ONE SPIRIT COMMUNITY

By Yachay Azzaraya

I am sure you have heard the phrase “just take a deep breath and calm down.” This common technique of breathing to calm one’s self is more powerful and significant than one might think.

Fully imagine yourself in each of the following situations. With each one, enact your experience with a focus on how you would be breathing.

1) You are sitting in rush hour traffic, inching along.

2) You are giving birth to a newborn child.

3) You are riding a rollercoaster.

4) You are running a marathon.

5) You are gazing into your beloved’s loving eyes.

This exercise highlights the amazing way in which our breath is intimately connected to how we experience reality. The way we breathe creates the way we feel. The science of breath is known as pranayama in yoga, and is a powerful way to gain mastery of one’s emotions and life. Simple breathing exercises, with practice, can give us the ability to stay calm in tense situations, to experience greater peace of mind, and more joy in day-to-day life! More intensive breath practices can really open up the energy channels in the body, and the resulting bliss is well worth the dedication. I have never experienced such deep shifts from any other practice.

Pranayama has healed my physical body deeply. But more pronounced, perhaps, is the psychological transformation. The energy potential that is opened with the breath produces fundamental shifts in the way I see and experience the world. I experience regular shifts in my lenses of perception, constantly seeing things more positively and optimistically. It’s as if the power of prana is empowering me to live life more fully and vibrantly. Discover this ancient science for yourself, I guarantee it will make you feel amazing!

For a great introduction, I recommend Science of Breath by Swami Rama, and for advanced practices, Path of Fire and Light Vol. 1, both available from www.himalayaninstitute.com

By Kerrie Dancing Butterfly

Here are some of my favorite inspirational quotes from David Wolfe’s Best-selling Book, The Sunfood Diet Success System.

“If you are not working to achieve your own goals, you are always working to achieve another’s goals. What you may want to ask yourself is: Are these my goals? And, Are they worthwhile goals?”

“By fulfilling our natural diet of raw food plant, and by allowing only positive thoughts to govern our minds, only glorious vibrations will emanate from us and all earthly conditions will begin to sway positively in our direction.”

“Strong faith creates a positive attitude. Success seems to be connected with attitude.  If your attitude is strong, powerful, attractive, and graceful, you can achieve any success you desire!”

“The greatest seed of all–your limitless potential—is with you at all times.”

“Negative thoughts alone can create havoc throughout the entire nervous system.  However, strong, pure, and happy thoughts build fortitude and beauty.”

“Set goals that challenge your brain to think in new directions.”

“Use the trial and success method: Learn from your past mistakes and adjust your behavior accordingly to achieve your goals—treat your past as a school, a vast resource to learn from to better yourself.”

“Faith is the ability to have trust in powers greater than yourself, to confidently stride into the unknown and to believe in your own abilities—no matter what.”

“Improve your food choices and you dramatically improve the foundation upon which your body is built.”

By Kerrie Dancing Butterfly

Just wanted to tickle you to today and invite you to join me in bringing back into sacred balance the blend of stillness and movement in your life. Why is it so difficult to strike a balance between stillness and movement?  As humans we fall into habits so easily. What is your pattern or tendency?  I’ve outlined here 4 categories with examples in each one, so that you can visit where you are imbalanced and join me engaging some of these less-visited practices to bring balance, harmony and energy back into your life.

In which of these four do you tend to spend most of your time and which do you neglect?

Busy body & busy mind: physical tasks, competitive sports, running errands

Busy body & still mind: yoga (when staying present), some sports like jogging, dance

Still body & busy mind: office & computer work, writing, art, reading, journaling, games

Still body & still mind: meditation, baths, watching the sunset, stargazing, massage, napping

All of these in different forms are valuable to experience in balance.  I am sure you have others to add to each category.  Since I have recently been experiencing lots of computer work, yesterday, I brought in more meditation, napping, stargazing and massage.  By the end of the day I felt so relaxed, nourished and recharged.  Today, I added movement with stretching, dance and yoga.  My energy is revitalized and my mind is clear!  Balance feels great.  Check this out this exercise and see where you can bring more balance to your life.

By Yachay Azzaraya

Shilajit is one of the oldest and most powerful superfoods that will help strengthen and energize you.  In order to lead effectively and efficiently you will need nourishment that supports you in the execution of your dreams and daily life.  Here is an interesting story I would love to share with you about Shilajit.

70 million years ago the majestic Himalayas began forming when tectonic activity pushed the island of India into Asia. Ancient jungle and the sea floor between the two land masses became compressed into the mountain range. Within the mountain for millions of years, this organic material has reverted back to its pure mineral state. Shilajit is exuded from fissures between 9,000 ft to 13,000 ft as a black gooey substance. It contains over 85 organic minerals, including high amounts of fulvic acid, which our bodies need for optimal functioning. Yogis have been preparing it for oral consumption for thousands of years. It is considered a true panacea in Ayurveda. It is a wonderful adaptogen, strengthening our body’s response to stress. From experience, this is actually a food, since most of our produce, including organic, contains between 3-7 minerals.

The organic compounds in Shilajit nourish our cells deeply, providing the conductivity necessary for life. It rebuilds and fortifies stressed nerves, and increases immune system growth.  Shilajit detoxifies the brain and all major organs, especially the kidneys and liver. It increases physical power (jing). It increases endurance excellently. I have a friend who paddles his surf board to Catalina Island, a distance of almost 30 miles, and he drinks Shilajit in water the whole way. Its fulvic acid is literally the most powerful electrolyte on the planet! The more you take, the better you will feel. I take it daily and am astounded at how much energy it gives me to take on the day! Shilajit – truly ancient superfood.  Superfoods support super results.

Yachay Azzaraya is a specialist in superfood solutions and detoxifying living environments. For more information visit http://www.JourneysfortheSoul.com.

By Puma St. Angel

The word vegetarian has only recently become more of a mainstream word. Vegetarian food is just beginning to be offered in restaurants as main entrees and now you can even find a few vegetarian restaurants in a city.  Then, the word and concept of veganism started circulating; and now Raw Foods. What happened to the traditional meat & potatoes diet? When I told people that I was a Raw Food Vegan it was a far off concept for people to grasp but one that is so cutting edge people couldn’t help but to be very curious about it.

The Raw Food movement has exploded in the last 10 years drawing hundreds of thousands of people all over the world into its magic. Have you noticed that everything seems to be moving at a much faster pace? Well with this faster pace, we need the fuel to help us move faster to keep up with everything that’s happening! The meat & potatoes diet just isn’t going to make the final cut for the Super Hero diet. Have you ever noticed that when we need new tools to continue our evolutionary process, they seem to appear; like the computer and internet? It’s no coincidence that Super Foods are hitting the market now, to fuel us to handle the fast paced transformational times we are currently experiencing.

Thank you David Wolfe for bringing the concept of Super Foods to mainstream America!

Super foods are those “foods that have a dozen or more unique properties, not just one or two. For example, the Goji berry is a source of complete protein, immune-stimulating polysaccharides, liver-cleansing betaine, anti-aging sesquiterpenes, antioxidants, over twenty trace minerals, and much, much more.” David Wolfe, Superfoods

Today with all our technology, we have the ability to have access to the world’s best foods. Wouldn’t it make sense to make a smoothie everyday that contains 2 or more superfoods in it? Considering the fact that one superfood smoothie would probably contain more nutrients and minerals in it than 2 days worth of the standard American meal, isn’t it a no-brainer! For us here at One Spirit Weekend headquarters it is a daily regimen.

We are living in a time when we need all the ammo we can get, in the smallest package possible, to fuel us to be the Super Hero Leaders that we are. Here is a basic recipe for a superfood smoothie. From this recipe you can add more fruit or nut butters such as raw almond, cashew or pecan butter.

Protein Power Punched Superfood Smoothie

2 cups water or coconut water + meat

2 Tbsp. coconut butter

¼ cup hemp seeds

2 Tbsp. cacao powder

1 Tbsp. Maca

1 Tbsp. Spirulina

3 Tbsp. Aloe Vera Juice

3 Tbsp. Raw Honey, Yacon or Jerusalem Artichoke syrup.

¼ c. goji berries or ½ c. Blueberries or any other kind of berry.

Pinch of Pink Himalayan Salt

Place all the ingredients in a blender. Taste and drink!

By Puma St. Angel

Congratulations on embarking on becoming a leader in your own self care program. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or just starting out by reading this article you are on your way to becoming a Leader in your own life. Now the fun begins!

As we embark on a healthier path we become bombarded with information and a lot of times it contradicts other health advice we are taught. It can become very confusing. It seems everyone has their “science based” opinion about the do’s and don’ts of what to eat, how to exercise, what mind set to have, what spiritual practice is the best, what healing modality will heal certain ailments, what gadget is the best etc.

There is a lot of information to decipher to find what is right for you. This process can be daunting when all you want to do is “know” what is right for you and then focus your time, energy and money on executing the best self- care plan possible for you. Sometimes it is easier for someone else to tell you what to do, which has been occurring for a long time in the health care industry but not the most effective.

Every person is an individual. Yes, we are born with the same parts; heart, liver, hands, feet etc. but due to our belief systems, ancestry, genes and other factors we operate very differently from one another.  So it is very difficult and many times unsuccessful to treat an individual’s health problems the same way as another’s with similar symptoms.

The key to helping self-decipher all the information and advice, is to develop ones’ intuition. When you are guided by your intuition it can become easier to feel, sense and know what is right and wrong for you. Your internal guidance system will direct you into your highest potential and the best self-care program.

There are various ways to strengthen your intuition; your internal guidance system. The three main areas to begin with are the physical, mental and spiritual bodies.  Here are the basics to begin the strengthening process of your intuition. Please note that even though these three areas are separated, they exist together as a whole, they work together to create One Spirit, and therefore the tools & techniques for each area overlap and help with all the bodies.

Physical body: Cleansing the body of toxins and excess waste will help you become a better listener to it’s messages. Toxins in the body can prevent someone from being able to clearly hear their internal guidance system.

Mental body: Learning tools and techniques to quite the mind of chitter chatter will help you to hear or visualize the REAL messages that are meant for you.  Meditation, breathing exercises & yoga are just a few of the many powerful ways to access the minds intuitive nature.

Spiritual body: All the techniques for the physical and mental body will naturally guide you on your spiritual path. When you have physically detoxed, are practicing yoga and meditation, your internal guidance system will naturally lead you on a spiritual path that reflects your true nature.  When your heart and mind process spiritual and religious ideas and concepts you will receive clearer guidance on what the truth is for you.

Your self-care program based on your internal guidance system will provide a strong foundation for you being a leader in your life, a path to Independence!

By Yachay Azzaraya

Today’s leaders need quick nutrition as well as detoxification. This is why my favorite superfood is the single-celled algae Chlorella.

Chlorella is the world’s greenest food, with more chlorophyll than any other plant or algae on the planet! It has 10 times more chlorophyll than alfalfa, barley grass, or spirulina. As our environment becomes increasingly contaminated, so does our food supply. Even organic produce is not free from pollutants. Chlorella to the rescue! Chlorophyll is an excellent detoxifier and blood cleanser. But the real cleansing key lies within chlorella’s fiber. Chlorella contains a high concentration of a unique fiber that pulls toxins from our cells and safely removes them from our bodies. This is what makes chlorella an excellent chelator for heavy metals and chemicals of all kinds. It is this special fiber that also promotes balanced, healthy bowel movements.

How do you use Chlorella? It is a wonderful addition to salads. I put it in my raw taco mix. I love drinking a glass of this gorgeous emerald green nectar. If the powder isn’t appetizing for you, try the pure pressed tablets. They have a nutty taste, and make great salad croutons! It is a truly multi-functional food. Not only does it harmonize our produce intake, but it is a nutritional powerhouse in and of itself.

Chlorella is a complete food, with a full range of complete protein, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. It is actually 50% complete protein, meaning it can meet your needs as a protein source, with all 8 essential aminos. With high amounts of enzymes, it really helps digestion. It also is packed with antioxidants, including high amounts of beta-carotene. It increases the reproduction of healthy bacteria in the intestines by up to 400%. And it powerfully enhances immune system growth by increasing white blood cell production. Chlorella is consumed by over 7 million people in Japan daily. It’s time we choose this awesome superfood as part of our daily diets as well. I have, and I feel so good!

Yachay Azzaraya is a specialist in superfood solutions and detoxifying living environments. For more information visit http://www.JourneysfortheSoul.com

By Kerrie Dancing Butterfly

As we evolve from mortals into modern-day Super Heroes, our sources for fuel will shift as well.  In order to match the frequency of pure crystal light and to hold our composure and form in the midst of chaos, we need to be able to quickly recharge our energy and assimilate nourishment with maximum efficiency. There is no time to waste, as our clear, centered, and compassionate super powers are in great demand in our relationships, families, communities, and all across the planet.  These perfect super human “Foods” are abundant, easily accessible, affordable and quite naturally eco-conscious.

These four “Food” Groups go back to the wisdom of our ancient ancestors who tapped these resources for knowledge, relaxation, nourishment, surrender and empowerment. These ancient tools for limitless, consistent, and potent nutrition take the form of The Four Elements ~ Water, Air, Fire, and Earth.  Our physical bodies are interwoven with a combination of these elements.  We are fed at many levels by the presence of these resources in their various forms, inside and outside of our bodies.  Whether we are aware of it or not, water, air, fire, and earth are keeping us alive.

Over the centuries of industrialization, our bodies have become desensitized to the frequencies of these valued and limitless energy stores. It is time to recalibrate our five senses and activate our sixth sense to all the wonders the elements have to offer our soul. Treat yourself to a feast of the simple, profound and deep nourishment received from a refreshing jump in a river, a captivating sunset, a walk in the forest, or a mountaintop meditation.

WATER invites surrender.  Observing water’s fluid movements and changing form inspires one to apply these lessons to everyday situations.  Spending more time watching, listening and playing in and around various forms of water such as waterfalls, oceans, lakes and rivers will certainly provide deep soul-level nourishment. To maximize the potency of water, utilize each of your senses individually to see, touch, taste, hear and smell the magic essence of water.

Immersing in a cold water plunge invigorates the entire being, while soaking in warm water relaxes the entire being. Staying hydrated with the purest water aids our super human bodies with clear thought, efficient digestion, cellular cleansing, muscular flexibility, increased stamina and enhanced energy.  Waters charged with crystals and blessed with specific intentions have been proven to send energetic messages directly to the cells. In sacred ceremonies, water is used to bless, purify and cleanse.

AIR provides us with Life Force. Due to increased urbanization and pollution, it is essential to move our bodies to fresh, clean air often and to breathe deeply.  Depending on the plant life, presence of water, elevation, season and temperature, the variety of fresh air experiences are certainly diverse and abundant.  The crisp winter morning air, a tropical salty ocean breeze, a dense pine forest or the wildflower desert of Sedona in spring time will invigorate the soul with a delicious treat for your lungs and entire body to enjoy.

Directing the quality of one’s breath is acknowledged as a pathway to inner peace and awakening by many cultures.  The yogis have identified various breathing techniques to elicit a wide range of beneficial effects on the body, mind and spirit such as clarity, relaxation, vitality, longevity, and balance.

FIRE warms the heart and soul and brings light to darkness.  When the sun rises each day, it brings a reminder of new beginnings, hope and rebirth.  At sunset, the sun teaches us to let go and surrender as a unique multicolored portrait unveils itself and then merges with the night sky.  The practice of sun gazing, when done properly, is a powerful rejuvenating experience for the entire body while simultaneously realigning the Divine Sacred Heart within.

In sacred ceremony the element of fire is honored for its transformative powers.  Offerings representing gratitude, prayers and release are placed in the fire which then transforms them, sending these messages gracefully into the heavens.  Tribes since the beginning of time have danced around the fire, creating community, celebrating life and honoring nature.

EARTH provides a solid foundation of support on which we may stand our ground as Modern-day Super Heroes.  “Pacha Mama” or Mother Earth offers her rich, fertile foundation within which to plant our personal cosmic seeds.  She embraces those seeds, feeding them minerals and water allowing our roots to expand and grow.  The purest gifts of Mother Earth are certainly her bounty of freshly grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts, seeds, and roots untouched by industrial processing.  By replacing processed inorganic foods with more foods grown with love from the belly of the Mother Gaia you will surely feel more energized.

In sacred ceremony, Mother Earth is honored, blessed, and thanked for all that she gives.  Take off your shoes more often and feel her belly beneath your feet.  Let the soil, rocks, sand, or grass tickle your toes.  Close your eyes and feel her strong, loving and consistent source of support and nourishment. Smell her flowers.  Enjoy the shade of her trees.  Listen to the songs of the joyful birds.  Watch the butterflies as they dance blissfully by.

Imagine a respectful harmony between water, air, fire, earth, and all planetary life forms where a reciprocal exchange of energy, respect, and love is shared. With a heightened sense of gratitude and the ability to recharge, reconnect, and reemerge clearer, stronger, and more energized than before, you will truly become a modern-day Super Heroes helping and healing planetary consciousness. Watching, feeling, experiencing, and learning from the great wisdom of these elemental resources and recalibrating our relationship to them, will create the reality of Heaven on Earth.

The time to fully activate your super powers is here.  Now more than ever, Mother Earth and her inhabitants need modern-day Super Heroes energized and ready to serve. Fortunately, you have direct access to the ancient secret resources of Water, Air, Fire, Earth and Universal Spirit. Let’s fly!

Kerrie Dancing Butterfly is a modern-day Shamaness who skillfully integrates the fields of self-empowerment, Shamanic teachings, emotional release, spiritual studies, meditation techniques and energy healing.  She is sought after for her Transformational Empowerment Shamanic Healing Sessions, Personal Coaching, Inspirational Workshops and Sacred Ceremonies. Through her rich and diverse background, she combines the teachings of the masters with life experience and a personal touch to gently facilitate profound personal transformation and awakening. Learn more about Kerrie at http://www.JourneysfortheSoul.com and http://www.OneSpiritWeekend.com.

May you love as a PassionFruit flower lives

By Kerrie Dancing Butterfly

One of my favorite fruits and flowers is the Passionfruit.  The flower of this vine has inspired me more than any other flower.  It has a beauty and boldness that is unparalleled. This extraordinarily radiant flower blossoms for just 2-3 days and then closes to incubate the most succulently tasty fruit I have ever experienced. Recently, I treated myself to a passionfruit vine and am blessed right now to wake and view these inspirational blossoms every day.  The first time I saw this flower in Hawaii years ago, I was so inspired by its form that I was called to write this poem that I would love to share with you…

Passionfruit Flower Sends Loving Wisdom

Ever-expanding, vibrant, confident and bold

Trusting, vulnerable, a beauty to behold

Divine messages encoded within its essence

Sweet nectar tasted within its presence

Generous with the bounty of euphoric bliss

Gifting a deep affectionate and genuine kiss

Dancing and laughing with the breeze

Surrendering to cosmic flow with ease

Honoring the presence of Spirit inside

Opens the heart without fear–nothing to hide

True flower of love has no inhibition to shine

Swirling, ascending, blending over time…

May you LOVE as a Passionfruit Flower LIVES

Kerrie Dancing Butterfly is a modern-day Shamaness who skillfully integrates the fields of self-empowerment, Shamanic teachings, emotional release, spiritual studies, meditation techniques and energy healing.  She is sought after for her Transformational Empowerment Shamanic Healing Sessions, Personal Coaching, Inspirational Workshops and Sacred Ceremonies. Through her rich and diverse background, she combines the teachings of the masters with life experience and a personal touch to gently facilitate profound personal transformation and awakening. Learn more about Kerrie at http://www.JourneysfortheSoul.com and http://www.OneSpiritWeekend.com.

By Kerrie Dancing Butterfly

“Raising your vibration is a choice.

You are the master of your own light.

Within you lives this undeniable radiant beauty.

Awaken to your gifts and share them as was intended.”

~Ananda Anahata

Tip #1 Choose Optimal Fuel

The way we fuel our bodies deeply and radically affects the way we think, feel and behave.  By improving our food choices we improve our overall health, stamina and happiness while shaping a new destiny for ourselves. The physical body thrives when fueled by the highest quality fresh fruits, vegetables and other foods provided to us by Mother Nature. Adding more live, organic plant foods full of sun energy, vitamins, enzymes and minerals reconnects us with our own vibrant natural state.

“I choose optimal fuel for this body because it provides me with the energy, clarity, creativity and longevity that I require in order to create magic on this planet.”

Tip #2 Cleanse & Purify the Physical Body 

Periodic cleansing and fasting revitalizes the body enabling it to heal and recharge itself. Through the cleansing process, toxins from processed, cooked foods, chemicals and environmental impurities are released initiating the body’s own healing abilities. Our bodies were originally designed to handle periods of feast and famine and are very capable of thriving while fasting and cleansing. We may choose to fast from a certain substance such as dairy, meat, sugar, coffee, alcohol or solid foods. You may choose to fast from a substance for a weekend, fast one day a month on juices or do an intestinal cleanse once a year. Listen to your body.

“I cleanse and purify my body regularly because this vessel and the beautiful spirit thriving within it have a higher purpose.”

 Tip #3 Mind the Mental Diet

We have the power to shape our reality and it starts with our internal view of the world.  Our thoughts, speech and actions determine our reality and define our future. By shifting the quality of our thoughts from fear to faith, from criticism to compassion, from lack to abundance, from separateness to unity, from hate to love shifts our experience of the world. Listening to our internal dialogue and taking time to pause and reflect before acting gives us the opportunity to choose more wisely. Use powerfully worded daily affirmations to confirm your intentions for a vibrant, thriving life full of bliss, prosperity and love for yourself and others. 

 “I am mindful of the content that I feed my mind. I choose to use positive empowering language with regards to myself, others and my surroundings because my thoughts, speech and actions create the bliss that surrounds me.”

 Tip #4 Clear the Emotional Body

Just as the physical body holds toxins and debris so does the emotional body.  Pains from childhood, being socialized, relationship experiences, family dynamics, economic influences and sexual interactions are just a few of the sources for latent emotional holdings.  These memories shape our views of life affecting the choices we make with regards to relationships, health, success and happiness.  Emotions serve as a window into ourselves.  Exploring these feelings and searching out their source, enables us to release any emotional debris that is inhibiting us from realizing our true potential and experiencing a peaceful, thriving life. Addressing emotional issues is a vital and necessary process of spiritual growth and personal transformation.

 “I embrace the opportunity to look inward and shine a light where darkness resides in order for my true self to fully blossom.”

 Tip #5 Connect to Higher Consciousness

It is when the mind is quiet and the body still that the real truth may be revealed.  In this space we are primed to receive messages with regards to our purpose and how to proceed in manifesting our full potential. Our minds our like a turbulent body of water, only in the stillness can one’s reflection be seen.  In this peaceful space one connects to a source of power and wisdom greater than the individual.  Trusting the insights gleaned during meditation provides essential guidance and support along our journey.  According to Dr. Dean Ornish, “The benefits of meditation include expanded awareness, increased concentration, a quieter mind and the experience of transcendence, peace, joy and inner nourishment.”

“I create time and space for reflection and stillness in order for the truth to be revealed to me.”

Subtle improvements in each of these areas enhance the quality of life in the most amazingly joyful ways.  Live, Laugh, Learn, Love and Let Go!

Go Forth and SHINE!

Kerrie Dancing Butterfly is a modern-day Shamaness who skillfully integrates the fields of self-empowerment, Shamanic teachings, emotional release, spiritual studies, meditation techniques and energy healing.  She is sought after for her Transformational Empowerment Shamanic Healing Sessions, Personal Coaching, Inspirational Workshops and Sacred Ceremonies. Through her rich and diverse background, she combines the teachings of the masters with life experience and a personal touch to gently facilitate profound personal transformation and awakening. Learn more about Kerrie at www.JourneysfortheSoul.com and www.OneSpiritWeekend.com.