Keeping Track of Your Health and Fitness

It is hard to fall off the fitness and health wagon when you don't write it down. I find that I eat better and am more likely to work out when I have to jot it down. Why? This is because I physically see all the things I eat that day and I am more likely to want to write something healthy down so I eat a lot healthier. Read more for some tips on how to create a "Health and Fitness Journal".

How to Gaze at the Sun

In this post, I am going to teach you how to stare at the sun safely for your health and well being. Everything in the universe is created from sound and light energy, so staring at the sun is like taking in pure energy straight from the source. Many people in India have been studied who have sungazed and do not require food anymore because they are taking all of their energy in from the sun and converting it for use in the body. Just know that food should not be our only method of nutrition. The sun is one of those alternative forms. Do not be afraid of it or block yourself from it by using sunscreens. The sun itself will not cause cancer, if anything, the chemicals in the sunblocks will cause the cancers that people are so afraid of. Also, do not wear sunglasses. They filter out the important light spectrum that we need to survive and thrive optimally. Sungazing is an ancient practice, and should be practiced regularly to receie it's many benefits. Everyone has their own personal experience with it, but I urge you to try it and see how it goes. Just remember, do not hold fear in your heart for the sun keeps all life alive and thriving. Without it, we would not be here. Everything and everyone depends on everything else in the universe. Express love for the beauty of light while you stare at the sun because gratitude is important.

Benefits from Sungazing

-Increased energy*

-Decreased need for food*

-Improved eyesight*

-Increased spiritual activation and connection with higher self*

-Chakra activation*

-Elevated mood*

-Cure all diseases*

-Ancient practice of connecting to source*

-Best of all..... IT'S FREE! 

(*these claims are not scientifically backed)

You want to sungaze an hour after the sun has risen, or an hour before the sunsets. You can check your local times to see when it is safest. During this hour gap, the UV index is at 0. The sun will NOT HARM your eyes. If anything, it will improve your eyesight!

Directions
1. Gaze only an hour after sunrise or an hour before sunset
2. Stare directly at the sun with eyes open (you can blink of course). Start with 10 seconds per day and increase your time by 10 seconds every day. If the clouds are out then repeat the time from the last sunny day that you observed. Sungaze everyday until you have reached 45 minutes, then do a 15 minute maintenance sungaze per day.
3. When you gaze, stand on sand or dirt. This is to fully ground the bodies electromagnetic energies while taking in the suns energy. If sand isn't available, stand on these in order: bare dirt, mud, road, concrete (also try not to stand in water, or walk on grass or rocks)
4. Go for a 45 minute walk DAILY in addition to your sungazing practice. Try to do this barefoot. If you do barefoot walking, your feet might be sore for a few weeks, but you will get used to it. "If mind accepts, body will adapt. If body adapts, mind accepts"

TIPS:
-Sunrise is stronger than sunset
-If sungaze time is too long, you can split between sunrise and sunset
-Soften your gaze around the sun, and don't focus on one exact point

Let me know if you have any questions about this wonderful practice :)
Remember that you are a sovereign being of light, and are oh so powerful. Shine as bright as the sun everyday, and pave the way for love and positive change.

This post is written by Michael.
Adapted from: 
HRM Phenomena

6 Cleansing Methods to Get Clean

With the start of the new year, it is a great time to start a cleanse. Our bodies are consistently enduring many toxins and attempting to clear themselves. Cleansing detox diets are short term methods to help clear the system from toxins from processed foods and the environment. Also, cleanses are a great way to beat addictions such as caffeine, alcohol, and sugar. These cleanses can bring mental clarity, spiritual uplifting, and help you feel better.

6 Cleanses to Get Clean

1. Master Cleanse: This cleanse involves consuming a mixture of lemon juice, maple syrup, water, and cayenne pepper. This mix is consumed multiple times per day over a span of about ten days. Also salt water flushes in the morning and laxative teas are used at night to further cleanse the system.
pro: better sleep, improved complexion, more energy, weight loss, increased strength, reduced swelling and pain
cons: can lead to muscle breakdown, vitamin deficiencies, headaches
*read book The Complete Master Cleanse by Tom Woloshyn or research online for more info

2. Green Smoothie Detox Diet: This cleanse involves drinking fruits and vegetables through smoothies. You want to shoot for about fifteen servings of fruit and vegetables per day. Additional foods besides fruit and veggies allowed are: bee pollen, chia seeds, herbs, raw cacao, coconut, flaxseed oil, goji berries, maple syrup, stevia, honey, and avocado.
pro: good source of fiber to get things moving
cons: can experience headaches and fatigue because of toxin elimination

3. Fresh Fruit Cleanse: This cleanse was created by Leanne Hall who is a yoga instructor and nutrition enthusiast. It lasts between one to seven days. The fruit works to restore metabolism and strengthen digestive action of the intestines. Recommended foods are: mangos, pears, bananas, raspberries, plantains, dates, figs, lemons, tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, eggplants, zucchinis, avocados, coconut milk, spirulina, raw cacao, hemp seeds, flaxseeds, olive oil, balsamic vinegar herbs, and spices. It is called the fresh fruit cleanse, but can include some veggies too as listed above
pro: affordable, encourages fruit an veggie intake
con: food needs to be prepped and can be time consuming
*read book Fresh Fruit Cleanse by Leanne Hall for more information

4. Raw Food Cleanse: The idea behind this cleanse is that when we eat too many cooked foods, our bodies use energy that normally goes towards detoxification to assimilate these foods. This cleanse will help to get rid of waste without gaining more junk along the way. Eating habits include organic raw vegetables, fruits, seeds, and sprouts. Avocados, nuts and coconuts aren't allowed for this cleanse because they reduce the efficacy of cleansing and can tax the liver if consumed in large quantities. You must eat at least one pound of leafy greens per day as well. This cleanse normally lasts about 7-10 days. This cleanse also recommends a 24 hour water faster prior to starting.
pro: rejuvenation, energy, weight loss, mental clarity
con: may experience discomfort as toxins leave the body

5. Juice Cleanse: This cleanse requires that you have a juicer, which can be costly. Juice cleanses last at least three days normally and require fruit and vegetable juices. Prior to this type of cleanse you want to eliminate caffeine, processed foods, and sugar from your diet. This is to help avert negative cravings and headaches. You want to drink around 32-96 ounces of juice each day. Half of the juice should come from greens. Warm water is drank between the juices too to help elimination.
pro: increased energy, heal without drugs, maintain stamina
con: costly to buy massive amounts of fruits and veggies, juicers range from $60-1000, need to consume juice immediately after it is made since phytochemicals break down.

6. PH Cleanse: With this cleanse, you consume fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. It prohibits meats, dairy sweets, alcohol, condiments, and artifical sweeteners. The idea behind this cleanse is that you eat foods that have a more alkaline pH. When we eat too many acidic foods such as meat and dairy, it disrupts the homeostasis within our bodies and can cause disease and illness. Balancing our pH with more alkaline foods increases our energy and helps us to recover faster and fight infections. You should do frequent saliva pH tests daily and try and shoot for a pH between 7.35-7.45. This cleanse also calls for two enemas daily
pro: alkaline foods are plant based and nourishing, can resolve pain, increase energy and sense of well being
con: two enemas daily can lead to electrolyte imbalance, negative feelings from toxins leaving body

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Karel and I tried the master cleanse about a year ago and it was great to clear out the system, but it got a bit repetitive and the drinks did not taste very good at all. With all of these cleanses feel out your body and remember that these cleanses are meant to be used for the short term. Note that you don't have to follow these cleanses directly as they are stated, but adapt them as you wish and listen to your body. Also, please consult a doctor before choosing to make any drastic dietary changes, and research each cleanse further independently so you know what to expect.

One more thing... It is BEST to start a cleanse during the spring and summer seasons.

This post is written by Michael.
Adapted from: 
Style Magazine 
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