“Trust Your Instincts: Being Smartly Skeptical is Reasonable”

Posted on May 29, 2012 by Candia Sanders

Am I the only one who is a bit cynical or skeptical? I know sometimes I can be a bit too practical, however I have found it to be worthwhile. I don’t end up doing stupid things or get taken down the rabbit hole.  The reason I bring this up is I am reading a “channeled” book. Overall I like what the author is saying, however, and there’s the big word “however,” there are ideas which don’t ring true for me.  I think that’s the key – actually with everything – if they ring true or not with yourself. For the author it’s magic, for me, not so much.

I believe one hundred percent, everyone is entitled to believe exactly what feels right for them; period. If a ‘right of right’ Christian feels he is hundred percent right – he is; for him. It is also true for a Muslim, an atheist, an activist, a Hari Krishna etc. If it works for them – it does. I am not in any position to say otherwise. Again back to the ‘key’ concept: if the philosophy, pattern, ideas, and/or perspective fit well into your belief patterns, it works and is true for you, at least for the moment, listen to that resonance.

Hopefully throughout your life, your beliefs continually evolve and shift. I remember I used to have difficulty really understanding how we  move off the reincarnational rotation, but have discovered in my perceptions, how this is possible. I have also come to believe we are more ‘group’ consciousness compared to ‘individual’ consciousness on the other side, which is exceptionally difficult to perceive and legitimately understand yet alone accept as an very independent individual, yet I perceive it to be more true than we can see from our limited vision. But, this rings right in there with the big ‘however‘, if that doesn’t feel right for you – it isn’t.

This all started when I read this idea,”What are prayers for the dead, but the offering of energy to them that will allow them to ‘move’higher – they themselves being relatively helpless to change what they are, once they leave a body.” (Frank DeMarco) Okay, I admit this, but this doesn’t ring true for me. I’m sailing far too often in the other realms and this is NOT what it looks or feels like to me. Now I can be flat dead wrong on my perceptions as to what really IS, however, my concept of universal truths from a larger viewpoint is about expansion not stagnation. This statement to me, removes that possibility.

I had a client tell me she had gone to see a psychic (you will understand why I use the word intuitive now (wink/wink) who had told her she needed to light black candles on a regular basis to ward off the evil entities lurking and wanting to steal her energy. The only one who could really help her, and for a lot of money I might add, was this particular psychic who could come eradicate them from her vicinity. Okay, okay, I believe we have some ‘not-so-happy’ energies out there, we have negative attachments, entities, and implants, I get it, however, I don’t believe in lighting black candles (unless you want a sultry sexual encounter with your partner 😉 ) and I don’t believe I am or she is the only one to do this for this woman. My client has to decide for herself what works best for her; again it’s belief and perception. Being smartly skeptical gives you the ability to maneuver through the tough terrain, dodge unnecessary obstacles, avoid unhealthy behaviors, attitudes and scams, and come out the victor.

There are many paths to the top of the mountain……….

More than anything my intention is to remind you to f0llow your heart, trust  your instincts and listen to what is internally and eternally right for you. Period. When someone offers you information, even if it is ‘channeled’ or spiritually offered, listen to your inner voice to see if it really is truth for you. Remember, they are seeing it through their filters, their lens.

I believe in the Milky Way spanning 120,000 light years. I believe we live in an unfathomable universe with infinite amount of probabilities and levels of existence. I believe we as humans are finally being able to glimpse, and I did say, glimpse, a piece of the greater reality we’ve been unable to imagine. And I do believe we’re going to sail right through December 21st this year like a seasoned traveler.

And may your ‘May Challenge’ be going well, your health improving and your relationships expanding.

Cosmic sunshine to you.

Photo by Ben Canales

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“The Guilty Pleasure of Relaxation”

Posted on May 21, 2012 by Candia Sanders

“Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are.” Chinese Proverb.

My son and his girlfriend home were home this past weekend; it was wonderful. He was so happy to be home, hang out, do nothing but sit around in his flannels, talk, eat and watch goofy TV series. And I joined him. Wow. Not easy for me to not be doing ‘something’ -something worthwhile. Watching TV especially in the afternoon is blasphemous at least to me. I come from a family where the motto is “Idle hands are the work of the devil.” My great grandmother’s favorite quote.

However, we had a great time, baking,  catching up, laughing and enjoying an episode of our favorite series. Yes I have to admit my guilty and I mean Guilty pleasure is a good series (but not in the afternoon or when there is still light outside, even if it is raining.) I had to be totally mindful of allowing the guilt of ‘not-doing’ wash over, not linger, instead choosing to be in the moment. Logically I knew I was spending time with my son, however, it is still deeply woven into my fabric to ‘do’. Programming is not easy to override but I’m working on it.

When I read that quote this morning it was if the universe had validated my lazy behavior by saying it was/is Okay to let down, let go and not have to be ‘doing’ something every moment.

I utilized my time relaxing and observed from the cosmic perspective, intuiting the magic being presented. The mystical philosophy was quite clear. The series  is SG-1, StarGate 1. The four main characters each represent an ‘aspect’, a personality strength which strongly supports and adds to the whole. Each one is necessary for the integrity and solidarity of the group. One represents the ‘moral compass’; the right brain learning of history, lore and magic, while presenting a ‘heart-felt’ vision of the imminent outcome. The second, a woman, represents the left brained, scientifically educated strength of knowledge, combined with female emotional responses. Thirdly we have the simple minded, straight-forward, cynically humorous commander who has the keen intuitive insight to foresee danger and false behaviors. Lastly is the alien (who hasn’t felt like one at some time in your life?) who is the bulk and brawn for safety and security. A wonderful mix of personalities, behaviors and quirkiness. Each one has a positive and a negative, a light and shadow to their personality.

The sharp-penned authors were brilliant in creating and depicting how vitally imperative it is to recognize each person’s strengths and value.  It is a metaphor and healthy reminder to not discount yourself. Even if you don’t have the strength of your neighbor or friends, you provide another vital piece to the puzzle. Each and every one of us contributes something to the whole which is necessary for the completeness to be fulfilled. Remember to never discount what it is you do and are; you are as important as every cell in our bodies. (I see the cells in our bodies representing the souls who inhabit the earth, each contributing to the rich vitality of whole-ness, each necessary for vibrancy.) As the members of the Stargate team understood, they needed each other for the ultimate goals and connections to be made, each person imperative to the operation.

To achieve vibrancy you need to remember your validness, your place on the map, your ‘worth’, your connection with All That Is. Additionally, allowing yourself to relax, be in the flow, give your brain a rest, aligns you with your greatest potential.

May you find the time for relaxing, even if you find it to be a guilty pleasure. It is still worthwhile, valid and positively impacting. I even find myself dreaming of Stargates and ancient cultures taking me to new places beyond the horizon. May you also be moved beyond the horizon of your dreams.

Cosmic sunshine to you.

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“May Challenge: Speaking Your Truth”

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Candia Sanders

It’s the middle of the month – and it’s gorgeous. Really feels like the beginnings of summer though I’m not holding my breath. It could be taken away so quickly and another storm rush in and dump rain or even snow. Just over a week ago we had fresh snow delivered on the surrounding hills. In the meantime, I take nothing for granted and am in total gratitude for the beautiful weather.

How’s the “May Challenge” fairing for you? Upped any of your walks or work-outs? Pushed towards a new level of vitality? Managed stress any better or worked through emotional challenges? The more you strive for balance in every area the better you will feel.

I believe one of biggest issues creating imbalance is the lack of honesty. I mean total honesty. We’re so worried we’ll be rejected and shunned we forget to express how we truly feel. Or we avoid it or both. I can cite example after example of not being totally honest with ourselves to the point where we aren’t honest with those we love. Even after 35 years of marriage, I have heard individuals say, “I can’t possibly tell him how I truly feel.” My question is ‘Why not?” “Because he might not love me anymore, or he might leave,” was the reply.( Fear, it always comes back to fear.) In reality would that really happen if we approached it through a new lens for positive change?   I made a giant commitment to myself after my divorce. I would speak my truth, no matter how difficult the situation or feelings. I know I can be perceived as being blunt, however the difference in the outcome has been tremendous. It hasn’t been easy, especially with an over-RE-ACTive husband, however I have zero, and I mean Zero, resentment. (Resentment ensues and piles up impacting our nervous system and stomach meridian when we allow other’s power over what is important to us – our truth.) What a difference and I “feel” so much better all around.

When we speak about what  is bothering us with love and appreciation in our hearts for this particular situation to arise so we can heal the perspective challenge it has the ability to transform us and take us to a higher level of awareness. This is one of the best stress relievers there is; speaking (y)our truth. “Yes I’d love to do something tonight.” “No thank you, I would prefer to stay home.” “Yes I love you, however I’m not overly fond of this behavior.” “No I am not comfortable with that.” “I apologize, my work load is full and I can’t get to this today, however perhaps tomorrow will be easier.”  etc etc… This is just as applicable for children speaking to their parents as it is the other way around or between lovers or other relationships. Taking it a step further, wouldn’t it be fantastic if Nations were to speak boldly, honestly and with appreciation for each other? Our world would drastically change for the better however it has to begin with individuals for things to change radically in the bigger dynamic.

The best part of speaking your truth  is it improves your health, especially the heart and heart meridian. It opens the love frequency, dispelling the hurt and anger moving it to forgiveness. You can only truly forgive someone else if you are willing to look at your part in the situation, see through their eyes, and comprehend the situation from a higher view. When this takes place, the healing in your cells is truly remarkable. (I had to forgive myself through my divorce  and see where I was just as negligible in the demise to be able to forgive my former husband.)

This moves us back to the May challenge of vitality and vibrancy. Speaking our truth moves us one step closer the the level of strength, stamina, and aliveness we all seek. Allowing truth to come in and sweep our bodies (emotional, mental, physical and sexual) with love and forgiveness changes everything. The key is to not be afraid. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain; most importantly our self esteem and even bigger, our connection with Source. 

Yesterday I saw the coolest thing; five rocks of various sizes balanced on a floating piece of driftwood. It was created by the moving waters of spring snow melt. It was very Zen-like and reminded me of the magic around us. I spoke my truth to the water, the rocks, the heavens in gratitude for the message.

Mantra for May: speak your truth with love.

Cosmic sunshine to you.

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“The Art of Practical Wisdom”

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Candia Sanders

The killer moon on May 5 was visible through my front windshield of my Suburu, rising over the central Oregon high desert plateau. The bold iridescent yellows flickered moonlight across the meadows and grasslands as we drove on back roads  to our destination. Totally mesmerized with the overwhelming lunar magic, I was immersed in the moment. Unfortunately that wasn’t the case for the State Police who drove lights flashing, with high intensity behind me; I knew I was totally screwed.

I was speeding of course. All my life I have had a heavy foot. I know this, have had my share of tickets over the years so am willing to face the music. Don’t always like the lyrics, however I take responsibility for my actions. As the policeman was walking to my window, my husband asked if I could wiggle my way out of this one as I had done in the past. In light of the speed I was driving, 80mph, I didn’t think so. I had seen the car lights come out of nowhere and pull up on the rise behind me. I knew before the lights swirled the ‘reds and blues,’ it was a cop. I have great intuitive cop radar however the moon took me off my game.

When he introduced himself as a State Police, I thought okay, I’m definitely sunk now. I offered him my driver’s license and asked if he needed registration and insurance. He replied no.  The officer asked if I knew why I’d been stopped? Are  you kidding me? Yes, I was going 80 mph, though when I saw the car, I slowed down to 68-70. Big whooping deal – I know.  But yes, I knew why I’d been stopped. I laughed and said yes I know. I also explained we were totally engrossed in the moon. We were looking for a location to photograph it, hadn’t found a turn-off as of yet (till now of course) – but forgot to tell him this in light of the full-moon-maniacal-magic and thought of a high priced ticket.Driving at or below 55 miles per hour saves you money

Now for the bigger visual. My car was completely loaded. Our 100lb dog was in the back, the middle seat was full of bags, an ice chest, presents for my mother and a large flower/shrub. Our Lynx Point cat was running all over the car now, being stopped. We were quite the sight.

He left to call in my information to see if I was a known drug smuggler, a thief, a terrorist or known credit card hacker.  He came back, told me to please keep the window up as he didn’t want to be responsible for my cat. He then (God bless this man!!) told me I had a choice. Don’t  you love it? A choice. What do I teach daily? Choices of course. My choice was to get a ticket for over $200 or listen to his lecture; well, let me think?  Lecture of course.

The officer was quite the gentleman and explained about the impact of roaming cattle in the area, the deer crossing where many had been hit by trucks and cars, the impact of speeding etc. He told me ‘honesty and attitude’ was what changed his mind about giving me a ticket. I had told him I was speeding and didn’t deny it and was ready to except my just rewards.

As the recipient of the lecture and well as the intuitive observer, the bigger piece in this was the Practical Wisdom displayed by this man. He could see I was telling the truth. My car was full of family and gifts. He used his practical wisdom to realize and know I was not drunk from Cinco de Mayo, was not posing problems for others and I wasn’t a criminal. He chose the high road to teach me a lesson rather than a hard line which would have only pissed me off.  I was so impressed by this officer’s innate intelligence and perspicacity, not only was I relieved not to be relinquishing $200 plus to the state, I put my cruise control on at 60 mph the rest of the way. (Of course I was still the rebel as the limit is 55 mph.)

The point is we need more people in the world basing their decisions on being practical and wise, using their head coupled with their hearts for clear, decisive and practical wisdom. The more you incorporate this into your own life, using the information presented to you in combination with experience, guidance and intuition, the stronger your own true inner wisdom will be.

I honor this State Policeman for doing his job with great dignity and seeing the world from a higher vision. He truly looks at life through the lens of making the world a better place. He has integrated the concept of practical wisdom into his perspective as well as his actions. It’s most impressive in a time when so much casuistry takes place.

I invite you to utilize  your own practical wisdom and compliment others who implement it in their lives. We can change the world through extended functional, pragmatic, rational, and sound insight and discernment. Make this a new operative mantra.

Sorry, I never did get the photo of the moon. 

Cosmic sunshine to you.

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“‘May’ Challenge: Optimal Vibrancy and Vitality”

Posted on May 2, 2012 by Candia Sanders

Okay, this is my PASSION  – feeling great and having energy for living life to the fullest. With spring in full blossom (at least in some parts of the country; we’re still drowning here in the NW – I can imagine wonderful expanses of bright and colorful flowers somewhere…) I feel it’s a wonderful opportunity to really assess our health and take a bold new step into vitality.  This is my invitation to join me.

All you have to do is look around to know a very high percentage of the populace is not living to their highest potential.  There are multiple factors ranging from old revolving emotional stories, family patterns, stress, lack of responsibility and purpose, attitude, obesity, diet, lack of exercise, no spiritual connection, to being disconnected emotionally from close relationships. Identifying the core issues underlying the disconnect to health and enthusiasm is key in taking the steps for positive change. It can be overwhelming at times dismantling the old struggles, rehashing the patterns, falling back into traps of emotional insecurity.

So why not take it one step at a time? Create a path, a commitment to yourself,  your body and the universe for making daily changes.  Now! I believe we want to feel totally alive and enthusiastic about being here, embracing all we came here to do. We just become stuck. Having other’s on our team for support is important and vital to the goal and moves us out of our ‘stuckness’; we feel honored and loved when someone commits and shares in our goals.*

Being vital means literally, ‘to evolve’.  To evolve with commitment is an even better direction. It moves the soul, mind and body to Vibrancy.  Vibrancy – to vibrate and resonate at a frequency of quivering, vigorous energy is my personal goal. Would you care to join me?

One step at a time beginning with the physical body:

1. Food : work towards alkalizing your system. No cancer can grow in an alkalized environment.

2. Commitment to exercise. Daily. Time yourself and extend your efforts if not daily, weekly to improve your stamina, strength and cardiovascular health. Find a plan that works for you. Walk, run, climb rocks, dance etc. But do it NOW. Utilize music to keep you motivated, jazzed and moving. (Radiohead’s  lyrics in ‘Creep’ say “I want a perfect body, I want a perfect soul,” just popped up on Pandora as I am writing this; love the synchronicity)

I started at LA Fitness in December. I can feel the difference. Now I may not look like it however I FEEL it. I am continually working to walk faster with a steep incline, run longer, do more reps on the machines. I’ve never been a gym rat, however with record rains this year, it’s been a wonderful motivator. I’m glad too, my energy increase has been substantial.

I will be your best cheerleader*. Make a weekly calendar of exercise; clock your improvements.  Manage  your food with new commitment to vibrancy and vitality. This is  your only opportunity to fully embrace being totally completely you in this body at this time in history. Why not make it count?

I invite you to share  your changes, challenges and positive shifts. Let’s make this a team effort and really make it worth your effort.  Here’s to May; may it be the best month of the rest of your life.

To Vibrancy and Vitality!

Cosmic sunshine to you.

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‘The Art of Dreaming’

Posted on April 18, 2012 by Candia Sanders

“Remember as a child, you woke up and morning smiled, It’s time you felt like you did then. There’s just no percentage in, remembering the past,  It’s time you learned to live again at last, Come with me, leave yesterday behind, and take a giant step outside your mind.” 
Carole King, Gerry Goffin

I’ve always been a dreamer; it’s been part of my personality makeup since I was a child. I’d  lie on our living room carpet and stare for hours at the passing clouds imaging talking lions, fairie kingdoms, magic carpets and magic wands. In a twinkling and swirling of my hand, mystical things could happen. Dreaming of more tangible goals became secondary; I knew too, if I could ‘see’ it, it would come true.

Recently I’ve realized dreaming isn’t second nature. Is it a learned behavior, is it instilled and propagated, nurtured with loving guidance by others who have the ability? Are we born with the inherent belief in dreaming our world? Or is this something we need to be taught? Is it a characteristic thread we bring into this life to add color to the journey? In any case, it is something I feel is vital to creating the world we desire.

I asked my husband as an example, what he dreamed about as a child; did he want to be an astronaut? A fireman? What did he dream about? He remembered he wanted a nice car – nothing about ‘doing‘ verses, ‘having’. Interesting. He finally dug deep enough and realized he had dreamt about being a pilot. Whew!! I was worried he never had learned how to step outside himself and discover and imagine new directions and thought-lines. His youth didn’t instill fresh ideas and going beyond a certain perimeter, pushing his boundaries of possibilities. But hey! That’s why he married me.

Have you asked yourself if you know how to dream? And if so is it about ‘having‘ verses ‘doing‘; that would be my question to you. I believe we need to imagine ‘doing‘, taking action, to see what the world has to offer for us to really, truly, feel and know we have a purpose to our lives,  a vital reason for being here.

Pay attention too to where your vision goes, literally. Pay close attention to where your eyes are focused when you are in the process. Our eyes will inevitably move to the left when we focus on our past; to the right when we think about ‘what if’s‘. When we literally day-dream, we tend to look up and out, shifting our gaze to non-focus. You will know if you are truly in the collective consciousness of ideas, concepts, visions, and possibilities, when you are mindful of where your vision is directed from a physical-mind-location. Allow yourself this playtime on a regular basis. It will take you away from the mundane, the trivial, the boring, the mind-less. Dreaming will create a pathway for you to follow and believe in, as the synchronicity lines up in your external world.

Making time to day dream will also activate the nightly sojourns more brightly and colorfully. Keep a journal of both. This will validate and bring forth the daily gifts which sync the worlds of waking with that of dreaming. Symbols will appear on both sides of the veil to unite the two enabling them to become tangible and real (from our sense of reality.)

Have fun in the process and remember to Dream Big.

Cosmic sunshine to you.

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Sandsurfing; Learn to Surf the New Paradigm

Posted on April 11, 2012 by Candia Sanders

The world is evolving at unprecedented levels; it is difficult to keep up with technology and the digital world, have time for family and friends and stay healthy. The job market is tenuous, people are having to relocate, explore different paths, expect less pay while expenses continually rise. It’s a wild ride. What can we do to compensate, initiate, and be on top of our game?

A fabulous analogy is through the changes in the sporting world over the past century. Duke Kahanamoku, the Hawaiian Olympic swimmer, spread the sport of surfing around the world in the 19- teens, made a long board of pine which is still on display in southern California. He was literally half the size of the board. Incredible the agility of this fine Olympic athlete on a board of this magnitude and size. Surfing in California

Move forward to the new sport of ‘sandsurfing’. Boards are small, sometimes just a bit larger than a skate board. It is now an official extreme sport resurrected in 2006. This is the analogy for the new paradigm.  We are comfortable surfing on  large safe boards, double our size for stability and safety.  We are having to adjust to surf-skating on a skateboard-size-board in the span of a few short years; this isn’t an easy transition.

Holding the image in your mind of flexibility, dexterity and maneuverability creates a firm focus of the new expectations of the frequencies we are evolving into as we progress through 2012 and beyond. We have to be willing to shift, change at a moment’s notice, be spontaneous and alert. In addition we have to truly and deeply create the link between our head (for fast, smart, intelligent, quick responses) to our heart (true desires, needs and loves) for the best possible path to unfold before our eyes.

This is what we are learning; we can create our own perfect wave or sand dune before our eyes if we stay completely clear in the present moment. On the sandboard, if we are not fully alert presently, we will crash and burn with sand in every orifice. In those moments where self doubt arises, road blocks take precedence, remember you are on your board of flexibility, maneuverability and dexterity. You have the ability to dart and dash and stay true to yourself; listen to your heart and be mindful of  your head. It’s in the combo-dance all things are possible.

Cosmic sunshine to you.

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A Great Relationship; If Not This Lifetime – When?

Posted on April 10, 2012 by Candia Sanders

Have you ever wondered if you have had a great relationship out there on the time-space continuum with someone you’ve been in love with, yet failed to make the connection this lifetime? Relationships – finding the love of our life, a loving partner,  is not easy, especially with so many variable factors barraging us daily. It’s a wonder we can ever make it beyond that ninety day limit.Possibilities of Love

A wonderful client of mine asked me this exact question last week as she said goodbye to a partner whom she had a great connection.  Why do we have to let go when so many factors line up?

My contention is 75% of any relationship works; 25% doesn’t. It’s the 25% that is the most critical; these are the pieces that shatter and break us apart. Can you live with this 25%? Are they things you will learn and grow from and eventually smooth out? Or are they issues that will never be resolved? Those are the big questions, ones you have to be willing to examine and assess.

In this lifetime, our girl is five years older than her young man. She is solid in her career which is expanding in many exciting directions. She is confident, well traveled, well read, and involved in many self disciplinary practices; Tai Chi, yoga, meditation. She is a very self-evolved and focused young woman. Her young man in comparison, is still finding himself, discerning which direction to firmly plant his roots, studying different practices and deciding where he will anchor his creativity and service. They connected in their love of music, dance, and creative time. Their emotional and physical connection was highly charged. The disconnect occurred in the mental worlds; their external expressions, the career path and passions are on different trajectories. From a male perspective this is extremely important; to be a self made man. Providing space for the male to follow his dreams allows the relationship to be on a higher frequency of exchange – when the timing is right.

He is also a bit more conservative, she more compulsive and wild, not reckless, just more carefree in her motivations and thoughts. They each brought something solid to the other, learning from similarities and opposite positions.

Their relationship reminded me of the Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves movie, The Lake House.  The two young lovers were two years apart in time, able to connect through the magical connection of shared experience living in this special house on the lake. Their time lines were completely out of sync.  In the movie, they were able to finally connect-the-dots and have time melt into one another; in this time frame, my young woman doesn’t have the luxury of bridging five years between them.Lack of Communication

We examined several lifetimes together to see if there were influences still contributing to their relationship in this life and also, was there really an experience where they shared a lifetime of love.

The first lifetime appeared (side note; we’ve examined other aspects of their relationship on the time lines, however these are the ones pertinent to the present situation) at the end of the twentieth century, the Victorian era in full swing. He was from an upper crust family in France, she from a more profitable merchant family; newly minted money in terms of social standing. Raised without the huge constraints of social strata, our fair young maiden was more carefree and outspoken. (Sound familiar?) The young man coming from a well established hierarchy of discipline and social expectation knew what tight bonds he had to work within, what was expected. He broke off the engagement out of fear she would not fit within the confines of requirement. He became more stiff and rigid in his mores and behavior (as he followed not his heart but his fears) and she explored the beliefs of suffragettes and the rights of women as she recouped her losses, moving on with her life.

Their life-long connection was on a small Pacific island growing up together . The lifestyle mantra was extremely uncomplicated; live largely, sleep deeply, swim much, fish daily, weave often, build occasionally – remembering to sing, drum, laugh, share stories, be in gratitude,  and most importantly be in-sync with nature. A very uncluttered and sweet existence. Our two love birds chose this lifetime to relax, replenish and nurture and nourish their own souls and each other. It was a good lifetime together. Monotonous perhaps, boring possibly, yet elegant in its simplicity.

Move ahead to 2011. Again they come together to share moments, memories, events, laughter and skin. Both enriched the other’s life, supporting their efforts, endeavors and thoughts. They mirrored the best within as well as the insecurities which arose through their similarities and differences.

We swim through various connections and soul contracts our ‘higher soul/self” set up for growth, netting our challenges, needs and fears, pulling them to the surface. These fears are exposed, revealed. Full disclosure of the deeply held fears allows true change to occur. It is in the recognition of patterns we have the ability to stop repeating the behavior. For her, the fears visible were the deeply held belief if someone left her, it was because she wasn’t perfect enough, when in truth the relationship held a new contract providing a different ending. She learned he needed to grow, learn, and expand who he is as a man before allowing a deeply held committed relationship to fully develop. It was about him, not her. He loved her enough to show her this as a new possibility. All she has had to do is accept the gift, even when saying goodbye. She learned she Is perfect enough, beautiful in who she is. He learned someone could and would love him for who he is and where he is, even when not fully empowered in his career path. (Hearken back to Victorian Europe when he was so fully entrenched in society, behavior and expected career; you were loved because of your pedigree.)

The stage becomes set with our new found confidence; the fears now in full-spectrum-lighting fade away, the worries more easily dealt with when uncovered, revealed. Steps towards change become simplified when aired. The relationships in our lives teach us these emotional complexities; we are stronger, more vibrant and whole because of the love and yes the loss. Knowing somewhere, some time you were in love, stayed in love and gained from the experience, is helpful in allowing the love to stay complete even in the goodbye.

The more you view every relationship as a learning and loving relate-I-on-ship, (I relate/communicate on the ship of emotions) no matter what the outcome, the faster forgiveness arrives and a healing unfolds. And this magically creates the new and next spark of love waiting to be revealed.

Cosmic sunshine to you.

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“Decompressing from Technology Overload: Whistler BC; the Perfect Remedy”

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Candia Sanders

I have been challenged over the past six months with computer issues spilling over into internet connections and websites including wordpress. I haven’t been able to access my account for the past month; it’s been really weird. And of course there is the proverbial laundry list of a myriad of crazy and stupid and goofy techno problems too long to mention. It’s been ridiculous. Needless to say, the desktop finally made the trek to the computer hospital to see our local techie doctor. I think I’m back, though I have to admit there are still several issues….

In the midst of this, I took a vacation with my family to Whistler BC to ski for a week to celebrate my son turning 21. It was pure heaven. Even when it felt more like the middle of February verses the beginnings of spring, it was fantastic. You have to understand; skiing is my athletic passion. I’ve been skiing since I was a kid; the past decade I haven’t had the time on my boards like I would like. I have had the boots from hell so skiing hasn’t been a priority. This trip I purchased some new ones, tried some hot demo skis and felt like a kid again. It was awesome.

The bonus of course was skiing with my kids, now 21 and 23. We killed the mountain together, tearing up the runs with fast, quick turns and long racing-edge-cut tracks. Best part was my legs and knees held up, benefit of LA Fitness.

There was another clear perk or should I really say definitive decision; I chose to stay away from my computer. Even though I had taken it with me with the intention to write, keep on top of emails and work, I chose instead to leave my laptop in its bag. Total decompression. I didn’t miss it at all, one iota, nada, zero. I also had my phone turned off being in Canadian airspace; I wanted to avoid all those high fees, taxes and roaming charges.  Instead, I chose to ski hard and fast, read, watch movies with my kids, take in the sights of Whistler, enjoy the beauty of the mountains and tune into the sunsets that arrived each evening. We are so taken in by being plugged in, we have forgotten how it feels to be disconnected. Fortunately at my cabin I also am disconnected as we have no electricity or phone service, however my talented husband put in solar panels and Hughes Net, bringing  internet service (great for working away from home) and satellite for his football. We’re not totally out of the loop in the mountains anymore. In fact, the ironic twist was, being in civilization – Whistler – I took it to a further extreme by having everything turned off electrically. I was totally tuned in emotionally, mentally and physically – spiritually as well. It was wonderful.

My invitation is to give yourself the gift of decompression, disconnect from our electrical world and reconnect with nature, family, friends, books. Discover old passions buried under the charge of electrical and wireless currents and see what curls your toes in excitement. Try something new in the process, like I did with demo skis. It was sheer bliss.

Let me know how you feel when you choose to see our world through a new lens, if only for a day, weekend or vacation.  Enjoy the freedom.Sea to Sky Road Looking West

Cosmic sunshine to you!Blackcomb Ski ResortPerfect Snow

Corbin and Colton Schweitzer Whistler BC

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“Worrying About the Future; The Impact on Your Health”

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Candia Sanders

Do you ever fantasize about an easier life? A quick- start, ready to go, happy, simple and fun, day-to-day experience? I have to admit there are days when I do. No huge mortgages, no debt, no dire schedule, no one nearing the end of their life, no extra responsibility. My re-created take-me-away image of course is the fast car, perhaps a convertible, sunglasses, wind in the hair, loud rock and roll, blue skies over-head, the far off mountains beckoning.Three Sisters Wilderness, Central Oregon

We live in crazy times. Our world is out of control on some level and we have to make sense of it in our private personal lives. War, chaos, monetary loss, whole economic structures collapsing, the environment challenged, health issues up and continuing to sky rocket; it’s nuts. Learning how to stay sane, happy, normal and balanced is the goal most strive to achieve through the blitz.

The spiritual truth is ‘all is as it should be‘; we have chosen the personal spin around the sun- the earth and all inhabitants, making ‘now’ perfectly true and in divine order.

I think it’s challenging at best to wrap our senses around this spiritual concept sometimes, this nature of things. We live in such duality it’s difficult to see light at the end of the day. In the meantime, on a personal level, we are impacted physically from the stresses of the day, week, month.  Our mental stresses are up coping with the constant barrage of input, our emotions are overloaded with conflicts and resolutions – a perpetual see-saw of keeping balance, and bodies tired from running the weekly gauntlet.

What I see ubiquitously is the ‘spleen’ meridian is always, and I mean nearly 99%, in need of an energy boost. This meridian emotionally is essentially how we deal with the future, anxieties we might internalize regarding any level of ‘possible’ future  events. Physically, the spleen is our recycle bin; it is constant motion recycling the old and damaged blood cells from the blood supply, destroying unneeded cells. The spleen works with our lymphatic system to fight off infection as well.

When we live in a world where the unknown is vast, – we don’t know from week to week if another war is imminent, if the economy is going to improve or sink, if our spouse will still have a job, if our health will improve,  if our kids are safe – it’s the old ‘what if’ scenario–  this impacts the spleen. Our immune system and lymphatics are heavily burdened by the combo platter of life.

It’s February; the windows are closed, the doors are shut and the air is stagnant. It’s time for some fresh air and a few great supportive ideas you can do to improve your immune system/lymphatic health and your family’s.

1. Start the day with a glass of lemon water; this helps to balance the PH of the system.

2. Drink lots of potassium rich juices; carrot, beet, cucumber.

3. Eat potassium rich foods; sea vegetables, broccoli, bananas, and seafood.

4. Avoid caffeine, sugar and alcohol during healing.

5. Take chlorophyll for the essential liquid green life it contains; it helps support the lymphatic system and clean out the intestinal track.

6. Zinc for immune support.

7. Jump on a mini trampoline daily; this energizes the lymphatic system like no other physical exercise can.

8. Take a tennis ball and massage your back on both sides of the spine; this energizes and loosens blocked lymphatics.

9. Eliminate aluminum cookware if you haven’t already.

10. Keep your focus on ‘what is’ and off of ‘what if‘ as this too will energize the lymphatic system and the spleen.

Think too about having some fun; make time for creative outlets, time away, moments in nature, events with family and friends. This emotionally supports the ‘worry center’ and melts away the onslaught of future possible meltdowns.

Then you’ll be ready to grab your green smoothy and meet me on the highway, driving fast towards those goddess mountains. And when you hear CSNY, you’ll know it’s me.

Cosmic sunshine to you.

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