Would you rather be RIGHT or happy? ;)

A few weeks back I was listening to Abraham–Hicks quite a bit. One thread of what I received via that input seems to have stayed with me, slowly percolated through my consciousness and membranes and is now asking to be expressed. So, here we go... ;)
The idea was about how children in our societies so often seem to be raised to be in COMPETITION with each other, rather than co–operation and how we carry this energy with us into adulthood.
We are taught to compete in schools, compare ourselves to each other with grades and awards, shamed if we do not get things ‘right’ and so on. Children develop fears around making errors, being laughed at or being ‘wrong’. We might move from being content little 4 or 5 year olds before schooling to believing we are inherently flawed, unacceptable and ‘wrong’. We may turn on each other, laughing at a classmate who gets smthg ‘wrong’ for example, rather than offering support. No–one wants to be the one to make an error – we want to be accepted, we all want, of course, simply to be loved. We may learn to seek love through the marks we get in classes and favourable comments from teachers or we might rebel against the whole system instead and find ourselves deemed even more ‘unacceptable’.
The point Abraham–Hicks were making in the piece I heard was that now, as adults, any experiences that we had along these lines are now way behind us. That reality is not here anymore...and YET, so many people go through life still acting out based on things they learnt back then – comparing themselves to others, laughing at or shaming those they consider ‘wrong’, pointing out ‘errors’ in others’ behaviour rather than supporting them. It's like we still feel the pressure of those eyes watching and judging us, even though the source of that original tension is loooong gone. Many still exert that pressure on others too - collectively, we may keep this judgemental energy alive.
Where is the love here? Where is the co–operation and support? We are adults now and we also have free choices in every moment about our thoughts, words and actions...how about stepping away from any competitive, fierce, fear–based energy and reaching out to others with LOVE instead? As a ‘straight–A’ student throughout my schooling career, this all speaks deeply to me, as I can really identify with both the intense desire to ‘be right’ and get those grades, plus also the softening later in life as I step further and further away from that whole system, towards unconditional love.
I was an expert at working the school system – I knew inside–out how to get A grades and yet ultimately...it all felt very un-fulfilling and empty to me – my real soul was not being seen or nurtured – it was like I was just accurately jumping through hoops on command...
This also reminds me of another great little point I absorbed from Abraham–Hicks. A few times I have heard them mention ‘would you rather be right, or be happy?’ I absolutely LOVE that...love, love, LOVE it.
This speaks sooooooooooo deeply to me (especially to the very strong Virgo component of my being ;) Would you rather be RIGHT in a situation, or be happy? Is ‘getting your way’ and being seen to be ‘right’ your ultimate fulfillment, or sharing joy and an easy flow?
Abraham shared a wonderful anecdote about Esther Hicks to illustrate this: apparently sometimes Jerry, her husband, hooks up the trailer to the back of their vehicle when they’re in a tight car park space and she gets irritated by it, because she doesn’t like the extra effort it takes to get out that way. On one such occasion, as she was about to start trying to get the vehicle out of the space, she noticed herself thinking ‘I hope we don’t get out’ and she laughed out loud, as she realised she would rather be RIGHT about whether it’s a good idea to hook the trailer on now or not, than HAPPY and flowing along on their journey. ;) I imagine most of us can pick out similar examples in our own lives and relationships...and where can we trace these patterns back to...? (Please note that I am not seeking to 'blame' modern schooling systems here, nor trying to suggest that schools are the only arena in which children receive this kind of conditioning...)

Hmmmmm...well, maybe it’s time now to let go of any deeeeeeep old patterns like these and move into a lighter, brighter, more loving flow? Well, I think so and I MUST be right, because I just gave myself an ‘A’ in unconditional love flow, ok? ;)


on Feb the 8th I had:

1 quart water
2 cups home–made rejuvelac
bowl of yummmmmy broccoli/zucchini salad
little mug of spicy tea
1 quart water
20 chlorella ‘nuts’
2 little apples
bowl of grawnola with blend of almond milk/carob/maca/lucuma/yacon/cinnamon/vanilla powders
3 cups water

OOoOoOooo, it’s a full moon in LEO tonight, during the time of Aquarius – yeeeeeeeeeeeeeee–HAH :) love it...as you may know, the Stokes is a lioness and the Monarch is a water–bearing gent, so I was muchly pleased to read the following charming little write–up this evening about the merging of these energies, on Lisa Dale Miller’s AstroWisdom site:

“Some think that Leo and Aquarius are diametrically opposed to one another. But I find their synergistic and interdependent relationship unique among the signs. Aquarius demands radical change, which cannot be accomplished without Leo’s talents: unwavering self-belief in one’s personal vision and true leadership. Leo demands creativity and caring, which requires the Aquarian rejection of personal glorification in favor of global identification. When balanced, the Leo/Aquarius polarity works hand in hand to further the evolution of human civilization. Our new President Barack Obama is a Leo with a Aquarius rising, so he exemplifies successful integration of these two energies.”

YUMMY :) ...and I didn’t know that abt Obama – interesting...you can read the whole of her summary about this full moon HERE.
THANK YOU all SOOOOOOOOOOO much for all the beautiful birthday messages Mr. M received yesterday too – he was awash in a wave of raw love ;) May it all be multiplied back to you all manifold...


on Feb the 9th I had:

1 quart water
cup of Wild Power tea
2 cups green juice: celery, cucumber, fennel, endive, kale, Jerusalem artichoke, celeriac, ginger, lime
bowl of broccoli/zucchini salad
little mug of spicy tea
3 cups water
2 cups green juice: celery, cucumber, fennel, endive, kale, Jerusalem artichoke, celeriac, ginger, lime
bowl of chia soaked in blend of almond milk/lucuma/maca/carob/vanilla/cinnamon/yacon powders
little mug of spicy tea
3 cups water

I’ve been poking around for tooooons from my childhood a lot recently on YouTube, as I was making a special playlist for mmmmmmmmmmmmy sister, Nicola (whose birthday happens to be tomorrow, the 10th, which is also my 'half-birthday' – this is a definite power time in my connective field – she and Mr. M were born 2 days apart in the same year. Happy Birthday ;)
Well, you can listen to the whole playlist I made for her HERE if you’d like to get a sense of my childhood musical influences ;) LOL… I especially wanted to share one song below though – ‘You can call me Al’ by Paul Simon, filmed in concert in 1986 in Zimbabwe I think – so FUN :) Just try to watch this and NOT smile/wiggle/giggle/enjoy ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rN7R6r0T48

All love,
Miss Stokes. xxx

Connecting Communities...

A timely reminder:
The simply marvellous Simply Raw Festival is happening soon in Ottawa, Canada. This year it is also combining with the 'Green Living Film Festival', including many inspiring raw-related films. The Monarch and I are both scheduled to speak at the FREE Simply Raw festival, along with many other raw yumsters – check out the details below:

“The SimplyRaw Festival - Sept 6 & 7 & Green Living Film Festival - Sept 5 & 6 Ottawa, Canada

Featuring an incredible lineup of international speakers including: Brian Clement, Victoria Boutenko, Dorit, Paul Nison, Angela Stokes, Matt Monarch, Director of the Ann Wigmore Institute & many others!
An incredible gathering of exhibitors supporting healthy lifestyles; food demos; rebounding demo; music; family-friendly entertainment. Our famous raw vegan pie contest, and a new raw vegan dessert contest, judged by local community figures.

All completely free! Rain or shine. http://www.simplyraw.ca/festival08/

Fri & Sat evening films include: The Adventures of Rawman & Green-Girl, by Ron Gilmore; Be The Change, by David Chernushenko; Reversing the Irreversible, by Valya Boutenko; A Sacred Duty, by Lionel Friedberg & Richard Schwartz; The Meatrix, by Sustainable Table and Free Range Studios; Money Talks, by Holly Mosher; Healing Cancer From Inside Out, by Mike Anderson. $25/night or $40 weekend pass.

http://www.simplyraw.ca/festival08/filmfest.php"

Hope to see you there, if you’re in the area :)

on August the 14th I had:

1 quart water
mug of peppermint tea
3 cups celery, cucumber, beetroot, carrot, ginger juice
2 cups ‘energy soup’ with coconut chips stirred in, followed by a little bowl of hand-blended yum: pine nut butter, lucuma powder, yacon powder, cinnamon, water, with goji berries swirled in
mug of peppermint tea
1 quart water
3 cups celery, cucumber, beetroot, carrot, ginger juice
mug of pau d’arco tea
1 tbsp goji powder, 1 tbsp pomegranate powder
mug of peppermint tea
2 cups water

OoOOoOoo, here’s an exciting opportunity for someone – this just came in via John McCabe, who you may remember produces that wonderful free raw resources file that I wrote about a few weeks ago (you can download that HERE). This new opportunity is for a raw food chef in Western Australia, read on for more details:

“This place is a raw food yoga and surf school in Australia that is also opening a cafe and store. They already have one chef, but it is getting too busy, and they need another. Sheridan and Lisa Hammond are the owners. They are also about to have their first baby. They're looking for at least a three-month commitment from someone to come help out and be the chef for their new cafe: Australian company looking for raw food chef: Samudra is looking for a full time Vegetarian Chef at their new yoga centre in Dunsborough, Western Australia. The successful candidate should be familiar with preparing fresh wholesome foods and beverages based any of the Raw and Ayruvedic principles. Should have clear ideas about nutrition and cleansing. We aim to source local organic and biodynamic Contact info@samudra.com.au or phone +61 897799977 for more information. Samudra.com.au, Samudra, POB 295, Dunsborough 6281, Western Australia; +61 897740110; runs yoga and surf retreats; some raw food. Raw food café and organic store open September, 2008. Beautiful location. Sheridan Hammond: Sheridan@Samudra.com.au”

MmMMMmmmmm, sounds GREAT – all best wishes to this new venture…and thanks for passing on the info, John ;)

on August the 15th I had:

1 quart water
3 cups celery, cucumber, beetroot, carrot, ginger, fennel, watercress, spinach juice
2 cups ‘energy soup’ with coconut chips stirred in, followed by a spoonful each of goji and pomegranate powders ;)
mug of pau d’arco tea
3 cups water
3 cups celery, cucumber, beetroot, carrot, ginger, fennel, watercress, spinach juice
2 cups ‘energy soup’ with coconut chips stirred in, followed by a spoonful each of goji and pomegranate powders
2 cups water

I’m feeling SO excited about the Funky Raw Festie in Sussex this weekend – just about to head off there very soon as I write this...and reflecting on the beautiful synchronicity that it’s coinciding with a Full Moon in Aquarius tomorrow, on Saturday – how IDEAL :) We’re just coming out of a New Moon in Leo and here’s some of what marvellous astrologer Lisa Dale Miller shares about this Full Moon tomorrow:

“This is the Full Moon for involvement in something larger than you. Remember that Aquarius rules the breakdown of the old ways by questioning the status quo. Those who create revolutionary change in societies are always the ones who can vision far beyond accepted beliefs and structures. Step fully into a commitment to teach and serve by breaking down the attraction to focusing only on your own life. Selfless giving to others is a true Aquarian vision of working for the collective upliftment of all sentient beings. This is the Full Moon to honor freedom, idealism, humanitarianism, egalitarianism, and the revolutionary impulse toward reform, without causing harm to anyone. Aquarius is the impulse to raise-up everyone and leave no one behind. So in service to these calls to action, become responsible and find out what is really happening around you. Get involved in your community, volunteer your time, and raise awareness in your neighborhood. It’s summer, have a block party and raise funds for a good cause.”

Sounds wonderful – enjoy your celebrations, brothers and sisters :) You can read Lisa's report in full on her site HERE.
MUAAAAAAH,
All love,
Angela. xxx

Raw Emotions...

As you may have seen in my newsletter this weekend, I am EXTREMELY excited to say that my latest e-book – ‘Raw Emotions’ – is now available for pre-order HERE and will be officially released by March 1st :) It covers the emotional transformations and challenges that occur when we go raw, along with spiritual/psychological/mental/social and other shifts too. This book has been a loooooooooong time coming for me – a great deal of love has gone into its production...it’s in the final editing process at the moment – so, I look forward to sharing it soon ;)

Combining proven ‘self-help’ techniques with a raw lifestyle, ‘Raw Emotions’ contains 60 specific tools and action tips for embracing YOUR transformation. It is a truly unique book in the raw food movement, based on extensive research and personal experience.
Many people are familiar with my PHYSICAL transformation, having lost around 160lbs with a raw food lifestyle. However, those who are a little more familiar with my story often comment that what they find more remarkable are the emotional and spiritual shifts I have experienced. In ‘Raw Emotions’, I share the major tips and tools that helped me experience a dramatic shift from a lonely, moody, angry and defensive overeater to a life of genuine joy, vibrancy, love and balance.

You can see more and Pre-Order 'Raw Emotions' HERE.

on January the 20th I had:

1.5 quarts water
1 GORGEOUS medium papaya
3 cups beetroot/apple/cabbage juice
bowl of avo mushed with diced garlic and tomatoes, lime juice and salt, served with cucumber sticks and sunflower sprouts
3 cups water
1 pint celery/cucumber/’tree spinach’/fennel/red chicory leaves/dandelion/ginger/apple juice
Big slice of watermelon
Little bowl of buckwheat grawnola with sliced banana and macadamia/maca milk
3 cups water

I went sea kayaking today. Yeeeeeeeeeeeee-HAH...full-on, mate ;) INTENSE exercise...it was amazing :) I even got to see a dolphin leap out of the water a few metres ahead of me...and the swell on the sea was just extraordinary...I’ve never experienced anything like it...it amazed me how the landscape was just CONSTANTLY changing...I noticed how much easier it seemed to be out there to accept the fact that the only constant is change – every moment seems crisp, succinct, heightened somehow to me, out there – every next moment the landscape has changed, the waves have shifted, one is being moved and moving in a different direction...on land too, of course, the same holds true – the only real constant is change – yet here, things tend to move at a much slower pace than water...it was just so interesting to me to be out amidst that ever-flowing fluidity...
Oooooo, BTW, it’s full moon in Leo tomorrow night – the 22nd – YUMMY :) No WONDER the wave swells were quite so powerful today ;)
Speaking about the energies currently at play in the universe, master astrologer Lisa Dale Miller says this:

‘This configuration is all about enlivening brilliant, far-seeing, creative vision for global transformation.
…the Leo Full Moon provides an intense energetic field with which to release your intentions for achievement out to the world. It will be like strapping on a spiritual jet engine.
Leo loves to be the center of attention, so get out there and shine!
The Leo Full Moon assures us all that we have great personal power and we must learn to use it judiciously. This is the Full Moon to try on the role of leader. If you have wanted to come out front with your great ideas, this is the time to try.
Leo is total self-belief and it uses total commitment to gain success and glory. Yes, of course there is a dark side to power and glory. We all know that an inflated ego creates the right conditions for abuses of power. But power used wisely can be of great benefit to all.
The beauty of Leo is how much it truly cares about others, and since this is a Full Moon, let’s get into a celebratory space and bask in the light of Leo’s positive qualities.’

Purrrrrrrrrrr...for Lisa’s full fabulous report, see here: http://astrowisdom.com/thisfullmoon.htm. ENJOY :)

on January the 21st I had:

1 quart water
1 pint beetroot/carrot/celery/cucumber/red chicory/dandelion/ginger/apple juice
bowl of avo mushed with diced tomatoes, mixed sprouts and salt, served with cucumber sticks and ‘raw onion bread’
2 cups water
handful of lychees
3 cups water
handful of cherries
bowl of soaked dried mulberries blended with tahini, swirled with mulberry pieces, with a couple of little egg fruits on the side
3 cups water

…and moving on to another powerful LEO force, that loverly little Ms Andrea, the ‘Raw Ballerina’ sent a message recently calling for nominations for lion brother David Wolfe, for the annual 'Organic Leadership Awards’. NICE :) I’m up for that...
Here’s what the little tinker has up her sleeve:
‘…help spread the word about raw foods, superfoods, and healthy organic living in general! If each of us writes a quick little heartfelt paragraph recommending him and how he has touched both our lives and is changing the future of the Earth, David will have an excellent shot at winning! I really appreciate your time on responding to this -- every person who recommends David to the OTA (Organic Trade Association) makes a HUGE difference. We never know what one comment it will be that tips the scale and creates their decision into a "yes". Follow the link below!! THANKS!!!! http://www.ota.com/2008LeadershipAwardProcedure.html’

I just sent my nomination in tonight. I think Wolfie does outstanding work in this field and can definitely see how it would help raise consciousness about raw, organic lifestyles and more connectivity with nature if he were to receive this award. If you feel drawn to send in some yumminess too, just click the link above and fill in the Word doc form – there’s a few Qs – if you’re struggling, drop me a line and I’ll let you see what I wrote… ;) Nominations are due in by February the 1st...

One love,
Angela. xxx

Opportunity Knocks...

Listen up, ladies ;)
‘New Woman’ magazine in the UK have been in contact with an exciting media opportunity for anyone in the UK who has a raw weight loss story to tell:

"Has your friend inspired you to lose weight?
If so, please get in touch to take part in a feature in New Woman magazine. I'm looking for women aged 25 to 35 who have been inspired to lose weight by a slim friend who's into raw food. Perhaps you wondered what her secret was, and started copying what she ate...It would involve a short telephone interview and a photo shoot in central London on 5 December. Please contact Ruth Tierney on tierneyruth@aol.com."

on November the 23rd I had:

1 quart water
1 cup fresh orange juice
1 quart celery/parsley/random greens/carrot juice
½ a medium papaya
avo mushed with cilantro pesto, in nori rolls with cucumber, tomato and fresh sprouts
3 cups water
2 cups celery/parsley/random greens/carrot/sunflower greens juice
2 bananas and 2 black sapote
3 cups water
1 mango
2 cups water

When I was Juice Feasting this time last year, one of the most influential things I read during that time was ‘The Law of Attraction’ (LOA) by Esther and Jerry Hicks. We have now added this title to the RawReform store – YAY :) In recent years, the LOA concept has become very popular, especially due to the popular film ‘The Secret’, which shares similar information to this book (also available in our store). This book is a channelled piece of work and it imparts some very useful life tools, especially concerning visualisation. This book helped me a lot with releasing negative thought patterns and instead creating solid, positive intentions for my reality. You can see more about it and order a copy HERE.
Also, a little reminder that until midnight (PST) on November the 26th, you can use the coupon code ‘juice’ to get 10% off ANY purchase in the RawReform Store at the check out…ENJOY :)

on November the 24th I had:

1 quart water
3 cups celery/cucumber/alfalfa/carrot juice
½ a green/orange mamey, ½ a custard apple
3 cups water
big bowl of papaya flesh with lime juice squeezed over it
bowl of sprouts covered with tomato sauce made by blending together 3 tomatoes, 3 cloves of garlic and a few sundried tomatoes with 1/3 packet sundried tomato hummus. Sprouts/sauce stuffed in nori rolls with spinach
2 cups water
2 cups tatsoi/spinach/alfalfa/carrot/apple/celeriac juice
bowl of bananas blended with black sapote, swirled with goji berries
2 cups water

November the 24th sees the Full Moon in Gemini (6.30am PST). Lisa Dale Miller describes this as the moon of diversity - a great time for communication, networking, socializing and information sharing. You can read all about it here: http://astrowisdom.com/thisfullmoon.htm
I learnt something interesting recently. Apparently at the time of the full moon, any parasites in our intestines release their hold on our insides and this is an optimal time to flush them out. Hmmmm…well, I’m not sure how many parasites I have any more…I decided though today that I’d like to help move on out anyone who IS still in there – that’s why I made a tomato sauce with 3 CLOVES of garlic ;) The guys who told me about this process recommended using Wormwood tincture at this time of the moon cycle – I didn’t have that, so garlic was my anti-parasite choice…we’ll see what happens… ;)

One love,
Angela. xxx

Raw Banana Bread Recipe Revealed...

Wow, you people must really be HANKERING for banana bread…lol – my inbox almost collapsed with requests for the recipe today – I’m sorry that I forgot the hyperlink yesterday to the post where I’d outlined the ingredients before…ok, so, HERE is that link and I also decided to write out the recipe here below, as I hadn’t given quantities for anything in that post before…so, here we go:

Banana-Nut Bread
2 cups vegetable juice pulp (preferably at least half of it carrot pulp)
8 tbsp ground flax or chia
¾ cup chopped walnuts
¾ cup raisins
5 bananas

Mix together the veggie juice pulp and bananas in a food processor. Add in the ground flax or chia and let the food processor run until the seeds are completely mixed in.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl with the walnuts and raisins and mix them in thoroughly by hand. Shape into a loaf. For major yumminess, top with ‘Cream Cheese’ (see below).
Cream Cheese
Flesh of three avocadoes
9 dates
juice of 1 or 2 lemons
big handful of dulse

Blend the ingredients in a blender. Serve on top of banana-nut bread, or just eat on its own ;)

That’s it – super-easy, a good way to recycle juicing pulp and VERY yummy – well, we like it anyway…then again, we’ve been raw rather a long time…when we made some the other day, we were actually laughing a great deal to imagine how we’d have reacted in our pre-raw days if given this kind of meal…well, try it, you might like it... ;)

On October the 23rd I had:

1 quart water
2 cups carrot/beet/apple/ginger/parsley/sunflower greens juice
1 lb longans
2 persimmons blended with Amazon Bliss butter
1 pint water
1 pint parsley/carrot/spinach/celery/lemon juice
blended apples/sunflower greens/dulse mixed with ground flax/almonds, swirled with dried mulberries and date pieces
1.5 quarts water

It’s time for one of those thrilling ‘public service announcements’ again ;) This is a short announcement to say that I’ve postponed the talk I was intending to give at the Yoga studio in Vancouver this Saturday - the 27th - until I’m back in this area next year sometime. It didn’t seem to be flowing so well to hold the event on that day, and so…so be it – we shall return ;) Plans are already afoot for us to do talks and retreats in the Vancouver/Victoria area next year, so we’ll catch up with y'all again then ;) Next: Australia…

on October the 24th (my mum’s 60TH birthday ;) HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUM :) I had:

1 quart water
1.5 quarts watermelon/orange/pineapple juice
3 cups alfalfa/arugula/romaine/sunflower greens/celery/carrot juice
1 persimmon
little bowl of hemp seed/flax oil/salt mixture with nori sheets
1lb longans
3 cups alfalfa/arugula/celery/sunflower greens/carrot juice
bowl of chia soaked in a mixture of blended bananas and dragon fruit, swirled with mulberries, maca and cinnamon - yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
1.5 quarts water

Tomorrow evening – October the 25th – brings the full moon to us again, this time in Taurus…according to Lisa Dale Miller, it’s an ideal time for embodying our intention to caretake our world:

“…it is our actions here on earth which matter most for bringing an end to the suffering and pain humans cause each other, our animal and plant brothers and sisters, and our collective Mother, the Earth.
Taurus wishes us a life that is beautiful, warm, soft, loving, and sensual; one filled with the pleasures of family and friends, good food, beautiful surroundings, great music and art, and all things that help soothe and heal anxiety and worry.
The best way I know of to ensure survival is to think bigger than just your own needs and give generously to others…. self-worth does not come from how much power, control and wealth we have; rather from how much we selflessly give away.
The Full Moon in Taurus enlivens our sense of responsibility to caretake our planet and its inhabitants. Reconsider the importance of your needs and desires in light of how they impact the environment. Maybe this year, you'll take those fallen leaves and start a compost pile instead of putting them in plastic bags and sending them to your local dump. How about setting up a bird feeder for the winter? How about taking ten dollars of your income every month and sending it to your favorite environmental organization?
It is our job to protect Mother Earth and her inhabitants. We are talking total embodiment of love, here on earth, with your partner, your kids, your neighbors and their kids, your parents, your friends and their friends, your enemies, your community, your schools, your coworkers, your customers, your government, our government's friends and supposed enemies, every person in every nation, every tree, plant, animal, body of water, rock, mountain, bird, planet, star, solar system, galaxy, every one of the multiple universes, and everything that could possibly exist in all possible existences. Wrap your mind around that, then let go and open into partnership with all our relations!
Don't wait for things to get so bad that we have nothing left. Change now, get involved, do something that serves someone other than you, and I guarantee your heart will open and surrender into the love that can heal every dark place in your psyche, your body, your heart, and by extension all the dark places within the global psyche, body and heart. We can all rise to this occasion, while remaining embodied and connected to all other life.”

Mmmmm-HMMMMMm…wow, I really hear that message, loud and clear…the time is NOW to act and show our love for this planet. To read Lisa’s full summary on the power of this full moon, click HERE.

One love,
Angela. xxx

Juicy Flow...

Today saw the full moon in Aries…the Harvest Moon – WOW – did you see it? Absolutely beautiful…here’s some of what Astrologer Lisa Dale Miller shared abt this moon:

“Aries is the first sign of the zodiac and rules new beginnings. This is the Full Moon of the child: a celebration of innocence, adventurousness and starting anew.
On an Aries Full Moon your intention is best released with these qualities in mind: spontaneity, wonder, curiosity, adventurousness, and innocence.
…this is the Full Moon to strive for releasing your intention with childlike hopefulness and inner faith. Know that what comes from your strong intention will be evolutionary, supportive and…. well, a big adventure!
The Aries Full Moon is the time to remember that we are born knowing only love and to celebrate and share this precious gift. Though our lives seem to seesaw between achievement and loss, love and pain, there is a childlike innocence that still lives within us all.”

We went to a MAGICAL drum circle tonight to honour the full moon…it was SUCH a great experience for me…I sooooo love losing myself into the rhythms of a whole gathered circle of blessed beings, connecting together with voice and drum…that is when I really feel most connected and at one with all…it was a wonderful ceremony and SO many children were present – quite extraordinary, especially noting the full moon in Aries – the child – I really appreciated how the children were absolutely free to flow too – dancing, drumming, squealing, moving with their own energies…it was blissful… ;)

On September the 25th I had:

1 litre water
1 litre watermelon juice
1 tsp bee pollen
1.2 litres celery/beet tops/lettuce/cucumber/carrot juice
1 tbsp bee pollen
500ml water
1 litre celery/beet tops/lettuce/zucchini/green pepper/carrot juice
1 apple juice popsicle
1 tbsp greener grasses powder
1 tsp bee pollen
600ml watermelon juice
500ml water

So…yes, I’ve been Juice Feasting again the last 3 days and it’s been wonderful…full moon, change of seasons…my body was totally up for it and it has flowed SO easily…I love it when it comes so smoothly like that – no obstructions and it feels effortless and easy to juice all day long…I’ll go back to solids tomorrow I think…I just wanted a little rest from digestion and it’s been great…I felt so supported by the universe in this little venture back into the liquid realm – I even received an entire case of organic lettuce at the incredible price of $2, the day I started…thank you, universe ;)

on September the 26th I had:

1 litre water
1 tsp bee pollen
700ml watermelon juice
1 tsp bee pollen
1tbsp greener grasses
1 litre celery/beet tops/lettuce/zucchini/green pepper/carrot juice
1 tsp bee pollen
1 tbsp greener grasses
500ml water
700ml celery/lettuce/carrot/apple juice
1 tbsp bee pollen
500ml celery/lettuce/carrot/apple juice
400ml water
600ml celery/lettuce/apple juice
300ml water

Hey, a couple of event announcements:

Mr Matthew Monarch is speaking in Seattle, Washington this Friday, September the 28th, starting 6pm, at the Bastyr University Auditorium – more details at his site HERE. This is a fundraising event for the marvellous non-profit group ‘Raw Network of Washington’.

Theeeeeeeeen…myself and Mr Monarch (YAY, I get him back :) will both be speaking this weekend - 29th/30th Sept - in Vancouver, BC, at the Taste of Health expo…we’re joining the schedule at the last minute, so I’m not sure of exact time/room details yet, but we’ll be there – sorry for the late notice ;) You can see more abt the expo HERE…Looks like a great little gathering – the ‘Raw BC’ group will be there, plus food companies and even Doug Graham giving a talk too…hope to see you there if you’re around in the area…I’ll also do a talk or two later in the month in the Vancouver area, all being well…more details to come ;)

One love,
Angela. xxx

ATTENTION: Show Almonds YOUR Love...

Ok, things with the almond pasteurisation are at point CRITICAL right now…I hope you get this message in time to add your name to the list of those protesting the move to pasteurise almonds in the US, which is due to go through this week… If this is smthg that you feel strongly about, PLEASE do visit either of these sites:

http://cornucopia.org/index.php/almonds/

or

http://www.livingtreecommunity.com/store2/arti.asp#raw_almonds

and add your voice to the escalating DIN of those vehemently opposed to this plan…it will be soooo appreciated – the time to act is truly NOW…

On August the 26th I had:

1.5 litres water
150ml grapefruit/orange juice
7 fresh figsbig handful of incredible ‘maribel’ plums
700ml green ‘garden’ juice with carrot
500ml water
salad of greens, sauerkraut, dulse, avo, sprouts, lemon juice, tomatoes, pumpkin seeds and love ;)
700ml greens/carrot juice with greener grasses powder
chia pie – yeeeee-HAHAhahahahahahahahaaa – LOVE it ;)
1 litre water

The chia pie was SO much fun to make and delicious to eat too… the base was a mixture of soaked hazelnuts (filberts) and apricots with lucuma powder, maca and cinnamon. The filling was chia soaked in blended bananas/dates/vanilla pod, decorated with goji berries – yummmmmmmmmm…I even gave my parents a slice each – I had NO idea what they’d make of the chia – and they loved it ;) COOL ;)

on August the 27th I had:

1.5 litres water
1 litre watermelon/orange juice
800ml greens/carrot juice
500ml water
small salad – greens, sprouts, avo, dulse, lemon juice, pumpkin seeds, sauerkraut
500ml water
bowl of sugar mania ;) chia seeds soaked in blended apples, swirled with various bits of dried fruits – chopped figs, dates, mulberries…hallelujah for chia’s power to off-set sugar absorption craziness ;)
1.5 litres water

Tomorrow – August the 28th – is the Pisces Full Moon for diving into transcendent, compassionate oneness…yummy…it also happens to coincide with a total lunar eclipse – watch out for THAT ;)
According to Lisa Dale Miller, this will be ‘a very spiritually demanding Full Moon’.
She goes on to say:
“This is the night to put into action all of your intentions and give your gifts in service to the enlightenment of all sentient beings.
On this Full Moon it is important to recognize the fundamental relationship between gratefulness and non-attachment. Use this Full Moon to look at what you cling to and your fear of letting it go. Do you spend most of your time grabbing and craving for more things; trying to fill your inner emptiness with a multitude of possessions? We come here with nothing and leave with nothing.
Pisces' bottom line is to learn to love unconditionally, and to work for the collective enlightenment of all sentient beings; no matter how hard it may be or how long it may take.”

To read Lisa’s whole piece on this full moon, see HERE.

Enjoy :)
One love,
Angela. xxx

Visionaries...

In case you didn’t see my little announcement yet, I’m really excited to be participating in the Raw Food World Summit, which is kicking off on August the 7th and features 12 top speakers on raw foods, sharing their stuff, tele-conference style…yeeeeee-HAH ;)
You can sign up for FREE, or invest in the other packages on offer, HERE.


On July the 26th I had:

1 litre water
500ml celery/cucumber/apple juice
½ tbsp greener grasses powder
1 litre water
chia seeds with blended apples, goji berries, raisins, maca and lucuma powder
400ml dandelion tea
bag of cherries
1 persimmon
1 litre water
spinach, romaine, avo, dulse, raw cauliflower curry, waldorf salad, flax crackers
1 litre water
400ml orange/cinnamon tea

Somebody left a comment recently asking about drinking tea…yes, I LOVE it – especially in cold places and simple teas like peppermint or dandelion that I feel offer some function too (i.e. aiding digestion). I tend to put hot water on the tea, then drink it much later when it’s cooled down OR add cold water sooner, to be able to drink it sooner – I do not enjoy drinking anything hot anymore…sun teas are my favourite way of making tea as a raw foodie – though England seems to be…hmmmmmm…rather severely clenched in sun-shortage right now…wow…it’s like someone left the tap on since I left last summer ;) Thanks to all of you who braved the winds though and turned out for Matt Monarch’s raw food lecture in London on Friday night – it was FUN to see so many enthusiastic faces here, brightening up grey London…hurray :) Thanks for a great gathering :)

on July the 27th I had:

1 litre water
1 chopped apple and a handful of blackberries
600ml green juice with apple and fennel
bowl of chia seeds soaked in apple juice with lucuma powder, goji berries, dried mulberries and maca
400ml dandelion tea
1 litre water
3 tbsps bee pollen mixed with hemp seeds and cardamom powder
1 litre water
6 persimmons, 1 fig and some incredible raw chocolate ;)
1 litre water


...and so, from one Aquarian to another...the moon is about to be full in Aquarius – this Sunday or Monday, depending which continent you’re on ;)
Lisa Dale Miller describes this as the full moon of ‘the visionary’ or ‘guru’. This is:

“A night dedicated to thanking all our teachers, in every walk of life. An Aquarius Full Moon asks us to especially honor unique and revolutionary teachers: those who vision far out beyond the rest of us. Those dedicated to upliftment, freedom, utopianism and humanitarianism.

This is a night to step into your own sense of teaching and service by breaking down the attraction to focusing only on your own life. Selfless giving to others is a true Aquarian vision of working for the collective upliftment of all sentient beings. This is the Full Moon for involvement in something larger than you.

This is the Full Moon to honor freedom, idealism, humanitarianism, egalitarianism, and the revolutionary impulse toward reform, without causing harm to anyone. Aquarius is the impulse to raise-up everyone and leave no one behind. So in service to these calls to action, become responsible and find out what is really happening around you. Get involved in your community, volunteer your time, and raise awareness in your neighborhood.”

WOW…yummy…a powerful time to step into your OWN power and shimmy on into the light with ALL your brothers and sisters :) You can read the whole of Lisa Dale Miller’s piece HERE.

Enjoy,
One love,
Angela. xxx

No Sweat...

I am enjoying SWEATING at the moment. This is pretty new for me. As you perhaps know if you’re familiar with my background, I lived in Iceland for around 3 years, on and off…and the whole reason I ever ended up there was because I was SICK of being an obese sweaty mess and assumed that, well, it MUST be cold in Iceland, right…? So I went to live there… ;) In my break times at the ecovillage I lived in, I would sit outside in a t-shirt in the snow, enjoying the cold…LOL…(btw, can you spot me in a pic on that link...???)
Anyway, these days I’m relishing the opposite. I am LOVING getting into a good sweat at least once a day…it’s such a great way to release toxins, through the skin, our biggest eliminative organ…and summer is such an easy time to embrace this if, like me, you’ve been a bit ‘perspirophobic’ ;) It’s not hard to work up a sweat even just going for a walk in the summer time…if you’re not getting out there and…errmm…leaking some liquids…at least once a day, I feel you’re missing out on a great opportunity to cleanse…so go on, go and get sweaty, in whatever way pleases you most… ;)

On June the 29th I had:

1.5 litres water
1 casaba melon
1 durian
1 litre water
handful of strawberries
500ml water
700ml celery/cucumber/apple/fennel/ginger juice
500ml water
2 litres watermelon juice and bowl of watermelon flesh

Juice Feasting Buddy Wanted

:) A dear and wonderful friend of mine in California is seeking a support buddy for her current adventures into the juicy realm…if you are female, currently Juice Feasting or intending to start very soon and are interested in a mutual support system with another beautiful being, just email me at angela@rawreform.com to let me know your details and I will try to hook you up… Thanks :)

On June the 30th I had:

1 litre water
big bunch of grapes
bowl of soaked chia mixed with mashed banana, lucuma powder, maca, pumpkin seeds and a pinch of Himlayan salt
1 litre water
700ml green juice
6 apricots
500ml water
small green salad with avo, lime, cumin, sauerkraut, dulse, flax crackers.
500ml peppermint tea
1 litre water

Today, June the 30th, saw the Full Moon in Capricorn. According to Lisa Dale Miller, this is the full moon to celebrate one's commitment to hard work, goal-setting, and follow-through. Yeeeeee-HAH ;)
Lisa says: “…celebrate small steps, realistic goal-setting, and being successful when faced with tremendous limitations.
Use this Full Moon as a test of how selfless and openhearted you can be. This Full Moon simultaneously uncovers our fear and reflects the solution to our fear: acting only from love, compassion, and doing the hard work of relieving the suffering of all sentient beings by achieving enlightenment and inner peace.
This is a very powerful and serious Full Moon-don't waste it!”
You can read her whole summary HERE. Enjoy…

One love,
Angela. xxx