Friday, July 31, 2015

Without Vulnerability There is No Love

By Jennifer Elizabeth Masters

When we are young and our heart's are pure, we have the ability to open up easily and allow someone in. As we experience hurt, betrayal, abandonment, lying, cheating or abuse, we begin to shut our hearts down. When our hearts are closed we begin to turn away opportunities to experience wide-eyed wonder and amazement, because we are so afraid of being hurt.


The older we get, if we have lived fully, we may have lost count of the number of painful experiences in relationships we have had. If we were put down, emotionally abandoned or betrayed these experiences jade us. Friends and family can also betray us and cause us painful experiences. Our tendency is to only allow someone in so far, protecting our hearts from further hurt. The problem is that we are not loving fully and we certainly are not thriving.

I know first-hand what betrayal, rejection and abuse can do. Each time someone puts you down, a little love is chipped away. Over time, you may feel that there is no love left. Sometimes we become hardened or sceptical that anyone could really love us, without hurting our hearts. Many married people stay together, but separate from their spouses, living an almost robotic existence. Married, but not loving each other. 

All You Have To Do Is Choose

All it takes is one person with the desire to repair the relationship, or get assistance from an outside source, like me. Remember you can't solve a problem with the same mind-set that created it. Having an outsider guide the two of you through the process of forgiveness and letting go of the past, you can move into the present.

Wounded People Hurt Others

When we are hurting we cause pain to those closest to us. We lash out - even react emotionally to those that love us. Those who are closest seem to get hit the hardest. Sometimes, we are actually daring someone to love us

Look Inside

There was love there once. It is still there, under the hurt, the painful words, bleached clothing or damaged hearts. Our relationships are all about us. Our partners reflect back to us what is going on inside us. If we have conflict in our relationships, it is not
that we are a victim. We have internal conflict. We are at war with ourselves. Believe me, I have years of personal experience with internal conflict. My relationships involved warring, arguing and unrest. I did not recognize that I had an internal battle raging within me.

We Attract What We Are

If we are in fear, we attract relationships where we will find many things to be afraid of. If we are afraid of anger, we will attract partners who rage and yell. If we have low self esteem, we will attract others who may be addicted, lie or cheat on us, or abuse us in some way, because we feel unworthy of love.

Love Takes Risk

To love fully, you have to allow yourself to risk everything. I recently met a man who wanted to date me, but wouldn't tell me his last name. He had been wounded and had something to hide. You can't fall in love if you won't allow someone to know who you are. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable takes courage, but is so worth it when love arrives on your doorstep. Without vulnerability you are not allowing the opportunities in the universe in. You are saying a very clear, "No, not yet." When you do, love will allude you. 

Take The First Step

Hire me to coach you through becoming vulnerable and allowing love in. I will lovingly and compassionately guide you through processes that will heal your damaged beautiful heart and lead you back to the love that you truly are. Your radiance will shine through again, as you connect with your True Self. I love you already! Allow your light to shine, stand up and be all you truly are. You already have what you need inside you. I just help you remember.


Jennifer Elizabeth Masters is the author or Orgasm For Life, Odyssey Victim To Victory and a new book which shall remain a secret for now. She guides you lovingly to see the truth of who you are so that you can allow love to flow and your radiance to shine. When you lovingly accept yourself the way you are, everything in the world is brighter, people will be attracted to you because you radiate love back to them. You will find joy living in the present. 




Zimbabwe Seeks Extradition For Cecil's Killer

By Jennifer Elizabeth Masters


Cecil

Ego can get in the way of understanding the power of love. Sometimes egos become so large that people feel that they are beyond reproach. Some people feel that their wealth buys them position and power in the world above others. The truth is,  that inside the man who took the life of this amazing lion, is an ego so large that it could cost him his life.


Even writing this article, tears are streaming down my face. A 13-year old lion was lured out of a Hwange National Park, in Zimbabwe and murdered for the fun of it. He was protected in the national park. Cecil provided protection to his lionesses when they were with cubs. He fought off other males who would eat the young. 



"Palmer is believed to have shot the lion with a bow on July 1 outside Hwange National Park, after it was lured onto private land with a carcass of an animal laid out on a car. Some 40 hours later, the wounded cat was tracked down and Palmer allegedly killed it with a gun."


My entire family are animal, lovers. I have dreamed of going on safari to watch African animals in their natural habitat. I have walked up to elk and given them water out of my hands in Grand Canyon State Park. I feel the pain of the world as an empath. This horrible travesty will set the world on its ear. 

A dentist paid 50,000 so that he could bow hunt and shoot to kill this amazing lion. A gun does not make a man manly.  The world will make him pay for his ego. We shall see how he feels about being the hunted in a Zimbabwe prison. I doubt he will last a month. An example will be made of this man. A professional hunter and a farmer have already been arrested. 



I ask that this event ensures changes in hunting practises. I pray and ask you to pray with me that Cecil's death is not in vain. I pray that this will put a stop to the hunting of lions.




Miracles Do Happen When You Believe

By Jennifer Elizabeth Masters

I have witnessed the miraculous. I have prayed miracles to happen in other's lives. In fact, I had a friend tell me that I needed to offer a service to pray for "A Cascade of Miracles" to occur. I cannot recount all the exquisite events that took place in each of their lives, that I have prayed for as it would take you an entire weekend and then some to digest it all. What I have witnessed is miracles happen only for those who believe. 


If you are claiming bullshit here, examine how you feel about the occurrence of miracles. When you believe in yourself, you become greater. When you believe in the power of  Universal and Source energy, you will begin to notice how events are orchestrated in your life in miraculous ways. When you don't believe, you will find that life isn't fair and far too difficult. 


Yesterday I witnessed the miraculous. A friend who exited my life, stage left, because I did what he asked me not to do, returned miraculously. (I have a history of doing things out of love, because my primary love language is Acts of Service. Our patterns repeat until we recognize what we do and change the pattern.) 


Our separation lasted 14 months. Fourteen months without so much as a phone call, letter, e-mail or text. I sent him a weepy e-mail last week when I was experiencing a catharsis also known as the dark night of the soul - yet again!


What is the dark night of the soul?

It is a time when you feel you have hit rock bottom spiritually, emotionally, and nothing seems to be working. Events in your life where you may have created conflict with another seems to be connected by a series of dots. Where it feels that events are showing you it is time to step back and punt instead of going for the touchdown. You may cry. You may feel horribly sad, down even depressed. 

For me, I stood up for my brother. He complained to me about someone in his life. My brother rescued me from years of molestation. He caught and told my perpetrator he would kill him if he ever touched me again. So you understand how I feel about this man, my oldest and dearest brother? I would take a bullet for him. Seriously. 

He had complained to me for months about events happening in his household. When the person causing the pain in my brother's life asked me what I was upset about, I hesitated and told him he couldn't handle the truth. He assured me he could. Then he went crying to my sister-in-law like a 4-year old boy. (He is seven decades older than 4.)

I spoke the truth. My words were as if I dropped an incendiary bomb into the center of my brother's household. He received the wrath of his wife while I was cut off from my dearest brother. 

Deeper Understanding

There is always more. I am fearless when it comes to processing my crap. I will take a track-hoe and dig down three stories if I have to, pulling up all the similar events where I have spoken the truth and created havoc in other's lives. We all have patterns. When we avoid looking at our issues, they don't heal. They fester and become larger over time. I help others do what I do for myself. 

The Good The Bad and The Amazing

For a week, I processed these events, looking at similar upheaval caused by your's truly. It was as if I pulled the thread on a cat litter bag. All the events, where I stuck my nose in thinking I was helping, but creating havoc, came up. Yes, I spoke the truth. Did it need to be said? Well, this person did insist. I did what my brother couldn't do for himself. In his household instead of speaking about what is bothering them, they use passive aggression to get express their anger and resentment. 

Our Weakness Is Our Biggest Strength

During this time of sadness, grief and profound catharsis, I reached out to my dearest friend that I had not spoken to in fourteen months. I blubbered in my e-mail to him. I risked everything and was completely vulnerable. In relationships, being vulnerable is offering your open heart, at the risk of being hurt. When we are able to risk, the rewards are great!

I dug down deep past my ego-mind and pride. I expressed how much his friendship meant to me. I extended the olive branch, asking his forgiveness for my inability to hear and follow his wishes. There is no one on this planet that has his innate ability to see the truth in situations so clearly. His amazing mind and authenticity were what I missed. I missed his heartfelt love for me and complete acceptance of my idiosyncracies. I opened my heart and told him how much I missed our friendship. I had no idea what he would say or what would occur. I let it all go. 

I received an e-mail that expressed he was on another path. I could have given up at that point, but I am tenacious when I know someone or something is important to me and my soul's journey. This man could zing me like nobody's business. Zeroing in on my behavior and patterns. I knew he was valuable. I was not about to let him go that easily. When we believe in something, strongly we have to fight for it. I was willing to do so, even if it meant I got hurt in the process. I sent a second mail letting him know I had moved through the messiness that I had expressed earlier. I was not looking for him to pick me up. I meditated, and The Universe helped me through my letting go process. It was his friendship I desired.

The Amazing Miracles

While shopping for my dinner at Albertson's grocery store last night, my dearest friend called me. I did not recognize his phone number. Nor did I recognize his voice at first. His ability to forgive me, exceeded my ability to let him know how miserably I failed as a friend to him. We talked for hours! We took turns recounting the events of the past 14 months. We each took turns catching the other up on the incredible events of the past year or so. There were tales of near death experiences, struggles, challenges and coming through it all.

The biggest surprise for us both was how amazing that our lives were orchestrated. The Universe was doing unbeknownst to us, weaving parts of our lives back together without either of us having a clue. We both ended up in the same spot. This part I have sworn not to tell a soul about, just yet. 

I can't tell you the details of the synchronicities, but suffice it to say we were both blown away. Two people who live thousands of miles away from one another have found a point or light that we aligned without having a clue what the other was doing. Miraculous!

Relationships

Our relationships have value. Just because we are not having sex with friends or they are not our Beloved, does not diminish the importance of the relationship. Do not discount the power of friendship, especially if you are single. Friendships teach us more about ourselves, just as our love interests do. Throwing away a friendship over a misunderstanding or argument, discounts the love between us and keeps us stagnant and stuck. Friendships can be the very way we learn to trust, and become more vulnerable.

Unconditional Love

Unconditional love means that you accept the other person and love them for who they are, even though you know they aren't perfect. You know they have flaws and faults, but you love them anyway. You do not expect the other person to be perfect. 

The Power of Forgiveness

If you have lost a friend or loved one through misunderstanding and they had value in your lives, I urge you to forgive and let go of the past. The future is not dictated by our past unless we allow it to be so. Forgiveness is for you. It releases you from the burden of guilt. 

Jennifer Elizabeth Masters is a love and passion coach. She is working on her third book and a new program you will absolutely LOVE! Listen to Jennifer on Tune In. Or on her provocative show, All You Need Is Love. Jennifer's coaches clients all around the world on Skype or phone. Set up your private sessions here. 

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Turn That No Into A "Hell Yes!"

By Jennifer Elizabeth Masters

There are many ways to let your partner know you are "in the mood." Sometimes it could be a cute, "Do you wanna fool around?" Over time, the way we ask when we are certain our partner will disavow all knowledge, like in Mission Impossible, we may become like an automaton, rather than getting cute, creative and playful.


When someone demands sex or anything from us for that matter, the chances are we won't want to comply. I know I have a tendency to dig my heels and fingernails into whatever I can grip when I feel I am being coerced. No one wants to be told what to do, especially in a romantic relationship. Guys if you have bought her dinner and expect sex in return, think again! Not every date is sex worthy.


Dating Is A Different Kettle of Fish

Once I had a guy who thought we would have sex on the first day, kindly plug his handy dandy screwdriver into my right passenger tire. When I went out the next morning I could still feel his anger because I wouldn't have sex with him on the first day. He thought his purchase of a meal made sex a given. I don't recommend sex on the first day, getting to know someone and finding out if you have a connection or commonality is preferable. If sex happens on a first date, the likelihood of a lasting relationship is slim to none. 


If seduction and romance have gone by the wayside, perhaps it is time to dust off the chivalry and bring home chocolates or roses. What the heck, bring both! Romance, appreciation and being told that we look and smell amazing can turn a negative situation into a positive one. Following are some creative and fun ways to change the direction of your mounting frustration and have some great sex in the process.

  1. Ask your partner if they would like a massage? It is a pretty cold person that can experience a sexy massage without wanting to hold your hard body against theirs. Remember when you are massaging to tease around the genitals, no poking or prodding as that is not fair. Teasing is always a good idea.
  2. Kiss! People often forget to kiss. It is almost as if kissing is a bad idea. Why is that? There is nothing like some lip nibbling teasing tongue to turn both of you on. The lips are connected to the genitals, as are the nipples and other erogenous zones. Lips are constructed of the same incredibly excitable tissue that our genitals are. Get creative. Rub noses first. Take your time
    before going in for a lip-lock. Breathe your partner in, slowly move towards their lips making eye contact. Use soft lips and gently pull one of her lips into your mouth. Take your time. No rushing allowed. Kissing can turn both of you on to the point that some women can come just by kissing alone. Lucky girl!
  3. Take A Shower Together!  I am famous for my body buff in the shower. Use your body to buff your partner's, while all covered with shower gel or soap. Slide your body all around their back, front, legs.
    Enjoy the feeling of skin-to-skin contact. Shower play can be incredibly sensual. Best for people who don't care about their hair getting wet.
  4. Hold hands when out together. Holding hands releases oxytocin! Holding hands can give your partner a sense of connection and even security. Women need to feel trust and secure outside the bedroom to feel they can open up in the bedroom. 
  5. Hug each other during the day! We all need to be hugged. When we are too busy to touch during the day - we can feel disconnected. Touch outside the bedroom is as important as
    touch inside the bedroom. If you don't touch during the day, getting close at night could be a real nightmare. Hug each other before you leave for work. If you both work at home, you can still hug each other from time to time.  When we are sensory deprived, we have a tendency to say no, rather than yes. We have to break through a stony barrier to get to the yes. 
    We each need 12 hugs a day. How deprived are you?
  6. Help her / him out. What can you do to make their day less stressful? No matter who is saying no, there are a multitude of reasons why. How can you unburden your partner so that they
    can feel free to say, "Yes, I would love to?"
  7. Hold your partner close without expecting sex. When we take the pressure away from performance, we are giving our presence without expecting anything in return. There is nothing like being given a full body hug without the expectation of sex, to leave a woman going, "Wow!" Do this a few times and see if she/he doesn't come to you for more than a full body hug.
  8. Sext your partner. A sext doesn't have to be a full Monty photo of you. It could be a sexy text, just telling her how beautiful she is and how you can't wait to come home to her tonight. Send her another one later in the day telling her how much you love kissing her, or how great she smells. Complements turn on the brain. Guys and gals, sex begins in the brain, not the genitals! Get creative and think outside the box (literally and figuratively)!
Turn your love life into Mission Incredible, instead of Mission Impossible!


Jennifer Elizabeth Masters is the author of Orgasm For Life. She is a love and passion coach helping women overcome their love story. Once past patterns and blocked emotions have been cleared, women are able to radiate their true beauty out into the world magnetizing love and all things wonderful to them. Healing your love story will shift the way you feel about yourself, your past and certainly the unlimited potential you possess to find true happiness.

For your DISCOVERY SESSION, E-mail Jennifer here.





Tuesday, July 28, 2015

5 Simple Ways To Cure Your Anxiety

By Jennifer Elizabeth Masters

Stress causes a slew of heath problems Some of which are of heart disease, depression and anxiety. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 6 million full- and part-time American workers suffer from anxiety. Many of these 6 million have desk jobs. There are simple ways to alleviate stress most of which require you to get off your butt!


Why Be Concerned About Stress? 

A little stress can help you focus. However, long-term stress increases the risk of conditions like obesity, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, depression, gastrointestinal problems, migraines and asthma. 

Once home, many people "unwind" by watching 2 hours of television (36 %) or playing an hour or two of video games a night (10%) while some get on their computers for an hour or more (29%). All of these activities can increase stress, rather than decrease it. Depending on the shows or movies you watch, action
adventure or thrilling movies can further increase your stress levels, rather than reduce it. Video games also can cause blood pressure and heart rate to rise. There are alternatives to sitting around after work that are better for you. A combination of meditation and movement will improve health, mood and reduce anxiety.


  1. Meditate daily. Daily meditation with visualization can reduce stress and anxiety. Begin your day with 20 minutes of silence,
    going within. Visualize your best possible day and set an intention for the best possible outcome for all concerned. 
  2. Take a walk with your four-legged friends, family or partner. Exercise reduces stress and eliminates anxiety. Being out in nature can shift your mood and emotions faster than anything you put in your mouth.
  3. Work out in a gym three times a week or more. Working out can boost endorphins making you feel good. The added benefit is that your body becomes healthier while your anxiety levels are reduced. You might have to get a license for those guns!
  4. Sex reduces anxiety and stress. Whether you have sex for one, or with a partner, having an orgasm releases feel-good hormones and will drop your stress level 50% or more.
  5. Use a mantra in the background of your mind while doing mindless tasks, like driving, changes brain waves from
    incongruent to congruent, as if you are in a sleep state while waking. Congruent brain waves also help to alkalize the body, preventing disease. A mantra could be as simple as, " The Universe loves me." 


Happy Clients!

Thank you so much Jennifer for your excellent online course "Love Yourself Fearlessly" and one-on-one coaching. I now have more self-love, and appreciate the great importance of it. Your statement that self-love is the quickest path to enlightenment says it all. The lessons were one big eye-opener after another; collectively they made a considerable impact on my life, on the way I think about myself and on how I view and interact with others. The effect of the past life clearings you facilitated has been amazing, I feel like a life-long burden has at last been removed from my shoulders. In addition, you helped me see my codependent habits through your coaching, more clearly and I feel better prepared to attract my perfect divine partner. I'm so grateful. With love and appreciation, Colleen K.


Jennifer Elizabeth Masters is an author as well as a love and passion coach. She is available for private sessions. Her private e-mail is JenniferElizabethMasters@gmail.com. 

She is working on her third book currently and a brand new program to heal your love story. Each person has their personal story about love. Rejection, broken hearts, divorce, can leave us feeling broken. Jennifer helps you heal the past so that your heart is open to receive love.





Why You Need To Plan Your Honeymoon First

By Jennifer Elizabeth Masters

Girls fantasize about their wedding day from the time they are old enough to watch television. Cinderella and other Disney movies have given weddings a fantasy feel for even the most grounded of women. A woman's wedding day is said to be the most amazing day of her life. But is it? When the focus is on the big day rather than the relationship, what happens once the wedding day is over? Is it downhill after that? 


For some, wedding plans can be a woman's focus for a year or more, leading up to their wedding day. Once the remnants of confetti and wedding cake are removed, some brides feel let down, even depressed the day after.  

Why Is A Honeymoon So Important?

A honeymoon puts the focus where it belongs, on the relationship. After the wedding, a couple needs time to regroup and remember why they got married.  With the frenetic months of preparation leading up to the BIG DAY, a honeymoon offers opportunities to connect deeply, setting the tone for intimacy in the marriage. A marriage without intimacy is like a business without profit, it will fail. 

Honeymoons don't have to break the bank. The important thing to remember is that you have quiet time alone. Taking a tour through a busy Roman city, might not allow you the time to stop and just enjoy each other. Think about the type of honeymoon you want. Do you want a two-week European tour on a bus, or a quiet romantic week romantic alone?

Use the time on your honeymoon to talk, looking into each other's eyes in a beautiful setting without the interference of cell phones, family or work. Connecting through conversation, opens the door to expansive experiences in the bedroom. Remember this is the

beginning, your honeymoon can set the tone for your married life. Open communication outside the bedroom creates a more open loving connection in bed. On a honeymoon, you can spend a whole day in bed, feeding each other, massaging and focusing completely on each other. 

Skipping the honeymoon because too much money was spent on the wedding, places the emphasis on the wrong things. A wedding is only one day. A marriage could be a lifetime. 

Growing Together 

When we focus on mutual interests growing together a relationship will thrive. Remember what brought the two of you together. Focus on the relationship, rather than just the wedding day, so that your life together is just beginning to grow, rather than the pinnacle. 

Your honeymoon is for the two of you, alone. You can revel in the afterglow of your beautiful wedding while in Hawaii, or Fiji, even Botswana. These cherished memories might last a lifetime. Creating your life together is more than a ceremony. A deep bond is what keeps people together. When you look into each other's eyes and feel the love, you remember why you tied the knot. Love changes and grows over time, make your honeymoon time to rest, and be intimate with one another inside and out of the bedroom. There will be plenty of time for rushing around once you are back at home.

Jennifer Elizabeth Masters is an author as well as a love and passion coach. She is available for private sessions. Here private e-mail is
JenniferElizabethMasters@gmail.com. She is working on her third book currently and a brand new program to heal your love story. Each person has their personal story about love. 

When we have had heartbreaks, rejections or losses, we often base our next relationship on the previous experiences, shutting out opportunities for love and connection. Many people reject relationship out of fear and live alone after divorce. Jennifer assists women and men to overcome the roadblocks we create out of fear that prevent opportunities for new love. Check out Jennifer's radio show, All You Need Is Love, on BBM Global and Tune-In. Where over 50,000,000 listeners Tune-In. 


Sunday, July 26, 2015

How I Lost Belly Fat And Inches Without Changing My Diet

By Jennifer Elizabeth Masters

BEFORE
7.26.15

Part of my work involves helping others manifest what they desire. I have learned over the years that focusing on our fat
only makes us fatter. Instead, I focused on being fit, feeling vibrantly alive and healthy. I know that belly fat means fat on our 
internal organs which is not good. Losing belly fat not only makes you look and feel better, but you achieve greater cardiovascular health as well. Sex is better when you have stamina.


A defined waistline!

My diet is pretty clean and has been except for my occasional piece of pie, or splurge of chocolate. Even though my diet was clean, I had a pooch - or belly that stuck out in my clothes. No matter what I ate, I couldn't budge this tummy bulge. I share this because I have heard from other women and some men that they have the same struggle. 

When we look at our bodies every time we pass the mirror with disdain, it makes us feel bad. Let's face it we could all improve on our gorgeous selves in some area. Loving our bodies through the transition helps you get there with a positive attitude rather than a defeatist mindset. There is no doubt that as we get older, it seems that weight loss is more difficult. However, with the guidance of my oldest son, Adam Gates, Mr. Nakedhealthy, I was able to make excellent progress in a few weeks. Not only did my stomach flatten in less than a month, my arms are firmer, and my butt it higher with more curve to it.

What I ate

You will notice that I did not cut out fat. In fact, I included whole fat dairy. I don't eat any GMO wheat products and haven't for well over two years, because it is all genetically modified and unsafe. What is GMO food, you ask? Click this link and discover why you don't want to eat it. I won't put round-up on my skin, I certainly won't ingest it willingly. I have done my research and eat organic whenever possibly, food from Mexico and other countries where GMO products are considered illegal and unsafe for human consumption.

My diet and routine consists of the following, with a few variations on the same theme:

Wake up between 5:00 and 6:00 AM 

There are great benefits to your body to waking up by 6:00 AM. Your body goes into another sleep cycle after 6:00 AM and will cause you to feel more tired and sluggish if you don't get up.


Morning Meditation

I find meditation on the morning shifts me. It grounds me and connects me to Source energy. I get guidance and love back when I love my Divine. I begin with a prayer of gratitude for me, my life, my vibrant health and my family. I sit in silence from 10 to 45 minutes depending on what I have going on. Sometimes I chant a mantra, like "The Universe loves me." Or maybe the Gayatri Mantra. Usually I sit in silence, quieting my mind. I have a few tricks I teach my clients to quiet the mind. I am working on a video for you, so that it will be easier. In the meantime, here is my Divine Presence Meditation. 



My emotional and mental state becomes more positive, and my mind clears. With focus and clarity, I begin my day. 

Morning Walk

Walking before breakfast burns off fat. Not only does morning exercise benefit your body, it also wakes up your mind. You can talk to God while you walk or pray. I do a bit of both.

I have two dogs who wait for me to get my butt into some clothes and out the door. My dogs are my added motivation. They love going out for a morning walk. It is the most joyous part of their day. I follow their line of thinking and enjoy my time out in nature too. 


Breakfast
  1. a glass of lemon water on an empty stomach to alkalize my body.
  2. 2 small cups of coffee with half and half.
  3. 1 cup whole milk yogurt with blueberries, blackberries or strawberries
Green Drink

Adam Gates of NakedHealthy.com recommends having a green drink for breakfast. I have been consuming what I have in my house first. Today I am back on the green drink breakfast and will have yogurt for lunch with fruit.

Green Drink recipe

1 handful of organic spinach leaves
1 handful of organic kale
parsley if you have it rich in antioxidants
1 stalk of celery chopped
1 whole carrot cut up
1/4 of a lemon with peel and all
fruit optional - blueberries handful
pinch of Himalayan salt or honey to taste
1 tablespoon of cocoa nut oil (it's good for your brain and helps you lose weight, prevents Alzheimer's and inflammation).
scoop of chia seeds soaked (they plump up and can cause constipation if you don't soak them)

Lunch

If I have a green drink for breakfast, I alternate between yogurt for lunch with fresh berries or a fresh salad. If I eat yogurt for lunch, the salad becomes my dinner.

Fresh greens, a whole avocado, marinated artichokes, cucumber, radishes, (either red or daikon) red pepper, olive oil and a little Trader Joe's spicy peanut salad dressing, with a piece of baked chicken or salmon. I will also add a squeeze of lemon on top of my salad or lime, if I have either. The fresh citrus gives you needed enzymes and added flavor.

Honestly, sometimes I skip lunch or dinner because I am writing. When I skip one of those meals I have a snack like an apple, or some walnuts. 

Dinner

Salad on an empty stomach. Always eat your salad first, as it helps to move whatever is in your intestinal tract out with ease. 

Baked fish or chicken with herbs or curry seasoning
Baked sweet potato with cinnamon and coconut oil instead of butter

Snacking

My snacks consist of one of the following: an apple with almond butter, fresh cherries, a whole grapefruit or a handful of walnuts, or pecans. Fresh coconut makes a great snack. I use a scredriver and hammer to create a hole, shove a straw in it and drink the coconut water first. It is a great thirst quencher full of electrolytes. I get out my hammer and crack that thing open. The meat of a coconut is sweet and chewy. It is so good for you and gives you more good coconut fat in your diet. I maintain this helped me drop that tummy fat. 

On occasion, I will treat myself to macadamia nuts.

Water

I always drink my water at room temperature, never with ice. Cold water is not good for your internal organs and causes your body to go into shock. It also depletes your immune system. I drink pure spring water or purified water that I purchase by the 5 gallon jug. I don't buy water bottles from a store for two reasons: 1. it pollutes our environment with unnecessary plastic bottles. 2. it is a waste of money, something that I don't do anymore.


Cheating or Treating?

I don't deprive myself. I am disciplined with my food, but will eat the occasional ice cream, or piece of chocolate preferably dark chocolate with more than 70% cocoa with low sugar, once a week. I never artificial sweetener. For over two months I omitted the ice cream. You have to burn a lot of calories to burn off ice cream.

What I don't eat or drink

no alcohol
no pasta
no bread
no store bought cereal
no store bought juice
no soda
nothing with high fructose or artificial sweetener
absolutely no fast foods
no deep fried foods

My workout

Honestly, if I didn't have to I wouldn't work out. I don't like it. I do like the way I feel afterwards though. I sleep better, I feel better and my arms are pretty freaking awesome for an older gal. I am confident anyway, but having a fit body gives you a boost that nothing else can. 

You feel terrific! The strides I have made in just two months of consistency has given me encouragement to keep it up. Once I added the eliptical just 20 minutes before my weight lifting regine made a huge difference to the way I look and feel. My energy is much higher and I know sex is so much better when I have the stamina to make it 20 minutes without passing out!

My workout routine:

I start with an aerobic workout to raise my heart rate. I break a sweat while on the elliptical starting with 10 minutes to fake out my brain and using the cool down as part of my work out. Sounds silly? It works for me. After my 15 - 20 minutes on the elliptical using my arms as well, my heart rat is well over 130 beats per minute. I have a good heart, so I know going over 130 is okay for me. (Check with your doctor.)

Interval Training


I think he is asleep here.....
According to my son, Mr. NakedHealthy an interval training with higher repetitions and lower weights is better for toning. I don't want to look like a muscle-bound man. I use 20 - 30 pound weights for my arms and 50 - 70 on the thigh machines. I do very little leg lifting as I walk and the eliptical takes care of my thighs.

I walk quickly over to the rowing machine, set the weight at 30 pounds and do 25 reps, sitting upright, with a two minute or less rest in between. I walk over to the next machine and get going right away. The key is to not sit and play with your cell phone in between sets. Keep your heart rate up and you will burn more fat. 

15 - 20 minutes eliptical
rowing maching 30 pounds 25 reps - twice
thigh machine 50 - 70 pounds 25 x twice
inner thigh machine 50 pounds 25 x twice
calf machine 40 pounds 25 - 30 reps x 2
30 minute of machine weights 25 reps x 2 on arms
pull down 20 pounds 20 x twice
chest - pushing forward 20 pounds 25 reps x twice
sit ups 25 x 2

Total weight lifting 30 minutes maximum.

Sometimes if I feel like it, I will get in the pool and swim 15 or 20 laps. I can hear you groaning. In the winter I do 30 laps in about 30 minutes or less. Swimming is great exercise as it works your whole body out. I love the water and have been swimming since I was 5, so this is a no-brainer for me. 


Zumba once a week. It's an hour of booty shaking body moving fun on the dance floor sweating your butt off exercise. The music makes you feel happy and if you don't care how silly you look (which I don't) you won't care if you're not perfectly in step with the teacher, or the rest of the group. Focus on the fun and the dance steps will come in time!

Not for the feint of heart, but so worth it! I maintain that Yoga is for stiffies and Zumba is for sexies! Zumba makes you think of sex, because you are shaking it for a whole hour. You can't be shaking your booty around and NOT think of sex! My butt has gotten so much firmer doing this class and working out. Who says a woman in her 60's

Jennifer Elizabeth Masters triumphed over guilt and sexual shame, healing her own trauma from childhood. She is the author of two books, and is a love and passion coach. She inspires women to recognize their softness and sacred Goddess nature. For your discovery session to see if her work is a good fit for you, connect with her through her private e-mail. 


Saturday, July 25, 2015

Venus Retrograde: July 26 - Septeber 6th

In conjunction with Cafe Astrology.com

I did not write this post. I have borrowed it from Cafe Astrology. They are nice people and seem to know what they are doing with their Astrology. Venus is the planet that governs love. During a Venus Retrograde you may wonder where the love went?


A Venus Retrograde is something very important to note. You do not want to get married during a retrograde, begin a new relationship during this time, as you might find, as my son did that you break up almost every month. It could be a very rock road for you and I don't mean the ice cream. 


I was born during a Venus Retrograde AND a Mercury Retrograde. As a result I suffered from low self-esteem, had challenges feeling loved in my relationships as well as self love until my late 40's. For this reason, I now help others come to loving acceptance of themselves.


Overview

"Mercury Retrograde" has certainly become a buzzword - or buzz phrase - these days. The Venus Retrograde cycle is lesser known, and it occurs less frequently than Mercury Retrograde, but it is a significant time nevertheless.
What is Venus Retrograde? Occasionally, Venus appears to be moving backwards in the sky. "Appears" is the key word here, because, technically speaking, no planet actually moves backwards in their orbits around the Sun. In fact, they don't even slow down. Retrograde-station-direct cycles are essentially illusions that result from our point of view from Earth, simply because the Earth is also orbiting the Sun at a different speed than the other planets. Venus is Retrograde approximately 40-43 days every 18 months.
Venus stations and turns retrograde on July 25th in the sign of Virgo, entering Leo on July 31st, and continues to retrograde until September 6th.
Venus is Retrograde in Virgo from July 25-31, and in Leo from July 31-September 6.
21 Jun 2015 11:53 am 14 Leo 23' Venus Enters Rx Zone
25 Jul 2015 05:27 am 00 Virgo 46'Rx Venus Stationary Retrograde
06 Sep 2015 04:27 am 14 Leo 23' Venus Stationary Direct
09 Oct 2015 11:58 am 00 Virgo 46' Venus Leaves Rx Zone

Venus is retrograde from July 25th to September 6th, 2015. Venus's shadow period begins June 21st and ends October 9th. Note that the shadow period begins before Venus turns retrograde, when Venus first passes over the degree that Venus later returns to in retrograde motion. The shadow period ends when Venus again passes over the degree at which it first turned retrograde.
As the planet of love and values, Venus retrograde periods are timeswhen we re-assess what—and who—we value. It is a period that many astrologers consider inopportune for getting married or starting a new relationship. Major financial undertakings are not advised during this period either. Venus retrograde cycles are good times for creating budgets and financial plans, and for re-thinking our personal relationships. Taking final action in the areas of finance and love, however, is not advised until Venus turns direct again.
Because Venus rules beauty and aesthetics, Venus Retrograde is a less than ideal time for beautification processes (new hairdos, enhancements, purchasing a new wardrobe, cosmetic surgery, and so forth), renovations, re-decorating, and the like. Because Venus is associated with social events, parties may not go as planned.
On the subject of love, past lovers may re-appear and some relationships may end. With Venus retrograde in Leo much of its retrograde cycle, our needs for attention may be especially strong. We may question the romance factor in our current relationships. With Venus in Virgo for some of this retrograde cycle, the tendency to focus on flaws (and to criticize) may be strong.

Old friends and lovers may re-appear, perhaps complicating current relationships. We may be called upon to deal with relationship issues from the past during this Venus retrograde cycle. Events occur that seem fated or pre-destined. It can be a real challenge getting close to a lover during this period of time. Unorthodox, experimental, and non-intimate relationships may be favored.

Affection is difficult to express in a natural or spontaneous manner. We might find others are lacking in sincerity or genuineness in their expressions of social niceties. (We may be inclined to do the same!).

Some of the more negative associations of Venus in Leo may be particularly prominent and/or hard to take, and these include such things as egoism, buying affection, or haughtiness. Those who have Leo strong in their charts may be more introspective, distant, or hard to reach during this cycle. They may not be in as favorable light just for the time being.

Relationships that have been especially challenging may come to an end during this cycle. However, strong relationships will survive it, even if there are a few bumps and bruises along the way. This can be a good time for "eyes wide open" or experimental dating, although opinions and assessments may change at a later date. It is not a time when people recognize the need for another person to "complete" them. Some people may be questioning whether they are with partners who actually fulfill them.

We may, however, be especially in touch with our deeper, less obvious, and less superficial needs and wants. This makes it a good time for re-evaluating our relationship needs; but, again, major love decisions are best saved for after the cycle ends on September 6th, and better yet, beyond the shadow phase as well (after October 9th). Our perceptions may be skewed and we can come out of the retrograde cycle with regret if we have acted hastily, as the tendency to change our minds later is strong.

On the subject of money, finances, and possessions, do try to hold off on major purchases or financial decisions during this Venus retrograde cycle. For example, the purchase of a new house, car, or other big-ticket item could backfire in some manner later on. They may become money pits or cause problems for you; or you may change your mind later and regret your purchase.

There's nothing truly to fear about Venus retrograde, but it's always wise to take special care during this cycle. It's not the best period for entering into a new relationship, because our sensors when it comes to love are not up to par. However, it's not unheard of to begin a relationship under the influence of a retrograde Venus, and the relationship survives and/or thrives.

Venus rules our values, and when she is retrograde, we don't seem to be in touch with exactly what and who we value, or, some might say we are seeing things more or too clearly. After the retrograde cycle is over, we may look back and wonder what we were thinking. So, do what you can to avoid major decision making during Venus' retrograde cycle, but pay attention to your assessments to see if they last. A change of heart is possible later. And, the people we meet now may appear more fabulous than they turn out to be. It's also possible that some people we meet now may appear less attractive than they turn out to be! Whatever the case may be, try to hold off until October before making big decisions, particularly life-altering ones.
Still, we may not be as openly or obviously warm and affectionate during this cycle. It's hard to trust others just now, and, perhaps more so, it's difficult to trust our own instincts when it comes to judging others or our relationships.

We tend to suspect insincerity in others. People might appear to be more selfish, withdrawn, and self-protective. It's hard to make headway in a direct manner in our love relationships for the time being. If you are hoping to fix a relationship or if you are trying to schedule a reunion, it may not be the best time to do so.

When breakups do occur in the second half of a Venus retrograde cycle, I have noticed they are imperfect. They are not often clean breaks. Couples and friends may reunite later or if they stay broken up, they might often wonder if it was the right thing to do - something is often left hanging. Venus retrograde is a period for clearing the decks and dealing with the past so as to move forward fresh and re-energized, and this is especially appropriate in the first three weeks of the cycle. During the second half of the retrograde cycle, watch for impulsiveness.

Then there is a feeling of the inevitable during a Venus retrograde. What happened in the past, including past love affairs, can flood our consciousness now. Sometimes, a past lover reappears in his or her physical form.

Think back to what may have happened during the last few Venus retrograde cycles (December 21, 2013, to January 31, 2015; May 15th to June 27th, 2012; October 8, 2010, to November 18, 2010; March 6, 2009, to April 17th, 2009; July 27, 2007 to September 8, 2007; December 24th, 2005 to February 3rd, 2006; April through July 2004, September through December 2002, March through May 2001). Although each retrograde cycle is different, similar issues may arise. In fact, some of the issues we faced then may need to be dealt with now.

Note that the last time Venus was retrograde in the signs of Virgo and Leo was from July 27th to September 8th, 2007. It's very possible that we will deal with similar or even the same issues during this 2015 Venus retrograde cycle as we did during that cycle in 2007.

At the time that Venus forms an inferior conjunction with the Sun (August 15th), relationship issues are magnified. Fateful events can occur now. This is equivalent to a New Moon but marks the beginning of a new Venus cycle. We are symbolically in the dark during the retrograde, but starting fresh and re-energized from this date forward. There is impulsiveness and lack of preparation now. When Mercury forms a semi-square with retrograde Venus on August 28th, there can be a lot of conversation about relationships, especially past ones. If new light is shed on an old problem, it may not hold weight over the long term, or could ultimately frustrate us. When Venus aligns with Mars onAugust 31-September 1, we can be especially passionate, and temperamental. We can find people coming on strongly or aggressively particularly distasteful. This is not the time to make a scene!

Particularly around the days of Venus' stations on July 25th and September 6th, 2015, hold your tongue. If you are itching to argue with a lover, try to hold off. It is likely that you will have a change of heart once the station passes, and you can do a lot of damage in the meantime.
Note also that Venus is in the retrograde "zone" from June 21st to October 9th. From September 6th to October 9th, Venus continues to traverse the degrees she covered during her retrograde period. Although Venus officially turns direct on September 6th, issues are not expected to be entirely resolved until after October 9th.
Where is Venus Retrograde transiting by house in your natal chart? Does it conjunct a natal planet, your Ascendant, or Midheaven? Readinterpretations of Venus Retrograde in Transit for a more personalized meaning of the transit cycle.

Some people are more sensitive to Venus retrograde cycles than others. For example, I know of one woman, with no knowledge of these cycles, who broke up with partners in three Venus Retrograde cycles!

Venus-ruled Taurus and Libra natives may be particularly sensitive to the effects of Venus Retrograde. Also, people who have Taurus and/or Libra associated with love or financial areas of their chart tend to be more affected than others. This includes Aries Ascendant natives (because Libra is on the house of partnerships and, often, Taurus is on the cusp of their income house, the second) and Scorpio Ascendantnatives (because Taurus is on the cusp of their house of partnerships). Taurus or Libra on the fifth house of romance is another indicator (more frequently occurring with Capricorn Ascendant and Gemini Ascendant natives), and those people who have Venus in Taurus or Libra are also quite sensitive to the cycle.


Aries and Aries Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle occurs mostly in your fifth house of romance, pleasure, speculation, and children. Because the cycle directly affects your sector of romance and speculation, you should be especially wary of jumping into arguments with a lover and taking risks with gambling. You may feel you are on shaky ground in the romance department. You don't need to share all your feelings with a lover right now, and you shouldn't jump to conclusions if your lover needs a little space either. It can be hard to derive satisfaction from your romantic and creative activities for the time being. An old lover may resurface in your life, complicating matters. As well, Venus rules your partnership and income sectors, and both of these things may come up for review during this retrograde cycle.

Taurus and Taurus Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle occurs mostly in your fourth house of home and family. Relations with your family may be a little strained. You might want to wait until Venus is direct before you express your frustrations with family members! What you say now may be costly. Furthermore, if you take the time to think about things, your approach to dealing with these issues later is likely to be much more productive. The desire or need for warm relations with family members, or for support and a feeling of security, is especially strong but the path to satisfaction may be hard to find just now. This is a great time to think about how to improve your home, but not necessarily for going forward with projects. You are ruled by Venus, and you are likely to be more withdrawn than usual, which can be a source of concern for your lover. People from the past may resurface either physically or simply coming to the forefront of your mind. You may be dealing with past karma now. With Venus as your ruler, you are especially sensitive to all of the Venus Retrograde issues described above. Venus also rules your work and health sector, and the desire for satisfaction and warm relations on the job is likely strong now, but hard to get.

Gemini and Gemini Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle occurs mostly in your third house of communication, siblings, and neighbors. You may withdraw from chit-chatting during this period, and this might alienate a few people, especially siblings and perhaps neighbors. Conversely, you might find it hard to derive satisfaction from these people, or from learning situations in general. Communications may seem insincere. In fact, you may have a hard time getting your ideas across in a warm, genuine manner. You may be misreading body language as well. For some, conversations about love or about past relationships can figure strongly. Because Venus rules your romance sector, don't jump to conclusions if a lover is acting a little distant. Wait it out. Venus also rules your twelfth house, and your desires from love and relationship may be hard to figure out for the time being.

Cancer and Cancer Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle occurs mostly in your second house of money and values. As such, in addition to the general situations associated with Venus retrograde, hold on to your money. Take the time to re-think your sources of income and how you spend your cash during this period, and avoid making any big purchases until September, or better, October. You might use this time to work on how you attract (or repel) the income you deserve. Relationships with friends and family may be a little strained, as these are Venus-ruled areas of your chart.

Leo and Leo Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle mostly occurs in your sign, affecting your first house of personal appearance and mannerisms. This cycle certainly affects the personal image you project to others. Others may misunderstand what you do and say, and misread your body language. Others may not be seeing you in the most favorable of light, and events may be such that you feel the need to rethink the way you present yourself. You may be coming across in a harsher, even militant manner without even realizing it. Try to keep things status quo with regards to your love life. Don't worry if a lover isn't quite "getting" you for the time being. Things will change once Venus turns direct. Also, take this time to review your instinctual responses to new things and the first impression your make on others in terms of how these things help or hinder you. Venus-ruled areas of your chart are career, authority figures, and communications. These may not satisfy as much as you'd like just now. Extra caution in these areas of life may be necessary now.

Virgo and Virgo Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle occurs mostly in your twelfth house of all that lies beneath the surface of things. People from the past may resurface either physically or they might simply come to the forefront of your mind. You may be dealing with past karma now. What you want from love--your desires--are very ambiguous and obscure during this cycle. Deal with your past so that you can put it behind you, but don't do it at the expense of your present. Venus rules your money and possessions sector, as well as your ninth house of adventure and discovery. Watch for impulsive spending. Take the time to review your finances. Try not to feel disillusioned with life in general - think about ways to improve your life experiences.

Libra and Libra Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle occurs mostly in your eleventh house of friendships, groups, and aspirations. Your friendships or associations with groups may be a little strained during this period--a time when you may withdraw and others might misinterpret your intentions, or when friends are distant. You may get the feeling that friends are either disinterested or insincere during this cycle. Venus rules your sign, suggesting that you could be distancing yourself, questioning whether others are truly good for you. Your eighth house of shared resources and intimacy is Venus-ruled as well, and you might find your intimate life leaves you wanting, and that it's hard to find emotional (and financial) support when you need it most.
Scorpio and Scorpio Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle occurs mostly in your solar tenth house of career and reputation. For the time being, the social aspect of relationships on the job may be compromised somewhat. Be as non-judgmental as you can with co-workers during this cycle. You might find that your professional reputation is not as favorable as it typically is, at least not from your point of view. You may not know how exactly you would like to come across, and this could be the reason for any confusion just now. Your partnership sector is ruled by Venus, and you could find some challenges relating to a spouse or close partner during this period. Past lovers may figure strongly in your life now. With Venus ruling your privacy sector, you could also be dealing with past actions or karma. It's time to redefine what (and possibly who) it is that you desire.

Sagittarius and Sagittarius Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle occurs mostly in your ninth house of faith and adventure. An argument over personal philosophies of life can get you into hot water, or you could be reassessing your faith, during this cycle. It may be that your larger, broader plans and visions don't satisfy you very much these days. This is a cycle during which you might redefine these visions. Friendships and working relationships are Venus-ruled in your chart, and special care should be exercised in these areas of life. Be patient if these matters fail to satisfy you for the time being.

Capricorn and Capricorn Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle occurs mostly in your eighth house of intimacy, shared resources, and personal transformation. Hold onto your money, work on a budget, and resist arguments with loved ones that revolve around intimacy and sexuality. A disagreement over joint finances can also get you into hot water. Hold back. What you say now can have annoying ramifications. You may find it hard to feel supported by others, and your intimate life may seem superficial or even strained. You might use this time to review past purchases or to handle financial matters such as taxes that you have put off (or you may be forced to do so). Venus-ruled areas of your chart are also affected--career, as well as relationships with lovers and children.

Aquarius and Aquarius Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle occurs mostly in your seventh house of one-to-one partnerships. Misunderstandings with your partner now can be troublesome. If you need to talk through problems, do your best to be as non-judgmental as possible, and don't over-react to what your partner has to say either. A close partner could be distant emotionally, or a partnership can appear stalled for the time being - something is up in the air. Watch also for less than warm relations with family members, and avoid purchases of new property just for now.

Pisces and Pisces Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle occurs mostly in your sixth house of work, health, and habits. In addition to the general cautions outlined above, the social aspect of relationships on the job may be strained for the time being. Do your best not to let people get to you. The desire for warm relations on the job is strong, but the path to satisfaction hard to find. Schedule major beautification processes around this cycle if possible. There can be focus on healing and processing when it comes to health.  This retrograde cycle also affects the Venus-ruled sectors of your solar chart, which are your communications and intimacy sectors. You may be feeling unsupported emotionally and financially, and you may feel a little withdrawn when it comes to daily communications and light chit-chat.

Cafeastrology.com

Thank you to Cafe Astrology for their lovely post.

You can reach Jennifer Elizabeth Masters here: JenniferElizabethMasters.com

Or: E-mail her private e-mail here.