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Finding Light and Hope During Global Crisis

Finding Light and Hope During Global Crisis

“We make things and seed them into the world, never fully knowing — often never knowing at all — whom they will reach and how they will blossom in other hearts, how their meaning will unfold in contexts we never imagined.” PICO IYER

It is no secret that we are currently living through a global crisis.

It's truly heartbreaking how many people will be affected by the Coronavirus pandemic in a way that will be life altering forever. And, many others that are suffering in ways that will affect their livelihood in the months to follow. Throughout all the terrifying uncertainty, the one thing that is certain is that we are all united in our shared experience. In times when we are experiencing grief, pain, loss, or uncertainty, it can be difficult to fall back on the practices, routines, or rituals that we know serve us best on our hardest of days. This is the time to really study the teachings on impermanence, non-attachment, and on what is most essential to your spiritual well-being.

While we don’t want to neglect the importance of educating ourselves on the devastating statistical facts that this virus has and will have, we also know that there are millions of news broadcasts doing that very well. So, as much as possible we want to share with our community all of the GOOD that is still happening at this time, all of the positive news and togetherness that has already come of this crisis, and all of the resources we have for inspiration and motivation to help get us through these troubling times.

There isn’t much that is certain living in the middle of a pandemic, but what is certain is that we have to move forward. And, if we choose to take this one day at a time, we can choose the intention of how we approach each day. I urge you not to stop seeking out joy. We can't stop noticing the flowers are in bloom, we can’t stop noticing the sun rising and setting, and we can't stop counting our blessings.

Self-isolation has shaken the masses to look at what is essential to survival. All throughout social media I see people spending time in solitude under nature's backdrop, I see families making homemade meals together, I see friends laughing through zoom chats, virtual happy hours, and viral meditations.

I also see people taking control of their health. I see people planting seeds, building garden beds, organizing their homes, and learning how to live with less.

And yes, while we still must be vigilant about what we can do to overcome this and stay real about what is happening, let's not forget life still has the ability to be GOOD. And, we can learn from this.

We know you’re spending a little more time inside, so here are a few articles we have found that highlight ways in which people have turned their Coronavirus situations into a vehicle of hope and love. We hope that they are uplifting and inspirational for you during these days when things feel so heavy and hopeless.

Virtual Happy hour Concerts: LIVE concerts in Richmond, Virginia from one living room to another. I’ve been seeing these pop up all over the globe. Artists sharing their gifts in the time of crisis. https://richmondgrid.com/virtual-happy-hour-house-show-series/

Italians in Quarantine & Still Singing from their balconies:  Still finding joy, raising their spirits, and uplifting the global energetic vibration. https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2020/03/16/coronavirus-italians-keep-spirits-up-by-singing-from-balconies-during-lockdown/

Jimmy Fallon Home Shows: Not only is Jimmy Fallow broadcasting from home to help generate some laughs (videoed by his wife), but he has already created a donation platform to help those in need during the current pandemic. https://www.wzpl.com/2020/03/18/jimmy-fallon-does-the-tonight-show-from-home/

#VIRALKINDNESS: Becky Wass, from the county of Cornwall in the U.K., created a postcard stating, “Hello! If you are self-isolating, I can help.” With space for people to fill out their contact details and whether they would like help with shopping, posting mail, or simply a phone call. This act of kindness went viral and caused others to do the same. One woman posted, “Let’s spread kindness instead of viruses, because kindness is contagious too.” https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/16/coronavirus-compassion-the-kindness-postcard-and-other-heartwarming-gestures.html

The Front Porch Photography Series: Throughout history creatives have used times of struggle and despair to propel them into projects that seek to spread light and hope to their surrounding communities and beyond. The Front Porch project is not only raising funds for photographers and other freelancers affected by the pandemic, it's bringing communities outside and together in our temporary physical separation:

The Sofa Singers: "The Sofa Singers is a free & weekly online singing event that aims to bring people together from around the world to spark joy and human connection. Set up by vocal leader James Sills as a response to global self isolation during the Coronavirus outbreak, The Sofa Singers bring together hundreds of people in real time for 45 minutes of simultaneous singing, learning a classic song with some optional harmonies/backing parts.” https://www.thesofasingers.net/

Coronavirus leads to huge drop in air pollution: This could be mother nature’s way of telling us all to slow down and respect the earth in ways that we haven’t been practicing up until this point. Perhaps the decline in air pollution will be a motivator for the world to shift into a more sustainable and responsible life. https://www.positive.news/environment/coronavirus-pandemic-leads-to-huge-drop-in-air-pollution/

Reduction in emissions in China could save as many as 77,000 lives:A Researcher from Stanford University has calculated that the reduction in emissions in China during the Coronavirus could save as many as 77,000 lives. If that number is put into context, that's more than 20 times the number of people who died from Coronavirus during that time. http://www.g-feed.com/2020/03/covid-19-reduces-economic-activity.html

Woman doing grocery runs for the elderly: In all parts of the world where people are struggling the most, many people are taking action by being a superior neighbor. People are reaching out to those around them that are in isolation, are elderly and unable to shop for groceries. https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/grocery-runs-for-seniors-during-coronavirus/

A new light on the internet causing more connection: Forced video chatting during a period of global anxiety could improve our quality of communication leading to more frequent and more meaningful conversations. https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2020/03/social-distancing-coronavirus-videochat-facetime/608038/

Couple Married on the Streets of New York City during the Coronavirus outbreak: This couple didn’t let the outbreak stop them wanting to make their commitment to each other public. With their friend officiating from his 4th story apartment, they were married on the streets of NYC. https://www.today.com/news/good-news

Nurture

One of the most important things we can be doing at this time is to take care of one another, keep moving, keep finding sources of JOY and ways to inspire ourselves and our neighbors. This may be the universe giving us a little extra time to use as an opportunity to straighten out our own soul and to ask ourselves questions about how we can live optimally; Are we finding daily connection to nature? Are we expressing gratitude towards the people we love? Are we taking care of our neighbors? The planet? How can we live more sustainably? What does our body need in order to be more creative and live our most inspired life? How can I help someone today?

More Interesting Links on Living with Positivity Through Coronavirus & Resources for Inspiration:

Interesting Interpretation on What’s Happening Astrologically 

Wim Hof's Advice on CoronaVirus

GoodNewsNetwork

Brainpickings

On Being

The Shakti School Blog

The Happiness Project

ZenHabits

TinyBuddha

Charles Eisenstein's essay The Coronation

Our Love in the Time of Covid podcast episode

 

Ted Talks and Other Videos:

Elizabeth Gilbert

Brene Brown - The Power of Vulnerability

Shawn Achor - The Happy Secret to Better Work

The Surprising Science of Happiness

What Makes a Good Life

Jim Carey on Awakening

Oprah Winfrey talks with Thich Nhat Hanh

Woman Blowing Dusts on Her Hand
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What’s Love Got To Do With It

What's Love got to do with it_

Whether you are single or in partnership, we're all in a constant state of relating to one another. Maybe it’s your lover, your husband, or your girlfriend, but it’s also your mother, your best friend, and your neighbor. The list goes on. Inevitably, as any relationship deepens, our emotions become more vulnerable, our fears and personal stories get in the way, and it can become increasingly difficult to approach conflict with love and clear communication, which is what we all ultimately desire.

If we could only take a moment to pause and step back it’s possible that we could have more success when it comes to resolving issues with the ones we love most.

One of the most typical causes of arguments comes from the patterned thought process of seeing the other person as the answer, or source, to your happiness. This is more common in romantic partnerships. In American society we have been taught through pop culture that our partner should be “our everything.” It’s quite a burden to place on one another when in fact our deepest sense of happiness should come from within our own independent well of joy. If we are unable to find our own inner peace and ease, every relationship we are in will suffer because of it.

Many relationships suffer due to our lack of understanding around our own pain and suffering. When we're hyperfocused on our own pain it puts us in a defensive position where from we feel attacked. This can be extremely harmful to the relationship and will be a major obstacle to overcoming the initial or root issue. When you find yourself in an uncomfortable conversation and you are in defense mode, either an argument with a family member or a fight with your husband, try asking the following questions:

What's the story I'm telling myself?

Who am I in this conflict?

What is this conflict truly stemming from?

Do I need to be more independent around this issue?

Only after taking a step back (maybe even taking several days) and answering these questions are you ready to enter back into the conversation with your loved one. At this point you will be far more equipped to clearly communicate what it is that you truly feel and in a way that will be expressed with love rather than coming from baggage, anger, fear, or any other negative emotion.

The issue may always be there, but as we evolve how we deal with the issue, it's possible that the relationship may evolve as well, and the issue may dissolve because of that. Try to see arguments as opportunities for growth for you and your loved one to strengthen your connection, and to align more fully on certain values. It's also an opportunity to examine and tell the truth. It’s always helpful to place yourself in the other’s shoes. Try to understand where your loved one is coming from and put their needs before your own. When we operate from a place of love and presence it makes space for deeper appreciation and understanding. And, could even lead us to embrace the differences that got us into the quarrel in the first place.

Key Take-Aways:

Take a step back

Ask yourself the above questions on how you play a role in the conflict

Communicate how you feel from a place of love

Think less about solving the conflict and more about evolving it

While researching this topic, multiple women came up with the same answer when asked what was the one thing they felt would create more ease in their relationships:

“communicating our needs regularly and finding the balance between getting our own needs met and helping the other person get theirs"

I have a class all about Polarity and Relationship Dynamics, including a powerful 20-minute Body Yantra meditation for igniting your animal magnetism in The Shakti School Subscription, February 2018 issue.

February2018

Login here to access the classes or sign up for one month free using the discount code FREETRIAL at checkout.

And, if you’re looking for ways to spice up your relationship in the bedroom or to give yourself some extra love, check out our favorite CBD intimacy fluid from FORIA wellness. Make sure to use the coupon code SHAKTILOVE at checkout 🙂

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The Pelvic Floor & Pleasure

The Pelvic Floor & Pleasure

The pelvic floor was designed not to be a muscle you train, but rather a muscle that moves fluidly in connection with the muscles in your lower limbs and trunk of your body. The combination of these muscles working together in a feminine flow is what results in a healthy pelvic floor. Contrary to popular belief, repetitively engaging in kegel exercises (exercises that train the pelvis to contract) is not a balanced approach for strengthening the pelvic bowl, unless you are using them for postpartum recovery or targeting a certain injury or imbalance. Don’t get me wrong, kegel exercises do have their place in women’s health. Kegels and other tightening exercises (like using a jade egg: See p. 198 of Happy, Healthy, Sexy) can be extremely beneficial to mother’s after giving birth or any woman working to retrain, retone, and re-tighten the vaginal walls. Outside of that, when we exclusively focus on contracting the pelvic floor we become vulnerable to many health imbalances including chronic stress, bloating, hormonal issues, and possibly pelvic floor disorder. When our pelvic floor muscles are too tight it can dull our sensitivity to arousal and sexual pleasure. For a flower to open, it must surrender it’s petals. It all comes back to balance.

Did you know that there is a direct line of fascia linking your jaw to your pelvis?

The connection and bio-mechanical relationship that your jaw and pelvis have is particularly helpful for women to understand. It's especially relevant for women with pelvic floor pain. A study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics from Hanover Medical School in Germany revealed that TMJ (aka temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction) plays an important role in hip mobility restriction experienced by patients with pain. This indicated a connectedness between these two intrinsic parts of the body.

If you've been stuck in a pattern of clenching the pelvis it may be difficult to even know where to begin when it comes to relaxing those muscles. Going to the jawline can be a more accessible place to start and will seem to magically open the pelvic bowl. Ina May Gaskin, a female healer and wise leader in midwifery, even coined the term “the sphincter law” to explain that if the jaw and throat are relaxed then the buttocks and pelvis will be too. She says, “The state of relaxation of the mouth and jaw is directly correlated to the ability of the cervix, the vagina, and the anus to open to full capacity.” (Gaskin, 2003, p. 170) On the flip side, if you are clenching your jaw often, you’re probably also clenching your pelvis.

How do I know if my pelvis is contracted?

If you exercise frequently, do yoga, stress easily, or wear heels above 1/8th of an inch, your pelvis is probably contracted. In the modern day yoga and fitness world many women are cued to “contract the navel, lift your belly in and up, draw your navel in and pull your tailbone down,” and while these cues may have there place for certain exercises, if you aren’t spending adequate time intentionally doing the opposite and relaxing you are cuing your body to stay in a hyperarousal state. When we wear heels it causes an anterior pelvic tilt.

These incredible bodies we live in were made to keep each body part in balance with the other. If one body part becomes fixed, the whole system has to compensate. This can lead to a chain reaction of imbalance causing our abdominal organs to be squashed and our belly to bloat.

Many of us have lost our sensitivity to even feel this hyper-flexed state because we've become somewhat disconnected from our bodies. By engaging in more fluid, less structured movement, and through time spent softening, surrendering, and relaxing the pelvic floor those muscles will actually become stronger! Just like the rest of the body, when you overtax a certain muscle, you need adequate rest and recovery time in order for that muscle to actually grow and remain healthy.

How can we maintain an overall healthy pelvic floor?

Diversify your movements! Don’t just focus on one exercise. Doing kegels is similar to doing a bicep curl for your pelvis. You’re only going to strengthen one muscle. Try engaging in a wide range of fluid motions. Movements involving squatting, lunging, and lengthening of the limbs will help tone the pelvis while also help to strengthen the extremities which will create ease on the pelvis while also gaining strength and longevity.

Exercises to tone, relax, & strengthen the pelvis:

  • Breathing practices with elongated exhales
  • Long walks in shoes without heels
  • Take pause throughout the day to relax the jaw
  • Lay down with some massage balls!
  • Get or give yourself a face massage
  • Chakravakasana (cat cow) with lion’s breath to loosen the hips and the jaw
  • Anytime you are doing tightening or strengthening exercises make sure to take adequate recovery time and focus on relaxing the jaw & the pelvic bowl
  • Our Foam roller and pelvic release classes in the Shakti School Membership Community:
Pelvic Power Bowl
March2019
May2019

Login here to view these classes or sign up for one month free using the discount code FREETRIAL at checkout.

How will having a more relaxed & toned pelvis lead to experiencing more pleasure?

When the pelvic floor muscles are chronically tensed the muscles will eventually become less flexible. When the muscles are unable to move and stretch, sensations will become weakened and the ability to engage with that area emotionally will also become more difficult.

In Happy Healthy Sexy: Ayurveda Wisdom for Modern Women, I wrote: “Pleasure-power has everything to do with cultivating our ability to feel and experience pleasure in daily life-- in and out of the bedroom. It’s about getting quiet and content enough to experience the immense beauty that is always present when our senses are tuned in.” Similarly, when we educate ourselves on the pelvic floor it is essential for us to focus on being in continuous engagement with our bodies. The key element to building strength, fluidity, and our ability to experience pleasure is to return to movements that are less rigid, more balanced, and more fluid. It is there where we will find more ease with the body, mind, and spirit.

Our Favorite Products for Pelvic Floor Health

Foria Awaken Arousel Fluid and Personal Lubricant

We LOVE this product. It's main ingredients are Hemp (a source of CBD!) and Kava. It helps relax the pelvic floor and increase blood circulation to nourish your tissues and increase your capacity for pleasure. Get 10% off your order with the promocode SHAKTILOVE.

Jade Eggs Set

Banyan’s Coconut Brahmi Oil

Use promocode SHAKTI10 for 10% off your order with Banyan.

Foods that are good for your connective tissue:

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19539119

https://www.nutritiousmovement.com/kegel-queen/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4573594/

https://www.alignpt.com/mysterious-connection-pelvis-jaw/

https://www.christinemathesonnd.com/blog/pelvic-health-jaw-tension-connection

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Aphrodisiac Sweet Potato Sex Bomb Brownie Bites

Aphrodisiac Sweet Potato Sex Bomb Brownie Bites

A treat for you and your loved one...

My girl, ya know what’s missing in your kitchen today? Some of these sexy dark chocolate brownie bites. Every now and then (especially in my luteal phase) I start to crave a little bit of decadence, a little bit of mouth pleasure, and a little more magnesium too. Raw cocoa is one of nature’s superfoods and it’s here to make you feel so GOOD.

Did you know there is actually scientific evidence showing that dark chocolate (without sugar) is a powerful antioxidant which by consuming can help to improve your hormones, reduce bloating, and soothe the spirit?! (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4696435/)

Eating a little dark chocolate is also a perfect way to spark a little playfulness with your lover before heading to the bedroom.

If you don’t believe me, make them for yourself and let us know how it goes.

Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium large sweet potato (cooked and mashed)
  • 1 egg (or substitute a “chia egg”: 1 Tbsp chia seeds + 2 Tbsp water, stir, and let sit for 5 min)
  • ½ cup almond butter
  • ⅓ cup coconut flour
  • ⅓ cup coconut oil (or ghee)
  • ¼ cup raw cocoa
  • 5 pitted dates (you can also use coconut sugar or maple syrup)
  • ½ cup raw cocoa chocolate chips
  • 1 tsp ceylon cinnamon
  • 1 tsp celtic salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp Ashwagandha
  • Optional Add ins: ½ cup of Raspberries (fresh or dried) ½ cup crushed macadamia nuts

Directions:

  • In a food processor add your mashed sweet potato, dates, spices, and almond butter. Process until smooth.
  • Meanwhile in a medium saucepan melt your oils and the raw cocoa on low
  • Once the oils have melted, transfer your ingredients from the food processor to a large mixing bowl, add your egg, flour, and remaining ingredients and mix well with a fork. Slowly pour in the oils. You want your mixture to be pretty thick, so you may need to add a tiny bit more oil or coconut flour depending on what your consistency is.
  • Lastly, mix in the chocolate chips and any other optional add ins (like nuts or berries)
  • Transfer to an 8 inch pan lined with parchment paper, bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
  • Let cool for about 2 hours before serving

Special Ingredients We Used

Raw Cocoa Chocolate Chips from Hu Gems Chocolate

Sun Potion Ashwagandha

Sun Potion Anandamide

Sprouted Almond Butter from Better Almond Butter

Ahara Ghee

Use promo code THESHAKTISCHOOL at checkout for 10% off your order at Ahara Rasa.

Bowl of ingredients
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The Best Beauty Secret: Clean Water & Why We Need It

Water Secrets

Clean water is essential for good health. All of our cells need water to survive. It helps regulate our body temperature, flush out toxins, keeps our skin clear, and we literally cannot live without it. Dr. Jack Kruse, who is a highly respected neurosurgeon, CEO of Optimized Life, a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, and Age Management Medicine Group, has likened water to

“life’s battery”

He says, “It keeps our body energized and our systems functioning properly. Good water increases our exclusion zone (EZ), or the area where energy transfers take place for cell functioning, thus improving blood flow and our redox potential. The bigger the exclusion zone, the better the energy transfer.”

Basically, having clean water is how we reduce oxidative stress and it gives our cells energy, so it's essential to our biological thriving.

Goddess Drinking Water

Have you ever poured a glass of water from the tap and thought, “yuck, what the heck is this?” I know I definitely have. Unfortunately, for many of us, our tap water is some of the most tainted we could consume. Not only is it unpleasant to drink, it’s loaded with highly toxic chemicals like fluoride, chlorine, bromide, and many other narley substances that can cause some major damage to your health. The U.S. Geological Survey tested water in nine different states across the United States in urban and suburban areas. This survey found traces of 85 different man made chemicals! Among these were household and industrial chemicals, pesticides, medications, and many other hormone disrupting pharmaceuticals. One of those being birth control. Remember our recent blog on estrogen dominance? If there’s traces of birth control in our water supply then we are definitely being affected by some unwanted estrogen disruptors.

These super harmful chemicals are overloading our country’s water supply leaving tap water, and even some filtered bottled water, basically toxic and wreaking havoc on our health. Some of the big offenders are fluoride and chlorine. Unfortunately, fluoride is a highly toxic chemical compound that can cause cancer, neurological impairment, lower IQ in children, and cause learning disorders. Chlorine is another and even more common chemical found in our water supply. Not only is it in our pools (where we soak it up through our skin) but, like fluoride, it is also found in city tap water. Exposure to chlorine can cause cell wall damage, autoimmune disorders, asthma, allergies, and many other detrimental health concerns.

How do I test my water?

There are a few different ways to go about testing your water. A very quick and simple way is to visit the website below, plug in your zip code, and see what’s lurking in your water. This site should give you plenty of information to feel well informed about what’s in your water and it also provides a helpful chart to help determine which filters are best for certain chemicals. Another option is to purchase the Allora Water Test Kit. This kit seems to be one of the best and most affordable water test kits on the market. It’s not too expensive and will give you a much more thorough analysis of your water. If you are drinking from a well, this is the kit I would recommend.

City Tap Water Resource: https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/search-results.php?zip5=11233&searchtype=zip

Allora Water Test Kit: https://www.alloratestkits.com.au/shop/

Where can I get clean water or what are the best filters for my tap?

Spring Water

Spring water is some of the best water for your health and is also the tastiest. It is harvested from natural or artisanal mountain springs where the water rushes over rocks, crystals, and is exposed to a diverse natural ecosystem making the water full of minerals that are vital to your health. It can be difficult to find a local spring, but in many rural (and even some urban) areas they are out there. If you do find a spring, make sure that you test it first. You can also purchase spring water at most local grocery stores, but an even better option would be a spring water delivery service.

Reverse Osmosis Filter

Drinking water that has gone through a reverse osmosis filter is going to be your number one healthiest option when it comes to installing a filter in your home. Contrary to many other filters, reverse osmosis filters get rid of most all the chemicals and pesticides from dirty tap water (even glyphosate). This is our favorite reverse osmosis filter. It’s easy to use and doesn’t cost nearly as much as converting your entire home.

Our favorite reverse osmosis filter: AquaTru Reverse Osmosis Filter

Should I add minerals to my water?

Yes! After filtering your water, you've gotten rid of the toxic chemicals, but you’ve also gotten rid of any good minerals that were in the water (if there were any). The best way to remineralize your water is simply by adding some celtic sea salt. You can also remineralize by adding some quinton waters or trace liquid minerals.

Check these out:

Celtic Sea Salt

Quinton Waters

Trace Liquid Minerals

What about Hydrogen tablets?

Yes! It has been shown that adding hydrogen tablets to your water can help to prevent, reverse, or alleviate many health conditions due to its ability to function as an antioxidant or an anti-inflammatory. It has also been proven to increase your energy metabolism. We love to use hydrogen tablets especially while traveling, during stressful times, or after intense exercise.

Save with code SHAKTI for 10% off molecular hydrogen tablets: Vital Reactions Hydrogen Tablets

We love doing what we can to help make a difference in support of cleaner lands and water supply. If you are in a giving mood and would like to donate to a good cause, the Thirst Project is doing amazing things all around the world to help supply different communities with healthy drinking water. Just $25 gives one person safe, clean drinking water for life!!!

Donate for Clean Water: https://www.thirstproject.org/donate/

And, as our good friend Karen always says,

“Go drink water and be nice to people.”

Goddess Drinking Water2

References 

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The Secrets to Healthy Ovulation Part 2

Estrogen Dominance: Signs you may be estrogen dominant
& What to do about it

The Secrets to Healthy

Estrogen is an essential component of being a woman. It's because of estrogen that we ovulate, that we have breasts, that we have a libido, and that we maintain healthy bones and muscles. Estrogen is not the enemy. It actually regulates over a thousand genes in our bodies (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3783169/).

So, you don’t want to have too little estrogen, however, when we have too much estrogen, and not enough progesterone, it can cause a lot of unwanted symptoms.

Unfortunately, we are operating in a time where estrogen is at an all time high. Living in our environment today we are constantly surrounded by xenoestrogens. Xenoestrogens are endocrine disrupting chemicals that mimic estrogen in our bodies. Xenoestrogens are in artificial fragrances, pesticides, plastics, unfiltered tap water, non-organic meat and vegetables, birth control, the list goes on... In our modern industrial world, it's difficult to escape the toxic overload of xenoestrogens.

Why don’t we want to have excess estrogen?

An overabundance of estrogen can lead to a number of problems in women (and men). If not treated it can cause things like hormonal cancers, thyroid dysfunction, autoimmune disease, candida overgrowth, and even obesity. And, as we age it becomes increasingly important to make sure your estrogen is as balanced as it can be.

Common Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance: 

  • Depression or Anxiety
  • PMS
  • Menstrual problems (heavy bleeding or light bleeding)
  • Sore, swollen, or fibrocystic breasts
  • Uterine Fibroids
  • Weight gain (usually in the hips/thighs/abdomen)
  • Loss of libido

Estrogen is metabolized through different pathways in the liver. If these pathways are blocked it can start to cause a lot of the negative side effects mentioned above. When it comes to balancing estrogen, your liver health is key. And, in order to keep your liver happy you have to make sure that your nutrition is dialed in, your stress levels are in check, and you’re getting an adequate amount of sleep. Other common causes of estrogen excess include: Perimenopause, impaired metabolism, and obesity.

Why don’t we want to have excess estrogen?

  • Reduce your exposure to xenoestrogens: check your personal care products carefully, avoid the use of plastics, buy organic, drink clean water, take walks in preserved lands!
  • Exercise to maintain a healthy weight
  • Get off hormonal birth control
  • Reduce inflammatory foods like cow’s dairy (cow’s milk causes your estrogen receptors to be hypersensitive)
  • Limit your consumption of alcohol
  • Incorporate more ways to decrease your stress: meditation, grounding in the forest, and limiting EMF exposure
  • Maintain healthy gut bacteria: Avoid antibiotics and eat in a way the supports your microbiome
  • Eat to support the liver: greens, cruciferous vegetables, sprouted grains and legumes, healthy fats, and organic sources of protein.

Our favorite supplements for lowering estrogen:

Calcium D-Glucarate

Iodine

Banyan Breast Care Balm

Women's Support Tablets

“Healing begins when we start to live the life we really want to be living.” — Dr. Claudia Welch

It’s amazing what can happen when we choose to be open to healing. It can be difficult to stay positive, inspired, or creative when our health is feeling out of whack or weakened, but sometimes we get stuck with a “dis-ease” in the body when we aren’t truly embodying the life we are meant to be living. One of the most powerful medicines can simply be to choose the life you know you are meant to be living out. Maybe that looks like taking a sabbatical to work on the book you’ve always wanted to write, maybe it means quitting your office job to pursue wellness coaching, or maybe it simply means allowing yourself to eat that french croissant at your favorite bakery. Whatever the thing is, before you buy the next supplement, make sure to check in and ask:

“Am I getting in the way of living my best life?”

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How to do a Wintertime Cleanse

A Guide to Feeling Healthy After the Holidays

(beetroot pizza recipe included)

How To Winter Cleanse

December brings on many indulgences (eggnog, cheese, pie, the list goes on). It can often make the start of the new year feel like you’re trudging through sludge while your digestive system is trying desperately to get back on track.  As we finish up the holiday season, January is an ideal time to detox, but the fact is it’s still a busy time of year, it’s cold outside, and the long dark days can make the idea of cleansing somewhat unappealing and in most cases untenable. This is why it’s essential that we follow an Ayurvedic approach to cleansing as we move through the winter months.

While most of us don’t live in the appropriate environment to do a super strict cleanse, this specific detox is all about focusing on lots of cooked vegetables, whole grains, legumes, some fruit, and digestive herbal teas while limiting high amounts of animal products, high quantities of oil, salt, processed foods, and sugar. The main objective is to get your digestive system working properly and optimally.

This wintertime cleanse does have some elimination restrictions. Try to limit or eliminate the following:

 coffee, alcohol, gluten, added sugar, processed foods and processed oils.  

Really try to challenge yourself to completely take these foods out of your diet for the month. However, we also recognize that completely eliminating certain foods or favorites doesn’t always work for some people (and can be triggering), so if that’s you try to at least minimize these certain foods. It may be helpful to instead focus on the foods you can enjoy instead of focusing on the foods you can’t have.

Here is a sample menu of what your food intake my look like during this type of cleanse:

Morning Beverage:

If you are feeling like you really need a reboot, try having a cup of hot water with a little ginger and lemon or if you aren’t giving up caffeine completely, enjoy one cup of green tea with oat or nut milk.

Breakfast: 

Warm porridge- cooked (pre-soaked for easier digestion) with warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. If you want to add fruit or a few nuts make sure to cook them with the oats for easier absorption.

Lunch: 

Cooked Quinoa with turmeric, steamed carrots & spinach, topped with Avocado

Mid-day Ginger Tea 

Dinner: 

Sprouted brown rice with a small amount of ghee and mung bean stew

Post Dinner Beverage: 

Dandelion tea, ginger tea, or Magnesium Calm for additional digestive/stress support.

It can be fun to eat in a new way. Just avoiding using excess oils or animal products can lead you to finding new ways to be more creative in the kitchen. As you can see this cleanse isn’t super restrictive. It just focuses on eating plants and revving up your digestive system. Check out this extremely healthy plant based pizza recipe! You may find that eating clean is easier than you think.

Beet Root Pizza

Canva - Beetroot Dough, Vegetables and Sprouis Pizza, Healthy Fast Food on Slate (1)

Ingredients:

1 head raw cauliflower

2 medium beets (raw & peeled)

¾ cup almond flour

¼ cup coconut flour

4 eggs

1/2 tsp sea salt and black pepper

1 tsp oregano

*You'll also need parchment paper

Directions:

Place cauliflower and beets in a food processor and blend until it turns into a fine rice texture. (You may have to pre-chop the beets a little bit). Transfer to a mixing bowl and add the flour and spices.

Mix well with your hands and then add in the eggs.

Whisk until everything is nice and combined. It may be a little wet, but you should be able to form it into a ball.

Next place on a lined (with parchment paper) baking pan and spread out evenly with your hands.

Bake in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or until slightly golden and firm.

Remove from the oven and add your desired plant based toppings

Place back into the oven for another 10 minutes and then it'll be ready to enjoy

Need more support?

Download our digital cleanse guide for step by step instructions on how to do an Ayurvedic cleanse. Use the promocode WinterCleanse at checkout for 30% off!

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Channeling Your Inner Dolly

What Dolly Parton can teach us about Acceptance, Fame & Feminine Wisdom

Channeling Your Inner Dolly

During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season we thought it would be nice to offer you a cozy read into the life and lessons from one of our favorite Shakti Mamas, Dolly Parton. If you're anything like our team, then you're probably up-to-date with the popular new podcast: Dolly Parton’s America {LISTEN HERE}, and if not then we just did you a favor (start from the beginning with episode 1).

It’s a remarkable and inspiring look into Dolly Parton’s life, career, and her impact on the South and beyond. However, what’s even more interesting to note about the series is how incredibly full of SHAKTI this woman is and how she sings to tell about it.

As mentioned in The New York times, Dolly Parton is the “saucey grandmother” of our time. She is accepting of all, she is confident, incredibly kind, and I can feel her nurturing ways just by listening to her music.

Dolly Parton is a force to be reckoned with. She grew up in the backwoods of Tennessee with her family of twelve. They were so poor that it is said her father paid for her birth with a bag of cornmeal! But, this didn’t seem to stop Dolly from going after her dreams.

Dolly Parton is a woman that embraces the fire of the feminine.

Struggling to find her way in the male dominated entertainment world, she eventually would go on to achieve more number one hits than any other female artist, of all time. And, she did this all while making friends with “the church ladies and the gays”.

Dolly has always been about acceptance and in reference to her popularity in these two (usually opposing) communities: the religious christian community and the gay community, she has stated,

“God tells us not to judge one another, no matter anyone’s sexual preference or if they’re black, brown, or purple. And if someone doesn’t believe what I believe, tough shit.”

It is so refreshing how candid Dolly Parton is. She doesn’t try to be anyone else but herself. She is proud of her roots yet she doesn’t try to hide or cover up any of the negative aspects of the troubled South. And, somehow she is able to speak her truth while still being steeped in a loving and compassionate state of being.

April 1989, New York City, New York State, USA --- Dolly Parton --- Image by © Edie Baskin/Corbis

So, what can Dolly Parton teach the modern woman in Ayurveda school?

*To be a force

*Accept everyone despite their differences

*Be fully Yourself

*Live More in a state of Joy and Thanksgiving 

*Never give up

Dolly says it best in the lyrics of the song Light of a Clear Blue Morning,

“I can see the light of a clear blue morning
I can see the light of a brand new day
Everything is going to be alright
Everything is going to be okay”

Image credit: 1st image Andy Warhal, 2nd image Illustration by Matthieu Bourel; photograph by Michael Ochs Archives, via Getty Images

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