Take a Leap of Faith

taking time to see the next steps ahead looks like this, taking a leap of faith

Your New Year Resolution: TAKE A LEAP OF FAITH

A leap of faith is the best New Year resolution for you.
This year honour yourself with a resolution that is sensible, ambitious and achievable.

Taking a leap of faith requires no actual time or money. It is literally a resolution of belief in something: FAITH. It is elemental in pursuing excellence, success or goals on any level.

Take a Leap of Faith and Step into 2024 with a New Resolution to thrive

Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark.
– Rabindranath Tagore

What is a leap of faith if not a beginning into the unknown.

As January unfolds so does a brand new year. We learn to celebrate the last day of each year since ‘we made it through’, some of us with flying colours (What does that even mean? The idiom comes from nautical terminology and refers to times when ships would return home to safety with their flags flying in the wind). By that token, January 1st presents us the great uncharted territory of this new year. Undeniably, we all set sail on the seas of a new year together.

Time is the great equalizer. None of us can set sail on a new day before anyone else.

Want a New Year Resolution that really makes sense? (but does not lean on facts) : Take a leap of faith. I’ll tell you why. Hundreds of programs teach you how to improve your life and this month they are marketing to you, with glitz, glamour, discounts, value ads and all kinds of promises.

“Come get this, buy this, enjoy this, get better with this”.

And on and on it goes. Then, how do you choose which program, latest diet or nutritional supplement will help you get healthy or sleep better?
What podcast teaches you the fastest, where do you need to focus your energy?

taking a leap of faith means following what's in your heart

pausing to breathe in life on top of Bear Wallow Mountain.
Toulie and The Healing Muse, lead by example.

Who knows the way?

you must allow time for the view to clear
you must make space for new paths on your life journey
you must invite the way to come to you

When our New Year resolution revolves around a healthy new habit, most of us fail. We fail to follow through on new actions, well because they are new. Often, we fail to reach our goal. Let’s be honest, that’s not a good way to start this year.

Faith is here to save the day (err, year).

When we have faith, we choose to believe we can do something. Action is the key to success. With faith, we also have the strength to believe we can be someone different today than we were yesterday. That is a crucial step in achieving our goal, any goal. In a 2009 JSTOR journal article on Faith and Goodness (by J.E.R. Staddon, Duke University) “Science…cannot tell us what to value[JS & MH may not agree], just how to get it”. In other words, our faith and belief system dictates what we value and the facts around us, the programs, the workshops, the myriad of ‘get better’ options just show us how.

If you don’t believe you can do it…’just do it’ doesn’t usually work.

Without faith in your life, you may feel lost at sea when help isn’t close at hand. To step confidently into this new year, practice faith daily.

How to practice building your faith?

Follow these three steps, action steps.

Clearly write out your belief. ‘I believe I can walk more than 10000 steps a day. I have faith in me’
Set aside 2x a day, everyday when you sit and remind yourself of your faith. Draw on your belief in spiritual origins, your religion, your culture or nature. This is usually in the form of a journal, prayer and/or meditation.
Allow your connection to your spiritual community, religious group or tribe to support you daily, weekly, monthly in meetings and events. Growing your community grows your faith.

taking time to journal your thoughts and vision for 2024, new year resolutions supports your faith, your belief and supports you

taking time to sit with your steps and journalling is worth a thousand and one words.

Need a helping hand with your leap of faith – Connect with me for in an online Life Guidance session

Note that faith AND action are needed to pursue a target or a goal.

Set your resolution to be: I believe in faith religiously. FAITH and RELIGIOUSLY I pair together to get your attention. Faith is not religion and religion is not faith. They complement each other. To adopt an action religiously means ‘in a regular manner’, choosing this new habit regularly, regardless of feeling, inspiration or motivation. We choose it because we believe we must. That is the fundamental pillar of any goal oriented program.

Whether we have Faith in a particular religion or in nature, or even in science does not matter. What matters is that we cultivate Faith. Just like cultivating compassion helps it grow, nourishing and choosing our faith regularly strengthens it.

With faith in our hearts, or by our side (wherever we choose to keep it) we can excel. Faith is the compass direction for our next step. Before you take on yet another New Year Resolution, I ask you: what do you believe? Do you believe in yourself? How will you define your faith today?

In that answer you will find your ideal first step toward your goal. Cultivate faith today and every day this month and you can guarantee yourself a successful beginning in the year 2024.

Faith is building on what you know is here so you can reach what you know is there. – Cullen Hightower

faith image source: uua.org/re/tapestry/children/windows/session3

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Monthly natural health and wellness column written for South Etobicoke News.
Would you like a natural health focus in your next newsletter, workshop or marketing news? Email me for collaborations, projects, articles.

November 14, 2023November 14, 2023

Learning Awareness

introspective-awaness-and-learning-to-reconnect-with-your-self-learn-here-with-the-healing-muse-contact-us-

Learning awareness is not all that natural, but it is learned. We tend to move toward automation and reducing awareness over time. Learning awareness is a practice that we cultivate. A practiced awareness is a skill we use in every aspect of our life. No breath is ever wasted – it brings life. Likewise, no moment dedicated to increasing awareness is every wasted – it brings richness to our life.

Where does learning awareness begin? here (read instructions below)

It begins at the beginning. To get there:
Simplify simplify simplify
clarify clarify clarify

How does one start practicing awareness?

Simplify simplify simplify
clarify clarify clarify

and focus

zen mind is not empty, it is simply free flowing and allows us to be aware of the thoughts passing through like cars on a highway. Learning awareness allows this to be

zen mind is not empty, 
it is simply free flowing 
it allows us to be aware of the thoughts passing through like cars on a highway. 
Learning awareness allows this to be

– The Healing Muse

What is awareness?

the state or condition of being aware; having knowledge; consciousness
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/awareness

Where does awareness begin?

Our heart is the driving force of who we are. But our mind governs what we choose day to day.
Let us begin at the beginning. We begin by looking into our mind. How?
We look within and take a moment to pause and look around.
Simple, profound, doable. All that is needed is: time

Begin at the beginning.

I ask you to step as far back to the beginning as you possibly can, from a simple daily chore.
Look at something like washing a simple dish or folding your favourite sweater or brushing your hair. Choose one as a starting point for practising the simplest, most familiar and natural behaviour pattern within you. Do it. Slower. Again with more attention. Attention is the gateway to awareness. Practicing and learning awareness begins like this.

Do it daily.

Need a helping hand?

No matter what path you are on in life, at times you need a helping hand.
You benefit from opening to a new way.
You thrive by allowing a shift in perspective.
It is possible to excel with additional insight.
Choose to live inspired with an introspective moment.
——-
Let’s do it together.
Learn awareness, listening and growth with me, your life guide, an intuitive healer.
Simply here to provide insight into your version of Inspired Living.

—— want to know more?
Contact me for a 15 minute insightful conversation.

Or join us for our monthly Inspired Living Chat – the last Wednesday of every month. Learn more here
#letsbegin #starthere
#Inspiredliving #inspiredhealing #healingmuse #thehealingmuse

September 2, 2023September 2, 2023

Iced Tea with Flowers

perfect iced tea starts here with garden flowers

blue cornflower in our blue crane iced tea makes you a culinary summer bbq wizard add fresh flowers as the stir stick

Our Iced Tea with Flowers

is the perfect recipe for Sangria Sunshine and delight in a glass! You must try this Iced Tea with a Twist, created by The Healing Muse

Send us a photo of your favourite iced tea with flowers and iced tea ice cubes, when you try this how to guide.

iced tea with flowers ice cubes with geranium rose petals and pansies frozen for the perfect iced tea

We’ve added fuschias, daisies, begonias, geranium, lavender, rosehip flower & white purple clematis to ours.

ICED TEA WITH FLOWERS RECIPE

CHOOSE YOUR FAVOURITE TEA/TISANE/HERB
BREW ACCORDING TO TEMPERATURE AND TIME (SEE QUICK REFERENCE AT THE BOTTOM OF OUR BLOG POST)
STRAIN (IF USING FRESH OR DRIED LOOSE PLANT MATERIAL)
COOL IN THE FRIDGE
COLLECT YOUR FAVOURITE EDIBLE FLOWERS (SEE MORE HOW-TO BELOW)
POUR SOME OF YOUR BREWED TEA INTO ICE CUBE TRAY
ADD IN A FEW SELECT FLOWERS INTO THE ICE CUBE TRAY
FREEZE
ADD YOUR GORGEOUS, COLOURFUL ICED TEA ICE CUBES TO YOUR TEAS
GARNISH WITH AN EDIBLE FLOWER STALK, CINNAMON, HONEY STICK OR SUGARED SPOON

Pro tip for the Perfect Edible flowers:

Edible flowers must be organic (grow your own! or share with your neighbhours)

Always avoid flowers from locations with herbicides, pesticides, sprays, nurseries, hybrid show flowers,

Growing your own edible flowers from seed – connect with seed libraries, like Toronto West: LEGS (Lakeshore Environmental Gardening Society online seed library, to get safe seeds)

Pro tip for iced tea cubes with flowers:

You can also add mint, basil, rosemary, or any of your favourite garden herbs!

As the ice thaws, it will slowly change the flavour profile of your drink, making every sip fun and exciting!

Did you know:
If you’re using your herbal ice cubes for fresh iced tea or sangria, add tea to your ice cube tray for less dilution once melted.

herbal tea iced tea ice cubes with flowers how to step use ice tray with your favourite flower and brewed tea

herbal tea iced tea ice cubes with flowers step:
use ice tray with your favourite flower & brewed tea

steep the perfect cup of iced tea with our iced tea ice cubes recipe this summer — Steep the perfect cup of iced tea with our iced tea ice cubes recipe this summer!

Iced Tea with Flowers – try these

A list of our favourite edible wild flowers is:

Calendula & Echinacea

Day Lily & Wild Roses

Chamomile & Mint

Iced Tea Sangria: Iced Tea Ice Cubes are the Secret!

We profile the rich, golden hues of Blue Crane Tea, from Misty Mountain Tea Company. It is perfect for herbal blending with Blue Cornflower for that herb rich flavour in your next Exotic Sangria!

Pro tip:
Use the Atlantis Tea (with butterfly blue flowers) for an ethereal ‘‘Ice Blue’ Tea and Iced Cubes!

(side note: current Blue Cornflower teas on Misty Mountain website can be found here)

#herbalicecubes #edibleplants #edibleflowers #freshicedtea #diycocktails #diykitchen #gardentokitchen #healingmuse #apothecary #healingmuseapothecary #aromatherapy #besthealinggiftstore #besthealinggifshop #icedtea #freshmadeicedtea #herbalicedtea #flowericecubes #herbalicecubes #fancyicecubes #edibleflowers #icedteasangria #sangriarecipe #thebesticedtea #thebestsangria #summertimefavourites #apothecaryrecipe #apothecaryfun

Check out our Instagram recipes and posts here
(originally we posted this on Instagram – July 21, 2020)

Did you know – Tea Facts

all tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant
2 main varietals are available (C. sinensis var. sinensis and C. sinensis var. assamica)
temperature makes a difference in the flavour of the tea
some teas are best made fromwholeleaves/materials
some teas (many herbals and barks) are best made from crushed leaves/plant materials
in Asia, ‘black tea’ is usually referred to as Red Tea
drinking tea in a clear glass is preferred, when you wish to see the quality of the tea leaves by the colour it is

How to Brew the perfect cup of tea, tisane, infusion?

tea steeping tip water temperature for the perfect cup of tea
(photo: www.pinterest.ca/pin/152770612334239696/)

#icedteas#icedteaday #icedtealemonade 7,288 #icedtealover #icedteaaddict #icedtearecipe

August 30, 2023August 30, 2023

Is your life in the fast lane?

If life is a highway, are you in the fast lane?

some phrases I hear all the time:

so much to do, so little time

i’ll sleep when I am dead

who has time to complain

i’m running out of time

dead end sign for life is a highway blog post florida trees with skeleton

All the references above create a web of belief that time is something we must abide by.

the clock is ticking you know?

Life in the fast lane waits for no none.

For the September issue of South Etobicoke News, I reframe my philosophy on life and my 3 basic rules to live by. If life is a highway, how do you rest, nourish and love?

Of course (as the song goes), you are going to ride it all night long, if life is a highway.

Once you stop, that’s the end of the line (as another song goes).This September, I’m thinking about driving the highways of the GTA, the 401 highway series across Canada and all the roads beyond. We are all on a journey, but end of August and beginning of September marks a very special time for many. As our families grow and children get older, we send them off to school. Our youngsters grow even older, the schools get bigger and are further away.

run for the river jump life is a highway hurry up blog post kingston kids jumping in water

So if life is a highway, figuratively (and for many of us literally, much of our life is spent on the highway) what lane are you in? If you like to mix it up and adjust your speed, change lanes once in a while: I’m with you. Let’s adjust to the scenery, enjoy the company of life and take in the sights. I get it; some people really love travelling as fast as possible from point A to point B. To what end, I wonder. The faster you travel in life, the less you can immerse yourself in life. A friend of mine has a motto: I will sleep when I am dead.

What’s your life motto?

I abide by these 3 life rules:
you must rest
you must be nourished and
you must love

Rest is essential – that’s a non-negotiable number one rule for me. Without adequate rest, you can never function optimally. Numerous studies have proven that taking breaks on long work days or study days, actually improves your productivity, reduces stress levels and increases your creative problem solving skills. You get more done in less time. That motto ‘I’ll sleep when I’m dead’ doesn’t hold up well in the science lab, in the fast lane of life nor on the race track. Even the fastest race cars take precise pit stops to recoup, revive and replenish. Basically, everything needs down time. And, the greater the performance, the greater the rest usually is.

The second ‘must-follow’ life rule is nourishment.

That may seem so obvious to you since we all need to eat. When I mention nourishment, I mean food, liquids (water or fancier aromatically brewed options), oxygen (bare minimum requirement for life) and also food for your mind, nourishment for your heart. When we choose to nourish our minds, we welcome learning, expanding our knowledge and wisdom. That’s what makes this highway of life theme ideal for the September Wellness. Back to school prep is in full swing. Whether you are choosing courses in college, your favourite lane on the highway to get home from errands, or simply selecting your workout playlist on Spotify, you are nourishing your heart and mind.

Or not. Right?

what lane are you in?

When you choose poorly, your drive home may suck. It may be the grungy, polluted way home, but it’s fast. Or you may be stuck with take out pizza from the so-so chain down the street, because it’s quick and easy. This brings to mind another favourite motto of mine: eating well is a form of self respect. This September, on the highway of life, choose well. Consider your options before committing to convenience or speed over flavour, spices, or depth of experience.

Lastly, you must have love in your life. You must love. Without sharing your love, your life will feel like driving on cruise control. You are moving: but not really there, are you. How do we share our love? Talk with a friend about your new favourite song or dessert dish. Smile at the crossing guard the first week of school. Take a moment to compliment the local store clerk on their skills or something you notice that’s exceptional. Your moment of observation, kind words, sharing your connection with someone are the smallest, simplest act of kindness and love. It helps you grow. It helps the other person grow. Your life exponentially improves and it has nothing to do with how fast you must go.

Whether you choose to live metal to the pedal or stop and smell all the roses, this September I encourage you to examine what’s your preferred speed. Vary it up a bit. After all, variety is the spice of life. If life is a highway, I want you to live it fully everyday, in every lane. Choose to learn at every intersection, merge with care and love your experience deeply. The truth is: None of us know, when we will run out of fuel.