How to Know if You're Intuitive

Are You Intuitive? Own it!

HOW TO KNOW IF YOU'RE INTUITIVE

Authored By: John Scardina     
Photo Credit: Dasha and Mari

I’ve been working on personal intuitive abilities for several years without taking ownership of them, I have always no matter how slight had these abilities and was just never confident in them as a reality. I wanted to share a story of a recent event in my life that proves that you can be in tune with your intuitive side, only by relaxing and paying attention (listening) to the little signs that surround us every day. 

Recently on my way to work, my full time job I grasped onto one of these signs. Admittedly it was a bit stronger than usual but I listened and it read like a book. I’ve worked in the same business park for two different companies for over 20 years and have always taken the same boring route to work every day. I only live about four or so miles from this business park, there is really only one right turn and a left to get there the quickest. 

Without knowing why on this particular day I left for work as normal I decided to turn in a different direction and go around the back way (a little further in distance), again I have never have taken this route. Something in the universe had something to say and I listened. As I continued on this short route I drove about one mile and looked left and noticed a dear friends house. Thinking to myself their house looks different, not the sturdy brick structure that it is. There was nothing actually wrong with the house, just my feeling. I thought to myself “I haven’t been keeping in touch with this friend for some time”. Maybe today is the day I should contact them, then it hit me much stronger than usual a feeling that there was something not right with my friend. 

I began to get a bit nervous as I continued to drive a feeling of crying and fear was beginning to overwhelm me. It was not me crying it was different, I felt tears. As I pulled into work I was certain that I really needed to contact my friends but is was still early, so I decided I would wait. 

Only being at work a short time I received a phone call from my wife asking if our friends still in the States or their home in Italy, and she proceeded to tell me that Italy had an earthquake about five hours prior. I had quickly told my wife my change of route and that I had seen their house and felt energy like never before and we both knew now was the time to call their cell. 

After calling and leaving a message, not the connection I wanted! This only helped my now overwhelming feeling of tears, somewhere there was tears. This was freaking me out a bit because I do not always listen to the little messages. A short time later I received an email from another friend that they were in fact at their home in Italy. They had spoken with them and they were both well, their house in Italy not so much, a complete loss.

When I did finally connect on the phone, I was so relieved to hear the crying voice of my friend. Once this happened my energy shifted and I felt no crying, no tears. I knew they were well!

The reason I’m sharing this is to allow those with gifts, with intuition, to pay attention to the little voices, the shift in energy, there is a story of knowledge being created that only you can feel and understand if you only listen. Take ownership of your intuition!

How to Be True To Yourself

HOW TO BE TRUE TO YOURSELF

Written By: John Scardina     Photo Credit: Joicy Muniz

How to Be True to Yourself

As entrepreneurs we wear many hats in order to create our brand, our ideal client, and become successful by whatever means. We also sometimes lose sight of who we are and what we have become along the way. It becomes so easy to lose track of the actual reason why we all created a business plan and started on the entrepreneurial journey. 

As business owners we take on so many tasks, each one that brings us into multiple directions daily. Let’s be honest here, these tasks happen every second everyday repeatedly until we drain ourselves of all good energy within us. This is the moment when we change who we are, and become someone or something else if only for the need to acquire clients or take a shortcut to get approval in business. 

I have seen so many entrepreneur’s and practitioner’s get frantic and try to become something they are not. This at first might seem the path to follow but in the long run becomes an overwhelming venture that creates stress and will actually reduce your business income. I’m speaking about business owners that offer multiple programs, products, or classes similar to a restaurant that has a 27-page menu. You do not need that large of a menu, you need to provide what is that whole part of your being.

If you are a practitioner whatever modality, be that practitioner, be a Reiki Master, be an Iridologist, or be that one thing that you are the best you can be at. If you are a coach, then coach, if you are an artist, then create, and if you are just plain crazy (but recognized for that) then just be plain crazy. Be who you are remain your true self, after all you are not the practitioner or coach that you see on the other side of town, you are you! Stay the course and do not deviate from who you are, you are the one with the knowledge, the drive, and stamina to get things done in a manner the resonates from you and spreads a positive energy throughout your business. You started off as you and should remain your true self, your clients deserve this!

I have seen many practitioners and business owners become so many things that clients have difficulty trying to figure out who you are or what you have become. Don’t let this confusion lead to clients searching for other practitioners or coaches. I have done this; I’ve spent many years trying to become something I’m not due to the fact I never felt good enough to provide just one modality or service. I felt the need to be like others. I went bat shit crazy trying to offer all and everything to my clients and my business suffered completely. We all learn as we grow, and we all grow in different ways. 

Stay who you are, be the best you can be as you are, your clients will appreciate the fact that they can trust in you as your true self. Your energy will be well accepted and loved if you maintain your true self!

So I’m an Empath, What’s that?

SO I'M AN EMPATH, WHAT'S THAT?

Article By: John Scardina
Photo Credit: Chanelle Sladics

So I'm an Empath...

The word “Empath” has become popular in the last few years. I hear it all the time outside of my circle of friends, mostly at events, gatherings and alike around those who do not know about my background in energy work. Almost of these people have just heard the word empath or have been labeled an empath or a sensitive and just accept this label with little or no knowledge of what they are accepting. It’s new, everyone is talking about it, so let’s just agree that we are all empath’s and just join the newest club. This troubles me a great deal as an energy worker and a lifelong empath. “We are all sensitive to something fully or at least during one point in our lives”. “Not everyone is and Empath”. “Being an Empath does need to be a curse, as many today claim”. And yes, “There are those who possess Empathic abilities full on 24/7”.

Empathy, much different from sympathy is the energy or feeling that you understand and share another person’s experiences and emotions. The ability to share someone else’s feelings, whether or not you want to! Empaths feel more deeply on a physical, spiritual, and emotional level for good or bad. An empath takes on these events as their own.

A few traits of a true empath (I’m not going to cover all of them here) are as follows:

1. Knowing: Empaths just know stuff, without being told. It’s a knowing that goes way beyond intuition or gut feelings. The more attuned you are, the stronger this knowing becomes.
2. Being in public places can be overwhelming: Places like shopping malls, supermarkets or stadiums where there are large groups of people will provide an extreme amount of emotions that an empath will take on as their own.
3. Watching violence, cruelty or tragedy on the TV is unbearable. Sometimes this will progress in no longer watching TV or reading newspapers.

Empath’s have many more traits that all play a large part in who they are. There are several things that only empath’s will understand. Being an empath is not just a generalized statement, there are many types or combinations of types of empath’s. The top three types of empaths are:

Telepathy: the empathic ability to read other people’s thoughts.
Mediumship: the empathic ability to feel the presence and energies of spirits.
Physical Healing: the empathic ability to feel other people’s physical symptoms in their own body.

Empath’s unknowingly make the best healers or light workers. Knowing this information and having worked with empathic abilities is where my concerns arise when I hear people talk about these events. There is so much more to it than just being labeled an empath, and it is an amazing gift once you know who you are individually! I have been working with clients that possess empathic abilities for over two years and nothing is more rewarding than helping those who possess these abilities to thrive and become attuned to their own healing energy. You are not “just an empath”!

3 Benefits of Decluttering Your Life

3 BENEFITS OF DECLUTTERING YOUR LIFE

Article By: Darlene Dunn
Photo Credit: Dasha and Mari

Recently I needed to de-clutter my house to sell and in the process, I realized how much lighter I feel with less ‘stuff’ in my life.  Three benefits that I have experienced by simplifying and decluttering:

1.       My mind is clearer. I am spending less time considering my junk and more time considering my business and my vision. 

2.       I have had more time to work my business since I am not distracted by things that are not vital to my vision

3.       Bonus - it is easier to keep my space clean and functional

If you are feeling burdened and stressed, consider simplification.  Don’t become stressed about it, start with a drawer or a closet and build up to whole rooms.  It is absolutely, positively amazing how it frees up our spirit person to be more creative and productive!

Thai Green Curry Chickpea Salad

Thai Green Curry Chickpea Salad

THAI GREEN CURRY
CHICKPEA SALAD

Feature by Ella Suihko
Photo Credit: Ella Suihko
Magazine: Issue #43

It’s hard to find a light vegan salad dressing since most are cream or mayo based. Adding a dollop of store brought dressing can also easily turn your healthy salad into something not-so-healthy. Eating a plain salad however might not be the tastiest way to get your greens in, that’s why we came up with the dressing in the first place, right?

Trying to figure out a way to add extra taste to my big bowl of salad, I came up with this thai green curry chickpea salad dressing. Combining two of my favorites: chickpeas and green curry paste, this dressing will take your everyday salad to a whole different level. Natural yogurt makes it creamy, yet light and sunflower seeds add a crunchy factor. The preparation will only take you two minutes. I think it’s time to level-up your salad game!

Thai Green Curry Chickpea Salad
(makes 3-4 servings)

250g canned chickpeas
4 tbsp natural non-dairy yogurt, e.g. oat or soy based
3 tsp thai green curry paste
a big handful of sunflower seeds

Rinse the chickpeas with cold water. Place into a blender/food processor with all the other ingredients. Blend until smooth and even or pulse just a couple of times to leave a bit more structure. Serve with lots of fresh and/or cooked veggies, enjoy!

FEATURED RECIPE AUTHOR: (MORE RECIPES BY ELLA INSIDE THE CLUB!)

Ella is a plant-based foodie and recipe maker. Studying medical biochemistry and clinical nutrition in the university of Eastern Finland, health and whole-body wellness is close to her heart. Hoping to inspire people to make healthier food choices, she’s sharing vegan-friendly and gluten free recipes on her website. When not cooking or studying, you can find Ella from a yoga class, running in the nature, exploring the home forests or travelling the world in search of inspiration. Learn more about Ella at EllasExperimentalKitchen.wordpress.com

3 Secrets to Finding Your Intuitive Voice

3 SECRETS TO FINDING YOUR INTUITIVE VOICE

Written By: John Scardina
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari

Secret to Finding Your Intuitive Voice

Admittedly we do have voices in our head, we do not like to admit this and most certainly have been told at some point in our lives not to listen to them. In dualistic existence we know good and evil exist, but before I get too crazy over this I would like to bring to light that this is about your personal intuition. I’m not talking about wild psychotic voices in your head, I’m talking about that one voice in your head that knows you best and always knows the right answer for you at every turn. “Your intuitive voice”.

Those in science will tell you that intuition is created from experience and repetition, allowing one to make decisions based on these beliefs. This belief allows us to take shortcuts in our decisions which can work for and against us. But that is science and I will just leave this bit alone. Intuition is so much more than what science will tell us. In a spiritual existence your intuitive voice is the one and only one, that knows you, guides you, and never lies to you. This is the voice you need to reach and ignore all others.

I truly do believe that this voice is in all of us and if we search, meditate, and incorporate “that gut feeling”, we can reach our maximum potential with intuition allowing us that perfect trust in our decisions as entrepreneurs. Now for the fun part, how do you tune into this voice and learn to make decisions that you know are already right without questioning each decision. It will take only a bit practice in order to connect to your intuitive voice.

Practice one: Energy Method. Trust in your sixth sense. Imagine that your whole existence, emotions, and intellect could stretch outward and forever to capture sensations, information, inspiration, knowledge, and wisdom like waves of energy. Let yourself walk through your day sensitive to all of these energies.

Practice two: Meditative Method. Find a place to sit comfortably and quietly. Focus on your breath, taking several deep breaths until your mind is clear. When you are relaxed, identify an event or that you'd like more insight about. Focus on the event for a few minutes. Connect with your inner voice and listen to what it has to say in regards to your event. It is also helpful to keep a journal next to you, so when you are done you can write down any memory of this intuitive conversation.

Practice three: Question Method. Ask yourself questions. Such as what is it I am most concerned about or most interested in growing now, relationship skills, personal growth, career. Create a question and ask it internally as often as you can. Listen to your inner voice and receive your answer.

These are just a few practices that you can utilize in finding and listening to your intuitive voice. Remember to practice often and build a “perfect love and perfect trust” relationship with your one voice that guides you to a more intuitive lifestyle. I hope these practices allow you a healthy long lasting relationship with your intuition.



Grilled Pizza with Garden Vegetables

Grilled Pizza with Garden Vegetables

GRILLED PIZZA WITH
GARDEN VEGETABLES

Feature by Melissa Ann Haithcock
Photo Credit: Melissa Ann Haithcock
Magazine: Issue #42

Ingredients

Dough
2 ½ cups white whole wheat flour
2 ¾ tsp baking powder
2 tsp sea salt
1 tbsp olive oil
¾ cup warm water +1/4 more if needed

Topping
½ cup marinara sauce
1 heirloom tomato, cut into chunks
1 small red onion, sliced
1 head of garlic, peeled
1 ear of corn, shucked
5 stalks of kale, chopped and sautéed
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tbsp sea salt
½ tbsp black pepper
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

Directions

1. Preheat gas grill to medium high heat.
 
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine dry ingredients. With the mixer turned on and fitted with the hook attachment, pour in wet ingredients. Allow to mix until dough ball is formed. If dough is dry, add more water, 1 tbsp at a time. On a floured surface, roll dough out to ¼ inch thick.

3. Drizzle olive oil on both sides of dough and place directly on grill. Cook about 8 minutes, or until bubbles have formed throughout crust. Flip and cook for an addition 5 minutes. 

4. Place all vegetables, including garlic, directly onto the grill. Sometimes, if I have smaller pieces of vegetables I will use a grill basket so that they won’t slip through the grill. Cook for 7 minutes on each side. You will need to turn the corn cob several times in order to cook all sides evenly. Remove from grill once vegetables have grill marks.

5. Cut corn kernels off the cobb. Spread marinara sauce over crust and place all vegetables on pizza. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and fresh basil. Serve warm.

FEATURED RECIPE AUTHOR: (MORE RECIPES BY MELISSA INSIDE THE CLUB!)

Melissa Ann Haithcock is a cook, recipe developer,food stylist, speaker, writer, photographer, and healthy living enthusiast who lives life with her husband, musician Wiley Chandler, and their Yorkie, Tootsie, in lovely Nashville, Tennessee. She is the founder and creator of A Happy Healthy Heart. Being a healthy person, to her, is about more than just eating the right things and doing the right exercises. It’s about positivity inside and out. From our words to our cleaning products to our food, what we put into our world is what we will get out of it.

The Magic of Prebiotics and Probiotics

Prebiotics. Probiotics' Sexy Older Sister.

THE MAGIC OF PREBIOTICS AND PROBIOTICS

Article by Jacqueline Rizk
Photo Credit: Carley Page Interiors
Magazine: Issue #42

What’s the big deal about bacteria? 

Everywhere we look, every time we consult Dr. Google we get the information that probiotics are the cornerstone to health and wellness. Remember, probiotics are the “good” bacteria.

In fact, there are thousands of probiotics on the market today. Couple that with the advice that everything you eat and drink be fermented; from kombucha to kimchi, these days it’s all about the bacteria.

Although I don’t always agree with the injudicious use of probiotics (some strains can actually cause imbalances in the body) there is something everyone can and should do incorporate into their diet to harness the power of food as medicine. Prebiotics can have a profound effect on the health of the gut and even the immune system

Probiotics may get all the press, prebiotics are the digestive darlings with their soluble fiber that, among other things, feed the good bacteria in your gut and while those good bacteria are feasting on probiotics the byproducts called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) which inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria. In fact, there is a lot of research being done on SCFAs which is showing promising results in colon cancer prevention, relief from chronic constipation and even inducing remission in those with inflammatory bowel diseases such as Chron’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

So What’s a Prebiotic? 

Prebiotic foods are everywhere. Bananas, chicory root, Jerusalem and regular artichokes, raw greens, leeks, raw onions, raw garlic, tiger nuts, psyllium husks, konjac root, carob and oat bran are great examples of prebiotic foods.

A few of these prebiotic foods have several other benefits that are great for the waistline, too. Psyllium husks, konjac root and oat bran, for example, absorb water and swells in your digestive tract which aids in the feeling of satiety and fullness. This can help in slower gastric emptying which helps stabilize blood sugar. This also leads to increased leptin sensitivity thus helping you shed any excess pounds.

Bonus Points for Oat Bran.

Even though I am not big on most grains, oat bran has a special place in my heart as a prebiotic food. This unsung ‘superfood’ increases mucous production in the small intestine, which, in turn gives bile acids and digestive enzyme a greater chance of breaking down the foods you eat and delays transit time through the digestive tract giving your body the best chance of absorbing the nutrients of what you eat!

Oat bran is also beta-glucan rich which is important because, as the systems of the body don’t exist in a vacuum, there are always intersections between systems. Oat bran being a prebiotic and beta-glucan rich is where gut health and immunity meet.  

To make a long story short, beta-glucans have the unique ability to activate and modulate your immune system.

In short, giving oat bran a place at your breakfast table will boost both the health of your gut and your immune system and, before reaching for a probiotic pill, think about what you might have in your refrigerator right now that can feed the good bacteria that already exists in your gut!