3 Ways to Keep Warm This Winter

1) Boil Ginger Root to make tea:  some foods are naturally warming, this is one of them.  As long as you don't have blood issues or health challenges that would make this unsafe for you, this is a powerful food to warm the body naturally.  I prefer the actual root to pre made teas as it's a bit stronger.

2) The good ole hot water bottle, YES I have one!  Put that hot water bottle in your bed at night at your feet and feel it warm you toes on up!  Hot water bottles are healthier and safer than heating pads and for those sensitive types, it's best not to do electromagnetics in the bed if you want to sleep well.

3) Breathe deep!  We tend to hold our breath when we are cold which can actually deplete our internal heat.  Breathing deeply and consistently can help keep warm.  And for those open to doing something a little different, in yoga we learn that the right nostril is our warming nostril, breathing in and out of it will increase heat (but best to do this in the morning and/ or during the daytime and not to do this before bed as it can also increase our thinking abilities).

Hope these little tips help you stay warm and cosy this winter!

Blessings!

Jen

Chocolate's Power-Punch

First of all, chocolate isn't always chocolate.  What I mean is, raw chocolate isn't the same as dark chocolate and isn't the same as milk chocolate so before we can talk about 'chocolate' let's define the types.

Chocolate comes from the Theobroma Cacao Tree (also known as the cacao tree).  The word Theobroma actually translates to 'food of the gods'.

The seeds of the cacao tree on their own are intensely bitter (ever had raw cacao seeds misunderstanding they weren't what you thought chocolate was?) and so we ferment them to sweeten them up a bit.

So we ferment them, then we dry and roast them and remove the shell - from this we have the cacao nibs we love so much - deeply intense chocolate - yummmm:)  (I love dark chocolate.)

We then can take the nibs and grind them and make cacao powder which is also termed cocoa mass.  When we add liquid to this - it is called chocolate liquor (no, chocolate liquor doesn't mean we add Vodka as my friend Tim used to insist).

From the chocolate liquor comes cocoa butter and cocoa solids.   Cocoa butter is often misunderstood as cocoa solids + actual butter, that isn't the case.

Now in recent years, we have become increasingly interested in the alkaloids, acids and compounds in chocolate as we have found that when we eat chocolate we often feel happy :)  As my friend's 6 year old Jana says "I want my 'happy choco' now".

The alkaloids in cocoa solids are theobromine and phenethylamine.

Phenethylamine is a neuromodulator or neurotransmitter and has been proven to elevate mood in certain concentrations however since orally it needs to be metabolized, the effects of eating chocolate are usually low.

Theobromine is in the same class of chemical compounds as caffeine and is proven to be useful as a diuretic (it increases urine output - coffee does too!), a vasodilator (it widens the blood vessels) and is a heart stimulant.

This is the compound that is difficult to digest for some animals and dangerous for dogs and cats (more dogs as they tend to eat it more - cats don't have a sweets receptor).  Dogs can get theobromine poisoning from as little as 2 ounces of chocolate.

While the amount in normal chocolate usage is usually safe (except for with some animals and those with sensitivity to the theobromine), today we are so focused on raw that I've had clients come to me with what I would see as cacao poisoning.  I had one client last year eat two packages of nibs while hiking and started vomiting uncontrollably and came to me after the ER visit (where they treated her for food poisoning from the cacao) to help her balance.

The reason I'm telling you this is we need to be conscious about our intake of pure cacao and recognize everyone's system is different.  Natural doesn't always mean safe and since every body is different, be conscious and careful when eating the cocoa nibs or raw seeds.

That said, there are proven health benefits, most of which are linked to the theobromine and phenethylamine levels, such as increased heart and brain activity(1) and the ability to lower cholesterol(2) when eaten in moderation.

I hope you enjoyed this information on chocolate and wish you good health and a happy heart.

Blessings!

Jen

Notes:

1 - http://jn.nutrition.org/content/139/1/120.abstract?sid=8776dd95-b0a2-4299-835f-98ed2561a48c

2 - http://jn.nutrition.org/content/138/4/725.abstract?sid=8776dd95-b0a2-4299-835f-98ed2561a48c

Staying Cool in Summer Heat

A few ideas for staying cool:

- In India, they have found intentionally breathing in and out of the right nostril can create heat in the body and the left cooling.  I've found it works for me.  Just don't do after drinking as it can cause dizziness and if you get dizzy, stop.  (Check with a doctor if you have a heart condition.)

- There is an acupressure point at the base of the thumb on the wrist (the inner side of the wrist).  Placing ice here can have a cooling effect on the entire body.

- In asian medicine yin foods create a cooling effect, examples are watermelon, pineapple, zucchini, egg whites of chicken, water chestnuts, lettuce, cucumber, yogurt (no fake sugars please, they are heating), pears, peppermint, lemon and the list goes on. 

- Also, the way we cook food can change a food from cooling to heating.  Frying food usually creates more heat in the body, so trying to limit the frying of food will benefit if you are trying to stay cool.

And I little trick I like is to put a towel or cushion in the freezer and sit on it outside.  There are acupressure points on the buttocks and sacrum (base of the spine) and I've found it helpful - especially when I lived in Arizona and while they say it's dry heat, 125 degrees was hot regardless ;)

Hope this helps you stay cool! 

Hugs,

Jen

Focus on Positivity

I have decided to start listing some positive messages on my site as I feel in our world we so often focus on negatives and it's just not healthy - especially with all of the amazing things in life!

Positive news stories of today:

New jobs in the economy

Child gives big gift

Paying it Forward

And because as some of my favorite people (and you know who you are!) call me Miss WI

And I came across a positive news website in Pakistan that I thought I'd share.  I love it's tagline -

For a CHANGE, let's talk about The Good News (TGN)!

SEND ME YOUR STORIES!  If you find something positive, email me positive stories - only truly uplifting please and with links so I can post for others to enjoy.

The Gift of Resting

We all get a little tired sometimes.

I wonder, have you ever thought about creating a list of options for what to do to take care of yourself when you need a rest?

So often we are focused on lists of doing.  Grocery stores, taxes, etc.  Rest is a very important part of our lives and I believe, we need to give it more respect.

Start by thinking of what rest means to you.  Is it a cup of coffee on the deck?  A nap at noon?  A massage?

List five things that come to you when you think of resting.

Then think of what decadent resting means for you.

Maybe it's a massage on a Tuesday afternoon (playing a bit of hooky).  Or a piece of chocolate with that coffee?  Or maybe it's spending a day outdoors doing nothing but looking at everything around you.  

List five decadent resting options.

Now lets go deeper, list five decadent options you would NEVER ;-) do.   Those things you fantasize about and then stop yourself.  Maybe it's getting a new expresso machine, or a new convertible, or coloring your hair... something extravagant. 

 

Sometimes, we just need to open a window and let the universe do the magic.

Let's see what these lists motivate you toward!  Let me know how it goes!

Sulfites and Allergies

So many people have sulfite sensitivities and never realized it.  When we think sulfites, we think about wine and certain cheeses but did you know that sulfites are also often in your local salad bar and other beverages?

There was a great article written at the University of Florida that may help you determine if sulfites may be an issue for you:

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy731

Wishing you continued health and healing!

What Is The Motivation?

I spoke with a client today about following her dream. Her dream of creating a new business that is motivated by a true passion not only to offer an amazing, unique and valuable product to the world, but also to create an unusual life. A life inspired by her true heart, her soul's longing. As she tells me her dreams, her eyes tear, her heart opens, her life unfolds.

Then she stops. She tells me she fears stepping into this new space, this unknown, and she would rather cling to her corporate job with her 401k, her imagined securities, and the knowing of where to go everyday. This is her quandry - to live a passionate life, or to choose a complacent one.

I ask her to tell me more about her corporate job where she works as a part of a global tech team supporting computer systems for a Fortune 100 company. She tells me how she can take 1/2 days on Fridays and her face lights up. She tells me how she sneaks out for starbucks with her colleagues on Wednesdays after lunch and again, an ignited spark. Then she talks about her long hours, time away from her son, her knowing that this isn't her life...and I mirror to her that the only time she sparked in our conversation was when she spoke of her ESCAPES.

Why is it so many are motivated by comfortable when passion is what inspires the soul? In 20 years in practice, I can say it is one of the most common dilemma's I find. I can also say without wavering that when an individual chooses passion over money as their inspiration, money flows and passion creates a whole new level of existence.

May you find passion in every day.

Blessings,

Jenifer

Know Your Water

I love this site so I'm posting it as it has links to show what your district shows for water contamination...and what it doesn't. Put in your zip and see what it shows!

http://www.homefacts.com/waterquality.html

Then think about home water filtration...

An Easier Recipe for Sesame Milk

From my September Newsletter (click here)

*********************** I got a little feedback that my overnight recipe for sesame milk took too long and people wanted another option. Well, you know me an options, I LOVE THEM! Ingredient List: 1) 1/2 cup sesame paste/tahini (you can buy this in jars at a health food store, BUY GLASS JARS, the metal ones can in my experience taste metallic) 2) 1 tablespoon water AND 4 cups water 3) 1 tablespoon agave nectar if you choose 4) 1 teaspoon salt if you choose Wisk the tblsn of water into the paste until it starts to get hard to stir. Then add all other ingredient and blend in a blender or food processor. You can make this as thin or as thick as you wish and I use this in recipes now instead of cream and it's delicious! My friend Sarah even makes it on the go! ENJOY

Happy News...FINALLY!

I used to want to create a site for happy news. Instead of all of the horrifying news stories that were blasted at us every day I wanted a site where we could read about how people were kind to each other, what good inventions and ideas were being manifested around the world and how famous people/politicians were also often making GOOD decisions.

I did one day, it took the entire day to find even 5 stories on the web that were valid. It was exhausting.

I asked Spirit and was told it was being taken care of. I let it go and held it in my heart.

I'm so glad others had similiar mindset's. The power of being a part of a global community in this amazing time! HAPPY NEWS! SWEET!

Link One

Link Two

Link Three

What is Going On...A Glimpse to 2012

Hello everyone, wishing the east coast many blessings for what it is enduring this week.

I’m honored to be one of the lightworkers/ shamans/ teachers being asked to assist in leading to the next level. I believe my role is varied depending on the need, and I know that part of my role is to educate/offer information in a way that eliminates fear, encourages heart opening and self-empowerment, and brings us closer together in a world that many times moves toward isolation.

Isolation is a theme I intend to explore as we move forward into a new world vibration, for what we are being called toward is releasing the global isolation. Yes, we have grown as a culture and learned to communicate with and explore other cultures. Yet we still haven’t truly gotten to the point of seeing beyond cultural barriers to explore the truth, we are all humans first (I’m purposely not saying we are all spiritual first as the lessons we are learning right now are very human).

What I mean by this is part of the shift is showing the world that all of us can be affected by the same things and one shift can and will cause shifts in other areas of the world. I get an image of the globe as a moving, pulsing, breathing heart-body. When the breath expands, things move. The waters move like arterial flow, the continents like organs, and when one organ or flow is blocked or shifts, the structure of the earth heart shifts too.

Last year when I spoke of the plates under the earth shifting and expressed my visions where movements were occurring on the east coast that formerly the west coast owned (ie. Earthquakes) and where lower tides were moving upper and the water was escalating in NY (ie. the tsunami and hurricanes) I also explained that this was happening and is happening as our consciousness is moving as well. We saw these events occur this week in sequence, almost as one unimaginable event opened the way for it's sister. We need to learn the lessons from these events rather than only seeing them as random acts or even global warming.

The cause is not the only focus here (ie. global warming), the energetic effect that events like this have on us as a human race has many factors that change the vibrations around us, our thinking as well as our physical existence. Three main ones are:

1 - That none of us can live in isolation - we need each other and to come together when challenging events occur;

2 - That we CAN trust other people to do things for our highest good; endless are those who aid others when they are suffering for no reason, these times remind us of the good of humanity and bring us face to face with people as human as we are (see more on this in a minute as TRUST is a big lesson in 2012);

3 - That we are resilient beings with no limit to what we can accomplish. That challenges can make us stronger and force us to explore new ways of being that may even be better than the old. As an isolated society, we have also become in some respects lazy with our gifts. Too much television, not enough connections with others, unhealthy food and chemically laden surroundings all lower our vibrations creating a world where ingenuity and invention perish and that is NOT going to happen now, the earth will make sure of it.

It's time to respect our lives and ourselves and live fully for as long as we have here. Along with our consciousness releasing fears and gaining spiritual momentum, the earth is feeling the shift and moving too.

This isn’t all scientific, it can’t all be explained away, as our thoughts DO and WILL in mass affect the earth and it’s structures and vice versa. I believe as these changes continue to occur (and I will be offering more information in my newsletters which will start up again regularly in 2012) we will be called on for three things:

1) Flexibility – we have been stagnant too long. We have been living with the belief system that if we get ourselves secure – in a home, job, relationships – we can get to a point of being in control. This is the life our media fed us for lifetimes, it’s NOT reality. There is no point of security to get to. Life is flow and if we don’t start to flow with it, and we keep trying to tighten the reigns to feel secure, we will not only miss the point of spiritual revolution, we will also find ourselves constantly plugging holes in a box that keeps overflowing. We need to recognize, there is nothing to fear of what is in the box, let it overflow, it’s overflowing with love, kindness and opportunity for a life greater than you ever imagined. A life greater than any of us ever imagined.

2) Personal Responsibility – It is time for us to take responsibility for our lives, our thoughts, our actions and what we are choosing in our worlds. There is too much blame – conscious and unconscious – in our world. We blame our governments, our teachers, our loved ones, and those in the car in front of us going too slow while talking on a cell phone. We blame people for making us feel bad, for taking things from us, for forcing us into structures we don’t want. This gets us nowhere, immediately nowhere. We need to think of the box here.

No, I am not saying to scream at the person on the cell phone, I am saying that shifting the internal dialog from “I hate her, crazy lady on a cell phone” to “I call in a world with no cell phones in cars and people consciously driving” is taking personal responsibility of our thoughts in the moment.

3) Seeing Ourselves as a Global Community - Our media does us a great disservice by focusing on the one person doing wrong instead of the billions of people trying to help one another. I can’t count the number of social networks, nonprofits and individuals I know trying to help people through natural disasters, personal traumas, homelessness, physical ailments, etc.

We need to realize the news is fictional in a great respect. It is not the norm that you are seeing on the television, it is the aberrations and through the media’s eyes we have learned to focus as they do, on the one causing harm instead of the millions making a positive difference.

For example, when someone sees someone littering, they often get angry – how dare they. Then their unconscious mind, taught by the media, goes further to create a society of littering people who cause harm.

What if, when you see someone litter, instead of berating them in your head, you choose to pick up the litter yourself and as you put it in the trash can thinking to yourself ‘I call in a world where people don’t litter” and as you do so looking in the trash can at the remnants from the endless other people feeling the same as you. Now you are part of the society that doesn’t litter and this person is like a drop of water in a sea of non-litterers.

Another example is when I see someone try to cut a line. People get so upset at the aberration instead of noticing that the number of people choosing to wait their turn is much longer. In fact, if we were to put 10 billion people in a room, there are very few of them that would ever cause harm intentionally. To get more specific, in the US in 2010 the number of people according to the census was 308,745,538. How many people in the us have caused harm that has made the media in a given year? Let’s say 5 people per week? That is 260 people in a year that are in the media causing harm (and still even some of this is non-intentional). Look at that percentage. We are focusing on less than .000001 percent of the people in the world when we watch the media. THAT IS NOT TRUTH.

The person next to you that is thinking about making it to his daughter’s graduation, the woman having birth hoping she can take care of her child, the doctor up at night researching his patient’s medical condition, the people like me trying to help as many people as possible to be empowering to LIVE with joy and purpose, these are our global community, let’s not forget that. We all have bad days, times that are tough that make us feel angry at the world. We need to start coming together more to remind each other these bad days are just drops in the ocean of life and the flow of the ocean, being held in love by the waters of mother earth and father sky, is the reality of life.

This is not going to always be an easy time to live in, yet is IS one with endless possibilities.

Please, don’t miss it, you wouldn’t be here if you weren’t meant to experience all this life is offering.

Blessings and looking forward to continuing communications.

In Loving Light,

Jenifer Satya Shapiro

Those Darn PVC's

Environmental toxins are creating havoc for many people these days. Our immune systems weren't built to handle all that we throw at them from EMF to toxins in our food to those in our cleaning products. For people who feel sensitivities, one of the most toxic are PVC's.

Read more on these here: http://www.pvcfree.org/

Some quick tips on keeping your house cleaner:

- always buy PVC free shower curtains (they have these at bed bath and beyond as well as major dept stores nowadays). I've seen asthma be both created by and taken away by the removal of these. When a new shower curtain purges PVC's while someone is taking in humid air, it's not a healthy combination.

- air out ALL furniture BEFORE bringing in your home. I actually buy PVC free furniture when possible, or buy secondhand just to avoid this.

- Here is a GREAT free guide (most aren't free) http://www.besafenet.com/pvc/documents/PVC-Guide-1.pdf

Hope that helps!

Jen

Healthy Cosmetics

Healthy Cosmetics

Did you know that the United Nations Environmental Program estimates approximately 60,000+ chemicals are used today in our daily products? Many of these chemicals are in our makeup, hair care products, nail products...and many of them are linked to cancer and other illnesses that we never hear about.

When was the last time a makeup counter had a sign that said - use at your own risk, our lipstick has lead in it?

Many of my clients over the years have asked for ideas on where to find 'healthy cosmetics'. In previous years, I often found myself at a loss for where to send them as even the so called healthy products held toxins that we don't want to have on our faces. In recent years however, we have seen a major revolution in what is available on the market.

What most people don't realize is that the skin is a potent way for chemicals to get into the body. People often view the skin as a barrier, as if putting on toxic makeup will never make it into the body - that is simply not true. People also often think if a brand is labeled organic it is healthy and that is really not true either.

Here is a quote directly from the FDA website that should wake us up to what is happening...
(http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/1998/398_cosm.html)

"The regulatory requirements governing the sale of cosmetics are not as stringent as those that apply to other FDA-regulated products. Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act, cosmetics and their ingredients are not required to undergo approval before they are sold to the public. Generally, FDA regulates these products after they have been released to the marketplace. This means that manufacturers may use any ingredient or raw material, except for color additives and a few prohibited substances, to market a product without a government review or approval."

and another . . .

"Consumers believe that 'if it's on the market, it can't hurt me,'" says Bailey. "And this belief is sometimes wrong."

With so much information out there on what is supposedly 'healthy', I did some research of my own - with the help of some friends like the wonderful teams at Whole Foods in Devon and Kimberton Whole Foods in Kimberton.

The best website that I've seen for determining products that are healthier is the Cosmetics Database called 'Skin Deep' (thanks Lisa at Whole foods in Devon). This database not only rates the top products in each category, it also offers information on what the chemicals are and what they do to the body for you to make informed choices. YEAH!

http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/index.php?nothanks=1

Some sites of companies that create healthier products are:

www.lavera-usa.com
www.aubrey-organics.com
www.iamapeacekeeper.com
www.burtsbees.com
www.drhauschka.com
www.janeiredale.com
www.honeybeegardens.com

And there is even a mini-movie about it at:

http://hazardsthemovie.com/Info.html

A site with a lot of good information on more than skin care.

http://www.ewg.org/

Ok, you have some new tools, now go take care of you!!!

Blessings,

Jenifer

5 Healthy Options for Summer Survival

With summer comes summer heat, summer bugs, summer exercise and summer vacations. Here are 5 summer tips to keep your summer fun and healthy!

1) Drink BEFORE dehydration. It takes longer to rehydrate when your body is already showing signs of dehydration. Dizziness, nausea and even changes in mood can be related to dehydration. Good rule, drink 10 glasses of water per day when it is warm outside and one glass per 30 minutes of exercise indoors, one glass per 20 minutes of exercise outdoors.

2) Flies a problem? Try Eucalyptus and/or Lemon Eucalyptus Oils. One remedy I like is to use 2 cups vinegar and 25 drops of eucalyptus lemon oil put in a bowl. Some also add 2 cups skin so soft (an Avon product). Realize as well that flies like food so keeping things closed when outside will help as well.

3) Safe Sunblocks - Did you know that most sunblocks have harsh chemicals that can cause cancer and other illnesses. From neurotoxins to methylparabens, it;s challenging to know which one's are safe for your skin and your children's skin. To find sunblocks that are safer for you and your family, see the cosmetics database.

4) Healthy Vacations - With digestive disorders and allergies on the rise, foreign travel can leave some running for the bathroom or emergency room.

Some things to think about when traveling to foreign lands:

• Vegetables are often washed in unclean water - rewash them in bottled water or don't eat them if unsure of cleanliness;
• Cooked foods are safer than uncooked foods when traveling;
• Spices are different in other countries, if your stomach is sensitive, stay toward non-spicy foods to save your stomach;
• If you tend to be allergic to strawberries, be careful with any foreign fruits.
• ICE means water frozen, it does not mean bottled water frozen. Stay away from ice if in a place where water is iffy.

5) Best time to exercise outdoors. Keep outdoor exercise to early morning to escape the heat and dehydration. Being healthy never means hurting yourself in the process. While many people like to run at lunch-time at work, that is the hottest time of the day and not a good time to exercise outdoors. Best to exercise in a gym with air-conditioning at that time of day if possible or keep your runs to walking and watch for signs of dehydration (see #1).

Wishing you a happy and healthy summer!!!

Blessings,

Jenifer

PS - more articles on my website: TheEmpowermentCentre.com

Ahhhh this Retrograde, and more...

I keep getting questions on this retrograde:)

YES it's an odd one, just look around and you will see that things seem a little off this month. Not like a 'normal' (if there is one) retrograde but more like the universe turned on it's head a bit? I think we have a lot to learn from the natural turmoil going on and how it's combusting with the man-made. What has been occurring is VERY of this retrograde period. I feel it would be a great thing to go slower this month. Watch more rather than going full force like so many of us try to do. It may seem odd to say but with so much fire in the retrograde, it almost feels emotionally like the hot days of summer for many of us. Like things seem more urgent than they are. Also, things are moving so fast and without cause. For instance, a friend is looking for a new home. She keeps finding one and then gets calls that it's no longer available for the oddest reasons - the landlord decided not to rent or the water pipe burst or they decided to no fix the internet and she needs it for work. This is all happening SO FAST she can't contain it, it feels surreal. That is because it is. This retrograde is just that for many of us, surreal. It's starting to show the first of what I see as many that are coming of these bursts of energy that are breaking the boundaries of what we think is normal. We are seeing it in the earth too, with the series of natural disasters colliding with manmade. But it's beyond this and I think we need to see this - it is the culmination of the energies of the various elements as well - fire, earth, water, and air. Look at what happened in Japan and tell me that isn't more of a message of this connection. How often have we seen all of the elements explode in full force like that at once? Ok, enough ranting for tonight. I'm sure I'll write more within the week as the next two weeks are going to be quite...amusing? Let's all remember to breathe:) Hugs and love, and isn't that what we all really need more of? I'm sure missing my Pennsylvania hugs! Love, Jen

Women's Moon and Magic Teleclass

Check out this new teleclass in April at:

http://womenandthemoon.blogspot.com/2011/03/womens-moon-and-magic-teleclass.html

Radiation Info for Mothers

Hello!

Many people with children under age 10 have emailed me concerned for their children's welfare with the current radiation scares. I am on a global council now addressing homeopathic options for radiation and as such have access to a bit more information than normal that may help. Please know I'm not considering myself an expert so do what is right for you. I believe in offering what I can to educate so I'm going to offer some information here and feel free to pass this on.

First, the three main questions I'm being asked are:

- Radiation in our water/food - I'll address this one in this post, the others over the next few days on my blog.

- Radiation and thyroid/iodine

- Radiation in travel

I want to be clear that I'm focusing on children under the age of ten right now as these are the most susceptible to radiation poisoning as their cells are still growing and their hormones are finding their way as well which makes their thyroid more susceptible. Those with autoimmune challenges should also take additional considerations.

Per radiation in the water/food -

Yes, there have been heightened levels of radiation shown in some of the foods we import from Japan (and definitely locally in Japan). While our government is banning SOME of the items coming from Japan which have CLEARLY high radiation levels (this has been verified by our government), they aren't banning everything and I personally wouldn't let my young child (or anyone really) eat food directly from Japan right now. Also, please note that the food that is imported is then mixed with other foods both in storage and at the store (just look in your produce section for foods from Mexico, Chile, etc.). This being true my recommendation is go local - ie. purchase locally grown - with produce and try to with meats/dairy/eggs. Honestly that is healthier in general and will support our local communities so hey, why not:)

Per water, I have seen a few reports of possible increased radiation in our water supplies yet the reports keep changing the longer the radiation problems occur. I will offer that as I'm in Santa Cruz the water here is still pulling in a strong tide and I can feel the ionic difference here and am doing my qi gong practices even more than usual to ensure clarity in my energy. For those here in California, let's continue to be vigilant and while I can't tell you what to do nor would I wish to, my recommendation would be to limit the amount of time you have young children in the ocean right now as it looks like it will be a few weeks before we get consistent reports per local radiation levels.

My friend Linda offered that I might want to end this post with a recap of some things parents can do:

1) Eat local produce from smaller markets.

2) In California, keep little one's out of the ocean for a while as the reports on radiation levels are finalized.

3) For any children with autoimmune challenges, be extra vigilant both in food/water supplies AND in checking their thyroid activity.

4) I will address this in another post but for now, please do no take iodine randomly to ward off radiation, that is not how it works and can in fact cause major thyroid problems - I'll explain this in detail shortly but didn't want to wait in saying it as I know people are concerned of whether or not to do this AND increasing seaweed in those who don't usually eat it is the same as effect as it's introducing a new element into the body. Also, ironically, seaweed is imported from Japan and it hasn't yet been banned.

I'll address the other two questions on my blog shortly and as we receive more information about this, will do my best to upload new information. Thanks for your patience, doing a little each day:)

Hugs and hope that helps. Thank you all for your questions!

Blessings,

Jen

Jenifer Shapiro and The Empowerment Centre, LLC

(610)213-1010 | www.TheEmpowermentCentre.com

Tonight's Super Moon and Merc Retrograde

I'm writing this post to address two topics I've been asked to discuss - tonights full moon 3/19/11 and the mercury retrograde coming up.

First, yes, we have an unusual moon this evening - just check out the currents in Santa Cruz - crazy waves and not just the aftershocks of the tsunami. This moon is the largest full moon in nearly 20 years so the dramatic visual effect will be awe-inspiring for those who can view it. Per the physical affects, the moon affects water in curious waves and if we think of water as an element that gives a glimpse of our emotions, we may wish to take some deep breaths today:)

We are very connected to the moon cycles and this sort of moon creates a current that we will feel and see affecting those around us. This moon is affecting the earth energy in a very positive way. From what I'm seeing, with all that has occurred across the ocean, this moon is actually in some ways attempting a clearout to do some rebalancing. This may give us a couple of days this week of calmer energy - though with the mercury retrograde period begun, we may not feel this go as deeply as it could. The earth and sun signs are going to feel the positive calm the most with water signs feeling a little off from it actually.

Per Mercury Retrograde starting 3/30/11

For more on Retrograde, view my website and go to astrocurrents, there is an explanation toward the bottom of the page.

This mercury retrograde started pulling energy already even though it hasn't officially begun so if things started feeling haywire the past week and decision making was off, this may have been part of it. While usually merc retros have a strong technology influence, this one seems to have more of a life instance connection than usual. What I mean is, daily events may have some twists and turns including dramatic closures and openings. For example, your favorite coffee shop may close unexpectedly for a month or the house you have been wanting for years may suddenly drop dramatically in price - yes, mercury retrograde CAN create a better situation for many things too. Also, I'm seeing a cognitive aspect for this one so thinking may feel a little hazy, like easy decisions are feeling difficult for no reason or like your intuition and your head aren't connecting.

Too often, people think of mercury retrograde as a challenging time in a negative way. I try to focus on being nonreactive and using laughter as my medium. Then when the unusual events happen I can learn from them and shift my focus without getting caught up in it.

Honestly, this is a GREAT retrograde to practice non-attachment because WITH the inconsistencies there is some amazing energy for creating something new this month and this year so if you chose to watch the challenges as guides for shifting your focus, you may just end up with a new job, a new home or even a new relationship (though honestly, this retrograde isn't pulling much on new relationships but maybe shifting your current one or opening to new avenues to meet people could be useful).

Another thing to notice is this retrograde is in Aries, now that may make a few people cringe but honestly, this energy is all about learning how to use fire instead of burning out. What I mean is when someone does something and you feel your inner fire rise in reaction, take a moment, take a deep breath and ask yourself what you want from the situation, then respond instead of reacting. That is learning to use the fire, instead of being a slave to it. If you don't take personally responsibility this month, this aries retrograde may burn you out a bit so make sure to take care of yourself.

Remember that while the retrograde official period runs the 30th to the 23rd of April, the 10 days prior and the 6-8 days after can also be affected and the start and end will be the strongest times. I would really advise you to get your taxes done sooner rather than later.

Hope that quick update helps and I'll be headed back to Astrocurrents soon. While traveling I've taken a hiatus from my monthly newsletter so keep checking my blog for now:)

Hugs,

Jen

Reducing the Effects of EMF From Cell Phone Usage

I do realize in writing this article many people may respond in various ways, and I’m good with that. I’ve been what I would term electromagnetically sensitive for many years and I don’t consider it a bad thing. As an energy worker and intuitive, I see and feel what happens when I’m on a cell phone and as such, I’ve tried many things to shift the energy. I’ve blown up a few phones doing so – honestly kinda fun though a little expensive – and it’s been so worth it. Ask me how many computer’s I’ve blown up, not quite as funny which is part of why this topic became important to me beyond the healing realm.

In a perfect world, we would find a healthier option than cell phones. I can’t put my blackberry to my head anymore at all - I physically feel the vibration in a very heavy and negative way in my pituitary area and frontal lobe. I always use the speaker on my phone and I’ve tested other phones but the more complex the phones get, the stronger they emit electromagnetic frequencies and so nowadays, it is difficult to find one that I would willingly put to my head. I’m still working on it and will update this article when I do find an option I agree with.

In this article, because I love options (my clients are now smiling as that is probably my favorite phrase) I’m not just going to slam the phone industry because honestly, I truly believe most people don’t feel cell phones are a problem and until they actually experience the effects of it, they aren’t going to change. So instead of ranting, I’m going to offer you 10 things you can do to keep yourself healthy without buying anything external such as phone chips, etc.(I am currently testing some options for people and a couple look promising but I am going to take the time to test them and make sure I am confident in them before mentioning them on my site as I’ve already spent over $600 testing headsets and been very disappointed. I don’t want to refer you to something that doesn’t work). I’m also going to offer some specific things for teens and pregnancy.

1) Use the speaker as much as possible on your cell phone and hold the phone as far away as possible while you have a conversation. I realize this may not be possible for calls in airports or when the call needs to be private but most of the time you are alone or in a car and could use the speaker – use it.

2) Text instead of calling. I’m a big fan of texting instead of calling people for short messages. It keeps the phone away from my head and gets the message through.

3) Use a corded – not cordless – phone at home. Cordless phones emit nearly as much or even more of these EMF fields than cell phones. I realize it’s old school but I don’t think old school is a bad thing…I could go on and on about liking old school but that is probably another discussion altogether ;)

4) NEVER have a cell phone ON in your bedroom during sleep. This one is for teens especially – did you know some teens sleep with their cell phone on under their pillow to get texts at night? Having a cell phone on by your bed while you sleep – or in my opinion, anything electric – my clock is across the room (which also forces me to get up if I need to set an alarm) – will interrupt sleep cycles and can also interrupt menstral cycles so turn it off and keep it away from your head.

5) Get rid of the blue tooth and honestly, most headsets, as they just bring the emf closer to your head. Now this is something I’ve personally tested and I’ve tested a lot of the so-called air-tube headsets too (these were supposedly made to eliminate the EMF problem and in my opinion, the energy becomes stronger due to the fact that these are constructed using a combination of materials that cause a shift.) Truth is, a blue tooth is just as bad as the cell phone and the headsets can be worse so bottom line, stick to the speaker.

6) Try to keep calls on cell phones as short as possible and let the person know you will call them back from a land line shortly.

7) If you are pregnant, REALLY limit and/or just eliminate cell phone use altogether except for emergency situations.

8) Take enough zinc to balance the brain. The amount is whatever you feel is right for you. I take 50mcg of chelated zinc 4-5x per week but that is way too much for some people and too little for others so this is a personal topic to explore .

9) Now I know this may seem odd but studies have shown that weaker signals cause more cell damage. What this means for you is if your signal is weak, your phone has to work harder to connect so it may best to turn it off.

10) Limit use when you are in situations – such as on planes and in conference rooms – where many, many people are on cell phones in close vicinity to you. ESPECIALLY turn yours off on planes. I’m going to get a little unusual for a moment but I tested this several times recently. I had my cell phone off on the plane and when I turned it on when we landed – a few minutes after everyone else did – I felt a definite energy shift and it didn’t feel good. There was a test done years ago that said that charge of all of the cell phones going on at once is a jolt to the system and coupled with the way the plane is constructed, the combined signals are much stronger. I wonder with in-plane internet now as well how it will be for people. Anytime you are in these situations with a lot of cell phones around you, please drink plenty of water, your skin and energy levels will love you for it.

11) And I’m going to give you one extra just because I like you. If you are using your cell phone in your car, crack the window as it will allow the signal to transmit just a bit faster and eliminate the challenge I mention in #10.

Also, remember that just by caring enough about yourself to try to limit the exposure, you are shifting your energy. This article is not about fear, it's about empowerment.

Let me know how you do!!!

Hugs,

Jen

Message of Love and Light

Hello Everyone,

Today was a startling day for many as the combination earthquake/tsunami tore the fabric of Japan and touched the lives of people around the world. Being in Santa Cruz right now, I stood at the cliffs and watched the amazing enormous waves, a reminder of what occurred just this morning. The power of those waves, crashing against the cliffs(which I still hear fiercely flowing now a mile away from my window), at once powerful and beautiful, brought with them the energy of the tragedies that occurred overseas. I closed my eyes and saw the devastation as I listened to the waves and cried for them.

I sat with what I could do in that instant to help and was guided to the following meditation. I offer it to all of you. There are so many ways to offer assistance, hope and love. This is one.

Practice for Healing - NOTE this can be used to send love to anyone.

1 - Sit comfortably with your spine gently erect and your hands on your legs palms up.

2 - Breathe deeply in through your nose and out through your mouth, gently, with long, deep, satisfying breaths.

3 - As you breath, please imagine the breath going in through your nose, building energy in your heart and then releasing any stuck energy on the exhale out the mouth.

4 - Continue this as you feel your heart opening and becoming stronger and brighter at the same time. When it feels completely full, continue and now imagine that fueling the breath is light from above coming in through the seventh chakra (top of the head, center) and joining with the inhale, as if Spirit is fueling and giving you more than enough of neverending love and light.

5 - As you continue now imagine your heart overflowing and sending love and light to those who have been harmed by this event.

6 - Imagine every breath of love and light grows and grows as it travels as if you had the power of hundreds of hearts.

7 - Now imagine thousands of people throughout the world doing the same, sending their love and prayers so the entire region fills with that love and light.

8 - Now imagine people loving you this deeply too sending you the loving light so that it becomes a circle of giving and receiving as it is meant to be.

9 - As you complete the practice, come back to steps 1-3 and continue until you feel ready to complete for the moment.

May you know just how much each of you are loved and may we all remember how blessed we are for the ability to give and receive love, hope and assistance to others.

Feel free to forward this note to those you feel may be helped by it.

Much love,

Jenifer