Granted, most individuals enjoy receiving tokens of love, and although it may be geared primarily for women and perhaps children, men relish receiving tokens of love as well, even if they don’t admit it. Feeling loved and sharing love is something of great value to most individuals and they cherish that feeling. I imagine this is true for you.

But the advertising in society today has led many people to focus too much on the materialistic aspect of love so that individuals only know a superficial way of expressing love. Of course, it is important that we be reminded to express our feelings to those we love, and certainly giving a token of that love in the form of a gift is warranted. However, if the focus is solely on the superficial gift, basing that as a measure of love, an internal void for what love truly is exists.

What if your birthday, Valentine’s Day or a special occasion came and went and those you love failed to bring you a token or share their love in any way? Most likely you would be hurt and upset, and perhaps put you in a depressed mood. And why is this? It’s simple really – you had expectations. We all have certain expectations for how people are supposed to behave in particular situations or settings. When that expectation isn’t fulfilled, we become upset, maybe even feeling unloved.

But you see, that isn’t true love; that is love with expectations. If you really love someone, it is unconditional. That means that no matter what they do or say, you love them. However, it doesn’t mean you accept abuse, meanness or hurtful behavior from them. In that case, you would have to decide if this was a momentary digressive behavior or if you needed to detach from the relationship; either way you can still love them and forgive them. So expectations are man-made conditions that we put in place as necessary for someone to show love to us.

True love has no expectations; it is unconditional. In other words, a person does not have to do anything to procure that love. They don’t have to prove anything to us or perform in a particular fashion for us to love them. We may have standards and in some cases rules that must be adhered to, but the love remains regardless of actions and behavior. This is difficult for many people to grasp fully because as humans, we want to have control over what others do for us and to us.

I imagine most parents have an idea of unconditional love for their children. They are part of you and you always love them even when they get into trouble or break your rules. Undoubtedly you want them to follow your guidance and the rules you’ve given them, but even when they make their own choices that are totally contrary to what you desire, you love them. What is so sad is the parent who tells their child “If you don’t clean up your room I won’t love you anymore.” Most probably they don’t mean that, but they say it in hopes the child will obey through the fear of losing their love. That is love with conditions, and it isn’t real love, and it will give the child a warped idea of what love is.

Love simply is. When we came into this world we were formed from love; it is our essence, who we really are. But when we entered this fear-based world, we slowly began to accept the thoughts of this world as truth, eventually stepping away from our true essence of love and stepping into fearful thinking. This is man-made and has nothing to do with our real self. Conditional love comes from fear while unconditional love has its root in love. Real love is a state of mind, a way of being; it simply exists.

As humans we often find it difficult to accept something that is free and simple as love is. Unconditional love has no strings attached, no constrictions and no required compensation. This is hard for many people to put their minds and hearts around because they are used to everything coming to them through hard work, payments of some kind, requirements and expectations. Yet love just flows with ease when allowed to do so, costs nothing and requires no work to obtain it, for it is already within us and just is.

I want you to fully understand this concept as it can help you shift your entire life into one that operates from a positive, loving place and frees you to enjoy your life fully. You are made from love and enter this world as pure, loving energy. That is your spiritual composition and will always be who you are, for the real you is primarily spirit. Being that you are given free will when you enter this life, you get to choose what you believe as truth, so you can choose to live through fear as much of the world does, or you can remember the love from which you came. If you choose to live through love, what will that do for you?

It allows your life to be full of miracles, peace, high joy, excitement, appreciation, gratitude, acceptance of all, freedom, happiness, compassion, understanding, caring, abundance, prosperity, and a host of good things. When you live through love you are able to rise above anything that occurs in your life and remain in a place of positiveness and acceptance, in the flow of life. Here you get to enjoy a most exciting, extraordinary journey regardless of what is going on in your environment. Doesn’t everyone want this kind of life? Surely so.

So what do you need to do to live in a space of unconditional love? It will take some changes in your thinking and believing so you can let go of the world’s unloving view of living, replacing this old programming with new understanding of what love is. Here are some actions you can take to reinstate your essence of love.

• Accept people as they are. Realize they may not agree with you or may not like you, but you can still love them. It only has to do with how you feel, not them.
• Realize you are not in control of anyone except yourself, so hands off everyone else’s life.
• Quit trying to “fix” everyone. You are not responsible for anyone and cannot “fix” them no matter how hard you try.
• Live your life as an empowered being. Understand and use the tools to become empowered.
• Focus on loving expressions and refuse to step into fear.
• Continually surrender your fears and anything that does not raise you up.
• Make forgiveness a way of life for yourself and others.
• Remember that love is your essence and simply ask God, the Angels and/or Spirit to help you understand this deeply.
• Understand that you do not have to do anything to earn this love; it is given freely because it is who you are – all you need do is accept it, know it, and be it.

Focus on how you want to be treated and then treat everyone else that way; live in that space. Focus on radiating love because what you focus on is what creates your life experiences. If you focus on love, you will create loving experiences, loving relationships, and a life filled with good things.

Every process within your body uses enzymes to function. If enzymes are lacking, I’m sure you can figure out that would be devastating for anyone’s health. It is especially vital to have sufficient enzymes to digest your daily cooked food intake. The digestive system alone, consumes four times more energy per day than all other systems combined – 80% of your body’s energy! Astounding! When you become run down, are under stress, live in either a hot or cold climate, are a frequent air traveler, eat a diet mainly of cooked and processed foods, you need a huge amount of extra enzymes for your body’s daily functions. And as you age, your body can no longer produce the necessary enzymes for good health. In essence, your life is totally dependent on enzymes.

I know you want a beautiful, properly functioning body that not only looks great, but feels great. Great health is at the top of most people’s list as a priority, yet many do not have any idea how to obtain it. Perhaps as you look at your body right now you aren’t totally pleased with what you see or how you feel. Then the information I am sharing is just for you!

There are hundreds and probably thousands of protocols available with all kinds of suggestions on how to be healthy, and perhaps you’ve tried many without the results you desire. I believe health should be easy, simple and basic, and yes, it does require becoming educated and committed enough to make life-style changes to achieve your desire. It is always your choices that either propel you forward or keep you stuck.

So what are enzymes?  They are one of the great miracles in our life, and each one of us has our own unique blueprint of needed enzymes to ensure we experience a vibrant state of health. Enzymes are protein taken from food and made by the body. They must be present before any chemical reaction can take place within us. Even vitamins, minerals and hormones cannot carry out their tasks without the proper amount of enzymes. Many health professionals believe that the single most effective approach to regaining or maintaining your health, is to begin with balancing digestion and making sure that person has the proper enzyme therapy.

There are basically three types of enzymes: digestive, metabolic and food. For proper digestion to occur, four major and three minor enzymes are required. Amylase breaks down carbohydrates and starches – fruit, vegetables, pasta, bread. If these are not digested properly they ferment inside your body and create gas, bloating, belching, etc. Protease digests proteins – red meat, poultry, fish, nuts. If not broken down properly they putrefy causing indigestion and toxicity. Lipase breaks down fats. Fats not broken down release pungent odors and create imbalance with cholesterol. Cellulase breaks down fiber found in vegetables and plant materials. This is an enzyme the body cannot produce so it must come from raw food. Undigested fiber leaves residue in the small intestine and adds to absorption issues. Lactase breaks down milk sugar lactose. Two other enzymes that break down food sugars are Sucrase and Maltase.

Metabolic enzymes are produced by our body. They are necessary for all the stages of digestion, but also work with our body’s repair mechanism, particularly as we sleep. They have been called the vitality of life because every biochemical reaction that takes place in the body is made possible by means of the reactions of metabolic enzymes. They either speed up or slow down the chemical reactions within the cells for detoxification and energy production. They enable us to see, hear, feel, move and think. Every organ, every tissue, and all 100 trillion cells in our body depend upon the reaction of metabolic enzymes. Although metabolic enzymes are produced by all living cells, the pancreas, liver and gallbladder play a vital role in determining the amount of metabolic enzymes the body is capable of producing.

Food enzymes are contained within each raw, fresh piece of fruit or vegetable that we eat, and are present as nature provided to digest that food only. When our diet consists of primarily cooked, processed, devitalized food, we are setting ourselves up for major health issues since it is devoid of enzymes.

Dr. Edward Howell, a brilliant researcher of food enzymes and human health, suggests we think of our body as an “enzyme bank account.” He states, “Trillions of cells work constantly to maintain an acceptable balance of enzymes to keep the body working. The only other backup source we have comes from the food we eat.” He also goes on to say that if we experience a big enzyme drain such as contracting a virus, strenuous activity, an emotional crisis, breathing unclean air, being stressed or eating a fat-laden meal, the enzyme bank account balance drops so much that our body faces an enzyme bankruptcy. The problem is that there is no surplus in our body to assist when any of these experiences come our way since eating raw fruits and vegetables does not provide a “deposit” into our enzyme bank account; they contain only enough enzymes to break down that particular raw food.

With the diet that most people consume, you can see how your body can easily become deficient in the enzymes needed for digestion and all body processes, and get an idea of how much it will affect your overall health.

So what symptoms occur as indicators of enzyme deficiency?

The symptoms are vast and enzyme deficiency is part of most illnesses. They can include: obesity, depression, panic attacks, schizophrenic behavior, mood swings, fatigue, lethargy, cramps, diarrhea, food and environmental sensitivities, gas, heartburn, sugar cravings, frequent headaches, poor memory, dizziness, impotence, menstrual difficulties, prostate problems, urinary tract infections, constipation, Crohn’s disease, gastritis, hay fever, coughing, sore throat, insomnia, skin rashes and breakouts, fungus infections like Candida, cold hands and feet, arthritis-like symptoms, liver toxicity, gallbladder issues, all the way to diseases like lupus, multiple sclerosis and cancer.

Our white blood cells, which play a vital role in our immune health, are loaded with enzymes. They are approximately twice the size of red blood cells and circulate through the body consuming pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites, then removing them as a threatening invader. Most of what makes up the white blood cells are proteases because they break down protein. You see, everything the white blood cells must consume are either protein (bacteria, parasites) or protected by protein (viruses, cancer cells), so adequate protease is absolutely necessary for a properly functioning immune system. Just think a minute about what can happen if your white blood cells become deficient in the proteases they need? You then experience a compromised immune system in which an illness or disorder is just waiting to enter. The cause of illness then, is in some way related to protein and its digestion.

Although I referenced some of the basic enzymes needed daily, let’s go into a little more detail with a few of them.

Protease has several different forms to break down various types of protein. Although we need proteases to digest the proteins we eat at our meals, we also need proteases between meals to digest other proteins like bacteria, fungi, viruses and any protein left in the blood that can create toxicity in our body. This can be supplemented in our daily regimen, but must be plant-based without fillers or synthetic ingredients.

Lipase breaks down fats and helps to disengage fat. You can think of obesity as a deficiency of lipase. You can find fat in skin, blood, our cells and the protective sheath round our nerves. Lipase is especially effective for health issues like high cholesterol, obesity, high triglycerides, heart disease, nerve issues, hormonal imbalances, and even skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis.

Amylases break down carbohydrates. Here it gets a little more complicated because amylases break down sugars, fiber, and complex carbohydrates since all are carbohydrates. If you suffer from sugar or food cravings or low blood sugar, amylase may help you significantly in the form of maltase, lactose and sucrose.

Another amylase is cellulose, the only enzyme your body does not produce, although the friendly bacteria in your large intestine does produce some cellulose for your body. When this intestinal flora gets out of balance in your large intestine, you can easily develop Candida, a fungus that creates havoc in your intestinal track, but it can also become systemic throughout your body. It is called thrush when in the mouth and a yeast infection when vaginal, but it also causes many other symptoms in men and women, such as fatigue, foggy thinking, gas, heartburn, food allergies, sugar cravings, depression, skin issues, coughing, sore throat, arthritis-like symptoms, and much more. This usually happens due to undigested fiber in the large intestine, and cellulase can often help remove the overgrowth.

In conjunction with digestive health we must discuss your body’s pH. I’ve shared information with you previously and why it is so important. Many health professionals believe your pH should be between 6.8–7.2 as an optimal range, although various professionals differ slightly in their suggested range. However, it is known that any individuals in the 5.0–6.0 range are acidic, thus opening themselves for a variety of health issues. The body will do all it can to maintain the proper pH, but it is often unable to meet the required specifications throughout the digestive tract. If your body and blood become too acidic, the pancreas, gallbladder and liver are forced to make up for the deficiency, grabbing metabolic enzymes, which results in not enough to repair and sustain your body. Consequently, you will experience lowered immune function, fatigue, hormonal imbalances, all kinds of digestive issues, just to name a few. For the most part, fruits and vegetables are alkaline while caffeine, meats, sugar, dairy, legumes and grains are all acidic.

In addition, calcium begins leaching from the bones since it is the most alkaline mineral; this can result in bone density problems. Insulin levels increase and fat is stored rather than metabolizing, making weight gain inevitable. Electrolyte imbalances appear which affect the cells electrical voltage, and this can affect the heart, nervous system and muscles. I believe by now you can better understand the major role of enzymes and digestion in your overall health.

Specific Health Issues

Let’s look at the suggested protocol for just a few specific health concerns that are quite common. Using the suggested protocol can assist immensely in healing the disorder. These protocols are taken from Tom Bohager’s book entitled “Enzymes, What the Experts Know.” Do understand that these protocols are meant to be included with proper diet and exercise, removing stress and working in other areas that have become compromised; together this enhances the effectiveness and provides complete healing.

Adrenal Fatigue:

• High potency digestive enzyme formula with every cooked meal
• High protease enzyme formula 2-3 times per day between meals
• pH balancing formula before bed

Anxiety:

• High protease digestive formula with very meal
• High amylase formula when symptoms arise
• High protease enzyme formula 2-3 times per day between meals
• pH balancing formula 3 times per day between meals

Arthritis:

• High potency digestive enzyme formula with every meal
• Anti-inflammatory enzyme formula 3 times daily between meals
• pH balancing formula 3 times daily between meals
• High protease enzyme formula 3 times day – optional

Cancer:

• High potency digestive enzyme formula with every meal
• High protease enzyme formula or Nattokinase formula at least 3 times daily
• pH balancing formula 4 times per day between meals
• Probiotic formula daily
• Anti-inflammatory enzyme formula added for pain or inflammation – optional

Constipation: (anything less than 2 bowel movements per day is considered constipation)

• High potency digestive enzyme formula with every meal
• High cellulose formula 3 times daily between meals
• pH balancing formula 2 times daily – optional

Depression:

• High potency digestive enzyme formula
• High amylase anytime to increase energy levels
• High protease formula 2 times daily between meals
• pH balancing formula 2 times daily

Fatigue:

• High potency digestive enzyme formula – add soothing digestive formula if necessary
• Anti-inflammatory enzyme formula 3 times daily – more can be taken if needed
• High protease enzyme formula 3 times daily
• pH balancing formula 3 times daily
• High amylase/allergy formula any time to increase energy level

Indigestion:

• High potency digestive enzyme formula with every meal
• Soothing digestive formula after meals
• High protease enzyme formula 2 times daily

Insomnia:

• High potency digestive enzyme formula with every meal
• pH balancing formula 2 times daily, morning and night
• High protease enzyme formula 2 times daily, morning and night

Joint Pain:

• High potency digestive enzyme formula with every meal
• Anti-inflammatory enzyme formula 3 time per day
• pH balancing formula 2 times daily, morning and night

Viruses:

• High potency digestive enzyme formula
• High protease enzyme formula 3-4 times daily
• pH balancing formula 3 times daily

Of course there are dozens of other disorders not mentioned that have specific protocols, but this gives you information on some very common disorders and what you can add to improve your digestion and overall health. I’m happy to help you further if you have questions concerning another disorder not named in this article.

Understand that good digestion is an absolute must if you want to enjoy vibrant health. Digestion affects your breathing, elimination, nervous system, blood pressure, insulin/sugar controls, hormones, and every system within your body. Things like alcoholic beverages, sugar and caffeine literally destroy enzymes and will leave your body bankrupt in its supply.

You’ve probably heard that free radicals can destroy your health so antioxidants are needed to ensure you can beat those free radicals. There is no more powerful scavenger antioxidant than plant protease enzymes, according to Dr. DicQie Fuller, author of “The Healing Power of Enzymes.” Free radicals can show real devastation on the skin as well as anywhere in our body. But protease enzymes, acting as a scavenger, can enter your cell’s control center and help repair the devastation free radicals can do to DNA. Pretty remarkable are these enzymes, don’t you agree?

Dr. Fuller goes on to say, “Colon researchers have found that much of the body weight can be just waste accumulated within the one hundred thousand miles of blood vessels, the lymphatic system, bone joints, and intra-extra-cellular regions. The largest amount of waste is found in the impactions within the colon structure. This waste can add up to 50 pounds of body weight if the diet consists of only cooked and/or greasy foods.” What does this mean for you? Unwanted pounds and a mega load of toxicity.

Before I conclude this information, I must address probiotics and why they could be necessary as you heal your digestion. When digestion is out of whack and the gut is out of balance, a myriad of problems occur. The out of balance colon is a nesting ground for bacteria, fungus’, viruses and parasites.  Health professionals often refer to this state as a “leaky gut” because the intestinal walls have become permeable in that undigested food particles filter through lesions in the intestinal wall and spill into the bloodstream. This in turn carries these substances throughout the body, which acts as a toxic invader. Although this label of intestinal permeability is usually attached to diseases like Crohn’s or colitis, varying degrees can be seen in any out of balance colon. Although dietary changes are in order, it is also vital to have good flora in the intestines to overcome these invaders.

Dr. Mercola, a prominent health doctor today, says that “Once the integrity of your intestinal lining is compromised, and there is a flow of toxic substances “leaking out” into your bloodstream, your body experiences significant increases in inflammation.” This is another example of how disastrous impaired digestion can be for your health.

Multiple advertisements offer yogurt with probiotics as a solution. However, most of the available yogurt on a grocery store shelf is overly processed and contains unhealthy ingredients not to mention the pasteurization process that creates a problematic result. Organic, live cultures in yogurt however, can be beneficial for re-establishing a healthy intestinal balance, an absolute necessity in repairing digestion. Remember too, that every time an antibiotic is used, the gut gets out of balance.

Taking a good probiotic daily can repair the out of balance colon as well. In fact, many health professionals believe it is a good idea to take a probiotic every day since we are continually slammed with toxins and impure ingredients that are introduced into our bodies. Another advantageous approach is to consume fermented vegetables daily. After much research, Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride came to this conclusion:

“Fermented foods are essential to introduce, as they provide probiotic microbes in the best possible form … fermented foods will carry probiotic microbes all away down to the end of the digestive system. Fermentation predigests the food, making it easy for our digestive systems to handle, that is why fermented foods are easily digested by people with damaged gut. Fermentation releases nutrients from the food, making them more bio-available for the body: for example sauerkraut contains 20 times more bio-available vitamin C than fresh cabbage.”

Many health professionals and alternative doctors, after much research into why so many diseases and obesity have appeared in our present society, have come to understand that sugar and grains are quite detrimental to the process of digestion and a healthy colon. They say we were not made to ingest all these grains and sugars, and remember that grains convert into sugar in the body. Dr. Mercola shares a great deal of information concerning this issue. In a recent article he said this: “…when you consume too many sugars and carbs, you set off a cascade of chemical reactions in your body that makes you hungry and craving for sweets. The resulting equation is simple: fructose and dietary carbohydrates (grains, which break down into sugar) lead to excess body fat, obesity and related health issues. Furthermore, no amount of exercise can compensate for this damage because if you eat excessive fructose and grains, it will activate programming to cause your body to become, and remain, fat.”

Dr. Loren Cordain, a professor at Colorado State University and an expert on Paleolithic lifestyles, (eating primarily meat, fish, poultry, nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruit) as well as a growing number of experts, believe humans are not designed to eat grains, and doing so may actually be damaging to your gut. Dr. Cordain explains: “There’s no human requirement for grains. That’s the problem with the USDA recommendations. They think we’re hardwired as a species to eat grains. You can get by just fine and meet every single nutrient requirement that humans have without eating grains. And grains are absolutely poor sources of vitamins and minerals compared to fruits and vegetables and meat and fish. Grains are the seeds of a plant. They’re its reproductive material, and…their seeds are meant to be put in the soil where they’re meant to grow a new plant and not in the gut of an animal or human to feed it.” Dr. Cordain continues by saying: “The nutritional qualities of modern processed foods are discordant with our ancient and conservative genome. This genetic discordance ultimately manifests itself as various chronic illnesses, which have been dubbed ‘diseases of civilization.’ By severely reducing or eliminating these foods and replacing them with a more healthful cuisine, possessing nutrient qualities more in line with the foods our ancestors consumed, it is possible to improve health and reduce the risk of chronic disease.”

Proper digestion of the food you eat and the nutrients you take is one of, if not the most important step you can take for creating optimal health. But along with that you must educate yourself with better ways to eat and live. Just because someone tells you something is good or some type of advertising says it’s healthy and natural, does not mean it is true and in fact, it often is not. False advertising is so prevalent today that you have to do your own research if you want to really become healthy. Eating more raw foods, exercising, drinking plenty of pure water, eliminating or greatly reducing sugar and grains, as well as many other things are part of a healthy lifestyle, but no matter how consistent you are with making wise choices, if you cannot properly digest your food and absorb the nutrients from it, you have gained little. No matter what health issue now confronts you, whether something rather mundane to something serious, you can choose to focus on your digestion and make significant improvement in your health. It really needs to be your first step before addressing other issues, yet few people understand this. Instead they opt for popping things like Tums or taking over-the-counter or prescription meds for their digestion issues, but those are only band-aids and are not a cure; they relieve symptoms temporarily but add another dimension – that of the risk of consequential side effects.

I have worked on many issues personally, but always sensed digestion was a bigger issue than I was addressing. When I realized this and did much research on this topic, I finally got it – that proper digestion is the first area you work on rather than the last, no matter what the health concern is! But also be aware that what you eat does make a difference too. Take charge of your health through your digestion and you’ll be well on your way to creating better health. I am more than happy to help you on your journey to improved and vibrant health. You can contact me through this email or at 770-354-9285.

Note: Potent, pure and effective enzymes are required to restore and maintain health. Where Miracles Happen provides these in the center and online. Go to www.wheremiracleshappen.com and click store, then supplements to find them online. Theramedix is the company that specializes in pure enzymes for all aspects of health and healing; these are the only products they produce. Their bottles in the store are white with blue.

It can be quite a dilemma to figure out what is a truly pure and beneficial water to drink, given the misleading information so often shared in advertising and the media. Yet, pure water is a cornerstone of good health.

First, I’m going to discuss five sources of water that are used by most people, then I will share some information about water filtration systems.  Remember that you are composed of over 70% water, your skin is 80% water and your blood and brain are over 90% water. So your body absolutely requires the refilling of its reservoir every single day with clean water. Not doing so can lead to serious health issues over time, and health professionals have warned about the prevalent condition of dehydration even in our country. People prefer sodas, coffee, tea, fruit juices and sports drinks to water, and all of those choices create dehydration due to the contents of sugar, fructose, caffeine and chemicals found in the beverage. Your best choice is good, clean water if you want to be healthy.

Your body depends on clean water so it can perform its functions every day. This includes things like digestion, regulation of temperature and blood, respiration and detoxification. Getting rid of the toxic waste is of utmost importance if you want to be healthy and energetic. Toxins stress the body, and stressors can create adrenal fatigue – a serious malfunction of a major system in your body – as well as many other unfavorable health conditions. One condition that plagues so many people is the inability to shed unwanted pounds; toxic build-up and lack of hydration can be a major contributor to fat that won’t go away.

The information I have gathered and am sharing is a compilation of many sources of data, studies, my own experience and the experiences of others.

Five Sources of Water

1. Tap Water – Your local water company may be jeopardizing your health because they routinely add chemicals like chlorine, chlorine dioxide or chloramines, fluoride, MTBE(Methyl-tert-butyl Ether), atrazine, as well as a host of other chemicals. In addition, pesticides and herbicides are showing up in drinking water as are disinfection byproducts and pharmaceutical drugs. Water treatment plants felt they had to make the water safe to drink and get rid of impurities, so they added the chlorine and many other chemicals.

While it is true that chlorine effectively kills harmful microorganisms and is relatively harmless, unlike most chemicals, there is an unwanted side effect that affects your health. The chlorine-containing disinfectants react with the organic matter naturally occurring in water, such as decaying vegetation, and this combo produces a toxic chemical byproduct called DBP. This is what is harmful to your health since this can trigger the production of free radicals in your body.

We want our kids to drink pure water but schools use local water, and in 2010 a National Geographic report from a nationwide investigation found that water in schools in 27 states was contaminated with lead and other toxic substances. Hospitals, where people need good nutrition and pure water for healing, are sadly deficient in these areas. And don’t forget your baths or showers. It has been said that you absorb more toxins from a shower or bath than you do from food, even though much of what’s on a grocery store shelf is pretty unhealthy. So if tap water is not good for us, then we must shift to using bottled water, right?

2. Bottled Water – We’ve all been misled by advertising protocols into believing that bottled water is the best choice for our water. But did you know that as much as 40% of all bottled water is simply tap water with the chemical taste removed? And you’re paying quite a price for this bottled water to boot. An independent study by the Environmental Working Group found arsenic, DPB’s, nitrates, caffeine, bacteria and over 36 other harmful pollutants lurking in bottled water. There is less regulation for bottled water than tap water, so it seems we’ve all been duped with the misleading portrayal of the purity of much of the bottled water.

In addition, many plastic bottles leech a hazardous chemical called BPA.

According to the Container Recycling Institute, more than 67 million plastic water bottles are tossed into the trash every day in the U.S. alone.  That amount could fill 5500 garbage trucks daily, bury Manhattan Island one foot deep each day, and wrap around the planet 149 times each year. This dumping of plastic bottles has become a major contributor to worldwide pollution – an alarming impact on the environment.

But waste is not the only issue. In the U.S. alone, it takes 1.5 million barrels of oil to produce all the water bottles that are tossed every year! Of course, along with the oil comes unwanted toxins and the release of toxic compounds in processing like nickel, benzene and other pollutants.

3. Distilled Water – You can use this but with caution since long-term use can invite health problems due to the absence of minerals. In trying to maintain mineral balance in your body, using this water can actually suck minerals out of your body that are presently there.

4. Alkaline Water – There is a lot of controversy about this water. Many feel it should only be used short-term for detoxification, perhaps a few weeks at most. Using alkalinized water does not filter the water; you still must filter your water for clean water.

5. Vitamin Waters – Calling this healthy water is indeed a fabrication. Why? Because it is loaded with high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, additives, preservatives and caffeine. To make matters worse, distilled water is used to manufacture it, so it is devoid of all minerals.

We’ve established that clean water is a necessity for health, but most water we consume is not healthy. So what do we do to obtain clean water?

Filtration is the way to make sure you have clean water, but now you are faced with the dilemma of which system(s) to purchase. Let’s talk about this and the various possibilities. I’ve been researching this aspect for several years due to the constant question asked me “What kind of water is best to drink?”

There are several things to consider when looking into a water filtration system: effectiveness, value and ease of use. You will want something that certifies the removal of harmful chemicals and pollutants, what the on-going cost will be to maintain clean water, and if it’s time-consuming or difficult to install and use. Keep all of this in mind as we discuss different possibilities.

Pitcher Type Filters

This is the least effective filter in removing harmful contaminants. These are designed to primarily filter taste and odor, and are certified to remove only five substances. They DO NOT remove dangerous contaminants and chemicals like THMs,(Trihalamethanes–cancer causing, produces free radicals) VOCs(Volatile Organic Compounds-depression, nervous system issues) and HAAs(carcinogen) as they claim to do. Do not be mislead by their false advertising. This has been proven many times over by many independent studies and testing. In addition, even though the initial cost may seem inexpensive-about $25- the continuous replacement of the cartridges, (every 30 days)  makes these the most costly on an on-going basis.

Reverse Osmosis Filters

These filters usually remove more impurities than other filtration systems, including the hard-to-remove fluoride. However, they remove all natural minerals found in the water. You then need to add the necessary minerals into your water to receive the minerals you need. These filters do tend to be more expensive.

Ion Exchange Filters

This is deigned to remove dissolved salts in the water, things like calcium. This softens the water as it exchanges natural-forming mineral ions in the water with its own ions. This neutralizes the harmful effect of scale build-up. It’s often combined with carbon to make the system more effective.

Distillation Filters

This is a simple process of boiling water to make steam, then as the steam cools it condenses to form mineral-free water which is deposited in a container. It is usually 99.9% contaminate-free water when combined with carbon, but like a reverse osmosis filter, all healthy minerals are removed.

Carbon Block or Granular Carbon Filters

These are the most common type filter systems for both under the counter and counter top filters. Both of these systems use the same process for removing contaminants. The granular activated carbon is recognized by the EPA as the best technology for the removal of organic chemicals like pesticides and industrial chemicals. However, one negative is that loose material inside can get into a pathway and escape filtering.  Carbon block filters have the same superior filtering ability but eliminate the possibility of material escaping the filtering process.

So how do you choose what is the best water filter system, and be guaranteed the product does what it claims?

The foolproof way is to make sure it is certified by the California Department of Health. California’s regulations are the strictest in the industry and usually provide consumer protection for a water filter purchase. They require manufacturers to submit packaging materials and their advertising for review prior to any certification. Look for this seal to know you are getting what you are purchasing. I’ll review a few systems for you.

Pure & Clear – This system clears the majority of contaminants – lead, chlorine, VOCs, THMs – up to 99.99%, although it isn’t certified to remove the fluoride. It does however, reduce the fluoride. If you want all fluoride removed, consider getting a reverse osmosis filter. This company provides on the counter and under the counter models as well as a whole house filtration system. The benefits of this system are:

• Easy to use and install
• Excels in removing contaminants
• Certified by California Department of Health
• An award-winning favorite for over 6 years
• Backed by a 100% money back guarantee

The list price for an under the counter system is $269.00 and the Countertop model lists at $162.00 Filters must be replaced every 6 months to effectively remove contaminants. Dr. Mercola promotes this system.

Water Factory Systems – This reverse osmosis system has a four stage filtration: sediment prefilter, granular carbon filter, RO membrane and carbon block postfilter. This system claims to reduce contaminants from 78-99.9%, and removes 98.0 of fluoride. It reduces arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, copper, cyst, fluoride, lead, radium, selenium, chlorine, and more. The benefits of this system are:

• Four stage filtration
• Sanitary quick change system eliminates need to handle filter media
• Easy to change filter
• FDA and/or NSF compliant materials
• Limited warranty
• Third part tested and approved
• Self-cleansing technology
• Slim profile, space saving
• No electricity required – powered by water line pressure
• California certification 08-1902

This system is promoted by Dr. Bob Marshall of Premier Research Labs. This system is under the counter and lists for $575.00. The filter must be replaced once every year. Where Miracles Happen can order this system for you.

Doulton Ceramic Filtration Systems are recognized worldwide by governments, military, world aide and relief organizations as the superior choice for purified drinking water. Doulton ceramic filters can provide clean, safe and healthy drinking water from rivers, lakes, wells and the foulest of all waters. This system gives you the flexibility of having a cleanable ceramic filter for water that is heavy with sediment, and the added security that the media inside the patented Doulton ceramic shell will reduce chemicals, heavy metals, and bacteria in your water. It removes mud, silt, rust, chlorine, lead, bacteria, cyst, insecticides, atrazine and more from 85% to 99.99%. They offer different filter types that include carbon block and ceramic microfilter. Their certification includes:

  International Organization for Standardization- ISO 9002 quality standard
  Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
  Water Quality Association
  Department of Health (Toronto, Canada)
  Spectrum Labs (Minneapolis, USA)
  Water Research Council (UK)
  British 5750 Quality Standard
  England’s Water Research council (WRc) Performance Standards
  California Department of Health
  Over 50 Independent Laboratories Worldwide

Where Miracles Happen can order this system for you. Prices vary from $179.00 and up according to the filter system you choose and whether it is over or under the counter. They also provide whole house systems and shower filters. Filters must be replace yearly.

Alkaline Water Systems

The theory behind alkaline water is that this water is a powerful antioxidant that will “mop up” the dangerous free radicals that circulate through your body, and that it will correct excess acidity, thus preventing or even reversing cancer, arthritis and other degenerative diseases. Companies that promote alkaline water often share many testimonials from customers who have improved their health substantially. They state that the continual bombardment of stress and toxic material in our diets and lives create the need for alkaline water to offset acidity and bring individuals back into a good pH range. However, some health professionals and experts feel differently.

These professionals and experts share that there are very few legitimate scientific studies about the effects of alkaline water on human health. They also note that most water ionizers and alkalizers are marketed by MLM (multi-level marketing) companies whose ethics are not always stellar. They state that the reason individuals feel better initially is due to the detox effect alkaline water has, but go on to mention that this should be for short term use only – a few weeks at most.

We know that the body’s pH should be about 7.0 on the scale. Below 7.0 is considered acidic and above 7.0 is considered alkaline. Optimally, drinking water should be between 6.5 and 7.5. Drinking alkaline water all the time means you’ll raise the alkalinity of your stomach which will impair your ability to digest food and your protein digestion may suffer. It could also create a potential problem because it is antibacterial so could disrupt the body’s beneficial bacteria. Scientists who are working with formulating cancer treatments found that alkaline treatments did not have the desired effects on tumors and cancer cells, but strong acidic treatments, like large amounts vitamins C, did! This was contrary to what they initially believed, but what was proven through their treatments and studies.

Furthermore, ionizers or alkaline water is not filtered water. This means that you still must have a filter system for clean water. There are usually two sides to the coin, so I’m presenting some facts and information, then you must decide what will work for you!

As I searched alkaline water and the various systems, I learned the following information. There are many similar systems and machines available, but some are not what they say they are.

Kangen Water is alkaline, antioxidant, micro-clustered, re-structured water that comes from a machine known as   an ionizer.  This device connects to your faucet to produce 5 different types of water for drinking, cooking, cleaning and sanitizing.  This medical device was developed by a 38 year old Japanese Company, The Enagic Corporation, and has been utilized in over 400 Japanese hospitals.  Kangen water does add sodium hypochlorite to its water as well as glycerophosphoric acid calcium, needed to create the alkaline ionized Kangen water, and calcium sulphite is added in the filter. Its pH range begins at 8.5 and goes up to 9.5. There are often detox symptoms for a short period of time.

Some of the properties of the water include the following:

• Micro Cluster – Hexagonal microclusters penetrate cell membranes, enhancing tissue repair and waste removal
• Alkaline – Helps to balance over-acidic, disease-prone effects of poor diet and all forms of stress.
• Antioxidant – Neutralizes free radicals and slows down the aging process.
• Oxygenation – Increases oxygen in the blood cells, providing more energy and mental clarity

Enagic is proud to be one of the only water purification and ionization companies in the world that carries four distinct certifications from the Water Quality Association (WQA) – one of the oldest and most prestigious international not-for-profit trade associations in the world. This system has various models that are priced from $2380 to $5980.

Another system I experienced was Xooma, an MLM company who offers sachets of minerals to add to whatever water you have. Of course it isn’t a water filter system, so you still will need to filter your water.

Xooma Worldwide Company offers Xtreme X20, a sachet of minerals, primarily calcium, that is dropped into your water every day and helps to promote an alkaline pH by drinking the water.  According to Xooma, their source of minerals for the sachets are from a pristine ocean source found near the Okinawan Islands. They state that these sachets hydrate your body at the cellular level, that they provide ionic trace minerals for weight management, and give an alkaline boost. Dr. Linus Pauling says this: “You can trace every sickness, every disease and every ailment to a mineral deficiency.”

With this system you must continually order sachets or be subscribed to a continuous monthly supply that comes to your door called drop-shipping. The cost is $50 per month on-going. But remember, this isn’t a filtration system so you still need to have a water filter for clean water. Minerals do not purify the water.

There are many other systems offered, many of them similar to the ones I mentioned. It will take due diligence and research until you feel satisfied with your findings. It would be wise to talk to individuals who are using the system you’re interested in instead of blindly accepting everything you read.

We’ve talked about the importance of water and that it must be clean if you want to be healthy. I’ve shared my findings with you to help you decide what is best for you. So how much water should you drink every day? A lot of controversy surrounds this, but rule of thumb is: Your urine will be very light yellow, the color of a peeled banana, almost white, if you are drinking enough water. If you are taking B vitamins however, then it will be more yellow if it contains riboflavin. Coffee, soda, tea, fruit juice – none of this counts towards water consumption, for it is not how much liquid you drink, but how much water you drink that contributes to great health!

It is important to have your body’s pH around 7 on the scale. You have a much better chance of preventing disease and disorders when your body’s pH is balanced. Most people’s diets consist of basically acidic foods since just about everything is acidic except for vegetables, most fruits and almonds. You can balance your pH by adding minerals and more green vegetables, eliminating or at least drastically reducing sugar and fructose as well as processed foods in your diet, and drinking more water to help flush out the acidic toxins.

Hopefully I’ve helped you understand more about what constitutes clean water and how to obtain it. Different people have different viewpoints on this very controversial subject, but I’ve given you information so you can make your own decision. It is important for you to dig for truth and make sure you have all the facts before you make a choice. I’m afraid there is a lot of hype and misleading information presented through advertising, and it does become difficult to know what is truly good and what isn’t.  The information in this article is shared for educational purposes only, in order to give you a foundational base of data that may help you as you pursue vibrant health and longevity.

According to the Mayan calendar, the world ends in December, 2012. Some may actually believe this will happen, but many others, including myself, believe it simply means the world as we know it will end. Just think about that for a moment. We are actually on the verge of creating an entirely new world! We know that the world as we presently know it is not working, so change must happen, and it will have to be a major overhaul if we want something better.

Change is simply movement and it is always present with or without your consent, so it is expected in any life.
Flowing with the movement of change makes it much easier than resisting what is inevitable.

You might be thinking that changing the world is an impossible task – after all, you’re only one person so what can you do? The beautiful thing is this: As one person changes, the whole world can change. So to change the world, it requires individuals, like you and me, to make desired changes in our personal life. As one person changes, it forces others to change in response to that change, and soon we have the energy in motion for change to happen for the good of all, spreading throughout our world.

How do you change things in your life so that the world can then improve? It all begins with your thoughts. Your thoughts create every single aspect of your life experiences, and if you think from a negative space, you create a lot of negative experiences. However, positive thoughts create positive outcomes. That space in your head where your mind resides is the core creator for how your life turns out! But rather than continue to listen to your ego, (which is probably responsible for where you presently are) listen to your spirit which offers you truth. Much of the change to be experienced right now will be coming from the inside out, for it’s the heart that allows the dynamics of change to happen, and where you can find what’s real and authentic.

So have you thought about what you’d like in your life this year? What would your ideal life look and feel like? Until you figure this out the universe cannot bring it to you, so your task right now is to decide what it is you’d like to experience in 2012. Sit quietly, in a meditative state, and let your spirit guide you with what you really want in your life. This is a year in which you can create something new and better. And when you place the desire out into the universe, which includes God (Higher Power), you must let that desire spin away from your hands that are trying to control how it happens, letting God and the universe take over. That’s the hardest part for most individuals – completely letting go of controlling the details for the manifestation process.

So begin right now making your list – yes, you need to write it down. You could even call it your New Year’s  resolutions. Decide what you want to accomplish this year and what you’d like to create. Do you want more income or a better job, or maybe just get a job? Are you wanting a soulmate relationship or healing in other relationships? Do you have a health concern and desire answers and healing? Do you dream of owning your own home or moving to a different house, or purchasing a newer, more reliable vehicle? Do you want to open a new business, or begin living your purpose for being on this earth? Is happiness or peacefulness on your dream list? Whatever it is, write it down, and remember to dream big! Nothing is too big or too impossible to obtain if you truly believe you can create it. Embed this phrase in your mind forever: If you believe you can, or you believe you can’t, you are right! So the power is in your mind to create the year ahead, according to what you think and believe.

2012 is a year of major changes; we all know this. We’ve been seeing change in process for some time, but it’s as if everything will be coming to a head this year. So many things have been coming to the surface and much corruption has been revealed, yet at the same time truth shines its light. It’s been said many times that the truth always comes out eventually. Politics dominate the news and this will be one of the most important elections in our lifetime. It’s time to dig deeper into our personal truth so we can make wiser choices that propel us forward into empowered living.

Resistance often surfaces when change is in the works because people by in large don’t like change. Sometimes changes aren’t easy, yet they always promise a new birth and growth. When changes appear, it is important to focus on what you will gain rather than what you will lose. In the long run, whatever is lost no longer serves any benefit to you anyway, so that makes all of the changes a positive influence, provided of course you are able to see the positive.

Some of us have gone through major shifts over the last few years. We’ve had to let go of many things including relationships that no longer serve our good, and more of this is bound to come this year. I look at this as a time of great transformation, which is sorely needed in our lives, our country and our world. With transformation comes growth and expansion, both positive, although the initial happenings may seem negative as things around us change, disintegrate and dissipate. Many people are now seeking something more meaningful is their life; they have discovered that something is missing and they feel it in their soul. Individuals are looking for a purpose to their life, a way to serve others, for that is where complete satisfaction and fulfillment occurs.

Do you know what your purpose is for this life? Why you are here in the first place? What you are meant to give to others and contribute to this world? Life isn’t simply an existence, it is meant to be an adventurous spiritual journey of growth and expansion. While you are here to enjoy this wonderful journey, you are also here to contribute something of value from which others can benefit. What if you viewed your life as this: a spiritual journey of enjoyment and importance for your growth and the benefit of others? Wouldn’t that shift your perception of your life right now? Wouldn’t that help you create something new and better for 2012?

You’re at the launching pad right now. What will you launch for 2012? Now is the time to prepare and get ready for what you want to launch. It has nothing to do with what you see in your surroundings or environment. It has nothing to do with the struggles in your life at this moment. It has nothing to do with any situation you are experiencing right now. It only has to do with what you want to create. If you only use your mind, you may see stumbling blocks and impossibilities. However, if you go into your heart and allow your spirit to speak, you’ll understand that everything is possible and you can create a wonderful 2012. Now it doesn’t mean everything will be favorable immediately, for change takes time. However, it does mean that if you focus on what you truly desire and believe is possible, it will show up when the timing is right, and it will be what you want or even better.

One of the greatest examples of nonresistance and focus in our time is Gandhi. During the most controversial stage of his protests, Gandhi was approached by an English official who told him that although he was sorry, he had to arrest him. With complete calm and certainty, Gandhi replied that he was not sorry at all.

They did lock him up, yet he did not react with anger or indignation. When people asked how he could remain calm, he said it was because he would not allow anyone to walk through his mind with their dirty feet. He believed that other people’s actions belonged to them, not him. He stayed his course, focused on his goals, and did not let himself get hooked by reactions that could have derailed him. As a result, he ultimately changed not only his own experience, but the entire world’s.

I don’t know about you, but I am ready for change in many areas of my life. After all, change is dynamic, and with it always comes growth and expansion – movement. Without change and transformation, life becomes stagnant, unproductive, and growth is not seen or experienced. That is a life lived by default – void of excitement and new adventures, and without the use of your inborn power to create your desires.

Get ready, get set, to launch a most wonderful year of change in your life. Create it the way you want to live it by using the power of your thoughts. Always focus on that dream and feel what it’s like to live it, for that focus and feeling is what manifests it into reality, along with a little patience and surrender! Go for it!

Everyone likes to receive a gift and most individuals like surprises. It’s certainly a given that all children love gifts and can hardly wait to open them. Perhaps you’ve witnessed a child tearing into their package or who  cannot resist helping another child or adult open their gifts – they want to see what’s in the package and help.

However, most of the gifts we receive are temporary, meaning that they can fade, break, wear out and will at some point be discarded. But what if you could give a gift that would never fade, break, wear out or be discarded, one that would be treasured forever? That would be quite a gift, wouldn’t it? So let’s talk about this gift.

How do you feel when someone appreciates something you did or said? You feel good, right? Appreciation – saying “thank you” – is a most amazing gift to give to anyone. It is an expression of love and always brings good outcomes. Yet during our daily lives we become so busy, rushing from here to there, that uttering a simple “thank you” is obliterated from our minds.

As a life and health coach, I often coach an individual who complains about their spouse or partner. I remember one woman in particular who had quite a long list of complaints about her husband. She was attempting to heal her illness but couldn’t get her husband’s willing cooperation to do things for her. So I asked her if she ever acknowledged all he did for her, even to taking out the trash or cooking a meal for her. Her answer was “no,” because as her husband he was supposed to help in the time of need. There was the problem with his unloving and sometimes unwilling desire to help her.

So I suggested she begin appreciating all his efforts, even if only once per day to begin with. By our next session a week later, her entire environment had changed! As she expressed her appreciation for the little things he did by simply acknowledging to him she noticed his efforts and was grateful for them, he began smiling and coming to ask if she needed anything – all this in just one week!!!

Time and time again I’ve seen how one simple “thank you” can change everything. Have you ever seen anyone who didn’t respond favorably to a compliment or thank you? Sure, when we are given a gift or something unusual or even rather grand, we remember to say “thank you.” But what about the neighbor who brings in your trash can without you asking or the clerk who waits on you at a retail establishment…wouldn’t it bring some joy into their life if you thanked them? And know it would bring joy into yours as well. Of course you could say the clerk is supposed to help you – he/she is being paid to do that – but even so, a simple “thank you” for their kindness and assistance blesses you as well as them.

Let’s take this thought closer to home. What about those you love the most – your spouse, children, parents, extended family and friends? Do you remember to appreciate them on a daily basis? It’s so easy to slip into a routine of expectations and the mindset that a thank you isn’t needed for completion of their tasks. You might argue that your teenager has chores to do and if not done, there are consequences. So why should you thank them if they are just doing what they are supposed to do? Perhaps you can say “thank you” that they completed it, but if done without complaints or without your reminder, you can praise them in a bigger way.

Doesn’t your taken-for-granted spouse deserve appreciation? We get so caught up in the day to day activities and routines we’ve established that appreciation seems unwarranted – the spouse is expected to do certain things just because they are your spouse. So we’re back to those expectations again. Most people have expectations for what another person is to do and say. As a parent it is necessary to guide our children with rules and expectations, but the adults in our life should be freed from any expectations. They have the right to be who they wish to be and live as they wish to live without judgment or “rules” from us. In fact, the expectations individuals place on another human being are often a major contributing factor in broken relationships.

Most individuals like to please others, even teenagers do at times, but to be appreciated for what you do or say makes you want to do more of it! Think a minute how appreciation makes you feel. If your teenager does his chores without complaining and without reminders, you feel good and most likely feel more inclined to give him a benefit for his actions. If your spouse praises you, it makes you feel good and more willing to do something else for him/her. Why? Because you are appreciated!

Do you remember the movie Pay It Forward? A child had an idea for his school project – that if he would do acts of kindness to three people, then instruct them to do the same for three people, eventually the whole world would receive an act of kindness, thus changing the world. An act of kindness has its roots from love as does appreciation. Appreciate three people and watch how it changes your day as well as the day for those people.

As a co-owner of a health store some years ago, we encountered many personality types frequenting our store. My goal was always to be pleasant and encouraging, offering as much assistance to our customers as possible. On a particular day a rather grouchy-looking man entered the store. He wore a huge scowl and stood to the side waiting for me to be free from helping another customer. When I was available to help him, I asked “How are you today,” knowing pretty much I would receive a negative answer, and that’s exactly what I got. I said something about being sorry he was having a terrible day and asked how I could help him. After he made his selections, he came to the register to make his purchase. I continued to smile at him and send loving thoughts to him as I thanked him for coming in and invited him to return. At the last moment he did give me a half smile, then proceeded toward the door. A woman was entering with a child in arms, so he held the door open for her and to my amazement, actually smiled at her as she said “thank you.” Then, as he closed the door behind him, he encountered another man on the sidewalk whom he stopped to talk with, and I noticed he was smiling. So I thought just how important it is to simply share a smile or show appreciation for another being as you never know how much it can change their day or life. I felt sure my smile had perpetuated his smile.

We’ve talked about how much good appreciation does for others, but what about what it does for you, the giver? Any expression of love – compassion, joy, kindness, appreciation, acceptance, understanding, acknowledgement – can only bring more of the same to you, setting you up for good things coming to you. When you care about others enough to appreciate them, you are basically telling them they are worthy and cared for, something every human being needs in their life. But beyond that, you are also saying that you value and love yourself because you cannot give what you do not own; to appreciate others you must first appreciate who you are. So showing appreciation and offering a word of thanks says you are operating from your heart where love is found, not from your mind.

So showing genuine appreciation is very spiritual, which takes a simple thank you to a whole new level. Showing kindness, appreciation and love is from your spirit, all positive, and is the only way you should want to live, for love is your original essence. This is how we can actually love and appreciate every being regardless of who they are or what they believe. It doesn’t mean we agree with or even approve of their behavior; it simply means we appreciate that they are a human being and worthy of all good just as we are. The light of God is in them as it is in us, even if it isn’t very visible to us!

When you show appreciation and gratitude you are empowered. An empowered being operates through love and therefore expresses the qualities of love. Love is powerful, more powerful than fear and negativity, and if you begin appreciating people for who they are and what they do, you will discover your own power! Appreciation is a gift worth giving because it blesses both the giver and receiver, and goes on giving!

Your mind is composed of two parts: conscious and unconscious. Your conscious mind makes up only 10-15% of all your mental power while your subconscious mind makes up 85-90%. The conscious mind is all about reasoning and analytical power with logical explanations whereas the subconscious mind stores the patterns and beliefs you hold onto, which in turn propitiate the behavior you subsequently display. So you can see that your unconscious mind is the largest contributor in creating your life. Compare your mind to a computer. Data is entered and stored, and these programs give you the information to live your life according to what has been placed in your mind’s memory bank.

However, if you look at your life right now, there may be some parts of it you’d like to change. Then change your thoughts and you can change your life! Easier said than done, right? As human beings we have been programmed from fear primarily, so often do not understand the power we have right in our mind. Most of what has been put there is stored in the unconscious – all those fear-based and limiting programs. There is tremendous power in your mind and although it may not seem easy, programs can be deleted and new ones added. Let me share some examples of just how powerful your mind is.

In recent months there have been several incidents that reached the news due to their spectacular results – those of people mustering enough strength to actually lift a car off an individual trapped beneath it. Sounds impossible perhaps, yet video footage was shown of the actual happening to prove its authenticity. The minds of the individuals who achieved this amazing feat were focused on lifting the car, regardless of the odds against enough strength to do it, because they wanted to save the trapped person’s life. Understand this, their strength was already within them, but it was their mind focused on what they needed to do that actually pulled it off with the desired results. Pretty incredible to my thinking, but a glorious example of just how powerful the human mind is.

We are in a continuous dialogue with ourselves from the moment we awaken every morning until we drift off to sleep every night, and our thoughts continue even as we sleep with whatever was last on our mind. Our self-talk can be positive and therefore have a positive effect on our life, or it can be negative and thus give us negative results. Remember this gem: If you think you can, or you think you can’t, you are right! So whatever is on your mind 24/7 is what you will create in your life.

Think about this for a moment, something you’ve probably heard all your life – whatever you sow you reap. If you plant oranges in your orchard, you will reap a harvest of oranges. But if you plant squash, you cannot ever have a harvest of oranges; it is just not possible. So it is in your life. If you continually sow seeds of negativity and fear, worrying about this and that, doubting that good things can show up for you, you will never reap a harvest of wonderful happenings in your life; it just is not possible. Of course, even when you plant oranges in preparation for a plentiful crop of delicious oranges, you will have to care for the orange trees and tend to obstacles that will undoubtedly appear: fending off insects,  watering when dry weather, protecting when the temperatures become too cold, and fertilizing with the nutrients needed to produce a bountiful crop. If you sit around worrying about what might happen but never take a step to protect and nurture the trees, your harvest will not yield what you desire. And even if you still take the necessary steps to protect and nurture the trees, what will any negative thinking do to you personally? I can guarantee it won’t be something positive.

Dr. Masaru Emoto performed an experiment with his students some years ago to prove the power of the mind, all documented in his book entitled “The Message of Water.” We’ve talked about energy many times previously, but let’s reiterate the fact that everything in the universe is composed of energy, everything! It is the energetic vibration of living things that allows the flow of positive or negative energy to move throughout the universe, picking up more of the same energy; this includes our thoughts, every one of them. So positive thoughts based from love can only grab onto more loving thought-energy as they move throughout the universe, and negative thoughts formed from fear can only latch onto more fear-based thought-energy as they travel throughout the world.

In one experiment, Dr. Emoto had his students write the word love on the bottom of a bottle of water and the word hate on the bottom of another bottle of water. As they put them on the bottom of the bottles, he instructed them to send the feeling with the thought of what each one meant. Then the bottles of water were placed in a freezer to see what kind of crystal forms would develop. To everyone’s amazement, the bottles with the word love on the bottom were symmetrical, clear and beautifully formed, but the one with hate on the bottom was jagged and cloudy, not beautiful at all. You might wonder how this could be since the word wasn’t spoken and nothing seemed active as the water froze.

Obviously, the example just shared gives you an amazing representation of just how powerful a mere thought actually is, being that it is pure energy, and feeling it makes it real. But just in case you still doubt that your mind is so powerful it can produce whatever reality it has been convinced to create, here are yet some other examples of its power.

Over and over there have been illustrations of a powerful mind with the “placebo effect.”  In these control group studies, people are divided into two groups; one group receives a particular drug and another group receives a placebo. In countless cases, the ones who received the placebo actually had better results than those taking the prescribed drug, even when stabbing pain was present. One astounding study I reviewed, documented that when administering chemotherapy to a control group and a placebo to the other half of the group, those given the placebo actually lost their hair!  This shows the power of the mind when the mind has been convinced of a particular outcome!

In a long-term study conducted by a university about optimism versus pessimism, it was documented that the pessimists died before the optimists, and that those who were in the top 25% of being pessimistic had the highest death rate. Another study that lasted for 10 years on elderly people, documented that those who thought they were actually old and elderly had a significantly higher death rate than those who thought of themselves as middle-aged or simply mature. Pretty amazing, right?

Let’s talk a minute about your health. In the book, “Love, Medicine and Miracles,” Bernie S. Siegal, M.D., states this: “Many of the mind’s effects are achieved directly on the body’s tissues without any awareness on our part. The body responds to the mind’s messages whether conscious or unconscious.” If you awaken in the morning expecting to be tired or dreading the day ahead, what do you think is going to show up for you? Exactly…you’ll be tired and probably less productive throughout the day. Any thought related to your health has an impact on every cell in your body. Your cells are alive and composed of energy so will relate to whatever energy you are putting out with your thoughts. This is your mental diet. There have been multiple miraculous healings from even life-threatening illnesses that have been documented throughout history. Sure, prayer has great power, but there has to be a belief that the prayer has power in order for healing to occur, (or the prayer wouldn’t be said in the first place) whether it be your thoughts or someone else’s thoughts on your behalf.

But consider this aspect as well. It doesn’t mean that you can disregard knowledge and insights about what is good and healthy for you and what isn’t. For example, we’ve been told for some time now that eating foods with trans fat will clog arteries and can lead to cardiovascular disease. While it may be possible to use your mind to overcome any ill effects of eating foods containing trans fats, it is not likely this will happen. If you didn’t use your mind positively with the knowledge you had, but instead chose to ignore the scientific facts about trans fat ingestion and continued eating it because you liked it, you are allowing your ego to have control rather than your spirit. Your ego often leads you in the wrong direction which renders a negative outcome. We have to be responsible with what our mind chooses and focus it from love and positiveness. Choosing something known to you as unhealthy is not treating your body with love. It is important you understand your personal ownership of what you choose to do from your thoughts.

Buddha adds more to our discussion of the mind when he stated this: “All that we are is the result of what we have thought.” This applies to your health, wealth, relationships, career, energy, talents and the choices you make that bring to fruition your life experiences. Your life right now is the sum total of what you’ve thought throughout your lifetime up to now. This includes programming from parents, teachers, friends, family, peers and anyone who crossed your path and influenced you thus far. It also includes every choice you’ve made according to the thoughts you thought. Sounds pretty heavy doesn’t it, but actually it is a very simple principle: whatever you think about every day is what shows up in your life experience.

Many people have been and are experiencing challenges right now in their lives, but as long as they think of those challenges as a problem or difficulty, they are coming from fear-based thinking. Perhaps you are one of these individuals. However, if you look at these challenges as an opportunity to step into something new or grow stronger as you overcome the issue, you have made it a positive with a real potential of actually creating something better. It’s not denying reality or a “pie-in-the-sky” flakiness, which is often suggested when relating to positive thinking. Rather, it is in understanding the universal law that governs the entire world that your thoughts create your reality. The circumstances in your life haven’t changed, only the eyes through which you see them. You may still be without a job, have just ended a relationship and feeling the pain, or be facing a health concern, but how you approach the challenge will make all the difference in your end result. As Albert Einstein once said, “In the middle of every difficulty lies an opportunity.”

What do you believe about yourself? Do you love yourself just as you are and appreciate all the wonderful qualities you possess, or do you doubt your abilities and shrink from facing who you really are and what you are here to complete? Do you step up to the plate but become so afraid you might strike out that you turn away from swinging the bat due to the fear of failure? Or are you more afraid you might hit the ball and have to run the bases back to home? Oftentimes individuals are more afraid they might actually become successful and fear they cannot measure up. Either one of these thoughts is not empowering and does not produce favorable results. However, if you told yourself that you have the ability to swing the bat, hit the ball and run the bases for a home run, and that you would give your best in the process, there is a strong possibility for you to be successful.

Many stories have been shared of athletes who are grounded from participating in practices and games for a period of time due to injuries that need healing time. But these same athletes, if they practice the plays in their mind every day, can again play in the game when they are healed because they know the plays and have lost nothing during their time out. The focus of their mind allowed little if any loss during their down time.

Here is a fact: You are created from the same loving energy pool that all living things come from, and you are a magnificent masterpiece just as everyone else is. Then your mind enters the picture and you are able to make any choices you wish, and where your energy (thoughts) go is where your power produces effects that become your life experiences. When individuals make unwise choices they reap the results just as those who make wise choices reap their results. One masterpiece chooses to finish college and step into a career that enables him or her to become a millionaire, but another masterpiece chooses a life of drugs that spirals them downward into a dark abyss. Both began from the same source of loving energy, but their choices brought a huge contrast in their life’s outcome. As Louise Hay put it, “All the events you have experienced in your lifetime up to this moment have been created by the thoughts and beliefs you have held in the past.”

So now it is up to you where you go from now on. It will take a conscious effort on your part to change your thoughts and beliefs into positive loving ones throughout your daily life. It will require surrender and asking for divine help to achieve this. In the beginning it will seem impossible to achieve because you will probably catch yourself thinking negatively most of the time, and trying to change that will feel like a foreboding task. But if you choose to persevere, it will become easier to accomplish as time goes on, and you will readily notice your “slips” from positiveness and be able to immediately release and replace the negative thoughts with positive ones. Your mind matters and you can use it for the good you want to create in your life. And it all begins with the thoughts you choose to think!

Like many people, you may find yourself over budget and feel as if you are sinking fast, or maybe you are okay now, but are afraid for what may be ahead. Everyone acknowledges we are living in precarious times in our tough economy, and most realize it will continue for some time, perhaps years, according to various forecasters and astrologers. Could this be a wake-up call to help us see we need to become more self-sufficient and be able to provide for our basic needs on our own, and maybe to be less wasteful plus more conscientious with our money and spending?

Many of you may have already had to come to grips with consolidating, donw-sizing and letting go of many “extras,” but hopefully you have begun to see, as I have, that we don’t need as much as we previously thought. I’m not saying we don’t deserve to live comfortably and enjoy some “extras” for indeed we do deserve them, but only if we know how to manage them. If individuals don’t know how to manage their money, how can they ever be entrusted with more? This involves learning how to live within our means and not spend what we do not have so we obliterate so much credit spending. Do you think this is impossible to achieve? I can promise you it is possible!

And this has nothing to do with the abundance already present that everyone of us has the right to experience and enjoy, for there is enough for everyone in our world to live abundantly. Although I believe there is an enormous amount of abundance everywhere, mismanagement all the way from the top (our leaders) to the bottom (consumers), has brought lessons, or consequences if you’d prefer saying, to all of us so we can re-learn the basic principles:
1- Don’t spend more than you make – stay within your means
2- Store up some type savings for those “rainy days” – good stewardship
3- Avoid borrowing/credit

I believe Universal Intelligence or God and the universe are saying, “Wake up everyone. You need to remember or re-learn how to manage your abundance, then we will give you more.” We have to be good stewards of what we are given, and if you look around, I imagine you can see how disastrously many of us have failed this basic principle of life.  And we certainly see how disastrous our government has managed their abundance. As a result, we’ve been hit by the cosmic two-by-four, (or perhaps several of them) so our awareness has been precipitated.

A couple years ago I began placing my intention for a simpler life, to be basically debt-free, to be more self-sufficient, and to recognize and appreciate what the most important things are in my life. Although I prefer being busy, I wanted to be busy with things I loved to do and things that would improve the quality of my life and the lives of many others. I had no idea how this would show up, but I moved out of the way so God, the angels and the universe could figure it out for me. As a result, my entire life shifted in so many ways that it looks quite different now. This meant closing down one healing center and opening another in a different form. It meant moving my residence and in a way, starting over again, or at least re-grouping. But amazing things have unfolded and new things continue to unfold. In the process I have been richly blessed.

During all of this I became aware of the need for all of us to experience a better life with less of the encumbrance from things, expecting others to take care of us, and to appreciate many important things often forgotten in our hectic, busy lives. My focus shifted into a higher consciousness, and one of the thing
that kept coming to me was to help others learn how to simplify their life in order to get ahead and thrive in our present world. So I put together some ways to help you save money, become more self-sufficient, and release some of the weight of too much “stuff” that is getting in your way of enjoying life and living it in high joy.

Do not look at these strategies as a sacrifice. If you do, you put yourself in a place of resentment or anger, both a negative expression from lack. You would then think you don’t have enough money so have to let go of things, might feel cheated from the good things. Don’t go there! This place is always disastrous!

Instead, look at whatever strategies you implement as a gift so you can re-evaluate your life, what’s important to you, and where you envision your life going from here on out. It’s as if you’re embarking on a new adventure that although is possibly in unknown territory for you, it promises to bring a great outcome if you focus on what you want to achieve, as you re-evaluate what is for the higher good of you and others.

Ways to keep more money in your pocket and be healthier in any economy:
Some are obvious and you may already implement; some may be new possibilities for you.

House cleaning items:
Using the items below are cost-effective and non-hazardous to your health, and most people have in their homes.

1- Use vinegar for cleaning countertops, sinks, hardwood floors – mix half water and half vinegar in a
spray bottle and spray directly on surfaces. Some flooring companies actually said this was better for
hardwood floors than most commercial products now available. There was some difference in
percentages-could be as little as 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water.

2- Hydrogen peroxide - can be added as an extra bonus for countertops after vinegar for
added safeguard of the removal of bacteria/fungus/viruses.

3- Rubbing alcohol – removes hair spray build-up on floors and counters with ease. Gives bathroom fixtures a great shine.

4- Baking soda – a mild abrasive for effectively scouring sinks and countertops.

Food:
These suggeestions can help you save a great deal of money at the grocery store or produce market.

1- Make a list within your budget and stick to it. Forgo impluse buying and you’ll be surprised how much money you will save. Learning to be disciplined in your spending here and in every area is key.

2- Purchase sale items for future use, but don’t go overboard here; there are always sales.

3- Produce specials can be frozen for future: it’s so easy and takes very little time. Some things need to be briefly boiled, cooled in ice water and frozen immediately, but it is so easy. Here’s an example:

Green beans: wash; cut up or leave whole; drop into boiling water for 2 minutes; put in ice water for 5-10 minutes; place on paper towels and pat dry somewhat; scoop into plastic freezer bags, add twist-tie and put in freezer. You have stored ahead for soups, side dishes, etc.

4- Become a gardener. It’s easy to grow some veggies in your yard and control the fertilizer as well, keeping things organic. This can cut down your brocery bill substantially, depending on how much you plant. This year I only had to buy a couple vegetables all summer and very little fruit due to my garden. Even garden bugs sprays can be purchased as non-hazaradous, but homemade sprays and powders can be used cost-effectively. Things like crushed garlic or onions repel many insects. Planting a small garden can be therapeutic as well as it heads you into becoming self-sustaining.

5- Drink pure water rather than fruit juices, sodas, teas, sportdrinks and even coffee. You are over 70% water and your body needs water every day to replenish what is loses, not these other beverages. Besides, they are costly and unhealthy since they contain large amounts of sugar, fructose and chemicals. Okay, water is bland, so try adding fresh squeeze lemon or lime in your water. Don’t reach for bottled water either because most is simply tap water with the chemical taste removed, not the chemicals. Opt for a filter system in your kitchen and fill up your personal bottle daily to take to work, etc. This can save a bundle! (And I’m not talking about systems like Brita, Pur, etc as they do very little purifying)

6- Eliminate fast food or eating out so much. First of all, fast food diets can create weight and health issues that you don’t need or want, and restaurant food is not very pure as they use so much processed food service items, which are loaded with chemicals and preservatives. Start cooking again from scratch. You don’t have to create huge fancy meals – go simple and healthy. There are many cookbooks that share these type meals or Google for recipes. Make a double amount (or more) and freeze the rest for those days when cooking is difficult. This can help your budget and probably avoid some health issues.

Shopping tips:

1- Do NOT charge with credit cards!!! It is so easy to overspend when you charge – after all, you cannot see how much you are spending or that it might be beyond what’s in your bank account. This dangerous way of living has entrapped many people into a precarious existance, especially in our present economy. It is so freeing to not owe to any credit card companies! Destroy them!

Did you know - if you purchase an item for $2,000 and pay the minimum payment every month until it is paid off, you will end up paying between $8-$10 thousand for that $2,000 item? Do you really want to throw your money away like that? Is that item worth that much money?

2- Check price of larger “economy sizes” - they are not always the better price. Many people are fooled into thinking the larger size gives you more for less, but many times I find 2 smaller ones that equal the same ounces are cheaper – it’s sneaky marketing that fools many people. Don’t be one of them! Always compare 1 large size versus equal amounts of other sizes.

3- Stock up on sale items but keep this in check – don’t go overboard. Stay within your budget!

4- Shop at discount stores like Costco, Sams, Ross, T.J. Maxx, Marshall’s, etc. Costco now has quite a few organic items and certainly has better prices than grocery stores as a whole. But buyer beware – don’t spend more than you decide on before you go, which easily happens if you don’t watch – requires self-discipline. Clothing stores like T.J. Maxx (my favorite) offer good clothing items with a much lower price tag than department stores or shops.

5- Learn to compare prices. Yes, it takes some time at first, but soon you’ll be a pro and it will seem natural and easy.

6- Watch outlet malls. We have shopped at these places many times and have found good deals at times, but we’ve also discovered that many prices are way too high for what they claim. You can often shop at a place like Marshalls and find the same things much less. (or even at a department store when on sale) I’ve felt duped more than once from an outlet mall.

7- Skin and body care. Advertising lures many people into purchqasing multiple skin and body products, oftentimes at exhorbitant prices, stating they need those products to look younger, etc. However, it has been proven that using only a few quality products is all that is necessary. In addition, many of theproducts offered at cosmetics counters, salons and drug stores are hazardous to use as well as costly. I always opt for organic and pure – a few pennies more but less costly since I use less products. There is so much hype about special creams for this and that when one cream or lotion for your face is all you need, as long as it’s one that benefits your skin.

General tips:

1- Spend less. Now is the time to create and use a budget even if you’ve never had to before. Then stick to it for the most part. What you are doing here is becoming the cause of your life, and will be headed toward living empowered as you take steps to recreate your life the way you want it to be. As I mentioned earlier, we don’t need as much as we have.

2- Save more. Maybe you’ve never been a saver, but now is the time. Make sure you get yourself to a place where you can save money every week/month. Take it right off the top of your earnings or it will get spent. Remember, you are now creating a different way of doing things since your previous way no longer works. You are creating a new pattern!

3- Simplify. This could mean cleaning out closets, basements, garages and getting rid of things, buying less, spending less, saving more. Adopt the attitude of Less if Best.

4- Get rid of what you don’t need. Blessing others is always a good choice by giving things away to donation centers like Salvation Army, Good Will, etc. Or think about getting an account on eBay and/or Craig’s List and selling what you don’t need. This is called de-cluttering. You do need to be careful with these services as there are always some people who try to scam you. Learn the rules using these websites.

5- No impulse buying. If you see something extra that you hadn’t planned on getting, go home and think about it overnight. If you feel you can justify buying it and you have the cash to do it as well as realizing a true value in having it, then go back and purchase it. Many people do too much impulse buying which gets them into financial duress.

6- Brown bag it. Okay, maybe it doesn’t look as professional to bring your lunch, but who cares in the long run? If you are conscientiously recreating your life to be empowered and self-sufficient, then here’s an area you can save a lot and eat healthier at the same time. You’ll need to plan this a bit for what to take, but it takes just a little discipline and forethought – pretty simple really.

Ideas for rushed days:
Have hard boiled eggs in the refrigerator; make up trail mix or have healthy food bars available; make home-made muffins; have raw nuts like almonds and pecans on hand; leftover dinner; cut up carrots and celery for lunches and snacks; fresh fruit. Make sure you eat protein for breakfast – this is vital for your health, energy, thinking ability and mood!

7- Prioritize. Take some time to think about what is really important and prioritize those things. What are the top three items that mean the most to you as you re-create your life or learn how to become more self-sustaining? This is important, for if you don’t know what is most important it will be hard for you to stick to any plan you create.

8- Use debit instead of credit. Debit is the same as cash! I made the switch some months ago and changed to using debit rather than credit. I didn’t think it was possible to live without using credit, but it is easier than I thought. The only time credit should be acceptable to you is in an emergency, unless you are a self-disciplined person who pays off your credit purchases every month. This is so freeing when you know you owe nothing and only buy what you have the cash to pay for. My belief, which is shared by many financial leaders, is use only cash so you don’t get yourself in trouble with too much debt. Too much debt is what has gotten this country, and the world for that matter, into an enormous mess that seems to continue to snowball into an even larger mess. I think part of the solution is for individuals, like you and I, to begin using common sense and change our thinking about debt versus the freedom of keeping within our means, in order to create the new world we are in the process of creating right now.

9- Use all of a product. Many of us have gotten used to tossing things near the bottom, too lazy to pour into another container or do anything that involves extra work. I used to throw away lipsticks once they reached the rim of the case. I finally realized how much I was wasting as a great deal is found below that rim. Now I use a brush to get it all.

10-Abolish the land line. With all the technology we now have, using a cell phone as your only phone works. Cutting out the home phone cost is a benefit. But what if you need to run a credit  in your business or want a security system? Get a wireless security system and use Square Up for your credit card sales. Go to squareup.com and sign up for the free device that plugs into your cell phone -very secure and similar to PayPal.

I’m sure you can think of many other ways to cut your daily expenditures and could add to my list. But I wanted to share some of my ideas in case you find one or more useful for you. I have been amazed at how much I have cut from my budget yet feel abundant with plenty of bounty in my life. All that was cut was the unnecessary in the first place. I know you can do this too and discover how to manage your abundance more efficiently. Get creative and come up with your own ways to save, cut, simplify and live abundantly!!!

If you would like more information on any of the things I mentioned, simply email me at carolynporter@comcast.net and I’ll be happy to share more with you.

Love expresses as compassion, understanding, appreciation, acceptance, forgiveness, abundance, peace, harmony, caring, commitment, expansion, freedom, magnificence, empowerment and joy, whereas fear expresses as anger, jealousy, criticism, judgment, lack, discord, unhappiness, procrastination,  low self-worth, confinement, smallness, retaliation, guilt, hurt, blame and shame. It is obvious which expressions are more favorable and which ones you would rather experience.

You probably also know that whatever you send out every day – the energetic vibrations of your thoughts and actions – is what comes back to you many times over in the experiences of your life. Anger begets anger; judgment begets judgment. It’s a scientific fact that you cannot change the energy midstream and receive positive results from fear-based thinking. However, if you change your original base of thinking into positive thoughts from love, you can then shift your entire outcome into something good.

I know you’ve heard this many times before, but have you listened to it and accepted it as a truth? You may have great head knowledge and can spit out the perfect words that tell others you’ve got it, but do you really get it? Is the inner knowing of love-based thinking and actions really a core in your being so that everything you say and do has a root in love?

Some years ago as I was searching for the perfect decorator items for the opening of Where Miracles Happen Quantum Healing & Empowerment Center, I came across the words in the title of this article. It was scripted on a framed piece of art with the background the exact colors in the center. It was an instant internal knowing that this was something I had to purchase because the words were exactly the basis of everything the center stands for. I placed it in our downstairs restroom where individuals could see it as they washed their hands. Many people commented on what a great piece this is.

So let’s dig into this thought for a moment. Every thought you think is made of energy, and once that energy is formed, it continues to circulate around the universe picking up more of the same energy; it is constantly in motion and never dies. So if you’re thinking hateful thoughts about someone, maybe in the form of anger, that energy spins out from you and gathers all kinds of other angry thoughts, getting larger and larger in the process. Pretty soon there is a massive energy vortex of anger circulating around you and all the other beings with those thoughts. It will hover over you like a huge cloud of darkness because anger is dark energy based in fear.

On the other hand, if you are sending blessings to people and appreciating the individuals in your life, and thinking how blessed you are, you will radiate that energy out to the universe and it will attract more of the same energy of blessings and appreciation. It also will grow larger and larger as it collects the same energy and it will create a massive halo over you of light and goodness. So which would you prefer hanging over your head?

I feel sure you’d rather have love hanging over you than fear, but perhaps you find it hard to feel love or be love. In order to receive love you have to give love, so how do you do this in such a fear-based world?

It requires a big shift on your part, shifting you from negative thoughts to positive thoughts. It’s not an easy task since you’ve been programmed from fear all of your life, making much of your foundation negative. So the key for you is to step out of that old programming and create something new.

Your first step will be to pay attention to what you are saying, because your words were first thoughts, and your thinking is where the change has to take place. Listen to what you think about all day. Think about the words you speak. Are they thoughts and words that are loving, or are you judging, gossiping, criticizing, complaining, and feeling frustrated throughout your day?  Here is your point of origin, for in order to change your life from fear-based to love-based, you have to change your thinking.

Like so many things, being able to give love is an internal job. Love isn’t about doing or saying; it’s about being. You cannot give what you do not have. So in order to give love, you have to be love. How can you be love?

You must love yourself before all else. Remember, you cannot give what you do not have! So in order to give love you must love yourself unconditionally just as you are. But many individuals don’t feel too good about themselves and suffer from low self-worth, something taught them through their programming, the “not enough syndrome” of: not good enough, not smart enough, not pretty enough, not wealthy enough; not able enough. So you find it difficult to value yourself or even love yourself because you feel defective.

However, every one of you is a priceless, unique, one-of-a-kind masterpiece worthy of all good. All of you are part of the same energy of the universe and were created from the essence of love. Love is your birthright and what you are made of, but when entering this world it is forgotten, and fear reigns.

Your task then is to return to your essence of love and create a life from that base, accepting your inborn power to create what you want and be the love. It will mean you must let go of all the old programming that says you are defective and have limits so that you can remember the love from whence you came.

How can you love yourself? Accept yourself as a perfect specimen of creation, born with the power to create the life you want. Appreciate who you are and all the gifts inside of you. Operate your life from a base of gratitude for everything, even the challenges. Practice forgiveness. Flow with life and whatever it brings you; quit resisting. Look for the opportunities in any challenge. Always help others.

Who do you gravitate to – the person with a scowl on their face and daggers darting from their eyes, or the individual who is smiling at you with sparkling, inviting eyes? Your answer is obvious. So it’s up to you to become the person wearing a beautiful, inviting smile that emanates from a heart filled with love. By being this individual, you can then attract the same unto you. Love is the only thing that ever heals, and it’s who you truly are in the first place.

If the harvest you dream of gathering for your life includes all the expressions of love, then begin today, right now, to shift your entire internal dialogue from a negative fear-based mindset to a positive, filled-with-love thinking. As you do this, you will gather the most amazing harvest of love!

But what if you could actually remove the possibility of ever developing cancer or other similar serious diseases? Most people would jump at the chance to do that, especially if it’s easy to implement as I suggested in my title above. But first, let’s talk about why people develop cancer or many other serious and often life-threatening diseases, before we address a solution.

Cancerous cells are found in people’s bodies during their lifetime. But where the problem occurs is when the environment in a person’s body is conducive to allowing the cancer to grow and proliferate. What is it that causes cancer cells to live in the first place, then grow and multiply?

In 1931, Dr. Otto Heinrich Warburg received the Nobel Prize for his work on the “Real Cause of Cancer.” He discovered this in 1923 when he was the director of the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute (now Max Planack Institute) for cell physiology in Berlin, Germany. In his work “The Metabolism of Tumours,” he demonstrated that all forms of cancer are characterized by two basic conditions: acidosis and hypoxia (lack of oxygen). He stated that lack of oxygen and acidosis are two sides of the same coin: where you have one, you have the other.

He further stated this: “Cancerous tissues are acidic whereas healthy tissues are alkaline.” He also said that “all normal cells have an absolute requirement for oxygen, but cancer cells can live without oxygen – a rule without exception. Deprive a cell 35% of its oxygen for 48 hours and it may become cancerous.”

This was discovered many decades ago, so why does cancer continue to be on the rise with so many diagnoses and deaths every year? And why are we finding such a surge in other serious and life-threatening diseases?

The answer is simple really – people are too acidic and lack enough oxygen. This is referred to as acidosis. An acidic environment within your body allows bacteria, viruses and disease to grow, for an acidic environment is needed for them to implant in your body. However, when your body is alkaline, they are unable to grow and are snuffed out without any effort on your part. This references your body’s pH – the norm being between 6.8 and 7.2. Most people are way below the normal mark, an indicator of their acidity.

What causes this? Diet, sedentary lifestyles, and stress are the contributors. People primarily ingest food and drink according to what looks and feels good to them, not what is actually good for them. They are often misled by the media and advertising, for these marketers know how to reach people’s emotional side and con them into thinking something is good to be consumed because of the feelings they invoke in the consumer. (Advertisers know how to use color, flavor, staging and emotions to “suck” you in) It’s all about profits, not your health. Processed foods loaded with chemicals; high fructose found in just about everything packaged and processed; harmful ingredients in most products including supplements; synthetic hormones, steroids and antibiotics added to meat, poultry and dairy products; even the water that runs through your pipes for drinking and bathing; the high stress in your life; and the dehydration prevalent in the majority of society are all contributors to keeping you acidic and low on oxygen, allowing you to become prime targets for developing a disease like cancer.

You might tell me that you drink lots of liquid every day, always fulfilling the quantity of 6-8 glasses per day as often stated as necessary for good health. Yet your health is far from where you want it to be I can imagine, and you may be afraid of what may appear on the horizon in years to come, especially as you age. So is it water you drink, or simply liquids? Here may be one problem. If you drink coffee, teas, fruit juice, sodas, alcohol or sports drinks, you are consuming liquids for sure, but they are actually causing dehydration in your body due to the sugar, fructose, chemicals, caffeine and toxic ingredients found in every one of the mentioned beverages. In addition, tap water and even bottled water are loaded with chemicals that do not hydrate you as your body needs. (Many bottled water companies, it has been proven, simply bottle tap water with the chemical taste removed without removing all the chemicals, then charge you plenty while misleading you into thinking you are drinking pure, healthy water) In addition, they are devoid of minerals and antioxidants, both of which are necessary for repairing and healing your body.

What composes your diet? Do you consume regular grocery store meat, packaged products like cookies, chips, pre-prepared meals, snack foods, deli meats and cheese, fast food, ice cream, pastries, etc? All of these are acidic – every one of them, and some more so than others. Everything you consume is acidic with the exception of vegetables, most fruits and raw almonds. Perhaps now you can see why cancer is booming everywhere. If the majority of your diet is acidic as well as your beverages, and you experience stress on a daily basis, well, how can you ever escape cancer and other diseases?

It is pretty impossible according to statistics as we know them, but many holistic professionals, who understand the importance and necessity of keeping your body alkaline rather than acidic, have provided many protocols to help your body achieve and maintain the proper alkaline pH. Although there are many excellent protocols out there like ingesting green drinks, vitamins, herbs and making your diet 75% vegetables and fruit with much of it raw, and although they may work if followed meticulously to help you become alkaline and even heal an illness, these steps can be extensive, time-consuming, expensive and possibly difficult. My goal has always been to find the simplest, easiest and purest means to be healthy that is possible while preventing disease and disorders in my body, and helping those who are on a similar path and seeking information for great health.

So although it is vital to address the food you consume and your stress level, I want to focus on one area that warrants your attention, and that is water. Did you know your body is composed of over 70% water? And did you further know that your brain is composed of over 90% water? This means that the majority of your body is made up of water and requires water daily to refill what it eliminates through perspiration and urination. It doesn’t require coffee, tea, soda, fruit juice, alcohol or sports drinks; it needs water.

You probably own a car. When you notice your gas gage nearing empty, like most of us you head to the gas station to fill up your tank. You could opt to fill it up with oil, even though you know it needs gas to run efficiently, but most likely you realize that oil would cause all kinds of problems and probably wouldn’t get you to where you needed to go, not to mention seriously messing up your car. So why do you think your body’s water tank wants anything other than water to refill what is required every day? And how can you expect it to run efficiently and get you where you want to go if you fill it with anything other than water?

But maybe you’re not convinced yet about the importance of water and being hydrated. You may say that water has no taste and you don’t like it – it’s boring and bland. You may even still believe that other beverages, which contain some water, have to be okay and count for liquid consumption to equal the 6-8 glasses often stated as the required daily intake. So let’s talk a minute about the effects of dehydration, which is always part of not enough water as well as not enough quality water.

Here are some of the issues that arise when you are dehydrated: fatigue, constipation, digestive problems, weight gain, autoimmune diseases like MS, premature aging, dry skin and hair, acne, foggy thinking, acid reflux, breathing difficulties, kidney problems, and much more.  I imagine one or two of these issues have been part of your life at some point, perhaps even now. But dehydration is only part of the problem. And how does this relate to our topic of avoiding cancer?

Drinking quality water has perks for sure. It can help in the eradication of the above mentioned disorders since drinking enough water helps to flush out toxins from the body. But we were discussing previously about acidosis and how an acidic internal environment in your body can allow cancer and other diseases to grow and take over your body. What if you could do one thing every day that would hydrate your body and provide an alkaline environment so that cancer could not grow in your body?

As I mentioned earlier, I believe vibrant health can be achieved with simplicity, ease and purity, and that has always been my goal. A few years ago I became acquainted with the Bemer 3000, a microcirculation device that provides a patented pulsing of the geomagnetic field of the earth required to exist on this planet, which allows your immune system to be activated for healing. The pulsed energy opens the capillaries so that your blood can flow and carry the much needed oxygen to your cells. It has helped many people heal as it has helped me with certain issues, but I knew there was something more needed for vibrant health. I continued to be drawn to investigate water as I know how essential it is to health. You probably know that you can live several weeks without food, but only a few days without water, which sure says how important water is for your body and health.

Recently alkaline water was again brought to my attention and the importance of using it for balancing your body’s pH. Although there is presently no one thing anyone can do to live a perfect, healthy life with a one-size-fits-all solution, most health experts and many mainstream doctors now agree that the best place to begin is by drinking alkaline water. Remember, you are over 70% water, so doesn’t it make sense to begin with the area of largest impact for quicker health improvement?

So what can alkaline ionized water do for you?

1- It is Super Hydrating. If your body is fighting to stay alkaline and you drink acidic water and beverages, the body will be unable to benefit from it. It will simply flush through the system, taking many alkaline minerals with it. But when using alkaline water, you are drinking mineral-rich water that the body craves, and you remain hydrated. Acidic water sits in the stomach and feels heavy as it sloshes around, whereas alkaline water is absorbed quickly and is routed to all cells, running through your skin as it should. This is real hydration!

2- It is Full of Antioxidants. Most people know that antioxidants destroy free radicals – your enemy. Just like a nail oxidizes and rusts, so does oxidation in your body cause aging. A free radical is a positively-charged hydrogen ion running amuck in your body, whereas ionized alkaline water provides negative-charged ions, the good guys. With alkaline water you feel younger, have more energy and sleep well waking refreshed.

3- It is great for pH Balancing. Most Americans have a difficult time following an alkaline diet with their fast-paced, busy lives. Personal taste will also cause most people to eat acidic food. By using alkaline water, it’s easy to neutralize the acidity in your body just by drinking the clean, smooth, pure water. Additionally, it is loaded with minerals, and it is known most people are deficient in minerals, yet minerals are what alkalinize the body.

Using alkaline water helps your body return to the normal pH range necessary for health because it provides all the minerals, trace minerals and antioxidants necessary for repairing and maintaining your health. When you first begin drinking this water, you may detox some as the acidity leaves your body. The symptoms should be mild and short-lived, and then you will begin noticing improvements like clearer thinking, more energy, better quality sleep, elimination of painful joints and better digestion. This is a sign that your body is returning to its natural alkaline state, thus restoring what we often refer to as homeostasis. (optimal, balanced health)

I had been on a healthy path for many years but felt there was still something I needed to pay attention to. We are continually bombarded with toxins of many varieties in our daily lives, so it is a constant process of releasing toxins and restoring harmony.

I’ve never thought great health is something obtained by taking handfuls of vitamins and herbs, although they are good at times for a specific concern for a limited time, and can do much good. Some may be good on a daily basis for overall health maintenance for a long period of time. However, I personally want to achieve vibrant health with simple, basic means, things that are most natural to our created nature. Of course it is vital to make wiser dietary choices and reduce your stress as we mentioned earlier.

So what are the benefits of being hydrated and alkaline? Cancer eliminated. More energy. Clearer thinking. Your skin can look younger, plumper, and retain its elasticity when it is hydrated properly; alkaline water can remove the toxins to clear your skin. You will be able to lose weight easier, have better elimination, eradicate joint pain and acid reflux, improve digestion, remove toxic build-up anywhere in your body, and improve or eliminate a host of other imbalances and disorders that you could experience. To me it’s a no-brainer as the easiest, simplest and most basic way to ensure our health now and for the future, and a definite solution for preventing cancer or other debilitating and life-threatening illnesses.

Sure, we are all going to die one day, but why not live fully and healthy until you do? And what price is there for great health? For most people it’s at the top of their list, for truthfully, what else matters if you don’t have your health? Sure, you can be wealthy, have a lot of material possessions, be blessed with a wonderful spouse, have a successful career, but can you really enjoy these things if your health is poor? You and I both know the answer.

So if I’ve convinced you that drinking mineral-rich alkaline water is of great benefit for you and you want to learn more about it, what next? One of the problems is to know which system of water is the best quality and will bring you the best results for the best price. There are multiple systems available, but all are not equal. I am committed to researching facts about various ones and trying the water of different systems. When I have gathered factual information that I feel will be of benefit to you in making your own choice, I will share it with you. In Japan and Korea, where many people live beyond 100 years old with less disease than we experience, 1 out of 6 families have a water ionizer in their home. Russia and India use minerals added to their water and likewise often live past 100 years free from so much disease. It seems the USA needs to catch up with what many other countries know is beneficial to their health.

Weigh the cost of using this alkaline water and even the Bemer 3000 against years of purchasing and taking bottles of supplements, visiting doctors and taking medication, feeling poorly with the risk of developing a serious disease, and the solution is very simple and easy! Watch for my researched findings about different alkaline water solutions before the end of 2011!

I invite you to visit www.wheremiracleshappen.com for more information on the Bemer 3000, and other information such as articles and products to help you experience vibrant health!

I heard a media commentator use this parallel concerning the apparent thinking of many in leadership positions: You could open an additional credit card so you can use that to pay the minimum payment on the other eight at-limit credit cards you already have. Would you ever do that? How could procuring more credit ever resolve that situation nor solve a debt crisis as we are presently experiencing?

Things have changed in recent months and years. We’re all aware of the turmoil and chaos in the real estate market with the devastating amount of foreclosures, loss of both business and residential properties, job loss, income slashing, depletion of retirement funds, and so on.  I spoke with a chiropractor friend recently who shared that he makes much less money now than he did five years ago, yet he has more patients and works longer hours than he did then. He continued by saying he had to lower his prices or very few could come see him, even with insurance. His goal is to help those in need, so he felt he had to do this. Many of us understand this and have done the same thing.

So our focus on everything around us, and the scare tactics utilized by the media, can easily slip us into lack consciousness. All of the things I mentioned previously in this article are indeed signs of lack, perceived failure and fear. If these occupy our mind on a continual basis, or even as a part-time focus, we can easily get pulled into this thought mode, a mindset based in fear. Fear is a lower vibration. Since every thought is energy (a vibration) that goes out into the universe and collects more of the same, it seems we must stop this focus if we ever hope to create abundance in our life again.

We’re human after all, so it is easy to buy into whatever is being propagated in the media, internet and our environment. I’ve been guilty of doing this as I believe you have too, at least some of the time. Yet we inherently know that by buying into the fear-based lack-consciousness mindset of society, we will be creating more of the same, even though it’s not what we truly want in our life. So have you entered this negative state recently, or are you living in it right now?

While much of the reporting of present-day statistics is dismal, some areas are doing fine with their economy. In our country, Texas thrives in spite of what other states are experiencing. Other countries such as Germany and China are flourishing.  How so when many others around them are in extreme duress?

They are apparently using different strategies in their economic processes. We know that in Texas they have cut spending in multiple ways and made favorable changes so that businesses keep hiring instead of laying off workers. So you might wonder why the rest of our country doesn’t follow their example and use the proven-to-work strategies in place there to help their states? The economic boost would then filter into our lives and all those around us.

Regardless of what strategies are being used in our country or in foreign countries, one thing must change for abundance to prevail; there must be a shift to a prosperity consciousness. But how is this possible given the present financial crisis and the turmoil it has brought? And do you know what a prosperity consciousness is?

We have only two basic emotions: love or fear. Every feeling we experience arises from one of those emotions. Anything positive – compassion, understanding, abundance, happiness, peace, joy, acceptance, determination, creativity, commitment – are all expressions of love. Everything negative – anger, rage, guilt, shame, jealousy, lack, anxiety, retaliation, victim, manipulation, scatteredness – all have a base from fear. So in order to step into a prosperity consciousness, you must first begin to operate your life, beginning with your thoughts, from a place of love being expressed.

It is impossible to experience expressions of love while being in a place of fear, for they are opposite vibrations and cannot exist simultaneously. You cannot be experiencing anger and frustration while feeling abundant and prosperous; they just cannot work together.  This requires a big shift so that the current that runs through you daily vibrates at the higher level of love and its expressions, and in that space you can then step into the mindset of prosperity and abundance.

Secondly, you have to accept and utilize the attitude of gratitude. Gratitude is a powerful tool for creating anything in your life, for if you begin right where you are, being thankful for all you have and are at this very moment, that feeling can expand into more of the same. Think about it for a minute. Everything you focus on shows up in your life experiences. So if you are focusing on the blessings and abundance you already have, and since energetic vibrations can only bring to you more of the same vibration you have sent out, it should be a no-brainer that beginning with gratitude is a win/win for helping you create more abundance and prosperity.

All too often humans tend to focus on what they don’t have, and their same life scenario continues to show up because that energy is what they are placing out in the universe – where they are focusing their thoughts. This is lack consciousness. Thoughts create, guaranteed! Negative thoughts produce negative experiences while positive thoughts breed positive experiences. This is a no-brainer if you want to develop a prosperity consciousness. You will have to shift your entire thinking patterns and beliefs because most likely, you were taught as most of us were to believe in lack and not enough – limits.

Now you’re ready to create the vision of what you do want, with the capability of accepting it when it arrives and the determination to see it through to achieve it. Be specific with your vision: the amount of money you’d like to make; the vocation you’d like to do that involves helping others; specific dreams you have like a super vacation or a bigger house; how you can make a difference in our world; becoming debt-free, and so on. If you own your own business you’ll want it to flourish and grow, so see it happening. Create the vision and dream big, and keep it alive by daily seeing and feeling it as if it has already shown up. It is the feeling that makes dreams come alive and manifest into reality. So place your intention of what you want to show up in your life, and then patiently wait for it to come. Be observant and ready for the unexpected, for you never know in what form it may appear – the mysteries of the universe are magnificent and exciting to observe. Use your creativity and determination. Open to receive new ideas, for they will come if you keep your vision alive!

Remember that true prosperity incorporates so much more than money. Prosperity includes your talents and internal gifts, and all that you are made of that can contribute to the needs of the world. Prosperity happens whenever something of value expands into more, so it is not limited to material possessions or the dollars in your bank account. And it always involves serving others in some way – contributing to make a difference.

Although it has been said that our country and many other countries are experiencing a financial crisis, if you step back and look at the bigger picture, you will see that all this unrest is necessary so that individuals can shift their perception and make changes to a different consciousness. You and I are the ones that must initiate this change because we know the answer and are lightworkers who have the capability of showing others the way through their darkness. Remember, prosperity consciousness has nothing to do with what’s going on around you or what is happening in your life experience, so even if you are temporarily in a place of what appears to be financial chaos, keep your thoughts on what you have and be grateful for it. You may need to learn a lesson before you can experience more prosperity, or something else must occur before the additional prosperity can manifest. Keep the faith that it is coming and be grateful for the blessings now and in the future.

So instead of buying into the media rampage of debt and subsequent catastrophes, realize we do indeed have major debt issues, but we also have the capability of overcoming that debt with wiser choices and determination. Ask for clarity in your thoughts and focus on the blessings and abundance already present in your life and our country. This is how the shift to a prosperity consciousness can occur. Once the focus is on your blessings and abundance, with gratitude for those blessings, various opportunities for changing the way things are done so that the debt can eventually be eliminated will show up. God and the universe always listen to your vibrations and respond according to them, so it is imperative that you shift to a prosperity consciousness if you ever hope to become debt-free, or at least reduce it significantly.

The process of change begins with one individual who joins with others on the same path expressed through love. Momentum builds as the vibrations of those individuals connect and move to gather more of the same. That power magnifies through the numbers and the “snowball” of collective energy from the higher vibration of love has the potential to reach around the world and change it. Love is more powerful than fear, and love is what can heal your life, the abundance crisis, our country and world! There is no abundance deficit, so there is no abundance crisis, unless you believe there is.

Change your thoughts and you can change your life!

Comment:
“If people could only embrace Carolyn’s message here, the world would change. But maybe it isn’t the world that needs to embrace it; maybe it is only you that needs to. And that is Carolyn’s deeper message; your world is a result of your beliefs and attitudes. When you change from fear of the world to loving it, you are less threatened by it, and others are less threatened by you. You become a ‘source’ of energy and positivity, which only attracts more of the same. Make no mistake, in the world crisis we are in, there are many thriving, growing, and fulfilling themselves. You can be sure, that these individuals are not doing so in a state of fear. Remember; IF IT IS TO BE IT IS UP TO ME! Thank you Carolyn for setting the record straight”. Phil Méthot