Earth-based spirituality is based on reverence for the earth and all of its inhabitants and has been practiced from antiquity to the present. Its roots lie in the shamanic wisdom of the ancient Caucasian peoples of Britain, northern Europe and Scandinavia; the Taoist teachings of the East and with the Native Americans of North America.
To honor all livings things is the basis of Earth-based spirituality. The Native Americans treated all beings on earth as their equal and all were considered part of the whole, or the Great Spirit. The Great Spirit is within all plants, minerals and animals and the earth itself. It is the life-force energy or chi; it is the “Breath of the Invisible.”
Earth-based spirituality recognizes that nothing is ever destroyed; that it only changes form. Matter is a physical and intelligent manifestation of energy, and energy is contained in all matter, but matter does not exist in all energy. The Earth and its inhabitants are all beings of energy and are all interconnected and interrelated.
We are integrated parts of a whole being. We affect the whole by our thoughts, words and actions—just as we are affected by other human beings, and by the animal, vegetable or mineral kingdoms, and by the higher frequency metaphysical energy patterns.
Earth-based spirituality is about following your own intuition—not some “authority” or that nebulous “they.” It is your intuition that is all-knowing, powerful and true. When you follow your intuition, you are following your heart. When you follow your heart, you are being guided by your higher self which is connected to all that is.
Learning to trust your intuition is important for all aspects of your life, and there are many books which discuss the aspects of this level of consciousness. When it comes to decorating your home, what sounds simple can be quite difficult until you learn to distinguish between your intuition and what you think you ought to be doing. When in doubt, meditate on the question at hand and see what comes up. Or, ask yourself if your reaction/desire is based on fear or love. Intuition is never about fear. Fear manifests itself only in the mind/body.
For example, suppose you are wandering around a craft fair and see a beautiful vase. You instantly visualize the vase in your living room and feel happy gazing at this vessel. However, moments later you worry: “what if it looks out of place?” “What if the vase is actually hideous and your husband and friends hate it?” Now, you look at the vase again and feel confused and think, “do I really like it?”
Yes, you really like it. Those nasty voices in your head are pure fear. When you see something and immediately love it (or think it’s awful) that is your gut feeling, or intuition.
Think about it, we are literally bombarded with things when we shop. Craft fairs are a great example because there is so much to see and judge. A quick glance at a craftsperson’s wares will usually be enough to draw you in for a closer inspection or keep you moving along due to a lack of interest. So, when you see an object that you think is beautiful among hundreds or thousands of other crafts, take note!
In another example, you are shopping with a friend, the “knower-of-all-things-trendy.” She spots this awesome new kitchen gadget that “you must have.” This gadget promises to slice/dice/whatever, and your first reaction upon looking at it is that you already have perfectly good knives to do the same job.
Your friend looks a bit askance when you admit that you aren’t sure that you need this new tool. This worries you—perhaps you do need this gadget. It might make kitchen chores easier. You might be the only one without one, struggling away while others blithely do their chores.
Now, stop. Look at the gadget and trust your intuition to guide you. If you are still unsure, ask your friend for a demonstration, but pay attention. I find that my first response is generally right on—if I react with delight over some new thing, it might just be what I need. However, if my reaction is an eye-roll (another useless piece of junk), I move on.
Your intuition knows what is authentic; it is not influenced by what is the newest and shiniest.
Excerpt from the award winning book, Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify & Energize Your Life, Your Home & Your Planet, copyright 2007.
Monday, July 27, 2009
How to have a Green and Non-toxic Law and Garden
Gardeners who use pesticides are much more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than those who avoid the toxic chemicals. Farmers and other heavy pesticide users are forty-three percent more likely than nonusers to develop Parkinson’s. Even amateur gardeners who use pesticides are nine percent more likely to develop the disease than non-users.
Eliminate the use of chemical fertilizers, toxic pesticides and herbicides unless absolutely necessary and then use only those with a “caution” label. There are organic alternatives—feed plants with compost or composted manure. For pests, try biodegradable soaps, oils and sprays and beneficial insects. Consult a holistic-type pesticide remover company. Burn citronella candles or use deet-free insect repellant to keep pests away from you.
Visit www.BeyondPesticdes.org, for natural pest control tips.
A beautiful way to attract garden pest predators is by having a water element on your property. Water gardens attract frogs, toads and garden snakes that eat insects, grubs and slugs. Any mosquitoes that are attracted by the water are eaten by the fish, toads, birds, bats and snakes.
Attracting birds to your property has many benefits. They eat bugs, and songbirds create beautiful, soothing music. They are also a joy to watch. If you have space, plant berry-producing trees and shrubs like hawthorn, toyon, dogwood, mountain ash, mahonias and viburnum to attract birds. Bird feeders and bird baths will draw birds, too.
To attract hummingbirds to your property, plant bright red and pink flowers such as ajuga, columbine, bleeding heart, lobelia, phlox, butterfly bush and veronica.
To attract butterflies, plant the flowers alyssum, butterfly bush, calendula, fennel, marigold and phlox.
Bats love mosquitoes and other pests and eat hundreds a night. They can be encouraged with bat houses.
Lawns
From an environmental point of view, lawns are disastrous. In addition to using tremendous amounts of water, seventy million pounds of chemicals are dumped onto lawns every year and much of it washes into our water supply. Lawnmowers emit as much hydrocarbon in an hour as a car driven fifty miles. In addition, the chemically-treated lawn clippings that go to landfill leach into the soil. 25
* Consider replacing all or some of your lawn with rocks, ground cover, flowers, shrubs, shredded bark and so on.
* Mow your lawn on the highest setting and allow clippings to stay put.
* Use a hand-push, non-motorized mower—think of it as a good workout!
* Water as little as possible.
* Use only natural and organic fertilizers and pest controls.
Compost
Turn your kitchen scraps into “black gold” and make your own compost. Compost is the super-rich, crumbly soil that is made when dead plants and leaves are broken down by worms and microorganisms and it is super-rich fertilizer for your plants and trees. To make compost, save organic waste—vegetable and fruit parts, coffee grounds, tea, eggshells, brown paper products, grass and plant clippings. Do not add animal leftovers, dairy products, oils or waste.
Set up a three-sided stall or purchase a recycled plastic tumbling composter. (An added benefit to a tumbling composter is that it allows you to collect liquid fertilizer as well as the solid compost. Liquid fertilizer is great for indoor and outdoor plants.) Composting requires four elements to work: oxygen, water, carbon and nitrogen. Carbon is created from brown or dry materials such as brown paper bags, newspapers and leaves. Nitrogen is created from green or wet materials like fruit and vegetables, weeds and plants.
If you set up a stall for your compost, alternate layers of browns and greens, add some water, and cover with a tarp. With a tumbler, everything goes in and you roll it around. Add water as needed. Microbes will eat the mixture and the temperature heats up as material is broken down. When the pile cools to ninety or one hundred degrees, it is done and you have rich compost!
Excerpt from the award winning book, Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify & Energize Your Life, Your Home & Your Planet, copyright 2007
Eliminate the use of chemical fertilizers, toxic pesticides and herbicides unless absolutely necessary and then use only those with a “caution” label. There are organic alternatives—feed plants with compost or composted manure. For pests, try biodegradable soaps, oils and sprays and beneficial insects. Consult a holistic-type pesticide remover company. Burn citronella candles or use deet-free insect repellant to keep pests away from you.
Visit www.BeyondPesticdes.org, for natural pest control tips.
A beautiful way to attract garden pest predators is by having a water element on your property. Water gardens attract frogs, toads and garden snakes that eat insects, grubs and slugs. Any mosquitoes that are attracted by the water are eaten by the fish, toads, birds, bats and snakes.
Attracting birds to your property has many benefits. They eat bugs, and songbirds create beautiful, soothing music. They are also a joy to watch. If you have space, plant berry-producing trees and shrubs like hawthorn, toyon, dogwood, mountain ash, mahonias and viburnum to attract birds. Bird feeders and bird baths will draw birds, too.
To attract hummingbirds to your property, plant bright red and pink flowers such as ajuga, columbine, bleeding heart, lobelia, phlox, butterfly bush and veronica.
To attract butterflies, plant the flowers alyssum, butterfly bush, calendula, fennel, marigold and phlox.
Bats love mosquitoes and other pests and eat hundreds a night. They can be encouraged with bat houses.
Lawns
From an environmental point of view, lawns are disastrous. In addition to using tremendous amounts of water, seventy million pounds of chemicals are dumped onto lawns every year and much of it washes into our water supply. Lawnmowers emit as much hydrocarbon in an hour as a car driven fifty miles. In addition, the chemically-treated lawn clippings that go to landfill leach into the soil. 25
* Consider replacing all or some of your lawn with rocks, ground cover, flowers, shrubs, shredded bark and so on.
* Mow your lawn on the highest setting and allow clippings to stay put.
* Use a hand-push, non-motorized mower—think of it as a good workout!
* Water as little as possible.
* Use only natural and organic fertilizers and pest controls.
Compost
Turn your kitchen scraps into “black gold” and make your own compost. Compost is the super-rich, crumbly soil that is made when dead plants and leaves are broken down by worms and microorganisms and it is super-rich fertilizer for your plants and trees. To make compost, save organic waste—vegetable and fruit parts, coffee grounds, tea, eggshells, brown paper products, grass and plant clippings. Do not add animal leftovers, dairy products, oils or waste.
Set up a three-sided stall or purchase a recycled plastic tumbling composter. (An added benefit to a tumbling composter is that it allows you to collect liquid fertilizer as well as the solid compost. Liquid fertilizer is great for indoor and outdoor plants.) Composting requires four elements to work: oxygen, water, carbon and nitrogen. Carbon is created from brown or dry materials such as brown paper bags, newspapers and leaves. Nitrogen is created from green or wet materials like fruit and vegetables, weeds and plants.
If you set up a stall for your compost, alternate layers of browns and greens, add some water, and cover with a tarp. With a tumbler, everything goes in and you roll it around. Add water as needed. Microbes will eat the mixture and the temperature heats up as material is broken down. When the pile cools to ninety or one hundred degrees, it is done and you have rich compost!
Excerpt from the award winning book, Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify & Energize Your Life, Your Home & Your Planet, copyright 2007
Use Your Emotions to Attract Your Dreams!
In Black Sect and other Western forms of Feng Shui, visualization is a one-step process. To visualize means to form a picture in your mind of a desired outcome. So, when you place the water fountain in your living room, you see money flowing into your bank account with ease.
With Harmonious Adjustments, there is a second component to visualization. In addition to forming an image in your mind’s eye, you feel what it’s like to attain your goal. In the case of having money flowing into your bank account, allow your body to tell you how that feels. You become emotionally attached to the outcome of your desire. This time, when you place that water fountain in your living room, smile. Smile and feel the emotions of what monetary abundance means to you. Feel the emotions in your body and in your heart. You may still ‘see’ a monetary figure in your bank account, but you must also engage your emotions.
When you place an object with the desire for a particular outcome and you engage your mental and emotional energy for that same result, a huge amount of positive energy drives that wish to be made manifest. Leave no room for negative thoughts—energy—to weaken the positive energy. The object that has been placed is already infused with your positive energy; you must hold that same vibrant energy in your thoughts and body.
With Harmonious Adjustments, there is a second component to visualization. In addition to forming an image in your mind’s eye, you feel what it’s like to attain your goal. In the case of having money flowing into your bank account, allow your body to tell you how that feels. You become emotionally attached to the outcome of your desire. This time, when you place that water fountain in your living room, smile. Smile and feel the emotions of what monetary abundance means to you. Feel the emotions in your body and in your heart. You may still ‘see’ a monetary figure in your bank account, but you must also engage your emotions.
When you place an object with the desire for a particular outcome and you engage your mental and emotional energy for that same result, a huge amount of positive energy drives that wish to be made manifest. Leave no room for negative thoughts—energy—to weaken the positive energy. The object that has been placed is already infused with your positive energy; you must hold that same vibrant energy in your thoughts and body.
Do You have Hyper Kids?
My neighbor is all freaked out because her three boys and girl are finished with school for the year and they have so much energy that her husband can't stand to be around them!
It may come as a surprise that you gain control over overactive kids by reducing the energy in your home. Here are some tips:
* Reduce--or eliminate--clutter. Clutter causes stress and anxiety in adults and overactive kids.
* What color is your child's bedroom? Colors like red, orange and yellow are overstimulating. Studies have proven that red raises blood pressure! Replace with blues or purples to get a calming effect.
* Does the energy from the street rush into your front door? If so, slow it down with the addition of trees, bushes, rocks, a meandering walkway, fence.
* Is there an abundance of noise in your home from TV's, music and computers? Lower volume, decrease time spent watching TV or on computers.
* Add houseplants. They are calming and also reduce air pollution!
* Make sure your kids can get time to play in nature everyday. This not only makes them happier, burns off energy, but calms them down.
It may come as a surprise that you gain control over overactive kids by reducing the energy in your home. Here are some tips:
* Reduce--or eliminate--clutter. Clutter causes stress and anxiety in adults and overactive kids.
* What color is your child's bedroom? Colors like red, orange and yellow are overstimulating. Studies have proven that red raises blood pressure! Replace with blues or purples to get a calming effect.
* Does the energy from the street rush into your front door? If so, slow it down with the addition of trees, bushes, rocks, a meandering walkway, fence.
* Is there an abundance of noise in your home from TV's, music and computers? Lower volume, decrease time spent watching TV or on computers.
* Add houseplants. They are calming and also reduce air pollution!
* Make sure your kids can get time to play in nature everyday. This not only makes them happier, burns off energy, but calms them down.
Treat Yourself and The Planet to an Eco-friendly bed!
Because so much time is spent in bed, special consideration should be given to this piece of furniture and this is the place to splurge on the best quality, organic products that you can afford.
· Choose a good solid wood or bamboo frame that has been assembled with non-toxic glue and finishes. A slotted frame is best, as it allows air to circulate beneath it.
· When it is time to replace your mattress, opt for a chemical-free mattress made with any or all of the following materials: organic cotton, organic wool, natural latex and organic silk. Most mattresses are made from polyurethane foam plastic, sprayed with chemical fire retardants and covered with polyester. Mattresses take several years to outgas.
· Use mattress and pillow barriers to prevent and trap dust mites and protein allergens. The best mattress toppers or pads are organic wool (best choice), non- treated down or merino wool. What I especially love about wool is its wicking ability to keep you comfortable and sweat-free year-round.
· Choose sheets and blankets made from chemical-free, organic cotton, silk and wool.
· Vacuum your mattress monthly to clean out dust mites and place pillows and mattress pad in the sun, as direct sunlight kills dust mites.
· Choose comforters and pillows made from hypoallergenic down encased in organic cotton, silk or wool. Pillows made from organic buckwheat are also a great choice.
Excerpt from Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify & Energize Your Life, Your Home & Your Planet, copyright 2007.
· Choose a good solid wood or bamboo frame that has been assembled with non-toxic glue and finishes. A slotted frame is best, as it allows air to circulate beneath it.
· When it is time to replace your mattress, opt for a chemical-free mattress made with any or all of the following materials: organic cotton, organic wool, natural latex and organic silk. Most mattresses are made from polyurethane foam plastic, sprayed with chemical fire retardants and covered with polyester. Mattresses take several years to outgas.
· Use mattress and pillow barriers to prevent and trap dust mites and protein allergens. The best mattress toppers or pads are organic wool (best choice), non- treated down or merino wool. What I especially love about wool is its wicking ability to keep you comfortable and sweat-free year-round.
· Choose sheets and blankets made from chemical-free, organic cotton, silk and wool.
· Vacuum your mattress monthly to clean out dust mites and place pillows and mattress pad in the sun, as direct sunlight kills dust mites.
· Choose comforters and pillows made from hypoallergenic down encased in organic cotton, silk or wool. Pillows made from organic buckwheat are also a great choice.
Excerpt from Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify & Energize Your Life, Your Home & Your Planet, copyright 2007.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Raise The Energy in Your Home and Give Yourself a Boost!
Replacing negative or disturbed energy with positive, life-force energy is an important aspect of creating a harmonious environment. The Chinese call this energy chi, the Japanese Ki, the East Indians prana, and some Native American Indians mana. In virtually all cultures throughout history, the awareness of life force energy has been of paramount importance. When people say, 'this room feels good', they are referring to its positive life force energy.
You already employ some space clearing techniques. For example, when you clean your house, you are removing negative energy. Likewise, when you open your windows you bring in fresh, positive energy. Next time you clean your house or open windows, note how much better your home feels.
Low, negative energy in a person can manifest itself as fear, depression, illness or anger. High, positive energy in a person can manifest itself as love and joy. Surrounding yourself with positive energy in your home and workspace will help fill you with that glorious energy!
When a space feels heavy or makes one feel uncomfortable, it needs to be cleared. Negative energy is a result of many different factors. Some examples are dirt, clutter or haphazardly placed furniture. Illness, anger and fear in present or past occupants of a space will create negative energy. Negative energy may be present in your space due to a variety of reasons including technological disturbances, low frequency electromagnetic radiation, disturbed personal belongings, geological faults or pressure ridges and underground water.
I clear a space using several methods, including dowsing, smudging and using Tibetan bells.
Dowsing is an ancient practice first used to find water. Dowsing is also used to clear people and spaces. A dowsing rod locates negative energy and a pendulum releases and clears that energy. Dowsing is especially useful when moving into a new home, as it will clear the energy of the past occupants.
Smudging has traditionally been performed by Native Americans and is the ritual burning of herbs to create smoke to clear and purify a person or space. Herbs such as sage, sweetgrass and cedar are used.
Tibetan bells, whose clear lovely sound fills a space are also used to disperse negative energy and to raise vital life-force energy.
All three methods are excellent tools to clear negative energies and to allow positive energy--or chi--to flow properly and in abundance.
For more information on how to clear your home of negative energy, read Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify & Energize Your Life, Your Home & Your Planet.
You already employ some space clearing techniques. For example, when you clean your house, you are removing negative energy. Likewise, when you open your windows you bring in fresh, positive energy. Next time you clean your house or open windows, note how much better your home feels.
Low, negative energy in a person can manifest itself as fear, depression, illness or anger. High, positive energy in a person can manifest itself as love and joy. Surrounding yourself with positive energy in your home and workspace will help fill you with that glorious energy!
When a space feels heavy or makes one feel uncomfortable, it needs to be cleared. Negative energy is a result of many different factors. Some examples are dirt, clutter or haphazardly placed furniture. Illness, anger and fear in present or past occupants of a space will create negative energy. Negative energy may be present in your space due to a variety of reasons including technological disturbances, low frequency electromagnetic radiation, disturbed personal belongings, geological faults or pressure ridges and underground water.
I clear a space using several methods, including dowsing, smudging and using Tibetan bells.
Dowsing is an ancient practice first used to find water. Dowsing is also used to clear people and spaces. A dowsing rod locates negative energy and a pendulum releases and clears that energy. Dowsing is especially useful when moving into a new home, as it will clear the energy of the past occupants.
Smudging has traditionally been performed by Native Americans and is the ritual burning of herbs to create smoke to clear and purify a person or space. Herbs such as sage, sweetgrass and cedar are used.
Tibetan bells, whose clear lovely sound fills a space are also used to disperse negative energy and to raise vital life-force energy.
All three methods are excellent tools to clear negative energies and to allow positive energy--or chi--to flow properly and in abundance.
For more information on how to clear your home of negative energy, read Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify & Energize Your Life, Your Home & Your Planet.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Awesome Potato Salad
I love this potato salad! Make a few hours ahead of time or let chill overnight to allow flavors to mingle. If you like sweet, use sweet pickles or add sugar.
Serves 6
5 medium red or new potatoes, boiled until done, chop into bite sized pieces
4 eggs, boil 10 minutes, peel chop into smallish pieces
1 T or so Tabasco
3 ribs celery, chopped fine
3 half sour pickles, chopped fine
Handful of parsley, chopped fine
Small red onion, chopped fine
½ bunch of scallion, chopped fine
1/2-1 cup mayonnaise
1 juice from lemon
Salt and pepper
Black or green olives, chopped (optional)
While potatoes and eggs cooking, mix all vegetables. Cut potatoes and add lemon when hot. Mix Tabasco with a bit of mayonnaise. Mix eggs and potatoes with vegetables, add salt and pepper. Stir in mayo and Tabasco and extra mayo. Chill.
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