‘The Death of Joshua’

Posted on November 20, 2012 by Candia Sanders

Interesting how we view death. We fear it and emblazon deathly images on religious symbols  praying to the gods to keep us safe.  We put it out-of-mind and run like hell in the other direction. And yet it is something everyone must face.

I remember the opposite place; birth. When I was pregnant with my first son, waiting for dilation, I looked at everyone in the room thinking, “You were born,” “Oh, and you were born too.” ” Someone delivered you.”  It helped relieve some of the worry knowing women have been delivering babies since time immortal. Birth gives us the natural balance for death, keeping hope alive within us, for good things to begin. 

Yet, world over, death is an underlying force. Men use it as a fear factor, keeping people enslaved. Millions have literally died at the hands of despots and dictators who rule by the iron fist and torture. It’s insane really. If we were to move beyond the fear, they would no longer have the power to control. We could change the planet if we start to see through a new lens.

I work with people and animals. I learn as much from our animal brethren as I do from people. Joshua is a 16 year old cat who has lived his life on the east coast. He has been known as an angel-cat, due in part to his multiple lives he has lived through; he has weathered the storm of many health challenges others wouldn’t have survived. Joshua through the years has given countless blessings of animal affection to people and pets who have needed nurturing, love and support. Joshua though, is on his last legs. His systems are finally tired, worn out and weathered and are slowly shutting down.

His earth mom has been torn between letting him live out the rest of his days to resorting to the humane process of euthanasia. I fortunately have been part of the process. Joshua has shown me over and over again he wants to be in-charge. He wants to allow the process to take coarse naturally. Now this is not true for all animals, however for Joshua this is hugely important. His life force has slowly been ebbing, his will to live along with it, however, he has remained, calm, active and alert and totally immersed in the process. Joshua has loved the special attention to detail his mom has given him, has enjoyed the special devotion and love he’s received. He has not been in pain or discomfort, though from our limited view it could be perceived as such as his legs give way and he can’t make his way out of the litter-box. Much to the contrary, he is happy. He is proud he is able to do what he can. He is thrilled to be loved so deeply. He spends greater and greater time outside his body, already playing and connecting, merging really, with the greater animal/cat collective, yet he is still bound to his body. This is all done with grace, love, devotion and happiness.

We as humans can learn so much from this process. It is a reminder of how we can shift our beliefs, our fears and our regard for the demise of the physical form. Animals do this transition with dignity without fear of the process. They know intrinsically they are taken care of. If fear arises it comes from the human perspective, our projections of our angst, anxieties and our trepidation of things we cannot see. The unknown. Yet if everyone were hypnotized our memories would be activated and the unfolding remembered. Fear could dissolve.

Joshua is slowly leaving us. He’ll be out of his body soon. I send him love and healing light for the gifts he has shown us as well for the new dance he’ll soon participate within.

Cosmic sunshine to you.

National Health Blog Post Month!

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‘The Map of Resolution: How to Move out of Fear and Frustration’

Posted on November 19, 2012 by Candia Sanders

National Health Blog Post Month!I committed to November’s National Health Month blog, thirty blogs in thirty days, however at the time I didn’t foresee the dismantling of my computer which has been out of commission since last Thursday. I’m now in the process of creating, uploading, reprogramming, adding, deleting on a completely new hard drive.  I’ve done my best at staying up on the blogs however over the weekend it just wasn’t possible.

The computer challenge,  I feel is similar to the healing process. Some days you are on the map, truly feeling better, there’s hope and light visible. You commit going the extra mile, changing routines, adding vitamins, eliminating foods, rethinking old habits, cleaning out clutter, walking in nature, only to slide back into pain and discomfort, frustration and unhappiness. The commitment to the final destination is there, deeply seated, however life has other plans and you end up on a side road for awhile. I know this feeling all too well; it was a constant companion for far too long. What happens then is the lingering undertone of positivity lined with doubt, the ‘Okay, but what’s next?’ feeling. Sucks, but it’s true. We begin to doubt we’ll ever rise above the fear, our nose above the waves.

This is where we are tested sometimes beyond what we think we can endure. (I feel that frustration with my computer (wink, wink) – remember having a sense of humor is what will light the path home). We have to pull ourselves up by the bootstraps, dig deeply within our reservoirs of self love, forgiveness and appreciation and keep on moving. If it helps to pull out the map to show the path back to center, then do so. That map can be a multiple of sources – Spirit, family, friends, doctors, ministers, your pets, music, nature, organic foods, vitamins, homeopathy, flower and gem essences and sometimes even wine. It helps us relax and unwind discovering the humor we’ve kept so tightly buried.

Resolve is also a keen part in moving back to center, the center of ourselves, the core of health and vitality, to the ‘us’ we came here to be. This is truly the healing path of self discovery. We have to stay resolved to the process, committed to going the extra mile, to listen to our inner voices that cry NO! or Yes! when necessary.

Resolve also helps displace the fear. When we are focused on a target, our thoughts directed firmly on the end goal, fear has little space to take root. Fear amplifies the negative response in our bodies, destruction of healthy systems the outcome. Work daily  keeping resolve at the forefront of your thinking. As you retire in the evening you truly will feel the difference in how your mind and body relax.

I had to finally say ‘yes’ to letting go of my old computer and saying yes to the long process of being totally organized on a new one. Not my favorite thing. The journey is too complicated, frustrating and out of my league of knowledge. Rather like the journey into wholeness again. We have to learn new ideas, thoughts, and processes to enable a new paradigm to take hold. It is a learning curve for sure, however it does hold rewards at the end. Just remember to keep the map in your pocket, a (flash) light (the vision) in your hand and a smile on your lips.

Cosmic sunshine to you!

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‘Walking on Sunshine’

Posted on November 16, 2012 by Candia Sanders

Living in the NW, sunshine and blue sky are sometimes a rare commodity especially in the long months of December through July first. Sometimes it could be late September through July. I’m not kidding you know. It really is wet for way too long. It is no rare coincidence the highest suicide rates are in Seattle where gray skies prevail. One of my favorite authors Tom Robbins, a Seattle-ite himself, years ago wrote in ‘Still Life with Woodpecker,’ one of the best solutions to solving the challenges with heavy rain, umbrellas, raincoats, and blackberry brambles. Blackberries grow rampant taking over roadsides, hill and dale, and many people’s backyards. They are also fabulous to  eat. Tom suggested (and yes I feel as if he’s a good friend having read many of his hilarious and outrageous tales) Seattle-ites would be best served by building trelisses across the skyscrapers and allowing the blackberry brambles to grow and spread, creating a canopy over the city. These wonderful rain protective barriers would then provide enough fruit for the city to eat every delectable blackberry delight possible. No more umbrellas, no more raincoats. No more bad attitudes. What a thought!

Fortunately I’m not one to go down-the-rabbit-hole of despondency with the gray weather, however I do supplement my diet with high doses of vitamin D, and up it even more on those really dark dreary days. Taking 10,000 ml of D is not unreasonable during the winter months. It can make a remarkable difference in your overall well being.

Sunshine for me has always been vital, uplifting and nothing to take for granted. Because of these feelings, when the sun is out, I take advantage of the beauty and warmth, heading outdoors for a walk or bike ride. I feel it’s a wonderful gift to cherish and embrace.  Ironically too, on a completely different note, people from all over the world, and I mean that literally, have given me the moniker of ‘sunshine’ in their messages, salutations and greetings. Somewhere, somehow, my appreciation must shine through for others to take notice, so guess there’s no big surprise my favorite colors are orange and bright yellow – yes the colors of sunshine.

At one juncture I even took the time to find songs with words wrapped around blue skies, sunny days and feeling happy. I have many on my iphone to play when necessary, changing my attitude about the dark and dismal atmosphere. It really does help singing as loudly as possible (without seeming like a total wack-job,) to clear out the overwhelming shadows lurking in the corners. I highly recommend it.

I thought I would share one of my favorite happy songs from the 80’s. May you enjoy ‘walking on sunshine’ along with me.

Cosmic sunshine to you. National Health Blog Post Month!

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‘The ‘Art of Recovery’ as an Adventure’

Posted on November 16, 2012 by Candia Sanders

I know it is more than challenging to view illness, injury or depression as an adventure. I know because I lived it. However it was when I changed my perspective, viewed my life from a higher vantage point, I worked my way out of the physical imbalances, emotional headaches and into the vibrant me I had remembered. The only difference was, I was wiser, richer in information with a new awareness and empathy for the multitudes who suffer from chronic pain, illness and heartache.

A decade of physical recovery, therapy and alternative medicines, I know all too well the path. I was raising a two and four year old at the time of the accident so my ‘adventure package’ was all the more complicated. My journey was filled with many steps, multiple side roads and a few too many waterfalls, however I began to view it from the perspective of a wild adventure, a trip filled with steep learning curves, new recipes and curious travelers.The outcome began to change. Light was finally visible through the dense foliage of recovery.

I learned many tools, tricks and remedies on my recovery adventure. To this day, I continue to learn and expand my healing bag, filling it with incredible information, magical potions and stories to fill volumes. I share them with others to help them re-examine their world, the daily routine, to see what can alter and change for a brighter outcome. I will gladly offer this short happy visualization, extending my hand to yours, to assist you on your way. I am your best cheerleader, cheering you ever onward to a happier, healthier you.

National Health Blog Post Month!

“Imagine a path before you, the stepping stones clear and bright. These rocks have carvings on them, healing symbols to amplify the positive, guiding  energy of each stone, the destination clearly etched in each granite face. As you place your feet firmly on each step, your vision clears, your head held high. The wood around you is thick; limbs reaching down around you, softly touch your skin.  The verdant scents are rich and vibrant, circling up to reach your nostrils,  the sweet smell filling your head with aliveness.  Captivating music emanates through the forest as the wind dances with the alders , the gentle movement casting colored leaves across your vision. Light filters through the branches as you walk on your special life-time trail, the sunlight bright and visible at the edge of the copse. Your gaze focuses ahead on the open expanse of vast green verdant pastures and vivid valleys of vibrancy seen through the last branches of the forest. Your steps move you through the last vestige of firs and birch and into the blue sunlight of heaven. The warmth radiates snugly over your skin filling your body and senses with a deep renewal of vitality and wellness. Dancing in the heady scented  flowers and tall grasses feels glorious and refreshing. You feel alive and happy to view such a spectacular vision before you. The world is vast, sparkling with possibility. It is yours to participate within, yours to explore. Be well.’

Cosmic sunshine to you.

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‘Life as a Reality Show’

Posted on November 15, 2012 by Candia Sanders

I feel I’m really easy-going, down-to- earth and extremely even-keeled. Sounds rather boring and uneventful. My husband might disagree. He would acknowledge all those aforementioned attributes, however he would add a very important element. To quote him, “Do YOU have ANY idea how DIFFICULT it is to live with a psychic?

This is our own ‘reality‘ adventure. I feel it’s normal to just know things, see pictures and movies, scripts from afar and hear words and stories rich in detail. People call me daily to shift bones, realign the meridians, energize their organs. My husband on the other hand, though very emotionally intuitive, doesn’t always see the world from this happy view. He feels extremely frustrated sometimes if I know ahead what he is feeling or projecting. This in its own way is a reality show most people don’t live with, though ironically I feel most people are sensitive and intuitive. It’s just not activated.

The millions of individuals who tune in to watch someone else succeed or fail, win or lose, on reality TV is epic. On some level I feel it is because we are seeking something outside ourselves, watching contestants take honors, hopefully  reflecting that same undivided attention to winning within ourselves. The same can be said about failing. The dark hidden corridor within many people is,  watching disappointment, humiliation and defeat makes them feel better about their life. It makes their world seem all the safer, easier and truly ‘not-so-bad’.

My invitation is to take all the positive attributes, successes and hard work mirrored in your favorite reality stars and focus the same razor-edged attention to something truly important in your life. From your health, to a special relationship in need of repair, to that new project, hone in on dedication to practice, determination to learn what is necessary and the discipline to reach the destination.

And if you are in need of something fun to ruminate on, consider looking at your own life as a ‘reality’ show. Who are the characters, the plot, the set? It’s a fun exercise to view your life through an entirely new lens.

Cosmic sunshine to you. National Health Blog Post Month!

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Spices, Herbs, Chocolate = Sensual and Healing Delights

Posted on November 13, 2012 by Candia Sanders

Language is the archives of history. -Ralph Waldo Emerson, writer and philosopher (1803-1882)

I have always been a voracious reader. I love the written word or just words in general. They have this magical way of creating pictures in my mind when I hear and read them. It’s this wonderful mind-interplay, like tasting richly intoxicating and sensual foods,  literally changing my brain’s chemistry as I indulge in the beauty of the word or dessert. Words have the ability to teach, touch, create and motivate as well as cut, destroy, and maim.

I have many favorite stories which have taught me history, insight, information and emotional depth. To me, if the story is lyrical, using atypical words  to enhance the sentences, the author captures my attention. One of my  most favorite in this genre is The Mistress of Spices by Chitra Divakaruni. Front Cover This magical love story is told through the eyes of the ancient spice mistress who shares  the mystical and healthful healing benefits of spices with her unsuspecting customers .  Each chapter specifies a distinct herb or spice combined with ancient remedies used for centuries. Each spice and herb benefits, uplifts and heals the people who partake in its bounty.

It is reminiscent of Chocolate by Joanne Harris, in the mystical and intuitive approach to the hidden properties within our daily food sources .Front Cover

I would highly recommend either book, as both will take you on romantic tales of alluring possibilities. Both women are masterful story tellers whose prose is deep, descriptive and elegant. Both include the side line of emotional healing that comes from having our senses completed with outstanding explosions of taste. In addition, discovering more closely the fine and deeper meaning of the spices and herbs we have used for centuries makes The Mistress a wonderful take-away story for any season.

If you know someone who is home ill or in need of something delightful as well as intelligently meaningful, I would invite you to share these stories. Discovering how our health can benefit by merely adding more spice into our lives and done through an interactive and fun tale, is a great way to learn.

I invite you to invest in some new spice in your life, in all areas, in all ways. You’ll be oh! the happier when you do. It moves you out of dullness and into active interaction. And good health. What a lovely and sensual bonus.

Cosmic sunshine to you.National Health Blog Post Month!

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‘Polarization is Just Pure Absurdity’

Posted on November 13, 2012 by Candia Sanders

The United States is polarized. Fifty percent of the population thinks one way and the other believes a completely different story. It’s ridiculous really, as both ends never meet, never even consider having a conversation in the middle. Instead it is far too easy to name call, bully and throw stones.

This is a huge issue, to the point of absurdity, that as a nation, we can’t come to middle ground for the best of all. We are united under one flag, one Constitution, the same laws, the defining borders. However you’d never know this over the past year through the election process. In addition the regular media outlets antagonize and popularize the notion of polarization  even more.

To understand this further, we have to ask ourselves where we are polarized within our own psyches, where we are divided in our beliefs, in our relationships, in our careers. Through self examination, the light and understanding of who you are will be illuminated. Only then will we truly have the chance to be united as a nation. We have to be united within our own souls first and foremost, subsequently evolving outward to family and friends.

Next time you disagree with someone, truly ask them why they feel the way they do. Walk in their shoes, see from their eyes. Then ask them to do the same for you. Perhaps with a balanced approach, both can meet in the middle, shake hands and be open to negotiation, compromise and friendship.

We literally need to change this ridiculous approach to politics and social economics.  We all need to shift. Please take one step to the middle and see what develops. An entirely new world of friendships might suddenly appear.

Cosmic sunshine to you.National Health Blog Post Month!

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‘Detach From Angst: Learn to Refocus Priorities’

Posted on November 11, 2012 by Candia Sanders

I love hiking. It truly is one of my most favorite things to do. Even here in the NW where it’s gray and wet a good portion of the year, getting out into the woods,  is not only  inspiring and invigorating, it’s calming to the soul.

Lackamas Lake, WA.

Lackamas Lake, WA.

I have found when I do activities that speak to me, create enthusiasm, I just plain-ass feel better. It’s truly that simple. Hiking, skiing, and biking, are my favorite lifetime sports. I just have to carve the time to make them happen. Life can get in the way. The calendar fills with superfluous and inconsequential activities that don’t nurture my inner self. I know, as one of my worst offenders is media barrage and thinking I need to address this issue, that cause, or catching the latest political escapade. In reality the best thing for my ‘wholeness’ is to detach, release and do what makes my heart feel full.

Silver Creek Falls, Silverton, Oregon

Silver Creek Falls, Oregon

I know the key is to identify the worst culprits. I am taking time to unsubscribe to various news publications, instead choosing to focus reading about places and spaces I’d like to hike, bike or ski. I already feel better, just thinking about it. My brain-waves just relaxed, my shoulders released and a deep breath filled my lungs.

So try it. Focus on what you love rather on things that cause stress, angst and concern. Do something nurturing, fulfilling and fun for yourself, if not daily at least weekly. Your body will be glad you do.

Lewis River Trail, Washington

One of my favorite hikes, the Lewis River Trail, Skamania County, Washington

Cosmic sunshine to you.

National Health Blog Post Month!

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‘We All Need a Daily Laugh’

Posted on November 11, 2012 by Candia Sanders

A husband had just finished reading a new book entitled, ‘You Can Be the Man of Your House.’

Finding new courage that he never knew he had, he stormed into the kitchen and announced to his wife, “From now on, you need to know that I am the man of this house and my word is the ‘Law.’ You will prepare me a gourmet meal tonight, bring it to me, and when I am done eating my meal, you will clear the dishes and serve me a scrumptious dessert. After dinner, you are going to go upstairs with me and we will make love the way I want! Afterwards, you are going to draw me a bath so I can relax. You will put on soothing music, wash my back and towel me dry and bring me my robe. You will massage my feet and hands to relieve any last bit of tension so that I can sleep like a baby. Then tomorrow, guess who’s going to dress me and comb my hair?”

The wife replied, “The funeral director would be my first guess, unless I have you cremated.”

Laughter can change how  we feel,  literally altering our brain chemistry, moving our entire system(s) into a more complete and happily working engineering feat of excellence. Seek out funny things, humor, jokes, anything that will bring a smile and even better, giggles, chortles, snickers and laughter. Something so simple can literally shift how you view the world. Make the effort, create your own stand-up routine with the humorous and crazy things in your life. Remember real life is much more hilarious than contrived stories; you just can’t make some of this stuff up.

Cosmic sunshine to you.National Health Blog Post Month!

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‘The Perfect Care Package: The 10 Must Haves’

Posted on November 9, 2012 by Candia Sanders

My mantra, ‘simplicity is the key’, the less-is-more concept, works on every level in positive ways. All too often we clutter our lives with too much ‘filler’, too many activities, too many ‘to-do’s’, too much stuff. This also applies to creating the perfect ‘care package’ for our loved ones. It’s really about discovering the unique pieces to fill the package that counts.

In today’s world, packaging is everything. A box is no longer a box, it has to have colors and images, ribbons and style.  In my world, the best container is one you use, the one you pour love into that matters. That’s first.  The rest starts filling up rather easily.

1. Written words from your heart, speaking of life, love, the ability to see above the clouds. View life from a new perspective written within lines of a story. Words to take the person away into a new vision of what is possible.

2. A bottle of magic. A bottle of golden glitter wrapped in magical potions of loving support to sprinkle daily anywhere and everywhere.

3. Photos of being together, times remembered and things shared. Moving into the memories restores confidence, bringing smiles and laughter to the heart, changing body chemistry.

4. Sprigs of rosemary and lavender wrapped with ribbon to heighten sensitivity and alertness at the same time calming the body. The natural divine scents send healing messages to the brain. Essential oils will also do the same and are most lasting, just not as visual.

5 A rock. Any rock actually, as long as it feels good in the hand. This rock is their rock of support. Those that are usually the ‘rock’ for everyone else seldom have their own. Now they do. A rock to hold, to download messages, to cry to, when they need to have a strong rock in their lives.

6. A CD of music compiled of the favorite songs sung between you, ones filled with imagery, story and love.

7. An old letter, postcard or card you’ve kept, a treasured gift, to remind them of the love you hold in your heart. Sharing something they gave you will remind them the bond between you is thick, strong and oh! so dear. Sharing the story together brings laughter.

8. Laughter; fill the container with laughter. Line the package with Calvin and Hobbs comics or Peanuts or whatever is delightfully cute, funny and smart. Laughter changes everything in one’s heart.

9. A favorite story or novel from times’ past. Rereading an old favorite tale brings to mind the feelings associated from that period in one’s life once again changing attitudes and beliefs about the possible future.

10. A date on the calendar. Brightly color, adding sparkle, marking a date on a calendar, a definitive hour, day or week set aside to share quality time together.

These loving ingredients will add value and binding glue to the special bond and connection you have with the person you are sharing the package. In addition the healing qualities impregnated within each of the valued items brings joy, determination and focus for your loved one. It will change and enhance their healing journey back to wellness.

Sending love and light to all those in need.

Cosmic sunshine to you.National Health Blog Post Month!

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