Dear Readers, June 30, 2011

[From Vibrant Living Newsletter]
When doing the Optimum Health Insitute's raw food program, I notice how much better my skin looks and feels. I think there are more factors than just diet at work here, so I've summed up what I do for good skin care, especially now that summer is here.

The worst thing you can do to your skin is strip the acid mantle (the protective layer) of the skin. Bar soaps that dry out the skin and cleansers with detergents are the two main culprits that disrupt the acid mantle. I use a dehyrated product made from seeds, that exfoliates and cleanses the skin in a gentle manner and maintains my skin's natural oils. (We will be introducing this product on line shortly. It's a natural, holistic beauty product that will please your senses).

Even if you drink plenty of water, if your body is not utilizing it correctly, all the layers of skin may not receive the hydration needed. Drinking water is the best way to keep the body hydrated. If you don't like the taste of plain water, add lemon or cranberry to it, which will also provide pH-balancing benefits. Dehydrated skin actually stems from internal dehydration. When the body is deficient in water, the organs become dehydrated too, as does the skin.

If you think that the only benefit of exercise is a better body, guess again. Exercise is essential for the skin because it helps stimulate the lymphatic system, which keeps everything moving, especially the blood. Proper blood flow is crucial for not only a healthy glow, but to fuel the underlying cells so they can function at their best.

Smoking is extremely damaging to the skin since it depletes the body of vitamin C and accelerates the rate at which collagen and elastin are broken down. The chemicals in cigarettes suck moisture out of the skin, making it look and feel dry.

The digestive system and skin have a reciprocal effect on each other. Certain foods work to positively influence how the skin behaves. My skin loves wheatgrass and dislikes salty processed foods, what happens when I eat the latter...bloat. It is not about what is missing in your diet, it's is more about what you can and cannot digest. If you cannot properly break food down, it won't move throughout the digestive process and can actually cause you to become puffy and the skin to look sluggish. In order for the for the skin to not suffer, ingest both vitamins and minerals ideally from whole foods, to fuel the body. Support proper digestion with digestive enzymes, plenty of pure water, and...exercise.

Repeated sun exposure depletes collagen and elastin from within, making the skin less elastic and thinner, leading to wrinkles. The effects of the sun begin as soon as we are exposed to it at an early age. Years later, we start to see brown spots, red spots and wrinkles, and if there is extreme damage, pre-cancerous patches and skin cancer can occur. Wear a hat, be sensible with sun exposure, and your skin will thank you down the line.

Until next time...

In vibrant health,

Shay Arave, President
Subtleenergysolutions.com

Values the glue that holds are intentions in place

What were you up to 19 years ago? That would have been 1992, takes a while to think on, n'est pas? We just ended a 19 year cycle this month and have the opportunity to embrace another 19 years with a new declaration, intention and review and perhaps revision of our core values. The following are mine, our core values are the glue that holds are intention in place, they form our life and keep us on the path of creating useful and satisfying lives.




Activity: Values

Value: Optimum Health

I live simply and whole, where my priorities are set through personal care, moments of daily gratitude,
honoring of all relationships, and each day experienced with grace from the heavenly father.

Value: Creativity

I am a creative thinker, creating opportunity and divine expression with the variety of tasks I chose to take on. My creativity and unstoppable spirit create beauty, compassion and abundance in all four corners of my world.

Value: Gratitude

I live a blessed life, grateful for all life's experience: acknowledging my most difficult trials as the ones having taught me the greatest lessons.

Values: Holism

I surrender my will, acknowledging my life's expression is one of body, mind and spirit. In every act and moment of surrender I acknowledge the divine in action.

Value: Integrity

I am nothing without honoring and being my word, gossip is not my friend. My integrity is the glue that holds my values in place.

Value: Forgiveness

I acknowledge without forgiveness there is no wisdom. I acknowledge daily those who have hurt me, look for the lesson in the hurt and move on.

Healthy Skin

The worst thing you can do to your skin is strip the acid mantle(the protective layer) of the skin. Bar soaps thay dry out the skin and cleansers with detergents are the two main culprits that disrupt the acid mantle.

I use a dehyrated product made from seeds, that exfoliates and cleanses the skin in a gentle manner and maintains my skins natural oils. We will be introducing this product on line shortly, for now, savor the moment, it a natural, holistic beauty product that will please your senses.

Dehydration
Even if you drink plenty of water, if your body is not utilizing it correctly, all of the layers of skin may not receive the hydration needed. Drinking water is the best way to keep the body hydrated- if you don't like the taste of plain water, add lemon or cranberry to it, which will also provide pH- balancing benefits. Dehydrated skin actually stems from internal dehydration. When the body is deficient in water, the organs become dehydrated too, as does the skin.

Lack of Exercise
If you think that the only benefit of exercise is a better body, guess again. Exercise is essential because it helps stimulate the lymphatic system, which keeps everything moving, especially the blood. Proper blood flow is crucial for not only a healthy glow, but to fuel the underlying cells so that they can function at their best.

Smoking
Smoking is extremely damaging to the skin since it depletes the body of vitamin C and accelerates the rate at which collagen and elastin are broken down. The chemicals in cigarettes suck moisture out of the skin, making it look and feel dry.

Diet
The digestive system and skin have a reciprocal effect on each other. Certain foods work to positively influence how the skin behaves. My skin loves wheatgrass and dislikes salty processed foods, what happens when I eat the later...bloat. It is not about what is missing in your diet, it's is more about what you can and cannot digest. If you can not properly break food down, it won't move throughout the digestive process and can actually cause you to become puffy and the skin to look sluggish. In order for the for the skin to not suffer, one must ingest both vitamins and minerals ideally from whole foods, to fuel the body. Support proper digestion with digestive enzymes, plenty of pure water and...exercise.

The Sun
Repeated sun exposure depletes collagen and elastin from within, making the skin less elastic and thinner, leading to wrinkles. The effects of the sun begin as soon as we are exposed to it at an early age. Years late, we start to see brown spots, red spots and wrinkles, and if there is extreme damage, precancerous patches and skin cancer can occur.

Wear a hat, be sensible with sun exposure, but not a fool, your skin will thank you down the line.

Always nice to hear from a happy customer

Hi Shay,

Just had to tell you about my success with the Tattvas Kaffir Lime oil. I added about 40 drops to a large bottle of the Clean Sweep spray. I took it to work because I had a long day of difficult meetings ahead. I sprayed my car, myself, my desk area, and the meeting conference room before everyone else arrived. If you’ve ever been exposed to gov’t buildings and personnel, you know the negativity is so thick you can cut it with a knife. And I have to tell you, this was the FIRST time we’ve had a meeting that lasted less than 1 hour and there was not one argument! We even managed to resolve an issue that had been on the table for months. Now, I spray my work area every morning. I have been so impressed with your products and services, I just can’t thank you enough! I am now happier, healthier, much more positive, and willing to share my Subtle Energy experiences to help others.

I loaned my spray to my sister yesterday (who also works in a gov’t building) and she emailed me this morning to say, “I REALLY love that spray – you HAVE TO get me some”. I will be placing an order today. 

Thanks,
Gwen

Gazpacho

Gazpacho
From Mimi Kirk's Live Raw

You can also make this juice in your blender by adding water to the mixture.

Tips: Serve with a side bowl of chopped tomatoes, cucumber,red onion, avocado, and red chili peppers for guests to add more chunks or spice to their soup.

3 cups ripe red tomatoes, seeded and diced (heirloom whenever possible)
1/2 cup celery, diced
1 avocado, diced
2 cups cucumber, diced
2 cups red bell pepper, diced
1 red onion, diced
1/4 cup basil, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin
Pinch of cayenne, if you like it spicy
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon juice from a lemon or lime
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
2 cups of veggie juice--made by juicing a combination
of any vegetables you have on hand including celery,
carrots, broccoli, tomato, leek, cilantro, spinach, and
red bell pepper.

Mix together diced tomato, celery, avocado, cucumber, red pepper, and onion. Divide the mixture in half, placing 1/2 into your blender along with the garlic, cumin, cayenne, salt and pepper, lemon juice, and vinegar. Blend until smooth. Add vegetable juice to the blender and blend until incorporated.

Taste for seasonings and adjust to your liking. Pour the mixture into the bowl of diced vegetables and store covered in the refrigerator. Let sit overnight, or at least 3-4 hours if you just can't wait.

Spice it up a bit with jalapeño or dried red chili flakes. You can serve in shot glasses with a wedge of lime for a dinner starter; or for a lunch portion, ladle into large colorful bowls and garnish with cilantro leaves and a thin wedge of lime.

Serves 4 to 8.

Dear Readers, June 15, 2011

Several things caught my attention this past week. I commissioned a thangka from some Buddhist shamans, who hand-painted an image as a healing object for me personally (pictured right). She is the White Parasol Diety. The parasol has great significance as it is one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism. It symbolizes protection from illness, harmful forces, and obstacles, both temporary and enduring (in all realms and through this lifetime and all future lifetimes). I received the thangka several weeks ago, but hadn't received the description of it until recently, so now I feel so humbled and blessed that this is in my home. What great energy!

I've been checking out some yoga studios in the area, and have found one that I particularly like. I have been pretty heavy into the rigorous Bikram yoga (hot yoga), so this was a nice change of pace for me. It is Ginseng Yoga in San Diego, and they have a lovely program of gentle, meditative yoga. The studio is beautiful and the people very nice.

I've been fortunate, too, to be able to enjoy the wonderful beaches of far-southern California, and have had some great walks along some gorgeous trails in classic warm, sunny weather. From what I'm hearing about the cool, rainy weather at home in Portland, Oregon, I'm especially lucky!

Boyd reports that he has been spending time daily in our infrared sauna (to make up for the cool, cloudy weather). I've been reading more and more reports about the benefits of this particular type of sauna that uses infrared light to directly heat up the body, just as the sun does (only without the UV). Infrared saunas are great for easing stress, lowering blood pressure, losing weight and detoxifying. Boyd loves it.

Until next time...

In vibrant health,

Shay Arave, President
Subtleenergysolutions.com

Dear Readers - June 9, 2011

My continuing odyssey here at the Optimum Health Institute has not just been about physical health--there are very prominent mental and spiritual components to this experience, too. Because I'm actually working as a volunteer, there is a responsibility to help the non-staff make as much progress with their stay as possible. And that includes the more difficult cases...

It seems that often times where there is a person struggling with a particularly resistant condition or malady, there are parts of their personality contributing to creating that resistance to healing. And then there are those that may be "fine" physically, but are suffering socially and spiritually, and some who attempt to pull whomever is around into their story--or drama.

I've leaned a lot on the concept of the "petty tyrant," made famous by Carlos Castaneda. A petty tyrant is just that--a person who's personal conflicts, pain and anger is such that they involve others in order to maintain whatever justifications they have for being in pain or being angry. Their behaviors are unfair, childish, irritating, cruel and dogmatic, putting anyone around them on the defensive which then reflects back to the petty tyrant more reasons to be angry and in pain.

Castaneda's shaman teacher, Don Juan, would say that a good petty tyrant should be treated like gold by any shaman worth their salt, because only petty tyrants can reflect back to the shaman what shadows exists somewhere in the psyche. The shaman would not be experiencing the petty tyrant unless a part of the tyrant was within. Once the shaman has had that shadow reflected back, then is the magical opportunity to embrace the moment--to BE THERE with the shadow, and in so doing, experience the re-unification of the self hidden in the shadow, and thus obtain greater personal power.

The petty tyrant taps into our deepest fears that we truly are tyrants ourselves. It is why we cling to versions of ourselves that we have decided are "good," and live in denial about the versions that are "bad." The petty tyrant can allow us to release the fear, pain and anger that is constantly reminding us that we are "not enough." We come face-to-face with this, the biggest lie behind the ego. The truth is that we are all "enough," and we are all perfect.

I am so grateful for being in this space and around people who understand all this--it makes my personal transformation a true adventure.

Until next time...

In vibrant health,

Shay Arave, President
Subtleenergysolutions.com

Dear Readers - June 1, 2011

Lately during my incredible stay here at the Optimum Health Institute, I've been able to get out and see some of the beautiful San Diego Area, spend some time at the gorgeous beaches here, and soak up some of the abundant sunshine. This has really helped me process through my detoxing period. I've been doing juice fasts, and getting regular massages and colonics. It continually amazes me how much stuff there is that comes out during these cleanses!

Last week I visited the Chopra Center in nearby Carlsbad. Such a serene and safe space, full of transcendant beauty and awareness. I plan on making it to a few courses of study there, so it was great to visit for the first time and check it out.

We've been receiving some great reports from people using the Tattvas Oils. If you are on Facebook, I highly recommend looking up Divine Archetypes' page. There's a lot of activity going on, and some great stories from people working with the oils. We added a couple of these most recent stories on our Tattvas Oils webpage--there's even a horse story! There is so much transformation happening with the use of these oils. I've got to say that Candice Covington has got it going on!

Please check out our Vibrant Living Tip of the Week below--"Decluttering for Peace of Mind"; and Boyd Martin's insightful article, "Accepting Acceptance."

Until next time...

In vibrant health,

Shay Arave, President
www.subtleenergysolutions.com

Giving up caffeine...green smoothie is a great replacement.

Caffeine may give you the energy boost you need to get through the morning, but what comes up must go down. Before you know it, you've crashed, and are reaching mindlessly for that 2nd or 3rd cup just to function properly!
Caffeine speeds up your nervous system, and within 15 minutes of consuming, the level of adrenalin in your blood will rise, triggering an increase in heart rate, breathing rate, urinary output, and production of stomach acids. With all of this activity going on, your body can't possibly get a good night's rest!
So to combat the morning blues and the 3 pm slump, try this delicious and HEALTHY green smoothie recipe that will give you the jump start you need without the crash. Better yet, this will not affect your sleep at all. In fact, the chlorophyll rich greens will actually promote a good night's sleep, so drink up!
Blueberry Kale Smoothie
1 large ripe banana, peeled
2-3 kale leaves
1 cup blueberries, frozen
1 cup pure water or coconut water
Blend until smooth and enjoy!