Paul Rodney Turner's Blog, page 7

Bad habits are hard to break - but what if those habits are food for your soul?

Habits are something we all have. They can haunt us like a wicked ghosts hanging on our back, or just be little annoyances like the occasional mosquito on a starry night. Whatever the case may be, they are often not beneficial to hold on to. Especially, when we consider how transient this world is and how frivolous life can be.

Those little habits that we have carried for decades can sometimes bite us where it hurts, and all we can do is slump our shoulders and wonder why we have continued to tolerate them, even though logic and the advice of good friends have repeatedly pointed them out to us. It often seems hopeless.

I have a bad habit or two, but one in particular continues to frustrate me. It is not your usual bad habit, but one that in most cases would be considered a noble trait. What is it?

I trust people too easily and often give them more of myself than they rightfully deserve. 

Time and time again, I have put too much faith in people and they disappoint me, either by not doing what they said they would do, or not living up to my unrealistic expectations. In most cases, the fault lies squarely with me. I simply invested too much in something that was not a certainty.

I can trace the roots of this tendency to my time as a monk. You see, a fundamental part of succeeding as a celibate monk is to cultivate a submissive and humble attitude. To see yourself as the servant of others and to relish in the success and happiness of others, even if that means undergoing austerity to do so. That mental conditioning is hard to break and it still continues to filter into my social and business dealings some 20 years after I gave up my monk vows.


On the surface, the idea of working for the pleasure and success of others is noble and noteworthy, but in a world that has at its very foundation, the need to manipulate and exploit others and things in order to get ahead, there is very little room for such noble traits to breath. It is no wonder that you hear the pessimist say such things like: "Good people never get ahead," or "You have to look after number one," or "Charity begins at home," alluding to the idea that we have to first look out for ourselves before helping others. There is nothing inherently wrong that that notion. I mean, even when the air stewardess presents the safety instructions before takeoff she says, "first place the oxygen mask over your face before helping others." Similarly, the oft quoted maxim: "Physician heal thyself" is another example. You see, if you want to really be the change in this world; if you really want to make a difference and leave a legacy, you have to first establish yourself on secure footing, and if that means financial success, so be it. The problem is that this concept is diametrically opposed to everything I learned as monk and what I understand to be true of spirituality.

According to the ancient Vedas, the servants of God are always pushing the other servant towards the Lord and this apparently is the source of their ecstasy -- seeing the pleasure and success of others. Although I still hold this to be true, it is another thing trying to apply this truth in the material world. Sure, some have succeeded, but I would think that those few are rare exceptions to the "Physician heal thyself" philosophy. For the rest of us, it seems that we have to embrace our material responsibilities and the karma that goes along with that before we can even attempt to be a true "change agent" or shining light in this world.

Sadly, my conditioning as a monk also led me to cultivate a "poverty mentality," wherein, I would only think of the success of others and shun all forms of material success like you would a deadly disease on the pure soul. I have seen this "poverty mentality" haunt me in my entrepreneurial pursuits wherein I felt that I was not deserving of super success and therefore made certain decisions and embraced certain mental blocks to repel financial success. Similarly, with my charity work with Food for Life Global I have tended to trust others wholeheartedly to do the right thing, investing time and money in them, only to be sadly disappointed by their efforts. Maybe the poor character judgments I made were a result of a kind of "victim mentality" -- a variation of the poverty mentality failures tend to identify with.

I can literally count on one hand the people that have really gone out of their way, at no personal benefit to them, to help me with this charity. For fear of hurting the feelings of some, I will not mention their names. But they are very dear to me and I feel eternally indebted to them. That is the kind of friends we all want. Yes? Well, but that then begs the question: If you appreciate such selfless and loving friends, then why reject being such a friend to others? And thus this dilemma takes on another face -- helping others with an unconditional heart is good for our spirit and a way to reciprocate the same, but doing so to the wrong person can hurt us financially, emotionally and sometimes even spiritually.

Even the Bhagavad-gita warns about giving in charity to the wrong person. Like foods, charity can also be divided into three basic categories: Goodness, Passion or Ignorance. What is the difference?

BG 17.20 : Charity given out of duty, without expectation of return, at the proper time and place, and to a worthy person is considered to be in the mode of goodness. BG 17.21 : But charity performed with the expectation of some return, or with a desire for fruitive results, or in a grudging mood, is said to be charity in the mode of passion. BG 17.22 : And charity performed at an impure place, at an improper time, to unworthy persons, or without proper attention and respect is said to be in the mode of ignorance.So even in charity, or service to others, it behooves one to be conscientious. The bottom line is: If we want to be successful in anything in life, we have to be conscientious; having a clear purpose and doing so with sincerity. We cannot afford to be mentally weak or sentimental. We have to always be true to ourselves and act nobly, while also thinking about the longterm effect of our decisions. So before acting hastily, always ask yourself the following questions:

Is this the right thing to do at the right time?

Is this the best I can do?

Am I acting with purpose, sincerity and integrity?

Am I motivated by false ego, or insecure needs for acceptance?

Answering those questions will serve to clarify any major decision in life and should help you to avoid the mistakes often attributed to bad habits.


Our journey through this complicated material world is an ongoing learning cycle or repeated mistakes and stumbles. Hopefully, with the help of the wise sages that came before us we can make less mistakes and more good decisions so that at the time of death we can honestly say to ourself: I tried my best and acted with integrity. Now the result is up to God.

Ultimately, as Danny Thomas eloquently stated:

"Success has NOTHING to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It's what you do for others."

[image error]

Personal Pizzas with Rosemary Marinara & Cashew PineNut Cheese by Jonny Freesh

Jonny FreeshMy good buddy Jonny Freesh has delivered a fantastic new raw food recipe book for those wanting to take their raw food experience to the next level. I have worked closely with Jonny during my visit to Bali last year and got to see his expertise first hand as we shared recipes and ideas. Jonny has an amazing artistic flare with his food creations to make even the simplest dishes just make your eyes pop out of your head. No, really, I mean it. Or if you can't wait, you can also purchase a copy of Raw Food Made Fun, Easy & Beautiful here
Jonny:

Raw Food is the Beat that I groove to, and Hip Hop is the Voice that I speak with. Creating delicious Gourmet Raw Food Recipes is a fantastic way to express myself; Rapping is simply mind-blowing. There is no feeling that matches going buck wild on stage and putting every fucking molecule of energy I have into a song. It’s love. 

I’ve been rapping and writing for about 5 years, but until I discovered Raw Food I wasn’t functioning well enough mentally, physically, emotionally or spiritually to write music that spoke my truth. My high Raw Vegan diet enables me to tap into the power that I have within me to truly express myself through poetry in motion.

GET A FREE COPY!!!Now for the great news: Jonny is giving away a free copy of his new book and all you have to do is like his page or share the good news on your social network. Go here now to enter:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you can't wait, you can also pick up a copy for $11 here

His personal pizza recipe is a thriller. My version of the personal pizza does not use onion or garlic (but you can exclude them or replace it with asafoetida if you wish). But the way Jonny has developed this recipe is epic and well worth trying.



Tools            Dehydrator, Blender, Food Processor
IngredientsCrust
            1 cup Sunflower Seeds (soaked)
            1 cup Brazil Nuts (soaked)
            ½ cup Raisins
            ½ cup Currants
            6 tbsp Sesame Meal
            6 tbsp Chopped Onion
            ¼ cup Flax Meal (flax seeds blended into a meal)
            1 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
            1 tbsp Dried Parsley
            1 ½ tsp Salt
            1 ½ tsp Garlic Powder

Rosemary Marinara Sauce

            ½ cup Sun Dried Tomatoes (soaked overnight in 2 cups water)
            ½ cup Sun Dried Tomato Soak Water
            ½ cup Chopped Red Pepper
            2 tbsp Chopped Onions
            2 tbsp Basil Leaves (tightly packed to measure)
            2 Cloves of Garlic
            1 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
            1 tbsp Olive Oil
            5 tsp Dried Rosemary
            ½ tsp Salt
         
Marinated Vegetable Toppings

            ¾ cup Thinly Sliced Red Pepper
            10 tbsp Thinly Sliced Yellow Pepper
            ½ cup Thinly Sliced Sun-Dried Tomatoes
            ½ cup Sun-Dried Tomato Soak Water (from marinara sauce recipe)
            2 tbsp Basil Leaves (tightly packed to measure) (chopped)
            ½ cup Thinly Sliced Onions
            1 tsp Cracked Black Pepper
            1 tbsp Dried Parsley
            4 tsp Red Wine Vinegar
            4 tsp Olive Oil
            4 tsp Bragg's / Tamari / Coconut Aminos

Cashew Pine Nut Cheese Sauce

            ¾ cup Cashews (soaked)
            ¼ cup Pine Nuts (soaked)
            ½ cup Water
            ¼ cup Coconut Kefir or 2 Probiotic capsules
            2 tsp Lemon Juice
            1 tbsp Nutritional Yeast
            ½ tsp Salt
            ½ tsp Light Miso

Process – You will need to prepare parts of this recipe 1-2 days in advance

Cheese


Blend Cashews, Pine Nuts and Water for Cashew Cheese until smooth and creamy.Add Coconut Kefir or Probiotic Capsules and blend until incorporated. If you're using Probiotic Capsules add an extra ¼ cup water.Pour into bowl, cover with cheese cloth and let sit in a warm place until fermented. In Tropical Weather this takes around 16-20 hours, but it will take longer in colder climates.Once fermented, add remaining ingredients and blend until incorporated.Crust
Blitz Nuts and Seeds in food processor until meal consistency achieved.Add remaining ingredients and blend until well mixed.Form 4 personal pizza sized crust on teflex dehydrator sheets. I find that using my hands and a spoon for the lip of the crust works best.Dehydrate at 115 Fahrenheit for 8-10 hours.Remove from teflex, put on mesh sheet and dehydrate for another 4-8 hours. The crust should be solid, firm and a bit chewy, or pliable in the hands.Marinara Sauce

Blend all ingredients until desired consistency is achieved.
Marinated Vegetables

Prepare all Vegetables.Mix all Marinade ingredients together in a bowl.Put Veggies in bowl and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.(Optional) Dehydrate at 115 Fahrenheit for 1 hour.
Assembly

Spread Marinara on crust.Spread Cheese Sauce on top of Marinara. Or put in icing syringe and use as garnish after putting toppings on.Garnish with Marinated Vegetable Toppings, herbs, spices, vegetables and whatever else floats your boat!Forget all about unhealthy cooked dairy pizzas!CHECK OUT SOME OTHER GREAT RECIPES IN HIS NEW BOOK!!!









Go here now to enter to WIN A FREE COPY:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Or if you can't wait, you can also purchase a copy of Raw Food Made Fun, Easy & Beautiful here





[image error]

6 Day Food Yoga Retreat in Brazil

[image error]  Join director of Food for Life and "food yogi," Paul Rodney Turner for a 6 day food yoga retreat in the spectacular Dharma Shala Eco Retreat in Brazil. The ultimate goal of the retreat is to inspire you to live your life more consciously and to make food choices and your relationship with food more meaningful and nourishing to your body, mind and soul.
Introduction:As humans, we resonate to “five”-ness, therefore, your retreat will unfold and nourish your body, mind and spirit through reconnecting with the 5 principle elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether. Each day we will immerse ourselves in one of the elements – understanding how that elements expresses itself in nature, our body, food, music and activities.

Food Yogi on the Healthy You TV show

Our Food Yogi team have created a special program for helping you become fully immersed in each one of the elements, through theory and practical activities on the first day and then an excursion the following day where we will all experience the full power of each element and discuss what we've learnt. We will spend one whole day on each of the five main elements (Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Ether) culminating in a feast where everyone will be involved in putting their food yoga skills to practice.
Arrival (23 September)4pm: Registration begins 6pm:
Dinner 7pm: Meeting the teachers
DAY 1 - EARTH (24th September)5:30am: Morning Sun gazing (optional) 7:30am: Breakfast 9:00am: Introduction to Food Yoga 9:30am: Immersion in Earth
Earthling exercisesYoga asanas for groundingOrganic Gardening & Cow Protection11:30am: Learning about Earth foods
12:00pm: Kitchen: Earth food creations
How to make non-leavened breads1:00pm: Lunch 3:30pm: Workshop: Making Incense
4:30pm: Workshop: Introduction to Reiki
6:00pm: Dinner
7:30pm: Earth Music Jam
9:00pm: Stargazing (optional)
DAY 2 - WATER (25th September)5:30am: Morning Sun gazing (optional)
7:30am: Breakfast
9:00am: Recap on Earth Immersion
9:30am: Immersion in Water (visit to waterfall)
Water guided MeditationWater YogaHonouring WaterWater energetics with crystals and affirmations11:30am: Learning about Water foods
12:00pm: Kitchen: Water food creations
SmoothiesJuicesMocktails1:00pm: Lunch
3:30pm: Workshop: Homeopathy basics
4:30pm: Kitchen: Water food creations
Raw Desserts6:00pm: Dinner
7:30pm: Drum Circle
9:00pm: Stargazing (optional)
DAY 3 - FIRE (26th September)5:30am: Morning Sun gazing (optional)
7:30am: Breakfast
9:00am: Recap on Water Immersion
9:30am: Immersion in Fire
Honouring FireFlame meditationChi Gong ExercisesYoga for increasing fire11:30am: Learning about Fire foods
12:00pm: Kitchen: Fire food creations
SalsaSpicy Kale Chips1:00pm: Lunch
4:00pm: Wedding Ceremony and fire sacrifice. Honouring the union of Paul (Priyavrata das) and Juliana (Jagannatha Priya devi dasi).
6:00pm: Dinner Vegan BBQ
7:30pm: Fire Music Circle and Fire Dancing (Bells, Cymbals)
9:00pm: Stargazing (optional)
DAY 4 - AIR (27th September)5:30am: Morning Sun gazing (optional)
7:30am: Breakfast
9:00am: Recap on Fire Immersion 9:30am: Immersion in Air (visit mountainous area)
Honoring AirPranic BreathingChanting practiceTai Chi11:30am: Learning about Air foods
12:00pm: Kitchen: Air food creations
Banana dessertsApple desserts1:00pm: Lunch
3:30pm: Workshop: Introduction to Aromatherapy
4:30pm: Kitchen: Air food creations
Mango SmoothieDate dessertsFig snack bar6:00pm: Dinner
7:30pm: Alchemy of Voice Singing and Dancing (Flutes and wind instruments, singing)
9:00pm: Stargazing (optional)
DAY 5 - ETHER (28 September)5:30am: Morning Sun gazing (optional)
7:30am: Breakfast
9:00am: Recap on Air Immersion
9:30am: Immersion in Ether
Intuitive cookingAffirmations (The 5 Noble Truths)Mantra Meditation (Japa)Food Offering meditation11:30pm: Reiki and Aromatherapy Sessions
1:00pm: Lunch
3:30pm: Depart by bus


VENUEIn India, every "Holy Dhama" (sacred site) has its Dharma Shala (for hosting retreats). Vrindavan, the birthplace of Lord Krishna is one of the holiest places in India and inspired that tradition, the project Goura Vrindavan was born nearly 20 years ago. The crown jewel of the Goura Vrindavan project is the new Dharma Shala eco retreat. The founders of the project wanted that each guests could make their inner journey of spirituality, while also living in comfort and surrounded by the most sublime pleasures of nature.

The Dharma Shala has 18 accommodations in 3 blocks:
ACCOMMODATIONHoly Places Suites8 Standard suites (30 square metres) includes:
Private bathroom with central water heaterSpring water sourceVeranda with hammockPanoramic view of forestOrchard and gardensCeiling Fanhandcrafted beds (one double and one bunk bed in each suite)Asta sakhis Suites with Sea View3 Deluxe Suites (36 square metres) includes:
5 Lofts Master duplex (70 m2)Beautiful View of the Sea (Bahia Big Island), forest, and orchard and gardensDoors and all furniture handcraftedEnsuite bathroom with water heaterPrivate bathroom with central water heaterSpring Water sourceVeranda with hammockCeiling FanMezzanine wood (lofts)Mini kitchen (lofts)Standard Suites2 Suites (20 square metres) without balcony includes:
3 Private bathroom with electric showerSpring Water sourceVerandaCeiling FanTherapies and RelaxationsThe retreat has a team of partners to serve you in this very special moment. Services include:
Ayurvedic Massage with essential oilMassage TherapyReflexologyMassage with Bamboo*You must call in advance to make sure of availability
Ecological WalksThe Dharma Shala Eco villa has a territory of 850 hectares, being largely comprised of virgin Atlantic forest, in a valley with many waterfalls, springs, and beautiful trails. Visitors can experience the full depth of the natural life of the mountains and more than likely experience a powerful connection with the energy of the forest.

 
PricesFood Yoga 5 Day Retreat Price includes all education materials, three meals per day (Buffet), accommodation and all workshops After July 31, the price increases $150
Accommodation & All MealsStandard Suites – 320 ft2 with Private Bathroom, Private Varanda with hammock, and Forest View. · Double Suíte – USD 1090,00 (per person) · Single Suíte – USD 1390,00 (per person)

Deluxe Suites – 430 ft2 with Private Bathroom, Private Varanda with hammock, Ocean and Forest View. · Double Suíte – USD 1190,00 (per person) · Single Suíte – USD 1490,00 (per person)

Duplex Lofts – 650 ft2 with Private Bathroom, 2nd floor mezzanine, Bay Window with hammock, Ocean and Forest Panoramic View. · Double Suíte – USD 1290,00 (per person) · Single Suíte – USD 1590,00 (per person)

Register NOW to secure your spot!

Choose your Accommodation (per person) Standard DOUBLE $1,090.00 USD Standard SINGLE $1,390.00 USD Deluxe DOUBLE $1,190.00 USD Deluxe SINGLE $1,490.00 USD Duplex Lofts DOUBLE $1,290.00 USD Duplex Lofts SINGLE $1,590.00 USD Download FlyerENGLISH: PDF (low resolution 500kb) PDF (high resolution 11mb)SPANISH: PDF (low resolution 500kb) PDF (high resolution 11mb)
Contact for more informationDharma Shala Web site: http://www.dharmashala.com.br/index.html
Contact: Acyutananda dasa Pousada Dharma Shala (24) 99962-5262 (Vivo)

Elon Musk and his Tesla car company is much more than a leader in technology

Ellon Musk, the founder of Paypal and CEO of Tesla Motors is doing something most business leaders would cringe at doing: releasing his over 100 company patents to the world to encourage more innovation and adoption of electrical car technology.

Forbes reported: 

"Elon Musk has always been a rebel. Now he’s an open source rebel. While many in Silicon Valley have railed against patent wars in recent years, and some have lobbied Washington to reform patent law, Tesla’s taking an unprecedented step of opening all its electric car patents to outside use.
In a blog post on Thusday, Musk said Tesla has removed the patents decorating the wall of the company’s Palo Alto headquarters — a symbolic move to coincide with this announcement. Tesla’s billionaire cofounder and CEO writes that the company “will not initiate patent lawsuits against anyone who, in good faith, wants to use our technology.”

This is a reversal in policy for Tesla, as Musk describes:

“We felt compelled to create patents out of concern that the big car companies would copy our technology and then use their massive manufacturing, sales and marketing power to overwhelm Tesla. We couldn’t have been more wrong. The unfortunate reality is the opposite: electric car programs (or programs for any vehicle that doesn’t burn hydrocarbons) at the major manufacturers are small to non-existent, constituting an average of far less than 1% of their total vehicle sales.”
Musk says that the new open source policy’s goal is to help stem climate change. He writes: “It is impossible for Tesla to build electric cars fast enough to address the carbon crisis.”

Of course, there may also be a silver lining for Tesla. Musk says “the world would all benefit from a common, rapidly-evolving technology platform.” This may be true — but it could also aide Tesla’s rate of adoption. It may encourage other companies to start building charging stations and other products that would support Tesla’s growth.

----------

What Tesla Motors had done over last decade is nothing short of amazing. They have set the benchmark for car production and as this video below shows, they are not shy to use the most sophisticated robot technology there is. What I found interesting though was that even with these amazing robots, the company still employs over 3000 humans to oversee and assist in the production. In my books, Elon is the "Henry Ford" of the modern era.

It is rare indeed to see a leader be so open-minded, selfless and considerate and these are all qualities of a person that is developed in consciousness and not consumed by greed, power and fame. I salute this man for his courage and grace.


[image error]

The YOGA of POOL - Secrets to Becoming a Champion in Billiards and in Life

For those that have purchased my groundbreaking book on pool, please consider writing a small review on Amazon or getting a copy for yourself. Here is one recent review from a customer:

"The author clearly defines areas of one's inner workings of the body and mind such that the readers will is brought to the surface for playing the game. Results should be in positive, ever improving path to success. Adherence to the fundamentals of pool, coupled with fundamentals of learning may materialize into better pool, but the development of self-awareness and awareness of state of mind and effect on others serves well to place you into a more valuable position to achieve higher results both on and off table."

Topics Include:

The Three-Cut SystemAim While StandingBack Foot First  (Proper body alignment)The Yoga of PoolThe Rhythm of SuccessThe PauseSelf-Respect and Will to WinStaying CenteredSportsmanshipThe Power of IndividualityEnthusiasmAlways LearningVisualizationTraining DrillsConfidence Building Exercises
To see the book on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/YOGA-POOL-Paul-Rodney-Turner-ebook/dp/B0046LV0JO/
Why I wrote this book If you’re like me, you’ve probably read all the books on how to improve your game, including the classics from Phil Capelle. I don’t propose that this book will cover every facet of the game of billiards; Capelle’s books do a great job of that. However, what I will declare is that The YOGA of POOL – Secrets to becoming a Champion in Billiards and in Life will provide you all the essential tools you need to become a great player, while simultaneously helping to make you a better person.

The book provides the fundamental ingredients of what makes a great player. The chapters are concise and digestible and not filled with unnecessary fluff. The idea behind the book is to give you an easy-to-understand roadmap to success in the form of short essays describing key elements of the game.

I need to point out that the sections dealing with aiming are taken from my other book,World’s Best Aiming System for Billiards. I felt it was necessary to include the same information for completeness of this book. If you already purchased my other book theWorld’s Best Aiming System for Billiards, you may skip those sections. In any case, the knowledge contained within this book will certainly expand your understanding of the Three-Cut System and support your development in all other facets of the game.

One glaring omission from many books on billiards is a lack of information on the mental and spiritual side of the game, including proven techniques for visualization, mind management, and confidence building exercises. You’ll find them in this book, and rightly so, because to ignore the mind and spirit is akin to ignoring the driver of the vehicle. Every world-class motor racing team knows that a good driver is the difference between success and failure.

As the subtitle suggests, this book is much more than the secrets for success in billiards; it is, in a way, a kind of “Covey-like” directive for the billiards enthusiast on what makes one successful in life.

You may just come away from reading this book feeling a renewed sense of self-worth and optimism. I hope so. I promise you this: if you apply the following ingredients of success to your game, and in your life, you will experience monumental improvements in every aspect.

My hope is that the book will serve to make you the very best player and person you can possibly be.

Gerda Hofstatter, Paul Rodney Turner and Allison FisherI have been playing pool for more than 30 years and have studied all the best training literature on pool and snooker, as well as being personally trained by World Champions, Allison Fisher and Gerda Hofstatter, top touring pro Max Eberle, and Master BCA instructor, Jerry Briesath.

Interview on Main Street Vegan Radio show

June 4, 2014 -- During my 20 minute radio interview on Main Street Vegan show hosted by Victoria Moran, I discuss Food for Life's beginning and work, as well as food yoga philosophy. I am the 2nd guest on the show and my interview starts around 14 mins in.

GO HERE: http://www.unity.fm/episode/MainStreetVegan_060414

Uniting the world through pure food - Imagine!

[image error]
If there is one thing absolute in this world it is that food has the power to unite. And the recent floods that devastated parts of the Balkans is a case in point. People from all ethnicities are reaching out to help their "brothers" and "sisters."
Using the purest food (prasadam) to create peace and unity in the world is Food for Life's primary mission. We are not a hunger relief organization, per se, but rather a network of projects aimed at addressing the root cause of hunger, and in fact, all social issues, by helping people from all ethnicities and religions to understand one common truth: That we are all souls having a human experience . Therefore, every man, woman and child is essentially a member of one universal family of God. And there is no more powerful way to illustrate that truth than by the indiscriminate distribution of pure food that has been prepared with loving intention.

The people were so thankful, that some of them picked flowers from their gardens and offered those to our volunteers. - Dhira Prasanta (FFL Coordinator).

You see when you share food unconditionally, without discrimination you are in essence saying to that person: "I respect you; I love you; I honour you as an equal." When food is given with such loving intention it transcends all language and cultural barriers, and we are seeing this happening now in the balkans. Centuries of hate and division can be erased with one simple act of kindness. That is the power of pure food (prasadam*) given with love. 
Food for Life Global prides itself on serving such pure food and our mission is to expand such distribution of prasadam so that every man, woman and child can experience the taste of love in the form of food. 
In my book, FOOD YOGA - Nourishing Body, Mind & Soul I expand on this concept and attempt to convince my readers of the value of eating and sharing pure food, not only for creating peace and unity in their neighbourhood, but also for embracing the power of food to nourish our mind and soul as well. Sadly, this message is lacking in the majority of health food gurus, who focus solely on the importance of nourishing the body with proper food choices and preparation. 
But to ignore the importance of nourishing our mind and soul is akin to forgetting to feed the "bird" inside the cage and spending all our money and time on cleaning the cage. You see, the soul, YOU are that bird trapped inside the cage (BODY) and due to misidentifying with the cage we have forgotten our true potential to fly. 
All the great spiritual traditions of the world are in their own unique way trying to remind us of our higher potential; our higher calling to go beyond the limits of this material world and physical body. But foolishly we allow ourselves to be hoodwinked by the self-serving and callous corporations of this world that have sold us the lie of permanence and false identity with a body. We are much more than this body; we are eternal spiritual beings that live beyond the demise of this body. The purpose of human life is figuring out that one truth and specifically, who am I? 
What we are attempting to do at Food for Life Global is to inspire the search for this truth through the most fundamental act of kindness -- sharing pure food. 
Just imagine a world where there was no discrimination? Imagine a world where there was no racism, speciesism, nationalism -- a world where every living being from humans to animals, insects, plants and aquatics were respected equally and our entire model for sustainability was based on spiritual equality. Imagine how much happier we would all be. Imagine how peaceful and prosperous the world would be. Imagine!

It is possible and it all begins with sharing pure food with loving intention. We invite you to join as at Food for Life Global in this noble endeavour. www.ffl.org

* Prasadam: Pure plant based meals prepared and offered with loving intention to God.

FOOD YOGA - Nourishing Body, Mind & Soul


Get your ebook now for only $9.95 or softcover for $21.95 (350 pages)

Happy Mothers Day - A day to honour ALL MOTHERS, but how?

On this day we honour our mother and all mothers that are near and dear to us by buying them flowers, chocolates or maybe making them breakfast in bed. It is a day to meditate on the unconditional love that our mothers have offered us all these years. However, all these sincere and loving gestures we offer on Mothers Day are empty if we don't recognise the universal meaning of motherhood and how that quality extends to all living beings and then find ways to reciprocate that love universally...

EXCERPT: FOOD YOGA - Nourishing Body, Mind & Soul

According to the Vedic tradition, there are actually seven mothers in our life:
The first mother is our biological mother, from whose womb we have come to this world. Then there is the wife of the teacher or spiritual master; the wife of a priest; the wife of the king, or the queen; the cow; the nurse or caregiver; and, finally, the earth, often referred to as “Mother Nature.” In Sanskrit, the country in which we take birth is called desa matrika or “motherland.” We refer to our language as “mother tongue.” So you can see that there are so many mothers, including the cow, in the Hindu tradition, because of her selfless service to provide milk. In India, a cow is sometimes addressed as amba, which also means mother.
There is one common principle that characterizes all genuine mothers, and that is selfless, loving service to their dependents. This pure loving intention is the true life- giving force that our mothers nurture us with. Whether it is milk from her breast or the fruit of a tree, a mother’s offering is pure. No matter how hard modern science tries to emulate the pure offering of a mother, it will never succeed. The failed history of baby formula is a case in point. In a recent report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), tests performed on liquid baby formulas found that they all contained bisphenol A(BPA). All major baby formula manufacturers use this leaching, hormone-mimicking chemical in the linings of the metal cans in which baby formula is sold.
BPA has been found to cause hyperactivity, reproductive abnormalities and pediatric brain cancer in lab animals. Increasingly, scientists suspect that BPA might be linked to several medical problems in humans, including breast and testicular cancer.Think of the fierce energy concentrated in an acorn!  You bury it in the ground, and it explodes into an oak!  Bury a sheep, and nothing happens but decay.
Despite technological advances in food production, including cloning and genetic manipulation of foods, genetic scientists have failed to create a single blade of grass from raw chemicals. Genetic engineering (GE) and genetically modified organisms (GMO) are, in reality, just modifications of what has already been naturally created by Mother Nature. It is absurd to think that we can ever match the brilliance of Mother Nature and create like her.
Massive offering of food to Radha and Krishna in Mayapur, India.American marine biologist and nature writer, Rachel Louise Carson,Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.
“The beauty of the earth” is more than her external display of creative brilliance. Mother Earth serves us day after day, selflessly producing everything we need to survive. By appreciating her loving actions day after day we align our consciousness with the most powerful energy in the Universe – love. One way to appreciate and reciprocate that selfless love is by adopting the “Food Yogi Diet.”



FOOD YOGA - Nourishing Body, Mind & Soul



Get your ebook now for only $9.95 or softcover for $21.95 (350 pages)

Would you like to help some survivors of the cruel dairy industry?

Paramatma Animal Sanctuary is the only sanctuary in Colombia that protects animals of different species -- birds, horses, cattle, dogs, cats and rodents.

We are the second animal shelter in all of South American that protects cows. Paramatma currently cares for one cow and one bullock.

GitaOur cow, Gita was rescued from a slaughterhouse in a nearby village. Because of the trauma she suffered on the slaughterhouse farm, she has a rebellious personality and demands respect.Gita was one of the cows selected to be a milker, a process that requires artificially impregnating (raping) her, but because of her strong personality, she would not allow anyone to touch her. As a result, Gita was forced to wear steel chains on her legs and receive repeated electric shocks to break her spirit. But Gita would not surrender or obey anyone. In the end, the farmers realized she was bad for business and decided to send her to be slaughtered.

She was only one and half years old!

Myself and two friends rescued Gita from this horrible situation by paying the farmer $300 and took her to our farm.

Many years later, Gita still has a rebellious personality and she is not easy to approach. She seems to be always on the defensive and only trusts her two caregivers. When other people visit the shelter Gita will hide among the trees and carefully observe the movements of all. Her favorite foods are panela, fruits and sugar.

Balarama, the bullock was rescued at the time he was born. Paramatma Animal Sanctuary is located next to one of the largest dairy farms in Colombia. One of the pregnant cows managed to escape, breaking through many fences in a desperate bid to seek refuge in our animal sanctuary. Once she was inside our animal sanctuary she gave birth to her son, however, her owners soon followed and proceeded to her and her child back to the dairy (Typically male calves are sent directly to the slaughterhouse to become “veal,” never to experience the loving bond of a mother).

We immediately offered to pay for the newborn calf; unfortunately, we could not take the mother because our land space is limited. We already had a horse and Gita the cow. Sadly, the mother of our new baby calf, now known as Balarama, had to return to the slavery of the dairy farm. It is a sad fate experienced by tens of millions of cows ever year. But we felt good knowing that we were able to save one innocent boy.

Balaram
Balarama is not aware of any type of abuse, like his “sister” Gita. He is a very domesticated bullock that enjoys tickles, hugs and kisses and loves to run and play. We promised to his mother to take care of her son.

Today, Gita and Balarama are 8 and 7 years respectively, and live a fully protected life in our sanctuary with the freedom to run, play, sniff, and eat as much grass they want.

They will continue to be free for the rest of their lives with just a little bit of help from you.Currently, Paramatma Animal Sanctuary protects 35 animals (1 horse, 21 dogs, 7 cats, 2 birds, 2 rodents, 1 cow and 1 bollock), so you can just imagine our daily expenses!

The biggest financial challenge for us is the fencing and shelters for the animals. Each year we have to repair or change fences for the cows and this year we plan to make a proper shelter for them. We urgently need money for materials and construction of a new cow barn. Building the barn and fences will cost only $1,500 dollars, including labor.

We hope that 15 caring people will donate $100 to this noble project.

Can we count on you to be a donor?

Please DONATE NOW

For your kind contribution to the welfare of Gita and Balaram you will receive a copy of FOOD YOGA – Nourishing Body, Mind & Soul, written by the director of Food for Life Global, one of the major supporters of Paramatma Animal Sanctuary.

We hope this letter meets you in the best of health and happiness.

Namaste!

Juliana CastanedaDirectorParamatma Animal Sanctuarywww.paramatmafarm.comJuliana with GitaJuliana and Balaram[image error]

Dreams sometimes remind us of lessons learned and how far we still have to go

His Holiness Radhanath SwamiI dreamt of a great saint the other night, but sadly I did not act as I would have liked.

I was inside a temple where many people had gathered. I was not sure why I was there, but then in the background I noticed Radhanath Swami, an initiating spiritual master in ISKCON and author of A Journey Home. He was standing silently and looking to the ground. He looked peaceful and illuminated, but while others were moving around he was silent and alone. I called out to him, "Radhanath Swami, Haribol. Can I please talk with you?" He looked up and smiled and replied, "Come with me."

I hastily followed as he led me to a large hall where people were eating prasadam. He sat down and asked me to sit beside him. I tell him that he has always inspired me from afar and that I just loved the service he was doing all over the world. He nodded in appreciation and then said quietly, "Did you float for a while,?" seeming to indicate that I had strayed from the path of pure bhakti for a while. He then put his hand on the back of my head, and looked at me kindly.

"Well I...yes, I guess you could say I floated for a while," I replied.

"What happened," he asked me inquisitively.

"Well, I never had a good relationship with my guru. I was never attached..." I said sheepishly.

He did not seem at all interested in my response. He then gave me some kind of confection and then served me kitchri (Indian vegetable stew), but for some bizarre reason I did not take it. I then asked him, "Can I give you a copy of my book, FOOD YOGA?" He was silent.

I then offered, "I have a softcover book or an ebook." He seemed somewhat interested, but said, "I am not sure I want a hard copy."

"Well I can give a copy to one of the brahmacaris?" "No, just give me an ebook," he said smiling. 

Maharaja then walked away with his plate of kitchri. I then saw the server and asked for some kitchri.

------ End of dream ------
What I can take from this dream is that great devotees of the Lord are always kind, tolerant and patient with others. They offer light to the world; teach selfless love and live it through their unflinching determination to help others, despite numerous challenges. Radhanath swami is one such devotee of the Lord.

It was rather pretentious of me to offer him my book to someone so wise, and yet that was all I could do, rather than continue the conversation and open my heart for spiritual guidance. Yes, I had "floated" for a while, and interestingly, it was during that time that I last saw the swami. Just like now, he was incredibly kind and non-judgemental and sat with me and my friends and shared stories of his younger days when he cooked and served food to University students.

In hindsight, I can see that my response to his query was weak, dismissive and very wrong. The truth is we always have a choice, and at one time in my life I chose to walk a different path for a short while. Fortunately, that choice did lead me to new realisations, ideas, and opportunities. I took of the "hat" of past conditioning and dogma and took and honest and abrassive look at my life and motivations. I revisited past mistakes and challenges and shined a new light of objective perspective on them. I studied a variety of spiritual literature and asked myself frank questions about what it means to be God conscious? Was it just a philosophical conviction or did it all have to do with how we related to the world around us? I came to realise that it was certainly both, but more so the later. In other words, actions spoke much louder than words or convictions. Making a show of devotion is a crime against the world as much as it is a crime against oneself. The words of Srila Prabhupada now rang strongly in my ears, "First become conscious, then become Krishna conscious." We had to live our spiritual truth in all of our daily activities and not simply in the temple.

It was during this time of reinventing myself that I began writing FOOD YOGA and set myself on a new path of teaching the wisdom of the ancient vedas in ways that were both digestible and accessible to a much larger audience. Of course, every new realisation that came to me was always connected to the culture of spiritual hospitality, for it seems without of shadow of doubt, that is my calling in this life.

I now look back at that short period in my life with gratitude, for without that fresh new perspective I could not have arrived to where I am now.

Sadly, in dreams, we don't always behave or speak in ways that we are later proud of. But nonetheless, they serve to freshen our conviction, open our hearts to the truth and help us to see the lessons behind the veil.

I do hope next time I eat the kitchri offered by Radhanath swami. :(

RadhanathSwami.com