Monday, May 25, 2009

The Start of Change

I wonder if there is someone at Daily OM, following my life...The articles are so synced with what is going on in my life...I am lucky to have friends who know me for sooo long, to get down to these issues, and trying to see the patterns and at some point break them. My mom just said today that she is afraid of showing her love, especially to her loved ones, because of her fear of loss. Wow...I was so sad to hear it. I was sad for her, I wanted to hug her, but I am just like her, instead of hugging her, I just made dinner...Things are changing, it is slow and fast, real and dreamy, easy and hard, but this is it..right now...ufff I want chocolate...please.........

The Start of Change

Breaking Family Cycles

It is easy to believe that in leaving our childhood homes and embarking upon the journey of adulthood, we have effectively removed ourselves from harmful and self-perpetuating familial patterns. In looking closely at ourselves, however, we may discover that our behaviors and beliefs are still those that were impressed upon us during our youth by our parents, grandparents, and the generations that preceded them. We may find ourselves unconsciously perpetuating cycles of the previous generations, such as fear of having enough, not showing affection, and secrecy patterns. Yet the transmission of negative patterns from one generation to the next is not inevitable. It is possible to become the endpoint at which negative family cycles that have thrived for generations are exhausted and can exert their influence no longer. Breaking the pattern is a matter of overcoming those values imprinted upon us long ago in order to replace them with pure love, tolerance, and conscious awareness!

Even if you have struggled with the cumulative effects of family cycles that were an expression of established modes of living and a reflection of the strife your ancestors were forced to endure, you can still liberate yourself from the effects of your family history. The will to divest yourself of old, dark forms of familial energy and carry forth a new loving energy may come in the form of an epiphany. You may one day simply realize that certain aspects of your early life have negatively affected your health, happiness, and ability to evolve as an individual. Or you may find that in order to transcend long-standing patterns of limiting beliefs, irrational behavior, and emotional stiltedness, you have to question your values and earnestly examine how your family has impacted your personality. Only when you understand how family cycles have influenced you can you gain freedom from those cycles.

In order to truly change, you must give yourself permission to change. Breaking family patterns is in no way an act of defiance or betrayal. It is important that you trust yourself implicitly when determining the behaviors and beliefs that will help you overwrite the generation-based cyclical value system that limited your individual potential. Many people are on the earth at this time to break family cycles, for all of you are true pioneers. In breaking negative family cycles, you will discover that your ability to express your feelings and needs grows exponentially and that you will embark upon a journey toward greater well-being that can positively impact generations to come.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

New moon....

New Moon in Gemini
Sunday, May 24, 2009
5:11am PDT
3ยบ 27'
©2009 Lisa Dale Miller
All rights reserved

We are what we think.
All that we are arises with our thoughts.
With our thoughts we make the world.
Speak or act with a pure mind,
and happiness will follow you
as your shadow, unshakeable.

How can a troubled mind understand the way?
Your worst enemy cannot harm you as much
as your own thoughts unguarded.
But once mastered,
no one can help you as much,
not even your father or your mother.

Buddha (from the Dhammapada, translated by Thomas Byron)

Gemini rules information: its gathering and dissemination. Gemini represents knowledge of the material plane of existence, which is made up of binary information bits; a digital landscape of 0's and 1's. Gemini rules the mind and our thought processes. This is the New Moon for all of us to reclaim our mental space; to set limits on what gets our attention, and to carefully examine how our current diet of information is affecting our lives. As you may have noticed, our world is suffering from a bad case of close-mindedness fueled by fear, hatred and delusion. Concurrently, we are also suffering from information overload. Our lives have become a roller coaster of good news one day, bad news the next, and a constant need to deal with the ensuing manic reactions that follow both extremes.

Gemini's symbol is the twins, but they are not identical; they represent the broad spectrum of experience and therefore oppose one another. However, their shared transcendent source makes them identical. Gemini allows us to realize the truth that all things, which appear different on the surface, share a fundamental sameness.

On this New Moon we can work toward opening the mind to a diverse range of new ideas, while maintaining a perspective rooted in the principles of generosity (Jupiter in Aquarius) and responsibility to serve (Saturn in Virgo). Though retrograde Mercury in Taurus is not great for open-mindedness, Venus and Mars in Aires are all about trying new things. Neptune/Chiron/North Node/Jupiter in lightning-fast Aquarius can make a steady mind difficult to achieve, these planets make for a brainstorming opportunity bar none. If you find yourself feeling pulled in a thousand different directions simultaneously, this is the source. Do what you can to reign yourself in intellectually and verbally, while allowing the play of ideas free reign to take you places you might not otherwise go. If you make your living in high tech, communication, politics, education, or new media, these aspects are incredible for brainstorming sessions or meetings to forge new creative or professional relationships.

Gemini, with its love of communication, makes this New Moon a good one to work on opening up around areas of our lives that have been mired in conflict and misunderstanding. Even with Mercury retrograde in obstinate, opinionated Taurus, the Sun/Moon conjunction in Gemini and all the planets in Aries and Aquarius, help us realize we can talk openly and we can find the right words. We can be inspired to open up to new ideas. We can relax and let our words be a force for healing and transformation.

Gemini is best symbolized by flexibility, changeability, and adaptation, and this is the New Moon to cultivate these qualities and incorporate them into our daily lives. When strong winds and hard rains come, the supple trees bend and sway with the each gust. It is only the hardened, stiff trees that break and fall. When we harden our hearts and minds, plant our feet and become immovable, we set ourselves up for failure. To survive the gusts of hatred and fear, we must open our minds and create useful dialogue. Fear makes us stiffen up and go rigid.

As you know, all New Moons are a time to initiate new goals, ideas, and desires. Mercury, Gemini's ruler, shows itself in our thoughts, ideas, and our ability to learn. Gemini rules the gathering of knowledge, an inherently open-systems process, that requires us to reach far and wide to get as much data as possible, even opening our minds to perspectives we might normally dismiss. If you are in a researching phase, this is the time to get help and gather as much information as you can about new endeavors. The New Moon in Gemini calls on each of us to open up, talk about it (whatever it is), and open ourselves to feedback.

This is the New Moon to work on your communication skills. Learning how to communicate effectively creates successful relationships. Mars in Aries tends to make us self-centered, impulsive and overly excited about our own ideas and desires. So try warming up to the idea that you are not the center of the universe and your great ideas might get better with some good 'ol Gemini teamwork. It's just not all about you! So open yourself to the perspective of the other. What harm would it do if you chose to see the other side or walked a mile in someone else's shoes? We must all find a way to talk through our disagreements. Walking away in anger never solves anything. Learn to recognize your anger: stop, stay, be quiet, and then speak from a calm rationality and not from the rage.

This is the right New Moon to communicate your wishes, dreams and desires to those who can aid your progress. The truth is, no one does it completely alone and learning to ask for help at the right time is one of life's hardest lessons. Over the next two weeks as the Moon waxes to fullness, try to really hear what those around you have to say about your wishes, and take their advice to heart. Honest and clear communication is a two-way street and the best way to achieve a successful outcome for all.

Of course for those of you who make your living in the communications/publishing field, this is the best time to initiate new projects in film, video, TV, publishing, and writing. Deal with your fear and just get the work out there!

One last thing, Gemini rules change. This is the best night to work on managing your fear of change. Everything changes; it is the nature of Maya, the field of relativity. When we ride the changes and make surfing the waves of change a vehicle for success, we actualize the highest expression of Gemini. This is the New Moon to celebrate the power knowledge holds to broaden our perspective and open our minds!

©2009 Lisa Dale Miller
All rights reserved

What makes us happy?

Great article/research..

It is all in our minds. When we want to be happy, our mind knows what to do, but rather we do have a secret love affair with misery, pain, sadness. We, I mean, I...I can't speak of us yet. I like to generalize, makes the issues easier to digest. The ability to see the big picture is damn hard, I find myself lost in the little crumbs of leftovers..From the research, one of the participants, says this:

However, I have an overriding sense (or philosophy) that it's all a big nothing—or 'chasing after wind' as it says in Ecclesiastes & therefore, at least up to the present, nothing has caused me too much grief"  though ranked one of the happiest, he died at the age of 64.

It is not about how long we live, who can say  78, or 95 would be happier? Lives spent in fear, anxiety, dreadful waiting, waiting for the next meal, next lover, next friend, next vacation, next house, next child..... lives without freedom, joy, urge to jump from bed to smell the flowers, knowing your heart, feeling at peace, breathing...I long for that space...breathing at peace, knowing I am where I am, without the fear of loneliness or death. This is the journey, and sure pit stops are necessary.





Friday, May 22, 2009

Istanbul...

Just uploaded some new pictures from my first days in Istanbul. Check them out...

It is going a little choppy over here. I see that t all my self growth work, when faced with family, is at zero. Nothing has changed. All these hours of meditation, therapy, self realizing moments of the truth, love, forgiveness...Nope, non of that...Acceptance, tolerance, more love... Family, being back at home, living so close to 4 other people who know me more than anyone but at the same time who have no idea who I am, is hard...Having no space to breath is hard. Speaking that out loud is hard. Why do I care so much, I don't know...but for some reason, it makes me scream, shout, tear apart, break things when I am not understood. I do realize I don't show any patience at all. Selfish I have to say...Instead of taking a breath, I bake...but this week, it was not very great either. My most amazing chocolate cake, when done with buckwheat flour, is terrible, horrific. I could not even have more than a bite. Tasteless crap. Amazing how nothing goes right, when my mind is crazy in a self pity mode. Get out! So, I need better gluten-free recipes. Help!

So, I have not mastered being the witness of my mind, instead emotions fly in all directions...anger, jealousy, sadness, joy, happiness, fears...Wow, what an opportunity to practice, but I do want to take it slow, it is all happening too fast and I feel really alone in this. Well, we all are alone in our journey but it would have been nice to have some support in the form of a body, or yoga, or music or something else, therapy, a song or a movie...And again, a bad choice...Worst, I watched Issiz adam, a turkish movie, threw me off completely, very real, sad, romantic love story, full of tears, I fell asleep......Tomorrow is a good day, I just need a little bit of sleep.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Juices and Remedies

I LOVE MY STOMACH!

It is fascinating to me to discover health benefits of veggies and help friends. One common theme is stomach pain, and what to do with it.
Here is the remedy! Plain old cabbage...juiced! It cures ulcers within a few days. You can make your own cabbage juice with half a cup of cabbage to a cup of water and blend for a few minutes. Then, drink this juice at once, without straining. It is not delicious but it is not nasty like Noni. Also, it can be improved with a few leaves of fresh mint, parsley and basil, even celery. It is super cheap and effective.

You can drink as much as you like, but I found that most people do 3 cups a day, 4-10 days. Of course, eliminating the factors that caused your ulcer in the first place is the most important step. That includes changing your diet, avoiding foods that irritate your ulcer (fats, salt).
Sorry no more fried food for a while but you will be healed.

Looking into stress, anxiety and anger are also important. Exercise, anything that makes your heart beat, going to a walk, yoga, running, hooping, biking, dancing...but not power shopping or strolling with your lover. Breathing helps a lot. Try it...give your body the time to heal. Take it easy. No coffee or smoking...but no more pain.

Cabbage is also used a lot for digestive benefits. A cup of blended cabbage juice contains millions of friendly bacteria that aids digestion. My friend Viktoras, swears by cabbage juice and drinks his own elixir everyday. Anything that aids your digestive system is good. We want to move the waste fast from our system and help our body suck the good vitamins and the nutrients.


Here is his recipe for the Kimchi, a little time consuming, but I swear it tastes great.

For more medicinal uses of cabbage, check out Earth Clinic...

More details on Wikipedia and use of cabbage to cure the ulcer.

More scientific research on this on Google.
 
One word of caution, cabbage is not recommended if you have thyroid problems. I do and I try to stay away from it, but if you stomach pain, you can try a cure for a few days with one glass a day instead of 3 glasses and see how you feel. Please be smart about your health choices and don't give your power away by listening to others. It is very important to take charge of your own health. You know your body best.

Tons of nutrition information from World's Healthiest Foods. Great site.
And more...here...

I am happy to do more research, if you have any questions. There must be a natural remedy out there for anything. Migraine pain is next, actually. I have very dear friends here who have asked me about it...





Sunday, May 17, 2009

Watching the stars...

I came all the way to Istanbul to read about this new google product, and not have to go back to Montezuma to use it. We have the best stars in the world.
 

Friday, May 15, 2009

Yogi on the go...

I am going to write about my yogic quest in Istanbul on Yoga Yak!

Thursday, May 14, 2009

travel like a princess!

Feeling nervous about going home, but I guess that is normal, getting out of my comfort zone, not easy. Obviously, I need to learn to delegate work, trust people and work on organizing myself, more than staying in and trying to do everything alone. Plus, my sister needs me, she is getting engaged so no better reason to learn how to be a child and enjoy the tantrums. Better have my fixes! I do want to protest the engagement party as we will be serving meat, so need some followers and a shirt that says "note to the bride: wish i could be at your wedding"- turkey chick"

This is what I will be consuming in the next 36 hours:

Snacks:
nori strips
flax chips
dried fruit and nuts
green plus chocolate bars
cacao nibs
apple chips


Entertainment:
Ipods, one loaded with grey's anatomy and feast of love, other full of the same old music i listen everyday

Doodling Notebook:
more t-shirt cartoon ideas...travelling vegan on board series, Wheatgrass Junkie Adventures

Books:
Walking the Tiger, Peter Levine
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Waking-Tiger-Transform-Overwhelming-Experiences/dp/155643233X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1242360571&sr=1-1

a room of her own, V. Woolf
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Room-Ones-Penguin-Modern-Classics/dp/0141183535/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1242360502&sr=1-2

A Silent Ark, Juliet Gellatley
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silent-Ark-Chilling-Expose-Global/dp/0722531621


Sunday, May 10, 2009

Thai Pumpkin Soup with Lemongrass and Avocado! P.S:Excited!

I am excited! This is just a great hoooopy feeling that I love. Heart beats, nervousness, breathless, but bubbly, loving and warm. I think green juices have a magic on me. I feel like walking on the clouds. I am leaving in two days for Turkey. I am looking forward to seeing how I feel about "going back' this time. Before starting to think about day dreaming about vacation, I need to get this menu out. So, today is day 2. We have a group of 10 yoga teacher trainees and they have 28 days to eat breakfast and dinner at Organico.

Yesterday, they had tacos for dinner. Today, it's pumpkin soup with lemongrass and coconut, Thai slaw salad with rice noodles, steamed greens with ginger and lime and wholewheat bread.

Want some pumpkin soup?

1kg pumpkin, roasted

1 tbsp coconut oil

2 cloves of garlic, crushed

1 large onion, chopped

1 tsp cumin

1 tablespoon mustard seeds

1 tsp turmeric

1 tsp fresh ginger

2 tbsp (or more) chopped fresh lemongrass (thank you Maile)

1 L (4 cups) water or veggie stock

2 tbsp soy sauce

3 tsp lime juice

1 cup coconut milk

3 tbsp (or more) chopped cilantro

1 avocado, diced

Cut the pumpkin into chunky strips and roast with a dash of nutmeg, about 45 minutes, 350 degrees. Peel when cooled.
Heat oil in large pan, add garlic, onion, spices & lemon grass. Cook, stirring until onion is soft.
Add pumpkin, cook, stirring 1 minute.

Add water, coconut milk and soy sauce and continue cooking for another 10 minutes.

Blend until you get a creamy consistency. Top with avocado and cilantro. Decorate with pumpkin seeds!

Friday, May 08, 2009

Happy Full Moon!

Full Moon in Scorpio
Friday, May 8, 2009
9:01 PDT
18ยบ 40'

©2009 Lisa Dale Miller
All rights reserved

This is the truth or dare Full Moon; a time to honor the transformative power of truth-telling and a very intense Full Moon to put into action (through ritual release) the goals you set at the New Moon in Taurus. Since this Full Moon falls in a water sign, releasing your intentions near a stream, river, lake, or ocean is particularly powerful. But before you let go, have one last look at your goals. Whom do they truly serve? What will they bring to the world? Since Scorpio demands depth and fearlessness, this last look will have to be brutally honest. If your goals require a change of mind, of heart, and/or of action, this is the night to successfully tackle fears that could impede the ability to fully embrace change. Scorpio seeks deep truth by peeling back layers of lies and half-truths—within us and without us. This is a Full Moon to see things as they truly are, not as you wish them to be. The intense planetary configurations on this Full Moon will be a great help in this regard.

The Moon in Scorpio (intuiting the complexity of reality) opposes Sun (motivation) in Taurus (providing for basic needs and security) and both are square the amazingly spiritual Jupiter (bliss)/Chiron (healing)/Neptune (transcendence) conjunction in Aquarius, the awakener. This T-square challenges us all to look deep within to see our own fears and know how our fear creates divisiveness and suffering for others. The thread of commonality transcends any difference we might imagine exists between any of us. The Moon in Scorpio invites us all to see beyond the veil of intolerance and hatred, and embrace true reconciliation between all nations and peoples in conflict. How many more deaths? How many more bombs? How many more shooting sprees? How much more hatred? How much more displaced anger? Pluto in Capricorn and Saturn in Virgo urge us all to meet this call for sanity with real action.

On a personal level this T-square sets the bar quite high for each of us. How much longer can you say it is someone else's responsibility or feel powerless to change the world? How much more can you blame others for your own condition? How many more times can you call yourself a victim without looking at your own ability to just let go and heal? Yes, Scorpio is tough love incarnate: see it as it is, not as you wish it to be, and then deal with it in as life-supporting a way as possible. We can each in every moment make the choice to be real and responsible for what we output to our loved ones and coworkers and community.

The Full Moon in Scorpio is a time to release attachment to old pain and arise like a phoenix from the ashes of burned off karma; freed from narcissistic self-obsession and ready to help others heal their own pain. Jupiter (relating), Chiron (wounding) and Neptune (transcendence) in Aquarius and Uranus in Pisces make this a particularly potent New Moon in Scorpio to wake up and out of victimology. Visualize yourself as a snake, shedding its dead skin to reveal gleaming new colors. The fresh-faced innocence of Venus and Mars in Aries will give you the energy to start anew.

The Full Moon in Scorpio is the night for full disclosure. It is the night to empower ourselves by naming our truth and shouting it from the rooftops. This is the Full Moon to celebrate our right to know. Though your merriment can take many forms, it should be done with others. This is the night to show up in a way that feels most honest for you, which sometimes implies revealing a secret or a fear. When we name our fear it loses its power over us. Make sure that if your agenda is to reveal, that you do it surrounded by a supportive, caring group of people. Don't go this road alone on this night. Sharing the pain and the joy of disclosure is the way of Scorpio. It may only take one person to uncover a secret, but it takes many people working together to break the spell of illusion and denial.

The impulsive emotionality of Venus and Mars in Aries might make it challenging to openly discuss polarizing issues that have been hard to tackle. Make an effort to get beyond scripted points of view to find the real issues that divide and separate. Mercury in open-minded Gemini should help us to see all sides of any issue. Commonality can be gained from truthfully admitting where both side's arguments lack focus and power.

Talking openly and honestly is challenging, but works magic for bridging gaps and bringing people together. Venus in Aries and Mercury in Gemini will lend lightheartedness to communications that could otherwise be quite intense. Try passing around a talking stick, allowing everyone to speak without interruption about whatever is on his or her mind, and in his or her heart.

Remember that on any Full Moon, the Moon is reflecting the light of the Sun in its opposite sign. The reflected light of the Taurus Sun is aglow with the love of and deep commitment to family values. Taurus likes hard work, and opening the lines of communication can be very hard, but ultimately very rewarding. This is especially true when issues of self-esteem (Taurus) lie at the heart of a family's problems with trust (Scorpio) issues.

This is also a great time for couples to tackle trust issues, especially if a secret has been coming between the two of you. The aforementioned configurations will make this an intense night to reveal secrets and deal with the consequences, but the planets in water signs will provide enough empathy and love to get through it. Scorpio can bring destruction or relief and most times a bit of both. Just know that no matter what happens change is essential for evolution and growth. Remember that radical change done appropriately can lead to more solid relationships built upon openness and unconditional love. At its core, Taurus/Scorpio wants to love. Yes, Taurus can be judgmental, boorish, and opinionated and Scorpio can be too intense and demanding; but both signs eventually come around through an overwhelming need to love and give care.

The Taurus/Scorpio polarity requires that we learn about our power and then discover how to deal with it effectively. Those of you who can't take all of this deep disclosure can do something a bit more fun. Join your friends for a game of truth or dare, or create a mystery game or a treasure hunt. It'll be a hard night to pull the wool over anyone's eyes, but it might be a lot of fun to try!

So meet the challenge of this Full Moon in Scorpio. Go deep enough to face the underbelly of your life, your goals, your community, your nation, and then arise to embrace your power to transform our violence-wary world!

©2009 Lisa Dale Miller
All rights reserved

Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Juicy Cleanse Recipes....Green Goddess

We are starting a 7 day juice cleanse program with Montezuma Yoga. So, you can come to Montezuma, enjoy our daily made fresh juices, (tons of it, like 4 litres), if you like a deeper cleanse do yoga, internal cleansing and therapeutic massage. I love doing these packages because  I get to learn so much about nutrition and healing and vegetables and most importantly greens. Did you know, one of the world's strongest animal, silver back gorilla, is a vegetarian. Where does he get his protein? Greens!!! There is so much more protein in greens, than we have been told for years, about veggies. Hardly anyone eats enough greens per day, like 2 pounds, but with juices and smoothies, you can get all the protein you need, plus the benefits of a cleanse.

Here is a great recipe for you to get inspired at home. Come to Costa Rica for more juicy recipes and the real experience!

Green Goddess

1 cucumber
1 cup of packed spinach, chard, lettuce, any other greens your heart desires...
2 apples
1 inch ginger
1/2 cup parsley
1 stalk of celery

Slurp slowly, also it helps to chew your green drinks....Enjoy!!! Warning, drinking green juices reduces your appetite for greasy, fried food and sweet cravings.

I also recommend reading Green for Life, for more information on eating your greens and getting younger and younger everyday!

When I don't eat....


I've been juice feasting for 7 days. It was a roller coaster of emotions and some physical pain, my biggest lesson being I have to be patient with myself- for everything, not being a good friend, a business owner, not a great daughter, not a great runner, not the best chef for sure. But after spending hours of thinking in this last 7 days, same story comes up. I am not good enough...It is just too tiring, and old story. I know the beauty lies in the acceptance. No matter what it is. Even that means, being a loner forever, i am not afraid. I feel pretty empowered, like making dreams come true, but it is not about achieving...It is about being. I want to start practicing this now, not tomorrow. I am grateful to be alive. I am dreaming of hanging out in the hammock, with a book in my hand. A breeze would not hurt either. I am off today!

Great article from Daily Om again....


May 5, 2009

Progressing With Patience
Doing The Best You Can

It isn't always easy to meet the expectations we hold ourselves to. We may find ourselves in a situation such as just finishing a relaxing yoga class or meditation retreat, a serene session of deep breathing, or listening to some calming, soul-stirring music, yet we have difficulty retaining our sense of peace. A long line at the store, slow-moving traffic, or another stressful situation can unnerve you and leave you wondering why the tranquility and spiritual equilibrium you cultivate is so quick to dissipate in the face of certain stressors. You may feel guilty and angry at yourself or even feel like a hypocrite for not being able to maintain control after practicing being centered. However, being patient with yourself will help you more in your soul's journey than frustration at your perceived lack of progress. Doing the best you can in your quest for spiritual growth is vastly more important than striving for perfection.

Just because you are devoted to following a spiritual path, attaining inner peace, or living a specific ideology doesn't mean you should expect to achieve perfection. When you approach your personal evolution mindfully, you can experience intense emotions such as anger without feeling that you have somehow failed. Simply by being aware of what you are experiencing and recognizing that your feelings are temporary, you have begun taking the necessary steps to regaining your internal balance. Accepting that difficult situations will arise from time to time and treating your reaction to them as if they are passing events rather than a part of who you are can help you move past them. Practicing this form of acceptance and paying attention to your reactions in order to learn from them will make it easier for you to return to your center more quickly in the future.

Since your experiences won't be similar to others' and your behavior will be shaped by those experiences, you may never stop reacting strongly to the challenging situations you encounter. Even if you are able to do nothing more than acknowledge what you are feeling and that there is little you can do to affect your current circumstances, in time you'll alter your reaction to such circumstances. You can learn gradually to let negative thoughts come into your mind, recognize them, and then let them go. You may never reach a place of perfect peace, but you'll find serenity in having done your best.