Excerpts from the Enlightened Path of Health... An Intentional Journey

WE’VE GOT PILLS FOR EVERYTHING

   Many of man’s inventions are not serving us well when it comes to nutrition.  People today are suffering from such unnatural conditions as heart disease, cancer, and stroke -- they are considered a normal part of the aging process because they’re so common.  But these maladies are not natural in the least.  We’ve been conditioned to seek a physician for even the slightest ailment.  We take antacid tablets, and pills for headaches, and those monster antibiotics.  It is what’s considered normal… but is it?  We hold doctors accountable for “fixing” us.  But we are nearing the end of this period.  Western medicine has already begun to move in a more Easterly direction.  Soon, treatment will be holistic, personalized, and largely preventative. 

HEATING DESTROYS NUTRIENTS

     The heating process destroys vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.  Enzymes are essential for proper digestion.  Heated foods, especially when combined with oils, are particularly hard for the body to process.  These altered compounds create havoc, and the body must work to remove them quickly from the bloodstream.  In addition, the process of cooking tends to deaden the flavor.  What we’re left with is hot, mushy, or burnt food, which requires sauces and seasonings to revive it.  Eating cooked food leads to cravings for salty, starchy, or sugary foods.  Adopting a natural diet will help to end this pattern.

FROM ACIDIC TO ALKALINE

UNDER THE WEATHER

     As we discussed earlier, colds and flu are signs that the body is detoxifying.  As your diet improves, energy levels increase which initiates a “house” cleaning.  Taking medication may make you feel better but it interferes with this process.  Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, weakness, irritability, coughing, rashes and fever.  Refrain from eating at this time.  The best thing you can do for yourself is rest.  Turn off the tv and computer, and drink pure water to flush the system.  When you can, take a walk or hot bath to help release toxins.  Spend some time in the sun if possible.  It may sound like a lot, but get at least ten hours of sleep.  If you must eat, have some vegetable broth or a glass of fresh juice.  Avoid sugar, dairy, wheat, and fried foods.  You should begin to feel better in a few days. 

   Bless your beautiful body and pay attention to its signals.  We are accustomed to silencing it which hinders its efforts to cleanse and heal.  Remember that stress creates toxins too.  Old resentments may need to be cleared out.  Spend a few moments in quiet reflection and think of the people in your life, forgiving each of them.  Don’t forget to include yourself!  I like this applicable quote: “It’s not what you know, it’s what you let go of that sets you free.”

WILD CONNECTION

     A few years ago, I was walking with my dog and heard a loud squawking noise.  I came to the end of the block and found the culprit.  It was a handsome-looking crow who was pretty upset about something.  He was just walking around in circles under a tree.  I approached him, crouched down, and asked what happened.  Why was he so vocal?  Suddenly, the crow flew onto my shoulder.  I was stunned and so excited to have this magnificent creature so close... a bit too close with that sharp beak!  I kept my face forward and tried not to smile too big as I stood up and wondered what to do.  A bewildered neighbor watched me as I began walking down the street with the crow on my shoulder.  I wanted to get a good look at him, so I turned my head slowly and looked into his beautiful, steel-blue eyes.  He promptly squawked at me, of course!  His feathers were so shiny and smooth.

   At that point, it became clear to me what had happened.  This was a young adult bird.  For the first time in his life, he had to fend for himself and was sulking about it.  In that moment, he was not fully aware of who he was or how he should act, and so we connected.  I wanted those few short minutes to last, but I knew I had to let him go... I didn't want the crow to lose his wildness.  It was difficult to get him to fly off, but he finally did.  Though I was hoping my friend would return to visit, I never saw the crow again.

THE LOTUS FLOWER

   The cover and title of this book have such importance for me.  I asked my Angels for help and they gave me the lotus flower.  Cultures throughout the world have embraced this sacred lily, sensing its power and deep spiritual meaning.  It is the symbol for purity, strength, and wisdom.  It rises up through murky water, unscathed and flawlessly beautiful.  The lotus flower represents our struggle to rise above the perfect chaos of human existence... to arrive at that blissful place where there is but one truth... unconditional love.

   The enlightened path means our understanding has expanded.  We're elevated to a higher vibration.  The outer layers of illusion are falling away to reveal the innocence and perfection which are inherently ours.  The word intentional is powerful.  Intent is the giver of life... the seed of creation.  It's that vital something that makes real our dreams... that transforms thought into form.  As I look upon this lotus flower, I see my own unfolding.  I have a deep sense of gratitude for this precious life, the exquisite dream.

   I make these festive spring rolls with the help of a mandoline slicer, a simple device which makes thin strips essential for this recipe.  Run the zucchini lengthwise against the blade to make the outside wrap.  (One zucchini makes 8-10.) Then slice spears of jicama and bell pepper... 2 or 3 spears for each spring roll.  Adding a sprig of dill, 3 sprouts, and a piece of lettuce, place ingredients at one end of the zucchini wrap and roll to the opposite end.  Secure with a toothpick and serve with sauce.

Sauce: Combine raw tahini sesame butter with fresh lemon juice and Nama Shoyu: Mix 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and almost 2 tablespoons of tahini with 2 teaspoons of Nama Shoyu.  This will be enough sauce for 8-10 zucchini spring rolls.

Apple Ginger Fruit Salad

   This next recipe is a favorite... my fruit salad.  It has a wonderful complement of flavors.  Cut 2 or 3 apples into thin slices and then dice them into little triangles.  Using a knife edge, shave some fresh ginger.  Then add in 3 tablespoons of grated beet. Using a 2 inch section, cut thin strips of cabbage and toss them in also. Mince half teaspoon of mint.  Gently mix all ingredients together.  (For a variation of this fruit salad, add pineapple and chopped dates.)

Dressing: I think you’ll like this light, refreshing alternative to what most people are used to.  Just squeeze an orange over the top, add cinnamon, and some fresh or dried basil… and it’s ready to serve.  Makes 4 to 5 servings.  

I appreciate this testimonial:

I finished your book and I want to thank you for stepping out and writing this lovely melody to raw food and our dear animal friends. I have come so far since we met and your book describes my journey in similar fashion.  Now I can pass your book on to people who want to know what this journey provides in our ascension to great health. Congratulations !        Michael A.

... and this one from Angelica del Mar, author of Messages From Your Animal Companion:

  “This beautiful and heart-felt book is a helpful companion as one makes their way on their own personal journey of health and healing.  Denise has a truly approachable and comforting style that honors the individual reader’s timing and process.  She understands that self-discovery and awareness are the keys to long-term health and happiness.  The wholesome and imaginative recipes provide sustenance for body, mind and soul.”

From a living foods workshop attendee...

Thank you so much!  Very informative and fun -- love the informal atmosphere.  Everything was delicious and I can't wait to try it at home.