Sweet Cinnamon

Along with salt and pepper, I think that cinnamon should be added as common condiments you'll see on a table at a restaurant.
Inhale deeply as the yummy aroma is known to enhance and boost memory and cognitive function.
People that suffer from Type 2 Diabetes can consider cinnamon for therapeutic remedies with approval from their treating Physician. This ancient herb has been found to assist with lowering blood sugar levels and increasing the amount of insulin production in the body. It can also lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Cinnamon can aid in digestion, especially when eating fruits with sources of manganese, dietary fiber, iron and calcium.
Cinnamon contain antifungal, antibacterial, and antiparasitic properties. It can combat vaginal yeast infections, oral yeast infections, stomach ulcers and even head lice.

So how about considering cinnamon as a enjoyable and healthy flavor to your dish!

The Curse and The Cure

From the beginning of time women have been cursed. Eve sinned along with Adam and both were cursed for disobedience. I read an article this author wrote that gives some deep perspective that I would like to share...

"Ever since man chose the way of sin (as all have, except Jesus Christ), men have not rightly respected women, not even their own wives (when married), and have instead ruled “over” women in a wrong manner that is authoritarian, controlling and demeaning (looking down as being lesser). This is what constitutes a large part of the curse upon women that has existed from the beginning. Over the centuries, even within the Church, that curse has only partially been lifted to the degree that individuals have repented of mistreatment of others and have truly sought to “change” self and become more God-like in character and thinking (in harmony with the truths and laws of God). But women have still been suppressed by being morally mistreated, demeaned, and held to an inferior state by men. And most sad of all, this has been perpetuated by husbands because of male ego, lust and pride."

"God is now starting the greater process (which only partially started in the Church over the centuries) of restoring the dignity and honor that He intended women should have from the beginning. This is part of the “healing” process that is prophesied to fill the earth in the Millennium, as Satan and his demons are removed from the presence of mankind, and as Jesus Christ receives rule of all the earth. This healing process is now beginning to be restored in God’s Church as we accelerate toward that new age for all mankind. In this context, this is the greater fulfillment of the prophecy that states, “And those from among you shall build the old waste places and you shall raise up the foundations of many generations, and you shall be called, ‘The repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in’” (Is. 58:12)...."

"...The liberation of all races and nationalities is rapidly approaching, and at the top of that list is the true liberation of women from the demeaning state in which they have been “ruled over.” This also produces a liberation for man that yields a more fulfilling and rewarding life, a greater unity and oneness with God, and the greater experience of what true masculinity was intended to be from the beginning."

Now this article has truly grabbed my attention so much that I've shared with close friends and discussed our views. We all know a woman that has been disrespected and under valued in a relationship and even marriage, all too well. Some of us have even grown up seeing it happen to our mothers. It's now become such common behavior that society have become desensitized to it. Within my circle, it's obviously a common denominator in marriages/relationships of some form or the other.

I have positioned my attitude so that my thoughts, my words and my actions will rebel from this "curse" and liberate my spirit to receive what's right and deserving. And I encourage all women to do the same. We need to step back onto our throne and teach men that should be Kings to act the same. We are beings of wisdom, teachers, holding the very essence of God to bring life. You see we are much more than a sexual desire, a pretty face. We contain the ability to carry unbelievable amounts of pressure upon our shoulders and continue on in life with a gentle smile. So why is it so hard to see this truth in a woman and appreciate her? I just believe this is part of our natural path of living, love and be loved. Period. And don't settle for anything less.


"Hurt people hurt people" ~ RevRunWisdom

Shivapuri Baba

Shivapuri Baba was a Hindu saint who reportedly lived from 1826 to 1963, making him 137 years old at the time of his death. Shivapuri Baba was born in the Indian State of Kerala in 1826 and became a seeker of truth at the age of 18. He joined his grandfather in the forest of the upper Deccan, near the banks of the river Narbada. His grandfather insisted that after his own death, the boy should meditate until he obtained God-realization, then make a pilgrimage on foot not only through India, but also around the world. After the death of his grandfather, the young man received initiation as a sannyasin and took the name of Govindananda Bharati. He then retreated to the Narbada forest and spent 25 years in absolute seclusion. At the age of 50, he achieved the beatific vision and became aware of the divine as absolute, beyond name and form, which in Hinduism is considered the highest and most difficult stage of Godrealization. He then undertook his great pilgrimages.

He visited all the holy places of India, meeting Sri Ramakrishna and Sri Aurobindo. He went on to travel through Afghanistan and Persia, then made a pilgrimage to Mecca. After this experience of the Moslem shrine, he next traveled to Jerusalem, the holy city of Judaism and Christianity. He went on to Turkey, through the Balkans into Greece and then through Italy to Rome, so that he might better understand the Christian religion. After visiting most European countries, he was invited to England by Queen Victoria's Indian Secretariat and had 18 private visits with the queen.

That enlightened soul continued his pilgrimage on foot, covering countries of Greenland, Canada, United States, countries of South America, Pacific Islands, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, China, etc., and finally reached back in India via Tibet and Nepal. He traveled more than 25,000 miles, eighty percent on foot. Again he took a final pilgrimage of India. During this time, he visited Kerala and his own ancestral house where he found that nobody of his generation was living.

He, then decided to spend the rest of his life in the forest of Sivapuri, near Kathmandu, Nepal. Thereafter, Govindananda Bharathi became Shivapuri Baba. Even after the age of 100, he often used to undertake pilgrimage to Kasi and other places, on foot. At the age of 120, he shifted to Dhruvasthali - another forest retreat - nearly 1.5 km from Pasupathinath Temple, Kathmandu, due to cancer which he himself later cured with Yoga, after medical advice failed.

Being a man who had realized the "Absolute Truth", Shivapuri Baba had astral vision and omnipotent power. But he was extremely calm and serene, and never felt tense or anxious. Very rarely did he use his powers, believing that it may create reactions and disturb the serenity.

Babas' Teachings to realize GOD is simple. His teaching is Right Life (SWADHARMA) which means Devotion And Discrimination.
Right Life comprises following Physical, Moral and Spiritual Disciplines.

Physical Discipline

• Take care of the Body.
• Decide how much to eat, how much to drink, how much to Sleep, how much sex and extra activity.
• Have a professional duty.
• Earn money to maintain Life and family. Look after your dependents.

Moral Discipline

• Follow the 26 divine virtues mentioned in the first three verses of 16th Chapter of Bhagavad Gita..
• Do not harm people.
• Use discrimination and help people at the time of need.
• Contribute at least 10 percent of your income to the needy people, educational institutions, students etc.
• Save 30 percent of your income to use that amount at the time of need.
• Begin charity from the home, neighbors.
• Make your mind strong.The strong mind is the link between two worlds which enables human being to face their duties with serenity and to enter upon his search for God.
• Read the Books like Bhagavad Gita, Bhagavata, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Books On Buddha, Christ, Mohammad and other spiritual personalities.

Spiritual Discipline

• Devote maximum time in God worship.
• Meditate on him, in the beginning with form and try to go beyond form.
• If you go on passing your time on meditating on God, God will come in a flash.
• If you see God or Truth, all your problems will be solved and no re-birth in the world.
• After God realization also the soul immediately will not leave this gross body.
• It stays in the body so long as one enjoys prarabdha.
• Prarabdha is the accumulation of your deeds in your past life. When balance is not left, no rebirth.

Shivapuri Baba died on January 28, 1963. His final message was: "Live Right Life, Worship God. That is all. Nothing more." He took a drink of water then said "Gaya" (I'm gone), laid down on his right side and passed away. His teaching of right living involved duty, morality, and worship. The sole purpose of human life was to find the Ultimate Truth, or God, and to this end a certain code of life was required—a spiritual, moral, and intellectual order.

*reference: Bennett, John G., with Thakur Lal Manandhar. Long Pilgrimage: The Life and Teaching of Sri Govinananda Bharati known as the Shivapuri Baba. London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1965.

Hemp

Hemp seed is a "complete protein" containing all the essential amino and fatty acids. The globulin edestin, found in hemp protein, closely resembles the globulin found in human blood plasma, and is easily digested and utilized by the human body. In fact, it is so compatible with humans' digestive tract that a 1955 Czechoslovakian study found Hemp seed to be the only food that can successfully treat the consumptive disease tuberculosis, in which the nutritive processes are impaired and the body wastes away.

Hemp is of special importance for People of Colour, for it effectively helps those suffering from Sickle Cell Anemia. Hemp herb, seeds, and oil (especially) greatly oxygenates the blood and decreases blood pressure. Hemp has been used to treat female disorders: morning sickness (though no one will endorse the smoking of marijuana, or any other substance, by pregnant women), uterine dysfunctions, menorrhagia (excessive uterine bleeding), and menstrual cramps. Hemp has also been used to treat countless dis-eases, including asthma, respiratory diseases, whooping cough, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, neuralgia, migraines, depression, insomnia, malaria, inflammation, digestive disorders, alcoholism and even drug addiction... which brings us to another amazing property: Hemp is not addictive nor habit forming! Smoking marijuana does not lead to addiction, nor to heroin and cocaine addiction, according to studies. Cannabis is nontoxic. No deaths from an overdose have ever been verified.

Hemp has anciently been used for spiritual purposes in cultures around the world. The waterpipe was developed in North Africa. Known as dagga, hemp is a sacrament and medicine to many African peoples including the Twa-humanity's ancestors. In ancient times, Ethiopia was known as the "Land of Incense" and is still renown for its potent hashish.

In addition to feeding, healing and "enlightening" Humanity, Hemp can save Earth and solve many of our ecology problems, including deforestation. Hemp is incredibly versatile. It makes the best, most durable, safe "plastic", glue, wood, fiber, paper, nontoxic varnishes and paints and even bio-fuel. Continuously, it purifies the air (no pun intended), removing detrimental positive ions.

Side Note: The natural chemical in hemp that makes you "high" has great medicinal value. Called THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), it activates when hemp is heated (cooked). For those who smoke hemp, it is safest to smoke it using a waterpipe. When the fumes are drawn through the water, the "bad stuff" (burnt substances) is left behind in the water while the THC escapes.

Reference - Drugs Masquerading As Foods, Suzar

Energy Concepts

The chakra system is a model of consciousness. Though we all understand the word, few can describe what it is. We know how to use it, alter it, enhance it or talk about it - but we cannot define it. One definition might be the structure that perceives, analyzes, stores, retrieves and creates information about any subject whatsoever, whether it is internal, external, real or imagined.

Energy, matter and consciousness intertwine to form all that we experience. Knowing the various components of the chakras allows us to achieve a greater understanding of ourselves.

Energy flows in 2 ways in the chakra system: vertically, as it passes through all the chakras, and horizontally, as it passes through each chakra. The vertical channel can be thought of as the basic source; the horizontal flow is the expression of that source.

What blocks a chakra? Generally speaking, programming from childhood experiences and cultural values cause our chakras to be blocked. A child who is physically beaten by his parents learns to shut out his body sensations. A child who is emotionally neglected shuts down the emotional second chakra. A culture that denies sexuality and promotes obedience to authority forces us to shut down our second and third chakras, accordingly. Noise pollution, unattractive surroundings or lies make us shut down our fifth, sixth and seventh chakras, respectively. The pain of unrequited love teaches us to close our hearts. Basically, past pain or stress, whatever its source, affects the healthy functioning of our chakras.

The chakras can be opened through various exercises, meditations, acupuncture points, biofeedback and general understanding. Opening chakras leads to a more profound state of consciousness. This state of consciousness is obtainable by anyone.

Chakra 1. Root, Base, or Earth Chakra. It's seated at the base of the spine. Its colour is Red. It's qualities are physical body, grounding, courage, stability and patience.

Chakra 2. Sacral Chakra. Located at the small of the back, upper lumbar. Its colour is Orange. Qualities include giving and receiving, sexual love, new ideas, harmony and creativity.

Chakra 3. Solar Plexus Chakra. Located above the navel, below the chest. Its colour is Yellow. Includes personal power, authority, energy, transformation, laughter, fear.

Chakra 4. Heart Chakra. Located in the centre of the chest. Its colour is Green. Qualities are devine unconditional love, forgiveness, balance, peace, acceptance.

Chakra 5. Throat Chakra. Located at throat area. Its colour is Blue. Qualities are communication, true creative expression.

Chakra 6. Third Eye or Brow Chakra. Located in centre of forehead between the eyebrows. Its colour is Indigo. Includes intuition, imagination, peace of mind, wisdom, intuitive centre.

Chakra 7. Crown Chakra. Located at top of the head. Its colours Violet, White. Includes Oneness with the universe, spiritual will, inspiration.

*Can-Fit-Pro NWS

Probiotic Care

There are over 500 different types of bacteria in the digestive system; the two most prevalent are Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium.
Bifidobacterium are the most prevalent bacteria in the large intestine, while Lactobacilli are the most prevalent in the small intestine. As we age, studies show that our levels of Bifidobacterium decline, while harmful pathogenic bacteria increase. This is one of the main reasons that
intestinal ailments increase as we age.

Did you know!!!

• That 80% of your immune system is located in your digestive system!
• Beneficial bacteria help the body to produce vitamins, digest foods, and control overgrowth of bad bacteria and fungus and keep your immune system strong?
• That there are two types of probiotics?
  Resident strains are naturally found in the human intestine. They re-establish and adhere to the intestinal tract to repair the body's intestinal flora (beneficial bacterial balance).
  Transient strains are found outside of the human intestinal system, but are extremely beneficial in maintaining its health. They are found living symbiotically on plants including many vegetables (if they have not been destroyed by pesticides). They do not re-establish in the intestinal tract, therefore it is necessary to consume them by either eating organic vegetables or take supplements.
  They provide numerous health benefits as they pass through the digestive tract.

Renew Life's Ultimate Flora Critical Care is a 50 billion culture, 10 strain probiotic formula designed for treating chronic intestinal ailments in both the small and large intestine. Ultimate Flora Critical Care contains therapeutic levels of both Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium, making it the most complete and effective probiotic supplement on the market. Renew Life also carries FloraSMART Extra Strength (6Billion Bateria), and FloraSMART (2 Billion Bateria).

These and other Renew Life products can be found at your local Health Food store, or visit at http://www.renewlife.ca/