Thursday 31 January 2013

Kinesiology.....all change......

Attended my appointment for Kinesiology (*see at the bottom for explanation) with a lovely lady by the name of Irene, I was pretty sceptical before I went in for the appointment and decided that as its quite expensive (£40 per half hour session) it would be a one-off to check that I'm not lacking in a specific vitamin or supplement. How wrong can you be?? Irene operates from her home and has a room with a bed and charts all over the wall, all looks very good, prior to going in I had filled in a form detailing my health issues and what supplements and diet fads I had. She asked straight away for my blood group of which I did not know "no problem, she said I can give you that" a small prick on the index finger and we had enough blood to put to the test it showed that I am A positive (this cost an extra £10)  (I did ask my GP and Onc. but they didn't know my blood group, or so they say, of course they know as I've had surgery!!!!!) So now armed with what blood group I am she produced as booklet A4 sized of about 8 sheets of paper listing Highly beneficial, Neutral and Avoid everything is listed under one of these sections, red meat (as I'd always thought) is a complete no no (good job I don't eat the stuff then eh!) Unfortunately there was a lot of stuff I do eat that are in the dreaded Avoid section including cows milk, butter, wheat, certain nuts, seeds, beans, oils (far too many to mention) and surprisingly anything remotely orange including the daily vit c supplement that I take, so it would seem a revised clear out of the larder and supplement shelf is in order. uhhhhhhhhhhh thought I'd bloody covered it all when I went on my year long research bender, flipping hell.

In addition to the blood group diet she also got me to lie on the table where she proceeded to perform a series of moves known as Kinesiology on me I was to resist when she pushed on me this gave her the information she needed to ascertain that both my kidneys and liver were damaged probably due to the toxins in the chemo and apparently the bad supplements I have imposed on myself. Ironically when she tested the part of my body that coincides with the lungs she said "nothing wrong with your lungs good and healthy" this has pleased me no end :0) happy dance.

There was I thinking I was on top of everything when in fact some of the stuff I've been taking has been hindering me or making my poor liver and kidneys function worse! So the upshot is I'm going to have to start again on the supplement and diet content.

Irene prescribed I buy Vitamin B/Complex with added magnesium to my arsenal as well as something called Milk Thistle Tincture and Vitamin C (bought from a reputable store see below links*) and Vit D but again in liquid format. Irene also told me not too buy anything from Holland and Barratt oh dear!!! yep you guessed it thats where I get all my stuff she recommended a couple of brands Viridian and A. Vogel both are excellent organic producers but unfortunately they are expensive. So I've put away all my supplements (not throwing them away yet) and kept out the few she agreed I could continue taking, so my supplements list looks something like this at the moment.

x1 Opti Bac for Immunity
x3 Acai Berrie
x2 Turmeric capsules
x1 B/Complex with Magnesium
x2 Vitamin C (with no orange in it)
x2 20 drops in water of Milk Thistle Tincture
Vitamin D in spray formula

All of this was for me personally and for someone with a A+ blood group, so if anyone is interested in Kinesiology I would suggest that you go on this site http://www.kinesiologyfederation.co.uk to find a qualified practitioner in your area and try and find out your blood group from your doctor if your like me and had surgery they will have your blood group somewhere on file.

Links to verified brands http://www.avogel.co.uk and http://www.viridian-nutrition.com
Blood type diet book writer Dr Peter D Adamo http://www.dadamo.com/ and if your blood type A and have breast cancer then this is worth a read http://naturalhealthtechniques.com/specificdiseasesbreast_cancer_blood_type_a.htm

*The Kinesiology Federation gives the following definition:
'Kinesiology, literally the study of body movement, is a holistic approach to balancing the movement and interaction of a person's energy systems. Gentle assessment of muscle response monitors those areas where blocks and imbalances are impairing physical, emotional or energetic well -being. The same method can identify factors that may be contributing to such imbalances. The body's natural healing responses are stimulated by attention to reflex and acupressure points, and by use of specific body movements and nutritional support. These can lead to increased physical and mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.'

Wednesday 30 January 2013

Sunshine and Yoga....

Surely it must be the first day of spring! Its sunny! first time in ages and it brings an inner warmth to my heart. Talking of heart got a heart scan today so fingers crossed the old ticker is doing ok. Did my fourth week of yoga only 2 more to go and I am loving it, very gentle not too hard and I've started trying to do some at home a little everyday, certainly helps when it comes to the actual lesson and I'm not puffing and panting so much. Trying to get a good walk in at least once a week but if this weather keeps up I will attempt to do half an hour a day of solid fast paced walking. Getting into the chanting this week Ra ma da sa sa say so hung repeated over and Sat Nam over and over it really helps with the breathing and clearing out the mental clutter, very effective and enjoyable. Recommend anyone of any age to Kundalini Yoga, might be going all out on the yoga this week as our tutor is holding a one off special chocolate and yoga exploring chocolate as a super food (which it is) and making some sugar free treats with raw cocoa, after wards doing some yoga I am very tempted especially the healthy chocolate part yum yum xxxx

Thursday 17 January 2013

Healing, healers and energy workers...

Last year I chanced upon a brilliant blog called 'Spiritual Light on Cancer' the lady Fiona that runs the blog is based in england but receives absent healing from a healer called Zoe based in Australia, Zoe can also channel spirits and asks her guides questions to which Fiona posts the responses. I asked a question about healing, physic surgeons etc and Fiona has kindly posted the response here's the link its a fascinating read. http://spiritual-light-on-cancer.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/21-can-energy-healing-help-to-cure.html#comment-form. Here's what I've posted as a response in the comments section.

Hi Fiona, Wanted to say thank you for asking the question and for posting this article it is truly fascinating, I have been going to a healer ever since I was dx with SBC (secondary breast cancer) and feel this has played an important part in my continued stable status, I believe in healing BUT I also believe that we have to do everything we can within our power to survive especially if you have cancer so doing all the conventional treatments like chemo/surgery/rads was always going to be part of my plan in addition to these treatments I also have tried a variety of complementary treatments like acupuncture, reflexology, organic juicing, supplements more recently yoga and I've booked an appointment with a lady that specialises in kinesiology to assess whether or not I need to take any additional supplements or add anything to my diet all of this including my weekly visits to a healer are I believe hugely important to my continued well being and stable status, I am living with breast cancer and doing everything within my power to fight it and survive. Whilst I am receiving the healing I meditate on healing myself and every time I drink one of my fresh green veg juices I feel the cells in my body power up. Thanks again for such a fascinating article and Happy New Year to you. Sending you and your healers/guides lots of love and light sarah xxxx


Friday 11 January 2013

Kundalini Yoga.....Breathe in......Breathe out.......

"Go inside and listen to your inner voice. Every question has an answer. Your soul is full of wisdom and knows the way" Yogi Bhajan (1929 - 2004)

I've started yoga and so far so good, Kundalini Yoga teaches you the art of relaxation and self-healing with mental elevation, it balances the body and mind and enables you to experience clarity. Using Pranayama (breathing) as a means to focus the mind and turn off the internal chatter, Kundalini is not a religion and is practiced for it health benefits by different people of all faiths. This is a gentle form of yoga and I didn't feel that I had overly exerted myself just gently toned and focused my mind. Afterwards I could feel I had done some exercise but was feeling so invigorated that I went out for a walk with my neighbour and her dogs and managed to go the full 5 miles (admittedly with a lot of breaks) but I still just about managed it and again feel amazing and full of vitality.

I've booked up for 5 more sessions of yoga and will keep everyone informed of my progress.

Five Sutras for the Aquarian Age

1. Recognize that the other person is you
2. There is a way through every block
3. When the time is upon you, start and the pressure will be off
4. Understand through compassion or you will misunderstand the times
5. Vibrate the cosmos, the cosmos shall clear the path




Thursday 10 January 2013

How to 'Live in the Moment'....

Living in the moment doesn't mean you shouldn't care about the future, or do reckless, irresponsible things. It means that when you make a choice to do something, you focus on actually doing it, rather than letting your mind dwell on the future (or past).

Living in the moment is all about living like there's no tomorrow. To do this, you must realize beauty in every moment, and in everyday activities. It’s a conscious act that requires participation, not just observation, but the reward is a richer, fuller life. This is your life, now live!


1. Dance like nobody's watching. While you may or may not like dancing, no matter who's not watching, the idea embodied in those 4 words sums the entire experience of living in the moment.
If you care—if you even consider—who's looking, you're performing. Your goal is to dance well, to impress (or at least not disappoint) your audience. To live in the moment, to "dance like nobody's watching," you have to forget about performing for others and simply accept the moment for what it is.

2. Take notice of the world. No matter what you're doing, notice the moments that surround you.
Maybe on your way to work or school, you go over a beautiful bridge, or you get a view of the sunrise behind the city buildings.
When you walk down the street, look at the way the light reflects off the buildings, the tree line, and the birds that manage to nest in random corners and cracks. The simple act of tilting your chin can give you a whole new perspective on the place you live.

Really look at a flower. Okay, so you know it’s pretty. What is pretty? What does it smell like, besides itself? How many petals does it have? Do the leaves spiral up the stem like a staircase or branch out on opposite sides every now and then? Are there any bugs going about their lives on this plant? Do you think they’re even aware of your existence?

Realizing that whether these things are great or small, you are part of that singular moment when all these things come together. When you realize you are a part of every moment that you've lived through, you'll be almost there. When you stop realizing it, and just live it, you will be all the way there.



3. Focus on what your doing. Even if you're just walking, or wiping the counter, or shuffling cards, how does it feel? There's probably some kind of commentary spinning through your mind, and it probably has to do with something other than what you're doing. Let those thoughts go and focus on what is (not what was, or what could be). In Buddhism, this is referred to as mindfulness.
Just breathe. When the moment begins to escape you, as it will certainly try to do, breathe. Take a very deep breath, through your nose, as deep as you can. Listen to the air moving into your body, and feel your lungs swell. Breathe out slowly through your mouth, letting the air escape on its own.

Pay attention to your other senses—touch, sight, smell, sound, and taste. Pretend it's the very last time you'll ever experience whatever you're experiencing. Have you ever been so engrossed in something that it seemed like the rest of the world just disappeared? Living in the moment is about creating that state of mind at any time, slow down and try to savor the present.

Listen to the world. The birds, the sounds of one car passing, the conversations of distant strangers, the cracks and creaks of the building as it heats and cools, the planes overhead, the footsteps of passers-by. The moment is all around you.


4. Smile when you wake up. You can set the tone of appreciation and awareness for the next 24 hours by simply waking up and smiling. Don't wake up with a groan and a smash of your alarm clock. There's scientific proof that the expressions that you make with your face can actually influence how you feel. In particular, true happiness is most closely tied to a Duchenne smile which involves smiling with your eyes, as well as your mouth.
Visualise all the good things that are going to happen to you today. Got a presentation to give? Imagine the laughs you’ll get for your jokes and the ovation you’ll receive at the end. Got a busy day of cleaning? Imagine how good it’ll feel to sit down with a delicious tea and admire your cozy living space when it’s all done.

5. Commit random, spontaneous acts of kindness. Whether it's donating 1 dollar to a fund at the pharmacy, picking up litter, or helping victims of natural disasters, keep alert in every moment of your day for some way in which you can make the world a better place. Even the smallest thing, like complimenting someone can bring joy. It's the most spontaneous and unexpected acts of kindness that produce the greatest impact, and you can't be sensitive to those kinds of opportunities unless you're living in the moment.
Have an old or sick neighbor who doesn’t get many visitors? Stop by with some cookies, a pot of coffee, or a jug of lemonade. If it’s someone who won’t let you leave once they’ve got your attention, dig in and enjoy their stories. People are a lot more interesting than you think.

6Minimise activities that dull your awareness of the moment. What are you doing that tempts your mind to run away from the present? For most people, watching television puts you in a passive state of mind, and time slips right by. Daydreaming and getting lost in a good movie or book isn't bad, but it's not living in the moment because it places your concentration on something that isn't right here, right now; it's a form of escapism. Don't zone out; zone in. Do things that are active, and that encourage you to look around and engage the world in that moment. Gardening, playing a game, knitting and playing an instrument are all activities that lend themselves to mindfulness. So get off the computer after reading this article!
Choose at least one day a week to turn off your cell phone, your computer, your radio, your TV, and whatever other gadgets you use to distract yourself. Spend that day riding your bike to a café, gardening, having a friend over for tea, drawing something you see out the window, or exploring a new area of your town or city.

Narrow down your absolute favorite shows, write them into your schedule, and only turn on the TV at those times. Like to nod off to late-night television? Try herbal tea instead. Channel-surf when you’re bored? Get a hobby. Watch game-shows during dinner? Cook yourself something special and savor every bite of it
.

7. Be thankful and grateful for what is. When you find yourself wishing for something you don't have, or wishing your life would be different, start your quest for your wish by being thankful for what is already in your life. This will bring you back to the present moment. Make a list of what you are thankful for right now, even if all you can think of is that you are alive and can breathe. You don't want to miss the gifts right in front of you, because you are always looking beyond what is in the present moment to what once was or what might be. If you are thankful for what is, you'll be happy to be in the moment – instead of dreaming about being happy someplace else.


and finally remember this.....

Children don't worry about the future; they play and enjoy every moment for what it is. They haven't yet learned too think ahead, or mull over the past, so take the opportunity to learn from them.

Forgive. Many of us carry grudges with us that haunt us, and those grudges also prevent us from opening our hearts to others because we're scared of getting hurt again.

Watch your breath, by noticing your breathing pattern your mind naturally quiets and pays more attention to the present moment.

Listen to music and enjoy it. Express yourself by dancing to it or singing along.

Participate in active conversation and engage in the subject matter with another human.

Think about how happy your good deed could make someone!

Sunday 6 January 2013

Shocking truth.....

Something to make your hair curl!!!!! Is it any wonder Cancer is on the increase. Shocking link about really nasty stuff found in processed food http://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/5-shocking-things-eat-day-090000451.html. Another resolution to add to my list is NO MORE PROCESSED FOOD.

Turning a corner.....Happy New Year.....

Ok its a bit belated but the New Year passed somewhat quietly on my own as my partner went over to be with his brothers for the evening and I was ill on the sofa with yet another migraine yipeee!! Any way the good news is I've just received a letter from the hospital telling me that my CT and Bone scans looked normal, what they mean is everything looks exactly as it was over a year ago, so a huge sigh of relief and now planning yes you heard me planning for the year.

There's quite a lot I need to achieve this year and I'm going to have to do it without any stress, here's a list of what's GOT to happen.

1. Move house, further up the line to Somerset to be nearer my family and friends, Devon is beautiful BUT its sort of tainted since all of this breast cancer crap and we haven't had an awful lot of luck living here, like I said totally stunning place but no jobs, hardly any friends (we've lived here for 8 years and hardly know anyone!), the locals aren't that friendly and we have problems with our rented flat, water coming in through the lounge and bedroom we have informed the landlords but they quite simply are not interested, the building needs a lot of money spent on it to bring it up to scratch and they just don't want to do it, also at xmas they gave us a box of biscuits and a xmas card with one hand and in the other a letter informing of a rent increase, which is pretty crap considering they haven't spent any money on the place and its freezing. Enough of the whinge about the flat and onwards and upwards.
So a definite move is on the cards.

2. Due to the anticipated move I am trying to streamline my possessions, so for the past few days I've been going through my stuff and putting stuff into boxes for car boot or charity shop, or just plain throwing stuff away that I've been holding onto and haven't looked at in years and years, cutting out the clutter is very very cleansing literally! So in the spirit of letting go......goodbye my piles old letters dating back to 1996!!! goodbye all the little bits of paper that I think I know I'll make a collage with that and then never do.... ta da and good riddance.

3. Dieting, well not so much dieting, but cutting out all the sugary chocolate treats and cakes that I've indulged in over the xmas period, no more crap! Just good ole healthy organic fresh food and juice. I have managed to keep up with the juicing now in nearly 2 years and regularly take my supplements, all I need to do now is too loose some of the treatment indued weight I've put on and try and regain a waist! Been watching the hairy dieters and I'm loving their food so will try out some of their recipes.

4. Get creative! It sounds simple especially as I am an artist BUT I have been struggling with this one ever since I was dx and think my lack of self confidence is probably the real culprit as too why my creative mojo has gone walk about! At the end of the month I am aiming to have some art works on the go and be ready to give an art lesson to the lady that does spiritual healing for me this might be the necessary kick up the bum I need to get myself going again.

5. TOTALLY GIVE UP ALL PROCESSED FOODS. (see next post)

So Happy New Year to you all, sending all love and light and as always 'Live in the Moment' and be happy xxxxx