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When is Mercury retrograde in 2013 and what does it mean? Moon void of course and survival tips…

Following are dates Mercury is retrograde in 2013 however you’ll start to feel the effects a few days before and after. Mercury is retrograde in three water signs this year bringing some extra emotion in. 

February 23 to March 18 - in Pisces

June 26 to July 21 - in Cancer

October 21 to November 11 - Scorpio

If you have planets in the signs mercury is retrograde especially mercury, it will be extra strong for you.  If however you are born IN a mercury retrograde you won't feel the same effects as everyone else.

What is Mercury retrograde? Read my tips on how to survive…

Mercury retrograde occurs three times each year when, for about three weeks, Mercury travels in reverse motion against the backdrop of stars. Of course, it doesn’t really move backwards, but only appears to do so from our point of view here on Earth.

While Mercury is retrograde, familiar channels of communications become tangled and confused. Expect delays and changes in plans. Use this time for researching and problem solving. This is a great time to rewrite and edit, re-work an existing project.

Re-evaluate and reconsider, but hold final decisions and approvals until Mercury goes direct. The tendency is to initialise or finalise projects prematurely. The contents of verbal or written contracts and plans made now may later seem inadequate or unclear.

This is not a good time to buy on the spur of the moment without investigation. This is also not a good time to purchase electronic equipment or cars as Mercury rules communication and travel.

Major purchases may be reduced in price after the retrograde period so you can save money by waiting. Major repairs or surgery performed now may be incomplete or plagued by unexpected repercussions. On this note be extra careful whilst driving or commuting.

Double-check and reconfirm every detail. Typed or written errors are easily overlooked, paperwork mislaid, appointments forgotten. Let your sense of humour overcome the challenge of unexpected adjustments.

On the flipside it’s a great time to catch-up with old friends – they can pop back into your life and pop back out again just as quickly! Use this time to organise your life and clear out clutter. Life will feel like it’s slowed down, which can be a very good thing. 

Light Stays Moon Phases Calendar shows when the moon is new, full, void of course and retrograde – take even more care during a void of course moon and retrograde. It’s not advisable to sign contracts during this time, purchase new items or go to the hairdresser.

Moon Void of Course

The moon turns void of course when it enters a new moon sign and leaves when it enters the next sign, which is every couple of days - sometimes for just a few minutes.

The Void of Course Moon indicates nothing to worry about or nothing will happen. If you begin a project during this time, it may not succeed or ever develop; decisions made may never be acted upon. Disturbing news heard at this time may not be worth worrying about. This is a good time to gather information while detaching from the outcome.

Remember the keywords for mercury retrograde are: Stop, relax and re-think...

Do you have a mercury retrograde story you’d like to share?

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Is 2013 your lucky year? Jupiter returns in Gemini and Cancer – find out more…

Is this your lucky year?  You know some years everything falls into place so easily - you’re in the right place at the right time, finances improve and relationships are great. Life feels good; even if problems surface they quickly disappear.  This is often when Jupiter is in your sign.  Jupiter is the planet of luck, expansion and growth!

Jupiter returns to its natal planet every 12 years. At each Jupiter Return we have a chance to take stock of the previous twelve years, and set energy in motion for the next twelve-year period. Up to eight Jupiter returns are experienced in a lifetime. If you can focus (whist having some fun) you will reap the rewards whilst Jupiter is in your sign.

Astrology isn’t just about discovering your character and personality. It’s about making the right decisions, about change and creating a life that helps you grow.

When you ‘become’ more like your Jupiter sign it’s actually a good way to express yourself and brings a bit of luck your way.

Jupiter moved out of Taurus and into Gemini:
 June 12, 2012 and will stay there until June 25, 2013 EST

Following are dates Jupiter is in Gemini. Where you born during these years?�� If so you have Jupiter in Gemini!  

June 12, 2012 – June 25, 2013

June 30, 2000 - July 13, 2001

July 22,1988 - Nov 30, 1988

Mar 11, 1989 - July 30, 1989

Aug 23, 1976 - Oct 16, 1976

Apr 3, 1977 - Aug 20, 1977

Dec 30, 1977 - Apr 12, 1988

Apr 22, 1965 - Sept 21, 1965

May 9, 1953 - May 24, 1954

May 26, 1941 - June 10, 1942

SO what traits do the Jupiter in Gemini people express? You will have a love of reading and education. This position also indicates an inventive mind, a love of mathematics and an attraction towards metaphysics and astrology or sarcasm towards it.

Jupiter in Gemini shows travel will bring both pleasure and profit – think work trips or travelling salespeople. Jupiter in Gemini people are usually very friendly with a twinkle in their eye. On the flipside you could meet with losses and trouble when travelling. There could be times with tight escapes from accidents or some sibling rivalry.  Gemini is associated with short trips. So how’s the weather today?  This is Gemini in a nutshell – sunny one moment and windy the next with the same unpredictability of a sudden storm or crazy weather. How will everyone be affected? With Jupiter in Gemini you might find yourself busier than usual with ideas coming together, networking and juggling life. Communication will be so much easier. If you work online, write or work in publishing or the media now is your time. With Gemini ruling speed, intellect, fashion and convenience lets see what advances come up not just for you but also for the overall population to June 2013. Jupiter in Gemini...just don't burn yourself out! Famous people with Jupiter in Gemini:

“I’m so far out I’m in.” Barbara Streisand, Sun Taurus – Jupiter Gemini April 24, 1942 “I’m just naturally drawn to mixing and matching things because I was neither one nor the other.” Neneh Cherry, Sun Pisces – Jupiter Gemini March 11, 1964 “We are all born mad, some remain so.” Samuel Beckett, Sun Aries – Jupiter Gemini April 13, 1906 “I’m not sure that acting is something for a grown man to be doing.” Steve McQueen, Sun Aries – Jupiter Gemini March 24, 1930 “I think lightness has to come from a very deep place if it’s true lightness.” Alicia Silverstone, Sun Libra – Jupiter Gemini October 4, 1976

Jupiter moves out of Gemini into Cancer:
 June 26, 2013 and will stay there until July 26, 2013 EST

Following are dates Jupiter is in Cancer. Where you born during these years?  If so you have Jupiter in Cancer! 

June 26, 2013 - July 26, 2014

July 13, 2001 - August 1, 2002

July 31, 1989 - August 18, 1990

August 21, 1977 - December 30, 1977

January 16, 1967 - May 23, 1967

May 24, 1954 - June 12, 1955

June 11, 1942 - June 30, 1943

Astrologers consider Jupiter to be in a great position with Cancer. With good reason too – more well known successful people are born under Cancer Jupiter than any other Jupiter sign.  Not only did the Berlin Wall come down when Jupiter was in Gemini, reuniting East and West Germany but Galileo Galilei (born Feb 15 1954) proved the earth revolved around the sun instead of the universe revolving around us. 

SO what traits do the Jupiter in Cancer people express?

Luck will desert you only if you turn your back on the rest of humanity and isolate yourself. Your shell is not a place to hide. Your shell is rather a shield that protects you as you move through life.

You might be a naturally good cook – or be attracted to someone with great cooking skills. You’ll be close to your mum, family, property or homeland. Cancer is linked to homes of all kinds and also to children and their needs. It's about clans - those you're born with and also create. You are naturally psychic and your family, friends and home is very important to you.  You will talk about your children or pets (if you have them) and family often in conversation.  When you travel you will somehow take your world with you. 

By communicating in a calm, serene way you will help others feel calm.  You know instinctively when something is right or wrong. Your eyes will really be the windows to your soul.

Famous people with Jupiter in Cancer:

“Macho does not prove mucho.” Zsa Zsa Gabor – Aquarius Sun – Cancer Jupiter, February 6, 1919 “I’m gonna put a curse on you – all of your children will be born completely naked!” Jimi Hendrix – Sagittarius Sun – Cancer Jupiter, November 27, 1942 “I felt very, very small.” Neil Armstrong, Leo Sun – Cancer Jupiter, August 5, 1930 “If I’m left to my own devices I might turn into a madwoman.” Claire Danes – Aries Sun – Jupiter Cancer, April 12, 1979 “Man is the only animal that blushes, or needs to.” Mark Twain – Sagittarius Sun – Jupiter Cancer, November 30, 1935

Quite simply – putting your Jupiter sign into practice will help you find luck and success in life. Jupiter protects us, inspires us and gives us the lucky breaks. Enjoy your journey…

For more detailed guidance you might be like a personalised Astrology Pack >>

Do you have Jupiter in Gemini or Cancer? If you have something to share we’d love to hear about it xo

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Find out about different kinds of love and how to improve your relationships. Take this love quiz by Summer Mc Stravick of Flowdreaming to find out more...

With the month of February and Valentines day upon us I thought I'd share some love.  It's what makes the world go round and can leave you feeling breathless or gasping for air! 

I know I've learned some of my greatest lessons through loves journey and will continue to grow.  Ultimately it's about how you feel about yourself, the love that you give is equal to the love you feel you deserve.  

There are different kinds of love, romantic love, co-dependent love, soulmate love, unconditional love, self love… I remember the lyrics from an old 80's song - "Don't change your world for me."  Giving up things you'd normally do to make someone else happy is based on insecurity and co-dependency, this is not love and stunts growth.  It gives your power away. Power without integrity is a dangerous weapon. Remember you are in control of your life.  

Release yourself from the feeling of being powerless and claim your power. Do not give it away. To give it away is to give away your strength. Always remember that no person can take your power unless you allow it. 

This is a beautiful quote from Swami Vivekananda "All power is within you, you can do anything and everything, believe in that. Do not believe that you are weak. Stand up and express the divinity within you."

Do you truly love yourself? Let's find out with this quiz from one of my favourite spiritual teachers, Summer Mc Stravick, creator of Flowdreaming >> 

This quick test will check your levels of self-love. Make a note of yes's and no's…

I treat myself to little splurges now and then. Not splurges that get me in debt (like paying for something on my credit card that I don't really need and won't be able to pay off in a month) or harm my body (like having a cigarette), but I have splurges that make me feel good and and healthy (like a pedicure, some Flowdreaming, taking a walk in the middle of my workday, taking a nap, etc.)

I take time for myself consistently at least once a week, either as my own quiet time or to enjoy something I love to do. 

I take care of my body and appearance with nice clothes, a good haircut, and anything that makes me feel more powerful and confident.

I'm able to stop myself from unhealthy behaviors that will hurt me in the long run (overeating, smoking, drinking to excess, calling my bad ex, etc.)

When I do take time for myself, or spend a little money on myself, I don't feel any twinges of guilt or "I shouldn't have."

I say no sometimes and I don't feel guilty.

I ask for help, whether that means asking my spouse to take a turn putting kids to bed, walk the dog or asking a friend for a ride to work. I don't try to "tough it out and do everything myself" when I don't need to.

I recognize when I'm getting out of alignment in my home, work, or personal life BEFORE it gets out of control, so I'm not cranky, negative, or stressed very often. 

I don't put up with disempowering situations. I speak up, whether to my boss, my spouse, my friends, or my family. I don't "suffer things." I fix them so they no longer harm me.

I only keep friends and family close who make me feel good and empowered. I've been able to let go of (or reduce time with) people who drain me and leave me depressed or angry.

I get plenty of sleep, and maybe some exercise too. I don't sacrifice my sleep or exercise unless I have a clear need to do so, and I sure don't sacrifice it in an ongoing way that makes me tired and foggy all the time.

I feel happy with where I'm heading and the life I've created. I feel like I've done a good job, and I'm proud of myself.  I'm also generally in a good mood!

If you scored 4 or under, you need to get some serious self-love going! You might be caught up in self-sacrificing situations that border on martyrdom. Or, you may be recovering from a childhood that taught you that you are always last, last, LAST! 

If you scored 5 - 8, welcome to the club called "most people." You're in the zone where you occasionally do some nice things for yourself and remember to "refuel" yourself, but often you forget and slip into stressful situations that will ultimately deplete your energy.

If you scored 9 - 12, you've probably put in time exploring the concept of self-love already. You've moved past feelings of guilt over saying no to things so you can keep yourself balanced and in peak shape, both emotionally and mentally. You've developed an active schedule of ways to keep your stress low, and you are filled with love and appreciation not just for yourself, but it spills out of you to all the people in your life. Kudos to you!

Were your quiz results a surprise? Feel free to share with us your results in feedback below…

Self-love is about taking care of yourself so you can take care of others. Too often, we’re doing the reverse: taking care of others, and allowing our own reservoirs of energy to continuously drain without being refilled.

When looked at from the standpoint of Flow, you can think of self-love as an energy condition that has a precise “feeling state” to it. When you practice self-love, such as in a meditation or Flowdream that generates self-love, you place yourself in the middle of this feeling state. You don’t seek a reason for it. You don’t justify it. You just feel love springing up inside you, dancing in you, and wanting to stick around since you’re an ideal vessel for it to play in.

In the Flowdream, 'Reawakening to Love and Intimacy', we practice a kind of “emotional reconditioning” in which I place you into this feeling-state of love and intimacy in your Flow. (You can use the mp3 I created, or just do it on your own without an mp3.) The goal is to open you up where you may have been closed. It helps you remember the feeling of falling in love so that this energy begins to ripple through your life (no partner needed—the person you’ll be falling in love with is yourself!)

Those of you who Flowdream know that whatever feeling-state you create in your Flow will spill over into your future. By feeling intense surges of love in your Flow, you’re tasking the Universe to bring you more physical events and situations where you encounter love—at work or at home.

You’re asked to feel love in ALL its forms: as self-love, love to and from others, and unconditional love from Source or your Greater Self. This way, you have every level of love energy engaged and growing in your life.

Right on the heels of love is “intimacy,” which you should practice feeling in your Flow as well, since intimacy means opening yourself to others, and allowing them to open to you, so you can experience unconditional love with each other. Intimacy means being vulnerable, as well as gently caring for someone’s else’s vulnerability. Intimacy is the connective energy that moves between two people, and love is the condition that springs up from that connective energy.

So this month (February, as I write this), when everyone is going “wackadoodle” over romantic love (vis a vis St. Valentine’s Day), you might instead want to turn your attention to something far more core to your life: self-love. From it springs every other kind of love you’ll encounter.

Self-love is like a fertilizer that will grow a crazy huge garden of love in all it’s varieties! So get that watering can!

Need some extra help? A retreat or personal development workshop will help empower you to make better choices in life.  

'The love that you withhold is the pain that you carry.' ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Learning the secret of the laws of attraction and how to manifest abundance in your life...

Within the healing tranquillity of Anahata Therapies in Sydney’s Mosman, I arrived for an evening of learning how to manifest abundance in my life.   Having attended more than a few evenings at Anahata I know I’m in for a treat but not exactly sure how we’re going to learn to become power manifesters in a few hours.  Teacher, Ruthie Phillips has a big smile like we’re about to be let in on her little secret… For those of you who couldn’t make it I thought I’d share my experience, so you can become a power manifester too. Jana, owner of Anahata, introduced the evening to us with a clever analogy between dreams and reality.  With dreams we think about what we want but manifesting is how we make it happen.   We started with a question. How many of you have read ‘The Secret’? A show of hands quickly went up.  Ruthie looked at us with a laugh explaining this evening will be nothing like ‘The Secret’ we’re going to learn how to create abundance and manifest your goals – what you truly desire to bring into your life. We have shifted into a new frequency in 2013. We might move up to the ‘100th monkey’ meaning the consciousness shifts when the vast majority of people shift in energy. Things are happening a lot quicker now. The process of manifesting starts with what you want in your life. When we say something that is hermetically sealed, we are saying the knowledge is sealed - it’s sacred. Sealed so that nothing can escape. There are 7 Hermetic Principles. 1.    The principle of mentalism 2.    The principle of correspondence 3.    The principle of vibration 4.    The principle of polarity 5.    The principle of rhythm 6.    The principle of cause and effect 7.    The principle of gender Kybalion: The Hermetic Philosophy explains in more details here >> Our thoughts create our reality. We need to monitor our thoughts.  If for example you want a new car but you have a red car you hate, if you keep saying how much you hate your red car it will keep that energy around you. Our thoughts send out an electrical current and our energy is like a magnet.  There is an abundance of wealth and prosperity to go around – all we need to do is vibrate to the frequency to bring it into our life. The principle of vibration means to bring what you want into your life. Say for example you would like a new dining room table.  You need to focus. Dust your current one, say thank you for being there and serving me but it’s time to expand now.  You go to the shops, find the new one you really want and say 'you’ll be perfect I’ll bring you home in a few weeks.'  It’s about putting energy, excitement and feeling into your desires and what you want to bring into your life, like it's already happened. You need to fix your attention, feel it and don’t be lazy.  This means 110% complete focus.  Everything is vibrating – you only need to match what you want. The principle of rhythm means to everything there is a rhythm, a breath, to everything there is a season. And this too shall pass.  Remember this: if you’re having an off day.  Relax, breathe and let go. Every action has a reaction.  Do unto others as you would have done to yourself.  A little tip – if someone doesn’t like you don’t waste negative thoughts. Simply send them a message of “I wish for them what they wish for me.” The Manifestation Process

Understand you are a vibrational being.

Believe you are worthy of what you desire.

Decide exactly what you wish to manifest or create.

Recognise the higher path and get confirmation of your choice.

Visualise your success.

Ordain your desire.

Acknowledge, accept and express gratitude.

You need to use your heart and your mind, believe you can create and be grateful for what you receive.  For example looking for a carpark – have you ‘asked’ for a carpark so you can get to your destination quickly? I often do this and love how Ruthie explained - if we can manifest a carpark we can manifest anything. Ask, believe, feel, receive and be thankful.   Visualise your success. You have to feel it, see it, taste it and smell it.  Make it yours.  Don’t lose focus. Express gratitude. You can also ask for confirmation when unsure about what direction to take. For example if you’re thinking about travelling to Africa ask your guides ‘please show me something from Africa so I know whether this trip is for my highest good.’ It’s important to affirm in the now your desires for example if you would like to improve your relationship or bring in a new healthy one: “I am now in a loving, joyful relationship, where I am supported and nurtured.” When you ‘want’ to bring something into your life the universe will keep you waiting.  ‘Wanting’ brings a sort of desperate wanting energy.  Remember to go to the space where you can feel it – like it’s already happened. We can also speak to our spiritual community “I ask that you assist me to….” Another process is meditation, which will help bring you into your flow and free you from desires.   A vision board is another great addition to achieve your goals.  Ruthie showed us her daughter’s vision board made a year ago.  It was an amazing collage of pictures and words pasted without a space on a large piece of cardboard.  She travelled to every place; each picture and word represented something that had come into her life before it happened.  There was not one thing Ruthie's daughter did not experience or receive.  Ruthie recommends a new vision board each year – just one though so you don’t scatter your energies. We were each given our very own blank vision board at the end of the night with a pack of words and glue ready to get started.  I know what I’ll be doing this weekend… Driving home I thought about the evening and the amazing energy shared. I looked up to see a car almost cut me off with number plates 777. I had actually asked for a sign relating specifically to the number 7 through the workshop but didn’t expect it show up so quickly! Ask and you shall receive. Feel it, see it, taste it, smell it and you’ll receive so much sooner… Thanks Ruthie + Jana for a life changing evening, I'm so grateful to you xo   Do you have a manifesting secret you’d like to share?

(Jana, me and Ruthie at Anahata)

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So you want to have a baby? Life, families and lessons learned.

I spoke to my mum on the phone today.  She told me her friend Lyn aged 64 has a baby.  “Uh huh” I replied.  After some further investigation it turns out Lyn’s daughter had a baby – she came all the way from Vanuatu to give it to her then went back to living in the tropics. Postnatal depression was the most likely cause and often goes unrecognised.

The baby girl weighed around 1.5 kilos (so tiny) -  the equivalent of three margarine containers.  She’s put on weight now but in a kind of limbo she might not be quite aware of as ‘mum’ doesn’t want her and grandma is ‘too old’ to raise. I’m sure they pick up on things and have a sense of what’s going on.

Procreation, babies, families – life! It’s never straightforward and things seem to turn out the way we least expect. I feel for the tiny baby but I know she’s in good hands with grandma Lyn and will be in the best of care until the right mum and family come into her life or mum gets some help.  I feel strongly we plan this stuff before we’re born.  Sometimes it doesn’t make sense but life always has a way of working out in the way it’s meant to for us to grow.

Take me for example.  I wanted so badly to have a child for over three years. It didn’t happen.  I tried really hard though. I am so relieved now and think, like a friend of mine in a similar situation “dodged a bullet”.   As soon as I let go and detached everything made sense and I learned so much about myself along the way.

I have another friend who brought a huge house with a pool and childproof fence, went through a full cycle of IVF, tried some natural methods but at this point, age 40 with no eggs left due to IVF, adoption looks like the only alternative. I know she’s probably heart broken but maybe the natural birth child just wasn’t meant to be.

I watched a documentary my friend made last year.  It was about a woman who met her soulmate later in life and tried so desperately to have a baby. However she was over 40. I can’t just say ‘she’ as I felt they both went through this together however it was heartbreaking to watch.  I think they tried every medical trick in the book but it just didn’t happen and she didn’t want to let go. 

Another girlfriend of mine who lives in London had her first baby at 17; the second age 39 and is now about to give birth age 42.  There are no rules when it comes to bringing life into this world. As far as I can see it’s all a miracle.  Really it is.  

For anyone wanting to have a baby there are some amazing natural methods that come highly recommended with a huge success rate.  I’ve included them here for you to read through >>

For others debating the decision or feeling like you have a blindfold on, try a retreat to bring your perspective back or work on balancing your life with yoga and meditation.

Whatever your choice, it’s your souls journey. If you are feeling pain make sure you seek support of the holistic kind.  It will make the world of difference.

If you have a story you’d like to share we’d love to hear from you...

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Natural fertility program: How to get pregnant naturally with homeopathy, diet, vitamins, avoiding yeast and relaxing.

My naturopath, homeopath friend and healer had a huge success rate with this program. In combination with fertility yoga, acupuncture, herbs and knowing your monthly cycle you could be pregnant in no time.   There are some wonderful retreats with programs tailored to help you too where you can also connect with likeminded others.

For those of you new to this stuff your eggs start to deplete age 36.  However you have a good chance up to the age of 41.  Thinking of IVF?  Before you rush into things each cycle takes a bunch of your eggs, which don’t grow back.  IVF has been known to bring on early menopause too plus it costs thousands of dollars.

There really is only one short time in the month you can fall pregnant, which you can easily find out by monitoring and charting your temperature every morning at the same time (no drinking water or talking beforehand.) Print a free downloadable chart from the web and keep by your bedside.

When your temperature takes a sudden sharp rise (like Mount Everest), which can be from day 15 to day 20 of your monthly cycle this is the time you can fall pregnant.  However you need to have intercourse BEFORE ovulation, which is one or two days before the sharp rise in temperature.

For anyone using the ‘rhythm method’ to not fall pregnant the reason this doesn’t work is because healthy sperm can stay for around a week. 

Falling pregnant needs help from the male too. Wear boxer shorts, no excessive exercise, with alcohol in small amounts.  Take a retreat!  Stress is a major factor in pregnancies not occurring.  This is why many couples fall pregnant whilst relaxing on holidays. When you’re calm your body is more receptive – yoga can help balance your body and energy.  Meditation will help you too.

Find a good homeopath and ask about the following:

Daily: 1. Borax 30 – one dose (7 drops in the morning) 2. Sepia 200 every second day (stop if ovulating)

Mondays 1. Nat Mur 30 – one dose (7 drops in the morning)

Wednesdays 1. Thuja 30 – one dose (7 drops in the morning)

Two days before ovulation – if you ovulate on day 15 take it on day 13 Folliculinum 200 – one dose (7 drops in the morning)

Note: Ensure you leave 30 minutes at least between remedies with no food beforehand. The weekly remedies should always be two days apart and consistently repeated on the same day each week.

Vitamins

A pregnancy multi-vitamin containing 500 mcg of Folate (daily) eg Blackmores pregnancy tablets.

Zinc at night – both of you should be taking zinc.

Selenium 50mcg tablet twice daily.

Tribulus protein tablet – day 5 to 14 of the menstrual cycle.

B6 for both of you.

Diet Advice

Eat lots of fruit and veggies instead of lots of processed carbohydrates like bread. The best fruits to eat are bananas, apples and pears, strawberries and oranges (in small doses). No dried fruit.

No pineapple, watermelon, avocado, paw paw, kiwi fruit or mango, which are all high in yeast.

Avoid sugar.

Avoid caffeine.

Avoid yeast – buy sugar free, yeast free bread. No vegemite.

No honey as this digests in lower gut and ferments like sugar. Rice malt as a sweetener or Agave (from health food store) can be used instead.

No soya sauce, which is high in sugar.

No alcohol – sake, vodka and gin are ok because they are distilled and have no yeast. If you like a glass of beer try to steer clear the few days around ovulation. Just think of this as a good practice run as you’ll be giving up alcohol all together whilst pregnant and breastfeeding.

No fermented cheeses – brie, camembert etc as they are high in yeast.

No fermented meats such as salami, ham etc as they are high in yeast.

No mushrooms – again high in yeast.

On a final note, detaching and letting go of the outcome is going to help you unwind and be in your flow.   You are going to be SO healthy after this.

Please let me know how you go: tameera@lightstaysguide.com

When you do fall pregnant or if you would like help deciding on your babies name or would like a natal chart completed after the birth you can read more about my astrology and numerology services here >>

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What is light? Everyone needs a little light in their life.

A little history behind Light Stays….

When deciding on the name for Light Stays the word 'light' came to mind after some deep meditations. It dawned on me as the perfect name for bringing more light to the world. Also meaning short stays/light stays and the light stays with you after visiting a retreat, event or workshop.

Light means many things to different people:   light1 [lahyt] noun, adjective, -er, -est, verb, light-ed or lit, light-ing. 1. Something that makes things visible or affords illumination: All colours depend on light.

2. Physics: Also called luminous energy, radiant energy.

3. The sensation produced by stimulation of the organs of sight.

4. An illuminating agent or source, as the sun, a lamp, or a beacon of light.

5.The radiance or illumination from a particular source: the light of a candle.

6. The illumination from the sun; daylight: We awoke at the first light.

7. Daybreak or dawn: when light appeared in the east.

8. Daytime: Summer has more hours of light.

9. A particular light or illumination in which an object seen takes on a certain appearance: viewing the portrait in dim light.

10. A short time: a light stay.

11. Feeling light: The light stays with you after doing something you love or removing what you don't need.

12. A light house: Steering ships in the night.

13. She finally saw light at the end of the tunnel.

14. The speed of light.

15. Light as a feather.

Light brings life. WIthout light we cannot survive. 

Everyone needs a little light in their life. I hope the light stays with you…

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Are you naturally empathic or have psychic abilities? Take this quiz and find out how to protect yourself from outside energies.

Do you ever wonder if you have a natural ability to sense people, places and spiritual energies?  I’ve worked with Summer McStravick over the years and love this quiz she put together which will show if you have natural empathic abilities.

Are You Naturally Empathic? (Pour yourself a cup of tea and take this short quiz to find out)

1. My feelings overwhelm me and I’m always told I’m “too emotional.” Y / N

2. I get stuck in my head, where things go round and round in my mind. Y / N

3. I have this emotional “dead zone” inside me, where I just don’t feel anything anymore. Y / N

4. I can’t go certain places because I come home from them irritable scattered, or feeling down. Y / N

5. When I’m around some people, I start to feel and act like them, and I don’t know why! Y / N

6. It’s sometimes hard to stay “myself” around certain people. I start to fold and become like they want or expect me to be. Y / N

7. When someone is upset or having a hard time, I start to get moody and upset too. Y / N

8. My spouse, partner, or parents can really affect me emotionally. Y / N

9. Sometimes I feel things for no good reason. It seems irrational. Y / N

10. It’s hard for me to stay focused when I’m worrying about someone. I can’t get their thoughts and what I think they’re feeling out of my mind. Y / N

11. Sometimes I feel really strong and powerful—like there’s a deep well of some energy inside me. If only I could tap it at will! Y / N

12. I used to have lots of “highs and lows” but now I’m just stuck somewhere, feeling nothing. Feeling resigned. Y / N

13. I’m told I have no “boundaries” and I always feel under pressure to do what other people need or expect from me, even if i don’t want to or it makes me angry. Y / N

14. I’m really affected when I see animals or children or the helpless injured, sick, or mistreated. It’s almost like it’s happening to me! Y / N

15. I often know when I’m on someone’s mind, or when they’ll call me or I’ll hear from them. Y / N

16. I get really confused sometimes, especially when I’m arguing with someone. It’s like what they’re saying and what I’m feeling about them don’t match somehow. Y / N

17. I often know things but don’t trust my intuition. I say to myself that it’s just my wishful thinking, or my own feelings getting in the way. Y / N

SCORING - how did you go?

0-6 Yes's: We need to open up your emotions and help you begin to feel the underlying communication that passes between all things. You may have been taught to "turn off" or distrust your emotions when you were growing up, and the legacy of this is that you can sometimes feel at an emotional disadvantage to other people.

7-11 Yes's: You fall right in the mid-range, where most people experience a degree of empathically intuitive flashes. You're ripe to develop and deepen this intuitive sense in yourself.

12-17 Yes's: Not only are you a natural empath, but you'd benefit hugely from learning techniques from a trained empath and mentor who could help you tame and focus the flood of information constantly coming at you. It's crucial for you to learn how to discern YOUR feelings from other people's, and to learn how to see around you with pure emotional clarity.

Being empathic has its good and difficult points.  For example it’s great being able to feel inside what someone or a place is like however it’s also easy to pick up on ‘other energies’.  If you’re around a positive environment and people that’s great - however often we’re in situations we need to protect ourselves.

You can do this each morning – it only takes a few minutes and will help you feel better through your day.

Close your eyes and think of a place that brings happiness to you. Surround yourself with white light, feel the energy going through you and around you whilst imagining tree roots coming from your feet through the ground. This will help cleanse, centre and earth your energies.  

If you’re in a crowded mall or with lots of people and need some respite try imagining yourself with a white or blue ball of energy around you.  You can burn sage around your house and or office to clear energies – afterwards try some citrus essential oils in an oil burner to uplift.

Would you like to learn more on developing your intuition or empathic abilities? I highly recommend both Amanda DeWarren and Summer McStravick – they’re also online (work globally) and can help take you to a whole new level, whilst giving you insight to help your life make more sense.

I’d love to know how you went in the quiz or your experiences… 

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The best spiritual places and sacred sites in the world I’ve journeyed to...

I’ve travelled from Glastonbury to the Ganges. Each place radiates something extraordinary - a high frequency spiritual energy that’s other-worldly. You could say it’s like the ultimate experience for your soul.

So here are some of my favourite life-changing places I’ve stayed around the world. I hope this gives some inspiration towards your next journey xo

Glastonbury

The famed spiritual Mecca of Great Britain, Glastonbury exudes a magnetic air of tranquility and togetherness. Attracting a variety of pilgrims from all over the world, lingering in the sacred space since the megalithic (stone) era.

To reach the magical village of Glastonbury can be a slight challenge but definitely worth it. Nestled in verdant green hills, the tallest known as the Tor, which is incredible at sunset. At the foot of the Tor is the Chalice Well, known as the earth source of the Goddess Gaia. Drink from her red springs - the iron-rich healing waters for your soul rejuvenation. Glastonbury is complete with temples, fertility sites, a stone circle with a massive astrological calendar and a sacred Goddess Center where druid high priests and high priestess were trained and based. And of course the infamous three day Glastonbury music festival – an experience everyone should include in this lifetime if you’re ready for it. Stonehenge

It’s impossible to talk about sacred places without Stonehenge. What are those carefully placed upright stones for? Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument in the English county of Wiltshire. There are stages of growth throughout the years beginning from a ditch. The final stage took place soon after 1,500 BC when the bluestones were rearranged in the horseshoe and circle that we see today.

The circle, 320 feet in diameter, had a single entrance, 56 mysterious holes around its perimeter (with remains in them of human cremations), and a wooden sanctuary in the middle. The circle was aligned with the midsummer sunrise, the midwinter sunset, and the most southerly rising and northerly setting of the moon.

Stonehenge and the large number of other stone rings located throughout the British Isles (and the world) are part solar/lunar/stellar observatory and part ritual structure. Many ancient cultures held festivals on the solstices and equinoxes to celebrate renewal of energies. Crete, Greece

The first human settlement was 130,000 years ago… Crete (Greek: Κρήτη Kríti; [kriti]) is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, the fifth-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It forms a significant part of the economy and cultural heritage of Greece while retaining its own local cultural traits such as its own poetry, and music.

If you’re a goddess and love to travel don’t miss the deep feminine energies within the Greek Island of Crete.

This is the sacred land of the Minoans. Crete was once the ground of holy initiation rites for women to help them achieve powers of intuition and vision and reconnect with their femininity. Experience Crete as a woman traveller and you’ll feel like coming home to your deepest self. Visit ancient ruins or relax by the beach. I could easily live here… Florence, Italy

Florence is an ancient sacred site with so much to experience even if you’re on the tourist trail. The Duomo is a must see magnificent cathedral notable for its giant dome, designed by Brunelleschi in 1436. 


Known as the global capital and incubator of the Renaissance, you can take in some amazing sacred sites in Florence. You’ll feel inspired with the churches of Santa Croce from 1294 best known for its Florentine artwork and its tombs of illustrious dead, including Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli.

Dating from Early Christian times, the Florence Baptistery (Battistero di San Giovanni) is one of Florence's oldest buildings. It’s covered inside and out with splendid medieval and Renaissance decoration, including Lorenzo Ghiberti's famous bronze doors dubbed the "Gates of Paradise." The Florentines long believed their baptistery to be an ancient pagan temple converted to Christian use. This is not the case, but it does incorporate many spoils from Roman buildings and stands over a Roman house with a mosaic pavement. And the baptistery is indeed ancient - built in the 4th or 5th century, it is the oldest building in Florence. You might find amazing pizza here too… Byron Bay, Australia


Byron Bay is Australia's most easterly point - a very special spiritual town in NSW. I found an interesting article by Light Ascension, which may explain the amazing energy here…

“The role of Byron Bay is to create a blueprint for Unconditional Love.  

You may have noticed an unusual phenomena experienced by many visitors to Byron. They inexplicably find their own personal emotions, thoughts, belief systems and rigid patterns raised to the surface.

This, in fact, is the higher reason they are drawn to this area. The role of the Byron Lightworker is to take these patterns of energy brought to them by the visitors and transmute them into higher vibrations of light. The change of energy made to every belief system, emotion, etc. is an important part of the blueprint. In addition to the great assistance given by the tourists in releasing their unwanted dense energy patterns, they are also clearing a space within themselves to receive love from the Byron area to take back out into the world.”
 Uluru (Ayers Rock), Australia

To see the spiritual landmark Uluru, which rises above 348 meters, is to grasp its importance to the Aboriginal people. This is where ancestral beings in the form of totemic animals and humans emerged from the interior of the Earth and began to wander over the land.

The megalith stands proud and sacred amidst a barren, harsh desert. It glows bright red come sunset and changes it colors at other times of the day. This chameleon of a rock seems alive like a heartbeat...

Uluru is such an important site of the “record of Dreamtime” for the Aboriginal people, almost like holding their DNA. An Aborigine only has to touch the rock to communicate with Dreamtime and invoke the ancestral spirits for protection and blessings. Aborigines still conduct initiation ceremonies in the caves while spiritual aware travellers who integrate the Dreamtime into their beliefs also understand the sacredness here. 

During the course of the yearly cycle various Aboriginal tribes would make journeys, called walkabouts, along the song lines of various totemic spirits, returning year after year to the same traditional routes.

At the totem sacred sites, where the mythical beings of the Dreamtime stayed, the aborigines performed rituals to invoke the Kurunba, or spirit power of the place. This power could be used for the benefit of the tribe, the totemic spirits of the tribe, and the health of the surrounding lands.

For the aborigines, walkabouts along the song lines of their sacred geography were a way to support and regenerate the spirits of the living Earth, and also a way to experience a living memory of their ancestral Dreamtime heritage.

Thaton Temple - Chiang Rai, Thailand

Of the many temples that are scattered around Chiang Mai Province, my favourite is the Thaton Temple or Wat Tha Ton, which holds a little piece of the Buddha. The view on the way to the temple is already so breathtaking that it leaves you feeling relaxed. The stress of travel is completely taken away once you arrive in Thaton Valley, which is between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

The temple is divine with a serpent leading up to the glass encased Buddha. The majestic view of the valley from the hilltop Buddhist temple vibrates with an energy you can feel. Arrive at sunrise at the foothills to give alms to the monks who will chant a prayer for you. It’s so beautiful here. Varanasi, India

According to legend, Varanasi was founded by the god Shiva. Buddha is believed to have founded Buddhism here around 528 BCE when he gave his first sermon, "Turning the Wheel of Law", at nearby Sarnath. You can feel the energy as soon as you arrive. Varanasi. It's pure bedlam yet a world I'm so glad I experienced and would love to visit again one day.   It’s one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the oldest in India – also the spiritual capital.
 The roads are crowded with rickshaws, cows and people. You can wake to the sound of sitar and flute, music dedicated to the Holy Ganges. It’s impossible not to feel the energy around. Walking along the ghats in the early morning and about sunset, you’ll see worshipers bathing in the river, feeling the sanctity of the mother Ganges and grateful for her divine intervention. Varanasi a place you’ll be touched for life and never forget.  Arrive with no plans and become lost in a city that will capture your heart and soul.

Pokhara, Nepal

On a retreat to Pokhara many years ago, I remember the views of a greenish blue lake and snow-capped mountains exuding an already calm vibe and magnetism with children gathering to show us where they lived. Pokhara is the second largest city of Nepal. It’s situated at an altitude of 827 meters and 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu, Nepal. A Peace Pagoda (inspired by Mahatma Gandhi) is a Buddhist structure designed to provide a focus for people of all races and creeds, and to help unite them in their search for world peace. Guides have described Pokhara as one of the most beautiful places in the world and I have to say it really is. Almost a part of India there is another worldly calming influence here. It has three out of the ten highest mountains in the world. Due to its proximity to the Annapurna mountain range, the city is also a base for trekkers undertaking the Annapurna Circuit through the region of the Annapurna ranges in the Himalayas. From 1959 to 1962 approximately 300,000 exiles entered Nepal from neighbouring Tibet following its capture by China. Approximately 2500 Tibetans cross the border into Nepal each year, many of whom arrive in Pokhara typically as a transit to Tibetan exile communities in India. About 50,000 - 60,000 Tibetan exiles reside in Nepal and approximately 20,000 of the exiled Tibetans live in one of the 12 consolidated camps, eight in Kathmandu and four in and around Pokhara. The four Tibetan settlements in Pokhara are Jampaling, Paljorling, Tashi Ling, and Tashi Palkhiel. These camps have evolved into well-built settlements, each with a Buddhist monastery. Until the end of the 1960s Pokhara was only accessible by foot and was considered a more mystical place than Kathmandu.

Have you been to any of these places or have an amazing place you'd like to share?

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Messages and signs from spirit to beyond…

Messages and signs - we all ask for them now and then. They come in many different ways – often unexpected. “Send me a message and let me know I’m going in the right direction.” Or to our loved ones passed over “Show me a sign so I know you’re really there…”

Signs can come from animals too. My old cattledog Zac used to read signs on road trips. Yes he could.  My friend Peta and I would be driving with him – I’m talking pre-GPS days on long open Australian roads.  

We used to stop at the big green signs directing travellers to the next town, unravel our map and figure out how lost we were. Realisation set in Zac’s random barking was not random at all. He saw those green signs when we were driving and would start barking at every single one. Zac wanted us to see the signs so we’d stop and go in the right direction. I don’t think he wanted to get lost either.

When my grandad passed a few years ago I was volunteering at the local dog shelter and took one of their dogs to the park that same afternoon feeling a little sad. There was a bird on the tree staring at us. I walked towards it and put my hand out, the bird hopped on and all I could think of was my grandad. He had a real affiliation with animals – it was like grandad was sending a message saying; “Hey wee lassie,” (he was Scottish) “I’m ok – I’m free as a bird now.” 

Recently I woke and kept thinking to email my amazing friend and co-worker Helen a rainbow – we’d had a super busy few weeks and this would be my sign to show her there was a rainbow coming for us. I decided as soon as I arrived at work I’d do this.  Well she’d beaten me to it sending me a rainbow!

I take life coaching sessions with Amanda De Warren – she’s helped me in so many ways not only connect with my soulmate who passed over in 1999 but with my business, health and more.  Amanda records our work together then sends a CD in the post. I don’t normally open the CD’s as I type everything out but this one arrived early and I had the urge to listen to it. As I put it on my desk a CD that had been in my computer for over six months popped out.

The second I started to listen my mobile rang. “Hi darling it’s me Amanda just calling to say hi – I have a few things to pass on to you.” Amanda rarely calls out of the blue - I couldn’t believe her timing and took it as a sign there were some important messages here. Our conversation finished with “So Tameera make sure you drink some orange juice – fresh – your body needs it.” (Amanda can easily tune in to your health). It just so happened within the next hour someone offered me a bottle of my favourite fresh Tamarama orange juice, as they didn’t need it. Yes I know it’s amazing.

On the weekend I asked my soulmate Anthony who’s passed over for a sign – “Please just something I need to know you’re around! I know you’re there but I can’t see you.” So the next morning I woke to look on Facebook and the first message I saw was a wall post news feed from Cameron Steele owner of Contact Talk Radio streamed worldwide from America.  Cameron has not only built an incredible radio station but is also highly intuitive.

He asked if anyone knew what the word ‘Gonch’ meant? I couldn’t believe it – Gonch was Anthony’s nickname when he was in Australia from over 20 years ago. I never knew how he acquired this name but this is what all his friends called him – this was honestly the first time I’d ever heard anyone mention it.

There were wall posts with varying suggestions from Cameron’s friends – but nobody really seemed to know the answer. I wrote to Cameron and told him my story. He came back the next day and replied, “Tameera I never thought of it like that but now I see clearly – the name Gonch just popped into my head. This message was meant for you to let you know Anthony is around.”   

Whilst I was writing this blog one of my favourite songs Tim ‘love’ Lee Everybody Loves came on the radio.

So that’s my message for you today ~ Everybody loves xo

Do you have a sign or message you’d like to share?

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Lessons in life and gratitude

Nearby to my home lives a homeless woman. We sometimes call her the pigeon lady. She doesn’t look like a pigeon though. It’s more to do with the groups of pigeons always around her – I guess she likes their company. Her real name is Juliette.

She had a public housing flat but filled it with too many things and didn’t clean it, everything from the neighbourhood made it’s way in there. We could see from the outside window, piles stacked to the roof. The neighbours spoke to me about the mice and the smell. Juliette is a hoarder. I wonder about her story.

Not able to give up her lifestyle of excess she now lives under the bridge of traffic, with a shopping trolley, a bed and neatly tucked belongings a few meters wide that seem to shrink and grow. I try and bring perspective to this situation. Maybe she was very rich in a past life and needed lots of possessions, yet took everything for granted so this was a way for her to learn…

This week Juliette had a new bird; a baby bird perched on her shopping trolley. Black and white with ruffled feathers – it looks very much like a magpie to me.

I say, “Hi, is your bird hurt?” “No” she says in a whisper. “I’m feeding it, someone has to look after it you know? Otherwise it will die. It’s a messy job as you can see. Do you have any meat? My bird needs fresh meat.” She sees me with my dog. Having some meat at home is a clever assumption.

Later in the day I bring a portion of meat wrapped in plastic on my way to the park with my dog. She’s not there so I leave it on her covered pile of belongings. The pigeons are circling.

On my way back she’s there with her bird. “Hi Juliette I left you some fresh meat!” “Oh” she says, “that was you. I thought it was Dave from around the corner. My bird needs more. That’s not enough – he eats half a cup! Next time can you bring him more? He needs more meat!“

I’m wondering if that’s a tea cup or mug she’s referring to. With all the dog owners around here, that’s going to be one fat bird.

My small gesture of kindness had now turned into an expectation of more. She was a homeless lady so I guess it could be anticipated. I’ve encountered this many times though on different levels with people who should know better – we all have and it makes me withdraw.

This got me thinking to lessons in life. How important it is to be gracious for the small things in life, to say thank you and not expect more. I thank Juliette for the small lesson she highlighted to me.

Teachers arrive in many forms and today’s lesson was one in gratitude – to be thankful for the small things in life. This is how we can ultimately receive more and grow.

A post by Tameera Kemp, Director of Light Stays Retreats and Living.

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Understanding compassion. A Monks meditation secret to enlightenment…

This week I went to a meditation and talk at inner city Sydney sanctuary Anahata Therapies, with the Venerable Lobsang Tibetan Buddhist Monk Tendar.  Through his eyes I learned about a Monks secret….

Monk Tendar passionately shared with us growing up in poverty, being held captive by Chinese military for many months with little food, light, clothing or warmth whilst exposed to constant brutality and beatings. This was not because he had done anything wrong; it was for his Buddhist beliefs, which included not harming others, mediation, education, love and compassion for all.

“Our bodies” he explained “are merely vessels for our soul on this earth.  When we go to sleep at night we don’t know where our mind goes – it can go wondering to any part of the world or universe.  It can go here, there and everywhere! We can learn this through meditation too.”

With deep meditation Monk Tendar was able to silence his mind and ‘remove himself’ from his body whilst being tortured.  He grew from this learning ignorance was not bliss and how having a compassionate mind not full of hate was his saviour.  

Monk Tendar explained your mind has to be strong. “Like an athlete each day you can train your mind to learn wholeness and not be caught up in small things that don’t matter like attachment and anger, which can make you weak in character.” Through meditation he was able to take his mind to another place, this kept him strong in spirit; and without this he explained would not be alive today.

His Tibetan family, friends and community are still in Tibet, with little education and hope for a new way of life. He was cheerful though; “Our mediation group was helping through being here today.” Monk Tendar’s mission in life is to give his community the chance they deserve and teach us, in the Western world about true compassion and unconditional love, which leads to understanding, growth and enlightenment.

“A dog” he explains “can be left in your house all day. However if you come home your dog will wag it’s tale and be very excited to see you.” He giggled with a twinkle in his eye. “However you leave a child at home, the child will not be happy to see you.  They will be very upset. We can learn from the dog, they love us no matter what – it’s unconditional.  The dog knows true love without expectation. This of course (he explains) does not mean we should leave child in the house alone – nooo don’t do that!”

He gave another example of attachment.  “We have attachment to things that can make us very, very upset.  Take for example your cup. You have a cup and it’s 'your' cup. Somebody touches your cup. No you say that is my cup!

But what does it matter? It’s only a material thing. Why does it make you upset? Why not share your cup? Why does sharing make you so unhappy?

This attachment you have created is not real it’s only by limiting your thoughts.  Attachment leads to ignorance, which is not for our wholeness of wellbeing and growth to enlightenment.”

Monk Tendar explained we have options in life unless being held captive it’s our choice with whom we’d like to surround ourselves with.  It’s also our choice on how we respond to ignorance and negativity, which is a heavy energy to be around especially if empathic (able to feel things).

I met with my friend during the week telling him about my meditation experience. Not the most ‘spiritual’ of people but an amazing friend and soul. Doing his best to understand - “So Tameera what did you come away with from all this?”…”A Tibetan blanket made with Yak hair and a meditation cushion…”

I laughed – “All the money goes to the Buddhist community in Tibet. Not the answer you were looking for?!” "I learned about enlightenment and hope you did too..." 

Life is what we make of it - it’s our choice on how we grow.  Daily meditation even 5 or 10 minutes a day can help take you out of yourself, to center and feel the wholeness around.

Monk Tendar suggests surrounding ourselves with the people we feel good with and can grow living positively. Anything less is quite simply stunting our growth to feeling light.

Do you have an enlightening experience you’d like to share?

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Honey – a holistic remedy for your natural health and wellbeing.

The famous naturalist and American author, Henry Thoreau is best known for Walden, a reflection upon simple living in natural surroundings. His quote “The keeping of bees is like the direction of sunbeams” quite simply means the sunshine comes to you when opening a jar of honey.

The production of honey is an amazing and intricate art perfected by the honeybee. For this tireless working insect what it lacks in size, it by no means lacks in determination and incredible wisdom to complete the cycle of pollen conversion to honey.

By the time it reaches our shelves it’s in the purest form of glucose you can imagine - becoming a gift to our bodies for energy and wellbeing.

For thousands of years honey has been a basic fundamental raw food. From biblical times, honey was used as a currency, medicinal aid and an additive to cooking. Its name comes from the English word hunig and was our first, most widely used sweetener. Honey has been used not only in food and beverages, but also to make cement, in furniture polishes and varnishes and as a natural healer.

The advantages to keeping a pot of honey in the cupboard are many – it’s a holistic remedy working as an external and internal healing aid. It’s a natural soother to injuries and infections and a healthy alternative to sugar or artificial sweeteners.

Honey has antibiotic qualities for infections or cuts and is a great soother for sore throats and chest infections, as well as improving your immune system.  It has antioxidant qualities helping our bodies from digestion to heart problems, it’s also a natural fuel to the functions of the liver and has shown to increase our energy, heal stomach problems and have positive effects on some cancers and other conditions associated with increased oxidative stress. Honey really a one-stop natural wellbeing aid.

In cooking, honey gives flavour to salad dressings, desserts and vegetables and adds a delicious boost to stir-fry and casserole dishes.

Each country has their own blend of honey. This is due to the pollen collection being taken from the native landscape, which in turn flavours or taints the taste.  All honey is sweet but there are differences. For example, honey from Canada has a milder, sweeter, creamier texture than honey from Mexico which is full bodied but fruitier in taste.

Manuka honey from New Zealand, one of the most famous and popular varieties is a darker honey and is the most medicinal. To quickly heal a sore throat purchase a jar of high UMF Manuka honey (at least 15+ UMF) – eat by the spoonful and add to boiled water with lemon.

The nectar collected adds to the tastes and aromas of the honey and also affects colour and constituency. These variants are influenced from the flower and fauna in the area, which then affects the taste. So honey in France has a lavender fragrance – the same as Spain.  You’ll find a more herbal taste where the nectar is collected from the mountain growing wild herbs.

Forget Mary Poppins ‘a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go round.’ With a spoonful of honey you won’t need any medicine!

A post by Tameera Kemp, Director of Light Stays Retreats and Living.

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Time heals all wounds – or does it?

Do you remember your first encounter with loss? I do…Tic and Tac were my pet goldfish, they’d grown to the size of small koi and I loved them.  When Tac died I was devastated – what would Tic do? Where did he go? Was he OK? Do fish go to heaven?

I buried Tac in the garden with a bag full of water and some fish food just in case. My cat – let’s call her ‘the grave digger opportunist’ must have been watching my every move. After coming home from school she was looking very suspicious with dirt on her face unable to look me in the eye, Tac’s grave was open and he was gone...

I don’t think there’s a soul who doesn’t encounter the inevitable loss of a person, animal or goldfish they love. The sadness of one of our friends in pain from loss is difficult. How do you comfort someone when they feel their life has changed forever and sometimes can’t see the way forward or understand what happened?

‘Death’ is never easy and as prepared as you might think you are – the loss is always there. We’re spiritual beings in human bodies having a very earthy experience and touch plays a big part.  Stroking your dog or cat or giving your partner or friend a hug then not being able to do this anymore - even ‘knowing’ they are with us in spirit takes adjusting and time to heal.

I do know how this feels having lost many close to me - my best friend/partner and my very special dog. I’ve dealt with friends and family passing without warning – it’s sad and can be difficult to understand.

There are no set rules to bereavement or recovery – it’s never a black and white situation – I’d say a few shades of grey. Through my experience people will either sidestep the subject in fear of upsetting you or simply not know what to say... Others will let you know they are there to talk to day or night with a comforting shoulder to cry on.

People can react in different ways from loss. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can be hard to spot as it can arrive months, even years later (particularly if holding in grief). PTSD can come about as anger, depression, binge drinking, risk taking behaviour and irrational actions. If a friend acts in a way that surprises or shocks you and you know they’ve had a big loss then encourage them to seek counselling. Let them know you’re there but they need to seek help.

Let your friend dealing with loss know you’re around and you understand their situation without pushing them into any kind of thoughts or behaviour they may not be ready to accept (unless they are acting in risk taking or irrational behaviour).

True friendship is unconditional – it’s based on understanding and caring, and at sensitive times, true friends will be what they are meant to be, someone who doesn’t judge, doesn’t force – who simply understands, listens and helps pick up the pieces.

Although the process of grieving is as individual as we are, most people follow some of the below stages (in no particular order) and mostly at different times. This is important with any kind of assistance you want to offer as there are no set rules and perhaps the first important factor to bear in mind.

1. Ride the roller coaster with them

When someone is initially faced with a loss, a transition of emotions is taking place. They are caught up with feelings, which come and go with roller coaster speed and can range from shock, disbelief, fear, and sadness.

Understanding this whirlwind of feelings is important and initially a sign you care by dropping by or with a phone call is a good way to allow your friend to know you’re there. This gives your friend a feeling they have a bigger circle than the one they are standing in and can step out of it when or if they feel like it.

2. Understand where they are

Don’t be surprised by any reactions your friend shows, they will be upside down emotionally and the thoughts of the right and wrong way to do things will be further from their mind. They won’t not mean to snap, or burst into tears at the slightest thing – your friend still values you but will be in a world where they hurt which can be difficult to just carry on and treat those close to them normally.

Some people go into complete shut down mode and don’t wish to speak or contact anyone. Just let them know you’re there to talk if and when they feel like it.

3. Communication

Try to encourage a “talking phase” - some people will really want to not do this, but others will be desperate to just go over the things they feel and have done with the person they have lost.

Understand that by your friend talking about their loss, they feel they are connecting; they are reminded of memories and times shared, which will also help ease raw in their emotions. Encourage them to write down their feelings if it helps, if they feel they can open up they will not withdraw into themselves so much and feel supported by your friendship.

4. Day-by-day

Your friend may have been the life and soul of the party before their loss, and may struggle to go back into ‘good times’ mode. Respect their feelings and help them to go out for a walk, or to spend some time doing something, which will help them smile at life.

They need to feel their own lives are still important and to carry on. Each day is another move forward and if your friend can feel it’s worth it life will become easier.

5. Keep them going

Don’t expect too much, give them time, be there for the tears, give your friend little gifts (which can be a flower from a garden) - show them how they are moving forward. Your rewards will come as they slowly begin to smile more and remember you were there for them when it mattered.

6. Time to heal

Encourage counselling and a retreat or workshop to get to help the healing process. Being around people who understand and can help on a holistic level in a safe environment will help take the pain away and make healing time so much easier.

Books like ‘Your Souls Plan’ by Robert Schwartz (read excerpt) can help you and your friend understand pre-birth planning lessons (the lessons we chose before we came to earth). Everything really does happen for a reason.

Life is eternal - all we can expect from life is change and ultimately growth.

“Eventually you will come to understand that love heals everything, and love is all there is.” ~ Gary Zukav (American best selling author)

“They say that time heals all wounds, unfortunately it's not just time. It's what you do during the time that will allow wounds to heal. Time by itself is not enough...Treat yourself like you would your career, invest in you and the reward is priceless.” ~ Billy Lewis

Time is part of the healing process when someone is grieving. It will never change the loss, nor will anyone forget however it will become easier to accept, and this is when your true friendship can be rewarded for being there when you’re most needed. Maybe in the simplest form this is what true friendship is all about.

Do you have an experience that helped you or a friend overcome loss?

A post by Tameera Kemp, Director of Light Stays Retreats and Living.

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The Law of Attraction: The secret to raising your vibration and manifesting your dreams

Change your vibration change your life...  

Expect to find what you are looking for and you will not be disappointed.

Discovering my spirituality many years ago - I remember my best friend at the time explaining to me, be around the places you want to live, draw a desciption of the house you want to live and find pictures of the person who looks like the one you want to be with. It’s about being around, feeling and giving clear intentions of what you want to attract into your life.  She was good at this, easily meeting and marrying her soulmate who also happened to be a down to earth warm-hearted millionaire.

We all want to manifest more into our life, to enjoy our work and be surrounded with love and abundance - which can be perceived in different ways.  A Monk might be content and find abundance through spirituality, three meals a day, warm clothes and likeminded souls to grow with.

A child might find abundance through a happy family, a good school and supportive friends.  Yet another might be bored with this and find their abundance with more toys, to be better than his/her friends or to become a high achiever in sports.  Which child will be happiest inside though?

There’s a couple of simple tools you can use to help bring exactly what you want into your life – one is a vision board. Paste what you’d like to attract into you life like it’s there already in your own photo album, include amounts of money, houses you like, friends and partners or a baby if that’s what you’re looking for.   You can include images of retreats or holiday places you love, spiritual images or quotes that resonate – be creative and make it your own. 

The other is to write a description of what you want to bring into your life, like you’re writing to a friend about something amazing that’s just happened.

When writing be specific and include everything – you don’t want 80% you want 100%.  Each day continue to feel this person, place, house or new business like it’s already happened.  Wait and be open to receiving. 

"I've met my soulmate! When we crossed paths I knew something special was going to happen. He looks like...”

"My business has soared to new heights; I can travel, help people and finally do what I love to do. I'm supported in every way possible and so happy…”

Don’t forget to date so you can look back and see how timing transpired for you.

I love the following messages and affirmations shared by Betty Pegues Spiritual Communicator, Utah City.

Inspiring Law of Attraction Messages by Abraham Hicks: 

“From your human perspective, you often believe that you must work hard to overcome obstacles and satisfy shortages and solve the problems that are before you; but often, in that attitude or approach, you work against yourself without realizing it.

Attention to obstacles makes them bigger and more stubborn; attention to shortages makes them bigger and prolongs them - and attention to a problem prevents any immediate resolution or solution. 

Giving your attention to your breathing and to the natural rhythm of your body, any problematic vibrational activation will simply cease to be. And, in the absence of that resistance, your vibration will naturally begin to rise until it will align with the higher vibration of the very solutions you have been longing for.

In the absence of longing, in the absence of doubt - in the absence of obstacles and shortages and problemswill be the solutions and abundance that you seek.

The evidence of your vibrational shift will become obvious in two ways: first, you will feel better; and next, physical evidence of financial improvement will begin flowing to you from a variety of different directions.”

Affirmation: I am a magnet with the ability to attract any and everything to me based on the vibrational signal I am giving off through my thoughts.

You are the only one who creates your experience - no one else. Everything that comes to you comes by the power of your thought. If there are changes you would like to make, it will be of great value to begin telling a different story - not only about your body, but about all subjects that have been troubling to you. As you begin to positively focus, getting to feel so good about so many subjects, you will begin to feel the power that creates worlds flowing through you.

The Law of Attraction says, "That which is like unto itself is drawn."

Once you activate a vibration within you, the Law of Attraction begins responding to that vibration, and you're off and running—whether it's something wanted or unwanted.

The Law of Attraction, and when it is said to you, "Ask, and it is given," there is no more powerful statement that is at the basis of what makes things happen.Everything is valid and everything is truthful, because the Law of Attraction lets everything be.

Within the seed of your desire is everything necessary for it to blossom to fulfillment, and the Law of Attraction is the engine that does the work.

If you will relax and allow the Law of Attraction to do the organization, the managing, then you can spend your time doing the things that please you.

~ Abraham Hicks

It’s no secret anymore…be careful of what you truly wish for because you know what? It’s going to happen.

I’d love to hear your thoughts or experiences xo

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The best spiritual retreats and sacred places to enrich your mind, body and soul in America, Hawaii and Canada…

Have you taken ‘time-out’ to balance your energies lately? Sometimes we need a little boost or a life transforming experience - especially when going through periods of change and growth. This can come in many forms including relationships, heightened sensitivity or a longing to ‘find out more.’

Through a spiritual retreat you can rejuvenate, reconnect, develop your intuition and learn how to release anything not needed in your life with likeminded others.  It can be the start of a new journey or chapter in your book.  Change is the only thing we can be certain of in life; why not embrace the opportunity to take your soul to new heights where you can begin to live the life of your dreams?

  Light Stays picks of the best spiritual retreats in America, Hawaii and Canada: Tranquility Retreats - The Secrets of Ayurveda & Alchemy

“Nurture yourself with our healing and rejuvenation services from around the world.”

Located on the island of Maui, Hawaii this world-class retreat has continuously altered the lives of many.

Prominent spiritual teachers and healing masters Alisha Olivier and Davidji offer you the very best healing programs, which will ensure you return home a newly-revitalized person. You’ll enjoy treatments ranging from massages, yoga sessions, healing with essential oils, sound meditation, cranio sacral therapy and lots more.

  The Secrets of Ayurveda & Alchemy offers a personal transformation program called ‘Healing From Within.’ As suggested, this elite method promotes a healing approach through tapping into your deepest emotions. You can take part in one-on-one sessions personalized just for you.

An intricate garden setting awaits you on this retreat. Enjoy your stay in an exclusive cottage located among the abundance of lush flowers, trees and fresh air, koi pond and brook.

This exceptional place will give you peace, healing and serenity to enrich your mind, body and spirit.

7-day programs from $2,850 USD

Find out more:http://bit.ly/RUHnYy

Stone Light Spiritual Retreat Wisconsin

“A spiritual place where heaven and earth meet.” 

Stone Light is a unique spiritual retreat center that offers a peaceful place for relaxation, personal and spiritual expansion...  

   The area situated in Kickapoo River Valley Wisconsin, is famous for being ‘driftless or un-glaciated’ because it’s one of the few parts in America missed by advancing glaciers over the millennia. As a result, this preserved the exceptional topography of the region making it a prime location for a spiritual retreat. The breathtaking terrain and clear streams are one of the many features to enjoy in this organic haven where many ‘spirit orbs’ have been spotted!

You can spend the night in four uniquely designed Amish Built Cabins named The Crystal, Emerald, Sapphire and Rose Cabins  - furnished with a homely fireplace to ensure your comfort.

Also, tucked in seclusion amongst the woods is a chapel that can be reached through nature trails and stone pavements. Revitalise the way nature intended as this retreat is free from any electronic interference.

Group or private sessions include akashic records, astrology, breath-work, massage, nutrition, shamanic healing, spiritual mentoring and reiki. 

You’ll feel empowered again after a ‘light stay’ at Stone Light.

Rate per night from $68 USD

Full program prices for three nights from $188 USD

Find out more: http://bit.ly/PCTH3n

Healing Rock Retreat Canada

“Come as you are; leave inspired and refreshed.” 

For over 10 years, Daryl Wood has provided a space for adults to nurture and relax on a spiritual, physical and emotional level. Healing Rock Retreat is a premiere retreat located on the shores of Lake Huron, Ontario Canada.

   What draws people to Healing Rock is the sacred lands of the Bruce Peninsula with ancient cedars, glacier rocks and crystal clear water. What they find is a special place to rest, reflect and rejuvenate - to remember who they are and what matters to them.

Healing Rock Retreat is an adult-only private three bedroom self-contained suite on the shores of Lake Huron. Nestled amongst the tall cedar trees the space is comfortable and nurturing. Witness the full moon rise over the lake or the brilliant star filled dark skies.

This is a place to walk, meditate, write, hike, sleep, reflect, create, run, draw, read, swim, explore, talk - or just breathe…

‘The Artful Hiker’ healing program will inspire you to express yourself through art, photography, writing and nature.  Activities and therapies include life coaching, shiatsu massage, reflexology and reiki.

  Come as you are. Leave feeling refreshed with clarity, courage, energy, new perspective, focus, enthusiasm, a calm mind, a content heart and a nurtured soul.

Rate per night from $120 CAD

Find out more- http://bit.ly/P1eAAl

Real Retreat Hawaii with Stacey De Marco + Denby Sheather

“Come with us to an ancient land where we will weave the energies of heaven and earth, sea and stars, fire and water, aloha and magic!”

Discover an ancient land in Hawaii where magical energies flourish. A Real Retreat is something you do truly for you. It's about expanding everything, fearlessly...

  Facilitated by internationally respected Stacey Demarco and Denby Sheather, two gifted spiritual and healing practitioners from Australia, activities and programs are specifically designed to help you grow.

Rejuvenate with delicious organic vegetarian food, connect with nature and powerful magic. Experience the healing power of seasonal yoga with one of Australia’s most gifted teachers. Enjoy the powerful nature energies of Hawaii and two practitioners dedicated to your transformation.

You will be staying at the beautiful Kalani Oceanside Retreat on the Big Island of Hawaii. “Kalani Honua” meaning harmony of heaven and earth, and this is exactly what these 120 acres of organic environment aspires to, with nutritious vegetarian food, eco accommodation and a stunning heart-opening location (your choice of single, twin or triple share).

With a guided Meditation every night, daily spiritual workshops, practical magic sessions and a super powerful full moon ritual you’ll transform through a spiritual retreat journey like no other.

Full program price from $2,997 AUD

Find out more- http://bit.ly/Xqcn6i

The Mandala Center Retreat

“Come join us as we explore, learn, play, reflect, rest, and renew.” 

The Mandala Center located in New Mexico, Northern America is a serene not-for-profit sanctuary where you’ll find peace, renewal and a deeper understanding of life.

Situated on the slopes of the Sierra Grande Mountain (very close to the Colorado and Texas borders) with sweeping and expansive views of the desert plains and volcanic mountains. The rural area and quiet environment lends itself to times of rest and contemplation.

Here you can explore a variety of holistic workshops and retreats ranging from meditation, yoga, art, women’s empowerment, personal transformation and lots more.

The Mandala Center also provides beautiful rental space for groups seeking time and study for spiritual growth, personal development, wellbeing and creative expression. Up to 24 people can stay in shared rooms with full catering available.

The Mandala Center was born from a vision. Tish Hewett founder of the Mandala Center began construction as a personal retreat home and felt led to include round walls and rooms. Tish asked her daughter, “Why am I making round walls?” Anna replied, “You are building your own Mandala of healing and wholeness.”

Take a journey on the road less travelled to the Mandala Center where you’ll explore, learn, play, reflect, rest, and renew with the very best of company.

Find out more - http://bit.ly/RalQvA

Now it’s your turn... Do you have a spiritual retreat experience you'd like to share?

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The natural choice for your retreat – Ubud Bali...

A little piece of paradise called Ubud is a sanctuary located within the alluring mountains of Bali tucked away from the bustling tourists. Boosting rich heritage and history, Ubud is known as Bali’s cultural center. It's the perfect place for anyone seeking rest and relaxation or an unforgettable adventure.

                          Ubud has 14 towns, abundant with fresh flora and fauna complementing a serene ambiance. Incredible picturesque views from all over the area will take your breath away. As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional dance performance by the locals. It's a haven of tranquility for the traveller who seeks to enrich their mind, body and soul.

What to do in Ubud

You’ll find endless enjoyment with arts, crafts and nourishing cuisine a huge part of Ubud’s culture.  Intrigued with ancient mysticism and culture? Ubud has a wealth of historic temples and museums for you to discover. Many parts can be explored by bicycle and foot, which makes the experience even more exhilarating. Rice paddies can be seen throughout the outskirts of Ubud, with exotic animals and rare bird species. The richness of fresh vegetation and welcoming smiles is a clear sign of how precious of a gem Ubud really is.

The best places stay (highest to lowest)

Fivelements Puri Ahimsa Ubud

At Fivelements, Puri Ahimsa, Ubud, healing is inspired by the Balinese way of life, encouraging us to nurture harmony with spirit, nature and one another promoting holistic wellbeing.

This award-winning retreat has flawlessly provided the best relaxing and soothing methods, which promotes healing on the physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. Fivelements beautiful world-class sanctuary features a wide array of services including charka balancing, detoxification, meditation and yoga.

You’ll feel the place is your own with only seven rooms. Each riverside suite is housed in a private pavilion fashioned after a sacred spiral and embellished with traditional Balinese ‘Songket’ textiles and antique touches.

Healing rituals include a combination of meditation, deep bodywork and prana energy, performed by healers whose gifted talents have been handed down through generations of Balinese families. Energy Healing introduces the powerful Panca Mahabhuta in which Pak Wayan works to balance the five elements of earth, water, fire, air and ether within the body offering you a life changing experience.

Fivelements overall aim is to co-create a trusting connection and gently guide you through a custom-made healing program, providing you with the wisdom to take home.  Here you can truly honour your highest potential.

Rate per night from $475 USD - Find out more about Fivelements >>

Awards: FuturArc Green Leadership Award 2011, Tri Hita Karana Medal Award 2011, Destination Spa 2011, Spa Finder Category Winner 2011, Spa Finder Country Award Winner 2011, Word Luxury Spa Awards 2012, Asia Pacific Hotel Awards 2011 & 2012  

Amori Villa

Amori Villa is a hidden gem nestled within the mountains of Ubud. This luxury boutique spa retreat will give you tranquility, amazing views and incredible service.

The moment you step into Amori Villa, prepare to be transported to another world of paradise.

This haven of luxurious seclusion sits on the edge of the traditional rice farming village of Pejeng, in the Banjar of Dukuh Kawan, yet is only a few minutes by Amori shuttle bus, bike ride or long stroll from the cultural and artistic centre of the island.

Amori Villa features five private residential suites, each with its own unique architectural characteristics and furnishings. There are four twin suites and a one-bedroom villa (which sleeps up to four).

You’ll also enjoy the living and dining pavilion, pool and spa. You can reserve either individual suites or the entire complex. It’s beyond perfect for an intimate wedding or private group.

Whether you stay as a group or couple, you’ll love every minute of this exquisite, peaceful sanctuary.

Rate per night from  $230 USD - Find out more about Amori Villa >>   

Bali Eco Stay

'Where the rice paddies meet the jungle... and you can still see the sea!’

Hosted by two ex-pat Australian eco-tourism advocates John & Cath Blundstone, Bali Eco Stay is a remarkable area to appreciate nature at its finest.

Look no further if you’d like to experience rich local Balinese village culture, surrounded by stunning organic rice fields, mountain fed streams, cascading waterfalls with spectacular views to the ocean.

Nourish your body with Balinese massages, sumptuous organic meals and pure mountain spring water. Love swimming? How does a natural pool with very own waterfall sound?

Bali Eco Stay will bring you fresh mountain air, pure water, delectable organic dishes, adventure activities, traditional culture and a nurturing relaxing retreat.

With just four traditional bungalows - Bali Eco Stay is one of only seven eco lodges in the world to be awarded a 5/5 eco rating by Eco Tropical Resorts.

What more could you ask for?

Rate per night from $100 USD - Find out more on Bali Eco Stay >>  

Bali Mountain Retreat

Located on the mystic slopes of Mt. Batukaru is a peaceful getaway called Bali Mountain Retreat. Instant relaxation awaits with the echo of trickling streams, revitalising mountain air and panoramic views stretching to the coast.

Here, you can enjoy a taste of the best of Bali with authentic Balinese cuisine, traditional architecture and heart-warming service.

You’ll enjoy a unique experience with the local Balinese people and their culture. With terraced rice fields, forests and sacred temples to explore there’s lots to see and do including guided treks and cycling tours. Or simply relax, unwind and take in the natural surrounding beauty.

Accommodation is a blend of traditional Balinese and contemporary Asian styles, ranging from a handcrafted teak house to comfortable bungalows.

Bali Mountain Retreat caters for couples, families and is perfect for small group bookings such as weddings or retreats with 10 rooms in total. It’s is a favourite for yoga groups with a mirrored workshop area featuring panoramic views.

Indulge your senses in the Dragonfly Spa offering an extensive range of therapeutic and indulgent massage treatments to rejuvenate and restore your mind and body.

Whether it’s a few days or a few weeks, Bali Mountain Retreat offers the perfect way for you to revitalise and reconnect.

Rate per night from $90 USD - Find out more about Bali Mountan Retreat >>

Now it’s your turn. Have you stayed at Bali Eco Stay, Fivelements, Amori Villa or Bali Mountain Retreat? Or do you have a favourite part of Ubud you'd like to share?