big news...big raffle....please read!

I'm excited to share some BIG NEWS! 
(I'm talking BIG people....keep reading...all the way down...don't skimp!)

#1. My amazing friend, herbalist, artist and agricultural wizard, Narcissa Segura, and I have teamed up to create Battle Axe Botanicals, a grassroots CSH (Community Supported Herbalism) project. You're probably wondering about the name.....battle, what?!
Yes, a battle axe is some bad ass medieval weaponry, which gives us all the more reason to use it in our name! It flows off the tongue, conjures up some intense images, but it's also a symbol of protection and power. Battle Axe Botanicals is here to honor and defend the art and craft of community-based herbalism!

We offer freshly made herbal products created with as much locally sourced, grown & harvested ingredients as we can. Our mission is to provide YOU with the education and tools for optimal health, happiness and vitality through connection to the local land and environment. We're all about stuff that tastes, smells and feels good. We're also committed to offering community education, classes and support to our fellow herbalists, agriculturalists and local businesses.

Battle Axe Botanicals // art courtesy of Chipp Byrd

Here's how it works:
Sign up for a seasonal subscription and receive a variety of 4 herbal products per month (salves, creams, syrups, extracts, spices, household cleaners and more!), always accompanied with education and information. We'll share with you where the local ingredients have been grown and sourced, as well as the qualities and attributes which support your health. You'll know what's in season and foster a connection with the radiance of Arizona...there's a wealth of goodness just waiting to be recognized!
We're also committed to serving the community as a hub for herbal research, storytelling, native archives and exclusive interviews with local herbalists.
We seek to unite our community to Arizona herbalism and advocate for the health of the Phoenix valley with respect to our local environment. Our intention is to bridge the gap between people, knowledge and application.

We are now accepting orders for our Spring subscription, distributed in March 2014.
Sign-up NOW directly through our online shop to reserve your space today! This is also a great Holiday surprise for your friends and family, so consider giving the gift of good health to those you love, in a unique local package!

As we gear up for our official launching in the spring, here's some incentive to help us make it happen!

#2. BIG NEWS PART DOS: Battle Axe Botanicals is raffling off an ALL-ACCESS PASS TO THE SEDONA YOGA FESTIVAL! Holy sweetness, did you read that right? Yes you did folks, yes you did.
We are super stoked to give one lucky winner the chance to attend this fabulous local festival for free! (keep in mind...it's a $450 value!). Check out the festival link for the incredible line-up of teachers and presenters (I am also honored to be a presenter this year....but more on that coming soon).

To enter to win, visit our online shop and purchase a raffle ticket. The raffle is open until January 5, 2014. We'll randomly draw and announce the winner's name on January 6. ALL proceeds from the raffle go directly back into Battle Axe, as we are building this community project from the ground-up.
Please support your local grassroots herbalists and in turn get the chance to win something BIG!

Thank you ALL so very much for reading and following my blog, for attending my weekly yoga classes and special events, and for supporting change on a small but very important level.
May you be happy, healthy and full of love!
Peace and blessings,
The Wise Owl
xoxox

any questions or inquiries regarding the CSH, email us at battleaxebotanicals@gmail.com
WORD!

release the grief & appreciate the small stuff

it's almost Thanksgiving y'all.
& it's a perfect time to consider what's bubbling up in the space of the heart.
yes, sometimes holidays can be aggravating.
we easily get caught up....
in traveling & traffic, cooking & planning, money, family, weather, hustle, bustle....
there could be anything to piss you off or stress you out or jab a thorn in your side.
OR there could be something which lightens your load, brightens your heart, & brings a smile to your face to remind you to SLOW DOWN. APPRECIATE. OFFER GRATITUDE. BREATHE.

most of all....
release the grief & enjoy the little things.

the energetic space of the heart chakra, Anahata, is all about balancing opposing energies to create peace, love & understanding. the heart has no boundaries, no limits, no expectations & definitely no judgement. here we find an infinite well of giving, loving & receiving.

& although holidays seem to be centered around these heart-centered ideas & actions, holidays also conjure up mixed emotions for most.
the elemental connection to the heart is AIR. thus, we breathe when we become tense or stressed. we breathe to move energy. we use the winds of change, the breath of the spirit, to shift our consciousness....releasing grief & inviting in compassion. releasing stress & inviting in gratitude.
letting go of our grudges & opening to empathy. take a moment, right now, to breathe long & deep.
take a moment to feel the power & potency of the breath.

so looking beyond the story of the natives & pilgrims (because quite frankly I can't speak on that right now without getting a little heated & passionate....did thanksgiving REALLY happen the way we think it did??? hmmm I'm skeptical) ...
& exploring beyond the hype of making turkey & stuffing & pumpkin pie....
look into the space of the heart. count your blessings whether few or many.
& truly, honestly, genuinely take a moment to breathe & offer thanks.

I speak with conviction today. Because last night I received some very upsetting & soul-crushing news that a very good friend has suddenly passed on. I'm mostly speechless & overwhelmed with emotion, but I can't help but ponder the irony of this thanksgiving. Yet despite this sadness & grief, I can only revel in the gratitude for having been gifted the friendship & connection with this very special person. He brought to my life an openness & joy which I rarely encounter from another human. He was like a father or uncle or guardian who gave selflessly & completely from his heart. He's also the skilled craftsman who recently gifted me the gong stand he built me for my birthday....out of the kindness of his heart. He attended to the details, from the shape & style of the wood, to the sparkling owl at the very top. I feel so honored to now carry his spirit with me each time I play the gong.

Our time here is limited & even though we don't dare speak of it too much, death is around every corner. So don't waste your time stressed out about the little things or the nit-picky shit that grinds your gears. Just enjoy & appreciate the small stuff. Offer your heart to those who love & support you, & even the person on the street whom you may never see again. Thank the animals & plants who sacrifice their spirits for your plate. Thank the people who work hard to provide these elements to you.
& above all, thank yourself for being perfect as you are, imperfections & all.

happy thanksgiving my friends! may the light & love of the ever-giving heart be with you.

:::I'm in heaven!::: (get on this smoothie, yo!)

I've been making a smoothie the last few days that's been blowin' my mind, hittin da spot & pleasin' my sweet tooth! I'm not so much a "recipe" kinda gal (unless it's baking....that's chemistry & usually a good idea to plan well). So I'll do my best to share general ratios with you in hopes you too can appreciate this delicious masterpiece. And not only will your taste buds oooo & ahhhh, you're also nourishing your body. Take a look at the special, not-so-secret ingredient.....

Maca Root (Lepedium meyenii) ::: A South American tuber traditionally eaten by Andeans, Maca has provided nutritional amazingness for thousands of years. Also, Maca Root has been shown to increase libido & sex drive, improve mood & energy, & help one maintain centered & strong during times of anxiety & stress. Who couldn't use a dose of that sweet medicine? Plus Maca has a uniquely nutty & rich flavor that melds quite well into many smoothie combinations.

The foundation of ingredients are below. It might seem like a lot for a smoothie but trust me...it's worth it. Plus, for me this is a fabulous breakfast that provides energy, fills me up & keeps me from hitting the baked goods & expensive fancy coffee drinks I sometimes crave. That's why today I added a little bit of leftover brewed coffee from home & increased the amount of ice a little. You can also throw in some frozen blueberries, add your favorite green food powder or even toss in a handful of raw organic baby spinach. Forget the rules and rigidity of having to do something "right" & just play :) Taste along the way & adjust as needed.

Blend together the following ingredients:

-- 1 c.  coconut water

-- 1 c.  almond milk (can substitute w/ coconut, hemp, rice etc)*personally I avoid soy milk*

-- 1 ripe banana

-- 1-2 Tbsp. Maca Root Powder (I recommend you purchase here OR here)

-- 1-2 tsp. chia seeds

-- 1-2 Tbsp. raw local organic honey

-- a handful of pecans

-- 1 heaping tsp. cacao or cocoa powder (or nibs)

-- a dash or two or three of cinnamon

-- a real lil bit of vanilla extract

-- 1/2 tray or so ice cubes

YUM. I enjoyed this smoothie whilst typing & now I feel inspired to paint my bedroom! Maca rules!

Let me know what ya think!

Cheers....

the wise owl

XOXOX

scientific proof!

I recently had the pleasure & honor to revisit & refresh my knowledge & training with the power & potency of the gong with my Master Teacher & some really great fellow yoga teachers. He showed us these awesome videos below of Gongmaster Richard Rudis of Sacred Sound Gong Bath. Red & white blood cells were measured before & after a 1-hr Gong Bath. The results are PROFOUND! Please check out these videos to see how the gong is the vibrational wave of the future for healing & rejuvenation! I'm SOOO excited about this!
Ever wondered about how the gong can support you on your healing path? Check out my information on the Gong here. Hit me up for your very own private meditation session! Much love & humility....

The Wise Owl
xoxo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQ-JDNfviDM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epSXnvtebjg

ObamaCare? More like PranayamaCare!

if you are stressed, upset or at all nervous about the shenanigans with this so-called "ObamaCare", then I suggest you STOP!....TAKE A BREATH....& ACCESS YOUR OWN FREE HEALTH CARE! it's called......breathing. AKA Pranayama.

this may get ranty....it's hard to say for sure. but that's why I love this blog. my thoughts, my ideas.
I CAN DO WHAT I WANT! ;)
that's what 'Merica is all about, no?


the thing is people, up until a hundred years ago or so (keep in mind humans have been around for thousands and thousands of years) humans were not controlled by the big business that is cancer, heart disease, depression, AIDS, auto-immune conditions like multiple sclerosis, restless leg syndrome, Monstano, Hollywood, Miley Cyrus, McDonalds, Walmart, the Internet.....and so on. These are recent developments in our human evolution; very recent. No longer are kids learning to read, write, explore, create & imagine. Instead they're being bottled up in prisons called schools that teach a very skewed perspective of what's important in life. We feed them Justin Beiber & video games & happy meals.
& then we get all pissed off when we're threatened with a healthcare ultimatum.

I'm wondering when folks will start to wake up and realize the more you continue to BLAME others for your health & the more you continue to eat shitty foods that aren't even really foods, & the more we rely on "doctors", celebrities, politicians & pharmaceutical companies, the more you are playing THE VICTIM. that's right....it's easier to be an ignorant sheep (the true sense of the word is knowing but ignoring) that just follows along with what everyone else is doing, rather than question & exercise critical thinking & autonomy. get real people....do you really think the government cares if you are happy & healthy? HELL NO! that's what keeps this big business machine running!

if "they" did...then why would these big business diseases, disorders, drugs, fast food companies, celebrities & health care providers be making so much MONEY? why would they perpetuate finding a "cure" to our illnesses rather than look to what's causing them? (oh wait...it's how we live that's causing them). not only is our current system of healthcare illogical and obviously meant to control the masses, but these approaches are SO far from who we are naturally as human beings & directly affect the natural world we live in.

the Earth has provided to us the most incredible first-aid kit & the most fabulous selection & potential to experience delicious foods, herbs, medicines, entertainment, mystery, imagination, soil, water, sunshine, land, sex, art, music & spiritual connection we could ever imagine! So why are people still fighting this Truth & looking away from themselves for an answer to their problems? Let's consider what a typical day might look like for an average human being in America.

-- wake up to an annoying alarm or bratty kid....maybe gunshots?!
-- start the day with an anti-depressant, pain med or statin drug, eat an unfulfilling breakfast or hit up a fast food drive-through, take in ZERO nutritional value, & eat it in the car
-- drive to/commute to a terrible job in obscene traffic where everyone is completely self-absorbed
-- spend the whole day slaving away over mindless, pointless tasks for somebody else's agenda (which a lot of times is just a cog in a nasty killing machine)
-- eat a lackluster proceesed lunch & slam a poisionous energy drink or two or three to make it through the rest of the day
-- spend any free time glued to a phone, computer, social networking site, worrying or stressed
-- travel home back through said traffic
-- deal with... kids, bills, the dogs, cleaning, routine shit, whatever....
-- turn on the TV/computer & zone out for the rest of the night to social networking, "reality" shows & mindlessly eat said processed/poisonous food again
-- fall asleep with an Ambien cocktail (& during this time have some nightmares, maybe do some online shopping, have an affair, get in a car accident or potentially murder someone.....all in your sleep!....
I'm not kidding. look up some Ambien case studies & you'll find this particular brainwashing drug is not just to get you to sleep. it makes people crazy. I've seen it happen to people I know)
-- and.....Repeat over & over & over until something snaps

& ya wonder why.....
hmmmm....
sound healthy? sound fun? sound like anything at all that humans were meant to be doing?
if you think so, then so be it. enjoy your ObamaCare.

But you can't place blame on anyone else for not stepping up to the plate of your own life.
I'm not ranting here to make those who have had to deal with cancer, multiple sclerosis, AIDS, terrible situations, etc. feel bad or make it seem like I have no compassion. It's because I have had DIRECT familial connection with these diseases & situations. I have seen the supposed "treatment" & support given to the folks suffering through it.
& it's total bullshit. hence why I'm writing this.

Just because we have the technology to "advance" as a society surely does not mean we are doing it to benefit our highest good individually OR FOR THE WHOLE. seems to me we've all given away our power to those in control, believing somehow we don't know anything. & we are now finally realizing we're just a bunch of guinea pigs in a sick experiment.

If you tune into your own breath, you WILL find your own inner peace, happiness, health & connection to a bigger picture. You will pull away from the illusion of what's going on & enter into a realm which transcends time & space. Mindfully controlling the flow of the breath has been shown to reduce stress & anxiety, lift stagnant depression, cleanse the physical body, move us from a state of survival to a state of rest, & induce feelings of euphoria. Basically, you can get a FREE NATURAL HEALTHY HIGH on your own breath!!! what what?!? You don't need a prescription for that!

Yoga is a time-honored & scientifically validated method of caring for one's mind, body & soul.  Yoga teaches us to explore one's Truth & Essence. The asanas (poses) move blocked energy and unlock hidden beauty, strength & joy. The practice of pranayama (breath work) leads us through our troubles & struggles, & naturally to our our highest space of authenticity. Breathing into the physical body helps us root into the center of our being so we don't fly off the handle at any random moment of frustration. That rootedness illuminates our inherent wisdom & ability to thrive! The practice as a whole encourages us to take a look at ourselves, how we behave, what our habits & patterns are, & to question our motives and the motives of others.....to tap into the wonder, curiosity & excitement of life!

By accessing our own inherent wisdom (and healing capacity), we are lead directly to the source of what makes us all human. This power is not OUTSIDE OF YOU. This, for example, is one of the flaws of most organized religion. You may take classes & find your teacher or Guru, but you do not need anyone else to "save" you from yourself or to be entered into the gates of heaven. Heaven is available in the natural beauty of a forest, the helping of one to another, or even in an elated sensation of breath. The power is both WITHIN and AROUND YOU! It is your God-given right to return to that Source & don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise! Acknowledge that we are all cut from the same cloth & that we are ALL reflections of light on a multi-faceted gem that is consciousness.

So riddle me this..."Are you an advocate for yourself? Do you listen to what feels right in your heart & in your gut? Do you truly take care of yourself? Are your opinions & life choices your own or that of a brainwashing ill-intended agenda?"

you have a choice.
?ObamaCare or PranayamaCare?
(p.s. breathing is FREE).
...and thank you Amy Elizabeth for your wonderful play on words!!!

end o' rant.
with love & TRUTH...
the wise owl
XO

AUM my goodness...all things work in balance

   :::Hatha Gong/Evening Yoga:::purify::transform::rejuvenate:::

Wednesdays @Dark StarYoga on Scottsdale & Shea from 6:45-8pm 

------------------------<<<>>>-------------------------

we have a choice to view life with the unnerving, unserving habitual patterns of fear. OR we can wake up with our happy pants on (hey Astara Robinson ...you wear those!:)) && offer the day with a heart full of love. it's phenomenal we are living & dying at the same time in any given moment. and in Mayan thought each morning a rebirth & each evening a death::our cells die & rejuvenate::planets & moon cycle::seeds germinate, grow, develop, flower, fruit, are eaten, digested, excreted & transformed! the dance of balance is constantly moving in an orchestrated time/space/vibrational frequency
.:::always there is a balance of creation & destruction....of the dark & light.....the harmonic interweaving of birth & death. kali & shiva unite in divine ecstatic love & then she devours the pieces of one another returning to the void/the abyss/ the space of emptiness/peace & potential. here lies the archetypal interplay of consciousness!

seems everyone i chat with lately, including the dialogue with my myself, is having some kind of an epiphany of a necessary change/shift, emotional growth & some pondering into the realms of the deep. this is in especially direct connection to our relationships. are we flowing in equanimity & diplomacy? are we being fair to ourselves?? this is being displayed right now in the concept of governmental affairs & the jurisdiction of fate by an ill-understood force of great power over the most precious piece of our human experience.....OUR HEALTH! why do we give our power away to others so easily & blindly?....i think we are living in a shadow puppet show, an illusion, a performance. & remember october is an auspicious time to explore the fine line between what's "real" & what's "fake". the mystery of life & death. all hallow's eve & dia de los muertos remind us to dance the macabre of the soul with ourselves past. thus the birth of a self that has "upgraded". a dance with the darkness surely propels one's growth.

practicing Svadyaya (Self-inquiry) supports our practice of accessing hidden or undiscovered information via meditation, intuitive knowing, reflection & self-healing. look at your relationships... with your family, the workplace, your yoga practice, yourSELF, your perspectives, with DEATH? with FEAR?
are you enjoying? what's truly happening? dig deeper & find out.

it's usually uncomfortable & easier said than done to peel away the layers of our oniony-selves. yet try as we may to escape, avoid or flee...we surely are not exempt from change. it's that cliche "change is the only constant" bit. but AUM my goodness it's true. either ya choose the change willingly or the change will choose you kicking & screaming. denial of the evolving nature that is the Self is denial of the Truth of Truths. this is the natural order of things!

take yourself out of the details for a bit & consider what lies beyond the confines of your own thinking. question your motives...and equally the motives of the systems which control your money, your decisions, your "likes" & "dislikes", your time, your health, your creativity!?!

our behaviors & emotions can build up into dis-ease:::like carving grooves into a record of our consciousness. these samskaras are the ache in your heart, the furrow of the brow, the tightness of your lungs the weakness in your back, the sickness in your stomach. these signs cry for recognition, release, balance & healing!

this is why i'm drawn to practice & honor the power of yoga...
to move the body & awaken the feeling of bountiful strength, grace & vibrant energy. it's to commit to the presence of stability & change in the same cycle of breath. our practice opens the door to a fascinating trip into & out of thyself.  as we cultivate the breath & bath our cells with the sound waves of the gong, we are oxygenating, refreshing & serving ourselves a dose of vibrational medicine.

thewiseowl

 XOXOX

 IZ

presto parsley pesto

Here's some helpful information and a tasty parsley pesto recipe from a cool group called HerbMentor. Learningherbs.com is a sweet resource you should check out to discover skills and ideas to empower your health and your life with herbals.

Parsley Pesto!

by Rosalee de la Forêt

Parsley is often mistaken for a “garnish” herb. Something to brighten your restaurant dinner plate only to be discarded with the trimmings.

But don’t be fooled! Parsley is an amazing powerhouse of nutrients and it should be respected as one of our best herbal medicines. In fact, that sprig of parsley may be the healthiest thing on your dinner plate!

The Amazing Benefits of Parsley

Nutrients

Parsley is really high in nutrients, notably Vitamin K, Vitamin C and Vitamin A. It is especially high in Vitamin K. This vitamin is strongly tied to heart health and healthy bones.

Promotes Digestion

Besides looking pretty, another reason you find parsley on dinner plates is because it helps to promote digestion. It is an aromatic herb that stimulates digestion and moves stagnant digestion. Ever eat a meal and feel like you have a bowling ball stuck in your stomach? Try parsley!

Anti-inflammatory

Parsley helps to modulate inflammation. Excess inflammation in the body is associated with muscle pain, arthritis, and degenerative diseases, including cancer.

Protects Against Cancer

Parsley stops negative angiogenesis. This happens when a tumor creates a blood supply that enables it to grow. Cutting-edge cancer research shows us that many people have cancer cells in their body but, by eating antioxidant-rich foods like parsley, we can stop cancer cells from ever growing!

The Taste of Parsley

Have you ever really tasted parsley? Parsley certainly tastes “green”, but it also has a slightly spicy and pungent taste to it. The way herbs taste is a huge clue as to how we can use them as medicines.

Spicy and pungent herbs are often used to promote digestion and reduce inflammation.

THE RECIPE

Pesto is a very forgiving mixture. If you can’t have nuts or dairy, feel free to omit them and change the recipe as you would like. It’s hard to go wrong!

What you’ll need...

Ingredients

• 2 cups tightly-packed flat leaf parsley leaves
• 3/4 cup toasted chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 3 large cloves garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika powder
• 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest

Throw everything in a food processor or blender. Blend on high until it forms a smooth consistency. Store in the fridge and use within a few days. You can also freeze it in whatever portion size works for you.

Heartfelt goodbyes & Open-armed hellos

goodbye 20s and hello 30s!
Es my birthday this weekend and rarely do I celebrate or make that information public.

This year, however, I'm feelin' it....feelin' it deep from within.....a shift, a change, a sliver of clarity that is so kindly helping me to release an unserving version of myself and ushering in a brand new version of ME!

I'm so jazzed to be 30. I'm a real adult now! The wild 20s can now be put to rest. And I'm totally cool with that. 

My 20s were a trip, like most young people can agree. I dabbled in a little of this and that and tried a bunch of different selves on, only to have circled back to my center....something I haven't felt since I was a child. 

My 20s were a great time of experimentation. I went to college, got kicked outta college, went back to college, worked a bunch of strange jobs, lived in quite a few different houses, had 30+ different roommates over the years, collected over half a human body's worth of tattoos, dabbled in enough illegal substances to now know what NOT to do, got to see what jail was like for a couple of days, graduated college w/honors, had too many boyfriends, broke up with those boyfriends, met the mustached man of my dreams and found instant soul-love-connection, drank insane amounts of beer, absorbed myself into Krishna Consciousness, went 30 days without eating, moved out of Iowa to Arizona, discovered the magical world of plants and potency of the desert, crashed a moped which changed my life forever, found yoga, then the gong found me, and so much more I can't even put into words.

Through a decade of soul-searching and reckless abandon I found an equal sense of freedom and liberation in the pure ability to TRY THINGS OUT. I know I'm wiser because of it. I did not expect myself to be accountable for anything considered stable during my 20s except for the fact that I always worked and paid my bills, always held my own and always found my way. Though not everyone I encountered on my path understood my logic or reasoning at times (or lack thereof), I am blessed to have met so many fascinating and awesome people. And I've been gifted with a certain small group of amazing friends and an incredible family of sweet people who have always loved me. No matter how weird or crazy or strange my extreme swinging pendulum may have swayed in the past, I was always supported and appreciated during those times of exploration. So to those certain folks....you know who you are. Thank you for accepting me every bit of the way.

Now I embark on the first day of the rest of my life. That's how brand new I feel. And that's my motto every day. I feel a growing excitement encroaching....a sweet taste of adventure:::of travel and healing:::of wisdom and purpose:::of ageless beauty:::elegance and grace:::: all built upon a solid foundation of WISDOM through EXPERIENCE!

And how fitting.....take a nice nostalgic listen to the Stones Ruby Tuesday....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a00_tPLcE_g

May you also be inspired for adventure....
peace, love and blessings,
THE WISE OWL

xoxox

Fall into Balance

Happy Fall Equinox y'all!
Today marks the balance of :::night and day:::dark and light:::12 hours of each.
The Equinox offers us the understanding of balance, stability & equilibrium.
The residual effects of this last Full Harvest Moon in Pisces (On Sept 19) may have left you feeling equally inspired and tired. We were harnessing the balance between intuition and logic ::: freedom and routine ::: emotions and thought.
But really I think we are ALL tired here in the Valley of the Sun as it is STILL so hot. We've had a long knock-down-drag-out summer it seems. The high temperatures lately have been in the low 100s and flirting with the 90s, which is definitely a step in a more comfortable direction. I'm not usually one to complain much about the heat since I CHOSE to move to Arizona (plus this is the first of 3 summers that I've had any A/C in my car!).
But dang, I can't wait to open up all the windows in the house, burn a bunch of sage, put on some beautiful music and invite the winds of change back into my space!

We are now transitioning from summer to fall, from lightness to dark, from dynamic powerful heat to a cooler and calmer vibe. And I think it goes without saying that we are so ready for that! It's also a time of death...the death of one cycle and the birth of another. It almost feels like a precarious time of growth with a lot of old stuff surfacing in order to guide us through our darkest elements. So we need to remember that we are being Divinely supported on our paths to do this work....to walk the Void.

Those who seek the light must know their own darkness first.

That's been swirling around in my brain this last week as I've been contemplating where in my own life Universal messages are showing up. I've been hung up on avoiding the unique gifts of my Ego and now I'm not afraid to admit it. I've felt shame around being awesome and inspiring and powerful. WHY?
If I strive to control my life with a fine-tooth comb yet completely give away my personal power at no cost to anyone except to myself, how will my cup ever be full? How does that cultivate balance?

Some past injuries have been flaring back up and begging to be dealt with. I had to put my pride aside, accept that I need to take a step back in my personal practice, ask for help, dig in and give myself some LOVE.
I've been working really hard....I've been serving and giving and guiding and thinking and doing and teaching and networking and putting myself out there and starting a new business and working and still feeling broke and blah blah blah and yada yada yada....  
So now my cup is almost empty. How do I fill it back up? Where is the love for me?
Oh yeah...LOVE is all around me, I just need to receive.
So now listen to this amazing song then proceed.    :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjAoBKagWQA

We've got to recognize that we ALL have a darkness inside. If you think you don't then I don't believe you are human! And that's quite alright because it shows us it's ok to have fears, doubts, insecurities and lessons to learn. No one can escape from that, hence why we are here! You'll have to face your darkness at some point in some way. You can't hide from it.
Light casts shadow and that darkness shows up in every mystical teaching out there. Sometimes I feel like I myself am the Queen Darkness, the Holder of the Night, the Walker of the Void, Kali at the gates of hell, and the Wise Owl who seeks to emerge from the darkness to fall back into the light of balance.

But from walking in the dark we discover who we truly are. We may need to let go, grieve, release anger or resentment, get sad and have a moment or two or three. But through that process our strengths, our power, our intuition and our warrior spirit shines! If we can face the darkness then surely we can hold the light! We've made some peace with our own struggles and are drawn back into balance.
I think this is the key to opening the heart and understanding the balance of dark and light:::feminine and masculine:::receiving and giving::: for the heart has no boundaries, no limits, no labels, no polarities, no discriminations. In the space of the heart all is ONE. The heart is pure. Love is infinite and all around us, ready to be received.
So if you are like me and have been giving and giving and giving some more and ready to collapse, then ask yourself, "How do YOU feel?" What do you need to fill your cup back up? Are you receiving your own unique gifts and grace with open arms? Or is your Ego stuck in a space of doubt and insecurity? Do those you surround yourself with support you on this path of growth? Are you ready to love and believe in yourself?

Close your eyes and breath. When thoughts arise listen to the breath for information. How do you feel? Breathe into the spaces that feel weak or neglected.
Let yourself be FREE to explore the space of darkness inside. Trust that all is working in YOUR favor.
And allow yourself to emerge with the lightness of who you who TRULY are.
Set an intention to fearlessly Shine Your light.

May you utilize this Equinox to Fall back into Balance.
Cheers and blessings,
the wise owl
XOXOX

Sedona Magic!

We had a BLAST at the Sedona Yoga Trek Day Retreat this last Saturday. Lisa Hecke and I teamed up with a group of fantastic women to explore New Moon energy in beautiful Northern Arizona. 

We ventured around parts of Oak Creek, Crescent Ranch, were soothed by native flutes at Montezuma's Well, swam in cold clear water, wildcrafted some herbs, practiced yoga overlooking beautiful red rocks, bought some amazing new crystals, enjoyed a peaceful picnic & experienced the healing power of the gong outside in the forest. 

It was magical to say the least!

Hope you can join us again sometime for an outdoor yoga adventure!

cheers & blessings,

the wise owl

xoxoxo

the passive-aggressive hippie....

I couldn't resist.....

(isn't aggressive spelled with two "g"s? hmmmm)

I like being able to make fun of myself in the yoga world. You almost have to to survive!

I went to a party once and when a guy asked what I do for a living I said, "I'm a yoga teacher." 

Although he replies with words it could have easily been translated into an immediate erection.

"OHHHHHHH yeahh...so you can put your foot behind your head?"

I'm not stupid. I know he was on the edge of his seat waiting for me to show him right there that I could. Unless I'm trying to pick up a date, why would I entertain that thought in any way?

All you can do is laugh.

There's a stereotype for everyone and everything. And the funny thing is that I think many folks perpetuate their own stereotypes! Just take a look around and OBSERVE what you see. 

So all we can do is laugh.

There is a deeply earnest undercurrent to the science, art and practice of yoga, but ya can't lose your humor! My man helps me with this EVERY DAY. He's the ultimate jokester and drives me insane with his continuous antics of sarcasm. He always says, "I'm just funnin". Although I get uptight sometimes, I love him for it. It's what keeps me sane. It's what draws me away from mental rigidity and back into the space of playful behavior.

Yes meditation is strict business and there are plenty of teachers, spiritual leaders and gurus that will tell you there's no room for smiling, laughing or the distractions of mindless pleasures.

But I believe a lighthearted approach just may save ourselves from ourselves.
Humor can pull us away from our insecurities and sensitivities. With humor we focus less on dogmas and imposing a somewhat passive-aggressive approach upon others, and instead just take a backseat and enjoy the ride.

I remember years ago when I explored the practice of veganism and instantly adopted the approach as the only and one approach (this is my baggage and story, not yours....so if you are a vegan I really don't care either way.....do what makes YOU feel best!).

Suddenly everyone around me got nervous. I couldn't eat anywhere with anyone because the menu didn't fit my life (I was in Iowa at the time, mind you). Suddenly what started as an attempt to regain my health and cleanse my body, mind and spirit from negative karma and acidic foods, turned into a militant passive-aggressive bitch patrol. I was gettin WAY TOO SERIOUS!

It wasn't so much the fact I was abstaining from all animal products that put others on edge, but more so my judgmental, confrontational, intimidating and somewhat dominate attitude that accompanied it.

So when I saw this cartoon I couldn't resist.
Just do what you love and love what you do. 

Let others do the same.

Find what brings you together rather than what pulls you apart.

And for God's sake, just laugh it off.

That's my motto as of late and I hope you can find comfort in it too.

from the cheesiest, tackiest and silliest place within me,
I bow to that same space within you!
NAMASTE!
the wise owl 

xoxox

best gluten-free, milk-free, sugar-free banana bread ever!

Even if you don't have an allergy or aversion to wheat, gluten, milk, sugar, etc....
this banana bread recipe is a keeper! It's simple, easy and contains few ingredients. Plus it's DELICIOUS!

I think this banana bread is one of the healthiest you could make, without skimping on flavor, texture and overall yumminess. Instead of vegan shortening I used the same amount of Organic grass-fed butter. I also threw in a couple tablespoons of chia seeds, and a dash of cinnamon. Try experimenting with adding some frozen blueberries and a handful of rolled oats, ground flax seed, or add a 1/4c Maca Root Powder.

http://www.elanaspantry.com/paleo-banana-bread/

paleo banana bread

Naturally sweetened Paleo banana bread is easy to make with low carb gluten free ingredients including almond flour.

This Paleo recipe for banana bread is a high protein gluten free treat that is quick and easy to make. When I posted my recipe for Paleo Bread, the feedback was so amazing that I knew I’d need to come up with more gluten free Paleo bread recipes for you all.

Paleo Banana Bread

printer friendly

• 3 bananas (about 1 ½ cups) mashed
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ¼ cup vegan shortening
• 2 cups blanched almond flour
• ½ teaspoon celtic sea salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

1. Place bananas, eggs, vanilla, honey and shortening in a food processor
2. Pulse ingredients together
3. Pulse in almond flour, salt and baking soda
4. Scoop batter into a greased 7.5 x 3.5 magic line loaf pan
5. Bake at 350° for 55-65 minutes 30 minutes
6. Remove from oven and allow to cool
7. Serve with Dandelion Root Coffee (optional)

Serves 12

Addendum: Please note, I made a mistake in transcribing this recipe from paper to website. The correct baking time for this recipe is 55-65 minutes, not 30 minutes. I apologize for this error.

When you make this banana bread, be sure to use ripe bananas. Also, if you want the loaf to be as tall as mine, then use the recommended size loaf pan, if you use a larger one, your batter will spread out to fill the horizontal dimension of the pan and will be short when it comes to the vertical dimension.

If you do not have (or are allergic to) the recommended ingredients and wish to make the loaf, feel free to experiment with your own ingredient choices and let us know how it goes. I am not sure how your desired substitutions will work out; as I often say, I wish I had a crystal ball and could automatically know if an ingredient change would work (or not). However, I do test each recipe, each time I make the slightest variation (think ¼ teaspoon of baking soda –if I add or subtract that, it’s a whole new batch of bread in the oven).

So, since I’m out to make the most recipes I can for my family (and you all), I’m moving on from this recipe and heading out to conquer others and make more gluten free Paleo recipes for everyone.

Elana's pantry is one of my favorite sources for tasty recipes of all kinds. Check out her website and amazing books!

the Yoga of Driving

WARNING! this post contains venting, cursing & bold opinions!

Alright Phoenix Valley dwellers, what the hell is up with your driving!?! This shit is BANANAS!
My blog is not intended to carry a negative vibe at all. However, I feel SO DAMN STRONGLY about this commentary I must share it with you.

I am completely disappointed, saddened, scared and bewildered by the extremely poor driving in this Valley of the Sun. I grew up in Iowa and we NEVER had as terrible of drivers as we do here. I was recently in Washington state and drivers actually stopped for pedestrians. They honored the speed limit. They signaled when changing lanes. They waved and smiled and treated each other with respect.

I'm not sure exactly what phenomenon takes place when exiting from the 60W & entering onto the I-10E, but it's as if EVERYONE immediately slows down, gets on their phone and begins a happy hour of Face-booking, texting and God help us, entertaining pornography. Literally, a friend caught a man watching porn on his phone while driving. WHAT IS HAPPENING?!?

I've conducted quite a few of my own social experiments while driving and I've noticed that on average, 1 out of 3 drivers on the road are on their cell phones in some way.

Our vehicles are not running on tracks via auto-pilot. We do not just strap in and sit back, crack a cold one, and browse the web. WE are the ones operating. When did it become socially, ethically and legally acceptable for us to neglect the obvious task at hand? Why is it that we cannot spend 20 min alone in our cars with the best music, surround sound, air-controlled temperature, flat screens, navigation and the convenience of independent travel and STILL feel the need to distract ourselves from being present? How much more do we want? How much more can we stand before we completely crumble as an intelligent human race?

There is a yoga to driving y'all. It's called breathing, paying attention and not being an asshole. It's not okay to cut people off just to get one car ahead at a stop light. It's completely inappropriate to ride someone's bumper and then flip them off because you think they're in your way.
It's not helpful to your neighbor to change lanes without checking your blind spot and forgetting to use the blinker. (The blinker has one purpose....to signal a turn or change in lanes....that's why it's there!) It's not safe for you or anyone around you to run red lights. I know, because someone talking on their cell phone did that to me and T-Boned my car.
When did we get so backwards?

My intention when driving is to be present. I usually chant, breathe or just put a good jam on that keeps me positive and alert. Heck, sometimes I drive in silence just so I can better hear what's going on around me. And I've worked on my driving. I'm not perfect. I'm guilty of getting on the phone here and there, messing with my hair, fumbling around with the CD player, trying to drink coffee and shift gears at the same time. And I was once a rage-filled, fired-up speed-demon who had been in a few accidents, pulled over 25 times or more and was doing stupid shit enough times to know better. So now that I am aware, I try to use my yoga tools when I'm in the car.

If you are wearing your ear-buds listening to an iPod in your vehicle, can you REALLY hear the ambulance sirens encroaching behind you? Are you even aware of your surroundings? Did you even see that car pulled over next to you trying to change a tire when you just buzzed by at 80 MPH without even giving them some space?

Yoga is about creating a connection, and the real power of Yoga shows up OFF OF THE MAT when we apply it into our lives. In this case, it might show up as getting into the vehicle and connecting with the machinery
 ::::seatbelt, check::::mirrors, check:::::gas, check:::::
It might show up as
 ::::::breathing, check::::::calm the thoughts, check:::::::senses engaged, check
:::::phone out of my hands & hands on the wheel, check::::

My invitation to you is to challenge yourself to drive more mindfully.....to NOT TEXT WHILE DRIVING! Try it for a week. Maybe just a whole day is grueling but give it a go. See if you can instead breathe through the urge to check your phone. Stop and think before you make your decisions.

What might shift in your perspective if you pulled yourself away from the distractions and temptations to get mad at others, and instead just breathe? What changes could our entire Valley make it we ALL chose to be present while driving instead of completely disconnected?

Think about your safety....think about the safety of others.....consider your actions and reactions.....
and may a Positive force be with you!

Because I LOVE YOU.....
the wise owl
XOXOXOX

Where is the Line?

Boundaries...limits....how do we know when we've established them? How do we know when we've crossed them? Where is the line of our personal space and emotional respect? And how do we honor the boundaries of others?

Boundaries are sometimes difficult to identify. As a global society we've created lines around our homes, states, countries and continents. Those lines did not exist until humans created them.
But what about the boundaries and lines regarding the intangible? We can't see feelings and emotions unless they are expressed through body language, words, art, music, so on. Emotional lines and boundaries can be blurry, muddy, confusing and altogether mysterious. How do we know we are in line, or in other words, "aligned" with our personal space and boundaries? Can we perceive and honor that same alignment for others?

Creating boundaries for oneself physically, emotionally and spiritually is an on-going human project. Our boundaries may shift and change as we grow and evolve into different versions of ourselves and step into new situations. In one sense I see boundaries as a form of segregation and separation....isolating this from that, acknowledging differences rather than similarities. A lot of effort has been geared toward unity and oneness because are all cut from the same fabric and it seems as though we've forgotten that! We are ALL spiritual beings having an awesome human experience, right?

I feel this is Truth, yet we still have the day-to-day task of creating and honoring our own individual boundaries while balancing that in a collective unified human experience. So again this raises the question, can we discern between what one needs and what is best for the whole? How much do we give to ourselves in relation to what we offer others? When do I need to put my own needs first and when is it best to take ourselves out of a situation and just simply respect what another is saying?

These questions don't necessarily have a black or white answer, though one element does seem to weave together these concepts.......effective communication....expressing AND listening.
Although we have potential to be psychic and highly intuitive beings, we're not on the level to communicate telepathically on a daily basis. So thus we must express how we feel, be honest with ourselves first to then extend that honesty to another. And here we are presented with boundaries.

You know that feeling of being super drained and not having much time to rest alone or regain one's peace of mind. Sometimes our work and life events, however healing or destructive they might be, can leave us feeling isolated and in need of human empathy and understanding. Checking in with our state of emotions is the the key. If feeling lost, grumpy, tired, annoyed, empty, drained, whatever.....admit that! That is the recognition of a boundary. We're then acknowledging how WE feel. We've then created an awareness. We've tapped into our current state of being and are aligned with our personal space in that moment.

Effective communication leads us to the next step of sharing with others our personal boundaries. "Tonight I'm feeling pretty tired and quiet. I just need to relax. I'm not in the mood to________(fill in the blank)".
 Here's where we LISTEN. We perceive how the other person is feeling because they've shared with you that information! That is a boundary, a line, a request to be respected in that feeling. It is not something personal or hurtful. It is simply one being trying to communicate to the other being how one FEELS thus creating boundaries.

These boundaries are necessary to keep one's cup full. You know that saying about how if your cup is always empty you have nothing to give. That's acknowledgement of a boundary. "Tonight I need to step away from the distractions of others and fill my cup back up." But many folks who are not aware or do not understand their OWN emotions have a difficult time respecting this boundary and see it as a personal threat. How can we ever all get along if we aren't open to respecting oneself and another's boundaries? If we are unwilling to put our EGOS aside for the sake of empathy toward another, communication will not convey the message we're hoping it will. It just won't be received as intended and we're stuck in a emotional and communicative breakdown.

Of course the other side of the coin is learning to open one's perspective and dissolve unnecessary boundaries which limit and prevent the exploration of the the greatness around us. Sometimes we fill our cups by sharing collectively an experience that brightens our day. Those lines and boundaries that we think are protecting us may only be held up by fear. That is a topic for another day, but it's always healthy to assess both sides of a discussion. It takes two to tango, eh?

Acknowledging, creating and maintaining boundaries is a challenge for many of us, myself definitely included. But that's why we are here....to learn, grow and shift with the changes of life! We've gotta get grounded in ourselves in order to know what we need to thrive, to gain perspective of our emotions, and personal space. We come mindfully back to our center to understand how to lovingly commune with others. A nice way to regroup and ground oneself back to center is to simply practice a free, easy and simple technique:

 3-part Yogic Breath.

1. Sit crossed legged on the floor with hands on the thighs (sit against a wall if you need spinal support); OR sit upright in a chair with feet flat on the floor. Lift the spine long and tall and close the eyes.
2. Relax and soften any areas of tension such as the brow-line, jaw, shoulders, hips, etc.
3. Notice your natural breathing and check in with how you are feeling right in the moment.
4. Begin to deepen and lengthen each breath in and out through the nostrils, slowing everything down.
5. On an inhale, expand the low belly and low back out like an inflated balloon, then exhale completely, gently hugging your navel in toward the spine. Repeat 3 times.
6. Then add a second part....Breathe into the low belly/back and lift the breath up into the rib cage as well. Exhale through the ribs, then belly, navel hugs the spine. Repeat 3 times.
7. To breath in 3 parts now, fill up the belly, ribs, and then bring the breath up into the chest and collarbones. Hold the top of the breath for a couple seconds. Release the breath like an elevator, letting go through the collarbones, ribs, back down to the belly, holding the bottom of the breath a couple of seconds. Repeat this complete breath for a couple more minutes.

If you have high blood pressure or feel lightheaded, dizzy or strange, you'll want to take it nice and slow to begin. Honor how YOU feel then gradually increase the depth and length of the technique.

This simple breath can do wonders for your nervous system and emotional state. If you feel overwhelmed, confused, tired or just need to ground yourself back to center, try this pranayama (breath control). It can help you fall asleep at night, calms the mind, improves lung capacity and diaphragm strength, and increases overall vitality.
You may also find yourself aligning with the present moment and more able to understand your own boundaries and how to respect those of others.

Happy Breathing!
the wise owl
XOXOX

Spontaneity is the Magic of All Things

"Spontaneity: Trust, Let Go & Flow."

I opened a book without hesitation or regard to any particular search and stumbled upon those words. This was a day after hearing my main mustachioed man drop in a conversation, "Spontaneity is the magic of all things!". 

I couldn't even give ya the content or context of our dialogue except those words. They stood out, they shined, they wanted to be heard.

So in my yoga classes this week, we're exploring this theme through our practice of movement, breath work and chanting. ..OM GAM..OM GAM..OM GAM...108 times. It only feels like a fleeting second of a magical high, of spontaneity, of something different; but it enlivens us...it wakes us up. 

Through this we ignite our root chakra, Muladhara, to lay foundation to trust, to feel the density of the Earth beneath and around us, and to awaken our primal connection. In order to be loose, whimsical, spontaneous & open for adventure, we really need to feel stable in ourselves to do so. If thoughts and concerns are constantly flooding the mind with fears, anxieties and obnoxious judgements, well then we aren't going to draw sparkly excitement into our lives. Here we find the use of mantra and chanting as a benefit to the fluctuations of the mind. We honor Ganesha..OM GAM..and create a road to freedom. Ganesha supports us in removing obstacles and dissolving negativity and that which holds us back from enjoying the magical and spontaneous moments we have the privilege as a human to experience!

Chanting is a fun, easy and delightful way to "get into meditating". For me, chanting provides an expressive outlet for what's ruminating in the mind. I hope you join me tomorrow morning for a Vinyasa Yoga Flow set to the tune of ..OM GAM..trusting and letting go....allowing spontaneous energy to flow!

@ SPIRIT OF YOGA, Tempe
Tuesday @ 8:30am

OM GAM!
SAT NAM!
XOXO
the wise owl

Lego my Ego!

Yo, wus happenin'?!?

I'm gettin' back on the blog saddle and for me that means lettin' go of my EGO!!!

Historically I tend to fall under the spell of that discouraging voice inside which says, 

"You can't do it!.....it's too much work!....you're too busy!....do you really know what you're talking about?.....who will read it anyway?"

But this is exactly why I know I'm meant to write, share and offer my personal perspective with the world (plus my amazing friend and spiritual guide recommended I stick with it; seriously check her out for incredible clarity & guidance). 

I have a fire inside burning brightly, just waiting to shine out to the world.  I've been pondering and reassessing the intention of this blog and it came to me that if I share my story, then more folks may be lead to appreciate their own. My intention is to inspire!

It's funny to me how the ego is an inherent element to living as a human on plant Earth, yet seemingly always earning a bad reputation, often spoken of in negative connotation. But it is our ego that helps us make decisions for ourselves, creating and dissolving boundaries, which leads us powerfully into our own greatness, self-esteem, passion and bright light.

The ego can be a strange trap for many of us, though. Simply put, if we become too caught up with ourselves, whatever the expression, we create a self-contained illusion that we are either above and beyond others---acting out of arrogance, greed and misused power & control---or conversely, afraid to express our unique gifts---withdrawing into doubt, fear, lack of self-worth, thus the shying away from our own power. 

In yoga, the ego is connected energetically to the navel point, our core, and the 3rd chakra Manipura. This chakra holds the burning flame of passion, power, intellect, drive, digestion and the liver. This space allows us to harness our unique gifts in order to first find comfort with ourselves, so that we can then find comfort with others. Here we explore the term and concept of tapas: consistency, drive, and determination. 

For most, tapas conjures up hunger for tasty appetizers...delicious! However, in this light we are referring to the burning desire to forge ahead and continue to follow our illuminated path. While the ego is seemingly magnetized toward difficulty, we can view this attraction as a way to "get over ourselves". It is not always easy to stand in the face of fire, but if we can be in that place, consistently and willingly, without attachment to the outcome, then we will find a balance. 

Remember, fire is a powerful element that can warm and transform, but also penetrate and destroy. Without fire there is no heat, there is no passion, there is no transmutation of energy. So as I embark on the path of practicing tapas, I also encourage YOU to step back and reassess where in your life you might be pushing too hard or falling away from your unique essence. Re-examine your goals and dreams, then mindfully start making them a reality by detaching from the outcome and just DOING IT! Give yourself something every day to come back to, whether that be a meditation seat, a yoga practice, a calm moment in nature or some daily dedication to your craft. 

Here's to practicing TAPAS!

Thanks for checking in! Stay tuned for more.....

SALUD!

XO

Photo credit: Room/22 Photography

For more awesome reading on tapas and related topics, check out:

http://www.judithlasater.com/writings/livingtheniyamas2.html

I'm not in love with the modern world, but I'm open to accept and receive it

My lack of "facebooking" is on my mind. Most days I could care less about posting anything or just don't even have a thought of doing it at all, because as the saying goes, "Out of sight, out of mind...", I rarely get on the computer for ANYTHING unless I have to.

My complex is obvious...I'm not a fan of this internetworking (is that a word? because it's pretty good). but it's the way the world lives! It's as though every single person I know uses this tool for every single element of their lives! I see people everywhere on their phones, even while driving, attempting to keep their connection. I realize I have my own judgements toward this, and yeah I don't think anyone should be on a phone while driving period! But it is neither good nor bad. Who am I to impose a judgement on the way others live? This is our reality right now and we're in a space of strange changes and shifts. Facebook is a mind-blowing social tool that DOES cultivate connection, encourages the sharing of ideas, and offers us involvement in a strange matrix of human interaction.

My personal feelings of connection are magnetized to the Earth and the Cosmos, various native cultures, ancient ways, art, music, exploration of the mind, and freedom of the soul to breathe and study the self. Many days I feel like an old Indonesian woman in a young white woman's body.
I spend much of my time in contemplation or in direct service to others. Rarely do I feel comfortable "marketing" myself or blasting to the world all of my life info. It's probably because I'm an Ascending Scorpio who likes privacy ;)

So this is no disrespect to those that do use facebook for what it's for. I actually admire others' dedication to community, nurturance of relationships, and the spreading of positive information! And that's what I want to do too!
It's just that this is where I'm at in my own personal awareness of resistance toward our man-made technologies and systems, and since this is MY page, well here I am....Speaking my TRUTH!

As I begin to find balance using this technological tool for the good of the whole and for my own abundance and growth, I want each and every one of you to know how much it means to me that you might actually read this verbose piece of prose, and take a glimpse into my heart of hearts and feel my Truth. I am not seeking a solution for this quandary per se, but merely offering a vulnerability to the technological "powers that be" that I be supported in living comfortably in this modern world.
I DO desire for connection, for I know I have the power of Spirit within me to influence others in a most awesome way. What a blessing!!!!

So I wanted to share my genuine appreciation for your love and connection to me, my work and my life.... and I apologize for my lack of initiative in this realm.

THANK YOU for coming to my classes, THANK YOU for supporting the work I do with herbs, gong, chakras, astrology, meditation, self-inquiry, yoga, art, and public speaking. I share these gifts selflessly, from the bottom of my heart.
SALUD and SAT NAM.....!

the most tender place in my heart, is for a stranger's...

thanks, Neko Case, for such lovely words!
I've been MIA for a couple of months but all for good reason :)
we've had friends in town from out-of-state, painted the inside of our house, spruced up the outdoors, I've been playing piano, and creating lesson plans.
I lead a workshop with my homegirl Jordan aka J-Ma on ChakrAstrology and it is very inspiring! (keep your eyes peeled for more of this!)
I've begun teaching Herbal Medicine Making and been busy as a bee!
...Yoga Rocks the Park was fabulous! Thank you to those who supported, created, and facilitated the event, raising money for the Melonhead Foundation, providing support and sustenance to families dealing with children's cancer, and special thanks to the lovely folks who came out to practice. It was such a fun day!

I also have schedule Monthly Gong Meditations the first Sunday of each month in April, May & June 2013 at Desert Sage Herbs in Chandler, AZ. You can come to one or all. No experience or expectations needed.
Please cleanse your soul and treat yourself to this vibrational healing for only $15 for a 45-min. session, or get all 3 for $36. Vibrations from the Gong serve as a catalyst for healing transformation, strengthening the Immune System, calming the Nervous System, and supporting healthy digestion. These healing vibrations rearrange molecular structure in the body, thus opening energetic blockages decreasing pain & inflammation. Bring a physical or emotional issue currently at hand if you desire, and we can tailor our meditation towards the energy of the group. Bring a friend and get $5 off each person! Call 480.785.9065 to register. Pre-payment is required to reserve your space. Cash or check only, to The Wise Owl. Thank you and see ya soon!

I've also been crafting up some amazing herbal goods, a couple of which I'll feature in a blog post soon:

" Inspire Cider Spring Tonic" Lookin for a gentle yet invigorating Spring Tonic to clear out the old? Inspire Cider is hot, tangy, spicy, & awakening! 
Raw apple cider vinegar, onion, horseradish, cilantro, cayenne, garlic, ginger, black pepper, hawthorne berry, honey, water, & whiskey. Delicious with a garlic-stuffed olive or pickle.
"Gotu Kola Infused Castor Oil".
For beautiful firm skin, collagen support and strong healthy joints, Gotu Kola and Castor Oil are perfect companions for facial care, scar tissue repair, premature aging, joint inflammation & more! I'll post instructions on how to turn this delicious infused oil into a skin-rejuvenating tonic!
Gotu kola, castor oil, aloe vera gel, rosewater, sea buckthorn, calendula, rose geranium, lavender, frankincense, sandalwood, lemongrass, beeswax, benzoin


Until next time,
WORD!
xoxo

tangy baby!...medicine making with lemons

Like many Phoenix Valley dwellers, I am so very blessed to have the most beautifully delicious lemon tree right in my own front yard. 

Maybe they're not technically "certified organic" by governmental standards, whatever that really means anymore, but these lemons are grown in a loving space and never sprayed with chemicals, so they are organic to me. They are hands-down the BEST tasting, sweet and tangy lemons I've ever had!

ooo my mouth is watering just looking at them!

.................................................................................................................

Here's a summary for some of lemon's healing powers:

Botanical name: Citrus limon. 

Primary actions: Antiseptic, Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Febrifuge (reduces fever)

Lemons are not only foods but effective medicine as well. According to the Natural Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine written by Andrew Chevallier, lemons are thought to have originated in India and were then cultivated in Europe during the 2nd century AD. Now lemons are propagated throughout the world and have served as one of the most important, widely used, and most versatile natural medicines for use at home.

These tart, tangy, sour, and slightly sweet citrus fruits are ideally harvested in the winter time when they're really high in Vitamin C (twice the amount in an orange!). As a long-standing staple in warding off infections, providing antiseptic properties, and supporting healthy digestion, we mostly stifle lemons into the category as a refreshing summertime drink or a condiment to fish and veggies.

But don't limit the power of lemons merely to the juice or to the side of the plate! The most volatile oil (essential oil) and bioflavonoid content is found within the juicy aromatic peel, and in the white, slightly bitter tasting pith that lines the inside of the peel. These bioflavonoids are "antioxidant and strengthen the health of the inner lining of blood vessels". (Chevallier) The volatile oil is antiseptic and antibacterial. So the juice, peel, and pith be used medicinally!

Lemons can be used to treat issues in acute circumstances such as colds and flus, stimulate a healthy appetite, treat stomach acidity and ulcers, and can be used as a gargle for canker sores and sore throats. As an overall general preventative tonic, lemons help those prone to arteriosclerosis, fevers, and acidic conditions.

Interestingly so, although lemons are acidic, once ingested and digested, lemons are actually alkalizing to the body; thus balancing pH levels, supporting healthy circulation, and especially good for the stomach, liver, intestines, and veins and capillaries.

*please do not ingest lemon essential oil
*always consult a holistic health care professional for proper dosaging

When I pressure-rolled these lemons on the cutting board to open up the juice and volatile oil before slicing, the peels were just bursting with zesty aromatic vibes and glossy with rich oil. Herbalists use this "organoleptic assessment" to assess quality and characteristics of our herbs and veggies. All it takes is an exploration of the senses to determine what good quality is. Ya don't see lemons like this at Walmart!
What a treasure to behold! 

After all of that build-up, let's talk about a few ways to use lemons in everyday living!

 FRESH LEMON PEEL EXTRACT


Today we are speaking of an herbal medicine making technique known as the FOLK METHOD.

For this tincture/extract you'll need the following:

* 2-4 med-large lemons ( I used 2 1/2 large lemons for this)
* a clean glass jar w/tight-fitting lid (32 oz QT canning jar is show here)
* a small piece of unbleached parchment paper to fit the size of the jar opening
* 100 proof vodka .....OR...
* everclear & distilled water

Incredibly easy and fun, folk medicine allows us the freedom to be creative and whimsical in our process. Who cares if you don't do it exactly right or things don't turn out perfect. The point is to get into and enjoy the action!
Begin by cleaning your workspace (shoot you could use a combination of lemon essential oil, white vinegar, and water to do that!). Then wash and dry your lemons and begin rolling them back and forth under your palm on a clean, stable cutting board for about 15-30 seconds. As mentioned above, this will open up volatile oils and inner juice. Chop off the ends of your lemons and then slice the lemons vertically in four sections. Squeeze out the juice from each segment into a separate glass vessel. Save the juice for later...

Taking the ends and leftover peels, chop them into quarter-sized pieces (this is the act of comminuting or breaking plant material down for a more effective medicinal extraction). Toss them into your clean jar and fill about 3/4-7/8 of the way up, leaving some space at the top.
Then pour your vodka straight over the lemon peels, or if using everclear, create a 50/50 dilution of alcohol and water in a separate jar, stir, and then pour over the peels. *your dilution can be of any amount...for my recipe I combined 1cup water and 1cup alcohol. I had a bit leftover that I will save in a jar for another day of medicine making*

Cover the opening of your lemon jar with the parchment paper, twist on the cap nice and tight, and give a few gentle shakes (or agitation in the herbalist world). Create a label with all the important info, such as: Fresh Lemon Peels in Vodka started on 1/28/13 and ending on 2/25/13. I always include the date I made the medicine as well as the date the medicine will be done. Generally, extracts/tinctures require a lunar cycle/4 weeks of maceration (soaking time). The key is to shake, or agitate, each day. This offers an additional force of dynamic extraction to the process and your medicine will be of much better quality if you do. This way your medicine will hopefully not just taste like only alcohol but also hold the characteristics of the lemons. Keep your extract out of direct heat or sunlight but in a place where you won't forget about her.

Once the soaking time is over, filter the peels away from the liquid into a clean glass jar. You can use a fine mesh strainer, muslin cloth, cheesecloth, or coffee filter. You may need to filter twice (or colate) to get all the sediment out. Then cap off your lemon medicine and add a fresh label including the date you filtered, how to use it, and you are set! Store your prepared medicine in a cabinet or amber glass bottle. Because the medicine is extracted and preserved with alcohol, your lemon extract will be good for at least a couple of years.

To take this medicine, always consult your local herbalist or health care practitioner, but a 1/4 -1/2 tsp. diluted in warm water taken before meals would be a great place to start. Be mindful that you've created some powerful medicine so start low and take it slow, and then go from there! (you could even add some cayenne, crushed fresh garlic, and raw honey for a nice cold and flu remedy!)

If you are a martini or lemon-drop shot-taker, you could consider preparing this medicine with Grey Goose or Stoli vodka to prepare some tasty homemade cocktails. mmmmhmmmm....so many ideas!

****As for the juice, you can either pour into ice cube trays and add to drinks as needed, or easily make homemade lemonade by combining 1/2 cup - 1 1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (depending on personal preference), 1/8 cup - 1/4 cup melted raw honey, and a bottle of Pellegrino sparkling mineral water. Mix well, serve in a beautiful glass carafe, and pour over ice and garnish with fresh mint, basil, a couple frozen raspberries, or even make your own simple lavender flower syrup! The possibilities are endless!

Hope you found some inspiration to take lemons to the next level for the sake of your health. These tangy babies are nature's golden nuggets! Check out your friends who might have an abundant lemon tree or support your local farmer's market to obtain organic, fresh-harvested produce. Tis the season!
When life gives you lemons do something creative!

thanks for reading,
THE WISE OWL
oxoxoxo