Overcoming The Green-Eyed Monster

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Overcoming The Green-Eyed Monster

Have you ever felt sick to your stomach when someone has something that you want? Have you ever wished they lost it, or that something bad happens to them so that they loose what they have? Sounds ugly doesn’t it? But the truth is, it happens. People get a bad case of green eyes and all types of negative thoughts and emotions fill their minds regarding the person who has acquired or accomplished what they desire. Why does this happen? Sadly, it happens because people don’t believe that they can accomplish their dreams. They don’t believe that they are worthy of what they want. In more severe cases they don’t believe that they have what it takes. What if we all believed in ourselves? What if we believed that we deserved the desires of our hearts, and what if we understood divine time and divine expression. We are all so different, and even on the surface where similarities may be seen in the spiritual realm there is so much mystery to one soul pattern. We have different skills, talents, body types, aspirations, motives, and dreams. Our uniqueness is what sets us apart. In a world where social media promotes “sameness”, it’s sometimes difficult to discern what it is that one really wants. When certain looks, and lifestyles are promoted as popular our uniqueness is quickly degraded and we find ourselves pursing things that we don’t even want. This creates a monster within—a severely unhappy state in which one is in inner turmoil with one self. How can the monster be healed? The green-eyed monster can be healed when the individual goes with in for clarity, and accepts the truth that the clarity will reveal. Often times when we go with in, we come back out realizing that the things that we have been pursuing for so long aren’t even the things that we desire. They are things that our parents desired for us, that a spouse desired for us and some where along the way we agreed to it. They are things that we submitted to in order to keep friendships, social status, jobs, and money. The green eyed monster will not be able to live with in us when we accept our individuality, and we accept that everything happens in divine time. Staying focused daily on the task at hand and accepting the divine guidance of the holy spirit often puts one at peace with oneself and all that surrounds her; and where there is peace, monsters cannot reside.

You are a unique expression of Al-Mighty God. Find what you are good at. Pursue it. Do it with love, and stay focused on your relationship with yourself and God; and know your time will come so there is no need for “jea-LOUSY.” Thou shalt not covet—10th commandment.

Peace and a multitude of blessings, Nadirah A. Shakir

Nutrient Tips for High Cholesterol, Diabetes, & High Blood Pressure

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If not genetic, there are some illness that we can prevent; and even if they are genetic high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure are three potentially life treatning illness that can be managed effectively with diet alone. Those who are willing to incorporate an exercise regimen with their diet changes have the potential to lead an active healthy life.
For information and diet tips for getting healthier visit me here often. In the meantime, the information below is beneficial if you have high cholesterol, diabetes, or hypertension. As always be sure to speak with you medical professional before making any drastic nutritional modifications. Be well. Nadirah.

 

Foods that Lower Cholesterol

Oats, beans, barley, eggplant, nuts, apples, grapes, strawberries, fatty fish, olive oil, soy, green tea

Here are some key points to remember when lowering cholesterol.

  1. First thing is to exercise. Cardiovascular training in particular is good for about 45 minutes. If cardio is not your thing do weight training or any physical activity that promotes movement so that blood can flow.
  2. Eat fibrous foods especially fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
  3. Avoid saturated fat.
  4. Opt for fish instead of traditional poultry and meat.

Foods that lower Blood Pressure

Red wine, dark chocolate, bananas, yogurt, avocado, skim milk, spinach, unsalted sunflower seeds, beans of all kind, baked white potatoes, soy beans

Here are some key points to lowering Blood Pressure

  1. 3o minutes of exercise daily.
  2. Lower your sodium intake. This includes table salt as well as salty processed and junk food.
  3. Loose extra weight, especially the weight around the midsection.
  4. Limit caffeine.
  5. Limit alcoholic beverages.
  6. Avoid second hand smoke.
  7. Try to do 15 minutes of meditation daily.
  8. Incorporate yoga into your workout regimen.
  9. Try to avoid stressful situations and people.

Foods that reduce diabetics

Nuts, berries—blue, strawberries, and raspberries, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, grapefruit, orange, lemon, and lime, kale, spinach, collards, beans, fat free mil and yogurt

Here are some key points stabilizing your blood sugar levels/preventing and naturally curing diabetes.

  1. Moderate exercise daily.
  2. Discarding simple sugar and processed carbohydrates from your diet.
  3. Eating small meals every three to four hours that are low in sugar and adding a lean protein source to the meal.
  4. Staying within the parameters of the suggested weight for your age, height, and body structure.
  5. Avoid smoking.
  6. Avoid prescription drugs that contain corticosteroids in them which typically is found in arthritis medication, medication for heart problems. Ask your physician for clarity or simply read the label.

 

Light Therapy & Healing

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Ancient healers used light therapy to heal the body of sickness and disease. Modern healing practitioners such as myself still use this very easy and affective method of healing as well. I like to think of white light as the pure energy of the Holy Spirit. When I am using light to create balance in my own body, I often start with white light. This can be done by simply meditating on white light or you can use a candle to help you stay focused, as some may find it difficult to capture an image of white light mentally in the beginning. Breathing deeply, while mentally focusing on the white light will immediately bring calm to your body and your spirit. You can use the white light of your mind to wash your body internally and externally by simply choosing an area of concern with in your body and mentally placing the light there. Hold the white light in the area of concern and breathe. As you inhale imagine that you are pulling the “growth, discomfort, pain, irritation, etc. out of your body. As you exhale imagine that you are breathing new, healing energy into the area of concern. You may also find it helpful to invoke a higher spiritual power of your choice such as Goddess, Christ, Allah, Buddha or whomever you feel positively spiritually connected to. Allow your self to be fully present for the experience. This mean finding a quiet and comfortable place where you will not be interrupted for about 10 minutes. After you are done with the meditational-healing, wrap your self in the healing white light mentally, and embrace it throughout your day affirming all is well.

Below is a simple affirmation of healing that you can use daily from Nadirah A. Shakir to you. Be blessed.

“The healing light of Pure Spirit resides in me. It circulates throughout my entire body easily and effortlessly. It dissolves all blocks, growths, and discomfort. I express that purity and power right now. Thank you Pure Spirit.”

A Spiritual Approach to Cardio

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People always ask me why do I do so much cardio. My answer is always the same..I love it. I actually started working out in high school in an aerobics class, and I’ve been going every since. Some days when I’m short on time and don’t have the luxury of doing my weight training AND my cardio I always opt for my cardio. I make sure I do 45 minutes to an hour. Not only does cardio keep you lean it’s also great for heart health. Being a student and a practitioner of the metaphysical anatomy makes me look at everything spiritually including my training regimen. Knowing that the heart is the center of our being prompts me to take better care of it.We hold all of our memories, and experiences in our heart space. Spiritually speaking our heart which is representative of our sub conscious is what drives us in life. So when I am working out i.e., doing cardio I go into somewhat of a meditation. I ask God to purify my heart and I imagine that the cardio session is doing just that.When you engage in cardiovascular activity you have to breathe, and when you breathe rhythmically and consciously you come into a greater awareness of your heart space. Breathing helps you detoxify your body, as well as connect with your center or in this case your heart. So the next time you dread doing cardio, approach it from a metaphysical perspective. Imagine each session is helping you purify your heart space!

Chakra Power

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chakras

I wish more people understood how they can utilize the power in their bodies. When I speak of power I’m speaking in terms of energy. I want to help you grasp the concept of energy in the body so I’ll keep it simple. We all have a chakra system. There are seven major chakras in the human body. They are the root, sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, brow, and crown chakra. Each chakra governs a spiritual idea, an emotion, an organ, a color, and musical vibration and much more. Right now for simplicity sake let’s focus on the spiritual idea.We have the root chakra which is located at the base of our spine;it’s spiritual idea is groundedness. To be grounded means that you are comfortable in your earthly shell, and you understand your connection to Mother Earth. The sacral chakra is next. It is located in the pelvis. It’s spiritual idea is pleasure. There are many ways to experience pleasure. The primary focus of the sacral chakra though is sensuality and sexuality. The chakra of the solar plexus sits over the stomach. Place three fingers horizontally over your navel and you will connect with the landmark of the solar plexus. The spiritual idea of the solar plexus deals with personal power, a healthy sense of self, and confidence. Then of course we have our heart chakra which is located in the middle of our chest, just above our sternum. I consider myself a heart-centered person so during meditation I focus on the middle of the chest but slightly to the left where the heart is actually located. I instruct my clients to do the same during a session. The heart chakras’ spiritual idea is love. The fifth chakra is our throat chakra. The throat chakra is located at the medial clavicle, just below the Adams apple for men. The spiritual idea of our throat chakra is expression. Then we have the famous “third eye”, which is referred to as the brow chakra, located between the eyebrows. The spiritual idea of the brow chakra is intuition. Lastly, we have the seventh chakra which is the crown chakra. Our crown chakra sits at the top of the mid brain, dead center of the parietals. Our crown chakra connects us to the Divine.Now that we have a general overview of the Chakra system, I’d like you to consider this. If one of your chakras is out of balance, damaged, or blocked you might be challenged with health issues or life issues for the correlating Chakra. For example, if your heart chakra is out of balance, damaged, or blocked you could have trouble in relationships. If your throat chakra is out of balance, damaged, or blocked you could have recurring sore throats, or unexplained coughing. While there may very well be other causes which affect life circumstances and health conditions it is a blessing to know that we do have some control of what is manifesting in our bodies as well as in our lives. We have nothing to loose and everything to gain by simply meditating on these areas in our bodies daily and applying loving thoughts and touch to each chakra. What’s the worse thing that can happen…we might actually heal something before it can manifest?!

Suggestions for Healing Lower Back Discomfort

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So many people complain about pain in the lower back. When the lower back is in pain their could be a multitude of things that need to be addressed. First and foremost you might want to consider strengthening the abdominal muscles. The abdominal muscles are the supporting muscles of the lower back. The second thing to consider are the hamstring and gluteal muscles. People who have weak glutes and hamstrings are more likely to experience back pain. As a massage therapist I notice that my clients who have seated jobs like teachers, secretaries, or police officers who carry heavy items around their waist are more prone to lower back pain. If none of the following are factors i.e., weak abs, glutes, hamstrings, or work-related then you should monitor your stress level. (Metaphysically speaking symptoms of lower back pain correlate with emotional and financial stress.) Weather you believe in the metaphysical claims or not it would only be beneficial to train the abdominal muscles as well as the above mentioned muscle groups to counter act lower back pain. You may also want to incorporate a spiritual affirmation such as:” I have a strong core. The Universe supports me and conspires with me for my highest good. I am supported by the Divine.” Repeating and enteranalizing this affirmation or coming up with one that suits you while you focus on your lower back AND exercise, strecth, and massage those muscles groups mentioned above should provide some relief. Until next time. Treat yourself to a wonderful massage!

Daily Affirmative Prayer by Nadirah Aqueelah Shakir

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Have you ever wondered how to pray? Have you ever been apprehensive about praying? Have you ever wondered who and what you may be praying to? I think at some point in our lives we all have. Prayer can be different things for all of us, but in it’s simplicity prayer is simply aligning our minds and hearts with the Divine. We may call the Divine God, Allah, Buddah, Krishna, Goddess, Jehovah, or whatever. The truth is God answers and shows up by the name that we call it. What do you require in your life at this moment? Do you require peace? If so call on God as Divine Peace. Do you need money? Call on God as the Supreme Provider or Divine Substance. Do you require love and acceptance? If so call forth Divine Love. Remember God is all there is, and all that there will ever be. Connect with God by opening your mind, body, and heart to all the Power that God is. When you pray, join minds with God. In other words concentrate on the name that you are calling God, and give thanks in advance for the assistance of The Divine; because once you connect All-Mighty God takes action.

 

Below is a simple prayer to assist you in making contact with The Divine.  Have a blessed one! Nadirah A. Shakir

 

Divine Love flows through me.

Order my thoughts, actions, words, and reactions so that I become a reflection and expression of your pure, bright light. Divine Love help me release all thoughts of lack, limitation, fear, false-judgment, and grudge-fullness so that I can move speedily into your free flow of abundance.

Divine Wisdom is my guide.

Speak into my heart, mind, and soul. Let me become sensitive and obedient to your voice, and your direction.  Help me make wise choices and decisions for a richer, orderly, and peace-filled life. Help me break the chains of confusion, and procrastination. Make me a fearless and strategic thinker so that I can create for myself the prosperous life, the life that is natural, the life that you ordained for me.

Divine Power strengthens me from my core.

Give me the strength that I need to carry out the vision that you have placed in my heart. Give me the courage that I need to cast away all fear and doubt. Give me the discipline I need to stay on course.

Divine Substance provide for me

Place everything I need to live a prosperous life in my path. Give me this day and every day my daily bread. Place in my path all of my necessities, and the desires of my heart. Send to me helping angels, creative ideas, a free flow of interest free cash money, perfect health, working relationships, and jobs that not only provide in abundance but work that is pleasing and honorable to YOU.

This is the prayer that I pray today. This is the prayer that I accept today. In the powerful name of All-Mighty God I declare it to be so. Amen.

 

 

Good nutrition is NOT a mission!

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I was talking to a friend the other day, and he was telling me how he’s ready to rev up his workout regimen. He went on to ask me to design a meal plan for him. I began by asking him the typical stuff about his goals, his stats, and his medical history of course. He was in good health, and basically he wanted what almost everyone in America wants. He wanted to loose some fat, keep a decent amount of muscle, and have more energy. I told him I’d have the meal plan to him in about a week or so. Then he went on to tell me how hard it is for him to eat healthy because of his schedule, and how he only has forty five minutes to eat lunch when he’s at work…blah, blah, blah. I had to cut him off. “That’s no excuse,” I interjected. Then he sort of cut his eye at me. I cut my eye back and then I asked him some rather annoying questions like, how long does it take to eat, can’t you get a salad at any fast food chain now-a-days. Then I told him how I was pulled out to dinner a couple of nights ago, and how the restaurant had this whole menu dedicated to low fat, and low carb dieters. Even if they didn’t have a menu that accommodated my needs I could still order grilled salmon, steamed broccoli, and a baked sweet potato. My friend had to agree with me because what I was saying was completely true. Let’s face it. We are the ones who drive to the fast food window and super-size everything. We are the ones who ask for extra cheese. We are the ones who ignore the grilled chicken combo that CAN come with a baked potato, and opt for the classic crispy with large fries. I know I’ve done it before, BUT if you want to get into tip top shape you are going to have to sacrifice the savory dishes for clean eats. It’s as simple as that, and as far as preparation goes, it really only takes 1-2 hours a day once or twice a week to prepare your food for the entire week. So don’t make excuses! Just get into the habit of making healthier choices when you eat out OR prepare your food at home and take it with you so that you are not tempted to mess up on your diet. When I pulled out my lunch box and handed him a container of grilled chicken pasta sautéed in olive oil and apple cider vinegar he understood what he had to do—stop making excuses and commit to a healthier diet. I’ll be posting the recipe for my grilled chicken pasta soon! Stay tuned!!

The Importance of Quality Protein & Branch Chain Amino Acids Post Workout

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Eating healthy on the go can be challenging. One of the things that helps me stay in shape is having a protein shake handy after every workout. What I do is simple. I pre-blend 2 scoops of my favorite whey protein supplement along with 1 or 2 tablespoons of my favorite branch chain and I put it in the freezer the night before. The following morning I grab it and throw it in my gym bag. It works wonderfully, because by the time I’m done training my protein is nice and chilled and my body is oh so ready for it! Having a quality branch chain and protein supplement immediately after every workout will prevent muscle break down, and aid in muscle growth and repair; and that is exactly what you want if you are trying to burn fat and keep muscle. We need healthy muscle so that we can burn fat. For more information on nutrition tips for busy athletes visit me here often! Train hard, and train smart…that’s where your nutrition comes into play(-;

Reiki: A Perfect Way to Heal & A Wonderful Way to Grow

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I was introduced to reiki about five years ago. My roommate was a spiritual life coach and a “psychic healer.” While living there I would watch and listen to his sessions. I found his healing philosophies to be very interesting and in most cases I agreed with them. What I was skeptical about was this “hands on healing” business that he referred to as reiki. How can someone put there hands on some one and cure them? I thought it was bogus. However after watching many clients come in with discomfort and leave feeling somewhere in between better and great, I begin to pay more attention. When a specific client came in for a series of reiki sessions to treat a very chronic pain condition I made sure that for each of her sessions I was available to “assist.” Like the other clients who had come to him she got better. What I noticed about the clients who received reiki was that they were not only relieved of physical discomfort, I noticed that they began to make changes in other areas of their lives as well. It was then that my roommate informed me that reiki was not only a “hands-on” healing modality that treated physical symptoms, but that reiki was also used to heal emotional wounds, cognitive/mental disorders, as well as help everyday people achieve tangible goals. After a year of being a disciple of reiki I soon ventured to become a massage therapist. I had already acquired certifications in personal training and wellness coaching. I choose to study massage therapy because I felt my fitness clients would benefit from more extensive bodywork. I was sure to choose a school, and a program that incorporated both western massage techniques and eastern massage techniques. I was fortunate to find Florida College of Natural Health in Pompano Beach Florida. Their program provided exactly what was looking for. Not only did I learn more about reiki. I also learned other eastern modalities such as shiatsu, reflexology, acupressure, cranial sacral therapy, and so much more. According to my professors I was more of an energy therapist. They suggested that I study reiki in depth. After I graduated from the program I took my professors advice. Over a three year time span I completed reiki 1, 2, 3, and became a reiki master/teacher. For me reiki was and still is a journey of self discovery, authenticity, and SELF mastery. What I discovered is as I become better those around benefit from that energy and thrive as well. The truth about reiki is that it can work for any one who is open and receptive to the powerful healing energy of the Divine. The Japanese refer to that energy Ki. The very word reiki means—Rei/God’s Wisdom, and Ki/life force or power; and this is exactly how I experience reiki. I—myself get out of they way, and I allow my mind to become subservient to the highest power, which is God. When I surrender myself/ego I become a vessel in which divine wisdom and power can flow, and it is from that place that I facilitate reiki treatments and attunements. What I love about reiki is that it is pure energy, and it cannot be misused for negativity. It is only used to heal. We can all draw upon the healing energy of reiki when we allow ourselves to surrender our ego—thoughts, judgments, prejudices, beliefs, etc., and become willing to let God flow in and through us. Once God is circulating freely with in, anyone we touch will inevitably receive a healing. For more stories on reiki and wholeness visit me here often.