At this time we are entering into a higher state of consciousness and with this ascension process, there can be ‘growing pains’. Look at any given news channel for the current headlines and you will know that the world is in a major upheaval process. There seems to be much conflict collectively and perhaps conflict on an individual level as well as we are all looking to embrace the light despite the darkness that seems to be out there at this time. The death of Robin Williams was a shock to many. I just found out about the death of someone by suicide that I knew, not someone I was close to, but it made me sad nonetheless that people are feeling at their breaking point and must feel the pressure is too intense for them to stick around.

Some of the symptoms of ascension that you may feel include feeling cold at times or else the opposite extreme feeling hot, feeling intense emotions that seemingly arise out of nowhere (these emotions can be sadness, anger, frustration- they are different for everyone- our hearts are opening and we are washing out emotions that are not in alignment to a higher state of being), feelings like elements of your life do not fit you anymore or you are not clear on your direction and where you are going, feelings of being in a pressure cooker, anxiety, panic attacks, disorientation or dizziness, changes in energy levels including extreme fatigue, lack of motivation, sleep disturbances whether it be insomnia or waking at a specific time in the middle of the night and not being able to fall back asleep, stiffness in back and neck, extreme hunger or loss of appetite, weight loss or weight gain and many others. Certainly medical issues can be the cause of these symptoms and need to be ruled out but I am seeing a lot of these aspects in many people that I see.

We are looking to become our authentic selves. Letting go of old patterns that are not serving us or letting go of old beliefs that we have outgrown can be part of the picture. Releasing old programs that do not fit us anymore that don’t feel right for us. Realizing that separation is an illusion and that we are connected to a higher power or higher force of love even when we forget and go into fear about our lives.  We are releasing old attachments that prevent us from feeling like we are the empowered individuals that we are. We are feeling the death of our ego-ic self and seeing the emergence of our authentic self, one that is connected to the whole. We are experiencing more compassion and more love for those around us-again, part of our heart’s awakening. We need to have compassion for ourselves in this process as it does not always feel good especially if you are sensitive.

Some ways to assist this process or make it more manageable include getting out into nature. Being out in nature connects us to the earth element which is very grounding. Some people feel drawn to the mountains while others may feel more drawn to the water element. Go for a hike in Bragg Creek or spend more time around water whether it be a running stream or a body of water. The important thing is that you are breathing fresh air; being around plants that oxygenate the surrounding environment is vital. Leaving the city vibe behind so you are not exposed to the constant noise of construction, machinery or industry will make you feel like a new person. Do whatever feels grounding to you in terms of music, meditation, and self care. Bathing in epsom salts and baking soda can help release energy that you pick up throughout your day. Carrying pocket stones that are grounding can help as well. The Book of Stones by Robert Simmons & Naisha Ahsian is a good reference to read about the healing properties of stones. And lastly breathe! Focusing on your breath is key to making you feel more connected to yourself. All of these changes are positive and are supporting you being your most authentic, powerful and loving self.

 

 

 

Treating Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leaky gut is a common factor compromising health in western populations. Leaky gut is a situation in which the tight junctions which normally keep the intestinal lining tightly regulated begin to leak.
When there is a leaky gut, a damaged bowel lining results from poor diet, parasites, yeast, bacteria, infection, or medications, and this allows substances such as toxins, microbes, or undigested food to leak through which causes inflammation and often triggers immunological reactions. Four main causes of leaky gut include poor nutrition, chronic stress, toxin overload, and dysbiosis (an imbalance between good and bad bacteria in the gut). Toxins found in antibiotics, medications, pesticides, aspirin and NSAID use can contribute to a compromised intestinal lining. Casein found in dairy products and gluten breakdown products like gliadin found in whole wheat can cause increased inflammation in the digestive tract. Other common allergens include corn, soy, nuts, and citrus fruits.

Treating Leaky Gut involves:
1. Removing the foods that are damaging the gut and triggering the immune system. Test for food allergies and eliminate those allergenic foods for at least 3 months.
2. Replacing those foods with a healthy whole foods hypoallergenic diet.
3. Repair with targeted nutrients like glutamine (an essential amino acid that is required by gut enterocytes for growth and repair). GI Sustain and/or L-Glutamine powder.
4. Pancreatic enzymes can help breakdown food proteins to a level that maximizes absorption of food. Biogest.
5. Eliminate bad microbes that are contributing to inflammation. Berberine complex, Candaclear 4, Digesten (Juglans nigra), and Intestigen, are some of the products that I use.
6. Supplement probiotic bacteria (good bacteria) to crowd out any undesirable organisms like yeast, bad bacteria and parasites. Good bacteria contribute to healthy digestion and help create an intestinal lining that has maximal integrity. Good bacteria taken consistently may help you desensitize to the food allergies that you currently have. HMF Replenish, HMF Intensive, HMF forte are some of the products I use to replenish good bacteria.
Foods that can contribute to healing of the gut include carrot juice and cabbage juice. All non-starchy vegetables are high in phytonutrients which contribute to healing. Bone broth contains collagen and the amino acids proline and glycine that can help your damaged intestinal lining heal. Drink 1-2 cups daily. Fermented vegetables are very healing to the gut and include raw sauerkraut, kimchi and coconut kefir. Pickles (with a minimum of processing, sugar, etc) and foods like miso, tempeh (fermented organic soy) can also be supportive for a healthy gut; organic soy yogurt with live cultures can be eaten. Chia seeds, ground flax seeds and hemp seeds can provide much needed fiber and essential fatty acids for the gut. Grass fed beef, grass fed lamb and wild fish in the form of salmon, shrimp, sardines, herring can supply essential fatty acids for repair. If you do not tolerate seafood, I recommend supplementing with essential fatty acids in the form of fish and flax seed oil. Other herbs that support healing and the reduction of inflammation include Licorice root, Slippery elm, Ficus carica, Vaccinium vitis idaea, and Rosemarinus officinalis. Because grains can contribute to a leaky gut, choose non-gluten grains and soak overnight before cooking. If you are going to consume legumes (beans, lentils),I also recommend soaking overnight before consuming. Lastly stress is a huge factor which contributes to gut inflammation. Stress can be reduced by exercise, meditation, yoga, breathing exercises and emotional freedom technique; stress management should be a daily practice. This is just an introduction for leaky gut. Please come in for a proper consult if you want to know more at Parallel Wellness.

Reference: Wikipedia; Phytoembryotherapy, Doctors Franck Ledoux, Gerard Gueniot.

With the change in temperatures signalling summer and the beautiful warmth of the sun shining down, I was moved to do a post on the new consciousness. Most of the people around me are commenting on how they are wanting to reach their full potential right now. I can certainly relate to that. We are in an empowered consciousness space. It is all about being your authentic powerful self, one that is moved by love and kindness versus judgement and ego. Giving more of your richness to the world whether it be sharing your love with others, offering kindness to someone where someone else might criticize, blessing others by honoring the unique contribution that you bring into the world or that others bring into your world. In contrast to this loving space, right now, it seems as if old programs are coming up for people to be healed. Old programs of self criticism, self judgement, non-forgiveness towards the self- all these negative programs and the emotions that they evoke need to be embraced with the intention of letting them wash through you. Don’t get overly attached to what you are feeling right now. Repeat to yourself ‘This too shall pass’. We are all moving to a higher space of light and love, a higher space of self love and love for others, a personal quest to become the most authentic conscious individual that you can be. Releasing these old subconscious programs is part of the healing process that is underway right now.

In every moment, we have an ability to connect with well being and, in fact, bless other people. Think of the surroundings of your immediate environment as a beautiful milieu, one in which you can connect with other people and honor them. Say hello to people and really be in the moment with them in a sacred space. Take the time to really talk to people. Be here now. If you are fully present in the moment with others versus thinking about the next moment and what is on your to do list then you bless others.   Every moment, you have an opportunity to bless someone with love, to bring an awareness of their own beauty to their experience. If you look through the eyes of love, you are immediately drawn to what is beautiful about the other person. If you notice that and even comment about that to them, you bring that into their awareness and bless them. This experience of the other must come from the heart and be a comment that is of the purest sincerity and is genuine. When you look through the eyes of love, this often happens automatically. See everyone in your life as a miracle sent to bless your experience. This is the new consciousness that is inspired by love…