Mystic Cookie

Mind Your Own Business

August 4, 2016 laviniachristine

Comparison

In today’s world we have become overly obsessed with others lives, becoming voyeurs and observes rather than participators. Social network keeps us connected in ways unknown ten years ago and allows for constant insight into others daily goings on. These snapshots into another’s world are highly edited and demonstrate only a chosen few moments in what is probably a day much like our own. Work, family, sleep, repeat. In reality we have become less connected on a spiritual level and have forgotten what needs attention in our own world.

“If each of us sweeps in front of our own steps, the whole world will be clean.”

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Parents used to tell us to mind our own business and this adage still holds true today. When we become more concerned with another’s life, we neglect our own. We begin to live in a false world with no connection to reality. The real talk is that everyone, and I mean everyone has had bad stuff happen to them. No one is immune to challenges even if they appear happier than a kid at Christmas in their Instagram photos. I am sure they worry about their body, their finances, if they are loved or lovable, what direction they want to go in life, what their friends think of them…. the list goes on. The human condition does not discriminate. No one gets out of here alive.

For this reason, Goethe’s piece speaks to me. He points out that we should not be collecting the spoils of hard work or “gathering the ripe gold ears” without having watering the crops with our tears.

We must not hope to be mowers, And to gather the ripe gold ears, Unless we have first been sowers And water the furrows with tears. It is not just as we take it, This mystical world of ours, Lifes field will yield as we make it A harvest of thorns or of flowers.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Not only is this sentiment beautiful, but it is also true. No one gets a free pass to eternal life. Our souls are here to learn and the best teacher is adversity. We are a stubborn bunch. When we get distracted from this by living externally in another’s life, we have lost an opportunity that may not present again. Experiences that mold are unique to us in both their beauty and their challenges. Think back on the story of your life and try to see the connections where others may not. For me, I recall the moment I found out I was bringing a new life into the world, all of the days I spent at the ballet barre repeating the same movements over and over, the school meetings and events, moments of complete abandon while on stage, moments of complete constriction in my personal life, returning to school mid life, starting a new career and leaving all that I had known for twenty plus years to start anew. These are just some of the experiences that are the fabric of my life. Only in retrospect can I see that all of these moments created a thread of connection to the present. I have carried bits from each experience and have gently formed the whole that I am today.

“I will soothe you and heal you,

I will bring you roses.

I too have been covered with thorns.”

Rumi

It is essential to remind oneself that images splashed across social media pages are not a true reflection of this continuum. Yes, they may reflect a moment of real joy in another’s life, but they leave out all of the struggle and pain that may have come before. One emotion cannot exist without the other. Happiness cannot be felt without an understanding of sadness, love without hate, companionship without loneliness and patience without anger. It is in the experience of one that we are able to recognize the other. If taken at face value, another’s moment of happiness can be honored for being just that, a moment. This should not bear any reflection on personal life work because their is no context to the moment. No way to recognize the work that may have been done to achieve this state of happiness. People like to put their best foot forward and social media is the perfect platform for this type of behavior. I suggest that you live your life unfiltered and without a “best side” to photograph. We are beautifully whole the way we are and no amount of online comparison with another will heal wounds that reflect a lack of self-love and acceptance. Therefore, as Goethe wrote, I choose to pick the golden ears that have been watered with my tears, tears that serve as a constant reminder of difficult and transformative experiences, beautiful and exhilarating life moments. I claim them all.

Gracious Disagreement

July 30, 2016 laviniachristine

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We have all been there. The moment when a discussion gets a bit heated and you are desperately looking for an out without offending the person you are speaking with. It is one of the most uncomfortable moments in communication and one that can raise blood pressures and end relationships. Emotions become so overpowering that reason is overtaken and tempers flair. Unfortunately, the point of the discussion is lost in translation and listening is no longer the priority.

Why do we spend so little time teaching children the art of disagreement? The world could use one giant debate class right about now. Disagreeing with another should never be construed as an attack on character, rather it is simply what it is, a difference of opinion. People can and should have differing opinions, which is what makes this world so interesting. If everyone was in agreement all the time creativity would suffer and new ideas would be lost to mediocrity. It is the places where we disagree that real connection can be found.

He who cannot put his thoughts on ice should not enter into the heat of dispute.”

Friedrich Nietzche

Once again, grace can be called upon to navigate this type of communication. Grace calls for us to listen to another without blaming, formulating a response or ignoring them. Grace implores us to choose our words carefully in response. Words have meaning and can dig deeper than a knife. They are a wonderful vehicle for loving kindness but can also be a carrier for anger, vitriol and hatred. The choice is always ours, but praying for grace in moments of weakness can allow for a better and more loving outcome.

“Truth does not become more true by virtue of the fact that the entire world agrees with it, nor less so even if the whole world disagrees with it.”

Maimonides

As an emotional being, I wear my heart on my sleeve. If someone is shouting awful things at me, I will often become tearful due to the anger of the interaction. I am a gentle spirit and my body rejects this type of communication. It has taken an enormous amount of will and grace to learn techniques to defuse angry disagreements. Speaking calmly and slowly is one. Listening to the other and acknowledging that they have been heard is another. One that I especially like is trying to view the disagreement from the others point of view. It becomes more about figuring out how they arrived in the place of disharmony rather than an emotional outburst.

The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions.

Leonardo da Vinci

Relationships will never exist in complete harmony and agreement. In fact, healthy disagreement is essential for strong relationships. Burying an opinion to appease another is never a good route to choose. The issue will surely rear its ugly head further down the line and all of the energy taken to bury your voice will cause collateral damage. It takes courage and yes, grace to address things that are uncomfortable with the ones we love. I would argue that in doing so, we are expressing love. Trusting another with our deepest concerns and fears. Raising children has been instrumental in my growth as a better communicator. As parents we are constantly reminded that we don’t have ownership over our children. We have been blessed with bringing them into this world and gently guiding them. However, they are ultimately on their own spiritual journey and our influence is only a small part of this journey. The difficult conversations I have had with my children only further stretch me and require that I exercise patience, deep listening and grace. I am not always on the mark but I strive to get better with each time with the understanding that there is no winning or losing, only listening, observing and learning.

Faith in the Unknown

July 28, 2016 laviniachristine

Richard Rohr

I have had many wonderful mentors in my life, true examples of living a soulful and loving life. They come from all different areas of practice: Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Taoism and undeclared spirituality. As different as this eclectic group of people appears, they all share one thing in common. That is, they all are comfortable sitting in the unknown, do not profess to understand all and have no need for such understanding. They are able to recite verse and speak on their form of spiritual practice quite fluidly, while still embracing the mysteries of life that require imagination and faith. I define people such as those in this group mystics in their truest form. They come together in a shared understanding that all is not as clear and straightforward as one would like it to be.

There is true beauty in this space. The possibilities are wondrous and do not reflect a lack of direction or act as a measure of one’s faith. What does faith mean anyway? Merriam-Webster lists the definitions of faith as, “allegiance to duty or a person, loyalty, sincerity of intentions, firm belief in something for which there is no proof and complete trust” Using the word faith or faithful does not imply a knowing or complete understanding of whatever it is that we are applying the word to. It simply means a choice to believe without concrete proof. I especially like Richard Rohr’s statement on this.

“My scientist friends have come up with things like ‘principles of uncertainty’ and dark holes. They’re willing to live inside imagined hypotheses and theories. But many religious folks insist on answers that are always true. We love closure, resolution and clarity, while thinking that we are people of ‘faith’! How strange that the very word ‘faith’ has come to mean its exact opposite.”

Richard Rohr

Those of us who have dabbled in the sciences understand this to be true. Science is all about formulating a hypothesis with the understanding that others will do everything in their power to disprove the hypothesis. If in the end it still stands, the hypothesis is deemed to be “true” until the time when it can be disproven. Is this not the exact same process that a faithful practitioner will work through? Faith is a constant journey, not a destination. In my humble opinion it is a practice. Choosing to demonstrate faith for the unknown is a tenant of spirituality, along with the steadfast belief in something greater than oneself.

The answers we seek will never be shown to us definitively as long as we inhabit our human bodies. I believe that our souls know the truths that we so deeply want to claim, yet allow for exploration as a way to deepen our human experience. The only possible way forward is to become comfortable with the unknown. The restless and questioning heart that constantly looks for further mysteries and experiences.

It takes a great deal of courage to live in this way. Much will be said about the person who practices faithfully among others who remain fearful of the unknown. They will try and disprove your hypothesis, as they should. It is healthy to be questioned and does not imply a lack of courage or resolve. One must constantly ask the heart and mind the questions that will ultimately bring one closer to the soul, our true self. For it is not only in the asking of the questions, but in the ability to sit comfortably in the depths of this place steadfast. Striving for better connection to that which we cannot be sure exists without faith. It is a deeply troubling process but enormously rewarding at the same time. It is the paradox of life once again upon us. Do you feel it?

“Courage is found in unlikely places.”

J.R.R Tolkien

Zucchini Paleo Waffles

July 26, 2016 laviniachristine

Before my cookie addiction began, I had an absolute love of waffles. This was at the beginning of my Paleo baking journey and I had started to experiment with all sorts of ingredients to achieve a somewhat familiar baked good. I have made almond flour waffles, cashew nut base waffles, buckwheat waffles, you name it I made it. I finally settled on a zucchini base coconut flour recipe that was versatile enough to eat for any meal of the day. You heard that right! I used zucchini as the base. These are some awesome waffles. Easy on the stomach and a perfect carrier for whatever topping your heart desires. I have even used them as “bread” for a sandwich. Why not? They are made from a vegetable.

The only reason I stopped making an obsessive amount of waffles was because my waffle maker broke. I was so sad. I bought another waffle maker but it just didn’t work like my old one, I was frustrated. I decided it was a sign to move on to something else and stretch my culinary wings. This continued for two years until my recent birthday. My daughter and her boyfriend have heard many times about my constant melancholy over missed waffles and were kind enough to buy me a new waffle maker. I had to see if this new waffle maker would produce the waffles that I remembered so I got right to it in the kitchen. Let the waffle making games begin! To my utter delight, I had made delicious waffles once again. Oh how I had missed them. I may or may not have packed some for lunch today and I may or may not have had them for dinner as well. So good.

The recipe below is about as flexible as a recipe can be. The zucchini base provides much of the liquid that is required when working with coconut flour. Thickness and texture can be adjusted to your liking. I have put both thick and thin batter in the waffle maker and both have turned out delicious. The thicker batter will need to be a bit crispy on the outside so that it is cooked entirely through. It is completely up to you. The additional ingredients are optional. I like cranberries, blueberries and dairy free chocolate chips to name a few. If you do not add any other ingredients the waffle will have a very generic taste similar to a pancake. Perfect for butter, maple syrup, ghee or any other toppings.

The best part about these waffles is that you can eat them guilt free. With very little fat and no sweetener, they will fit into any meal plan. They are also gluten, nut and dairy free, a hard sell in the waffle making business. Surprise your honey or send some along in your child’s lunch. Others will wonder how you made such a delicious and healthy meal. Happy waffle makings everyone!

Waffles

Zucchini Paleo Waffles

2016-07-26 09:11:10

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Prep Time

15 min

Prep Time

15 min

Ingredients

6 Zucchini peeled and blended in a food processor until smooth
4 Organic Eggs
1/4 Cup Coconut Flour
1/4 Cup Arrowroot Flour
1/4 Cup Flaxseed Meal
1 Tsp. Baking Soda
1 Tsp. Cinnamon

Instructions

Blend the zucchini in the food processor until smooth
Add the eggs and combine on low
Add in all other ingredients and combine on low until well mixed. (This is where you can fiddle with the texture by adding another egg or some water if you desire a thin batter or a small amount of coconut flour if you want it thicker batter)
Stir in any additional optional ingredients
Heat up the waffle iron and spray with coconut oil or olive oil
When it is ready the light will turn green. Use a 1/4 -1/2 cup batter and pour on the griddle.
Close the top and let cook until the red light turns green once again.
Remove from the griddle with a fork and allow to cool.

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Loving Self is not Selfish

July 22, 2016 laviniachristine

rumi_universe I was taught as a young girl not to think too highly of myself. That sounds harsh, but coming from a hardworking family that was the way in which we functioned. No complaining, no excessive talking about self, no ego boosting love fests and very few compliments. You can probably guess the result of this conditioning. I am indeed a hard working adult. Give me a job and my work ethic will not allow me to do it half way. My self worth is wrapped around my working contribution to society and I find it incredibly difficult to rest or relax without feeling guilty. I also find it excruciating to point out my strengths but have a laundry list of weakness when prompted. This could be seen as a healthy dose of self-depreciation, but it masks a deep seeded struggle with self worth. If I cannot work hard and contribute to society, what is my value?

When the mystic’s spiritual eye is opened, his physical eye is closed; he sees nothing but God.

– Abu Sulayman Ad-Darani

Life has provided me with ample opportunities to face this shadow, working on creating a strong sense of self; irrespective of what I do for a living or how hard I work. I began with some rudimentary positive self-talk. This initial positive dialogue was infrequent at best. I often continued to think, “If I am indeed a child of God, how could I be so insignificant?” I soon added character statements that spoke more directly to who I am as a person. I began to state affirmations that lifted me up rather than dragging me down. “I am a beautiful, loving and creative soul.” “I am a strong, independent women. I am an intelligent and committed employee.” “I am a loving mother. I am able to make a house into home”. “I am willing and ready to accept love.” The list continued to grow.

To my surprise, these affirmations started to permeate my psyche. I was no longer just repeating words without believing, I was assimilating each affirmation as a part of my belief system. Along with the wonderful uplift I felt during this experience, I still continued to have moments when the familiar negative conditioning crept back in. Was I really being selfish by focusing so much of my inner dialogue on myself? I prayed about it often and kept returning to the same place of uncertainty.

“Dare to love yourself as if you were a rainbow with gold at both ends.”

Aberjhani

It was only on my journey to mysticism that I really began to understand this pattern. I was still that young girl in many ways and held some long seeded ideas about myself that were simply not true. They were lies that I had been telling myself created by the experiences that I had as a child. I had a choice to use those experiences in a positive way rather than a negative one. I was indeed all of the things I stated in my affirmation and much more. Created in the eyes of the Divine, I am perfect as I am. There will never be another “me” on this planet, and I embrace my uniqueness, missteps and celebrations with joy. I am also at an age in which I have come to a level of peace with my physical body. As women we have so many challenges in this Photoshop society. I had one moment when I spoke out loud, “I am done with this. My body is the temple to my soul and sacred in every way. I love it unconditionally and any one that chooses to love me will do the same!”

Standing on the bare ground… a mean egotism vanishes

I become a transparent eyeball;

I am nothing;

I see all;

the currents of the universal being circulate through me;

I am part or particle of God.

– Emerson

What a beautiful thing to release all of those years of conditioning and live a life of acceptance. I love myself and I am proud to say that I do. Loving myself does not in any way make light of my spiritual journey. I would argue that one can not completely love another until they learn to love themselves. We must be able to see ourselves in another. A union is a spiritual union of two souls and love is an essential footstone to a greater awareness of self.

So love yourself, every wrinkle, gray hair and bit of bumpiness. Love yourself for all of the stubbornness, quirky sensibilities and weirdness. Remind yourself that you are a beautifully created miracle and are simply perfect as you are. Do not let anyone, not even yourself, tell you otherwise.

Blessing in Another Year

July 17, 2016 laviniachristine

“Autumn is really the best of the seasons; and I’m not sure that old age isn’t the best part of life.”

– C.S. Lewis

Another year brings another opportunity to become a better version of myself. As I have reached middle age, one would think that I would not want to celebrate the passing of the years. Oh contraire! I love reaching a new year and a new age. It serves as a benchmark of how far I have come. Demonstrating the blessing of time, that so many others are denied as they leave this world far too young. I am a lucky one that has had the joyous experience of growing old. With each passing year, I learn something else about myself, in a constant state of discovery. Along with the spiritual discoveries, I am amazed at how the biological body adapts to the constant changes in life. First it is the growth spurts of youth, then the decades of bearing and raising child. What a miracle life is. Shortly thereafter is the rediscovery of what the body is capable of. Many people approaching their forties are drawn to extreme sports, marathons and the like. It is a final test of the physical limits before the decline becomes more challenging.

“If wrinkles must be written on our brows, let them not be written upon the heart. The spirit should never grow old.”

– J. Garfield

Then arrives the late 40’s -50’s of which I am familiar with. The body begins to let one know that to be gentle is the best approach. It requires a new level of attention and respect for the aging process. For me, I know that I am tired, have a leg that will not cooperate and bouts of dizziness. I associate these symptoms with my illness and never once think my aching could be from twenty years of daily ballet training. You see, illness has been a gift for me. It has reminded me that we are all terminal and are only given so much time. Regardless of each of our challenges, we may not be here tomorrow. Nothing is guaranteed. This realization is one of the reasons that I love to welcome a new year. I am forever thankful for the opportunity to live again, more fully and to experience new things. I have had so many chapters in life and appreciate the ability to adapt. Rather than constantly ponder what the future holds, I choose to enjoy this moment, my birthday. I will only turn 47 once and that is today, and what a beautiful thing it is!

“Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.”

– Eleanor Roosevelt

Am I Weird? Confessions of an INFJ

July 14, 2016 laviniachristine

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Have you ever felt out of step from all those around you, a little eccentric and misunderstood? I know I have and quite often. Even my kids agree I am a complex woman. The constant dialogue in my mind is endless and I find myself a voyeur of the human condition. Leave me in a mall and you will probably find me sitting on a bench just people watching. I find that much more interesting than shopping.

It took many decades of self-examination and most recently, the discovery that I am an INFJ, to even begin to feel comfortable with myself. If you have never taken the Myers-Briggs personality test, I highly recommend it. You can find a free test HERE. I have taken this test many times and each time; I have unequivocally been classified as an INFJ. I retook the test in the hopes that I would end up being another personality, one that is not quite as complex. No such luck. I am squarely in the INFJ realm and must continue to work on accepting the personality I came into this world with.

So, what is an INFJ? Hallmarks of this personality type include the Jungian categories of Introverted, iNtuitive, Feeling and Judging. Without making this a Jungian lesson on psychology, I will point out a few general characteristics that many INFJ exhibit. A very rare personality with only 1-2 % of the population in this category, INFJ people may feel out of step with the rest of the world. They have an ability to exhibit empathy and at times a psychic like talent of reading other’s personalities. They are often mislabeled as extroverted due to their strong communication skills and ability to make others comfortable. In practice they are introverts and often feel recharged by time spent alone. INFJ’s are also self-expressive, activists, creative and very strong willed when pushed. Sounds like an interesting bird, right?

“Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.” ― C.G. Jung

When I read about INFJ’s the first time it was like coming home. I immediately knew that I was indeed a member of this small community. Nothing described me better than this personality. It explained so perfectly why I feel uncomfortable in large groups, yet people still see me as outgoing and easy to talk to. Why I am so sensitive to others energy that it hurts to be around someone who is hurting, empathy is a powerful thing. Why I can become steadfast when pushed to my limit. It was all there, laid bare.

I understand that beyond a label there is still free will. Claiming of a label can be dangerous to personal growth if used as a crutch for bad behavior. Ultimately, I do not see a contradiction in knowing this information. It simply provides me with more tools to work on becoming a better person. I enjoy knowing that others act and respond the same way I do, it is somehow comforting and less isolating.

If you are inclined to do further research on INFJ’s and other personalities types you can read up on it HERE and HERE. Both include a free test, which can be a fun summer afternoon activity. Happy personalities research everyone!

Personal Narratives and How We View the World

July 12, 2016 laviniachristine

Mercy

To be a searcher of the soul does not preclude one from falling short time and time again. We are human and as such are challenged with human imperfections and peculiarities. The times have been especially difficult to digest and one begins to wonder how the human race will ever get back on track. In this vein, I was speaking to a colleague this week when he pointed out that historically speaking, there has always been an auto correct moment. Fascinated by his statement, I prodded him for clarification. He continued that even if many people have lost their way and even their lives, a moment of extreme auto correct had pushed the human race back to the moral high ground. Examples he used where events that lead up to the end of wars, the holy crusades, the Ottoman Empire’s demise etc. It was at the same time a horrific and an illuminating point of view.

I began to reflect on his words but on a much smaller scale. I do agree that in moments of falling short, of which we all find ourselves, a situational event often provides enough disturbance to redirect our will. We are stubborn and tend to believe the story we tell ourselves regardless of its truth. As storytellers, we create a narrative around our beliefs and experiences. Over time it becomes difficult to know what parts of the narrative are genuine and what parts are embellished. A personal example is my childhood story about cold weather and getting to school. I regularly had to stand at the bus stop in the snow and cold and found myself stretching the details when sharing my experience. This was my youthful way of pressing a point that it was indeed cold and the snow was indeed deep and difficult to walk through. I am quite sure that the snow was not thigh deep on most days as I liked to state. The gist of the story was true…it was cold and snowy and difficult to get to school. The details were exaggerated to add impact to my words.

As an adult, I see our storytelling at work in many ways. With the recent unrest in our nation I find that most people only hold a lens for their story and rarely take a moment to hear others stories from a unique point of view. Is that not the hallmark of falling short? As students of mysticism we are drawn by our personal experiences to our faith. Part of these experiences must include moments in which we have become too engrossed in our self with no consideration for others. It is a treacherous place to be and rife with ego and selfishness. Awareness of this in itself serves as a personal auto correct on a spiritual journey.

“Come, come, whoever you are. Wanderer, worshiper, lover of leaving. It doesn’t matter. Ours is not a caravan of despair. come, even if you have broken your vows a thousand times. Come, yet again , come , come.” -Rumi

The question is not if we fall short but when. Having the grace and humility to admit these moments shows true strength of character rather than sticking to our story as if we were a politician trapped in talking points. Holding empathy for another even when they have a different view on life is the hallmark of growth. We are so gloriously different and that is what makes our world so beautiful. If we all looked alike or thought the same thoughts, life would be impossibly dull. It is in the disagreement that we are stimulated to listen, grow and learn.

I do believe that we are reaching a tipping point, a moment of auto correct, and I hesitate to think what discomfort and pain we as humans will suffer in the process. I only know what I can do as a part of the whole. I can listen intently to others as they speak their truths without interrupting or trying to insert my voice. I can reflect on another’s story and see which parts of their narrative are similar to my own. I can rejoice in the similarities rather than the differences and return to them with love and understanding. This is not a rejection of my views but an acknowledgment of others. It does not mark me as passive or insignificant. By doing so I am showing strength, and most importantly love for another.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of -God Romans 3:23

This is not a Utopian view of the world as I have been told on many occasions. This is the way in which our souls have gently guided us in this world, even when we continue to disappoint time and time again. It is in getting up and trying once more, that our souls will ultimately grow wings and soar.

What you Resist Persists

July 7, 2016 laviniachristine

As I continue to explore the mystic idea of experiences defining a relationship with the Divine, I find myself pondering junctures of resistance. As human beings we are stubborn by nature, even when this trait creates barriers to progress on the spiritual path. In instances when the correct way forward is clear, we may choose the path of least resistance rather than the path that will ultimately lead to our salvation and a deep and personal relationship with the Divine. It is a choice so often made that it deserves some reflection.

Why do we make life so hard on our own accord? If I had the answer to this age old question, I would be well beyond the place in which I find myself. You see, I am as guilty of this as the next, always stubborn in the face of pivotal life moments. I sometimes refuse to look in the mirror and see that the person I am is not the person that I aspire to be. That would be too raw of a revelation and one that I am not always prepared to accept. To face oneself in moments of disappointing behavior is to face one’s most intimate self. The dark night of the soul draws out the shadow side that all of us possess. It is a humbling and painful process of self-awareness and reflection.

“Faith is the door to the full inner life of the Church, a life which includes not only access to an authoritative teaching but above all to a deep personal experience which is at once unique and yet shared by the whole Body of Christ, in the Spirit of Christ.”

-Thomas Merton

Most fascinating is the reality that we often go back for more, living in the shadow and rejecting the light. We resist the light with a knowing that to travel there would be uncomfortable. Again, this is human nature. Why travel the more difficult road when one that appears less treacherous is right before us? A response to this is that what we choose to resist, persists. The shadows do not go back to the darkness without some very deliberate work. We resist this path for many reasons. Fear, sadness, anger are all emotions that cause hesitation and waves of indecisiveness. Some can sit in this limbo for long periods of time, effectively making the decision not to move towards the light simply by not making a choice. I am a firm believer that not taking a stand or making a decision is in fact a decision to remain unmoving whatever the circumstance. Many may not see this as such. Excuses will pepper a person’s speech caught in limbo. “No one is doing that!”, “I have no choice, the world is against me!”, or “So and so made me do this, I had no choice!” This is denial at its worst.

How do we get beyond limbo if we find ourselves stuck? Surrender to the process. Surrender does not mean giving up or allowing life to work against us. In my view, surrender is to let go of resistance to the journey and to allow oneself to fully experience both light and darkness. It is through these valuable experiences that we can truly let go of resistance and say goodbye to uncertainty. We begin to expect the unexpected and learn how to navigate these difficult moments with grace, humor and acceptance rather than rejecting them completely.

“Spiritual growth is the gradual, I would say, transition from a God of tradition to a God of experience.”

-Neville Goddard

Life is difficult, that much is true. No amount of preparation will protect us from the collateral damage that we all suffer simply by living fully. Resistance is futile. When learning how to float in the water as a child the instructors would repeat that the swimmer need relax and not fight the water. We are all striving for that state of floating as we go through life’s ups and downs. Should you resist this, troubles will persist and as the metaphor goes, you will sink slowly back into the deeps of the water.

It makes no difference what challenges one is faced with. Finances, health, family, spiritual, all require movement to get beyond. There is no measure of one difficulty being more treacherous than another. For each person the experience is personal and the hardship is very real. No comparison of troubles is useful; it is a waste of time and energy. Know that whatever you encounter on the spectrum, all come with a possibility for growth. If you find that you continue to make the same choices and continue to have persistent challenges, consider making a different choice and allowing rather than resisting. This is the only way to achieve a different result. It is our choice to either move toward the path of surrender or to resist and stall progress. It is always only in our hands as individuals.

Coconut Flour “Banana Bread”

July 5, 2016 laviniachristine

There is only one thing I can eat when I am not feeling well. The treatments that I have take my appetite away and I feel sick to my stomach until the medication completely leaves my system. When this is happening, I can not even stomach my green drinks which are such an important part of my wellness regime. Nutritional deficits have been shown in many peer reviewed journals, to be partially culpable for auto immune disease. Nutrition therapy is a growing field of study and emphasis. Those that have done research into an illness, understand that food is an absolutely critical part of the healing journey. Whether you take traditional medications or have chosen to forgo them, nutritional therapy should be at the forefront of your treatments. When I am suffering side effects from various medications or am in relapse, nutrients are critical for my body. I am always amazed how quickly my muscles tone is lost and how much weight I lose when my body is under this kind of stress. It is humbling and one of the many reasons I workout daily and eat well.

This “Bread” has saved me more than once. Those that follow this blog know that I do not eat grains of any type. So how can I enjoy this “bread” weekly? Well, the body of the bread is made with coconut flour and flax seed meal. Coconut flour is simply the ground down flesh of dried coconut meat, that is it! Flax seed is chock full of Omega-3’s, which are vital for brain health. This”bread” is brimming with nutrients and easy on the tummy. As for the fruit, I rotate which ones I use. Sometimes it is blueberries, sometimes cranberries and sometimes rhubarb. Use what you have on hand and what strikes your fancy. They are all vitamin c bombs and full of antioxidants.

Enjoy this bread for breakfast, lunch dinner or a snack. It packs well and is hearty enough to be filling in a pinch. Consider topping it with coconut butter or a nut butter for a meal.

Coconut Flour "Banana Bread"

2016-07-05 08:14:20

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Ingredients

2 Ripe Bananas
1/4 Cup Sugar Free Apple Sauce
4 Eggs
1/2 Cup Flaxseed Meal
1/2 Cup Coconut Flour
1 Tsp Baking Soda
Water (as needed)
1/2 Cup Fruit of Choice

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl mash the bananas
Add the apples sauce and eggs and mix
Add in the dry ingredients and mix well.
Let sit for a few minutes so that the coconut flour can absorb the liquid
Add water as needed to make the "bread" a thick dough like consistency
Add in fruit and stir gently.
Place in a small cake pan
Cook at 400 degrees for about 40 minutes or until the top of the bread is brown.
Cool completely before cutting

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