player men at the Four Seasons, in NY, talking about women in general and one exclaimed, “how can she be hot, she’s 40”. I went onto a few internet site to see what men age range men wanted and the majority was under 30 and the revolutionaries;) went all the way up to 35 and after that no man seemed interested, unless they were in there late 40’s and up, and up.</p> <p>In today’s world it can be very discouraging to women 40 and over but what is not taken into consideration are the incredible changes that have happened to women. We take care of ourselves in deeper ways, we are opening up to our intuition and inner power and that has left allot of us older and only now just wanting to start a family but unfortunately we’re “washed up” or so they say. We truly are younger at heart and thanks so better health and let’s admit certain medical breakthroughs, we really do look younger.</p> <p>It’s hard to feel so vital and fertile and have society tell you the option of finding a husband and starting a family is not in our favor. Hearing these things and thinking them, even if we know it’s wrong, creates and negative energetic field around us which if you believe in the law of attraction can cause real energetic blockage to finding love. This is my personal challenge. This is what we have to heal. </p> <p>Although changing societies view is the ultimate goal we have to just start with our own ideas of ourselves and what is possible for us. Everything is possible for us and we have to remember that. Believing we are still desirable love partners, and believing we are still fertile and have so much to offer really matters to the manifestation of that coming true. </p> <p>The older woman has so much to offer and when you’re older and really in a good mind/body state you are really the better of two worlds – beauty and wisdom. And, any smart man knows that☺ </p> http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=86#post-114 Tue, 20 May 2008 15:55:34 +0000 cristina 114@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p>First of all i have to say from personal experience that it is an amazing machine. although the company can not make "claims' it can rid your body of heavy metals, tobacco and any pollution that gathers in your organs and body in general. i always feel better, lighter after but i do not think it actually increases weight loss, i think it helps becausee the body when free of toxins can function better therefore you're body will work better thus shed weight if necessary. (what is good for weight loss is the Chi Machine - see shop for both these products) - i also offer both these services in my home office - email me for an appointment. but below is some information the the supplier supplied:)</p> <p>Why Detoxify the Body<br /> We are living in the most polluted environment in the earth's known history. We are continually inhaling and assimilating residues from petrochemicals, plastics and pesticides that occupy cell receptor sites and block hormone utilization. While no process or modality can guarantee the prevention of these conditions, it is logical to assume that an ongoing detoxification program - the act of minimizing toxic accumulations in the body - will reduce the incidence of chronic degenerative disease and improve overall quality of life.<br /> Virtually all alternative healing approaches make liberal use of detoxification protocols. Detoxifying the body has been a familiar modality to all ancient healing traditions, including Ayurvedic, Chinese and Native American, for thousands of years. </p> <p>How the IonCleanse® Works<br /> AC electricity is converted to low power DC electricity which flows through a patented electrode system that sits in the footbath. The electricity and the metal combine to split the water molecule into H+ and OH- ions. These ions travel through the body, neutralize oppositely charged particles and through powerful osmotic pressure pull those neutralized particles out of the body through whatever skin surface is in contact with the water.</p> <p>IonCleanse® Research<br /> We have conducted and/or sponsored numerous studies designed to support or contest the veracity of the IonCleanse® Vitality Enhancement System. Please visit the website for research links, <a href="http://www.amajordifference.com" rel="nofollow">www.amajordifference.com</a> </p> <p>Beware of Imitations<br /> Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but in the case of our IonCleanse® product, the imitations bear little resemblance to the quality parts, circuit design and safety features of the IonCleanse® product. Furthermore, most of the imitations and other competitive units have not passed the mandatory FCC, electrical safety, and other mandatory tests required to be sold in the United States to households or to a commercial business. </p> http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=85#post-113 Thu, 15 May 2008 19:48:02 +0000 cristina 113@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p>Begin with silence, a moment of stillness. To find the stillness you have to move out of thinking and move the attention on our consciousness, the awareness – be aware that we are aware and become still…and breadth…</p> <p>The end of this book is the beginning of our own journey. We want to take consciousness into our daily life in all our thoughts, actions and energy.</p> <p>We are all manifestations of the universe. To me this means we have the limitless potential of the universe. It doesn’t matter what word you use, god in place of the universe perhaps but the point is we are the expression of this higher source.</p> <p>As the earth and the universe is constantly expanding and contracting and so are we. We live and then we start to diminish through age or illness. And during this time of letting go of this world is a time when there is a great potential for spiritual awakening. You can see this in some older people because they become luminescent but others resist and negative inner states arise. Old age should be honored and unfortunately is not and that means we lose a deep spiritually.<br /> There are three components that are very important – acceptance, enjoyment and enthusiasm. There is great beauty in old age you go from doing to being and in our society that can be extremely valuable at this stage in your life. And you don’t have to wait for old age for this to happen – bring your being into your doing.<br /> Acceptance = what it is and try and change your mindset, if you cannot stop the behavior or situation. Maybe you have to pay the rent and have to put up with the crappy job and if that’s the case your spiritual practice is to change your inner energy and find peace and stillness in the way you approach your day and once you change that it is inevitable that the situation will get better because you are in vibration with harmony.</p> <p>Enjoyment = this is a higher energetic frequency. Doing things because we enjoy it not because we want something. Joy does not come from what you, it flows from you and then flows into what you are doing – I love that!!!!!! It comes from within you.<br /> - Pleasure is different because pleasure comes from outside you – it is something that pleases the ego.</p> <p>Enthusiasm = an even more vibration for awakening because it is connected to the source, it is born from our spirit (different from excitement over a ball game). There is an energy field that is creative.</p> <p>These ideas can lead you to finding the other, like if you accept what is going on you might find enjoyment and that might lead to enthusiasm. It’s a beautiful interaction, which is facilitated by presence.</p> <p>Intelligent stupidity – I love this. The example he uses is that we have the intelligence to split the atom but instead of using that for something good we build a bomb. This is because a dimension of spirit / of being is missing. And if missing destructive things happen at the micro and macro level.</p> <p>“The only actions that do not cause opposing reactions are those that are aimed at the good of all” – think about how your thoughts and actions affect everything and everyone.</p> <p>What you do is secondary – who you are is primary! – It’s what you do but how you do it, meaning the amount of presence and consciousness you bring to whatever you are doing. Allot of us are so concerned with the end result we don’t bring presence to the journey and that greatly affects your outcome.</p> <p>Acceptance, enjoyment and enthusiasm we must have in everything we do and if we do not stop what you are doing and get aligned with life. When you love without those things you are living dysfunctional and that energy will spread to those around you through psychic disharmony. </p> <p>A big challenge is that once you master this at home you then have to go outside and deal with people who may not be on your path and then you start another part of the spiritual journey and that is to stay peaceful and still in situations that are challenging. He reminds us to stop waiting and be present and free. This isn’t an immediate fix, its gradual so don’t give yourself a hard time (that’s apart of the negative cycle).</p> <p>A bad situation is only temporary and its your choice how to deal with it. This applies to our own demons and challenges as well. Watch out for things you can immediately change like cutting down on your avalibilty by turning off your computer and PDA. PDA’s take us away from presence.</p> <p>Acceptance, enjoyment and enthusiasm…I need to say this one again because I have found myself in what i call a “looping” of thoughts about what I have or haven’t done and what I have or don’t have. I catch myself but I really notice this pattern in me and it has blocked exactly these three ides/words and I have felt uninspired. This is a real ah ha moment for me because I have to get back into alignment as he says and to stop creating a negative energetic field or psychic disharmony as he says. Man, as humans this is such important work for us to do in order to truly be happy and bring light into this world. We must stop our own suffering and the rest will follow…</p> <p>So not only do we have this inner journey to follow / the inner journey but we also have to deal with the external world. I wrote about “dancing with your day” and it basically says to go with the flow whilst the phone is ringing, the pile on your desk is screaming at you and the boss is asking for more or being difficult, people coming from ego. This is where your tolls come in very handy and the tools are stillness, presence, awareness and taking a breath to bring you back to these feelings during hard situations. The tools on this website, energy exercises, are great tools to help you along your journey!</p> <p>Remember to start one step of a time. Start with the inner journey inside your house by bringing awareness to everything you do, like watering your plants. Then slowly as your inner strength builds and you feel more comfortable in this still space, then take it out into the world.</p> <p>When trying to find your purpose it is an inner vision, don’t keep thinking of the “things” you have to do. Yes, you have to function but you can do that while staying in tune with your purpose in the present. Inside believe that what you are striving for exists already, visualize the goal is a reality and the reality will manifest in you, in the present moment and then the manifestation happen externally. This is where I think it is very important to visualize in the present, not I want, it’s I have. This puts you in vibration with what you want and you act in ways that represent that, you come from fullness, not neediness. You are empowered because what you want already exists.</p> <p>Always honor what you are doing, even if it doesn’t fit into your vision because it later may make sense why this experience is apart of your vision. But again there is power in your inner purpose and your belief in it and you being in vibration with it. Life’s timing isn’t always convenient but it’s our journey so we accept and enjoy. So ask yourself “am I ok with the present moment” and if it’s no you want to change that mind / energy state. Whatever you do can have deep meaning to the world if you approach it with presence, even a waiter or toll both person – we al have something to give!</p> <p>The greatest purpose for us is to change yourself because if we all do that and generate stillness and peace into the world. Just as every time you are angry you feed that energy into the world and your immediate environment will reflect that.</p> <p>World horrors – he isn’t saying not to care. Acceptance isn’t condoning. – I like to send people and areas in strife white light and love.</p> <p>We always have to start with ourselves. Stepping back from your own mind, finding that space between thought and awareness can be hard to recognize if you are really doing it because at first it will be brief moments but just wondering about it means that you have it, if only for a moment and say to yourself I intend to recognize this space and be there more.</p> <p>Once you recognize a thought as a thought it cannot own you – don’t resist the thought or thinking pattern just have an awareness of it, take a breadth and then let it float away – don’t give every thought importance because then it will draw you in, it’s the minds habit pattern and you want to take your attention away from thought and into feeling and/or stillness. Also look around and see what the world is reflecting back at you and this will give you a clue as to what energy is flowing through you. It’s so important honor what you are doing, no matter what it is and that will affect your day into a more positive experience.</p> <p>When we are aligned with our inner purpose and we are aware the universe will rise to meet us and things just start falling into place but you have to see it and not be in denial of the present because that will stop you from seeing the opportunities coming to you. You never know how your inner purpose will manifest, you may have an idea but usually we don’t realize what we want may not not look like we thought (immediately).</p> <p>Acceptance needs to flow into the doing. Because with acceptance you have let go of anger or some other negative emotion so you bring something positive to any situation if you accept, even if you have to accept your life is a mess or just did something wrong. So then you go into that inner space and say oh – what am I doing and this aware you will act and feel differently and you might change the situation but most importantly you will change your inner state.</p> <p>Alert attention is the key! Find space and presence and ask what do I do but ask it from a place of openness, alertness, acceptance and presence.</p> <p>The mind will always tell you negative things or that you don’t have time to be present because it does not want you to be present because that is the end of mind in a way.</p> <p>Always ask yourself am I friendly with the present, if no that energy will manifest, if yes it things will manifest in a positive way.</p> <p>Life is not here to make you happy, it is here to make you conscious. You want to be connected to source energy and that will flow through you. Source energy encourages creative energy to flow through you.</p> <p>With all these thoughts put into action we are evolving into a new species in a way, a conscious species.</p> <p>An approximate quote that is perfect to end this series with - “we are the hole in the flute through which gods breadth flows through” Eckhart Tolle</p> <p>***The aging process slows down when you let go of the past – you have less stress and less of a burden. Eckhart is 60 and looks like he’s 45. Look at other yogi or meditation masters; they all look young – nice perk! </p> http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=84#post-112 Sun, 11 May 2008 03:30:55 +0000 Kai 112@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p>so that I can reap the benefits of a settled mind, find the 'gap between thoughts', glimpse the soul and connect with the silent witness. I know that through meditation I will achieve better health, make clearer intentions and connect with the unified field. </p> http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/topic.php?id=83#post-111 Sat, 10 May 2008 18:56:24 +0000 Shinymama 111@http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/forum/ <p>I would like to get more information regarding the Ion detoxifying foot baths. Does it really work and how? How fast will I feel improvements to my health or any difference. What ailments does this help. Does it help in weight loss?<br /> Thank you </p>