Uplands PEAK Sanctuary

I feel like I should start with one of those... WARNING: There will be no graphic images and the information you are about to read contains words that may cause heartfelt emotions, which are in no way trying to make you join the cult movement of veganism ;) 

In all seriousness, I have several clients, students, friends and family who are not, and may never be, vegan.  My only hope is that you take 5 minutes to read this to gain a better understanding of why I am driven and passionate about helping Uplands PEAK Sanctuary.

I do not see a separation between cats and dogs or cows and pigs.  To me, they are all incredibly beautiful beings full of life, love and personality. Getting to know the residents of Uplands PEAK, and each of their courageous stories (which are available on their website), brings me pure joy in knowing they are now living a life of peace and harmony.

Not to bore you with the journey that led me to veganism, but it is through this journey that I have met some amazing people who are hell-bent on living their dream of helping abused and neglected farm animals.  Who are these tenacious people I speak of?  Michelle and Mark Pruitt are the founders of a young farm sanctuary called Uplands PEAK Sanctuary.  This sanctuary is located in the heart of agriculture in Salem, Indiana.  While they possibly could have had one of the funniest reality TV shows displaying their day-to-day interactions and making them millions, they opted instead to quit their full-time paying jobs, put their words into action and shovel $%#@. Speaking on behalf of all beings is wonderful and needs to happen, but there also needs to be a lot of activity behind those words for a positive difference to be created in those animals lives.

Running a non-profit farm sanctuary is no picnic, the stress of care, upkeep and the constant pressure of figuring out how to raise funds to continue is incomprehensible to most.  Of course the reward is knowing that they are part of something real.  They get to see their efforts everyday in watching once abused animals run, play and roll over for belly rubs.  Look into the eyes of a farm animal and you will be hard pressed not to see a will to live, a will to be loved and a will to give love.  It is through the determination of Michelle, Mark, many volunteers, sponsors, visitors to events and donations that make such a place possible to exist.

I am not here to tell everyone they are evil if they do not become vegan.  My goal is for you to think about how your choices may or may not have an impact on other beings, and what you can do to make a positive difference somehow.  Being plant-based is one way to make a difference, but there are many other ways too.  Visit their website, sign up to volunteer at the sanctuary, if they are too far, make a donation or become a sponsor.  If you have a skill or talent that could benefit the sanctuary, consider offering that to help the sanctuary cut costs or to raise funds.

Don't just sit back and wait for someone else to help those in need.  People like Michelle and Mark are beacons for change.  I want to see everyone care about other beings, to set the ego aside just long enough to allow the heart to choose their actions.  As Mahatma Gandhi said "Be the change you want to see in the world."  The question you need to ask yourself now is "how can I be that change"?

This Pain Does Not Define Me!

We all have our own wars we deal with, whether they are internal, external, private or social.  I have touched on this issue before, but wanted to go more in-depth today.  I want others to know that they are not alone and that there is a choice, and opportunity, to change their current situation.

First, you beautiful readers, know that my goal is not to judge or criticize.  My goal is to offer tools for feeling well and living a life that makes you happy.  What I offer is based on personal experience and education.  Not having to suffer with pain or not having to change plans because the body and mind aren't cooperating that particular day is what I am suggesting.  Of course, you do not have to do every single thing I suggest, you can even ignore everything mentioned.  We all have choices, everything we do and say is a choice.  However, keep in mind that with that, you are also choosing to continue in your current situation.  In the words of Donald Altman, "If you truly want to change your life, you must first be willing to change your mind".  So, you can decide to set aside your ego for the next few minutes, allowing yourself, truly allowing yourself, this time to be open to the possibility that you do not have to be defined by your pain any longer.  YOU can decide that YOU are in charge of your body and mind and, through some adjustments, you will begin living a life that gives you freedom and joy.

My battle happens to be an internal one, as each day I fight the demons of auto-immune disorders.  So what is an auto-immune disorder?  The list is lengthy, but in a nutshell, they are diseases that cause the body to attack its own tissues (joints, joint lining, blood vessels, lungs, eyes, skin, kidneys, brain, heart, liver, thyroid, blood cells, nerves, lymph nodes and small intestine).  Sounds like fun, right?  At this moment I know I have four auto-immune disorders (RA, Lupus, Sjogrens and Celiac), all of which I found out I have due to several miscarriages, which is what prompted me to start getting tested for what may be causing the miscarriages.  Low and behold, each of these definitely played a part in the miscarriages. In hindsight, the miscarriage were a blessing in disguise because they pushed me to take action in finding out why, and in the end this gave me Gracie, one of the greatest loves of my life.   At this time I still was not aware, other than conventional medicine, as to the ways to strengthen my internal army against this lifelong fight I had ahead of me.  Did I really want to be on medications for the rest of my life?  Was I really okay with spending days in bed when the inflammation was so bad that I couldn't walk? Hell no!  I was determined to enjoy my life, teaching my children that pain does not need to define who we are.  Does this mean you ignore it and pretend like all is well?  Of course not, that would only lead to more tissue damage and deteriorating at a faster rate.

Well now what?  I enrolled my ass in training programs that gave me hope of finding peace.  Did I think they would all work?  That is not the point.  What I did know was that I was not taking pills forever and that I was determined to try everything possible.  If I didn't try, then how would I ever know what might help?   This is not to say that all conventional medicine is bad.  On the contrary, conventional medicine can help in immediate and emergency situations.  My concern was that chronic issues and longterm medications would only be fixing symptoms, causing a slew of other problems.  Symptoms should never be masked with medication.  Just because you no longer feel the pain does not mean you are magically better.  In reality you are putting a band aid on the issue, all the while damage is still occurring, you just won't know it until, often, it's too late.

For me, transformation and wellness began through a Yoga Teacher Training Program, the moment I ditched dairy and became more aware of my food choices.  Don't worry, I am not trying to get you all to hop on the vegan wagon.  That is also a choice that needs to be one you want to make, rather than feeling forced.  Personally, my children and I are vegan (my husband is vegetarian) because it aligns with our beliefs and because it provides us with the health we need at this time.  Believe me, I have several clients that are not vegan.  Even with not being vegan, has their health improved since being in my program? Yes, because they made smart adjustments that eliminated triggers causing inflammation and pain.

Depending on how toxic your body is, you may experience some withdrawals when you initially make the adjustments I will suggest.  The same thing happened to me.  The first month was awful and I was sick, but I had been told by a dear friend and mentor, Shelli Carpenter, to allow the body to flush it out.  I listened because I knew that getting rid of pain had to be better in the long run.  This was 5 years ago, I now go once per year to get blood work checked and, barring any disasters such as one of my lovelies who broke her wrist, we do not need to go to the doctor.  Aside from the elimination of pain, do you even know how much money that saves?

*By all means, please discuss any adjustments with your doctor before implementing changes listed here.  Most doctors now are also checking their ego's at the door, putting the health and wellness of their patience first by being open to other possibilities of curing, reversing or eliminating symptoms and disease.

Take your time in adding or adjusting items in your life.  This does not have to be all or nothing.  Start with a few things, giving each at least 3 weeks before saying it doesn't work.  Often, our bodies and minds need several weeks to eliminate toxins and to re-train itself for any improvements to be seen (this is especially true when it comes to the tastebuds, particularly for those consuming lots of processed foods or artificial flavors and dyes).

Ways to Reduce or Eradicate Pain:

Homemade Almond Milk

1.  Eliminate dairy, even if you buy organic, ditch it.  Dairy is one of the highest inflammation causing foods known.  Believe me, you can get the calcium needed from other sources.  Most of the calcium in dairy cannot be processed or assimilated by our bodies anyway. There are lots of non-dairy options that taste amazing.  For cheaper options, check Trader Joe's, Costco or Sam's and, if you love to cook, you can go to the search box at the top left, put in a key word (milk, pudding, etc.) and view past posts for recipes to make your own milks, cheeses, puddings and I'll post a yogurt recipe soon.

2.  Forgo chemical cleaners.  All of those clean smelling sprays, wipes, laundry detergents, shampoos, toothpaste, etc. are tricking you into thinking things are clean.  True, they may kill germs, but they are also slowing killing you and your family.  Harsh? Do your research to learn how accurate of a statement it is.  Check the Environmental Working Group to learn what to avoid and what many name brand cleaners, cosmetics and sunscreens are doing to your body. This is also a great place to find what produce to buy that is organic and which ones you can choose that are conventional, it's called the Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen.

3.  Add in a daily probiotic.  Our bodies need good flora (bacteria) and when the bad bacteria overtakes the good, the delicate internal balance gets out of whack, causing all kinds of chaos.  Do you have rashes, headaches, yeast infections, hormone fluctuations, digestive woes, constipation, vitamin or protein deficiencies even though you're taking in enough?  Making a probiotic part of your routine can fix many, if not all, of these issues. There are several brands on the market.  I prefer the kind that need to be refrigerated and that I only need to take once per day.  Prices range from $18.99 for 90 capsules to $45 for 30, so compare shop before buying.  Pricier does not necessarily mean better.

Ahhh, Savasana

4.  Experiment with other physical activities that encourage healing of the entire body and mind.  You do not need to get as drastic as I did by enrolling in teacher training programs.  Simply start exploring things such as yoga, reiki, acupuncture, acupressure, massage, Tai Chi, Quong Chi.  All of these help with health and healing through integrated movements, postures, breathing techniques and cognitive intentions. Search your area for certified instructors.  For yoga, search Yoga Alliance to find qualified teachers near you.  There are many forms of yoga so don't discount the first one you try if you don't like it.  Try other forms or other teachers to find one you click with.

5.  Be more aware and mindful of your food choices.  Pay attention to what bothers you. You may even want to have a journal, listing quick notes as to what you ate or drank and how you feel immediately after, several hours later and the next day.  Getting a headache is not normal, having cramps after eating is not normal, being constipated or having diarrhea is not normal, find out what is triggering your symptoms.  Don't fall into the trap of making excuses by saying "I'm going to enjoy my life and eat what I want".  The reality is, you are not enjoying your life, you are suffering.  Enjoying a taste for 5 minutes on the tongue vs. a lifetime of pain is not worth it in my book.  Once you realize triggers (which may be gluten, refined sugar, chemical laden produce, meats, artificial dyes, artificial flavors, preservative, etc.), then start swapping things out.  There are so many options out there now and, again, search my posts for recipes.  Having a treat without these things is possible and if, once in awhile, you have the trigger foods it's okay, just be aware of how you will feel afterwards and then get back in your routine.

Vegan Chicken Scallopini w/ Salad

6.  If consuming meats and/or fish, know where your food comes from. Trust me, it matters.  For me, I still do not like the end result, but for others, eliminating meat is not an option at this time, so do your homework.  Find local sources, visit the farms, check out local farmers markets.  Make sure the animals truly roam free and do not get or eat ANY chemicals.  What they eat, you eat.  Even if you already consume organic, know for sure how they are treated.  Just like us, they have hormones, if they are treated cruel, you are ingesting those elevated hormones that send your hormones into a frenzy.  If cost is a concern, think about your portion size.  Our view of a normal portion size is completely wrong.  By reducing portion size to normal, you can afford the healthier options.  A normal portion is about 3 oz., the size of a bar of soap.  You can also aim to have meat free meals at least 3 times per week to cut cost even further.

7.  Find support.  With social media, it is now easier than ever to find groups, meeting others who share your experiences.  If joining a group or connecting with others is not your thing, seek out family or friends who can help by listening or, if you choose, holding you accountable to continue your adjustments.  You may also want to hire a Health Coach (in or around Louisville, or if Skype/Face Time works for you, contact Tiffany Bright) or Life Coach (in or around Louisville, of if Skype/Face Time works for you, contact Shelli Carpenter) to assist you on your journey.

You can feel better.  It's about taking the first step on your road to recovery.  You can be the boss of how you live your life, do it in a way that grants your body and mind freedom.

What Is Yoga Really?

What is yoga?  Well, it might be easier to say what yoga is not. Yoga is NOT a religion.  This may come as a surprise to many. I think Meagan McCrary says it well "Although deeply embedded in Hindu tradition, yoga is not Hinduism, nor do you have to be Hindu to practice yoga.  Yoga is a methodology for personal and spiritual development, composed of different philosophical systems that prescribe a certain way of living and interacting with the world at large, with its own decree of morals, scriptures, physical postures, cleansing practices and breathing and meditation techniques".

I pay special attention to the words, personal development.  Yoga is precisely that, a personal journey, and how you move through that personal journey depends on the individual.  For some, spirituality does not need to enter at all, they are only interested in the physical aspect.  Others bring in their own spiritual beliefs to deepen the practice. That's the whole point of yoga, to find your way, whatever that means to you.  

I thoroughly enjoy practicing and teaching in groups and in private sessions.  The group atmosphere can give a sense of belonging, knowing there are others sharing similar feelings, emotions and energy.  However, private sessions can be equally healing physically, emotionally, mentally and, if you want, spiritually.  

On the physical side, for me, yoga is a way to heal and keep my body fluid.  At almost 42, and having four auto-immune disorders that definitely target mobility, I find it imperative to practice regularly.  There is nothing wrong with those that practice for the pure sake of practice.  I often find though, that the more you practice the postures and begin to see and feel the results, it just naturally causes people to explore further into how yoga can heal on other levels as well, such as mentally and emotionally.    

Knowing how well it makes me feel physically, my practice grew to be more.  I am now more aware of my body, words and actions than I ever have been and how they make myself and others feel.  I was raised Catholic, baptized in a Catholic Church, went to a Catholic school from K-12, married in a Catholic Church and all of our children have been baptized in Catholic Churches.  So of course there are many aspects of the Catholic Church that I follow and believe in, but I also now read and follow portions of other religions as well.  I guess if someone asked me what religion, or spirituality, I follow it would be hard to pinpoint just one.  I use what feels right from many.  What I have found along my own journey is that many religious beliefs overlap and most hold the same value, which is to live a life full of love, kindness and compassion.  So in the end, why should it matter what spirituality you bring into your yoga practice?  As long as you act with pure intentions that are grounded in love, kindness and compassion, isn't that all that should matter?  I think we sometimes get so caught up in OUR way, that we lose sight of what we really believe to begin with. 

What I love about yoga is that there are no set in stone laws or rules, rather, there are guidelines to how you should be living both on and off the mat.  I am sure many would find the yoga guidelines to be quite similar to what they have been taught at Sunday School. Even in a group, yoga is an individual practice.  The individual needs to decide for themselves what works and what does not.  I end my classes with one vibration of OM, but I always let students know that they do not have to do it.  OM, by the way, simply means Universal vibration or sound.  Since we are composed of over 60% water, vibrations can create balance and harmony in the body and mind, but if that doesn't work for some, then don't do it.  

Some people may be turned off of yoga due to the misconception of of deities, which by the way, are not gods per say, rather, they are there as guides.  Deities allow you set your intention, so choosing a deity for wisdom may work some days and others you may be drawn to a deity that promotes compassion.  Regardless of what you follow, deities, gods or God should never be made as the scapegoat for our problems.  Pouring our problems onto them is not their purpose.  Their purpose should be seen as being a base to turn to, looking to them for ways in finding the lessons in all things and to offer support and strength.  So much healing has come to me once I realized this.  We place this false sense of hope in objects, and then feel hurt and let down by them when what we have asked of them does not happen.   

Yoga can be as spiritual or un-spiritaul as each person wants.  The gift that yoga offers is a gift of healing, and however far we want that healing to occur is up to us.  Make your practice one that fits YOUR needs and desires.  Whether you are looking for physical health, or if you are wanting healing on all levels, is something you will decide for yourself. Over time, your practice will change.   Honor yourself by allowing this change, knowing that yoga is always there to support, heal and guide you.