Learning The Art of Meditation

We exercise our bodies through walking, running, swimming, going to the gym, Pilates, etc. We all know the benefits of physical exercise, we see the results in how we look and how our clothes fit. We feel the results in increased energy and strength. But true health is not merely a physical condition. Health is complete well being and balance, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

So, how do we exercise, strengthen and increase our mental and emotional energy?

The answer has been around and practiced by many cultures for over 5000 years. It encompasses a wide range of spiritual, mental and emotional practices and can lead one to the achievement of a higher state of consciousness, increased focus, creativity or self-awareness, or simply a more peaceful, calm and relaxed state of mind. The answer is meditation.

Couple arrested on false drug charges for transporing raw chocolate across the U.S. / Canadian border

“At one point, one of the police officers screamed at Ron, saying, ‘If you wanted chocolate, why didn’t you just buy a Snickers bar!’ The proper answer to that question, of course, is so far beyond the intellect of typical law enforcement personnel that I won’t even bother explaining it here.”

The above quote was taken from an article posted on NaturalNews.com about a couple who were arrested, not once, but twice, by both American and Canadian authorities for trying to transport raw chocolate across the border.

“Their chocolate looked suspicious, they were told, because it wasn’t in a commercial wrapper. If it’s not Hershey’s, it must be drugs! An on-the-spot drug test from the NIK company (which makes portable drug testing kits) returned a positive result, the Canadian police claimed, and that’s all the evidence they need to arrest anyone… it turns out the NIK drug testing kits return false positives nearly 100% of the time if the results are interpreted incorrectly, as they were in this case… NaturalNews has learned that NIK drug tests show positive results for THC for all the following natural substances:

• Organic tea tree oil
• Frankincense oil
• CoQ10
• Raw chocolate

…After being charged with felony crimes, accused of trafficking illegal drugs, interrogated, isolated from his family and denied the right to travel as a free citizen, Ron Obadia is now facing over $22,000 in legal bills.”

Because this seems to be an important discussion, and one that many should be aware of, and the couple involved, Ron and Nadine, from Living Libations beauty care and chocolate company, could really use our help, I thought I would share this story here.

To read the article in it’s entirety, click here…

Polynesian Delight (Recipe)

This recipe is “delightful!” It’s tropical, and almost tastes like you’re eating a dessert! Very satisfying. I wonder who the first person was that thought to combine a “salad” with these wonderful, tropical fruits. Creative and fun for parties.

–C.J. Cantrell

Ingredients:

• 1 Zucchini
• 1 Mango
• 1/2 a Pineapple
• 1/2 Cup Tomatoes (reg. Or cherry – I prefer the latter)
• 1/2 Cup Shredded Coconut
• 1/2 Cup Almonds, soaked 6-8 hours, or overnight, and rinsed.
• Spring Mix or Zucchini Pasta (optional)

A Beautiful 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise Retreat

How would you like to spend the last long weeks of winter this year? How about watching the sunrise break over the open ocean as you begin early morning sun salutations at 6:15, then nourishing your body at a breakfast buffet  …Or sleeping in ’til noon and waking up on a sunny water slide? Enrich your day with a full availability of workshops, yoga and Pilates classes… settle in for nighttime meditation at 10:00pm (and get zen on the dance floor afterwards perhaps??).

Cruise the Eastern Caribbean on the Carnival “Liberty” with Pilates Core Center March 21 – 28, 2009. We will depart out of Miami and visit San Juan, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Join us on a retreat of world and self-exploration in pursuit of wellness, balance and personal growth (and fun!!).

Enjoy a week of Pilates and Yoga classes, meditation, workshops on wellness, nutrition, as well a other topics of interest…all this and more!!!

Healthy Carrot Cake with Cream Cheeze Frosting (Recipe)

Yea, I know what you’re thinking, raw carrot cake? This woman must be off her rocker… But no! This is really, really great! If you’ve tried any of the other recipes I’ve shared, you’d know that it may sound strange at first… but think of the possibilities… yummy, healthy carrot cake… With “cream cheeze” icing even! Go ahead and indulge that sweet tooth, without making yourself miserable in the process.

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheeze Frosting

For the Cake:

• 7 med. To large Carrots
• 1 Cup Raw Walnuts, soaked at least 4 hours.
• 1 Cup Dates, pitted & soaked
• 3/4 Cup Raisins, soaked about an hour (just to soften)
• 1/2 tsp. Ginger powder (adjust to taste)
• 1/2-l tsp. Cinnamon (I use 1 tsp.)
• 1/8 tsp. Cardamom
• 1/4 tsp. Nutmeg
• 1/4 Cup Dried Raw Coconut (goes under the crust to prevent it from
• sticking to the cake pan)