Early morning, before the world arises.  Even the sun hasn’t yet tinged the sky with its’ usual hints of pink-golden light.  Peaceful, nurturing time in divine solitude.

I lift my Life Source Writing book and inhale the byline, “A Reflective Journaling Practice for Self-Discovery, Self-Care, Wellness and Creativity”.  Beautiful words, beautiful spirit.  I open the book to a random page and before looking, allow intuition to place my finger on a point on the page.

It lands on a question as a journaling prompt.  Tingling, shimmering inspiration.  Pen moves across the page with spontaneous awareness…

What cracks me open?

Honoring my natural cycle of productivity and rest.  Creating balance… relaxing back into natural BE-ing.

Sometimes “on” cracks me open… outward, dance floor, friends, family, activity, excitement, curiosity, nurturning and supporting.

Sometimes “off” cracks me open… inward, hermiting into silence, solitude, contemplation, introspection, soulfulness, curiosity, retreating into self-care.

I am cracked open by the vividness of life – aliveness, vibrance.  The smallest wonders offer monumental joy.

I am cracked open by authenticity of true friendship.

I am cracked open by pain.

I am cracked open by Love.

Two days after writing this, a phone call… a beloved family member has passed on.  Suddenly thrown into grief, deepest sorrow.  Pain.  I am cracked open.

The hours, days progress and I remain open, honoring the circle of life…

And just a week after our beloved’s passing, the birth of a grandson.  Love.  Again, I am cracked open.

What a gift to be present for it all, to be cracked open and stay there in a place of presence.  Showing up for my own experience.

With much gratitude to Deb Globus for the blessing of the Story Beads…

I am strong in Truth.

I stand in my Power.

I am cleansed and free.

I embrace love and joy.

I express myself freely.

I see with clarity and loving eyes.

I relax into the flow of the Universe.

I pick them up, resting my fingers on the first two beads – red ones.  Deep, enrapturing red that draws me in, transforms, and releases me into balance.

Fingers move to orange beads, telling my story of BE-ing in my own power.  Standing tall with grace and unwavering strength, courage and wisdom coursing through me.

Yellow beads… I am cleansed, cradling my Self with guilt-free, gentle loving care.

The gentle touch of green… opening to the steady brilliant glow of pure light joy – Love.

Blue beads… awareness of expressing my Self in Truth freely and easily.

Indigo beads… I see All with clarity and loving eye(s).

Touch of the final violet beads and I am instantly open to the beautiful flow of Life connecting me with the Universe… unspeakable Bliss.

Thank you, thank you, Deb.  A million blessings to you.

Source unknown

A friend sent me this recipe and swears by it.  I haven’t tried it myself but she says it’s out of this world.  If you decide to try it, post your comment so we know how it worked out.

2 cups almonds, soaked

1 cup walnuts or pecans, soaked

1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

20 dates, soaked overnight

2 cups cashews, soaked overnight and drained

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

3 tsp pumpkin pie spice

drizzle agave nectar

CRUST

• Combine almonds, walnuts (or pecans, and coconut in food processor or Vitamix, and process until ground fine and dough-like
• Pat the dough into two pie plates

FILLING

• Drain dates; reserve soak water.
• In food processor, puree dates, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie spice
• Remove mixture from food processor and set aside in a bowl.
• Set mixture aside in a bowl.
• Process cashews, agave nectar, vanilla, and date soak water as needed, until smooth and creamy.
• Combine cashew mixture and sweet potato mix puree
• Spread filling in pie shells
• Dehydrate for 6 hours, then refrigerate.

Click here to learn more about raw, live food…

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Warmth,

Renee