By Kimberly Judd, Red Clover Cottage www.redclovercottage.com
It’s a tale filled with speculative folklore and fascination, just do a google search and see… but no matter how it’s told, the result is many wonderful anti-plague recipes. With cold and flu season coming soon and the presence of bird and swine flus, it’s not a bad idea to give one a try.
The story is told a hundred ways but centers around the Black Death, one of the deadliest pandemics in history, peaking in Europe around 1348-1350, killing what is estimated to be as high as 60% of Europe’s population. During the plague, four thieves protected themselves using garlic and herbal vinegar while robbing the dead. They were caught and gave their secret to the justice who promptly had them hanged. And so the story goes…
There are many recipes depicting the original formula and many adopted since, some that are herbal concoctions and some that are essential oil blends. Herbs and Essential Oils have amazing anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties among other amazing therapeutic qualities. In the cottage we have two items inspired by this story, an essential oil blend that we love and an herbal tincture kit. Both are useful for illness, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and immunity.
The Essential Oil blend is called Synergy Blend 110. It contains a powerful blend of Ravensara, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Lemon, Orange, Clove, & Cinnamon Essential Oils. Its possible aromatherapy uses are for Immune Support, Colds, Flu, Exhaustion, Fatigue, Anti-bacterial, Anti-viral, Bronchitis, Uplifting, & Energizing. I like to add some Oregano and Palmarosa Essential Oils, as well, for a powerful fix during a severe cold or flu. I use a diluted amount on my chest and soles of my feet. The Herbal Tincture Kit is a DIY kit for making a gallon of a garlic herbal vinegar tincture similar to many of the anti-plague recipes. The herbs contained in the kit include Slippery Elm, Cinnamon Bark, Mullein Leaf, Marshmallow Root, Scullcap, Uva Ursi, Black Walnut Hulls, Lobelia, Wormwood, and White Oak Bark. The herbs in this kit are designed to support your body and immune system during colds, flus, viruses, or pandemics. The taste is, well… it’s strong! Would make a fantastic salad dressing actually… but I just take a spoonful and wash it down with juice as a daily tonic for about a week periodically to bolster my immune system or during illness! Here is a side bonus: mosquitoes hate garlic! Happy anti-plaguing… Contact Kimberly via email at redclovercottage@yahoo.com
Friday, August 28, 2009
Eucalyptus Essential Oil to Get the Stains Out!
By Kimberly Judd, Red Clover Cottage LLC www.redclovercottage.com
Eucalyptus is one of my favorite essential oils; I have a newfound respect for it though. Eucalyptus is steam distilled from the stems, branches and leaves of the Eucalyptus Globulus tree, native to Australia, also known as the “fever tree” because of its ancient use to reduce fevers. You’ll recognize it’s aroma as strong camphorous, herbaceous, with soft woody undertones almost like pine. Eucalyptus essential oil blends really well with many other oils including Pine, Lavender, Bergamot, Orange, Lemon, Marjoram, and Rosemary.
I’ve known for a long time that it’s great for colds and flus… it’s a must have in chest and muscle rubs and it helps with many skin ailments including bites and it’s fantastic at reducing fevers, I’ve even known it was great for removing sticky tape or label residue, just use it like the Goo Gone stuff. However, I’ve recently discovered a new use; it’s fantastic at getting out stains on clothes! I’d heard of this before, but never put it to a practical test.
It started not too long ago when I found I’d gotten a black greasy stain on the elbow of a really nice church sweater, I tried and tried to hand wash it out and was just sick about it, then it dawned on me to try the Eucalyptus. I applied some and continued to use my soft toothbrush to gently work it out. It miraculously came out completely. I was amazed!!! Then I started thinking, since I work with lots of fixed oils, I have several shirts that have old stains in them that just have never come out, I’ve learned to live with it and never wear anything to work that I really care too much about. I used the Eucalyptus like a pretreatment and it worked! Finally, I put it to the ultimate test… my husband was barbecuing and accidently got one of our potholders all greasy from the grill. I thought I’d have to throw it away, seriously… but I pretreated it with Eucalyptus and voila, no stain!
I am in love with Eucalyptus all over again and amazed at its usefulness. I hope you will take some time to get to know the many uses of Eucalyptus Essential Oil and start reducing the use of harmful toxins in your everyday life! It’s easy, it’s fun, and it’s simple, it’s just plain good! Contact Kimberly via email at redclovercottage@yahoo.com
Eucalyptus is one of my favorite essential oils; I have a newfound respect for it though. Eucalyptus is steam distilled from the stems, branches and leaves of the Eucalyptus Globulus tree, native to Australia, also known as the “fever tree” because of its ancient use to reduce fevers. You’ll recognize it’s aroma as strong camphorous, herbaceous, with soft woody undertones almost like pine. Eucalyptus essential oil blends really well with many other oils including Pine, Lavender, Bergamot, Orange, Lemon, Marjoram, and Rosemary.
I’ve known for a long time that it’s great for colds and flus… it’s a must have in chest and muscle rubs and it helps with many skin ailments including bites and it’s fantastic at reducing fevers, I’ve even known it was great for removing sticky tape or label residue, just use it like the Goo Gone stuff. However, I’ve recently discovered a new use; it’s fantastic at getting out stains on clothes! I’d heard of this before, but never put it to a practical test.
It started not too long ago when I found I’d gotten a black greasy stain on the elbow of a really nice church sweater, I tried and tried to hand wash it out and was just sick about it, then it dawned on me to try the Eucalyptus. I applied some and continued to use my soft toothbrush to gently work it out. It miraculously came out completely. I was amazed!!! Then I started thinking, since I work with lots of fixed oils, I have several shirts that have old stains in them that just have never come out, I’ve learned to live with it and never wear anything to work that I really care too much about. I used the Eucalyptus like a pretreatment and it worked! Finally, I put it to the ultimate test… my husband was barbecuing and accidently got one of our potholders all greasy from the grill. I thought I’d have to throw it away, seriously… but I pretreated it with Eucalyptus and voila, no stain!
I am in love with Eucalyptus all over again and amazed at its usefulness. I hope you will take some time to get to know the many uses of Eucalyptus Essential Oil and start reducing the use of harmful toxins in your everyday life! It’s easy, it’s fun, and it’s simple, it’s just plain good! Contact Kimberly via email at redclovercottage@yahoo.com
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Daily Affirmation
"You are not a helpless victim of your own thoughts, but rather a master of your own mind." Louise Hay
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
Daily Affirmation
When I forget how to laugh, I seek the company of children or people who are funny! If none are around, I laugh out loud by myself... laugh often, it releases endorphins!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Daily Affirmation
I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.
Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Daily Affirmation
Work & Love, these are the basics; Waking life is a dream controlled. ~ George Santayana
Monday, February 23, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted. ~ Albert Einstein
I've been thinking about the economy. Since I have a feeling I will be long winded I'll start by summing a few things up. If you stopped at these things, you would get all of what I’m trying to impart in this rambling on:
a) Change brings Opportunity
b) Gratitude brings Peace, Perspective, Humility, & a sense of Abundance to ANY situation
c) Your own personal economy is a state of mind, just like the real economy is largely perception and state of mind.
d) We need very little material things to live and be happy
Here are some quotes from a group I belong to on FB called "I choose not to participate in the recession, I choose abundance":
a) Abundance is not something we acquire. It is something we tune into.
b) Life is a field of unlimited possibilities.
c) The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.
d) Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted.
Now I don't pretend that I've had everything to do with the direction my life has taken, sometimes we don't make the best decisions for ourselves... but I did make a distinct decision to live my life by inspiration about 2 1/2 yrs. ago, knowing that my Heavenly Father would lead and guide me to my greatest good and it would take me where I needed to go and be. I sit in amazement at what has transpired because of that decision and with His help. It all started more like 5 years ago really when I began a series of radically "Simplifying" my life and I also joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I mention that, because I think it's important to understanding my journey. To make an incredibly long story short suffice it to say, after several major downsizings in my life, I now perfectly and happily live in roughly 400 square feet, I own less personal possesssions than almost any other time in my life, and although I've never been so technically poor: I've never felt this incredibly rich! I am so blessed beyond measure. I no longer participate in materialism. I find value only in those things that really matter. I care more about myself, my family, my environment, and those around me. I don't let the state of the economy affect me, it may bother me because it is a sign of the times and it hurts those around me. But I am full of abundance, things that cannot be taken from me, things that are imovable! That doesn't mean that life isn't tough, I have so many pressures on me that it's very hard not to let them weigh me down and overwhelm me. If I don't "fill my tank" on a regular basis with scripture study and my canyon drives to unwind and clear my head, life get's the better of me. I only just recently figured out the secret recipe to avoid the viscious cycle of being on a high in life then crashing in overwhelmedness... staying positive, healthy and happy with a feeling of true abundance, the kind of abundance you can't count. To wrap up, mind you this won't be short, I will re-iterate two of the most important ingredients for me and my journey, outside of THE most important one: Spirituality. Spirituality should be at the center of our universe. Spirituality may be different for you, but for me, it is a love for and desire to be like Christ, to live a purposeful life here on earth, striving to live His commandments, loving and serving our fellow man, and sometimes simply "enduring" to the end, avoiding Satan’s tools such as fear and guilt, all the while: searching, learning, growing, and praying always, so that we can return to live with our Heavenly Father and our eternal families some day. My "Ultimate Goal" in life (inspired by a talk I saw Steven Covey give) is to Return to My Father in Heaven, it's that simple. If I constantly assure that my shorter term goals align with that one, it gives my life the correct purpose, direction, and priority. Should you want to know more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, there is great info. at www.mormon.org The other two ingredients have to do with 1) My New Year’s Resolution- enjoying the journey and 2) My February Newsletter Monthly Habit- Clearing Mental Toxins.
1) My New Year’s Resolution- enjoying the journey: I implemented a simple step toward enjoying the journey each day this year- at 12:00noon I set my alarm and when it goes off, I first crack a HUMONGOUS smile (I already do this every morning when my eyes pop open), then I take a silent moment and am grateful for not only my blessings, but whatever I have accomplished in the day, whether it is what I'd planned or not, whether it is just simply experiencing a visit from a friendly customer, getting something unexpected done, or getting nothing done but still going on my morning hike or hugging my children, whatever it was... I feel real gratitude for it! If I am in front of someone, I will simply crack the big smile at them and do it later! I was speaking with my business/life coach Cindy Pietersel of www.design-your-success.com and I realized that this simple act, that she helped me formulate, has transfigured my entire life's perspective in a short amount of time, I explained to her that I still had lots of concerns, but that they didn't concern me, tee hee! That is HUGE for me... and it is the truth! I have a greater sense of abundance, gratitude, fulfillment and love and almost no fear, guilt, frustration, confusion or concerns. This act has also lead me to my monthly habit for February.
2) My February Newsletter Monthly Habit- Clearing Mental Toxins. Just like we don't use chemicals on our bodies or in our cleaners we should focus on keeping our thoughts and minds free of toxins. Using positive self talk, watching and listening to only uplifting music and tv, being in service more of our fellow man and the like. I'm doing my best to improve in this area this month and I can see a profound difference in my demeanor, my outlook and perspective. The hardest part for me is watching less, mindless movies (I don't watch TV but I have a serious DVD addiction). Our thoughts are powerful driving forces in our lives; let’s keep them "clean and green" just like our household cleaners... (and of course, for our all natural household cleaners and handmade natural soaps please see our website at www.redclovercottage.com- website shopping will be up and running very soon!) It would do a world of good! Well, I wish you all a heart filled with peace and days filled with balance and purpose as you travel on your life's journey and carve out your own abundant personal economy!
a) Change brings Opportunity
b) Gratitude brings Peace, Perspective, Humility, & a sense of Abundance to ANY situation
c) Your own personal economy is a state of mind, just like the real economy is largely perception and state of mind.
d) We need very little material things to live and be happy
Here are some quotes from a group I belong to on FB called "I choose not to participate in the recession, I choose abundance":
a) Abundance is not something we acquire. It is something we tune into.
b) Life is a field of unlimited possibilities.
c) The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.
d) Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted.
Now I don't pretend that I've had everything to do with the direction my life has taken, sometimes we don't make the best decisions for ourselves... but I did make a distinct decision to live my life by inspiration about 2 1/2 yrs. ago, knowing that my Heavenly Father would lead and guide me to my greatest good and it would take me where I needed to go and be. I sit in amazement at what has transpired because of that decision and with His help. It all started more like 5 years ago really when I began a series of radically "Simplifying" my life and I also joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I mention that, because I think it's important to understanding my journey. To make an incredibly long story short suffice it to say, after several major downsizings in my life, I now perfectly and happily live in roughly 400 square feet, I own less personal possesssions than almost any other time in my life, and although I've never been so technically poor: I've never felt this incredibly rich! I am so blessed beyond measure. I no longer participate in materialism. I find value only in those things that really matter. I care more about myself, my family, my environment, and those around me. I don't let the state of the economy affect me, it may bother me because it is a sign of the times and it hurts those around me. But I am full of abundance, things that cannot be taken from me, things that are imovable! That doesn't mean that life isn't tough, I have so many pressures on me that it's very hard not to let them weigh me down and overwhelm me. If I don't "fill my tank" on a regular basis with scripture study and my canyon drives to unwind and clear my head, life get's the better of me. I only just recently figured out the secret recipe to avoid the viscious cycle of being on a high in life then crashing in overwhelmedness... staying positive, healthy and happy with a feeling of true abundance, the kind of abundance you can't count. To wrap up, mind you this won't be short, I will re-iterate two of the most important ingredients for me and my journey, outside of THE most important one: Spirituality. Spirituality should be at the center of our universe. Spirituality may be different for you, but for me, it is a love for and desire to be like Christ, to live a purposeful life here on earth, striving to live His commandments, loving and serving our fellow man, and sometimes simply "enduring" to the end, avoiding Satan’s tools such as fear and guilt, all the while: searching, learning, growing, and praying always, so that we can return to live with our Heavenly Father and our eternal families some day. My "Ultimate Goal" in life (inspired by a talk I saw Steven Covey give) is to Return to My Father in Heaven, it's that simple. If I constantly assure that my shorter term goals align with that one, it gives my life the correct purpose, direction, and priority. Should you want to know more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, there is great info. at www.mormon.org The other two ingredients have to do with 1) My New Year’s Resolution- enjoying the journey and 2) My February Newsletter Monthly Habit- Clearing Mental Toxins.
1) My New Year’s Resolution- enjoying the journey: I implemented a simple step toward enjoying the journey each day this year- at 12:00noon I set my alarm and when it goes off, I first crack a HUMONGOUS smile (I already do this every morning when my eyes pop open), then I take a silent moment and am grateful for not only my blessings, but whatever I have accomplished in the day, whether it is what I'd planned or not, whether it is just simply experiencing a visit from a friendly customer, getting something unexpected done, or getting nothing done but still going on my morning hike or hugging my children, whatever it was... I feel real gratitude for it! If I am in front of someone, I will simply crack the big smile at them and do it later! I was speaking with my business/life coach Cindy Pietersel of www.design-your-success.com and I realized that this simple act, that she helped me formulate, has transfigured my entire life's perspective in a short amount of time, I explained to her that I still had lots of concerns, but that they didn't concern me, tee hee! That is HUGE for me... and it is the truth! I have a greater sense of abundance, gratitude, fulfillment and love and almost no fear, guilt, frustration, confusion or concerns. This act has also lead me to my monthly habit for February.
2) My February Newsletter Monthly Habit- Clearing Mental Toxins. Just like we don't use chemicals on our bodies or in our cleaners we should focus on keeping our thoughts and minds free of toxins. Using positive self talk, watching and listening to only uplifting music and tv, being in service more of our fellow man and the like. I'm doing my best to improve in this area this month and I can see a profound difference in my demeanor, my outlook and perspective. The hardest part for me is watching less, mindless movies (I don't watch TV but I have a serious DVD addiction). Our thoughts are powerful driving forces in our lives; let’s keep them "clean and green" just like our household cleaners... (and of course, for our all natural household cleaners and handmade natural soaps please see our website at www.redclovercottage.com- website shopping will be up and running very soon!) It would do a world of good! Well, I wish you all a heart filled with peace and days filled with balance and purpose as you travel on your life's journey and carve out your own abundant personal economy!
Daily Affirmation
Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted. ~ Albert Einstein
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Daily Affirmation
The state of your life is nothing more than a reflection of your state of mind. Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Daily Affirmation
"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities have crept in, forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day, you shall begin it serenly and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense." Ralph Waldo Emerson
Friday, February 13, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Daily Affirmation
"As your understanding of life continues to grow, you can walk upon this planet safe and secure, always moving forward toward your greater good." Louise Hay
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
Essential Oils ~ For Cold Sores and Cankers
I get asked all the time if there are any essential oils that are good for cold and canker sores. The answer is yes! There are two that come to mind, the most common being Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), but the one that works best for me is Ravensara (Ravensara aromatica) an excellent oil from Madagascar. Some people find a combination of the two is best or adding equal amounts of lavender helps with inflammation and pain as well.
For application, some people can tolerate these oils undiluted dropped on the affected area or with a q-tip or cottonball. Since, essential oils are recommended in dilution however, you can mix with a carrier oil such as olive oil or ricebran, 30 drops of essential oils to 1 oz carrier oil is a 5% dilution. Another way is to create your own salve by making "unpetroleum jelly", "natures jelly", or purchasing a base salve. See our website, www.redclovercottage.com for a base unscented salve or make your own:
Nature's Jelly, aka Un-Petroleum Jelly aka Unscented Salve:
In a double boiler combine a base oil of your choice such as rice bran, olive oil, sweet almond oil, etc... about 1/2 - 1 c. with about 1 oz of beeswax, once melted you can add your essential oils (30 drops per oz. for a 5% dilution), pour into tins or containers and let harden. To adjust the consistency: re-melt and add more beeswax to harden or more oils to soften. This is wonderful for application to the lips and dry cracked heels too! This would be a large recipe for a small lip application so you may want to infuse the oils into a small amount of the finished batch: To infuse oils into a salve that has already hardened, simply mix in or re-melt and mix in.
For application, some people can tolerate these oils undiluted dropped on the affected area or with a q-tip or cottonball. Since, essential oils are recommended in dilution however, you can mix with a carrier oil such as olive oil or ricebran, 30 drops of essential oils to 1 oz carrier oil is a 5% dilution. Another way is to create your own salve by making "unpetroleum jelly", "natures jelly", or purchasing a base salve. See our website, www.redclovercottage.com for a base unscented salve or make your own:
Nature's Jelly, aka Un-Petroleum Jelly aka Unscented Salve:
In a double boiler combine a base oil of your choice such as rice bran, olive oil, sweet almond oil, etc... about 1/2 - 1 c. with about 1 oz of beeswax, once melted you can add your essential oils (30 drops per oz. for a 5% dilution), pour into tins or containers and let harden. To adjust the consistency: re-melt and add more beeswax to harden or more oils to soften. This is wonderful for application to the lips and dry cracked heels too! This would be a large recipe for a small lip application so you may want to infuse the oils into a small amount of the finished batch: To infuse oils into a salve that has already hardened, simply mix in or re-melt and mix in.
Daily Affirmation
"You are the power in your world! You get to have whatever you choose to think!" ~ Louise Hay
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Massage YES! But Reiki and Hypnosis were certainly just right outside of my comfort zone... until recently.
Yesterday I was getting my hair done and although I don’t normally do so, I picked up the Dec 2008 issue of Vogue. I read a quote from Jennifer Aniston that basically said everything we ever want can be achieved; it’s just right outside of our comfort zone! That really struck a cord with me, because most good things in life or certainly some amazing growth opportunities are achieved when we step out of our comfort zones. I was fortunate enough, prior to opening Red Clover Cottage, to fall into a 17 yr career that constantly took me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to grow in ways I never thought possible. I’m always amazed at how often I reflect back to those awkward times and am grateful for them, they’ve made me who I am today and I think I’m more open-minded because of it.
Massage YES! But Reiki and Hypnosis were certainly just right outside of my comfort zone... until recently. Since experiencing them, I don’t really know how I lived without them and I look to the future with great anticipation of what I can accomplish with a regular regimen of Massage, Reiki, and Hypnosis. These are my assessments:
Massage is incredibly healthy and when you have stress, sore, tense, or knotted up muscles, there is nothing like it to make you all better. Coupled with aromatherapy, it’s one of the most pleasurable things to behold.
Reiki is defined as “life force energy”. It is a wonderful hodgepodge: it can incorporate energy work and meditation or guided imagery into a light massage with some reflexology and even some drum work at times among many other possible and wonderful experiences (each practitioner is different, just as massage therapists are). It takes your state of mind to a deeply relaxed, loving and healing place. Some people find it spiritual, some healing, and some simply find it deeply relaxing or all of the above.
Hypnotherapy is a phenomenal technique. We can see a therapist for specific issues or we can learn to do it ourselves for deep meditation and self hypnosis. This technique is best described as a state of deep relaxation in which we can bypass our conscious mind and access the subconscious; once there, great change, pain control and healing can occur. Unlike popular belief, it is not a weak state in which we can “be controlled”, in fact it is a “heightened” and focused state of awareness where we can never do anything that is against any value system that we have.
I’ve had 1 Reiki Visit and 2 Hypnotherapy sessions and both are not only extremely fascinating… they are teaching me how to meditate, which has been elusive to me in the past! Despite taking Yoga class and other more direct attempts to learn meditation, I’ve never been able to stop my thoughts from buzzing around all over the place. My hypnotherapist assures me, with practice, I’ll be able to “self-hypnotize” effectively. It is getting easier! I’ve been googling around and I’ve learned that meditation and hypnosis are the same but different. From what I gather meditation is stilling the mind of all thoughts, you may go to a happy little place for you, such as a field of flowers, an oceanside, a mountain top etc… and you come back refreshed; whereas hypnotherapy takes it a step farther to then work with the subconscious on a particular issue. The relaxation pose that you see most people in for meditation (is it called lotus position?) was originally used because it’s not the most comfortable, to keep you from going into hypnosis. Interesting and fascinating! Do you have trouble meditating or are you a pro? Share your thoughts and experiences with me! Make it a great day…
Massage YES! But Reiki and Hypnosis were certainly just right outside of my comfort zone... until recently. Since experiencing them, I don’t really know how I lived without them and I look to the future with great anticipation of what I can accomplish with a regular regimen of Massage, Reiki, and Hypnosis. These are my assessments:
Massage is incredibly healthy and when you have stress, sore, tense, or knotted up muscles, there is nothing like it to make you all better. Coupled with aromatherapy, it’s one of the most pleasurable things to behold.
Reiki is defined as “life force energy”. It is a wonderful hodgepodge: it can incorporate energy work and meditation or guided imagery into a light massage with some reflexology and even some drum work at times among many other possible and wonderful experiences (each practitioner is different, just as massage therapists are). It takes your state of mind to a deeply relaxed, loving and healing place. Some people find it spiritual, some healing, and some simply find it deeply relaxing or all of the above.
Hypnotherapy is a phenomenal technique. We can see a therapist for specific issues or we can learn to do it ourselves for deep meditation and self hypnosis. This technique is best described as a state of deep relaxation in which we can bypass our conscious mind and access the subconscious; once there, great change, pain control and healing can occur. Unlike popular belief, it is not a weak state in which we can “be controlled”, in fact it is a “heightened” and focused state of awareness where we can never do anything that is against any value system that we have.
I’ve had 1 Reiki Visit and 2 Hypnotherapy sessions and both are not only extremely fascinating… they are teaching me how to meditate, which has been elusive to me in the past! Despite taking Yoga class and other more direct attempts to learn meditation, I’ve never been able to stop my thoughts from buzzing around all over the place. My hypnotherapist assures me, with practice, I’ll be able to “self-hypnotize” effectively. It is getting easier! I’ve been googling around and I’ve learned that meditation and hypnosis are the same but different. From what I gather meditation is stilling the mind of all thoughts, you may go to a happy little place for you, such as a field of flowers, an oceanside, a mountain top etc… and you come back refreshed; whereas hypnotherapy takes it a step farther to then work with the subconscious on a particular issue. The relaxation pose that you see most people in for meditation (is it called lotus position?) was originally used because it’s not the most comfortable, to keep you from going into hypnosis. Interesting and fascinating! Do you have trouble meditating or are you a pro? Share your thoughts and experiences with me! Make it a great day…
Monday, February 2, 2009
Reflections: January's Habit- Eating less meat
In the Red Clover Cottage newsletter I have a section called "A Little Greener Tips"... as I am on a continual path to becoming a little greener than I was before. This year I’d like to concentrate on simple ways I can live a more natural lifestyle. Readers can join me on my journey as I practice a new habit each month. January's habit was eating less meat. These are my reflections:
So I stopped eating meat, except for fish in the middle of last year. At first I was doing good and I looked forward to Thanksgiving when I would indulge in a true Thanksgiving meal. It was really nice, however I slowly let meat creep back in. After some more practice in January, which went well most of the time, and some reflections, I have come to three conclusions or enlightenment for myself:
1) I am best suited to being a "part time" non meat eater, perhaps going meatless 4 of 7 days; and that is ok, probably healthiest even for me. If fulltime meat eaters would opt to eat even just one meatless day a week, it would do a world of good... Not only for the environment but also for their health!
2) If you are just starting out on this lifestyle: Not telling your kids about your new state of cooking or eating is a good thing... just ease into it without making a fuss! This is best to avoid the: "is this 'real' meat" comments, and whether it's good or not they don't like it! Just introduce your new creations and meals as something new. There are plenty of tasty non meat dishes to keep trying until your family likes them. Or just try a finger food tray with veggies and bean dips etc... you'll be surprised the creativity that exists within! If all else fails, grilled cheese and soup mmm....
3) Lentil Loaf rocks! Here is the recipe I adapted. There is a lot of room for playing with this to get the texture and spices they way you like.
This is basically a double batch because I LOVE a meatloaf sandwhich and a lentil loaf sandwhich was almost better than lentil loaf smothered in ketchup the night before! Yummmo!
2 c. dried Lentils (cooked and cooled)
I cooked the lentils in 3 c. water 50 min +/- , do not salt the water!
1/4 c. walnuts (finely chopped) optional
1/4 c. flax seed (finely ground) optional
2 c. oats (not the quick kind)
4 slices bread or 2c. (toasted and chopped or bread crumbs)
1 sm/md onion or 1c. (chopped)
3 small or 2 large eggs
Spices - you could use what you have and like, here is what I did:
1/4 tsp. Tumeric, 1 tsp. chopped garlic, 1/4 tsp. poultry seasoning, pepper,
Baked at 300 for 1 hr.
I also drizzled olive oil and added potatoes & carrots before cooking.
So I stopped eating meat, except for fish in the middle of last year. At first I was doing good and I looked forward to Thanksgiving when I would indulge in a true Thanksgiving meal. It was really nice, however I slowly let meat creep back in. After some more practice in January, which went well most of the time, and some reflections, I have come to three conclusions or enlightenment for myself:
1) I am best suited to being a "part time" non meat eater, perhaps going meatless 4 of 7 days; and that is ok, probably healthiest even for me. If fulltime meat eaters would opt to eat even just one meatless day a week, it would do a world of good... Not only for the environment but also for their health!
2) If you are just starting out on this lifestyle: Not telling your kids about your new state of cooking or eating is a good thing... just ease into it without making a fuss! This is best to avoid the: "is this 'real' meat" comments, and whether it's good or not they don't like it! Just introduce your new creations and meals as something new. There are plenty of tasty non meat dishes to keep trying until your family likes them. Or just try a finger food tray with veggies and bean dips etc... you'll be surprised the creativity that exists within! If all else fails, grilled cheese and soup mmm....
3) Lentil Loaf rocks! Here is the recipe I adapted. There is a lot of room for playing with this to get the texture and spices they way you like.
This is basically a double batch because I LOVE a meatloaf sandwhich and a lentil loaf sandwhich was almost better than lentil loaf smothered in ketchup the night before! Yummmo!
2 c. dried Lentils (cooked and cooled)
I cooked the lentils in 3 c. water 50 min +/- , do not salt the water!
1/4 c. walnuts (finely chopped) optional
1/4 c. flax seed (finely ground) optional
2 c. oats (not the quick kind)
4 slices bread or 2c. (toasted and chopped or bread crumbs)
1 sm/md onion or 1c. (chopped)
3 small or 2 large eggs
Spices - you could use what you have and like, here is what I did:
1/4 tsp. Tumeric, 1 tsp. chopped garlic, 1/4 tsp. poultry seasoning, pepper,
Baked at 300 for 1 hr.
I also drizzled olive oil and added potatoes & carrots before cooking.
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