Everyone must know the lyrics to at least one good song”

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Babushka, Buddhism, Christianity, Elders, Spirituality, Writing

These days my Babushka insists I treat her with acupuncture because it eases the pain in her legs and she should know. At 93 years of age she has a collection of “battle” scars such as a full knee replacement, arthritis, one blind eye and one semi-working and yet her mind is as stubborn as a mule, like a classic Taurean. *Forgive the cliché* It takes a mind like hers combined with steely faith to survive the World War II of the Soviet Union era.

Heather Pace, Raw Chocolate Dream Book & Mint Moonie Pie!

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Book Review, Dessert, Healthy, Inspiration, Raw Chocolate, Recipe

When I think of raw vegan desserts I think of Heather Pace and her Sweetly Raw blog. Heather is a talented Canadian chef and yoga instructor. Anyone that is a fan of her blog would be familiar with its beautiful, bright, natural inspired recipes plus travel stories and adventures into raw veganism through to paleo way of life. Her journey has been an interesting one! Two years ago she visited Australia and hosted raw dessert classes in Melbourne and Adelaide.

Chocolate is Food for The Soul

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Cacao, Chocolate, Dessert, Health, Mood, Raw Chocolate, Women

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Deep down the world always knew there was something more to chocolate.

*Raw* Chocolate that is… and in moderation, of course…

Some days are made oh-so-much-better when we can enjoy a sweet piece of intense dark chocolate. The days when we need to draw on our deepest energy reserves and we really don’t have much to give.

Lotions ‘n’ Potions inspiration… Apricot & Cinnamon face mask

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Aromatherapy, Beauty, Essential oils, Flowers, Natural, Skin Care

I will often apply a small amount of therapeutic grade lavender essential oil on the temples of stressed or weary clients as a finishing touch to acupuncture treatment. It supports relaxation and a deep meditative state. The local organic store where I normally purchase the lavender ran out so I had to find a substitute. I picked up a bottle and rubbed a little on my temples and felt ‘brighter’.

Detox at The Farm, San Benito… Just like NeverLand

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Beauty, Health, Health spa, Juice Fast, Nature, Never Never Land, Philippines, San Benito, Travel

After Christmas and New Years I needed a detox and a good rest! So I went to The Farm in San Benito in the Philippines. The Farm is a five-star healing retreat and spa that focus’ on detoxification, lifestyle enhancement, holistic therapies and integrative medicine. All Philippine inspired I couldn’t think of a better way to start 2013!

My First Impression?

The first thing I noticed was the tropical nature in and around the resort. Around 100 acres of jungle surrounds these grounds. Right now in this moment I’m sitting on the patio of my villa and there is a gentle rain patter, it’s just past twilight and all I can hear is the dense magical sound of nature all around me. Cicadas, birds, lizards, frogs all singing in a rainforest orchestra and soothing my soul.

Wildlife Conservation & Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand

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Elephant, Ethical Tourism, Hua Hin, Monkey, Nature, Thailand, Volunteer, Wildlife

Thailand is home to some of the most exotic nature and wildlife in the world. From its crystal sea shores to the deep surreal jungles; there are animals and plant life which live exclusively in this tropical environment. This is one of the reasons why it attracts so many travellers and tourists from all over the world. It is also at serious risk and has been for some time now. Even though there are government departments and organisations that serve to protect Thailand’s wildlife, the exploitation or illegal trade of wildlife is out of control. The darker side to South East Asia is its black market.

Thai Sank Yant, Sacred Tattoo & Buddha Magic

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Buddhism, Good Luck, Magic, Protection, Ritual, Rules of Sak Yant, Spirit, Tattoo, Thailand, Tradition, Travel

If you ask the right questions, chances are you’ll find the right answers.

My questions led me to discover Sak Yantra tattoo, the application of sacred geometry by Wicha (magic) practitioners or Buddhist monks, traditionally with sharpened bamboo. The tradition has spread to Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand.

The belief is  the tattoo will bring good luck, protection, prosperity and blessings to the wearer. The telltale designs are of mythical beings, animal spirits, ancient script and geometric designs. These tattoos are often seen on monks and various “believers” and since Angelina Jolie had her famous tattoo done the art is more popular than ever.

Acupuncture at the Buddhist Temple

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Acupuncture, Buddha, Buddhist, Hua Hin, Meditation, Spirits, Temple, Thailand, Travel

Acupuncture at the Temple

Since arriving in Hua Hin I’ve connected with two amazing locals, who have taken me under their wing and have shown me so much during my time here. Jo and Jacqueline live on a small property. They have 9 beautiful horses plus dogs, ducks and chickens. Initially, it was so I could treat three of their horses with acupuncture, which is something I also do (more on that in another post) but I was lucky enough to experience so much more.

Thai Life and Lost Souls

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Beach, Buddhism, Chivasom, Expat, Food, Health spa, Healthy, Hua Hin, Lost Souls, Markets, Raw Chocolate, Thailand, Travel

Sometimes I sit and wonder how exactly I get to the place I’m in. I’m in my room, at my computer, it’s humid and the smell of jasmine incense in the air. I’m trying to gather my thoughts into something tangible…

I am in Thailand in a city called Hua Hin and I’m working at an exclusive international health resort for the next few weeks doing naturopathy consulting with their guests. Everything is a challenge from the long hours, the new people, different food (Hot chilli! and Thai for breakfast, lunch and dinner!) and the weather. The challenge is to bring my healing work to a new and unfamiliar location. It’s interesting to note how much we rely on our surroundings to bring forth our gifts. What really counts is what you bring when you have nothing external to help.

Chivasom gardens

Poetry for the moment, A Prayer by Max Ehrmann

 “A Prayer” by Max Ehrmann

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Let me do my work each day; and if the darkened hours of despair overcome me, may I not forget the strength that comforted me in the desolation of other times.

May I still remember the bright hours that found me walking over the silent hills of my childhood, or dreaming on the margin of a quiet river, when a light glowed within me, and I promised my early God to have courage amid the tempests of the changing years.

Spare me from bitterness and from the sharp passions of unguarded moments. May I not forget that poverty and riches are of the spirit. 

Though the world knows me not, may my thoughts and actions be such as shall keep me friendly with myself.

Lift up my eyes from the earth, and let me not forget the uses of the stars.  Forbid that I should judge others lest I condemn myself. 

Let me not follow the clamor of the world, but walk calmly in my path.

Give me a few friends who will love me for what I am; and keep ever burning before my vagrant steps the kindly light of hope.

And though age and infirmity overtake me, and I come not within sight of the castle of my dreams, teach me still to be thankful for life, and for time’s olden memories that are good and sweet; and may the evening’s twilight find me gentle still.

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Just read.

Love