When I first began my journey to wellness my goal was physically rooted.  I was unhappy with the weight that I had gotten to and I wanted to reclaim my life and return to a more comfortable size.  What I didn’t know was that once I had reached my goal I would realize that the path I had taken lead to a spiritual journey. 

It is hard to put into words but now that I have reached my goals I have come to understand my very being on a completely different level.  Today my view on life has changed drastically from what it was prior to really understanding what It was that my body was lacking.  I have finally realized that it was the quality of the food that I was lacking and I was much like most Americans over fed and under nourished, my body was not satisfied with the Standard American Diet and no matter how much processed food I consumed there was something missing.  After researching holistic nutrition and enrolling in the Institute of Integrative Nutrition I learned that my body was in fact not getting the nourishment that it needed.  My body was craving whole foods such as organic fruits, vegetables, hormone free/antibiotic free lean chicken, grass fed beef, nuts and seeds and whole grains and plenty of fresh water, high quality green tea, fresh juices and morning smoothies with kale berries and added supplements. 

I have a daily routine that I stick to on the week days and I allow some lenience during the weekend because everyone needs a reward to look forward to after a hard week of structure and routines. Each day I take three daily walks, allow moderate amount of healthy sun exposure and fresh air to breath.  Connecting to nature during my daily walks has really benefited my moods and helps me to feel that I have found my place on this earth.  There is so much to be thankful for and so much beauty in nature, I am not sure how I could have forgotten the awesome magnificence that the earth has provided for us.  Without the trees, flowers, plants, soil, water supply, sun and bees we would not be here today. 

No matter what your religious choice most religions believe in a higher power outside of man and it is something that we need to have gratitude for each and every day, for we are only alive in our physical bodies for a limited amount of time and each day is precious and needs to be acknowledged.  One of my favorite quotes from Buddha is, “Each day we are reborn.  What we do today is what matters most.”  So true, each day we have the choice and opportunity to make a difference in our own evolution.  You can choose to participate in positive behaviors or you can choose to neglect your body.  We are the creators of our reality and it is us who chooses our fate and where our life will go.  Have patience and you can reverse almost any condition, it takes time and dedication but we can all choose what life path we would like to take.  Take a chance, dare to dream of where your life can go and you can reach your ultimate goals. 

Lemon-Garlic Hummus with Toasted Pita Chips - Dr. Weil's Healthy Kitchen

Lemon-Garlic Hummus with Toasted Pita Chips - Dr. Weil's Healthy Kitchen

Why Our Ancestors Had It Right By Going Barefoot

Why Our Ancestors Had It Right By Going Barefoot

By David Gelfand

 

While shoes have offered a sense of convenience to our everyday lives, they've also removed us from our direct connection to mother nature. The earth's surface is like a natural power source, keeping us nurtured and thriving. Nearly every part of our existence today is insulated, synthetic and removed from the earth's natural healing touch.

Only in recent years have we begun to realize the detrimental impact of this disconnect. As a result, an effort has been placed to re-establish a barefoot lifestyle much like our ancestors, as organically as possible.

Research indicates that maintaining a direct connection between your feet and Earth's surface, may be beneficial to your health. When you're barefoot, your body is able to absorb Earth's limitless supply of free electrons. These electrons serve the function of antioxidants by stabilizing rampant, unhealthy free radicals in your body. As a result, you help decrease your body's chances of growing inflammation, degenerative diseases and other health ailments. Moreover, you feel good.

This age-old concept is becoming more commonly known as Earthing and has found its way into our nation's spas, resorts and even doctors' offices.

Although our efforts may be delayed, many cultures and societies have always upheld the barefoot lifestyle to a high regard. They appreciated and interacted with the earth, recognizing its necessary presence in our lives.

The Chinese for instance, place emphasis on Qi — the essence of all natural, living things. Earth Qi are those patterns of energy and Earth's magnetic fields (i.e. all humans, plants and animals have their own field of Qi). When humans or any other living animal is barefoot, it is capable of absorbing Earth Qi.

It's not surprising that most mind and body exercises (i.e. yoga and tai chi) are done barefoot, to establish this sort of connection. The central focus involves "growing a root." Doing so allows for the opening of a pathway between the earth and the body by way of the feet.

It would seem today that we have found ourselves seeking to regain that connection to Earth's surface. Far too often, our only memories of going barefoot and being in a healthy, direct connection with nature, is during our years of childhood.

But our connection to the earth doesn't need to be a distant thought from childhood or isolated incidents on the beach. So before the winter months creep their head around the corner, treat yourself with a reconnection to the earth's surface. Your body and your health will thank you.