What is moving in the world?  In the cosmos? In our experiences? Are we detoxing an old energy to bring forward a new consciousness?  Or is the government out to get us?

All I know is that almost everyone I talk to seems inflamed - emotionally, relationally or physically. It is clear, something is up and for most of us, it hurts...big time.  Our bodies aren't working the way we want.  Our minds are not able to handle the emotional turmoil.  Our self-talk is filled with shame and blame. So is our opinion of others.  Everything feels out of hand, as we feel overwhelmed, at our wits end and weary.  For many, the bridge down the street seems like the only way out, and idle talks of suicide seem commonplace. My sincere hope is that this is merely an escape fantasy and not a real plan made under the crushing weight of whatever is moving through us collectively.

Which begs the question, what is moving through us?

My cynical nature wonders about conspiracies and government plots. Is Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) warfare real?  And are the Russians, or our own government, using it against us?  Or is the pain we feel something more benign or even beneficial ultimately - a great awakening and shifting of consciousness.

Let's start by exploring the former.

If you don't know ELF was developed by Nicole Tesla in his attempts to create wireless energy.  My very basic understanding is that a pulse is generated in the Electromagnetic Field.  This pulse creates a VERY low frequency, meaning the wave pattern (which we do not see or hear) is very long and slow -- so slow in fact that they can actually separate the electrical and magnetic forces.  The Navy uses ELF to communicate with submarines, and you are exposed to some of these low frequencies near power lines or household appliances.

Many ELF frequencies exist, ranging from 10 Hz to 100 MHz, and sources argue about the effects of different frequencies on the human body. Some say that these frequencies can stimulate bone growth. Others debate whether ELF will affect our DNA, cancer and birth defects.  Conspiracy theorists suggest ELF is used for mind control and even cite early incidences of mass gun shootings.  Scientists debunk this as complete nonsense. 

A report from the International Programme on Chemical Safety seems relatively based in reality. It reviews dozens, if not hundreds of studies looking at ELF's effects on humans and animals, and notes that subjects exposed to different frequencies complained of effects on the nervous system and blood biochemistry.  It also states that indeed enough evidence exists regarding incidence of cancer and pregnancies rates to require further study. 

The thing I found most interesting is a table showing a whole host of studies on animals. Some of the studies show that exposure to different frequencies of ELF can cause everything from small behavioral changes, to hyperactivity.  It can increase excitability of the fight or flight nervous system response, as well as the shut down or "freeze" response.  It can create excitatory changes in neuromuscular function and slow recover from fatigue. It can even change brain behavior in some animals.

Now, I know we are not animals, so you can't extrapolate that any of this applies to humans. But I have to admit it does get me wondering.  I know dozens of people suffering from vertigo right now, which is associated with a disturbance in the crystals of the ears.  ELF is known to affect some animals because it stimulates the small hair of the ears.  Coincidence?  Who knows?  But I find it interesting.

Let's say I'm totally off base and ignorant when it comes to interpreting the data.  I can accept that. It still leaves the question, what is going on with everyone?  Why is there so much pain?

A more hopeful theory is that we are going through a collective detox.

According to ancient Vedic science, we are in an era known as Kali Yuga - the age of vice.  It has many wonderful benefits, for example the ability to transform and transmute karma, but also lots of challenges and pain.  It is the era when we feel the most isolated, alone and in conflict with those we see as other. 

Scholars estimate that Kali Yuga started around 3102 BCE, which just happens to correspond with the beginning of recorded history.  In our collective consciousness, we imagine that not much happened before that.  Oh how we forget!

Humans, in our current form, have existed for as many as 80,000 years.  Did you hear that?!  We are EIGHTY THOUSAND YEARS old as a species!  For some reason we have come to imagine that any time before 5000 years ago, we were was simply a bunch of Neanderthals running around grunting and beating each other on the head, totally at the mercy of impulses and nature.

Yet, Archeological evidence shows this to be false. Great civilizations arose and fell.  We see times of great peace, in which no town had fortification, implying that no defense was needed because no attacks occurred.  We show times of harmony, where the most common tools to be found were not weapons or implements of agriculture and war, but rather devices that measured the moon cycle or a woman's menstrual cycle, or maybe both.

Sages say that those earlier eras were filled with harmony, but because there was no grist for the mill, few changes could happen for the soul or humanity.  In contract, in Kali Yuga we are rife with challenges, difficulties, and a sense of separation.  In fact, it is the only Yuga where language is needed to communicate - a clunky tool at best where we often misunderstand each other, especially when it comes to love.  Previous Yugas employed mental telepathy, because who needs language when there is little sense of an individual self? 

It turns out; Kali Yuga may be coming to an end, and the current pain and struggle may simply be the last hurrah! 

Think of it like a detox.  Often, as you start to clean up your diet, you feel like hell.  All of the toxins are coming out of stagnation to be flushed out of the system.  But, after of few days of headaches and nausea, you start to feel like a million bucks.  

If we are in fact are moving into the next era of time - perhaps one of peace,  harmony and a degree of stagnation, than maybe its time to get the toxins out now before they get stuck!  Maybe we are being forced to face the pain that lives in our shadows both in our personal lives as well as at the collective, so we can release it?

In one Indian Myths, the beings of peace (devas) are in a tug of ware with the beings of chaos (auras).  As the pull back and forth they churn the ocean of milk in which they live.  From this churning, at first poison arises from the depths.  All of the toxins float to the surface, and Shiva, benevolent soul that he is, swallows it so that it doesn't harm and destroy the whole of the world. Yet the devas and asuras continue to fight. As they churn, something else begins to emerge.   It is the god of medicine, and in his hand he holds the sweet nectar of eternal life.

Perhaps we are at the first stage of churning.  Perhaps our toxins, in body, mind, and collective are surfacing. The question is, will you be like Shiva?  Will you turn to face your own pain?  Will you offer your great compassion to the world -- not by turning away, ignoring or spiritually bypassing the pain but by consume it whole, knowing that you have the strength to digest and transform it?  Or will you let it spill over into the world and destroy all of life, including your own? 

The question is for each one of us to answer, but for none of us to do alone.  May we continue to hold each others hands as we climb.  As Thich Nhat Hanh says, the next Buddha, or Shiva as the case may be, will not be one individual, but a community of people.

Why would anyone want to eat sea vegetables? Because they offer one of the broadest ranges of minerals of any food, containing virtually all the minerals found in the ocean—and not surprisingly, many of same minerals found in human blood. They are anti-cancer, anticoagulant, antithrombotic, and antivirals.

Sea vegetables are an excellent source of iodine, vitamin C, manganese, and vitamin B2. They are also a very good source of vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids) and copper as well as a good source of protein, pantothenic acid, potassium, iron, zinc, vitamin B6, niacin, phosphorus, and vitamin B1.

While the broad range of minerals provided by sea vegetables make them a great addition to your diet, Westerners are often not quite sure how to add more of these nutrient-rich foods to their meals. One easy way is to keep a container of kelp flakes on the dinner table and use it instead of table salt for seasoning foods. You can also experiment with adding your favorite sea vegetable to vegetable dishes, salads, and miso soups. They are easy to add to dishes as they require no cooking.

Tips for Preparing Sea VegetablesMany types of sea vegetables require soaking for 5-10 minutes before adding to your dish. It is best to follow the directions on the package. The soaking water can be used for soups or to Healthy Sautéeing vegetables. Other types of sea vegetables such as nori and kelp flakes can be used without soaking.


Reprinted from whfoods.org.

 Named the DIRTY DOZEN by the Environmental Working Group (a body which conducted tests on conventional produce and rated the various fruit and vegetable groups according to the amount of pesticides found present), the foods that exhibit the highest levels of pesticide residues are (in order of contamination):

1. Apples
2. Strawberries
3. Grapes
4. Celery
5. Peaches
6. Spinach
7. Sweet Bell Peppers
8. Imported Nectarines
9. Cucumbers
10. Cherry Tomatoes
11. Imported Snap Peas
12. Potatoes

In addition, two further foods have been shown to contain traces of pesticides that are highly toxic to human health (more so than usual). These are the DIRTY DOZEN PLUS, aka:

1. Hot Peppers
2. Kale/Collard Greens

In fact, a whopping two-thirds of produce samples have been shown to have pesticide residues. Shocking, isn’t it?

It is therefore highly recommended that you shop organically for the above items where possible. At least this way, you know you are reducing your exposure to the MOST affected items.
 
SAFE FOODS
Along with identifying the foods to avoid in the grocery store aisle, the Environmental Working Group have also named the foods that show the LEAST amount of pesticide residue. These are the CLEAN FIFTEEN:

1. Avocados
2. Sweetcorn
3. Pineapple
4. Cabbage
5. Frozen Sweet Peas
6. Onions
7. Asparagus
8. Mangoes
9. Papaya
10. Kiwi
11. Eggplant
12. Grapefruit
13. Cantaloupe
14. Cauliflower
15. Sweet Potatoes

Therefore, if you don’t wish to go organic completely (or can’t), the above conventional produce will not prove to be as harmful.

reprinted

Some 77,000 chemicals are produced in North America, with 1,000 new ones introduced each year. Over 3,000 chemicals are added to our food supply, and more than 10,000 chemical solvents, emulsifiers and preservatives are used in food processing

Where do all of these chemicals end up? They are absorbed into our groundwater, rivers, lakes and oceans, spewed into our air, and added, quite intentionally, to our food supply.  Estimates show most Americans have somewhere between 400 and 800 chemicals stored in their bodies, typically in fat cells. S

What does that mean for us?

• A study in last year’s British Medical Journal estimated that perhaps 75 percent of most cancers are caused by environmental and lifestyle factors, including exposure to chemicals.
  
• Another report, this one by the Columbia University School of Public Health, estimated that 95 percent of cancer is caused by diet and environmental toxicity.
• Other reports show that external toxins can lead to:
  

• Neurological disorders (depression, attention deficit disorder, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, etc.)
  
• Cancer
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Hormonal imbalances
• Enzyme dysfunction
• Altered metabolism
• Reproductive disorders
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Obesity
• Muscle and vision problems
• Immune system depression
• Allergies/Asthma
• Endocrine disorders
• Chronic viral infections
• Less ability to tolerate/handle stress
  

Let's look at where we can start to eliminate toxins in our bodies:


Let’s look at toxins
1. Food

• Pesticides: EPA says 60% of herbicides, 90% of fungicides and 30% of insecticides are known carcinogenics.  Alarmingly, 50-95% have been detected on U.S. Foods
  • Risks: Cancer, Parkinson’s disease, miscarriage, nerve damage, birth defects, blocking the absorption of food nutrients
  • Major Sources: Commercially raised fruits, vegetables and meats. Also bug sprays

 
2. Water

• PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls):
  • industrial chemical
  • banned in the United States for decades
  • still persistent organic pollutant that’s still present in our environment, mostly drinking water.
  • Risks: Cancer, problems with thymus gland, immune deficiencies, or reproductive or nervous system difficulties, and fetal brain development
  • Other Sources: Also found in farm-raised salmon.

• Chlorine:
  • highly toxic
  • research indicates the incidents of cancer are 44% higher among those using chlorinated water.
  • Increased miscarriage, neural tube defects and reduced fetal growth from women drinking chlorination.
  • Risks: Sore throat, coughing, eye and skin irritation, rapid breathing, narrowing of the bronchi, wheezing, blue accumulation of fluid in the lungs, pain in the lung region, severe eye and skin burns, lung collapse, asthmatype of asthma)
  • Other Sources: Household cleaners, pools & hot tubs, feminine hygiene products

• Fluoride:
  • endocrine disruptor that can affect your bones, brain, thyroid gland, pineal gland and even your blood sugar levels.  No other country does it, and they do not have better teeth.    
    
  • Risks: Thyroid disease, hyperactivity or lethargy, dementia, arthritis, bone cancer, inactivates 62 enzymes, genetic damage, disrupted immune system, infertility, increased tumor and cancer rate.
  • Other Sources: Toothpaste
• Heavy Metals: Metals like arsenic, mercury, lead, aluminum and cadmium, which are prevalent in many areas of our environment, can accumulate in soft tissues of the body.
  • Risks: Cancer, neurological disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, foggy head, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, decreased production of red and white blood cells, abnormal heart rhythm, damage to blood vessels
  • Other Sources: Some fish, vaccines, pesticides, preserved wood, antiperspirant, building materials, dental amalgams, chlorine, etc.

 
Environmental Toxins

• Several (see below) Phthalates, VOCs, Dioxins
• Found in plastics, deodorants, cleaning fluids, cosmatics, air fresheners even tampons!
• Risks – Cancer, reproductive and developmental problems, liver damage, skin issues, fatiche, headaches, memory impairment
  
• Phthalates: These chemicals are used to lengthen the life of fragrances and increase the durability and flexibility of plastics.
  • Risks: Like BPA, these hormone-like chemicals are linked to reproductive and developmental problems
  • Major Sources: Plastic food storage, plastic bottles, lotion, shampoos, fragrances, deodorant, hair spray and cosmetics.
• Volatile Organic Compounds: VOCs are a major contributing factor to ozone, an air pollutant.
  • Risks: Cancer, eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, and memory impairment
  • Major Sources: Deodorants, cleaning fluids, varnishes, cosmetics, dry cleaned clothing, moth repellants, air fresheners, household products, carpets
• Dioxins: Chemical compounds formed as a result of combustion processes such as commercial or municipal waste incineration and from burning fuels (like wood, coal or oil).
  • Risks: Cancer, reproductive and developmental disorders, chloracne (a severe skin disease with acne-like lesions), skin rashes, skin discoloration, excessive body hair, mild liver damage
  • Major Sources: Tampons, drinking water, animal fats: Over 95 percent of exposure comes from eating commercial animal fats.
• Chloroform: This colorless liquid has a pleasant, nonirritating odor and a slightly sweet taste, and is used to make other chemicals. It’s also formed when chlorine is added to water.
  • Risks: Cancer, potential reproductive damage, birth defects, dizziness, fatigue, headache, liver and kidney damage.
  • Major Sources: Air, drinking water and food can contain chloroform.
    

The take home message is Pay attention to what you put in and on your body

• • Eat organic fruits, vegetables, and avoid commercial meats and eggs.
    
  • Drink clean water (avoid tap water.)
  • Use glass containers, avoid plastics to drink out of, store food, etc.
  • Use natural cleaning products
  • Avoid lotions, instead use natural oils
  • Use natural cosmetics
  • Find alternative kinds of deodorant
  • Avoid larger and farmed fish
  • Avoid furniture, bedding, household items that off-gas.
  • Avoid tampons: instead use diva cups/keepers
    • ¼ of pesticides in US used by cotton industry
    • Rayon is major source of dioxin ( risk for Pelvic inflammatory disease, reduced immune function, endometriosis, reduced fertility)
      

What is Bone Broth?
Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones (usually chicken, turkey or beef) for a long time (8-24 hours) in order to extract the most healing properties. 

Bone borth contains:

• Collagen (Collagen is a protein present in all the body's organs and tissues. It provides the matrix that sustains the body's structure. Collagen's main function is to sustain tendons, skin and cartilage. It provides integrity, firmness and elasticity to their structures.
  
• Minerals (Magnesium, Potassium, calcium)
• Proteins 
• Amino Acids
  

Benefits of Bone Broth
 Here are some benefits:

• It fills you up—without adding pounds. Bone broth and bone-broth soups are rich, complex, hearty, and soul-satisfying. It has virtually zero carbs and few calories, so you can indulge even when you’re fasting.
  
• It’s packed with collagen. Collagen helps your body burn fat and form lean muscle mass, shaping your arms, legs, and core.
• It detoxifies your body. The amino acids, glycine and proline, aids your liver in removing toxins from your body. 
• It heals your gut. Helps your digestive system by battling problems like —constipation, diarrhea, and gas. The gelatin and other nutrients in bone broth help to heal the gut, curing digestive problems and facilitate weight loss.
• It supplies you with easy to absorb essential minerals. Including Calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
• It aids digestion. Bone broth is hydrophilic—it attracts and holds liquids, like digestive juices. This is another reason why it helps you digest food more efficiently.
• It heals your joints.  Bone broth gives you a generous supply of glucosamine, chondroitin, and otherglycosaminoglycans (GAGs) that help heal your joints. GAGs also help your body lay down collagen where it’s needed.
• It’s anti-inflammatory.  When you heal that inflammation with nutrients like those concentrated in bone broth—including anti-inflammatory proline, glycine, and arginine—your weight starts to fall off.

Bone Broth RecipesBone broth is easy to make.

Take joint bones (either a free-range, organic whole turkey or chicken, knuckles/tails of beef/pork, or fish heads)
Place in crock pot and fill with water.
Add tablespoon of vinegar to extract minerals.

Simmer bones for eight to 48  hours, adding more water when necessary. If you’re making fish stock, it only takes two or three hours. Add onions, carrots, celery, and any herbs you like. Strain the broth through a double layer of cheesecloth. When your broth cools, it’ll be “jiggly” because it’s packed with healthy gelatin. 

Some people love it.  I tend to like it better when I add a tablespoon of sweet miso soup.  (add a 1/4 cup of stock to the miso, stir until dissovled, than add 3/4 cup of stock.)

Keeps for up to a week in the refrigerator or freeze.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup fresh grated organic ginger root
• 1/2 cup fresh grated organic horseradish root
• 1 medium organic onion, chopped
• 10 cloves of organic garlic, crushed or chopped
• 2 organic jalapeno peppers, chopped
• Zest and juice from 1 organic lemon
• Several sprigs of fresh organic rosemary or 2 tbsp of dried rosemary leaves
• 1 tbsp organic turmeric powder
  
• 1/4 tsp organic cayenne powder
  
• organic apple cider vinegar
• raw local honey to taste
  

Prepare all of your roots, fruits, and herbs and place them in a quart sized jar.  Use a piece of natural parchment paper under the lid to keep the vinegar from touching the metal, or a plastic lid if you have one. Shake well! Store in a dark, cool place for one month and remember to shake daily.

After one month, use cheesecloth to strain out the pulp, pouring the vinegar into a clean jar. Be sure to squeeze as much of the liquid goodness as you can from the pulp while straining. Next, comes the honey! Add 1/4 cup of honey and stir until incorporated. Taste your cider and add another 1/4 cup until you reach the desired sweetness.
These herbs and spices would make a wonderful addition to your Fire Cider creations:

Thyme
Rosehips
Star Anise
Schisandra Berries
Astragalus
Parsley
Burdock
Oregano
Peppercorns
Beet Root Powder
Habanero Powder
Bird's Eye Chili Powder
Whole Chili Peppers

ELDERBERRY SYRUP
 
Mix honey with medicinal agent (tincture, powder, decoction)
Ingredients

• ⅔ cup black elderberries
• 3.5 cups of water
• 2 T fresh or dried ginger root
• 1 tsp. cinnamon powder
• ½ tsp. cloves or clove powder
• 1 cup raw honey (we get from our farmer's market)

Instructions

1. Pour water into medium saucepan and add elderberries, ginger, cinnamon and cloves (do not add honey!)
2. Bring to a boil and then cover and reduce to a simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour until the liquid has reduced by almost half. At that point, remove from heat and let cool enough to be handled. Pour through a strainer into a glass jar or bowl.
3. Discard the elderberries (or compost them!) and let the liquid cool to lukewarm. When it is no longer hot, add 1 cup of honey and stir well.
4. When honey is well mixed into the elderberry mixture, pour the syrup into a pint sized mason jar.
5. Store in the fridge and take daily for its immune boosting properties. Some sources recommend taking only during the week and not on the weekends to boost immunity.
6. Standard dose is ½ tsp. to 1 tsp. for kids and ½ Tbsp. to 1 Tbsp. for adults. If the flu does strike, take the normal dose every 2-3 hours instead of once a day until symptoms disappear.
   

Immune Soup

• 8 cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bulb garlic (at least 10 cloves), minced
• One 1 1⁄2 inch (3 1⁄2 cm) piece of fresh gingerroot grated
• 1 1⁄2 cups salted vegetable soup stock (I use chicken broth)
• 5 pieces sliced dried Astragalus Root
• 2 cups fresh, sliced shiitake mushrooms
• 1 large reishi mushroom
• cayenne powder, if desired

Bring water to boil in large pot.
Heat olive oil, sauté garlic, onions, and ginger until soft and aromatic. Add contents of skillet to water. Add broth, shiitake, astragalus, and reishi. Simmer covered for two hours.
Remove from heat, allow to sit for two more hours.
Remove astragalus and reishi mushrooms. Reheat.
Add salt and pepper to taste, and cayenne powder if desired. (just enough to bring out a light sweat)