Category Archives: Energy Healing

Sustainable Living

March 29, 2012

Magical, sustainable house my friends built..

Live simply, so that others may simply live.

Look around, the message should be clear: We need to change the way we live. We need to live a friendly, kind, conscious, sustainable life!We need to ”tread lightly.”

I always try to make informed compassionate decisions about the way I live, the products I use, the food I eat. My goal is to live completely off the grid. I have before, and I trust that I will again.

I used to live on a beautiful piece of property, with another family, in a really special house. Our kids would run around, catch lizards, chase the chickens, dig holes, make forts and have a good time, getting dirty. Connecting to the Earth. My friend and I enjoyed daily yoga sessions, while the kids were exploring. It was great.I have beautiful memories ……We had solar panels, well water, compost toilets (5 gallon buckets and some wood chips), chickens, a nice big garden, and a magical little house called “The Hole.”

Sadie hanging out in the Hole....

There was an outdoor kitchen, an outdoor shower, and even a “hot tub” for relaxation and fun.

Big Ceramic Bathtub.... start a fire underneath, let the water warm.... and ahhhhhh... paradise..

Any water we used, drained right out to the plants, so obviously, we used natural cleaning products, natural shampoos and toothpaste too. Even our urine, we would collect and use for the plants…. Bananas love pee. There are several books and websites about the benefits of urine for our gardens.

Dinner Table....Chicken Coop in Background

Life always changes….so after years of magic, yoga sessions, and forts, we all moved out…..we are experiencing new adventures now.. But I am happy to say, we started as two families, and now we are one family. We are all one big family. Yeah!

Friendship.....

When we lived in Hawaii, there was a time that we lived far away from town and deep in the rainforest, at the top of Round Top Drive, on Oahu. We relied on a water catchment system to provide water. All of our water. And we never ran out. I didn’t have a kitchen up there either, so we used a camping stove…. ahh the good ol’ days.

This might sound extreme to some. My mother constantly calls me a “gypsy”. But I have to live my truth. I am most comfortable with my feet dirty and living connected.

Currently, the house we are living in now, is not completely off the grid.. Which sometimes I feel guilty about. But then I remind myself, I am taking small steps. In time it will be. It is a process. Everything is a process. Constantly evolving.

Lounging in the Hammock

Here are some questions to think about: How much garbage do you accumulate? How much stuff do you have? How much stuff do you need? Each material thing we acquire, begins to weigh us down…. ”With each new material thing we acquire, we acquire a new worry.” And this quote, from the Dalai Lama “I’ve learned that the more possessions I acquire, the less free. I feel.”

Good quotes… think about them for a while….

If you can, please Watch the documentary Queen of the Sun, it is a beautiful film that reminds us of the interconnection and interdependence that we all share.

Here are some small steps we can all take, to tread a little lighter:

~Get cloth grocery bags

~ Start a compost….(if you live in an apartment, get a container, put your compost in it, and donate it to a friends compost pile….you are helping the earth. It is Win- win).

~Be conscious of the amount of electricity you use. Cut back! (We can all cut back!)

~ Recycle (more!)

~Get rain barrels (water your garden with the water you collect)

~ Be conscious of any purchases you make, products you buy. Support local companies, farms, people, who support and engage in healthy practices.

~Buy Organic! Commercial pesticides are poison, they pollute our bodies, our water, our earth.

~Start a garden in your backyard (or find a community garden you can use).

~Begin to build community…. a little bit of kindness will spread and travel far…

Obviously these are just a few ways, there are many, many more. Small Steps.

We have to be the change.

Tread Lightly and with love. ~tiff

Posted by Yogini Tiff in Energy Healing, Mother Earth, Stories, Sustainable Living, Uncategorized, yoga Tags: cool houses, fun, stories, Sustainable living, yoga

5 comments

Dream Yoga, Lucid Dreaming, and Tibetan Buddhism

March 25, 2012

During a moment when I really needed some guidance, Desperate, I said a prayer. “I need a teacher!!!” The very next day, I met a woman (through yoga ), who introduced me to a high Tibetan Buddhist teacher. He is a Geshe. He currently lives in Spain and India. He studied directly under the Dalai Lama.– I have never met anyone so kind. So kind and wise. What a blessing. He showed me divination, numerology, and astrology. He taught me several mantras. and new ways to meditate. He also conducted several blessings on both my son and I. After these blessings, both my son and I experienced the most beautiful, incredible dreams. My son woke up smiling from ear to ear and told me he ”flew out the window and flew around the neighborhood until sunrise”. He recalls feeling a giant “pop” and then suddenly he was back in his bedroom. He told me it was the happiest he has ever felt. In my dream, I was floating in rainbows of warming colors. Blissful.

Blessings and Love

While the Lama was here teaching me, we discussed the power of dreams. He said very simply, “Dreams are very powerful. As we develop, we can travel in our dreams, learn from our dreams, and yes, we can even fly in our dreams. “

“Your dreams can tell you what nobody else can”~ Swami Radha

Dream Yoga, or Lucid Dreaming, is when we are consciously aware that we are in a dream state. We realize “Hey I am dreaming,” and then consciously, we continue to dream. Throughout the years, I have had many magical experiences with my dreams. Prophetic dreams too, some very powerful (those feel very different ).

About a year ago, I started recording my dreams. Dream Recall is said to be a step to learning how to lucid dream. Lucid Dreaming, also called Dream yoga, is something I have been working on. And now, at least a few times a month, I experience lucid dreaming. Sometimes I try to lucid dream, and then I wake up and don’t recall having a dream at all. Sometimes it works, and sometimes, it doesn’t. I am still trying to figure it all out.

Learn and grow.

Last night, I decided I wanted to lucid dream. I set an intention. I drank a strong tea blend of skullcap, lavender, and oatstraw. Lights off, and in bed, I did some restorative yoga. I consciously slowed my breathing down.. and then everything started spiraling. I started moving into the spiral, a little scared, but I let go, and then I was dreaming. I realized I was dreaming. I wanted to see an old friend and suddenly he appeared. I wanted to go to the woods. Suddenly we were there. I wanted to see my son. He appeared in the woods, and was playing with his cousins. I woke up, feeling both amazed and excited. Hooray! Another lucid experience.

I recorded my dream in my dream journal, and then I started thinking about past experiences. Is lucid dreaming the same as having an out-of-body experience? I don’t think it is. I have read conflicting ideas about out-of-body experiences and lucid dreaming. They feel very different. When I was a teenager, I had my first out-of-body experience. It was terrifying. I woke up floating in my bedroom. I looked down, and I saw my body. Shocked and scared, I thought I was dead. And then, instantly, I was back in my body. Awake and breathing rapidly. That experience was real. I was really floating.

I did a little research and learned that it was a fairly common experience. So the next time I had an OBE, I was more relaxed and almost excited. But still, intense.

There is a really great book called The Tibetan Yogas of Dream and Sleep. It is a beautiful book. And very helpful. Check it out…and if you know of other books or resources, please share. Let’s explore the magic of our dreams.

We can learn and grow together. We always learn and grow together.

Sweet Dreams!

~Tiff

Posted by Yogini Tiff in Buddhism, Dreams, Energy Healing, Lucid Dreaming, Magick, Out of Body Experiences, Restorative yoga, Stories, Uncategorized, yoga

2 comments

YOGA: Let Go of the Ego…Heal, Flow, Grow

March 24, 2012

Let go. Grow and flow. Learn to listen to your body, listen to your breath. Honor your body, honor the breath.

Open Your Heart (I'll Make You Love Me)

When I first started practicing yoga, 14 years ago, I was 21. My yoga teacher indroduced many new ideas and experiences. Sometimes, I thought she was a new age wingnut (like when she first taught us Lion’s Breath), other times, I saw her wisdom and strength. She is a powerful healer. When I first came to her class, I was very much operating with my ego. I disregarded her almost constant reminder ”focus on your breath“. At that point, I didn’t even breath through my nose, so the idea of taking conscious breaths through my nose, seemed impossible. And really kind of stupid. I knew what I wanted– I wanted to do the splits! Seriously. I wanted to stretch far!!!!! I treated yoga much like a dance class, where ego is often very involved. I remember once my yoga teacher told me I was flexible..My ego instantly was swollen with pride, and with a smile, I pushed myself a little deeper–ooo I felt so good. I thought I was good at yoga. Turn’s out, I was good at stretching.

Focus on the Breath.... Bring the Mind To Stillness

Yoga begins, when we connect body, mind and spirit. Present with our breath, the breath helps us energize and heal.The ‘mind chatter” ceases, and we are connected and in it! Present with the poses (asanas), we feel the lines and currents of energy. It is magical. It is sacred.

If you practice yoga, you know exactly what I am talking about. You are in a pose, connected in every way, and it is bliss.

Partner Yoga: Breath, Body, Energy Connection...me and my friend Brenna

Over the years, As my practice has evolved, I have learned the importance of breath (pranayama) on the physical, mental, and spiritual bodies..

With Asana practice, I like to practice with my eyes closed. It is soothing and powerful.I have learned to really feel my body. If my body is fatigued from too many chaturungas, I won’t do them. If I need to spend half of class in child’s pose, or savasana, I honor that. If I am holding an asana, and my body craves a little movement, pulsing, swaying, or grooving, I honor that too. Sometimes we need to strengthen, sometimes we need to stretch, sometimes we need to restore.

Dancing with The Trees.... Dancer Pose

The moment you are really struggling in a pose, you are no longer practicing yoga. So, focus on the breath, take time to let the pose evolve. Slowly and naturally, the body moves deeper. Deeper into the pose, deeper into the breath.

There are moments where we are so connected and hyper-sensitive, that the Kundalini begins to rise, and we connect to truth, wisdom, and blissful awareness. Our energetic bodies shine bright.

There are other times in our practice where we are overcome with emotion, and crying in class, having an emotional release, and unsure why. Crying is good. Release and move energy.

Let go and trust the process. It is Life Changing.

I have been teaching yoga for about 4 years now, several classes a week. I love seeing my students evolve…. We are evolving together. We are always evolving. Slowly we learn to let go of the ego, we start to heal, grow and flow.

Warrior Three-Three warriors..... Yoga with friends

Don’t be rigid with your practice. Let go of any expectations….. Let your practice evolve. Be open, flexible, connected.

Breathe. Listen and feel. Connect. It will change your practice and your life.

Bring the Mind To Stillness

Namaste

~Tiff

Posted by Yogini Tiff in Energy Healing, Flow Yoga, Health, mental health, Mother Earth, Restorative yoga, Uncategorized, yoga

Watsu = Heaven

March 23, 2012

One of my friends, Brakken, is an amazing massage therapist visiting from Memphis. During a recent breakfast and swimming hang out, I asked about scheduling a massage session with her. She said “Let’s do it right now!” ”Okay!” I excitedly replied. Brakken started working on my neck and shoulders (areas where I carry a lot of tension) and then after a few minutes with a land massage, Brakken suggested Watsu, water Shiatsu.

Watsu, let go, float and heal…. ahhhh

Being in the Healing Arts, I have had experience with many different healing modalities…Trades are the best… but this was my first experience with Watsu. Watsu=Heaven. Seriously. I have never felt anything like it. I have never been so relaxed. Weightless, floating, gliding, stretching, it was amazing.

Weightless

I was completely blissed out and smiling from ear to ear. I even laughed out loud at one point because I couldn’t believe it was possible to feel so good.

Floating. I have never felt more relaxed. Amazing.

Obviously, with Watsu, you should be comfortable in the water. And you need a heated pool, or a warm day. Being weightless and getting massaged is really incredible. But you need to warm water, and you need to have the right therapist. You need to trust the person completely. It is a very intimate, nurturing experience. Brakken, my Watsu therapist, is really well-trained, and a natural healer. I felt so safe, so nurtured, so good. I am in awe.

Experience Watsu. You will be totally blissed out. Restorative yoga and deep massage at it’s finest.

Thanks to Brakken– you are a talented magical being.

Thanks to Mel—for the photos, the amazing friendship, and the pool!

Thanks to my kid– for general awesomeness.

Thanks universe. I am grateful.

~tiff

Posted by Yogini Tiff in Energy Healing, Health, massage, Restorative yoga, Stories, Uncategorized, Yoga Reviews

2 comments

Love Blossoms in a Swamp, Happy Spring Equinox

March 20, 2012

Springtime Swamp love. Commit to love. Love blossoms everywhere.

Spring is here. Today is the beginning of the Astrological new year. Sun enters Aries. Aries is the first sign in the Zodiac. Start fresh. New life and new energy emerge…set your intentions….vibrance is everywhere. Feel the magic.

Love blossoming in a Swamp

We spent the weekend camping, with many of our close friends. We all came together, honoring love, friendship, magic, the power of nature, the changing of the seasons. Everything was beautiful. There were tents and smiles everywhere, our gypsy village was amazing. I loved it. Community. Family. Sangria.

We hiked and swam in the creek. We saw a couple big alligators. We did yoga. Danced til dawn. Heard the song of the coyote. And the owl. We played music and sang. I wandered into the woods alone. Deep meditation. I saw a rattlesnake. It crossed my path. And disappeared. Powerful, beautiful, magical.. Nature. Love is everywhere in nature. Nature brings balance.

Today my yoga practice, was powerful. On all levels. I dedicated my practice to the cycles of the seasons, Spring-time, healing old wounds,breathing in new life and breathing in new energy. Slow and deep practice. Eyes closed, wrapped in purple light and floating. Healing. Spring Time. Renewal.

Let Love Blossom Everywhere.

Welcome Spring!

Posted by Yogini Tiff in Astrology, Camping, Energy Healing, Magick, Mother Earth, Nature, Stories, Uncategorized, yoga

Bleeding with The Moon

March 13, 2012

I love the moon. Love the moon. The moon represents the Maiden, the Mother and the Crone. The older I grow, the more I feel connected to the moon and the beauty of the cycle. The cycle of the moon is our cycle too. Everything is connected.

The ocean, the tides, animals, and plants, all are affected by the moon. Just look up at the night sky, it is magic…

When the moon is waxing, it represents the Maiden. The energy is growing, the power is building. When the Moon is full, and shining bright, it represents the Mother, beautiful, powerful, Psychic. And then after reaching it’s peak, the moon begins to Wane, slowing drawing in, darkness, introspection, the Crone. Wisdom. The energy of the New Moon, is often quiet, and best spent in solitude. The night is dark. The stars are bright.On the darkest night, the stars shine the brightest!

For the last year, the day of the full moon, is the day I bleed. But before that, for many years, I ovulated during the Full Moon, and bled during on the New Moon. To the day. In fact, before our modern living, menstruation with the Moon was the norm. The moon’s cycle is about the same length as the average menstrual cycle. I believe the more connected we are to the cycles of nature, the more we feel the effects of the moon.

Obviously the food we eat, chemicals we put in our body, our sleep cycle, time we spend outdoors, and the time we spend indoors, affect our cycle. If you don’t regularly follow your cycle, it is time to start. If you don’t regularly pay attention to the moon, start paying attention, you will begin to notice interesting connections with emotions and behavior. So much to see with the eyes closed.

Sometimes the full moon is almost too intense, at which time, I take off my amethyst and moonstone jewelery. These gemstones, and many others are amplified by the moon. Being an empath, sometimes I cannot be around people during the full moon. It is too intense. Sometimes I need grounding. Time to Hug a tree. Or bury my feet in the dirt. Other times, near the full moon, I feel strong, and called to heal. I have vivid dreams. Often they are prophetic dreams. Speaking of dreams, I keep a dream journal, and have been working on Lucid dreaming too. Dreaming is amazing. Whoa. But more about that in another post!

Stop and think of the word “lunatic” (Luna means moon). Apparently, even the word menses, means moon.

Realizing our strong connection with the moon opens us up to more questions, more exploring. What about the sun? The planets? The Universe? What about Astrology? Take a look at a farmers almanac, or an astrological calender. My astrological calendar tells me what days are good for planting and fishing, in addition to other helpful information. Every good farmer and fisherman learns to pay attention to the cycles in nature. And everyone who does spellwork, quickly discovers the importance of cycles, alignments, and currents of energy. I am really starting to dive in and study more advanced aspects to astrology. Knowing your sun sign, moon sign and rising sign, really is just the beginning.

Here are my favorite astrology sites:

http://www.astrologyzone.com/

http://www.shirleymaclaine.com/astrology/index.php

http://www.astro.com/

http://www.llewellyn.com/browse_astrology.php

Explore- The moon, the sun, the stars, the planets. Connect to wisdom, beauty, and truth. It is everywhere. Always.

Howl like a lunatic!!!!!! ~T

If you have any other good sites to share, please let me know..

Posted by Yogini Tiff in Astrology, Energy Healing, Magick, Mother Earth, Uncategorized

2 comments

Little Miracles-Divine Kale Avocado Salad

March 4, 2012

This year has already proven to be a year of change. Many of my closest Mama friends have made big moves, Costa Rica, Indonesia, South Carolina, and Gainesville. All left the city and moved to farm communities. All striving to live healthier, more connected lives. I miss my dear friends, but I am excited for their new adventures(And, I am excited to have more places to go visit! Ha!) There are changes in the air for me too. I plan on taking a big trip this summer, to a magical land (not telling you where yet!). I will share my plan and journey with you soon. Stay Tuned….

Anyways, 2012 really is a year of change for all of us. One of the commitments I made to myself was better self-care. And that includes, rest, nutrition, exercise, meditation, and de-cluttering my house and life. I started homeschooling and I started spending more time working on my blog (writing is very therapeutic for me-Gemini). I am taking long walks and long baths.. and eating lots of vegetables.

You are what you eat!

Food is Medicine. I have mentioned before, that my son had a bad fall out of a tree, a couple months ago. His left arm was badly broken and he is left-handed. Boo. His break required surgery and two long rods. It was stressful, to say the least. And healing has been slow. To aid my son’s healing, and my own, I decided I needed to add more leafy greens to our diet. Unfortunately, organic, good quality fresh greens, can be hard to come by and expensive. I was still determined.

Almost as if I had manifested a miracle, a friend of mine, an organic farmer, moved back to town. He called me up out of the blue, and asked if I wanted some fresh vegetables.So now, every week, my friend, a young urban farmer, has been bringing me mountains of vegetables. I consider these veggies a miracle. I am full of gratitude.

The healing light is shining down on me. HA! Mmmm Eggplant!

Every week, the veggies are different. I am experimenting and learning many different ways to prepare all this healing food. I really feel a difference. I can see a difference in my skin. Today I made the most delicious salad. So delicious, that I have to share it.

Divine Kale avocado Salad

Step one: Prepare a marinade. 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Bragg’s Liquid Aminos, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon raw honey, fresh minced garlic, and fresh thyme, to desired taste.

Step two: Cut the kale into small strips, I use scissors, it is quick

Step three: Pour marinade over Kale and chill for one hour

Step Four: Add fresh avocado (the more the better)

Step 5: Eat and feel good.

Try it, you will like it. (Sorry I didn’t take a picture of the salad, but make it anyways, it is good!)

Give thanks to farmers. Give thanks to our food.

Here’s to our Health! Be well. ~Tiff

Hooray for Fresh Veggies!

Posted by Yogini Tiff in Diet, Energy Healing, Food, Health, Magick, Mother Earth, Stories

1 comment

The Healing Energy of Stones

March 1, 2012

Ever since I was a little girl, I have been in love with stones and fossils. As a kid, Every chance I got, I would search for stones. I combed the wild beaches of the Northwest in search of agate, moonstone, jasper, petrified wood, and other magical stones. Something about stones called to me. I would find a stone, hold it in my hand, close my eyes, and breathe. Sometimes I put the stone in my mouth. Just to feel it. My family thought I was weird (Some things never change! Ha!).

I remember being a 10 year old kid and our family was about to make our big move from Texas, back to Washington. I had a huge rock and fossil collection from all my exploring in the nearby woods. My dad told me there wasn’t room in our (giant, ugly) light blue station wagon, to take my box of treasures. I cried. And Cried. And cried. TOTALLY DEVASTATED. Those stones were magic. Those stones were important. Those stones gave me comfort.

We moved to Olympia Washington. I really hit the jackpot with healing stones. There are lots of places to find incredible stones. Along the Northwest Coast is Westport, Ruby Beach, Agate Beach, and many others. Puget Sound has beautiful stones too, as do the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. Constantly drawn to stones; It wasn’t long before I had another rock collection. Bigger than ever.

MAGICAL STONES I USE FOR HEALING

I actually went to Westport last summer, on my birthday. Still fascinated with stones, I spent hours looking at hundreds of beautiful stones… but I only allowed myself to take three. Well, Plus the good-sized agate my Dad found and gave me. So I actually brought back four. Thanks Dad.

Stones are powerful, and sometimes they really call to us. I have a huge collection of healing stones that I have acquired over the years. Some were gifts from friends and family, and others were gifts straight from Mother Earth, gifts I found. I have purchased a few stones, but only when they really call to me, And usually in the form of jewelry. But it is better to make your own. And Fun too. Create healing art.

Magical (Jewelry Making) Friends

I often use stones in my Energy Healing work. I instinctively seem to know what stones will work, and where to place them, both while working on myself and while working on others.

Some important things about stones:

Stones carry different vibrational energies with different healing qualities…..

Use the stones that call to you. Those are the stones you need.

Honor the stones that you find…. those are special gifts meant to guide you.

Stones need to be cleansed. And some more than others. Water, in the form of a stream or ocean is a good way to cleanse the stones. You can always put stones into a bowl of water overnight. Some stones need saltwater, others need fresh water. Listen to your intuition. You can also safely cleanse stones with a sage smudge stick. Sage is known to have the power to burn away negativity.

After cleansing , stones need to be recharged. Some by moonlight, some by the sun.

Crystals can be placed over the Chakras during rest to promote deep healing. Using stones that correspond to the chakras will bring about an even deeper more powerful healing session.

There are many amazing books and websites about the healing properties of crystals and stones. Please read and learn. But I really suggest tuning in and listening to your wisdom, and the wisdom of the stone.

Some stones can be very intense and cause strong emotions, so do some research, be open and aware, and proceed with at least a little bit of caution. If the feelings are too intense, listen to your instincts and understand that it may not be the right time to use that particular stone.

In general, Raw stones hold more power, although it is said that certain stones, carry more energy when cut and polished. Again do your research. Or learn to listen. Listen to the stone, and to your own wisdom.

Try sleeping with a small stone under your pillow. Record any dreams you may recall.

I could talk and write about this forever, so if you have any questions or wisdom to share, please do so.

Thanks for reading. Happy Healing.

Rock on.~tiff

Posted by Yogini Tiff in Energy Healing, Magick, Mother Earth, Reiki, Stories

4 comments

My Aura Gets Dirty Too

February 28, 2012

All of us, experience the ups and downs of life, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Food, thoughts, experiences, sight and sounds, all get translated and processed into our bodies. Sometimes we feel depressed, dull, or lifeless (tamas). Other times we are excited, irritable, manic, obsessive, destructive (rajas). And other times, we are peaceful, calm, content, and loving (sattvas). These are different states of being. They affect all of us at varying degrees. In yogic philosophy and ayurveda, the different states of being are called Gunas. The three different states of being, or Gunas, are Tamas (darkness), Rajas(activity), Sattvas (beingness).

Sometimes I feel like this.... Beautiful, Compassionate, Magical, Divine

Everything is always changing. Emotions are like waves. Sometimes the waves are angry rough and stormy. Sometimes the waves are little, playful and fun. And sometimes the waves are magical, and healing. But again, always changing.

Sometimes I feel like this

Being a yogi helps us remember that nothing is permanent. We have the power to calm the mind, let the waves settle, connect to our higher selves and feel peace. Being a yogi doesn’t mean we are free from external drama and pain. We just learn ways to cope.

Sometimes I suffer from anxiety. I tend to worry. Alot. Sometimes the worry takes control and I panic. Through yoga and other healing practices, I have learned to deal with my anxiety. I close my eyes and and take deep rhythmic breaths through the nose. Try taking a deep inhale for 7 seconds, hold the breath for 7 seconds, and then exhale for 7 seconds. Do it three times. It works wonders. Breath has a direct impact on the nervous system. Breath has a direct impact on everything. The panic begins to fade.

Depression? Yeah, I get that too. (Who doesn’t?) But again, through yoga, we connect to a spiritual wisdom that begins to transform us. There are several books that help me grow and learn and heal. Inspired Thoughts, by Swami Rama, is one of them. Amazing from beginning to end.

Being a yogi, you still have the waves, but you learn how to tame the waves and you learn how to surf.

Hang Loose. Shaka Brah. ~T

**The photos were taken by my awesome son.**

Posted by Yogini Tiff in Energy Healing, Health, mental health, Restorative yoga, yoga

1 comment

Yoga and Diet

January 14, 2012

Yoga increases awareness. Awareness with breath, body, soul, and with everything. So obviously, this includes the food we eat.

Always being a bit of a rebel, I made the decision to be vegetarian the day before my 9th birthday. So, even though I lived with a family who ate meat, I refused.

That doesn’t mean I grew up eating healthy fruits and vegetables. Hardly, all it means is, I didn’t eat meat! As a teenager, I ate the crappiest food you could imagine. That is if you actually count Swedish Fish and Mountain Dew as food. Seriously, even thinking about the stuff I used to put in my body, makes me feel physically ill. Gas station nachos, taco bell burritos, processed cheese, and candy. Loads and loads of candy. My dear friend Janee and I would put on wigs, dress like lunatics and go the the Top Foods Grocery store bulk section in Olympia. We would buy pounds of candy, and a bunch of fresh ginger root. The ginger was for tea to soothe our stomachs so we could make room for more candy. Seriously. We would boil a big pot of ginger tea, sit down with our bags of candy, and watch old Westerns. Rawhide with Clint Eastwood was our favorite. Ahh good ol’ Rowdy Yates and Gil Favor. Ahh to be a teenager.

Janee and Tiff ! No more candy!

Continuing. When I started practicing yoga, and right away, I began to change my diet. Small steps for sure, I always craved sweets, but I begun getting “natural” sweets from the Food Co-op, and I started thinking about the importance of organic foods. I started to understand that the food we eat contains energy, and I could feel how the energy from lentils and rice, is different than the energy from a cupake. Food is fuel.

As my practice became even more a part of my life, my diet changed even more. My cravings have changed. I can feel with great sensitivity, that junk food affects not only my body, but also my mind. I feel sluggish and gross when I make poor food choices. I feel vibrant and energized when I eat well.

Through yoga (awareness), I have discovered power foods. Like carrots and almonds. Both make me feel good. I have also realized certain intolerances to foods I used to eat daily. Like wheat and dairy. -Wow, when I eliminated them from my diet (It really isn’t that hard) I felt so much better!

I started learning more about pesticides, the harmful agricultural practices of today, and realized that we are poisoning our foods, poisoning our world. The mainstream farming practices don’t work. I won’t support them. There is another way. Obviously, this means, I spend a lot of my money on food. But remember, food can be medicine or poison. We have to learn to feel the difference. Is there anything more important than health?

I buy organic, I support local farmers as much as possible, I have a little garden, and I buy bulk products. I could do more, but like I said, small steps. I make and eat really delicious food. And soon, I will start posting some good food ideas….Yeah! Yummy healthy food!

There is a “Sister Science” to yoga called Ayurveda, that can help us learn to heal our body. We can heal through our diet, and through tuning in and learning to follow our natural cycles. Check it out.. there are tons of great resources and websites with a lot of information on Ayurveda.

Yoga cultivates awareness. Love your body, love the earth… we are all connected.

Namaste~T

Posted by Yogini Tiff in Diet, Energy Healing, Food, Health

4 comments

Category Archives: Energy Healing

Sustainable Living

Dream Yoga, Lucid Dreaming, and Tibetan Buddhism

YOGA: Let Go of the Ego…Heal, Flow, Grow

Watsu = Heaven

Love Blossoms in a Swamp, Happy Spring Equinox

Bleeding with The Moon

Little Miracles-Divine Kale Avocado Salad

The Healing Energy of Stones

My Aura Gets Dirty Too

Yoga and Diet

Recent Posts

Donate to Yogini Tiff!! If I can start making a little bit of money writing, I can commit to writing more posts!! And it will help me have the time, money and confidence to really sit down write my book! If you can, please donate to my site, any donations are helpful. Thank you. ;)

Archives

Categories

Meta

Follow “Flowing With Yogini Tiff”

Category Archives: Energy Healing

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Recent Posts

Donate to Yogini Tiff!! If I can start making a little bit of money writing, I can commit to writing more posts!! And it will help me have the time, money and confidence to really sit down write my book! If you can, please donate to my site, any donations are helpful. Thank you. ;)

Archives

Categories

Meta

Follow “Flowing With Yogini Tiff”