This video was recently posted onto YouTube. I’ve already watched it multiple times and giggled with joy every time. If you need to lift your spirits today, watch this!

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A few months ago, Josephus & the Wisdom Council (the group of Guides that I channel) began encouraging me to create the “One-Gen Program” to assist me and others like me in bringing greater harmony to the integration of my physical and energetic bodies. The key component of this integration? Food. Specifically healthy, wholesome, minimally processed foods filled with vitality and nutrition. To facilitate this shift, they asked me to eat  foods they call, “One-Generation Foods” (meaning that they are one-generation or less away from Mother Earth) for a period of six weeks.

Simple, huh? Many people on the planet already eat this way….

But food has been my addiction my entire life. I LOVE food. It is my art, it is my passion and it is my friend. I’ve been caged in an obese body most of my life. I’ve tried everything from Weight Watchers to weight loss surgery to try and heal my connection to food. But alas, they would work for a while, but at some point, food would win again.

The idea of eating only wholesome organic foods for six weeks terrified me. And what I came to find out, it terrified a lot of other people. It would seem that many of us are addicted to processed foods. Our palate and biochemistry has become addicted to the super sweet-fatty-salty experience of foods that have been highly modified to meet the needs & desires of our on-the-go lives.

And I wondered, could I really make this radical shift in my food consumption for six weeks? If you’ve had any issues with food, then you know the terror that arises at the idea of undertaking a food-related “diet”… terror that keeps score of all the other times when intentions and hope were high but the outcome was grim.

Josephus & the Angels kept encouraging me… their words of comfort included:

• This is only for six weeks. You can do almost anything for six weeks. It doesn’t have to be forever.
• It’s OK if you’re cranky about it. In fact, you may be cranky for the first two weeks while you acclimate to the physiological and psychological shifts.
• We’ll be there with you providing you encouragement, love and light.
• The goal is not to “diet” or lose weight. The intention is to cultivate a vital energy field so that you can integrate the higher energies that are coming to the planet.

It sounded good to me, but I was still nervous. I asked them to help me make the shift.

What happened next feels like a mini-miracle to me…. They began introducing me to books that are helping me to shift my relationship and understanding of food and nutrition. It is a profound journey of understanding more deeply that much of the food that I’d been consuming is but an over-processed facsimile of God’s true flavors. That is why freshly picked produce kick’s butt on anything you’ll find on a supermarket’s shelf. I feel as if I’m having an awakening about food. Me — the woman who has been reading the calories and fat grams on foods for the past three decades. I’m learning all about food again.

As a result, I’d like to share with you some of the books that are changing my life:

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle
by Barbara Kingsolver

This is a beautiful account of how author Barbara Kingsolver & her family moved to the family farm to live sustainably for a year. This book has made me fall in love with the idea of gardening, shopping from local farmers’ markets and educated me on the value of shopping locally. I LOVE this book!

Food Rules, an Eater’s Manual
by Michael Pollan

A sweet little book that has 63 rules for eating more sustainably and healthier. A perfect companion for the One-Gen Program. Here are a few of the rules: #11 “Avoid foods you see advertised on television.” #36 “Don’t eat breakfast cereals that change the …color of the milk” #44 “Pay more, eat less”  It is written by food evangelist, Michael Pollan

The End of Overeating
by David Kessler

If you have experienced addictive eating habits and wondered why you have had such challenge in curbing your food choices, I highly recommend Dr. Kessler’s book. I consider this to be one of the most important books I’ve read on the topic.

I Am Grateful:  Recipes and Lifestyle of Cafe Gratitude
by Terces Engelhart

I had the food equivalent of a religious experience when I was eating at Cafe Gratitude in Berkeley a few weeks ago. The food was beyond delicious and everything (including the mint shake) was One-Gen! I said, “If I can eat here for the next six weeks, this program will be a breeze.” Their recipe book is going to be one of my go-to-tools for inspiration about how to make live food delicious!

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This afternoon I went grocery shopping at Berkeley Bowl to begin preparing for the One-Gen Program (which begins tomorrow…). For those of you not in the SF area, Berkeley Bowl is a mecca of sustainable food. Their produce department is astounding. Their organic produce department is the size of most chain grocery stores and the conventional produce section is HUGE! They have an aisle devoted to different kinds of pluots, another one for apples, another to citrus. I never knew there were so many varieties of produce! They also kindly list the region where it was grown.

In my everyday life, my food repertoire is pretty simple – buy what looks good and is appealing at the moment. It’s great satisfaction to my inner child, but not so healthy in the long run.

The thing about the One-Gen Program is that it is inviting me to approach my relationship with food differently. Rather than being able to grab a quick meal from a restaurant or off the shelf, I’m going to have to give thought to preparing meals & making sure that the house is stocked with lots of fresh food.

Before I went to the store, I made a list. But as I went through the aisles I was overwhelmed by the choices and had a hard time knowing just what to buy. I found myself going to my old standards like watermelon, nectarines and romaine lettuce. However, my intention is to use the next six weeks to learn how to create a more varied and delicious experience with minimally-processed foods.

…and it is not lost on me that when so many people around the world are going hungry, my challenge this afternoon was to decide between the 10 kinds of tomatoes they’re stocking in the store. Many years ago, I was speaking with someone who emigrated from Russia during the Cold War. At the time there were food shortages in Russia and life was very hard. I asked her what her reaction was the first time she stepped foot in a U.S. grocery store. She said that she was overwhelmed by the choices and that she had to turn around and leave without buying a thing.

An abundance of choice is not always the easiest thing to navigate.

I’m writing about this in case you’re experiencing a similar challenge. It’s easy to get into a pattern and to feel overwhelm when faced with choosing a new way to experience the world.

I’m so happy our friend, Shelee, will be serving as our Food Coach for the One-Gen Program! I’m going to ask her to take me on a field trip to the Berkeley Bowl to teach me to shop… and then I’ll share what I learn with you. Together we’ll forge new ground and discover new ways to navigate the grocery store.

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BTW – in service to full disclosure, this is not really my car’s dashboard

What’s the point of writing a blog if I cannot share my classically embarrassing earth girl moments with you. Right? While this is one of those moments best forgotten – the angels assure me there’s a lesson in here somewhere…

Last week, during the 100 degree heat wave the air conditioning went out in my car. I cannot imagine how my Jewish ancestors made it through the desert for 40 years when I couldn’t even make it to the three miles to Costco and back in my non-air-conditioned car. I would have made a terrible desert wanderer.

So I took the car to a chain service shop. For $600 they could fix it — but that was way too much for the current budget. Fingers crossed, I called a local shop and asked for a second, hopefully cheaper, estimate. They said they would see what they could do.

That day I was visiting my angel friends Carol and Peg at their store Angel Heart 4 You and I was recounting all my woes of the week. Carol reminded me to toss a coin in the wish fountain and ask the angels for an easy solution. You can’t believe how often people have to remind me — an Angel Professional — to ask the angels for help! And so I did… I asked AA Michael to help create a solution for under $100.

Later that day the shop called… they said that they think they fixed it (they weren’t completely certain because part of the evaluation was going to be having me drive the car for a few days to see if it continued to work). The bill? $93. Way better than $600. I left the shop grateful…

Next day Wes and I were driving to a funeral about an hour’s drive from here. As we were driving I noticed the air conditioning didn’t seem to be working. For the next 40 minutes I bemoaned to Wes how disappointed I was… that perhaps the angels didn’t get the message… and that I was either going to be very hot for the next few months or would have to find a way to pay to get it fixed. Imagine 40 minutes of my losing faith, complaining and sweating… Then something compelled me to check the dashboard. You know what? The button that controls the air conditioning was in the off position. I pressed the button and suddenly refrigerated air filled the car.

Talk about an embarrassing moment…lol!

All I had to do was push a button.

I laughed for the next fifteen minutes…

You may not know this about me, but when I’m in my earth girl mode, I can be a bit of a drama queen. Here I was bemoaning my disappointment that things didn’t turn out my way and all I had to do was push a button.

…and I started to wonder. How often am I judging that things aren’t working out when all I have to do is shift perspective and take a tiny action. It’s a reminder that even when it looks like things aren’t working in our favor that we’re a moment away from a game changing moment.

I know that there are serious issues in the world. But in that moment — that was mine. And it was fixed simply by shifting my attention and pressing a button.

Thank you angels!

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There are a few people in the world with whom I’m good and mad. I find elements of their behavior to be atrocious and I cannot understand how they can operate in the world this way. In the past, prior to my awakening, I would have broadcast their horrible actions in great detail to friends. Something along the lines of, “Can you believe that they [fill in the blank]…” to which my friends would be appropriately horrified and completely agree with my point of view. It would have been satisfying for a moment, but the toxicity of the anger would still circulate within me.

A few days ago I was watching a YouTube video of a TIME Magazine reporter interviewing His Holiness the Dalai Lama in a segment called, “10 Questions for the Dalai Lama.” He was asked, “Do you ever feel angry or outraged?” He replied, “Oh, yes, of course. I’m a human being. Generally speaking, if a human being never shows anger, then I think something’s wrong. He’s not right in the brain.”

He reminded me that it’s OK to feel anger.

And yet, what comes next is the true challenge. Anger can be like a bitterness that breeds inside our own consciousness. Anger always demands its payment first from the bearer. You cannot foster anger and let it age like a fine wine without bringing toxicity into the landscape of your own consciousness.

So what are we to do?

This morning, as I was ruminating over the actions of some people that are my current targets of anger, I asked the angels for help. Their recommendation? To close my eyes and send them love for a few minutes. Uh-oh, that’s not easy to do… especially when I feel so justified in my point of view. “That’s the whole point…” say the angels.

So I tried it. I sat at my desk, closed my eyes and began broadcasting love to the first person. I could feel my ego trying to shutter my heart and recount the damage they have brought to the situation. The angels supported me in continuing the broadcast. They say, “The love is not only for them, but it is for you, too. You are not excusing or approving of their behavior. Rather you are surrounding the whole situation with love. This is the greatest healing you can bring to this situation.”

Drs. Ron & Mary Hulnick at the University of Santa Monica teach to go inward and repeat say, “I love you, God bless you.”

It’s amazing how quickly this begins to shift the energy.

So if you, like me, are harboring anger towards others today. Even if you are surely justified in how you feel. Try broadcasting love and forgiveness to the situation. Forgiveness is not about saying that what happened is OK. But rather it is about liberating yourself from the threads of judgment that can hold you hostage to a darkness you no longer wish to experience.

This is a forgiveness meditation adapted from a process given to me by another teacher.

Visualize yourself ascending into a healing sanctuary with your higher self and the higher self of the other person. With the healing light of God surrounding you, visualize yourself saying the following:

I love you, God Bless you.
I forgive you, I forgive me.
I release you, I release me.
Go with God.
Namaste

…and then watch the other person walk away. Then allow yourself to slowly return. Repeat the process if necessary. Chances are you will begin to feel a shift immediately.

As you allow yourself freedom, so will you make room in your life for brighter adventures that bring you joy. I don’t know about you, but I’m hopping on the JOY train today! Enough of the old stories. I now declare them complete!

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The One-Gen Food Program begins on August 31st. The common theme among people considering the program is a sense of nervousness about eating only wholesome minimally-processed foods for six weeks. I can appreciate the anxiousness! When Josephus & the Wisdom Council first brought forward the program I tried not to listen. But it’s not always easy to drown out guidance – especially when it is my Higher Council asking me to make changes.

For those of you new to the program, the One-Gen Program is designed to bring more harmony and balance between your physical and energy bodies. There are four pillars to the program. The first pillar – and the one causing the greatest consternation for people is six weeks of eating “one-generation” foods – these are foods direct from mother earth, minimally processed.

In theory – this shouldn’t be such a big deal. However for many of us it is a challenge. After all, if it was easy, we’d already be eating this way, right?

Well, I’m a foodie. A food addict. Generously overweight. Food has been my thing since I was a kid. I’ve tried everything. Weight Watchers. Jenny Craig. Liquid Protein. Master Cleanse. NutriSystem, Slim Fast. Phen-Fen. Even weight loss surgery in the form of a Lap-Band.

My capitulation to the seduction of food is certainly not due to lack of effort on my part.

However over the past year I set the intention to learn all I can about the biology of obesity. The ads and articles in magazines at the supermarket checkout would have us believe that it’s all about simply “choosing” differently. Eat more salads! Less carbs! I don’t know about you, but my obesity is not from lack of knowledge.

As a matter of fact most people who have experienced chronic obesity probably know more about nutrition than most.

My belief is that that many of us have a metabolic imbalance. Our hormones and neurochemistry are prone to food addiction. And we might be able to say no the first time… the second time… but by the ninth time the voice says, “EAT the COOKIE” – we likely give in… One of the best books about this topic is Dr. David Kessler’s “The End of Overeating” – here’s a link where you can watch a one-hour lecture from him on this topic.

Josephus & the Wisdom Council have a theory about this… a theory shared by a growing number of sustainable food advocates. Present day food addiction is amplified by eating highly processed foods.

Our bodies seek nutrients. Good nutrients. From things like organic kale and summer squash. Not from chemicals pressed into the shape of a miniature Fred Flintstone.

Josephus & the Wisdom Council say that if we will eat minimally processed foods for six weeks, we will begin to bring more vitality and energy into our bodies. And if we’re fortunate, it will assist us in breaking free from the addictive nature of compulsive eating.

The One-Gen Program is designed to reintroduce you to the pleasures of eating foods designed to delight, fortify and love your body. You can learn to trust your appetite. You can learn to crave foods that are good for you. You can eat meals that energize you. You can eat in such a way that you actually want to be in your body rather than floating somewhere high above it.

If like me, you are a bit daunted at the idea of making this shift, here are a few tips:

1. Visit your local farmers’ markets and adventurously try new fruits and vegetables. Quite often produce from the farmers’ market tastes much better than the produce at your local chain supermarket. During the One-Gen Program you’ll have a chance to retrain your palate to the deliciousness of fresh sustainably produced foods.
2. Begin to phase processed foods from your pantry. As you run out of an item, do not replace it. At least until the six weeks are up… Instead, begin to buy wholesome foods that you’ll be able to eat during the program. Using this approach – I recently came home with a bag of dehydrated kale chips rather than my usual potato chips.
3. Ask your angels to begin working with you to begin making the shift to healthier eating habits.
4. Be kind to yourself. You’re going to get LOTS of support on this journey.
5. Remember – this is only for six weeks. You can do just about anything for six weeks. After the six weeks – you can renegotiate your approach to food.

We are looking forward to sharing the journey with you! If you would like to schedule a mini-consultation with me about the program, please contact me. It is a blessing to support you!

More About the OneGen Program

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Yep. Today it begins. Mercury goes into retrograde until September 12th. What does this mean? Well, in astrology, the planets progress forward through the signs. Taurus gives way to Gemini which moves into Cancer, etc. There is a forward progression. During a retrograde period, the planet seems to lose ground and goes “backwards.” When this happens, it typically creates not-so-positive influences in the areas that it rules.

Mercury rules communication & electronics. When Mercury goes into retrograde it has the potential to slow things to a crawl, make communications challenging, cause electronics to freak out, etc.

However, since we’re all about empowering you to live in your JOY, we’re not going to get you all freaked out about some planet’s influence over your existence. Remember you are a glorious creator being and you have dominion over your experience of life.

But, if you’re seeking some ideas for how best to surf this energy, here are some tips for gracefully navigating the next three weeks:

If things don’t seem to be moving forward, don’t sweat it. It’s likely the retrograde energy. Things will pick up again around September 12th.

It’s not the best time to start something new as things “born” during the retrograde energy often need to be recreated again. If you can, hold off signing contracts, important letters and other agreements during this time. If you do have to keep things moving forward surround everything with light and ask that the retrograde energy be cleared.

If people don’t return your emails or phone calls don’t take it personally. Mercury retrograde is a bit like having a communications gremlin taking delight in misrouting messages.

If people misinterpret your words, intentions and actions – again, don’t take it personally

Take extra good care of your computer & car. Back up all your data. Check your oil and do all those things we’re supposed to do anyways to care for our electronics. They’ll appreciate the extra TLC right now.

It is a powerful time to revisit the past. Clean out a closet, go through photos, call an old friend. All of these kinds of activities are terrific ways to use the retrograde energy.

Do a releasing ceremony. Are there old patterns, hurts or beliefs that you’re ready to let go? As these are based in “old” energy – the retrograde is a powerful time to declare them complete.

…and finally, if you don’t want to buy into any of this, employ the Law of Attraction, and visualize the next three weeks as being the best weeks that you’ve had so far this year. Create a vibrant and wonderful energy field around you and declare that grace is with you in all things! After all, you are a powerful creator and you greatly influence your experiences of the world.

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I imagine this is the blogging equivalent of returning to a vacation home that has been uninhabited for far too long. This blog has just been here… unrequited. Waiting for me to begin my love affair with words and begin blogging again. I’d been lulled into the quick easy fix of micro-blogging through Facebook and Twitter. But it’s time now to begin writing more than 200 characters at a time. There’s much to say, much to share. I’m glad to be back here with you!

Stay tuned!

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You are in the process of transformation and you are attuning more to the energetic web that connects all living things. This is not a land of words, but rather a vibration of light & wisdom. The wisdom knows innately how to create and sustain life. Man has come to believe that he controls life… or at least longs for that power. But here he misses the mark. Life is not meant to be controlled, but rather it is a never-ending vibration that is meant to be experienced & surfed. It has its own rhythm and wisdom.

The very wise are the ones who learn how to navigate the matrix. This is what you are learning now. There are so many helping you through this passage that feels veiled still in much mystery. It’s not so much about what you will be doing, but rather how you will be being. What you do from this place of attunement and vibration matters little, for everything you do will result in miracles of healing finding their way into the world.

So rest now, worldly traveler, and know that even as you rest, you are working in realms filled with light and wisdom.

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During the past week, I have felt a sense of stillness present in the world. The phone is not ringing as much. Emails are not coming as frequently. And I am reminded that life moves in cycles. There are times of great activity, and times of stillness.

A few years ago I was hiking in the Santa Monica mountains. I would always hike with pen & paper because the words would begin flowing as I wandered across the trails. One day I came across a tree that had shed its leaves. It seemed so still & empty. And as I stood there with the tree, I could begin to feel its vibrancy. Even in its dormancy it was alive. In that moment, the tree taught me about the potency of stillness and the following passage of wisdom flowed through:

“The tree does not wonder if it will bloom again For it knows it will. So it surrenders to the loss. To the dormancy. For it knows that there is a time to stand empty and dig roots down deep, replenishing & restoring. And so it is with you. The time will come to bloom again. For now there is beauty to be found it standing in the empty spaces.”

Wishing you peace in the quiet spaces.

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