Yes Cacao: Botanical Chocolate

The first time we tried Yes Cacao we did a double take on the label because it's that good. Justin Polgar has created a wild crafted raw chocolate bar that is infused with an excellence of herbs. YES, Yes and Yes is his word of choice which is pressed throughout the entire bar. We got a chance to talk to the creator to learn more about the inspiration, composition and direction of Yes Cacao.

1.  Yes is a powerful word. What does the yes in Yes Cacao suggest to you?

It is powerful! I love the word, it has been a great teacher for me. “Yes” turns doors into doorways, “Come in” it says. It’s an invitation into a field of energy, just like cacao. So for myself, claiming my YES is a continual affirmation of choice and permission, and of being a solution. 

When we created the brand Yes Cacao, we intentionally corralled the energy of YES.  We were curious what might happen when we use “Yes” as a vehicle to return chocolate to its sacred origins. So far, soooooo good.

2. Where do you draw inspiration for your recipes?

Inspiration is so naturally available when we “turn our worry into wonder”. I’ve used mantra most of my life to sew consciousness to my experiences. Mantras are like persistent reminders to find true relevance in the moment. When I was in my early 20’s, I used a specific mantra, “Observe. Balance. Evolve.” Whenever I realized the wind was touching my skin, or that I was blinking, or caught myself smiling without knowing it, I would whisper “Observe. Balance. Evolve.” It’s from this state of “mantra mind” that I draw inspiration for recipes and creative projects.

Specifically for Yes Cacao, each of the recipes speak to a cultural need. 

More than ever, at the pace of social and digital culture, people are hungry for healthy functional energy. The recipes are a way to address balance, and to evolve between breaths.

3. We love the herbs you use to elevate our mind and body, how do you formalize your recipes and what makes them unique to other botanical chocolates?

“Botanical Chocolate” is a term I came up with to create a new genre of chocolate. It’s not just raw, and wild-harvested, and organic, and the slew of other certification call-outs. Botanical Chocolate belongs to a category of “food as holistic medicine”, where every ingredient matters. Because chocolate is a vasodilator (meaning it expands your blood vessels), whatever we put in chocolate gets absorbed super efficiently. To formalize Yes Cacao’s alchemy, each ingredient must deliver a potent purpose, and work synergistically within the whole; and that “whole” has to taste and feel delicious.

Real Botanical Chocolate tastes different every time. Taste is a two-way conversation: I bring my palate and the food brings its terroir. The closer to source and soil we get, the more we find out how brilliantly diverse we are. I eat Dirty Chocolate everyday, and every time “I Make a Wish and Take a Bite”, I’m a little bit different, and those botanicals are unique to their seasonal harvest. It’s a presence practice.

I’m excited to see more Botanical Chocolate companies popping up around the world, teamwork makes the dream work! Establishing a new genre is going to take a handful of us being well resourced, and uniquely inspired.

4. You have mentioned that each of your bars provides a different type of energy. What is your favorite chocolate bar you have created and why? What is the most popular?

Our most popular bar is definitely the Karma Mellowl, it’s a golden chocolate bar. The flavor is super novel, like a combination of butterscotch, graham cracker, and pumpkin spice. Functionally it’s our Brain Food bar, and it’s intended to increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the parts of the brain that network short-term, associative memory. We call it, “The Brain Tickler” in the kitchen.

I get asked which is my favorite all the time, and I love each of our bars for different reasons. My preferences gravitate to characteristics, more so than characters. So it’s not a specific bar that’s my favorite, it’s that the cacao is wild harvested, and the shilajit in the Dirty chocolate gives me crazy endurance, and the turmeric in both the Karma Mellowl and the Gaba Baba are cold water extracted.  My favorite characteristic in any food is its bioavailability. 

5. Cacao contains endless benefits, but is still associated to many as a dessert. How would you describe cacao to someone who only sees it as such?

We all know people who dismiss the possibility of food as medicine. Even with all the scientific research, most people are set in their mind that chocolate is a guilty pleasure. I encounter this with potential customers on the regular, and my favorite response has been the following: 

Cacao has been a sacred and ritual food for over 2000 years, and then a “sweet treat” for the last 200 years, and for the last 30 years it’s just been a junk food. How do we go from something that is a sacred ritual food, to a junk food?! 

Sometimes people need to see it to believe it, so I tell them I eat 130 pounds of chocolate a year (about 8 oz. daily), and they say, “How are you not fat?” And I say, “Chocolate is actually, really good for you, it’s just usually paired with poisonous refined, plantation sugar, and that is what’s giving chocolate a bad rap.”

6. What is your favorite super food and herb and how do you feel a difference when taking it?

Next to cacao, Sun Dried Cane Sugar is currently my favorite superfood.

Sometimes we forget the basics in the health food world. Sugarcane is scientifically classified as an Officinarum, meaning it has medicinal and/or therapeutic benefit. If grown in accordance with natural law, and minimally processed, sugar can be an amazing superfood.

The Sun Dried Cane Sugar we use is grown in its natural eco-density (not in overcrowded plantations), hand pressed, and dried in the sun (instead of boiled to evaporate water content). It’s unrefined, which means the molasses, minerals, and nutrient language of the ecosystem are still present. I have shared this sugar with diabetics, sugar sensitive people, and children, without any noticeable glycemic disturbance. It makes me feel calmly energized. I feel the gentle lift in mood, and a grounded clarity. 

7. What does your typical day look like?

Zoë and I moved to Santa Cruz in December, and thankfully Mercury going retrograde was a perfect pattern reset. Most days look like:

• Sunrise - Wakey wakey
• 20 min. of oil pulling while moving bodies/stretching/5 tibetans
• “Slippery Fish” drink - fresh aloe + lemon blended + bubbly water
• Drink tea, casual gong fu style 
• Take the last pot of tea as the base for a breakfast elixir
• tea + cacao paste + sprouted almond butter + date or banana + maca + he shu wu + squirts of the tinctures that pull on my attention + hemp seeds + pumpkin seed oil + cinnamon - blend and drink hot. And eat a Dirty Chocolate Bar.
• Dance in our furniture-free living room. This is like a nonverbal meeting that gets us tuned into each other’s energy. 
• Drink water.
• If we’re driving together somewhere, we sing in car. If I’m solo then it’s phone calls or audiobook/podcasts.
• If it’s an office day, I’m deep in the computer… and eating chocolate.
• Drink water.
• Lunch early afternoon, and I like to give myself time to get creative in the kitchen. Yesterday I mixed dill and sauerkraut into yogurt, chopped super thin cucumbers, and got dippy with carrots and bell peppers and mochi. Throughout the day I eat handfuls of spinach.
• Back to the office with Karma Mellowl
• Afternoon tea
• Walk the neighborhood trails or coastline for sunset
• Light exercise: pull up bar, slant board, squats, balance
• Drink Water.
• Make dinner - soups and broths hit the spot during winter, squashes too, but occasionally I like hippie-dusted popcorn (chlorella, spirulina, oregano, thyme, herbs etc.)
• If I can really be done with work, the evenings become art projects, watching a show, reading, or bathing outside under the stars, with a Gaba Baba by my side.
• I like to be in bed before midnight, but sometimes I get inspired to work on something til 4am… I listen to my Yes.

8. What do you do to keep your mind and body grounded?

Dirty Chocolate and muscle testing. Consistency is key with these two. My astrological chart has 6 planets in air signs, so keeping my mind and body grounded is a continual practice.

9. Tell us about the affirmations you practice? 

Affirmation is my practice, I say YES a lot!  I hold a variety of spiritual disciplines. For the past 7 years, I have washed my hands every morning with a traditional prayer, asking that my hands be instruments of peace and prosperity and good deeds.

10. What are your favorite products and or supplements in your holistic medicine cabinet?

So many! We’re so blessed to live in an age of accessibility. There are a few medicine cabinets in the house, fridge included! Here’s a short list off the top of my mind: Lotus Blooming Herbs Shilajit, He Shou Wu from Sun Potion, reishi and chaga mushrooms in tincture and powder form, Raw Cane Superjuice Alkalizer, anything from Living Teas, Elemental Wizdom enzymes, Ascended Health super gum healing oil, Jambo Superfoods sprays, and Al-qemi spagyrics, and the Naked Creamy sprouted almond butter from Philosopher’s Stoneground.

11. What is your vision for Yes cacao?

Our vision is to introduce a new genre of chocolate into mainstream awareness, return the ritual to a sacred food, and of course expand consciousness through YES.  

12. Happiness is….

Watching a child close their eyes and squish their nose and forehead into a wishing face… those kinds of wishes are the easiest to grant.

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Justin Frank Polgar, Minister of Chocolate...is an an alchemical chocolate technologist! Focusing his chocolate innovation toward education in the holistic health and wellness category, Justin really loves chocolate. Making chocolate with Willy Wonka style, he is an inspirational cheerleader for everyone to find their YES.

When he is taking a moment away from his educational art project Yes Life Foods, you will find Justin chanting “YES!”, dancing like a wild child, concocting in the kitchen, getting praisey with Zoë, drinking tea, adventuring to foreign lands, and engaging plant medicine of the old pharmacopoeias. Learn more at yescacao.com and connect with Yes Cacao on Instagram, Facebook,  Twitter. and email hello@yescacao.com

Sacred Self Care - Nourishing The Spirit During The Holidays

The holidays are a time to come together with those we love and celebrate community and family. For many, however, the holidays can serve as a trigger for those we have lost, what we feel we lack, not to mention a flurry of obligations that bring more stress than pleasure. Now more than ever it is crucial for us to invest in sacred-selfishness; to embrace self care that nourishes our spirit and elevates our overall experience. Let’s explore what you can do to invite stress-free, soulfulness to your holiday season that heals as much as it nurtures.

Embrace what feels good

This time of year can leave us with a high paced energy that is pushing us beyond our limits. There is so much to do on top of our normal, day to day activities that we can feel depleted and exhausted of our vitality. I encourage each of us to check in with how we are feeling. Are we spending too much time doing things that drain us or leave us feeling poorly and not enough time doing those things that replenish our energy and revitalize us? This is a time when we must be willing to ask ourselves what would feel good for us. Invite in all the senses. Perhaps we need a hot bath with some lavender and rosemary essential oils. We could spend extra time to sit in meditation and simply appreciate stillness. Perhaps this month we increase the time we spend at the gym or in the yoga studio so that we can provide our bodies an additional outlet for the stress. Allow yourself to find several ways to engage your senses in such a way that it feels nourishing and releasing. 

Give yourself permission

When we begin to spend extra time on ourselves, especially in a holiday so consumed with buying and doing for others (which can feel good for some of us, too!), there is a tendency for guilt consciousness to rise to the surface. Know that we when take time to replenish our energy, to cultivate centeredness for ourselves we can show up in a richer, deeper way for those around us. Boundaries that safely allow us to tend to our own needs are an essential part of our self care. Should guilt arise take a moment to honor this quality within you and lovingly release guilt affirming that there is no greater spiritual act than to show up for ourselves in a powerful and meaningful way.

Learn to say no

Along with embracing what feels good and giving ourselves permission to take care of ourselves we must also get comfortable saying no. For many of us this is a difficult task-a trigger all on its own, but it’s equally a powerful boundary that protects our energetic, emotional and even physical well-being. If you know that a certain family member that you have a deep wound with is attending a family function, assess whether you are honoring yourself by saying yes to something which may prove very difficult for you and for those around you. If you are feeling drained after a long week of work and cannot fathom attending the work holiday party it's ok to say no. Part of our reluctance to saying no is a fear of letting others down but when we say yes even when we want to say no we let ourselves down. Honor how you feel and if you are not feeling it, say no. 

Be of service

For many who live away from family or simply chose to not attend family functions there can be a void when you see commercials and hear co-workers and friends regaling tales of their holiday traditions. A great way to nourish our spirit and to fill a void left when we lack the support we desire during the holidays is to spend time being of service to our communities. Get in touch with local women’s shelters, retirement centers or animal shelters. Sometimes one of the most enriching and soul-lifting experiences can come when we see another shining bright simply by our presence. 

While there may be many things about this holiday season we cannot change, or avoid we always control how we react and what we hand our power over to. Hold your power close this season and know that there are many ways to tend to our spirit and find peace during the holiday season. The more that we honor ourselves, chose to act with authenticity, and tend to our internal well the more we can stay above the stress of the season. We can heal and release wounds that have often sullied this holiday for us and we can make new memories and traditions of our own choosing that lift ourselves, and those around us to new heights. 

Have a wonderful holiday season, no matter how you chose to spend it. I wish you many blessings as we enter a most bountiful 2017

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Laura Brown is a Seeress, Intuitive Coach and Medicine Woman. She is the Goddess and Creatrix at Intuitive Alchemy,  a sacred sanctuary for Intuitive Readings & Coaching, Spiritual Development as well as online Apothecary. Ever a sacred Alchemist, Laura blends her skills as a Channeler, Clairvoyant, Reiki Healer, Tarotist and Metaphysician to create sacred offerings for soul seekers. You can stay up to date on her Facebook page and follow her on Instagram for free daily readings.

10 Ways You Can Take Control Over You Skin Right Now in Preparation for the Holidays

As you know by now HOC is not shy when it comes to sharing the best of the best in vibrant health and that is why we took no shortcuts when we journeyed to visit Stephanie Lauren Brown in the city that never sleeps for tips on how to take care of our skin when we don’t get enough! Stephanie knows how to substantially improve skin with more than fourteen years of studies in conjunction with Ayurveda, and coupled with her magic touch. She can tell just from looking at you what lifestyle your body is living and give you suggestions that give results! 

Stephanie, if only all facials could be as sweet as yours. When we think of your approach to skin, the first word that comes to mind is effective. Experiencing your customized holistic facial in NYC further encouraged us to care for our skin from the inside out. 

What are ten ways you can take control over you skin right now in preparation for the holidays?

1. Start with hydration. We all know that drinking water is important, but when the temperature gets low, a key move you can make to keep yourself hydrated is forgoing ice altogether and instead, sip on hot water throughout the day. Throw a slice of lemon or orange in there for a little extra flavor if drinking hot water doesn't sound appealing. Hot water encourages your digestive system to relax and keeps all of your channels open to hydrate more deeply.

2. Exfoliate! The face and the body are probably ready for a more intense exfoliation after all of the time spent outdoors in the summer. For the body, I like to mix up a little organic sugar with sesame oil to make a scrub, and then take it into the shower with me. And depending on how intense the weather is where you live, exfoliate your face with caution. If you do too much, you'll end up causing more harm than good. This is a good time of year to begin a nighttime retinol treatment, which can exfoliate gently and help improve just about every skin concern imaginable - fine lines, sun spots, breakouts, etc. I adore Marie Veronique's gentle and natural versions. 

3. Up your internal omega intake with foods like salmon, sardines, anchovies, nuts, and seeds. These foods are important for just about all of the body's organs and functions, but your skin, in particular, will thank you. 

4. Massage your face. We really should be taking the time each day to do this, as the immediate and long term benefits are so great. Massage not only assists our skin in working more effectively, but improves the actual health of the skin by boosting circulation and oxygenation of the muscles. We hold a lot of tension in our facial muscles, especially around the jaw and in the forehead, so consciously relaxing these muscles relieves stress there and can prevent fine lines from forming. This is why I typically spend nearly an hour or more massaging the faces of my clients! Over time, the muscles lift, TMJ pain disappears, and the skin congests less. It's probably the single most important thing you can do for your skin, period. 

5. At night, the skin can absorb and assimilate nutrients more effectively than during the daytime, so it's imperative to take the time with your evening  skincare routine. Make sure you're effectively removing your makeup, then cleansing, followed by toning and then massaging in your serums. Layer on a heathy dose of a balm or moisturizer and wake up to happier skin, every morning. 

6. If you live in a dry climate, consider a humidifier next to your bed while you sleep to increase the amount of water in the air, and therefore, in your skin. 

7. There are a lot of health trends that come and go, but one that I can really get behind is the bone broth craze. There are so many good minerals, vitamins, and nutrients in there that we can't get from any other source in nature- I really try to encourage everyone to get on board with this. Some of my vegan clients have reluctantly tried this and have seen major improvements with a lot of different symptoms- from indigestion and leaky gut to joint pain and arthritis. Can't recommend it enough!

8. Sleep is so essential and it's always staggering to see the research on how many of us aren't sleeping well consistently. More than anything, it helps to regulate our body's hormones and basically affects every angle of our overall well-being, including the skin's health. If you're not sleeping well, make it your highest priority. 

9. By now we are all aware of how much stress can age us prematurely, so at this point it's just a matter of finding little ways to alleviate stress as we experience it on a daily basis. This is why having a few breathing practices are so helpful - we can do them anywhere and at any time. Breathing is generally at the heart of many meditation techniques and discovering at least one that works for you is key to keeping hormones balanced and the skin radiant. 

10. Get a facial! At a minimum, I recommend getting at least one facial with each seasonal change annually. This is especially important if you live somewhere with dramatic seasonal changes so that you can get a professional's stamp of approval on seasonally-appropriate products for home use, which can be different for everyone. Find an Esthetician who aligns with your values and uses products that you are interested in using so that they can be an effective part of your team.

Article by: Karli Quinn

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Stephanie Lauren Brown is a passionate Holistic Skin Therapist whose work focuses on nurturing the skin from the inside out.

After personally battling cystic acne for ten years, Stephanie understands how frustrating and self-deprecating troubled skin can be. Years of internal antibiotic use combined with harsh, chemically-laden prescription creams and aggressive facial procedures made her wonder why no one or nothing had seemed to make a substantial improvement in her skin. It was then she decided to explore what might be causing this chronic condition, and began a deep, lifelong study of the body and its processes.

Over fifteen years of studies have refined Stephanie's abilities to assist clients who are suffering from troubled skin utilizing natural ingredients and practiced techniques. She has been a working Certified Massage Therapist since 2002, and is a Certified Ayurvedic Health Educator through the California College of Ayurveda and the Ayurvedic Institute since 2006. Stephanie is also an Aveda-trained holistic Esthetician and has completed multiple advanced body and skin therapy trainings throughout her career in a variety of healing modalities including Marma point therapy, Pancha Karma and traditional Ayurvedic body therapies, Acupressure, Reflexology, manual lymph drainage, Myofascial release, and Reiki. She holds Aesthetic Licenses in both New York and California. Stephanie combines the most effective techniques in her treatments in addition to thoughtful lifestyle coaching to assist each client on their path to vibrant health.

The Perfect Workout for your Body Type (Dosha)

We all know exercise is good for our bodies, minds, and souls, but did you know the type of exercise that’s best for you actually depends on your mind-body type?

According to Ayurveda, the world’s oldest health system, there are three mind-body types: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. As an Ayurvedic Nutritionist and author of the upcoming book The Idiot’s Guide to Ayurveda, I focus on bringing this ancient healing system into our modern lives. While the Vedas didn’t write about whether CrossFit or Pure Barre is better for your physique, they had some pretty incredible insights into our physiology that we can truly benefit from today.

In this article, I’m going to give you pointers on the best type of exercise according to your unique mind-body type. If you don’t know your mind-body type, take my quiz  which will help you assess it.

Once you know, here are the best workouts for you:

Those with Vata bodies:

Vatas are energizer bunnies who love to move. They are most similar to the Ectomorph body type in Sports Nutrition. They love the feeling of a good cardio session. You can find them in Soul Cycle spinning up a storm, doing high kicks in kickboxing, shaking their booties in Zumba, or going HAM on the elliptical machine. They have a need for speed and love the types of workouts where you lose your breath, and yourself while doing them. They love the feeling of getting their heart rates up, which makes them feel free - something very important for Vatas.

However, all that movement is not recommended for Vatas. Ayurveda is all about seeking balance. Therefore you should counter-balance your natural energy with that which you lack. 

Because Vatas are drawn to quick, sweaty cardio sessions, it’s best to counter-balance that quickness with some slow, steady strength training. 

Vatas have a hard time gaining muscle mass and need to pay particular attention to building their bones and muscles to prevent bone-density issues in the future. I recommend scheduling two to three strength-training sessions in the week where you really isolate your individual muscles, without the cardio component of quickly trying to lift as fast as possible. Think slow, steady, and thorough. Proper form is more important than speed.

Balance is also very important to practice for Vatas, as they naturally can have a weak balance due to skeletal irregularities in their physiology. Try doing one-leg deadlifts, bicep curls on one leg, and walking lunging to improve your balance and agility.

Make sure you take your rest days. Vatas are naturally on the thin side and have a hard time preserving body fat so you want to make sure you don’t overdo it and give your muscles a chance to rest between sweat sessions.

Those with Pitta bodies:

Pittas are natural athletes. They are most similar to the Mesomorph body type in Sports Nutrition. They have a strong stamina and love to work their muscles to the max. They are drawn to boot camps, boxing, CrossFit, and anything else that pushes their body's limits. They put muscle on easily and love the results they get. Needless to say, they love to feel the burn.

However, all that intense exercise is not really the best thing for these already fiery Pittas. They must counter-balance their naturally competitive energy with some non-competitive, relaxing workouts. Don’t kill me, I know you want your boot camp in, but I swear that grounding down will really help.

Pilates is a great exercise for Pittas because it works their muscles, but at the same time is therapeutic and relaxing. I also recommend yin yoga, which is the practice of holding one stretch for two to three minutes without moving. If you do boot camps, be sure to meditate and ground down afterward so you don’t stay in that fight-or-flight mode for the rest of the day.

It’s super important for Pittas to avoid getting overheated. Pittas are hot by nature, so a humid room can really throw them off balance. Avoid working out in hot weather, such as in the middle of the day or outside in the summer. Steer clear of heated yoga practices, which will throw your Pitta energy way out of wack. Instead, focus on cooling down. 

Swimming is an excellent practice for Pittas because it allows you to move, strengthen and stretch your body while cooling down. Hit up your friend that has a pool to do some laps or take a run on the beach.

It’s also crucial for you to take your rest days. Pittas like to be on the go and often forget to schedule downtime in their busy agendas. Remember, your muscles cannot develop if you are always working them. Try to take two off-days during the week to just stretch your body out. Foam rolling is a really great way to knead out deep knots, which Pittas often have. And practice Abhyanga, self-massage with cooling coconut oil. I explain all about how to practice Abhyanga on my site.

Those with Kapha bodies:

Kaphas are naturally slow and steady and may actually hate to workout. Getting up to go to the gym may feel like physical torture for them. Does this sound like you?

Kaphas are most similar to the Endomorph body type in Sports Nutrition. They are more sedentary by nature and have a tough time getting into an exercise routine. However, once they start getting their sweat sessions in, they actually begin to love it because it stimulates their minds and bodies, counter-balancing their heavy energy. Kaphas actually have the highest endurance of all the Doshas and can tolerate the longest duration of exercise, so don’t be afraid to work it.

Kaphas medicine is sweat. In Ayurveda, sweat is fat's antidote. Therefore, by sweating every day you are inhibiting your body's fat storage. Kaphas naturally store fat more easily than the other Doshas, so sweat is really medicine for them. I always like to tell myself in a tough workout, “Sweat is fat crying.” You can try that little mantra for motivation the next time you find yourself on a treadmill.

Kaphas should avoid excess strength-training if they are trying to lose weight because it will actually make them heavier. Kaphas may be drawn to slow, steady weight-lifting and shy away from cardio but it’s really the opposite they need.

Kaphas should do HIIT (high-intensity interval training) classes where they are doing things like jump squats, jumping jacks, mountain climbers, and burpees throughout the class, with quick weight lifting in between. This is really going to speed up your metabolism and help trigger your body’s fat-burning potential. If your heart-rate isn’t increased you won’t be burning enough calories to target your fat cells. Check out your local gym for classes. Tabata, Plyometrics, Spinning, and Ropes & Rower classes are all great options and gyms often have their own variations of classes. If that sounds too intimidating for you start off with a type of cardio class you enjoy like Zumba or a barre class.

Even if you don’t have a gym membership there are so many workouts you can do at home. Try going for a run, jump roping or practicing lunges, squats, push-ups, and planks at home. That’s really all you need to get your body going. Don’t underestimate the power of walking. Walking 20 minutes a day can make significant differences in your weight over time. Do something that you enjoy and don’t be afraid of a challenge.

Exercise is one of the most medicinal things we can do. Physical stimulation creates mental stimulation. A stagnant body is a stagnant mind. By opening the channels of our bodies we open the channels of our minds. If people exercised more often most diseases and depression would cease to exist.

Which type of exercise is your favorite? What’s your Dosha? Let me know in the comments! And if you don’t know your mind-body type, take my quiz on my website eatfeelfresh.com.

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Sahara Rose is an Ayurvedic Practitioner, Sports Nutritionist and Holistic Health Coach, as well as upcoming author of The Idiot’s Guide to Ayurveda. She is passionate about bridging Eastern and Western health philosophies and leads a 12 Week Program on incorporating both into our everyday, busy lives. Learn more about Ayurvedic wisdom on her website eatfeelfresh.com and follow her on Instagram @EatFeelFresh.

Vibrant Healing with Fern Olivia

The moment you step in the aura of Fern Olivia you immediately pick up on her contagious smile and soothing voice. Her captivating warm compassion and eye contact puts you in a trace like state. Fern has had her share of health struggles with an auto-immune disease but is now building an empire for herself with Thyroid Yoga. We sat down with Fern to get a taste of her dynamic life.

1. Fern , tell us about how you got on the path of healing and yoga?
For nearly a decade, I battled against my body and the horrible discomfort of chronic congestion, puffiness, brain fog, constipation, food allergies, and severe stomach irritability. 

I spent hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars traveling from doctor to doctor, feeling like a lost patient who was completely disconnected from her body, wanting so badly to just be given a magical solution to it all.  I was told I had hypothyroidism, meaning my thyroid was underactive, and that’s why I was having all the uncomfortable feelings in my body.  I was given every type of thyroid medication in the book to mask the symptoms I was experiencing – rather than getting down and dirty with why I was feeling so awfully rotten in the first place.  At one point I was on 125 mcg of synthroid and 5 mcg of cytomel and still felt like a zombie. The worst part -  I was told that I would always have these symptoms and would just have to “deal with them.” 

After I graduated from college, I thought I was living the American Dream when I landed a swanky desk job at a prestigious investment bank in New York City. However, the 14-hour days felt like anything but that. I often experienced vertigo when staring at my computer and starting getting daily migraines that I took excedrin for regularly. I’d also pop a Zyrtec with my Synthroid before my cereal and soy milk each morning to clear my stuffy, runny nose. And even with all of that, I still felt awful. Finally, at the age of 22, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Hypothyoriditis, which is the autoimmune form of hypothyroidism. My own immune system was destroying my thyroid cells. This “attack and destroy” can cause wild symptom swings from hypothyroid to hyperthyroid, and back. 

I’d had enough. I thought to myself, “I studied biomechanics and neuroscience, with a degree in Biomedical Engineering. Why can’t I figure this out?” Turns out, I could…but in an unexpected place.

Yoga found me on a lunch break in between stressful meetings and staring at databases in Excel. Yoga fascinated me as I began noticing patterns of how I ate and treated myself, how I was spending my day, and how this related to how I felt on my yoga mat, and getting really excited about what this all meant. I began to take the first steps of being my own healer, instead of relying on test results and no clear direction. This was a whole new world to me, and as I began to feel better, I began to see that what I was putting in my body – and how I was treating it – was making a huge difference on how I felt.

Each time I returned to my yoga mat, I not only felt clear-headed, but also safe, comforted and loved — feelings I had been lacking in my life — and I realized that this practice allowed me to connect with myself in a way that I hadn’t been able to elsewhere. I found immense strength through my own journey and realized that my body had been screaming at me so long, just asking me to listen. 

Now, I’ve made it my career to empower men and women to tap into their own intuitive healer and live their most vibrant, healthy, fulfilled life, too. 

2. Do you have a daily ritual or mantra?
I like to say that daily rituals are habits made holy. Rituals bring us into alignment with who we really are and showing up for ourselves makes a declaration that we are committed to our own success and well-being. 

Sadhana, or daily practice, is a must for me, and it’s a pillar that I talk about in my Thyroid Yoga course. It's a non-negotiable holy practice that reminds me that I am worthy before I go out into the world - and yes, that means before I turn on my phone and check email or my Instagram feed. 

Every morning, I look in the mirror and gaze into my own eyes for three minutes, repeating the affirmation: “I see you, you’re beautiful.” Sometimes I laugh, sometimes I cry. Each day may bring up a new feeling – of appreciation, of understanding, of compassion. I remind myself I am worthy of all abundance that is coming in. 

I also began experimenting with essential oils to nourish and support my thyroid and as I learned more about the incredible healing potential of nature’s medicine cabinet, I began to create my own blends. I became empowered in my own self-healing, adapting holistic rituals to support my vitality. The simple self-care ritual of rolling a seductive fragrance on my throat and heart chakra every day while repeating affirmations has radically changed my life. Inspired by my own practice, I created Grace Alchemy, a rose and patchouli blend that makes all men within a 10-foot radius swoon. It’s true, you have to try it. Everyone - including a top dating coach - keeps telling me that it’s their new signature scent!

I begin each morning with a run out my front door, through the sand, into the cool Pacific Ocean. Splashing in the waves invigorates me and stimulates my lymphatic system - and as a bonus, is super anti-aging. Cold water plunges are incredible for immune health, and I’ve noticed that I feel significantly more energized when I have my ocean plunge first thing in the morning. When I’m traveling, I swap in cold showers for the ocean, which certainly isn’t as fun but does the trick.

At night, I lay on my sheepskin rug with a massive rose quartz crystal on my heart chakra. This crystal found me in Sedona and it provides immense grounding and healing energy!

3. What are your three staples for glowing health? 

Beauty is the healing food I nourish myself with, the sensual alchemy that kisses my skin, the gorgeous friends I choose to enjoy time with, the sacred home I have created, and the retreats and healing experiences I treat myself lavishly with every day. Beauty is taking care of myself in the most loving and kind-hearted way.

Here are 3 of my staples:
My beauty ritual begins the moment I open my eyes and mentally say a prayer of gratitude. Then, I prepare herbal loose leaf from my friend Nicole Granato - she has an organic hibiscus rose petal tea that is just so beautiful, I feel myself getting more gorgeous as I watch it steep. Why use a plain tea bag when you can fill your cup with fragrant, lush herbs and flowers? 

During my recent visit to Aja Malibu, a stunning luxury-boutique mountain retreat for the health and wellness-seeking connoisseur in Malibu’s Latigo Canyon, I had the gift of receiving an intimate tour of the property’s biodynamic vegetable and medicinal herb gardens with the beautiful founder, Iannya Magick. As I picked and tasted whole herbs fresh from the earth - Tulsi, Sage, Jasmine, Lemon Balm, and Holy Basil - my taste buds smiled and I felt reconnected to the beauty of life. Returning home, I have made infusing my tea and lemon water with fresh herbs a daily beauty ritual.

I moisturize my skin throughout the day with Solar Sun Protect, a skin protectant from my own organic beauty apothecary, Ajai Alchemy, made from all organic essential oils in a base of carrot oil and coconut oil to protect my skin. Living in Los Angeles and travelling frequently to sunny destinations such as Sedona, Hawaii and the Cayman Islands, I made this to give my skin some extra love as I spend my days practicing and teaching yoga on the beach. It gives my skin a dewy, radiant glow and the cedarwood and geranium essential oils protect against breakouts. The scent is sensual, aphrodisiac and adored by both men and women, and was recently named the signature scent of the Further Future Festival, which I taught at this past spring.
I apply Radiance Hair Serum to my hair, which keeps my beach curls wild and sexy without the frizz. Ever since moving to California, I stopped damaging my hair with the flat iron. My hair is the happiest and healthiest it’s been in YEARS! 

4. Tell us about Thyroid Yoga?
We are constantly told we are broken, or something is missing, or we need drugs.

We are constantly looking outside ourselves for answers.

When I began to look inside, I became more intuitive and began to finally notice huge shifts in my life. Yoga was the catalyst for me and as I have been experimenting with so many different healing modalities, I’ve learned how to finally feel good in my body again. I’ve worked with hundreds of clients over the past six years and have been shocked and how fast these practices really work - and how doctors often completely overlook these potent tools!

I have cross-pollinated ancient yogic wisdom and healing practices to create something refreshingly new, yet refined with rich substance and deep history. This is precisely why I created Thyroid.Yoga™ about 4 years ago, a method designed to empower men and women to say goodbye to survival mode and embody radiant health again.

In other words, in Thyroid.Yoga™, we discover how to unveil all the bullshit holding us back - and release it. It’s like nothing out there.

What makes my work unique is that I bring together the strongest possible offering for the physical, emotional and cultural health of my students and community.

I’ve been able to curate a program that works for everything, through combining the best of the best knowledge from the most renowned teachers, healers and experts. This is the game-changer - and it just recently launched on MindBodyGreen - I invite you to watch it here!

I’ve also created the Thyroid.Yoga™ Inner Circle, a special membership opportunity for those looking to understand their symptoms and finally free themselves from the mercy of thyroid and other hormone imbalances. I’m thrilled to offer my expert advice along with the support of the healers and leaders in the holistic health space, along with exclusive content - meditations and yoga sequences from me and I’ll be providing my answers to the most challenging thyroid questions in a safe and supportive forum.

I’m also really excited to be offering a one-of-a-kind teacher training program - for healers, teachers, or anyone looking to understand their thyroid and how to finally liberate themselves to speak from their soul. It’s happening at RA MA in Venice this upcoming November 3-6 and will be available globally via livestream, too! You can learn all about it here.

5. Your energy is healing and contagious, how do you move through adversity?

Thank you! I’m constantly bathing myself in sage and practicing yoga so I can keep my energy field strong and release any tension that I may have picked up. As an empath, I always feel for others and there was a time when I took on the energy of everyone around me, and I realized I was getting exhausted ALL THE TIME. I’ve learned how to move through challenges with grace - I have to, because I have a big purpose on this planet, so challenges will come up to stretch me. I meet resistance with determination and motivation to get to the other side and know these situations will make me stronger. 

I am kind to all those who I meet, because I know that when others’ may be short with me or not friendly for some reason, they are going through their own journey. I protect my own energy by setting boundaries from a place of integrity, love, and conscious communication. 

6. Who are some sources of inspiration for you?

Elena Brower - Elena an amazing yoga teacher, mamma, healer and dear friend. She does it all, and she’s so classy, calm and poised. She manages so much and stays true to herself and her students. She’s a blessing in my life, and I am very grateful to have studied with her extensively in New York.
Dana James - Dana  is one of my most influential role models and friends. She embodies grace and femininity, and is a true powerhouse in the wellness world. She rocks at what she does, she’s driven and is like a big sister to me.
Taryn Toomey - Taryn is the badass of the fitness world. She’s created something called The Class, which is a spiritual somatic experience. There’s nothing like it - you’ve got to try it. I love that she just is fearlessly herself and has dedicated her life to empowering women to fearlessly be themselves, too.
Guru Jagat - Guru Jagat is the founder of RA MA Institute, a kundalini yoga studio in Venice and an epic global community. She’s uncensored - she really wants her students and the world to be aware and awakened to what’s really going on. I love that about her. She’s been the catalyst for me to step into my power here in LA and I admire everything she’s creating with RA MA around the world.

7. Share with us 3 steps to start our mornings with abundance?

As you open your eyes, thank heavens for this ability to be alive another day, to be in this body and to have another day to be great! Thank all of the beautiful relationships and experiences you will cultivate today. 

Take a shower and feel the water on your skin. Close your eyes and take 10 deep breaths as the water graces your body. It's an amazing way to consciously set your energy and intention towards your day.

Bless your breakfast, your coffee, and your green juice! Consume slow and consciously, notice the textures and the feelings on your lips. It was made with so much love and intention, and it will nourish you so you can crush this day!

8. What 3 yoga poses do you recommend to the community to use on the daily basis?

1. Cat/Cow spinal flexion:  If you only have three minutes in the morning to dedicate to your yoga practice, this simple exercise is the one I recommend most to eliminate brain fog and fatigue, which are two of the most common symptoms of thyroid imbalances.

Why? The movement of cat-cow, known as spinal flexion, increases the circulation of the spinal fluid, which contributes to greater mental clarity, according to Kundalini Yoga, because all 26 vertebrae receive stimulation and all the energy centers receive a burst of energy.

Begin on hands and knees, with knees under hips and palms directly under the shoulders. As you inhale, press your chest forward past your upper arms and spread apart your sitting bones, making sure to keep your arms straight, shoulders and knees in position. Be sure to lengthen through the lumbar spine and broaden your shoulders as you press your breastbone forward. 

Try to speed the movement up to a rapid and rhythmic pace to promote energy flow, which in turn presses out the stagnant energy and decreases inflammation, releasing blockages that have been stored in the organs and glandular system. Keep up for 3 minutes.

2. Three minutes of Frog Lifts.

This exercise incorporates yoga asana (movement) and pranayama (breath work) to stimulate the glandular system and balance the metabolism. 

As you inhale, squat down, balancing on the balls of your feet, heels touching and raised up. Place your fingertips on the ground between your legs and slightly in front, spine arched, and chin slightly lifted. As you exhale, bow into your legs drawing the navel point inward as you straighten your legs, heels remain touching and lifted, and fingertips remain grounded. The movement is rapid.

3. Chair pose with the eagle arm variation

This particular arm variation is one of the best ways to nourish your thyroid because you are creating space in the throat region, through the leverage created by the hook of the chin over the upper arm. 

Each time you finish the pose, notice the warmth around the neck region. This powerful exercise strengthens the lower body while it flushes chronic stress and stagnation from your adrenals and activates your thyroid.

Instructions
Stand in Tadasana, mountain pose and take five deep breaths here, feeling your feet connected to the earth Take five deep breaths in Chair Pose, knees bent and seat back, with arms alongside ears, then return to Mountain Pose and ensure your feet are still set at inner hips width apart, toes facing straight forward. 

Wrap left arm under right and lift the elbows up and out, tucking the chin into the elbow crease of upper arm, and breathe deeply into the back of the throat. Take five deep breaths here; repeat with the other arm on top. 

Keep sending your seat back while lifting your elbows out and up, as you move your shoulders down away from your ears. Swallow to stimulate release of any congestion around your throat. Try to keep your face relaxed as you take three deep breaths. Find comfort in the boundaries, and breathe space into the back of your throat. Then release your arms and pause in Mountain Pose, standing up tall with your arms alongside your body.

This pose may feel uncomfortable and tight at first. If your palms are not pressing together, that is okay. Just take a hold of the higher wrist and try to pull your wrist up as you lift your elbows. As you do this, squeeze your elbows and forearms together. 

Certain biochemical imbalances in the brain can adversely affect the body and emotions, such as hormone imbalances and challenging afflictions such as anxiety, food cravings, and emotional eating. Balance sequences trigger the right and left sides of the brain, realign electrical circuitry, and restore biochemical balance in your body, according to the teachings of Kundalini Yoga. 

Finish your sequence with a forward fold, feet hip width apart and hands holding opposite elbows. Take 10 long, deep breaths here as you allow your head to drop heavy and your neck to lengthen. This pose brings release to the adrenals, so invite your lower back to expand while you keep your knees bent! 

To come out of this pose, slowly release your arms and roll up to stand, bone by bone, head coming up last. Take a few breaths in mountain pose, standing tall with your eyes closed to notice the effects of these movements and the healing you have offered your body as the breath circulates around your organs. 

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Fern Olivia Langham is a LA-based yoga instructor and wellness expert renowned for her artful approach to self-healing and founder of Thyroid Yoga. She combines her extensive knowledge of yoga, meditation, breathwork, mantra, holistic health, and her own plant-based alchemy Ajai Alchemy into a one-of-a-kind integrative approach. View her offerings on her website, and connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.

Lotus Lindley: Balance and Harmony with Essential Oils

Changing times. Shifting paradigms. Vibration on the rise. 

As the wave of awakening grows stronger, more of us are seeking to upshift our health, our vitality, and our consciousness.  Healing collectively, whether that be physical, emotionally, and spiritually is calling us all to rise to a new vibration of love and peace.

Essential oils, when they are pure, unadulterated, undiluted, sourced and harvested from the ideal conditions for each plant, and distilled with integrity, offer us potent plant medicine.  Essential oils are just one of the gifts Mother Earth offers us for our healing and on-going vitality. They are expressions of her love and intelligence for the natural world, including us, and are received harmoniously within our being on all levels. 

Essential Oils are perhaps one of the most potent forms of plant medicine we can receive. One drop of a pure essential oil is the equivalent of 50-70 times the potency of herbs. To clarify, 1 drop of Peppermint oil is equal to 28 cups of Peppermint tea!  This one drop of essential oil can support us on the cellular level, accessing millions of cells and all of our bodily systems.  

The properties and energies of essential oils run the full range of ‘anti’ properties such as anti-fungal, -parasitical, -bacterial, -inflammatory, -tumoral, -septic, etc. They can help in the elimination of pain, swelling, and mucous. For the endocrine system, we can be assisted in the balancing of hormones and support for proper organ function. As I began with Frankincense, a daily ritual for me is massaging 1 drop of this wisest oil along the throat to support thyroid function. We can practice preventative wellness and receive assistance for more acute issues when integrating essential oils into our daily lives.

Essential oils offer support to our body/mind/emotions/spirit, inviting all aspects of ourselves to come into a natural balance, harmony, and alignment with our Highest Self.  As a healer, I feel their energetics carry a wisdom and frequency which joyfully speaks to our heart and soul.

One of the most powerful essential oils for the brain and to support the functioning of the Pineal Gland, Frankincense is also one of the most revered, so it is worth mentioning more than once! Frankincense has and is being studied for its many healing effects. The saying goes, ‘when all else fails, turn to Frankincense.’ Studies for the brain show that there are extremely few substances that can cross the blood-brain barrier, without causing subsequent harm. Two of those substances are essential oils. Frankincense and Sandalwood.  Frankincense, when applied to the roof of the mouth, goes directly toward the Pineal Gland, supporting cell growth, rejuvenation, and assists in decalcification of this ever so important gland.  A beloved oil that we’re never without. 

Photo credit: Natalia Molina

I’d love to share some of my favorite recipes and ways to invite essential oils into your life. Bringing ourselves into the present moment with the process of blending and anointing helps to build a relationship with the energies of essential oils, so I usually don’t pre-make blends. Below I’m happy to offer the option for general pre-blending as well.

1) Pressure behind the eyes, head throbbing, desperately need to lie down, a growing feeling of ‘ikyness’ in the stomach? Yep, it’s the big M headache!

Basil. Lavender. Peppermint. Dollop of Carrier Oil (Almond, Jojoba, etc)

• Dime size dollop of carrier oil
• 1 drop of each in the palm of your hand.
• Gently rub hands together a time or two.
• Inhale deeply for 2 breaths.
• With finger tips, lovingly massage temples, Third Eye and along the brow.
• Next, massage into the ear bones (behind the ears) and then massage remainder at the base of the skull.
• Inhale again.
• Rest. Breathe. Be.

2) Can’t sleep?

Vetiver. Lavender. Patchouli.

• Use 3 drops Vetiver into your palm.
• Dip fingertip into Vetiver and apply first on the big toes, low back along the spine, back of the neck, temples, Third Eye.
• With remainder on hands, begin massaging into toes and soles of feet, then massage all the areas oil was applied.
• Next, add 2 drops of Lavender & 1 drop of Patchouli into palm.
• Gently rub together a time or two, then layer this application over the areas with the Vetiver.
• Inhale. Breathe. Be. Sleep.

3) Mid-day boost?

Wild Orange. Peppermint.

• 1 drop of each in the palm of the hand.
• Rub hands together gently & then breathe in deep a few times.
• Apply to soles of the feet if possible, and the back of the neck up along hairline at base of the scalp. Feel the coolness!
• Wild Orange offers a sense of abundance & joy.
• Peppermint invigorates the breath & mind.

*Citrus oils are photosensitive. Some people are sensitive if area of application is exposed to sunlight within 12-24 hours. If applying topically after inhalation, cover area or massage into an area of the body which is covered if you’re going to be out in the sun. *

4) Evening Skin Nourishing Rejuvenation

Frankincense Essential Oil. Carrier Oil ~ Almond, Fractionated Coconut, or Jojoba

• Wash face, rinse with cold water, pat dry.
• Gently massage carrier oil into face and neck.
• Add 1 drop of Frankincense into palms, massage into skin, then along neck and throat in an upward motion.

5) Miso Dressing for 2 (only pure EO’s can be used)

Chickpea Miso. Olive Oil. Apple Cider Vinegar. Spring Water. Lemon. Rosemary or Fennel or Basil Essential Oils

• 1 large table sp of Miso paste.
• 3 tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
• ½ cup Spring Water (or desired consistency)
• Thoroughly stir all ingredients.
• Add 1 drop Lemon. 1 drop of preferred Rosemary or Fennel or Basil Essential Oils
• Pour on Salad reaping health benefits and a tasty treat!

For pre-blending, this ratio is general. In a dark glass, 5 ml bottle, use 1% carrier oil to 2% Essential oil as a guideline.

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Lotus is certified in Yoga Nidra facilitation, as a Reiki Master, Oneness/Deeksha Giver, and AromaTouch Essential Oil Technique.  As a healer, she’s been working with private clients and in small intimate groups, since 2004. Her work includes emotional/somatic release, Shadow work, meditation, Shamanic Healing & Light Language Activations.

Lotus offers classes on Essential Oils and Healing sessions in Los Feliz, CA. Visit her website, The Art of Sacred Embodiment to learn more. Email her at lotuslindley@gmail.com.

5 Ways to Detox Your Home, by Beth Greer

This Spring, spring into action and make some simple changes if you want to get healthy and stay healthy. Begin by taking small steps to make your home toxin-free. It’s really pretty simple. Start by first becoming aware of what goes in you, on you, and surrounds you. Here are 5 easy steps to decrease the amount of chemical toxins you are exposed to daily. 

1. Cookware: Phase in new pots and pans.

You used to hear: Nonstick cookware is dangerous only if you heat it at a high temp without food in the pan or pot.
Now we know: The chemicals that make pots and pans nonstick are pretty terrible. They can get into food and migrate into air, water, and soil. A group of scientists published this opinion in Environmental Health Perspectives; their statement carries more than 200 scientists' signatures calling for researchers, governments, and manufacturers to limit the production and use of the water- and oil-repellent chemicals called PFASs and to develop safer alternatives.

Detox right now: Start cooking your eggs in stainless steel.
Shop smarter next time: As your nonstick cookware wears out, replace it with stainless steel, cast iron, and ceramic—pieces can be found for under $30. And consider swapping anything with PFASs, including stain-resistant and waterproof clothes.

2. Food Containers: Toss your plastic

You used to hear: As long as your plastics are BPA-free, you're good.
Now we know: Just when you've finally sprung for all "BPA-free" plastics, that label isn't enough anymore. One of the chemicals that replaced BPA is BPS, and recent studies show it's potentially just as bad.
Detox right now: Avoid storing your leftover pasta sauce (or any other acidic food) in plastic. Don't microwave in plastic containers or even leave them in a hot car—the heat and acid exacerbate the leaching of BPS.
Shop smarter next time: When your plastic containers mysteriously go missing or get cracked and need to be replaced, choose glass or stainless steel (which is just as light as plastic for toting to work). And, sorry, price isn't a good excuse: A 10-piece set of glass food-storage containers (that will last forever) costs less than $20.

3. Couches & Cushions: Use Caution!

You used to hear: Fire retardants may not be the best for your health, but they're deep inside your couch, so what can you do about it?
Now we know: They're way more insidious than we thought. Studies show these chemicals get into the air and settle as dust. From there, some of them, including a class called PBDEs, can accumulate in blood and breast milk and have been associated with lower IQs and impaired motor skills in children. Research has found that about 97% of American adults have measurable levels of these chemicals in their urine. A recent study from the University of New Hampshire found that PBDEs can cause metabolic and liver problems that can lead to insulin resistance. 
Detox right now: Vacuum regularly with a HEPA filter and wipe surfaces with a wet cloth or mop to reduce dust and chemical residue.
Shop smarter next time: If you live in California, you can inspect the label on furniture (like couches, upholstered chairs, futons, carpet padding) to determine if it's free of chemical flame retardants, thanks to the Center for Environmental Health's cosponsorship of a bill last year requiring manufacturers to identify products containing them. Many stores, including Ikea and Williams-Sonoma, are slowly starting to follow suit, so make sure to always ask before you buy. You can also look for furniture made of additive-free, flame-resistant materials such as wool. It may not be practical to get rid of your current sofa, so if you're planning to reupholster, consider replacing the old foam with retardant-free foam at the same time. San Francisco–based company Foamorder.com offers chemical-free foam replacement for your old cushions; prices range from $45 to $95 per cushion.

4. Shower Curtains & Home Fragrance: What’s that Smell?

You used to hear: Phthalates are found only in shower curtain liners.
Now we know: Replacing your shower curtain liners is still a good call, but now we have to worry about phthalates elsewhere. Everywhere. The key word: fragrance. There can be up to 100 different chemicals hidden in that harmless-sounding term—including phthalates. Exposure to the chemical DEP, the most common phthalate in fragrance, has been associated with lower sperm count, sperm damage, and endocrine disruption.
Detox right now: Quit with the air fresheners and skip fragrance-laden products whenever possible.
Shop smarter next time: Look for shower curtain liners made with phthalate-free alternatives to PVC like PEVA, EVA, cotton, hemp, or linen, available for under $10. Shop for detergents, fabric softeners, and other cleaning products that are fragrance-free or made with natural scents.

5. Countertop Sprays: You're breeding superbugs. Stop it!

You used to hear: Skip antibacterial soap so you don't contribute to the drug-resistant-bacteria problem, but wipes and sprays are fine.
Now we know: Surprise! You should avoid using antimicrobial wipes and sprays, too. Certain types, including those with triclosan and quaternary ammonium compounds, can, if you use them routinely, create drug-resistant bacteria that can enter your body.
Detox right now: Scrub surfaces with cleaners you make yourself with ingredients like hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, and baking soda.
Shop smarter next time: Seek out cleaning products displaying Green Seal or EcoLogo certification, which means they adhere to certain science-based health and environmental standards.

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Beth Greer is an award-winning journalist, green holistic health educator, healthy home expert and impassioned champion of toxin-free living. Visit her site Super Natural Mom and get her book Super Natural Home for more on living toxic free.

Zenbunni Chocolate Changing the Earth

In Southern California there lives a family who makes pure magic. A special kind of real life Wonkaesque chocolate-filled operation being served out of a rabbit hole...actually, make that two rabbit holes, with their newly opened shop in the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica. Zen, Bunni, and their daughter Alchemy along with a collective of independent biodynamic farmers come together to create one of a kind products that nourish you from within while giving back to the Earth. A team dedicated to sourcing from the best, their business breathes consciously, all the while producing high quality natural confectionaries that look and feel supreme. The crystal infused walls and ground create another layer of energy and Earth. One bite of their raw cacao chocolate will lead your tastebuds on a journey as your mind realizes you have finally tasted chocolate the way Mother Nature intended.

1. Would it be in humanity's best interest to forgo eating processed chocolate in exchange for raw cacao? If so, why is cacao so much better overall?
 
Yes, it would definitely benefit humanity and where we humans reside (this amazing planet!). The word "processed" already implies "excessive", and excess translates to inefficient. It equates to more time, more money, more energy, and sounds like moving in the opposite direction of "natural", "simple", and "pure". These words sound right. They feel better just to say, and resonate with our natural selves. It's an interesting thing to think that something that has been made perfectly since the beginning of time (think thousands and thousands of years ago) could be made better by some weird egoic technology that man came up with in the last few decades. 

We are in a state of crisis because of excess. The two main things "processed food" has done are make us unhealthy and cause a disconnect from the cycle of life (all living things), including food. Once you "process" something, you've begun to denature it and strip away its magical genetic composition of wonderful minerals, vitamins, and vital nutrients. People are then, unfortunately, "tricked" into thinking (or unthinking) they are eating something that's going to nurture them while it does the reverse. So yes, forgo eating processed chocolate or any food that's processed, if possible. If you slip up, well, we're all human....don't judge yourself when doing it, and just move on.

Our cacao goes through very little "process". We aren't running it through huge machines at super high speeds and heating it for long periods of time to make it taste "exactly the same" every time, which is what the larger companies try to do. You may notice that most chocolate desserts and drinks taste the exact same at restaurants and bakeries; the truth is that they are making what the established "flavor profile" of chocolate in the world is. We're not going that way. We slowly and simply stone-grind our cacao, temper it at low temperatures, and make it into our microcosmic bars. Cacao is a medicinal food, packed with so many nutrients and bioactive compounds, and so much more that they are literally still discovering every year. So we keep it simple, pure, and clean while you get much more of those amazing vital nutrients than your typical "processed" chocolate bar would provide. Plus, you helped mother nature by not buying something that polluted her, stripped her of resources, and was most likely not made consciously. 

2. How did you decide to make biodynamic cacao your main offering?

When we discovered the astonishing origins of cacao, its sacredness and power brought to light a new perspective on what we thought was just a sweet treat we were addicted to. We had no idea that this food we loved so much (but never felt good after eating) could be good for you and guilt-free. When we figured out how to make it in a holistic manner, it just seemed like the direction to go in. We made it just for ourselves, originally, but all our friends kept pestering us to sell it. When we finally did, it was very well received. That was 8 years ago...and we've been learning and evolving ever since, which led us to Biodynamic Farming. 

The method, and devotion to the earth, blew us away. We noticed that it was relatively nonexistent in chocolate, so it made sense that we were the ones to steward at this level. This led to sourcing not only biodynamic cacao, but biodynamic jaggery (a primitive, mineral rich ayurvedic sugar), as well our spices, nuts, and oils from all over the world. Many of our fans have said that they "feel" our chocolate--typically it is other senses that perceive food, but to "feel" it is something special. Our intention has always been pure: to heal the earth and each other. This, in conjunction with our ingredients being grown in such a revered manner, synergizes to create this magical offering. 

3. What is your favorite part of the biodynamic process? Do you two ever personally get your hands into the ground during the process?
 
We love the entire process and the fact that it's "such" a process. While very difficult and time-consuming, it's done so that the earth reaps the benefit and that the person eating gets to experience what food is supposed to taste and feel like. We are firm believers of major and subtle energy being a factor, which this method of farming acknowledges and puts it into practice. We want to share this method of farming and other "beyond organic" styles to the masses so we can make real change now. We feel that we can reach many more people by crafting the business, marketing, and production side of our brand rather than actually spending time farming at this point in our lives. We truly would like to do it the other way around, but if that were the case our chocolate company wouldn't exist! In the near future we hope to have our hands in nutrient-rich living soil most of the time, but for now, we want to empower the few biodynamic farmers in the world and get them more land!

4. Can you tell us more detail about your two "rabbit holes" and why you chose Venice and Santa Monica as your two locations? Congratulations on the new grand opening of your second shop, by the way!
 
Thank you!!! We've had a ZenBunni Gallery/Shop since 2007, but it wasn't just chocolate. It was filled with our art, antiques, and amazing jewelry. Only in this last iteration of retail did we decide to just do chocolate. We had an opportunity to rent a tiny, tiny space on Abbot Kinney in Venice 2 years ago and thought it would be a perfect "rabbit hole". It was so small we felt that we could pull off a wild idea of literally making it look like a rabbit hole. So we brought truckloads of clay-rich mud from our property in Topanga Canyon, then mixed it with sand, straw, and actual chocolate to create a "chocolate cobb" shop. It has become quite an attraction and has the sweetest little vibe. 

We just literally opened up our second location inside the iconic Fairmont Hotel on Ocean Ave. in Santa Monica last month, and it's a more refined version of a "rabbit hole". We still used clay infused with chocolate, but did more of a "Wonkadelic California" cabin ode with reclaimed redwood to match the hotel. We love the idea of being in hotels and would love to branch out more into this world. We get to meet people from all walks of the Earth and they get to experience our expression of California craftsmanship. The outreach graces so far with a hotel. Since most people don't know what biodynamic farming or stone-ground healthy chocolate is, we feel blessed to share that with them. 

5. What does the future hold for ZenBunni?

Hopefully lots and lots and lots of land being preserved. Also, helping as many people as possible to find their natural self again. If people could truly get that, then they wouldn't unconsciously spend their money on food and things that hurt the earth and themselves. If we can continue to wake people up with chocolate then the future is looking very bright and healthy!!!

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Visit the ZenBunni website to learn more, shop, and find their products.

Dr. Sarah Larsen - Medical Intuitive

A Doctor and third generation palm reader, Sarah Larsen fuses Eastern and Western medicine as a medical intuitive. Using her deeply rooted ancestral psychic training, she has spent most of her life studying love and how to apply it practically towards healing. She and her husband Greg also share their passion for the miraculous as co-hosts of their weekly podcast called Miracle Makers and transformational world tours to sacred sites.

1.What daily practices do you highlight for people seeking health and wholeness?

We are creatures of habit and I love sharing the practices and behaviors that generate health and wholeness! These highly-sought states of being both can be found in simple practices that I teach and do! 

In fact, it could be summed up in the Sanskrit proverb, "For breath is life and if you breathe well you will live long on earth." 

I have 6 main practices that create great breath, health, and wholeness:

Before Sunrise: 

1. The Vedas state that one hour and thirty-six minutes prior to sunrise is the most powerful time for intentions, prayers, and meditation. This means daily, as we wake, we have the opportunity to synchronize all of these and our breath with the earth's cycles! Wake up, breathe, and create with the sunrise!

2. I oil pull, and this allows my entire body to be cleansed! Oil pulling was practiced daily in India and simply requires moving oil between our teeth! The full practice as studied and written about can be found here.

Before Lunchtime:

3. Feel hungry!  I practice eating only when I feel hunger and limit my body from ever feeling full.  It is the number one thing that you can do to extend your life! A little growth hormone gets created every time you feel hunger! Growth hormones repair your cells, raise your metabolism, and create the conditions for your major organs to repair themselves!

4. Before lunch drink 6 to 8 large glasses of water filled with fresh cut lemon or cucumbers! Many of us have heard the saying, "Where there is water there is life," and the same is true for our bodies!  By filling our bodies with 48 ounces of fresh water before lunch, we will have flushed our system and created new living life in our body!

5. Before lunch, also set up a time to sweat daily! With this much water in our system it is easy to walk or stretch into a sweat! Sweating and heating up the body with light movement keeps disease and cancers out of our system! 

At Sunset:

6.  Gratitude is a great attitude! The origins of this word have to do with "good will"! When we have the energy of good will in our lives, then there isn't anything we can't be, do, or have! The ancient teachings have the optimal time for feeling grateful at around sunset. I recommend sitting and watching the sunset for the day!  Actively create a practice to fill our hearts with gratitude for the moments that filled our day and our hearts! What you think about comes about! Let our hearts feel the daily practice of receiving and thanking for all we took in this day!

Gratitude has been linked to health benefits and an overall sense of wellness!

2.Do you see the integration of Eastern and Western medicine becoming more mainstream? Do you anticipate that this will be an essential component in the coming years?

The integration of Eastern and Western Medicine has been occurring since the Beatles shared their love for India with the rest of the world! In one way or another, the teachings of the two global hemispheres are essential to each other. The East is seeking the research and technology found here, especially with emergency medicine! The West is seeking out the peace and wholeness medicine practiced in the East! Whole herbs, nutrition, and full-body practices are recommended by most mainstream doctors, too! Most medical centers have a component of both now! Yoga, meditation, and nutrition are household words based on the integration of the two systems. We are also validating more and more of the Eastern practices with Western measuring devices. For example, the benefits of meditation are seen in a CT scan immediately! 

3. You have a deep connection with Egypt...Who is the real Isis and what do we have to learn from this goddess/culture?

Egypt is the home to humanity and to some of the greatest mysteries on Earth! We can trace all of those living at this time back to this region! I love sharing the land of the Great Pyramids of Giza, the timeless Nile, and mystery school teachings that holds the keys to everlasting peace, harmony, and service to humanity. There are many archetypes of humanity represented there. The archetype of the goddess Isis represents the true Divine Mother that helps humanity remember who they are! She is known for taking the scattered pieces of man, gathering what was lost, and then creating potential from remembering its wholeness! Her teachings are etched in the hieroglyphs! Essential oils, herbal remedies, and healing processes we still use today are found in the hieroglyphs! The surgical tray we use today is etched with precision into the walls of the temple. You have got to see it to believe it!

There are videos for you from prior retreats to Egypt on my website, found here.

4. Can you tell us about your role as a medical intuitive?

As a medical Intuitive I have the ability to listen deeply to what each cell, organ, and system in your body is communicating. My first teachers were my grandmothers! They were the most educated women and healers in the township that my grandfathers governed. Growing up, I did not know that everyone didn't see, hear, or feel what I did about other people's bodies until I was enrolled in medical school in India. I knew that all discomfort and disease have a spiritual, emotional, and mental component before they become physical symptoms of the body! I could "feel, hear, and see" the spirit, emotions, and thoughts occurring in others! I have been so blessed to have learned, taught, and served in so many regions of the world and with many different types of healing modalities. I am grateful for all of the education as a medical doctor that allows me to use my intuitive gifts to serve those that come to me. I believe my life is to be of service, and helping you experience your body at this level heals it to its inherent wholeness! I believe your health, happiness, and wholeness serve to bring about everlasting peace!

5. What special wisdom do you have for us this year in 2016?

2016 is a year of miracles! We are going to witness medical miracles, miracles for humanity, and direct connection to the spirit being measured by science! 

I launched a new show on UBN network called Miracle Makers. This truly is a gift from my heart to yours!

I know the miracle of being connected to something greater than ourselves and I am so grateful to share this wisdom with our community!  My husband, Greg Larsen, and I host incredible experts from around the world and share how the miraculous happens! Our goal is to help you know and embody your soul's purpose!

We would love for you to have all your hearts desires!

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To gain more of Dr. Sarah Larsen's wisdom visit her website, facebook, twitter, and YouTube channel.  Listen to her live shows on UBN Radio here, as well as her show Miracle Makers. 

Rich Roll - Plant Based Iconoclast

Rich Roll is someone that we're proud to call our friend.  He's a man that has reinvented himself several times over the course of his life - he will be the last person to declare himself "done".  Like all of us, he's a work in progress.  But Rich, he pushes himself far beyond his comfort zone just to see where he may go.  It's a process, and he does it every day.  He's not a man of routine, but when he is, you can find him putting his talents and artistry to work as a premiere health advocate in public speaking, writing, and his very successful podcast, the Rich Roll Podcast.  Rich has an outlook on life that's relatable and meaningful.  We listen closely to every word, where we quickly find laughter and honest self-deprecating passion for his truly authentic self. We caught up with Rich for a few moments to get to know him just a little bit better.

1.  You travel so often; during travel time, what are some of the foods or beverages you find for snacks or a quick meal when on the go?

It’s getting easier. Airports are improving all the time. The American Airlines terminal has a Real Food Daily so if I fly out of that terminal I don’t have to plan ahead for a long flight. Otherwise, I pack food for the plane. Typical snacks include a veggie burrito, bananas, almonds, and plenty of water. I keep it pretty simple. I also spend a little time plotting where the vegan-friendly restaurants are in new cities. The Happy Cow mobile app is handy for this. In addition, I always know where the healthy food markets are where I travel. Often I will go right to the market from the airport before even checking into my hotel to make sure I have healthy options always on hand. Hotels with kitchenettes are always preferred. That said, I don’t overthink things or get stressed out. I have traveled all over the world and, invariably, I can find something that works no matter where I am. Every place has nuts, grains, seeds, and fruit.

2.  What is an ideal day for you?

A restful night of sleep followed by some tea and 20 minutes of meditation. After that I will do some journaling and then head out for a trail run, swim, or long bike ride. Ideally, it’s warm and sunny out! A green smoothie and healthy meal will follow (preferably prepared by Julie, who is an insane cook). The afternoon might include doing a podcast, working on a video, and spending time with my kids. A family tea ceremony and meeting in the evening where we congregate to share our dreams and challenges would preface a dinner prepared and enjoyed by our whole clan of 10 (we call it the “Jai Tribe”) will follow. Bed by 10!

3.  What’s something you do that helps you and your wife Julie stay so connected?

Making our relationship a priority. We both have a lot going on, and with four kids, two dogs, plus our nephew and oldest son Tyler’s girlfriend living with us (plus our artist friend Andrew and his young daughter who live on our property in an airstream), things are hectic and it’s easy to allow our relationship to slide. We have been together almost 18 years, and one thing I have learned is that nothing is static — especially my marriage. It requires a great deal of focus, attention, and work. We always carve out at least one date night per week and monthly overnight mini-vacations together. In fact, we just returned from a brief stay up in Santa Barbara for this very purpose. We poke fun at our differences, trying to celebrate them. And it’s important to never let resentments simmer. Fighting is a healthy part of being in an honest relationship, but we try to make our fights awesome. And if we are in conflict, we don’t walk away until it is resolved. Never go to bed angry.

4.  What’s your first thought when you wake up in the morning?

My head spins a million miles an hour with all the things I have to get done the moment I gain consciousness. That’s why meditation is so crucial to my routine — otherwise, I am reactive all day. Setting myself up to go on offense rather than play defense is important.

5.  What’s your favorite music album of all time?

REM changed my life. Murmur is a perfect album. Jeff Buckley’s Grace is a close second.

6.  Who is an influencer that you admire and why?

I take different forms of inspiration from many different people for different reasons and areas of my life. I can’t say any one person checks every box for me, perhaps because I do many things — I am a writer and an athlete and a podcaster, a family man, a filmmaker, a public speaker and an advocate. I approach everything I do from a creative perspective. So in this sense, at the great risk of sounding ridiculously pretentious, I consider myself to be an artist. And to create well, it’s important to not be overly influenced by any one person other than yourself and your inner voice.

7.  What’s your guilty pleasure?

Potato chips. There - I said it.

8.  Finding Ultra was a success.  The Plantpower Way was a success - is another book planned?

Yes. I am in the early stages of putting together my next book. I don’t want to say much beyond that it will be a primer on life transformation and living your authentic life.

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Learn more about Rich Roll at richroll.com, purchase his book The Plantpower Way, and download the Rich Roll Podcast.  You can also connect with him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Kymia Arts

Avery Hopkins, Alchemist and founder of Kymia Arts is truly a man of mystery. As Frank Gorshin would say, he is a man of few words but many riddles. He is a man of depth with a love of plant medicine, mystical 13th century poetry, and Greek mythology. He creates metallic, plant, and animal essence oils using a technique found in ancient Indian Ayurveda. The products within his apothecary are meant for healing on a conscious level to reunite the mind/body in harmonious spirit. Having had the privilege to sample some of his oils such as the oil of gold, we can confidently say these are products that can be life-changing in taking you to the next level of consciousness. These truly are next-level products and we are excited to have an opportunity to interview the maker himself:

1. What is Kymia Arts?

Kymia Arts is an online branding and a platform that I created to showcase my work in the alchemical realm. It also serves as a minor storehouse of alchemical wisdom. Since much of the content I work with and speak about is essentially unheard of by the public - and if researched rather hard to dig up – I sought to create a space where many of the harder questions pertaining to alchemy could be deposited and answered.

 2. What is alchemy?

If you asked a thousand recognized experts, you would get a thousand different answers. I may not be a recognized expert, but I know my answer is the right one. Alchemy is: the understanding of the relationship between consciousness and matter.

3. What inspired you to start Kymia Arts?

Many years ago, I had the privilege of seeing and then understanding the thread that stitches together ALL of reality - the visible and invisible, the known and the unknown, the inside and the outside. I discovered that thread in alchemy. Unfortunately, when you set out to research alchemy, you come to find that the space in which alchemy is held can be a rather muddy and foggy place; many veils to say the least. 

It took me years to make sense of what it was that alchemy is and then years beyond that to duplicate for myself the practical side of the art, which is often seen and recognized through the laboratory works. After achieving success in my alchemical work, and my life at large due to this work, I began to feel the need to share what I knew so that others wouldn’t have to struggle for years in hopes of understanding this thing we call alchemy, or this thing we call reality. 

It is also worth noting that I hated working and participating in a system that was fueled by unconsciousness. On top of wanting to share my findings and understandings with the world, I wanted to liberate myself from a required or expected worldly lifestyle. Creating Kymia Arts was like building a ship. I launched that ship and set sail from the old. That vessel keeps me afloat today, and I am thankful for it.     
 
4. How is the alchemy in your products used differently than others?

I’m mostly known for my work in the Metallic realm. I choose to focus on metallic oils because it proves the alchemical philosophies flawlessly, while simultaneously slapping around the idea of “impossible” like a stupid fly too slow to dodge a backhand. 
The fact that Metallic essences are the foundation of Kymia Arts automatically sets my work apart from basically everyone on the entire planet. As far as I can tell, no one else has attempted to make this level of alchemical truth available to the public. In the past year I began pushing the alchemical philosophies to incorporate work in the animal realm as well. So now I get to also say that I specialize in extracting essences from animals. If that’s not different from others—then I wouldn’t know what is. 

5. How have these potions changed your life?

It’s funny that you choose to use the word potion. For those who don’t know, the word potion comes from the Latin ‘potio’ which means “drink.” This is also where we get our word potable, as in safe drinking water. A potion is a drink considered to have medicinal or magical powers. 

It’s safe to say that the oils and spagyric preparations I produce are imbued with a certain kind of magic. I call that thing, that magic, consciousness – because that’s what it is. The best way I can answer your question, as to how they have changed my life, is by saying that they helped me to not see what is not, and instead see what is. From that point on, it’s nothing but acceptance, enjoyment, and enthusiasm.  
 
6 What can you tell us about the benefits of your metallic oils?

The benefits of Metallic Oils are really all-encompassing. They work on the foundational archetypes of your consciousness, which coincidently (wink wink) are also the foundational archetypes for the construction of reality. Alchemical essences at large assist you in awakening to a full perception of self. When the self is known, all is known. Then all can be transmuted to exist in an immortal state. 
Anything that exists in an immortal state is self-sustaining – never lacking, never needing – forever healthy, happy, and whole. The essences I produce are catalysts to that residence of awakening. When the consciousness is awoken and known as self, the mind is liberated. With the mind liberated and illusion dispelled the body is filled with the immortal consciousness. Alchemical essences are truly conscious medicines in the most literal sense.

7. What is your spirit animal?

That’s actually a rather hard question to answer for me. I observe myself in all things, and all things know their essence as me. One of the more interesting aspects of producing alchemical medicines is that you are literally working with the consciousness of any given material when you extract its essence. The essence is expressed physically as the essential oil of the matter in question. If you were to ingest that essence, you would literally be ingesting the consciousness of another life form, whether it be rock, plant, or animal. Part of my personal journey in knowing myself and incorporating all of the myriad reflections which make up me on the whole. 
In regards to animals, if you ingest their essence, you can know what it’s like to experience this reality – consciousness - as that animal. The pattern of that animal, its soul and spirit, come to reside within you as you. I’m not sure what my spirit animal is, but I’m quite aware of the Owl, Tarantula, Mountain Lion, Bear, Coyote, Dolphin – the list goes on – that live inside of me. That topic alone is a profound topic of depth.  

 8. Your favorite place on earth?

The only one I can ever know – Here. 
 
9. Who inspires you?

Narcissus and Echo. And the stars. Saying that reminds me of a Ladinsky poem, which he attributes to Hafiz:

“Even after all this time

The sun never says to the Earth, “you owe me.”

Look what happens with

A love like that,

It lights the

Whole Sky.”

Stars are pretty inspiring.

10. What’s next for Kymia Arts?

For now Kymia Arts is still creeping into the consciousness of the masses. Since story is held in mind, for the moment this happening is limited to time. As I patiently wait for the inevitable progression of Kymia Arts, I tinker away in my lab and in nature, extracting essences from things that are rare and powerful. 

The animal alchemy of Kymia Arts is a new addition that showed up in the fall of 2015. Many new animal essences will emerge as time passes. I started in the deserts, forests, and canyons of Arizona, exploring the local flora, fauna, and history of that divine place. Much of the metals, minerals, plants, and animals that I have worked with so far have also come from that place. 

Now I am extending into the North, the Olympic range, and the oceans of the Pacific. I am excited to dive (pun intended) into oceanic works – Corals, marine mammals, fish and shellfish, cephalopods such as octopus, squid, and cuttlefish. I imagine I will find more alien life in the abyss of those waters than any paranormal stargazer.   

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To learn more about Kymia Arts and products, visit Avery's website, Kymia Arts. You can also follow Kymia Arts on Instagram and Facebook.

5 Tips from Dr. Aunna for a Better 2016

The tradition of New Year’s resolutions dates back as early as the Babylonian times. While the success rate of ancient resolutions is largely unknown, a large percentage of the resolutions of modern times tend to be unsuccessful. Taking on too many resolutions or setting unrealistic goals are common reasons why people do not achieve their goals.

“As a doctor, I have observed a lack of self-appreciation to be the most common reason people are unsuccessful in achieving any goal at any time of the year.”

The good news is, there are many ways to improve our lives and succeed with our New Year’s resolutions. Through my own experiences and those with patients, I have identified a few factors for successfully following through with our goals.

1. Cultivate self-appreciation

Most New Year's resolutions involve self-improvement. So why is it that we have difficulty following through with things that benefit our lives? As a doctor, I have observed a lack of self-appreciation to be the most common reason people are unsuccessful in achieving any goal at any time of the year. It’s impossible to prioritize ourselves without a foundation of self-worth. This lack of self-love is often subconscious and can sabotage our lives without us knowing it. Try to get in touch with a place deep within you in which you can feel total love for yourself. This is the place where you will find the limitless drive to improve your life.

2. Make a daily self-commitment

While it’s always exciting to start off the New Year with new goals, it’s just as easy to talk without follow-through. Whenever one of my patients tells me, “I’m waiting until after the holidays to <insert goal here>,” I always respond , “Why wait to do something that benefits your life?” Procrastination is another form of self-sabotage, and, in turn, a sign of not appreciating ourselves. We all deserve to prioritize ourselves everyday, and not just at the beginning of the year.

3. Identify your intentions

What are the reasons for your goals? Do you want to quit smoking because someone else wants you to? Are you trying to lose weight to impress someone else? Goals that involve changing for someone else never last. You may not elicit the response you had hoped from the other party, but most importantly you have neglected the most important person: you. It all goes back to self-appreciation. Set goals that involve your heartfelt decision, not someone else’s, and you will find that you will not only feel much happier but also be more successful in your endeavors.

“Life is not a list of check boxes.”

4. Intention vs. Resolutions

The word “resolution” has somewhat of a strict connotation, and often implies that there is something that needs to be fixed within a set time frame. This is why I like to set intentions. I write a list of things I intend to accomplish. I prioritize my list and try my best to achieve my goals.  I’m not trying to fix anything, because in reality, I’m not broken. I’m an imperfectly perfect human who won’t be able to accomplish everything I set out to exactly when I want to, but in time I will in wonderful ways I had never imagined.

5. Enjoy the process

Life is not a list of check boxes. It’s easy to think ahead to the results without enjoying the present moment. How often have you reached your goal and either hurt yourself in the process or felt like what you achieved wasn’t good enough? Delayed gratification allows us to relish the process, which may lead us on a different but more fulfilling path. Life isn’t about how skinny, rich, or accomplished you are. It’s the journey that occurs in each moment that is most important.

You are the most important person of your life and the positive life changes you make benefit everyone around you. The time to start your All Year's Intentions is now.

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Aunna Pourang, MD is a board-certified family physician who practices integrative medicine in Santa Monica, CA. She incorporates her knowledge of yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, and nutrition with conventional Western medicine to address the root causes of symptoms and to help heal the mind, body, and spirit. Dr. Pourang is also the author of Meditate don’t Medicate: A 14 Day Journey of Letting Go and Finding Yourself and blogs about health and happiness on her website www.draunna.com. 

Lotus East-West Medical Center
2222 Santa Monica Blvd, Ste 105
Santa Monica, CA 90404
T: (310) 828-8258

Summer Essentials

Happy Summer!  The longest day has come and passed.  The vegetation beckons to be noticed and wind takes great pleasure in playing with our hair.  Here are our essential accompaniments to our favorite time...now. 

ALOE VERA

Applying fresh aloe vera gel topically after a sunburn, or any burn, will begin to soothe and heal the skin.  Aloe is the ultimate skin tonic, but it's also a great food!  Its long-chain polysaccharides create a demulcent quality that soothes the digestive system.  Having this in the house is a priceless addition! 

CLARY SAGE TONER

Simple, uplifting and perfect.  Only organic or wild-crafted botanical ingredients comprise Benshen's lineup of skin alchemy.  On top of that, each of Benshen's products are crafted with a healing mantra.  This scent is akin to heaven's dew drops and applying it makes you feel like an invincible fairy. 

Photo by Sun Potion.

ASHWAGANDA

Emotional balancing, immune boosting, energy inspiring....all gifts of the incredible Ashwaganda.  Sun Potion sources from small organic farms in Northern India where the roots are cold-water extracted.  This adaptogen is the necessary addition to put you in the chilled-out-hall-of-fame. 

Photo by Living Libations.

Sea Buckthorn Best Skin Ever

Living Libations pushes the threshold of just how good life can get.  With Sea Buckthorn Best Skin Ever, their bestseller, the most intoxicating aroma and the pinnacle of nourishing oils dance in alchemical harmonium.  This all-in-one product is the foundation for glorious skin.

Photo by Castle Rock Water.

Castle Rock Water

From glacier to glass, Castle Rock Water is our trusted, go-to water.  Castle Rock is bottled in glass from the sacred springs of Mount Shasta.  It's so important, especially in our current water state, to seek out and support pristine, conscious water companies.  Castle Rock also gives back some of its profits to local communities. 

Photo by Strange Invisible Perfumes.

The Rose With The Broken Neck

11 year aged Sri Lankan organic nutmeg, oak-aged French Cognac, Peruvian Palo Santo, and first distillation Rose make up Strange Invisible's "The Rose With The Broken Neck".  Do we need to say another word?

Photo by Nordur Salt.

Nordur Salt

Nordur Salt is produced by combining two forces of nature; geothermal energy and the Arctic Ocean.  In the morning, we love adding Nordur Salt to our water.  This reduces adrenal stress, maintains electrolyte balance, and provides trace minerals to kick-start your system! 

Shiva Rose

We had the pleasure to join Shiva Rose in her beautiful home and talk to her about her consciously chic lifestyle. In her off-white creamy dress, her long dark effortless loose curls, and her upbeat relaxed personality enchanted us.

The Iranian-American beauty has a cozy gracious warmth to her.  She warmly greeted us with a rooibos tea with coconut milk and honey from her backyard. Yes, she’s a beekeeper. Shiva breathes spirituality, from her modern rustic home surrounded with Kundalini vibes, to the plethora of roses from her garden enriched in all corners and topped by whimsical crystals that decorate her earthy habitat.

A woman who has a profound relationship with the earth, a soul deep connection to her Kundalini practice, a hands-on mother, an activist, and working on her line of skincare - What can’t Shiva do? 

What got you into health and wellness?

I always was super conscious of the environment and what I put into my body. As a child I felt at times like an alien because, I would become so distraught over seeing trees cut or the natural world destroyed. Later when I had severe life threatening auto-immune issues, I realized that I had to take my health, into my own control. I began to eat 100% organically, and live close to mama earth. These things led me to becoming healthy in spirit, body and mind. 

What is "The Local Rose"?

The Local Rose is a holistic life style web site that proves you can be green and chic at the same time. I started it due to my desire to help our planet, celebrate artisans and people who are in harmony with nature, and as an answer from a call from the great spirit. 

What is beauty?

One of my favorite prayers is Walking the Beauty Way by the Navajo people. It states 

In beauty I walk 

With beauty before me I walk 

With beauty behind me I walk 

With beauty above me I walk 

With beauty around me I walk 

This i feel is the ultimate beauty to see it reflected around us in little details and gestures. Seeing it in the trees or flowers or sweet people you may encounter throughout your day. 

Beauty is also glowing from within from a peaceful state, food that is alive and using non-toxic products.

What do you do to get "centered"?

I go hiking in the mountains near where I live. I take salt baths with salts I make. I drink Living Tea and practice Kundalini meditation. 

Share a line from your favorite poem: 

I love Poetry! I’m half Persian and half Irish so here are two from each culture…

This paragraph by Persian Poet Forough Farrokhzad:

I will plant my hands in the garden

I will grow I know I know I know

and swallows will lay eggs

in the hollow of my ink-stained hands.

I shall wear

a pair of twin cherries as ear-rings

and I shall put dahlia petals on my finger-nails

By Yeats:

How many loved your moments of glad grace, 

And loved your beauty with love false or true, 

But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you, 

And loved the sorrows of your changing face; 

What inspired your skincare line?

I have been mixing oils and making my own products since I was a teen. During a kundalini mediation I got a message about starting the line. It was a natural progression since I am ruled my the Rose and this is one of the crucial ingredients in the first product I made the Rose Face Serum.

Describe your perfect day?

A perfect day would be to wake up with my daughters, make a delicious breakfast, take a hike, then go on a picnic with some friends in Ojai or Big Sur.

Who has influenced you most in your life?

I grew up reading lots of novels and plays so I would say heroines in both fiction and non-fiction have inspired me. Many artists have also since they seemed to determine their own paths and were vanguards in terms of art, fashion, and philosophy. Women like Frida Kahlo, Georgia O’Keefe, Tina Modotti, Beatrice Wood. 

How has your childhood experience shaped the rest of your life?

My childhood at least the first ten years was in the country side of Iran. This bucolic setting inspired in me a love for nature. Later when we were in the States, my American Grandparents made sure to take us camping every summer into beautiful places like Yosemite. This taught me that these places are sacred and sanctuaries to be protected. Having been exposed to a lot of trauma and challenges as a child has made me appreciate a calm, peaceful life. It also gave me an artists soul, and now that is being translated into the blog and products. 

What is so special about roses?

Roses are the Queen of all Flowers. They have the highest vibrational frequency and can be so healing. They are anti-aging and anti-inflammatory for the skin and also open the heart chakra. They are my allies and I am so honored to carry their name. 

What is your favorite product you've created?

My products are like my children I love them all! Since I make them by hand they truly come from my heart. Lately my Nectar Body Oil is giving me lots of joy. The ylang ylang and cardamom combination makes my soul sing! 

Keep up with Shiva Rose on her Instagram, Twitter, and beautiful website!