As spring carries us into the promise of summer here in California, we reflect and reconsider the ways in which we care for our higher selves. 

 

What is it that most optimally feeds our bodies and souls? What practices truly nourish us in our daily lives? How can we increase our vitality for life, thus making ourselves a stronger source of inspiration for others? The answers these and similar questions lie in the magic of self care.

 

There are so many ways in which we can give ourselves the little extras in life, and the commitment to self care can bring an entirely new appreciation for so many aspects of what you bring to yourself and others. Meditation itself is an incredible way to give yourself some sacred space, a chance to relax, and an opportunity to tap into what is true for you and your higher self. 

 

As healers and light-workers it is important for us to maintain our own sources of energy amidst our clients and loved ones. As we begin to help others we become increasingly aware of how crucial it can be to replenish our own energetic reserves.

 

What self care means for you is unique and can be an eloquent recipe of what makes you feel happy and good, and practices that cause you to grow and challenge yourself. Some people need to relax and calm down with meditation and or massage, while others may need to rev up with exercise or a healthier diet. Whatever your unique needs are, there are always more ways to love and appreciate yourself the way you truly deserve. 

 

It is always a good time to commit to a self care routine- you are worth it! Give yourself time to reflect on what this means for you, and then do it. Give yourself the love, attention and appreciation you envision wanting from your divine partner. Romance yourself, and choose bliss.

 

Once we fully and truly care for ourselves on all levels we can be a light for others, a role model of how to offer unconditional love to ourselves- a lesson in self-worth and the power of well-being.

Growing into your future with health and grace and beauty doesn't have to take all your time. It rather requires a dedication to caring for yourself as if you were rare and precious, which you are...

  ~ Victoria Moran  

 

Committing to a juice cleanse is such a powerful self-care path. All cleansing diets should be approached thoughtfully, with careful planning and preparation. With clear and conscious intention, a juice cleanse can be an incredible reset for your health, well-being, and spiritual awareness.  

 

A co-worker and I recently decided it was time for this type of reset for both of us. We are both in our 40s and having some health issues. We are both very interested in how food affects our experience and what a powerful physical and energetic component food is in our lives. How we feel physically, our energy level, our mood, our ability to find depth and intimacy, and to be present in the moment, are all so affected by what we put into our bodies.  

 

We made the decision to do a cleanse together. We also chose to take our cleanse a step further, and integrate chakra cleansing into our process. Here is what we did:

 

We started on the New Moon, by setting our intention and making a plan. Mid way through the waxing phase, we started eliminating foods, drinking lots of water, adding fresh juice to our diet, and eating lots of fresh raw fruits and veggies.

 

In the last week, leading up to the full moon, we started our juice cleanse. We drank fresh juice 3-4 times a day (about 3 quarts total) for 7 days, focusing on a chakra each day. We started each morning by building altars for each chakra and did chakra specific meditations, supported and joined by our other co-workers.  

 

For our juices, we used fruits and vegetables that corresponded to the color associated with each chakra, as well as ones that nourished the parts of the body that chakra energizes. We also included mineral rich vegetable broth to our diet, and herbal teas, corresponding to each chakra as well.

 

This was a really incredible self-care experience. During past juice cleanses, I have found it much more difficult to maintain a clear focus throughout, but when adding in the spiritual components, many more layers were revealed, and a much deeper awareness of cleansing occurred on all levels, physical, emotional, and spiritual. We have both ended up having what I would call a life changing reset experience, and have initiated some powerful ongoing healing for ourselves.

This type of cleansing is not for everyone. Just adding more fresh raw fruits and veggies, juices, fresh water and physical exercise can go a long way. But if you are called to juice cleanse, I hope you are inspired by us sharing our process with you.   

This was a really incredible self-care experience. During past juice cleanses, I have found it much more difficult to maintain a clear focus throughout, but when adding in the spiritual components, many more layers were revealed, and a much deeper awareness of cleansing occurred on all levels, physical, emotional, and spiritual. We have both ended up having what I would call a life changing reset experience, and have initiated some powerful ongoing healing for ourselves.

Life is beautiful, even in the midst of our daily routine. But have you ever noticed how different your energy feels after you have returned from a good, relaxing vacation?    I am getting ready to embark on a grand adventure to Scandinavia, and I am brimming with excitement contemplating the mystery.

I am a mother of four, and there were many times in my life when I was unable to take extra time for myself. There have been many stages of my adulthood when I simply did not have the time, the resources or the support to make my dream of traveling a reality. There was always a small part of my subconscious whispering to me, "Remember your dreams, it's not too late....there's more to see." It didn't matter where I might be going. I only wanted to experience something new and amazing that would change my entire perspective on what was really going on in the world.

 

I knew from a short trip to China over a decade ago that I thrive in new experiences and cultural immersion. I knew that I loved learning about other cultures; the people, the cooking, the dances, the music and the spirituality. I love to learn about the world around me with my own eyes and ears, letting my own brain determine how to assimilate differences and similarities. In order to do this, I must experience the world for myself. Through this process, my heart and mind can become more open and free, and I can embrace a bigger picture perspective on life. 

 

What grand adventures does your spirit long to experience? What supports you in getting out of your comfort zone, spreading your wings and engaging more deeply and meaningfully with life? Do you long to write a book? Go back to school? Learn to play a musical instrument? Or, like me, do you want to step out of the bounds of your daily life and go and meet the world with your heart full of anticipation and passion for new experiences? Whatever adventure calls to you, I hope that you find the courage and freedom to answer that call. 

Nestled in the heartland of Cuenca, Ecador a magical little escape awaits those to whom it calls. Those who have experienced the magic of Gaia Sagrada are raving about the healing experience of this beautiful retreat. A sacred quest for the spiritual adventurer, Gaia Sagrada boasts a dynamic landscape, elaborate gardens and luxurious jacuzzi tubs to soak the days away. Why not give your soul the gift of a lifetime? One of the most appealing opportunities available for transformation and deeply spiritual self care.

Check out the Gaia Sagrada website at : GaiaSagrada.com