Sugar – A deadly sweet temptation

The Problem:

Grabbing a quick energy boost by adding 3 to 4 spoons of sugar to our morning cuppa is a common habit for most. However these short energy bursts don’t last and by late-morning we may reach for another easy source of sugar to relieve a drop in energy and feelings of fatigue. 

With an increase in the availability of convenience foods, and the fact that sugar is added to most food products, its no wonder that many suffer from obesity, sugar cravings, anxiety, candida (yeast infections), chronic fatigue, diabetes, hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar),  low energy symptoms,  PMS-related emotional symptoms and  tooth decay.  Sugar and refined carbohydrates  (these have the same effect as sugar) are found in biscuits, sweets, cakes, pies and ice cream as well as products like salad dressings, tomato sauce, meat seasonings, and even some medications and Vitamin Supplements, making it one of the most overused and addictive additives in the World. 

When we bombard our body with sugar it is metabolized into its simplest form, glucose. Eaten in small amounts, sugar products aren’t harmful, but with a full day of toasted sandwiches, hamburgers, jam doughnuts, fizzy drinks and chocolates, an overworked Pancreas struggles to produce enough insulin to deal with these high boosts of glucose. 

The Solution:

• Become a label reader and cut out sugar as much as possible. 

• Eat more foods on the Low Glycemic Index to promote a slower release of glucose and insulin in the blood and therefore keep energy levels on an even keel. These include oatmeal porridge, sweet potato, whole-wheat spaghetti, apples, pears, lentils and chickpeas.

• High Glycemic foods release glucose and stimulate insulin production a lot quicker than the Low Glycemic foods, so it is advisable to avoid foods like baked potatoes, white rice, bagels, cooked carrots and wheat-based cereals as much as possible. 

• Eat regular meals to prevent blood sugar fluctuations. 

• Add more protein to your meals as cravings for sweets can be caused by too little protein in your diet.

• Drink lots of water. 

• Cinnamon aids blood sugar regulation. It tastes naturally sweet and is the perfect seasoning when you're trying to reduce your sugar intake.

Why is dreaming important to your health?

We all know how cranky and irritable we can get if we don’t get a good night’s rest or have suffered from insomnia for a few days in a row. Just as important as sleep is to our health, so is dreaming to our emotional wellbeing.

A dream is a number of mental and emotional events that take place during sleep in which the dreamer has vivid visual images. Everyone dreams although many people claim that they don’t or cannot remember their dreams the next day. Dreams help us to resolve those issues in our waking hours that are bothering us or causing upset. If you have emotions that you have suppressed in your waking hours, then you may express them through a dream by having a fight with another person or even crying in the dream.

Some people believe that they have prophetic dreams in which they are able to predict occurrences long before they happen. 

Typically the first dream occurs after about 90 minutes of sleep and lasts about 10 minutes.  Most people have 4 to 6 periods of dreaming throughout the night. 

There are a number of common symbols that come up in dreams, but most of the time the meaning varies from person to person.  Repetitive dreams are important as they suggest that it is time to resolve worrying issues.

Keeping a dream diary is an excellent tool for remembering dreams so that they can be referred to at a later stage for further insight and meaning. 

Some common dreams:

Falling:
If you dream that you are falling, you may be overwhelmed by circumstances in your daily life.  There may also be fears surrounding the loss of a job or relationship. 

Being Naked in Public:
This type of dream indicates that you are hiding something and are afraid that others may find out.   You may also be afraid to show your true feelings in a relationship for fear of rejection.

Flying:
If you are enjoying the scenery whilst flying, then you are in charge of a situation and have risen above your problems.  A difficulty in flying or encountering obstacles like trees and mountains shows a lack of control over your circumstances. 

Snakes:
To see a snake signifies hidden fears and worries that are threatening you.  Your dream may be alerting you to something critical in your waking life.

Car:
Driving a car in a dream indicates your ambitious nature and that you are ready to steer your life in the direction that you want.  If you are in the backseat, then you are allowing others to take charge of your life. 

Creating your own Magic with Candles

Candles are one of the tools that Wiccans use for casting spells. The size of the candle and the duration that it burns is not important.  However, one must use the correct colour, as each colour links with a certain type of energy.

Your ceremony should be carried out in a place where your candle can be burned safely, away from furniture and curtains.  Do not leave your candle unattended and always remember to blow it out when finished.   It is wise to place your candle on an old plate or holder and keep some water nearby.   Candle magic works best when the moon is full.  You can also burn a stick of incense at the same time, to enhance the energy around you. If you want to strengthen your spell, you can carve your wish onto the candle from top to bottom in a clockwise spiral.
Caution: Do not use the ceremony or spell to interfere with the free will of another. The rebound effect can be very dramatic.

The Ritual:
Start the ritual by asking for blessings and guidance from God/Divine/Universe. Rub the bottom of the candle with three drops of the corresponding aromatherapy oil mentioned below. If you don't have the oil, then use one that you feel comfortable with or have on hand. It's all about intention.   Light your candle and repeat the following chant three times:

Sacred Candle, sacred flame, bring the magic that I name.

Once your candle is burning, repeat the spell that goes with it’s corresponding colour for 5 minutes. When the ritual is complete, say a few words of thanksgiving before extinguishing the flame.

The Spells:
Yellow is for Happiness and Success
The spell is:  Happiness and success come to me.  I deserve your abundance.
The aromatherapy oil is: Apple or Geranium

Green is for Love, Compassion, Health and to ease Heartache
The spell is: Good Health and love that nurtures, come to me and all that surrounds me.
The aromatherapy oil is: Lavender

Pink is for Romance and Love
The spell is: Power of loving relationship come to me.  Heal any heartache from the past, and guide my choices in the present and the future.
The aromatherapy oil is: Rose or Jasmine

Silver is for Intuition and Dreams
The spell is : Dreams and intuitions come to me, and bless me with inner wisdom and self -understanding.
The aromatherapy oil is : Jasmine or Cinnamon

Blue is for Inner Peace,  Friendship and healing
The spell is: Inner Peace and Healing is within me and around me.
The aromatherapy oil is : Lavender or Apple

Indigo is for relaxation and restful sleep
The spell is: Stress be released.  Allow relaxation to come.
The aromatherapy oil is : Bergamot

Purple is for inner power and spiritual  guidance
The spell is: Divine power within me, bless me and guide me on the path of my destiny.
The aromatherapy oil is: Gardenia, Cinnamon or Frankincense

If we are to have true peace in the world, we must first find it within ourselves.

Finding Peace Within
by Madisyn Taylor

Most people agree that a more peaceful world would be an ideal situation for all living creatures. However, we often seem stumped as to how to bring this ideal situation into being. If we are to have true peace in this world, each one of us must find it in ourselves first. If we don't like ourselves, for example, we probably won't like those around us. If we are in a constant state of inner conflict, then we will probably manifest conflict in the world. If we have fighting within our families, there can be no peace in the world. We must shine the light of inquiry on our internal struggles, because this is the only place we can really create change.

When we initiate the process of looking inside ourselves for the meaning of peace, we will begin to understand why it has always been so difficult to come by. This in itself will enable us to be compassionate toward the many people in the world who find themselves caught up in conflicts both personal and universal. We may have an experience of peace that we can call up in ourselves to remind us of what we want to create, but if we are human we will also feel the pull in the opposite direction--the desire to defend ourselves, to keep what we feel belongs to us, to protect our loved ones and our cherished ideals, and the anger we feel when threatened. This awareness is important because we cannot truly know peace until we understand the many tendencies and passions that threaten our ability to find it. Peace necessarily includes, even as it transcends, all of our primal energy, much of which has been expressed in ways that contradict peace.

Being at peace with ourselves is not about denying or rejecting any part of ourselves. On the contrary, in order to be at peace we must be willing and able to hold ourselves, in all our complexity, in a full embrace that excludes nothing. This is perhaps the most difficult part for many of us, because we want so much to disown the negative aspects of our humanity. Ironically, though, true peace begins with a willingness to take responsibility for our humanity so that we might ultimately transform it in the light of our love. 

Vitamin C for weight loss and fighting Viral Infections

In the eighteenth century, sailors found that they could prevent scurvy (a debilitating disease that often developed during long voyages when fresh fruits and vegetables were scarce) by sucking on limes during their journey. It was later discovered that the main nutrient in the limes was Vitamin C.
Vitamin C is best known for its ability as a cell protector, immune booster and antioxidant, but its benefits are many.

The main sources of Vitamin C are green vegetables, fruits, tomatoes and potatoes; however the content depends on the season and the degree of freshness of the food. The Vitamin C content can be lost if foods are stored for a long time, if they have been boiled, processed or left exposed to air. It is therefore important to eat foods that are fresh or freshly prepared.

A sufficient daily dose of Vitamin C is obtained by consuming four to five servings of fresh or steamed vegetables or fresh raw fruit. It can also be taken as a supplement in tablet, powder, liquid or capsule form. Vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid is the most widely used and least expensive, but may sometimes irritate the digestive system.

Because vitamin C is water-soluble, it cannot be stored in the body and is therefore eliminated through urine and faeces in about 12 hours. Although many people are able to tolerate high doses of vitamin C with no side effects, others may suffer from mouth ulcers, diarrhoea, gas, and bloating. These problems disappear when the dosages are reduced.  It is advisable to check the packaging of supplements or speak to a health care consultant about correct dosages.

Individuals who take the contraceptive pill, large amounts of aspirin, smoke, drink high levels of alcohol, or work in highly polluted areas will have an increased need for vitamin C.

Deficiencies of Vitamin C include bleeding gums, loosening of the teeth, weakness, irritability, and aching muscles. Other minor deficiencies include poor healing of wounds, joint pain, easy bruising and slow recovery from colds and flu.

Vitamin C may also help to:
• Reduce the symptoms and length of colds and flu. By taking vitamin C when you first experience the symptoms of a cold, you can prevent it from developing fully.
• Keep gums strong and healthy.
• Prevent heart disease and reduce cholesterol.
• Prevent certain cancers.
• Protect the eyes against cataracts. Vitamin C may keep the lens of the eye from being damaged by cigarette smoke and ultraviolet light, which are linked to the formation of cataracts.
• Relieve allergies, eczema, sinusitis, and asthma.
• Control gallstone formation.
• Improve memory.

Vitamin C and Weight loss:

Recently, vitamin C has been linked to lower fat levels, especially in the stomach and abdomen. Understanding the role vitamin C plays in reducing stomach fat will help you better plan your nutrition.

Adequate vitamin C is essential for proper fat metabolism. Low vitamin C is linked with increased weight and higher waist measurement. Patients with low vitamin C tend to have more stomach fat despite overall weight loss.

Vitamin C is required for production of molecules used in oxidation, or metabolism, of fatty tissue. Without sufficient vitamin C, your body is unable to use stored fat. Your body is still producing fatty tissue for energy, but is unable to use it. This causes a buildup of fat, especially in the abdominal area.

Vitamin C improves fat loss by approximately 30 percent, according to "Journal of the American College of Nutrition." Twenty percent of American adults don't get enough vitamin C, and are therefore prone to an inability to burn fat. However, by getting adequate levels of vitamin C, you can drastically improve your chances of losing stomach fat.

About 1000mg of vitamin C is adequate if you want to take a supplement. If it causes diarrhea, then reduce the dosage.

What are Antioxidants and why should we take them?

The word on the streets is that we should be supplementing our systems with antioxidants. Most of us know that they eliminate free radicals, but it may be useful to understand how they act to clear out these undesirable agents.

In a nutshell, antioxidants interact with and stabilize destructive free radicals which can cause havoc with the body’s cells when present in excess. Free radicals are the natural by-products of many processes within cells, but are also created by exposure to tobacco smoke; chemicals like paints, solvents, glues and some cleaning products; exhaust fumes; alcohol; radiation; fertilizers and sunlight. 
The most common form of free radicals is Oxygen (O2). Free radicals are molecules with incomplete electron shells which make them more chemically reactive than those with complete electron shells. In order to re-establish their stability, free radicals seek to steal electrons from surrounding molecules, causing damage to cell structures and genetic material within the cells. When the "attacked" molecule loses its electron, it becomes a free radical itself, starting a chain reaction. Sometimes the body’s immune system purposefully creates free radicals to neutralize viruses and bacteria.
Damaging free radicals are now considered to play a role in aging, the general slowing down of the metabolism and a tendency towards illnesses like arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
Antioxidants are chemicals that offer up their own electrons, thus preventing cellular damage. They  are referred to as the  scavengers that "mop up" free radicals by neutralizing the electrical charge and preventing the free radical from taking electrons from other molecules.
The vitamins A (which is converted from beta-carotene), C and E in conjunction with the mineral Selenium, act as antioxidants that neutralize free radicals. Fruit and vegetables that are dark green, orange, red, yellow, white and purple contain large amounts of Vitamin A and C, whilst a good selection of wholegrain cereals will provide adequate amounts of Vitamin E. Brazil nuts are high in Selenium.

The antioxidants that are found in Green Tea as well as most berries and grapes are called phenols. Trace minerals like Germanium and Copper also have significant antioxidant properties. Germanium is found in garlic and Copper is found in oysters, lamb’s liver, brewer’s yeast and olives.

There are a number of antioxidant formulas on the market, but stocking your home with wholesome and natural foods can also contribute towards healthier living and prevent free radical damage.  
For more information, please contact Yvonne at yvonne@spiritualworld.co.za or visit www.spiritualworld.co.za

How Intuitive are you?

Intuition is described as a sense of knowing something, without the use of reason or being aware of how we know.  Some believe that it is a message from God, an experience that transcends our physical life.  We often refer to intuition by using words such as “gut feeling” or “that something just felt right”   We receive inspiration when we least expect it - in the shower or whilst sitting quietly, not focusing on a particular problem.  Often we can go to bed with a dilemma and wake up the next morning with the answers.    

By living intuitively we are able to exist in greater harmony with our world.  We call a sick friend or family member when they need us, we avoid dangerous situations, find the right job, meet who we need to meet, and follow a direction in life that is line with our higher purpose.   

Natural healers and psychics base most of their work on intuition.  For some it is a natural born gift and others a talent that develops over time.  We all have an ability to receive premonitions, whether they come about through feelings, pictures, hearing words or a sense of knowing.  With practice, insights may be received in other ways as well.  For example, you may unexpectedly read a something in a book or see a movie that answers a question. 

Developing intuition and receiving inner wisdom is not an overnight process, but takes time and practice.  

In order to access our intuition we have to relax the intellect and mind and direct our attention inwards.  The moment that feelings of doubt, fear, criticism or judgement creep in, we cut ourselves off from intuition.  States of mind such as anger, anxiety, fatigue, and depression also can interfere with intuitive signals and pollute our interpretations. 

Firstly, find a quiet location that you can visit regularly.   Sit comfortably and whilst breathing easily, allow the muscles in your body to relax from the tips of your toes to the top of your head.  When you are complete relaxed, consider your question without expectation or control of the outcome.  Trust that the guidance you need will come to you.  If this method is difficult for you at first, you can begin by taking a pen and paper with you to your special place. Consider your question, wait, and write down any answers that come to mind.  Do not be disheartened if you don’t get the answers straight away.  With continued practice you can improve your sense of intuition.     

Keep a journal and write down all your inspirations and insights so that you can confirm them at a later stage.   If you’re confused or uncomfortable about an outcome, then it isn’t your intuition