Library

The Roots of Elemental Growth


Ashley's Library of Transformational Articles

Your gateway to a world of self-discovery and growth. Ashley, an integration coach and the founder of Elemental Growth, invites you on a journey of transformation through her thought-provoking and insightful articles. With Ashley's guidance, you'll tap into your natural healing abilities and embark on a transformative journey towards a healthier, happier, and more fulfilled life. Each article is a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration, offering you the tools and insights to reach your full potential as a human being. Welcome to Ashley's world of growth, wisdom, and transformation.



By Ashley Michaud 06 Feb, 2024
Embark on a transformative journey through grief, shamanic connection, and a coast-to-coast vanlife odyssey. Explore the profound intersections of loss, healing, and self-discovery, as this narrative weaves through ancient practices and modern adventures.
By Ashley Michaud 05 Feb, 2024
Embark on a transformative journey with Coach Ashley, founder of Elemental Growth. Delve into the intertwining realms of indigenous wisdom, alternative views, and the profound power of holistic living. Explore themes of money evolution, breaking free, and manifesting abundance. Join the nomadic life of connection and discovery, as Coach Ashley shares her personal insights and invites you to unlock your highest potential naturally.
By Ashley Michaud 03 Feb, 2024
Explore effective communication strategies in alternative education, blending insights from Adele Faber, Rudolf Steiner, and more. Dive into a holistic homeschooling routine combining Waldorf, Montessori, and Unschooling approaches. Join our roadschooling journey across America, integrating healing, education, and wonder. Discover tips for fellow travelers and embrace unconventional learning with personalized coaching.
By Ashley Michaud 17 Jan, 2024
Explore the intricate dance between psychedelics and the human ego. This article delves deep into positive and dark psychology, guided by a seasoned integration expert. Discover transformative insights, exercise as a tool for integration, and the wisdom of visionaries like Rudolf Steiner and Carl Jung.
By Ashley Michaud 09 Jan, 2024
Unlock the transformative potential of psilocybin in battling alcohol addiction. Explore the profound role of elemental growth in holistic healing. Contact us at Elemental Growth for personalized coaching and embark on a transformative journey towards wellness and self-realization.
By Ashley Michaud 07 Jan, 2024
Discover the profound teachings of the Medicine Wheel, Four Medicines, Nations, and Elements—guiding individuals on a path of healing, balance, and spiritual growth. Explore the interconnectedness of ancient wisdom and modern healing practices in this insightful article.
By Ashley Michaud 29 Dec, 2023
Embark on a journey through the Dark Night of the Soul, merging ancient wisdom and modern psychology. Explore the transformative potential within turmoil, guided by experts in spirituality and psychology. Discover more about the soul's depth, psychological descent, and the goddess Hekate's significance in this profound exploration.
By Ashley Michaud 18 Dec, 2023
Explore the spiritual depths of Sacred Tobacco Snuff, a sacred Amazonian tradition bridging indigenous wisdom and modern healing. Learn from a psychedelic integration coach and Native American medicine woman about ceremonies, connections, and spiritual insights. Dive deeper into the sacredness of Rapé / Hapé today!
By Ashley Michaud 16 Dec, 2023
Discover the history, varieties, and benefits of homemade vinegars in this comprehensive article. Learn to make Apple Cider Vinegar, Red Wine Vinegar, and Balsamic Vinegar at home. Explore the flavors and health benefits while delving into the traditions of this ancient condiment.
By Ashley Michaud 29 Nov, 2023
Explore the ancient wisdom and transformative potential of psychoactive plants from ayahuasca to cacao. Delve into shamanic traditions, healing properties, and spiritual teachings in this comprehensive article.
By Ashley Michaud 20 Nov, 2023
Explore the intricate web of the mental health crisis, opioid addiction, and methamphetamine misuse in this comprehensive guide. Discover holistic healing pathways rooted in indigenous wisdom and psychedelic integration, guiding you from despair to profound transformation.
By Ashley Michaud 31 Oct, 2023
Explore the spiritual dimensions of entheogens and sacred plants, uncovering their historical significance and transformative potential. Delve into the mystical world of cannabis, psilocybin, ayahuasca, and more. Embrace the wisdom of ancient rituals and embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth.
By Ashley Michaud 27 Oct, 2023
Explore the cosmic wonders of ecology, ethnobotany, and interconnectedness in this mind-bending journey through psychedelics and their profound connection with nature. Join our coaching sessions to discover your role in preserving the planet and nurturing a symbiotic relationship with the environment. Let's embrace a more harmonious existence with Mother Earth!
By Ashley Michaud 22 Oct, 2023
Discover the profound spiritual heritage of coffee, from its ancient roots in Ethiopian rituals to its modern-day influence on productivity and communal bonding. Uncover the intricate relationship between coffee and spirituality, exploring its benefits and cautionary aspects. Explore how coffee coaching can unlock your spiritual potential. (Keywords: coffee spirituality, ancient rituals, productivity, personal growth, self-discovery, coffee coaching, mindfulness, introspection, spiritual awakening)
By Ashley Michaud 18 Oct, 2023
Explore the mystical significance of smoke in the occult and the profound role of sacred tobacco among Indigenous communities. Uncover the corruption of ancient traditions during the rise of Big Tobacco and the contemporary journey to rekindle the sacred smoke in modern times. Dive into the ancient wisdom of smoke and embark on a transformative journey toward holistic healing and spiritual enlightenment.
By Ashley Michaud 16 Oct, 2023
Explore the transformative narrative of resilience and growth amidst the serene landscape of the FCP farm in Connecticut. Join Ashley's journey of self-discovery and healing, uncovering the profound interconnectedness of life and nature.
By Ashley Michaud 13 Oct, 2023
Unveil the hidden truths of witchcraft and the patriarchal system with 'Witchcraft and the Patriarchy: Unearthing Herstory.' Explore the forgotten narratives of women's empowerment and the systematic suppression of their magic. Reclaim the power within and rewrite history from an inclusive perspective. Contact us for coaching sessions and ignite your transformative journey today.
By Ashley Michaud 12 Oct, 2023
Join me on a captivating journey along the mystical East Coast, where we uncover untold stories of indigenous communities, the Salem Witch Trials, pirates, and literary classics. Explore the echoes of history and contact me for transformative coaching.
By Ashley Michaud 27 Sep, 2023
Explore the convergence of psychedelics, Reiki, Kundalini awakening, and chakra work in this enlightening article. Discover their historical roots, their impact on consciousness, and how they can lead you to spiritual awakening. Contact us for personalized coaching to embark on your holistic journey of self-discovery and spiritual evolution.
By Ashley Michaud 25 Sep, 2023
Explore the profound concepts of ego death, soul alignment, and spiritual awakening in this insightful article. Drawing from Carl Jung's wisdom, Kundalini traditions, and the transformative power of psychedelics, discover the path to self-discovery and contact us for personalized coaching.
By Ashley Michaud 21 Sep, 2023
Explore the transformative power of psychedelics and the importance of harm reduction. Learn about organizations like Fireside Project and the Zendo Project, and discover the key role of integration work in maximizing the therapeutic potential of psychedelics.
By Ashley Michaud 17 Sep, 2023
Embark on a 17-day sugar detox journey to break free from sugar's grasp, improve health, and discover the true impact of sugar on your body. Learn how to reduce sugar cravings, manage weight, and enjoy lasting benefits with expert guidance. Start your sugar-free lifestyle today!
By Ashley Michaud 16 Sep, 2023
Explore the intricate connection between protein-rich foods and brain health in this informative article. Discover how proteins influence neurotransmitter production, affect mood, and maintain hormonal balance. Learn about personalized nutrition through nutrigenomics, find a list of animal and plant-based protein sources, and get sample menus to enhance your mental well-being. Plus, uncover protein requirements tailored to kids, women, and men. Discover how optimizing your protein intake can lead to a happier, healthier brain.
By Ashley Michaud 15 Sep, 2023
Dive deep into the intricate web of power, control, and media manipulation that has shaped the world's history and continues to influence our lives today. This thought-provoking article delves into the historical instances of powerful entities exerting control over land and populations, the rise of influential families and individuals, and the persistent concerns about media manipulation and conspiracy theories. Understand the dynamics of influence, manipulation, and media to navigate today's information landscape more effectively.
By Ashley Michaud 15 Sep, 2023
Discover the transformative synergy between Kundalini yoga and psychedelics in our latest article. Dive into how this ancient practice can guide you through the intricate process of integrating profound psychedelic experiences, promoting balance, emotional release, and spiritual growth. Unlock the keys to elevated consciousness through this harmonious union.
By Ashley Michaud 14 Sep, 2023
Discover the profound potential of psychedelic mushrooms in our latest article. Dive into their impact on mental health, creativity, and consciousness expansion. Learn about the latest research and their role in palliative care. Join the exploration of these mystical fungi that hold keys to the mind's uncharted territories.
By Ashley Michaud 15 Apr, 2022
This article is written for the people out there looking for a bit more magic and a much deeper connection. If you feel a special connection to the Moon, then this article is for you. By following the moon phases and setting personalized intentions it will be easier for you to connect with the rhythms of Mother Nature. Over time this ritual will become part of the rhythm of your own life, harmonizing you with your environment and manifesting serendipity. In my first book, Be The Change , I go much deeper into the moon cycles and how all of nature's cyclical cycles help in personal development and integration. For example, the moon has a huge stabilizing effect on Earth’s tilt, reminding us that the key here is always to keep a healthy balance, knowing when to hold on to your powers and when to release them to the universe. This article is intended to help you achieve this balance naturally. For many people around the world, nature's cyclical cycles like the moon cycles are seen as magical. It's believed in some traditions that the new moon, waxing moon, the full moon and the waning moon all harness their own special magical properties, and so as a native American woman obsessed with personal development, I naturally began planning my psychedelic ceremonies accordingly. For The Mushroom Lovers The moon plays a very large role in mushroom "flushes" (a period of time when large numbers of mushrooms appear all at once). According to those who have helped with their lineage or work with mushrooms, you'll find more mushrooms during the full moon than at any other time (except maybe lightning storms, I have heard that too). While mushrooms are no doubt influenced by the moon, individual species respond in different ways, some flushing at the full moon, others at the new and some species even appear in the first or third quarters. The ancients considered Mushrooms to be under the dominion of the Moon and above all other growing things on earth to be most influenced by it. The ancients also believed in the Doctrine of Signatures which is a subject I adore and will share with you soon.
By Ashley Michaud 06 Apr, 2022
Plants have been the basis for medical treatments through much of human history, and such traditional medicine is still widely practiced today. Growing up so close to the native reserve I spent a lot of time in the forest. In highschool I started sharing natural alternatives to make up and other products with my friends and when I became pregnant I started my practice as a holistic practitioner. Today, I have been referred to as the Queen of Natural Alternatives amongst our community, which I adore, but the truth is my drive has always been to rebel against the 10 companies that are controlling almost everything we consume. Truth is our ill health and addictions are very profitable. The people profiting from this are also the ones responsible for the destruction of our planet, which is stealing our lifeforce and robbing our children from our natural connection to EARTH. Here's what they don't want you to know about Natural Alternatives: ⭐They are more sustainable than conventional ⭐They are easier to obtain than prescriptions ⭐They stabilize your hormones and metabolism ⭐You have natural healing abilities inside of you ⭐They strengthen your immune system long term ⭐They have fewer side effects, especially as a whole ⭐They are the most cost effective options all around ⭐Plants communicate with your cells, for real ⭐You can make them with very simple ingredients ⭐They often have very simple instructions to follow The compounds in psilocybin mushrooms may give users a "mind-melting" feeling, but in fact, the drug does just the opposite. Psilocybin actually boosts the brain's connectivity, according to an October 2014 study. Mushrooms are the true communicators of forests. They come in many colors but most often described as brown and blue, that's why my energy was drawn to them! I had a glitch causing me to repeat patterns. Mushrooms help us repair the broken connections and live fully in our truth - first in our own life and then for ancestors, and our own children. For love and legacy, let's free nature and our minds. This is how we're all communicating now through the internet developed and perfected by guys and girls taking psychedelics for years in Silicon Valley… We are the generation that understands it. The rest are the zombies brushing on the surface of their true potential... This is a fractal existence we are living and we are the priests and priestesses of the new age!
By Ashley Michaud 06 Apr, 2022
To start, the ability Kambo provides to detox both physically and emotionally heal the body, mind, and spirit naturally and in under an hour. Kambo is also legal, non-psychoactive, and a traditional amazonian ritual known to balance anxiety among many other things. Kambo actually has the potential to balance your nervous system, bringing you into homeostasis where you may experience a deeper sense of wellbeing and finally clear "Panema". Panama is a word used in the jungle. It is blamed for illness, bad luck, laziness, anger and other adverse states that carry dense energy. Clearing Panama is similar to clearing the body of pain, realigning the chakras, and reorganizing personal psychology. Scientifically it proves to fight infections and kill parasites. Kambo contains a cocktail of bio and neuropeptides that strengthen and uplift the immune system. Kambo is a powerful antibiotic, antifungal, & antimicrobial, which suggests it may be a promising treatment for bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. In addition it can also help people overcome depression for good because Kambo carries neuro-peptides that cross the blood brain barrier. Studies show it may be a promising treatment for symptoms of depression and many other mental health issues like overcoming addiction. It can help you find strength, clarity and empowerment to let go of old patterns that don't support your wellbeing. DISCLAIMER Please note that none of the services offered constitute any kind of medical practice. Kambo is not a medicine recognized by the mainstream and Kambo practitioners are not doctors. Kambo is a SHAMANIC RITUAL AND CEREMONY from the Amazon Rainforest - it is not a medically recognized treatment. Participants are advised to do their own research into the potential benefits and side effects. The information in this report is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any kind of illness. All material provided is for personal and spiritual practice only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. MY EXPERIENCE
By Ashley Michaud 31 Mar, 2022
A friend just visited us here in Canada and asked, how can I make $100 a day? as if it’s a BIG unattainable number that could NEVER in a million years be achieved. Well, you know how much I love to make the impossible possible. So naturally, I created this descriptive list to better help her and all of you out there who are currently struggling to earn $3,000 a month or better. By the end of this article, you will have a master plan to launch your own business, level up your income, or add a passive income source to your existing lifestyle. As I was reading, writing, and creating this article I was nostalgic thinking of when I would travel as a bartender through North America. I lived in a high stress environment as a child and thrived even more in stress as a free adult, at first. Still I knew eventually I would burn out. Legally its not acceptable to serve alcohol 24h a day so I always found secondary, and even third or fourth jobs to keep me functioning as an alcoholic nomad. On the days I earned good tips I would hoard the cash I made for travel instead of spending it, I would eat at the restaurants I got discounts at and hosted my friends at home where food and beverages were more affordable. I also chose to walk, car pool, take transit, or an airplane to get around instead of spending the time and money to care for a car of my own. I always knew how to live an eco-thrifty lifestyle and never depended on a paycheck. While something have remind the same, I am grateful my life as a mom, author, coach and medicine woman is more aligned to my purpose then serving alcohol, I am also happy to see just how my money story has evolved. Note, this is a list based on what I know right now, I hope to keep learning more ways I can level up my own income, and understand that I am living in a realm of limitless potential to grow and expand elementally. I broke this list down into the four seasons and moon cycles because that how I am most productive and actually see how it could be possible to implement one thing from this list each week, naturally hacking The Compound Effect so you can free yourself from the matrix and finally live life your way. Enjoy! 52 Enjoyable Ways You Can Easily & Legally Earn an EXTRA $100 Everyday 1. Starting a Blog is a free and multi useful to earn money and also master your craft. 2. Amazon Associates gives you an affiliate link to get paid for products people buy. 3. Write an eBook. eBooks are a great way to earn money passively. 4. Affiliate Marketing is where a specific company gives you an affiliate link & pays. 5. Bark Leads will give you a couple leads for you service niche free when you sign up. 6. Sponsored Posts, also known as a promoted post, are where companies pay you to post content about their products. 7. Become a Coach (IIN) . Learn integration, nutrition, and start your holistic biz with support from world-class experts. 8. Digital Products like PDFs and behind the scenes video can sell for $7 apiece. It can earn you $1-2k passively! 9. Become A Youtuber. YouTube is the #2 search engine and #3 website in the world. It sends traffic +++ 10. Kindle Direct Publishing is the spot to publish your eBook for free and earn royalties. 11. AdSense is a Google service you can add to your blog and earn money for relevant ads from your blog or site. 12. Odysee is a portal where you post locked videos and files. People pay your fee, plus tips. This links right into YouTube and can back up all past videos automatically. 13. Rover is a pet sitting app where you can get paid to hang out with people’s pets while they are away. 14. Forest Bathing and Foraging Tours are offers that benefit you and your community. It’s also free to host them, so your earnings are your own. 15. Offer distance or 1:1 Reiki services. Reiki is a practice that infuses every area of life with good vibes. Email Tristan@ElementalGrowth.org to learn more. 16. Walk dogs. Do you like dogs? Perfect! Walk them. It is possible to make up to $20 per dog walk. 17. Care for kids, people, elders, and other with needs you can help out with for money. https://www.care.com 18. Its time you can add additional text links to your website. Each one will give you passive income. 19. Herbology has been earning me money my whole life. These are skills of warriors. 20. Teach series of Nature Yoga Classes at your community parks or collaborate with local community gardens. I still enjoy doing this too. 21. Babysit children. If you have a lot of free time. Why not offer your daycare services for children (or animals) locally. One post could get you a client fast. 22. Offer to do a Pantry Sweep or provide Shopping Tours to share healthy lifestyle tips and earn money. 23. Sell seeds you harvested from last year, seedlings, or baby trees at the side of the road or to a local shop. 24. Sell your arts, crafts, and seeds on Etsy. You can set up a shop in minutes for free and start selling. 25. Gratitude Stones are a great craft to make with the kids and sell both on and offline. 26. On Spread Shirt you customize your own merch and get paid royalties when people pay to shop your unique designs. 27. Ask for donations as a street performer. No matter what your skillset someone will pay for it; music, art, gymnastics… 28. Sell you used stuff on eBay and earn money for things you no longer value, use, or need. It’s good for books too. 29. Register yourself to interview or answer questions as a professional in your space. You can earn and build authority. 30. Sell a unique product like a wand, bong cleaner for cash. We love this one. 31. Host a Medicine Ceremony – Cocoa, Kambo... You can trip sit or host field trips. 32. Sell food & medicine on or offline. If you forage your earning BIG time. 33. Sell used belongings on Marketplace or Kjiji. You can also trade your way up. 34. Collaborate with the competition. They have your audience and your biz partner. 35. Sell foraged weeds and mushrooms for cash. You can also lead tours yourself. 36. Join our ambassador program with Elemental Growth to earn $100-$500 cash. 37. Launch your own business as a professional in your space. I can help! 38. Start your own church or Religion. You will be tax exempt and more. 39. Propose a show to Roger TV or other network of choice. You can generate leads and they may pay you as well. 40. Offer Catering Services in your area. You can offer healthy and eco alternatives to locals and earn money. 41. Apply to Drive for Uber you can earn money carpooling people on your travels or when running errands. 42. Apply to Uber Delivery and earn money for helping others run errands. 43. Start a MasterMind or get in on some Focus Groups to gain even more biz. 44. Sell your PDFs and courses on websites like Out Skool and https://teachable.com/ 45. Teach On Udemy. It is one of the top 700 websites in the world. Teaching on Udemy is a great way to reach the vaunted $100/day mark. 46. Crowdfunded Real Estate Investing. With Fundraise, investors will invest your money on your behalf and pay you dividends. 47. On Airbnb you can rent your bedroom, home, or host a retreat for money. I did this when I was pregnant and travels housesitting for other people. The money added up! 48. Hip Camp is an alternative where you rent vacant land or spaces to campers. 49. Host a retreat on your land, at a friend’s place, or in a natural setting you love. 50. Sell a high-ticket program so you can focus more on delivering a quality service and earn even more working less hours in any way other then how you want to. 51. Rent out your equipment, tools, and camera for cash on the spot. 52. Attend a selling on the spot marketplace to get business skills and network. Remember, some of these jobs are great for yourself, and even kids. Others require special training and expience. Some only specific adults would enjoy so share your own ideas too.
By Ashley Michaud 28 Mar, 2022
“More than any other Discipline, fasting reveals the things that control us.” —Lynne M. Baab
By Ashley Michaud 20 Mar, 2022
As the days become longer, spring washes away what remains of the winter. Animals are awakening from hibernation, the bare Earth is covered with fresh green shoots and the birds' songs are rippling good vibes through the air. From ancient times, spring has been recognized as the season of beginnings, renewal and rebirth. Spring's new energy invites us to take a breath of fresh air and awaken ourselves to nature's secret messages. Transforming the land, spring is giving us a renewed sense of curiosity and desire to participate in real life as we naturally start to spend more time outside. Just like how on our birthday we celebrate another year of life, Spring is a rebirth, the season of new beginnings. This is a time of year when many animals are born and the land is transformed! Colorful and vibrant, flowers welcome emerging bugs to feast on the nectar, and pollinate the fruits to come. The vernal equinox takes place each year between the 20th and 23rd of March in the northern hemisphere. Between the 20th to 23rd to September and the southern hemisphere marks the first day of the astronomical spring and is the moment when the day is the same length as a night. From now on the days will continue to grow longer until the summer solstice. Each of the four seasons can be broken down into three months, 13 weeks, and 90 days. I use these numbers to make the most of each season, hold myself accountable to change, and track the data so I can optimize year after year. Spring is commonly known for its rainy days, blossoms, and Easter celebrations - which in the northern hemisphere falls on the first Sunday following the full moon and the vernal equinox. For Christians, Easter eggs are a symbol of the Resurrection. Eggs however are a symbol of creation and that New Life has been associated with the spring and rebirth and creation celebrations for millennia. The ancient Egyptians believe that the sun god raw hatched from a primal egg, the idea of a cosmic egg that gave birth the universe is found in many culture civilizations and religions, whichever your belief, the sharing of the eggs, especially decorated in chocolate ones, as a joyful experience to tie in with the spring celebrations. Frogs are a wonderful representation of spring's power to move into new beginnings. Frogs specifically are our companions on earth, as they have been for countless centuries. They live in the stories and myths of almost every human culture. The ancient Egyptians used the sign of the frog to write after the names of the deceased. The well-wishing term used read “live again.” Since a frog was a symbol of rebirth, it showed its role in the resurrection. Frogs were associated with resurrection because, during their hibernation period in the winters, they would put a stop to all their activities and hide among the stones. They remained stationary in pools or river banks till the dawn of spring. These hibernating frogs would not require any food to stay alive. It almost seemed like they were dead. When spring arrived, these frogs would jump out of the mud and slime and go back to being active. Hence, they became seen as symbols of resurrection and birth in ancient Egyptian culture. The life cycle of a frog starts with mating. A pair of adult frogs would engage in plexus while the female lays her eggs. Tadpoles start to grow inside the eggs and then metamorphose into juvenile frogs. The frogs develop hind legs and forelimbs but not yet transform into fully grown frogs. Tadpoles have their tails, but as they mature into a young frog, they lose their tails. Frogs are amphibians which stems from the Greek word amphibious, meaning “living a double life.” This is because their life is divided into two stages separated by metamorphosis. In the first stage, they grow and develop in the water while breathing through gills. Later, they will develop lungs, allowing them to live on land as adults. Frogs have smooth, moist skin and long legs, whereas toads are stout with rough, bumpy skin and shorter legs, making them less agile than frogs. However, toads can live away from water longer because their thick skin maintains moisture and protects them. Frogs are cold-blooded and need a specific living environment due to their unique skin. Excessive exposure to the sun can harm their cells. Too much wind might cause a frog’s skin to dry out, which will dehydrate them. If an ecosystem is disrupted or polluted with chemicals like herbicides and pesticides, amphibians are the first to die. This is why over half of frog populations are in danger of extinction. Vocabulary – amphibian The noun amphibian has its roots in the words amphi, meaning “of both kinds,” meaning “life.” The word is used for the class of animals that spend part of their lives in water and part on land. Frog Symbolism and Spiritual Meaning Frogs symbolize water and land and help connect us with the natural world and our intuitive side. They have the power to transform, mature, and renew the soul. A frog’s ability to transition from one element to another and change its skin color depending on its environment represents change and transformation. You’ll also see this represented in fairy tales when a toad or frog is kissed; they’re changed into a prince, symbolizing rebirth and evolution. A frog’s spiritual meaning is associated with fertility, good luck, prosperity, money, transformation, new beginnings, love, and the Moon (due to its close connection with water). Frogs are amphibians, spending their early life nurtured in water and once they emerge onto dry land as frogs. They are never far from a water source. The frog is recognized as a healer in North and South American Native customs, as well as Celtic traditions. Frog is believed to bring rain when needed. Water cleanses and gives the earth renewed freshness. Similarly frog’s medicine can wash away any negative physical and mental energies which deny us a balanced and peaceful life. The frog spirit also helps us to nourish our own innate ability to heal ourselves on all levels. The notion of renewal is frequently linked with water, representing the unblocking and smooth flow of energy for healing. Due to the fact that frogs are found in water and on land, they hold the magic of both. Those with frog medicine are extremely sensitive, and the use of mud baths is advised. The deepest healing will always take place, and be fulfilled on the emotional level. Emotions are linked with water, especially tears. Some of us, especially men, are brought up to believe that crying is something to be ashamed of, that you are weak, wimpish or childish if you cry. When we deprive ourselves of this powerful form of emotional release, we bottle it all up and this can cause us to eventually reach unbelievable lows in our lives. Energies become blocked. With the frog’s assistance, we can begin to realize, and experience, tears as being natural and as necessary as rain. There are few species of frog who actually care for their offspring. After mating they abandon the eggs. Because of this, lessons to do with survival are common in people with frogs. Scientists believe that the frog population's health reflects the health of the entire ecosystem (as a whole). Frog is strongly linked with transformation and magic. This message is strongly represented in the story of the ‘Frog Prince’. In one version of the story, a queen was ill and could only be healed by drinking from the well of true water. Her 3 daughters tried to get the water, but each time a hideous frog refused them access unless they agreed to marry him. Alas, the youngest daughter agreed her mother was healed. To her delight she discovered that her hideous groom transformed into a gorgeous prince. This teaches us that in order to heal ourselves and others, it is often required to face that part of us that we have hidden from ourselves, because we find it unacceptable or ugly. When we can honestly look all aspects of ourselves in the face and accept them, we will find that the ugliness is washed away. Our true beauty shines, like the sun after healing rain. We will continue to take birth and rebirth till we clear all our debts and dealings which we had developed with others. The best way to end the cycle of birth & rebirth is not to be greedy in accumulating wealth and better develop the habit of sharing it with our neighbors. Spring represents new beginnings. Perennials are coming back to life, trees are budding and greens are sprouting out of the ground. Everywhere you look around you the colors and energies are changing from death to rebirth. Spring is a time when we can move forward into the next chapter of our life with more wisdom to become the change we wish to see. Are you struggling with an issue that you’re ready to release? Are you finding it hard to hold yourself accountable to healthy habits? Are you seeking direction and clarity around BIG life changes? Maybe it's not such a coincidence that you're here. At Elemental Growth, we are dedicated to inspiring all people to be their healthy best in a whole and holistic way. I am Ashley Michaud, Medicine Woman, Integrative Coach and Founder of Elemental Growth. I created this article to encourage and promote self-healing by aligning to nature's cyclical cycles. Your body has everything it needs to heal itself, we just have to activate it. The Elemental Growth tool box will guide you to tune in and nurture your body’s intuition, take a closer look at your health concerns and choose the foods you need to be your healthy best. In the words of my teacher; “this approach is not about acquiring more self-discipline or willpower. It’s about personally discovering what nourishes you, what feeds you and ultimately what makes your life extraordinary.” - Joshua Rosenthal, MScEd When implementing these lessons, take action with the intention of permanently changing your relationship with mama nature, because most health issues are symptoms of Nature Deficit Disorder (NDD). By integrating a personalized spiritual practice, regular physical activity and developing a healthy relationship food I am confident that you will find what feeds your soul. So, if you are ready to let go of the issues holding you back from being who you truly want to be then take a deep breath, take a big step and let's connect. You can call me at 1(705)956-0647 or email me, Ashley@ElementalGrowth.org 💜 Ashley
By Ashley Michaud 17 Mar, 2022
How to Self-Regulate for Better Focus & Sleep: Your Elemental Growth Guide to The Circadian Rhythm Right now, this very day, March 13th in Ontario the Sunrise (East) is 7:33 am, and our Sunset (West) will be at 7:21 pm. Our Next Vernal Equinox (Spring) is just around the corner, Mar 20, 2022 11:33 am. Daylight saving is today, March 13. It's time to Spring Forward, to experience REBIRTH. Today we are actually receiving 11 hours, 48 minutes of daylight, things outside are melting, and others are going through the cleanse creating with it a new environment for us to thrive - can you see the fractal, the gift of sight and infinite knowledge you were born with. You have approximately from 7:33 am – 7:21 pm to live your best life before getting quality sleep and naturally manifesting even more abundant energy tomorrow. This is the basic information, what you need to know to harness the energy of our primitive ancestors that had infinite amounts of pure, wild, and connected energy. Circadian rhythms are physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle. These natural processes respond primarily to light and dark and affect most living things, including animals, plants, and microbes. Chronobiology is the study of circadian rhythms. One example of a light-related circadian rhythm is sleeping at night and being awake during the day. We have a master clock in our brain that coordinates all the biological clocks in a living thing, keeping the clocks in sync. In vertebrate animals, including humans, the master clock is a group of about 20,000 nerve cells (neurons) that form a structure called the suprachiasmatic nucleus, or SCN. The SCN is in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus and receives direct input from the eyes. Natural factors in your body produce circadian rhythms. For humans, some of the most important genes in this process are the Period and Cryptochrome genes. These genes code for proteins that build up in the cell’s nucleus at night and lessen during the day. Studies in fruit flies suggest that these proteins help activate feelings of wakefulness, alertness, and sleepiness. However, signals from the environment also affect circadian rhythms. For instance, exposure to light at a different time of day can reset when the body turns on Period and Cryptochrome genes. Circadian rhythms can influence important functions in our bodies, such as: Hormone release, Eating habits and digestion, and Body temperature. However, most people notice the effect of circadian rhythms on their sleep patterns. Changes in our body and environmental factors can cause our circadian rhythms and the natural light-dark cycle to be out of sync. Some examples of this include: Mutations or changes in certain genes can affect our biological clocks. Jet lag or shift work causes changes in the light-dark cycle. Light from electronic devices at night can confuse our biological clocks. These changes can cause sleep disorders, and may lead to other chronic health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, depression, bipolar disorder, and seasonal affective disorder. Evolution has installed in us a powerful internal clock programmed to anticipate physiological events based on a battery of entertainment cues, including light, temperature, food, and physical activity. Unfortunately, the infrastructure of today’s society and our lifestyle choices have ‘thrown a wrench’ in our biological clockwork. Restoring Circadian Rhythm looks like: ● 20-30 minute walk outside after sunrise, upon waking ● Minimize use of glasses & contact lenses if possible ● Avoid the use of sunglasses as often as possible ● Open windows, allowing more natural light in ● Use ‘f.lux’ app on your electronics at night ● Use blue-blocking glasses after sunset ● Use orange/red light bulbs in evening ● Use candlelight or fire in evening ● Intermittent Fasting (Simple Fast: 12 hours daily, Cyclical Fast: 16 hours - 3x weekly, Warrior Fast: 16 hours daily, or Full Day Fast: 24 hours - 1x weekly) ● Breathwork (pranayama), Third Eye sun work ● Forest bathing and Walking barefoot (Earthing) ● Eating mushrooms to get natural vitamin D ● Dehydrating foods in the sun to absorb vitamin D Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar) Sun Salutation, is a series of postures that warms, strengthens, and aligns the entire body. It serves as an all-purpose yoga tool, kind of like a hammer that’s also a saw and a screwdriver, if you can imagine such a thing. This sequence might be considered the classic one, but there are so many variations that many modern schools would dispute this. You can alter this particular Sun Salutation by playing with its pace. If you move through the sequence rapidly (by transitioning into the next pose each time you inhale or exhale), you’ll warm up fairly quickly. Start with 5 or 6 repetitions and gradually build to 12 or more or set a timer starting with 3 minutes and gradually increase to 10 or more. Sun Salutation is one of the most important yoga practices. It is the set of 12 yoga poses which can be performed while chanting 12 different mantras. Mantras add a profound spiritual element to the practice. The practice of Sun Salutation awakens the body's intelligence to create energy directly from the sun. In the Vedic tradition, the sun is symbolic of consciousness and, therefore, has been worshiped daily in Indian culture. Sun Salutation is designed to access the ethereal energy that exists all around us. Every morning at dawn, the air is filled with prana shakti, or life energy. When performed facing east during the first rays of the morning sun, breathing correctly and chanting the mantras, one experiences a phenomenal effect on the mind, body and spirit. This morning practice is designed to work on all body parts, every organ, every system and every chakra. It is also believed to be the most efficient way to connect with our core inner strength. The body is equipped with the innate intelligence to produce energy from the sun directly. The mind, through the solar plexus; the body, through physical movement; and the spirit, through the chanting of the mantras, all get a boost from the practice of Sun Salutation. Therefore, it is a complete workout for mind, body and soul. Let’s Talk Vitamin D When I dove into the subject of hormone health I learned that unlike other vitamins, Vitamin D functions like a hormone and may in fact be one. Every single cell in your body has a receptor for it. Vitamin D is required for the proper function of many important organs. Vitamin D helps our heart, lungs, brain, immune system, and together with calcium, Vitamin D optimizes our bone health. I figured living in Canada during the winter I may be deficient but did you know that over 1 billion people worldwide across all ethnicities and age groups show to be deficient in Vitamin D in blood labs. In Canada where most healthcare is free, the patient is required to pay for the Vitamin D test. It is not covered because they say everyone is deficient, or that's what I was told by my local physician. During the fall and winter in Ontario, it is hard to get enough vitamin D but even people living in sunny climates might be at risk, possibly because people are staying indoors more, covering up when outside, wearing sunglasses and using sunscreens to reduce skin cancer risk. Reminder: what you buy in stores is hazardous to your health, contact me or find a recipe to create your own sunscreen and bug sprays. Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency: ● Depression ● Chronic pain ● Excessive fatigue ● Increased risk of illness/infections ● Poor wound healing ● Low bone mineral density ● Bone pain and lower back pain ● Hair loss or alopecia areata Fortunately, a Vitamin D deficiency is usually easy to fix. Sun exposure is the preferred way to get vitamin D and varies with age, skin type, season, time of day, etc. Approximately 5–30 minutes of sun exposure between 10 AM and 3 PM 2-3 times a week to the face, arms, legs, or back without sunscreen will usually provide sufficient vitamin D. In retrospect, 6 days of casual sunlight exposure (no sunscreen) can make up for 49 days of no sunlight exposure. This is because vitamin D is stored in fat and then released when sunlight is gone. Vitamin D can also be found in some foods like fatty fish, mushrooms and fortified food products, although it's very difficult to get enough from diet alone. The recommended daily intake (RDI) is usually around 400–1000 IU, but this is where testing and experimentation come in. I really hope these tips help you self-regulate for better focus, a higher quality Sleep, and provide you a better understanding of The Circadian Rhythm so you can tap into the primordial energy of our ancestors. I am a strong believer in synchronicity, meaning if you're reading this it's for a good reason and at the right time. So, I wanted to take this opportunity to invite you to our Integration Collective. Let’s Grow Together 🌱🌲 Additional Resources 1. https://elementalgrowth.org/ 2. https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sleep/circadian-rhythm#how-it-works 3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519507/ 4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxDloX13JHg 5. http://www.unlockfood.ca/en/Articles/Vitamins-and-Minerals/What-you-need-to-know-about-Vitamin-D.aspx
By Ashley Michaud 06 Feb, 2022
Being someone who was born into a family line riddled with bad habits, unserving addictions and narcissistic abuse, I have personal expierence on many levels building positive habits in a way that is fun, easy to replicate and sustainable. In fact, I even published a Guide Book on it if you want the additional resources. The most Elemental Step to building positive habits is being willing to take responsibility for the way you are choosing to spend your time, your life – 111% responsibility for actions. In the words of Bruce Lee “what you aren’t changing, you are choosing”. In my early 20s I took it upon myself to change my family karma, to transmute the energy I was using to feed negative habits and use it to help me cultivate positive habits that serve to bring me health, wealth and happiness in abundance. In this article and Instagram Live Series I will coach you through following 5 Elemental steps to building positive habits naturally. Level 1 - Decide Every moment of every day, we make decisions. Sometimes those decisions are small and inconsequential, and sometimes those decisions are life-altering. In a case, the outcome of your day and your entire life are mostly defined by your decisions and the actions that you take along the way. The problem is that many people, including myself is that we have a “deer in the headlights” moment when faced with decisions. Paralyzed with fear of making the wrong decision. If, however, you can push past the fear and doubts associated with decision making, you can start taking control of your life’s outcomes. When you make decisions quickly, you leave no room for doubt, worry, and confusion. Instead of wasting time worrying and overthinking, making a quick decision enables you to immediately begin transmuting your energy into following through on that decision. Following the Rule of 5 means doing five things every day that will bring you closer to your goal. Major goals are accomplished one small step at a time, which is why the Rule of 5 is so effective. So, decide what you want and write it down along with the five action steps your going to take. Like Jack Canfield teaches “If you would go every day to a very large tree and take five swings at it with a very sharp axe, eventually, no matter how large the tree, it would have to come down”. If you’re starting a business for example, you could email five new prospects a day, create a data tracker on Excel and update it daily; making one cold call; copy writing; updating your website or reading 1 chapter of Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. You may also want to try habit stacking. A simple hack that can help fast track your personal and professional development where you take an activity you do every day without conscious thought, such as brushing your teeth and then adding a positive habit to that. Studies show it takes around thirty to ninety days for a habit become sovereign, so choosing an already solidified habit to add to naturally increases the likelihood of you succeeding. Habit stacking can without a doubt help fast track your personal development according to mindset experts and coaches. Level 2 - Connect & Track Being disconnected is the source of almost all human problems such as what is called mental illness, drug addiction, violence, crime, failing at school and abuse, to mention a few. Dr. Glasser suggests that almost all human behavior is chosen to satisfy the five basic needs for survival, love and belonging, power, freedom and fun. These five basic needs are written into our genetic structure and from birth to death, they drive all our behaviors. Because our genes do not provide us with behaviors to meet these needs, as infants we start learning how to behave in order to get our needs met. If you had an upbringing like mine things may get confusing because maybe some needs were never met until those teen years when having sex and getting wasted provided a band aid solution. Its our job however to continue learning and refining healthy ways to fill these needs for the rest of our lives. To better enable us to learn we are provided with the ability to feel both pleasure and pain. Anything we do that feels good, feels that way because it is satisfying to one or more of our basic needs and anything, we do that feels bad, incompetently satisfies our needs. To connect and track in your own life, you could list out in three columns the five basic needs for survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, fun, plus some of your own. In the second column the negative habits you want to eliminate and in the third column the positive habits you want to cultivate. Now that you have a clear visual of what you need, want and is currently not working you can create a data sheet to tack your progress. I will be diving more into this on the live feed this Tuesday to guide you through this. Level 3: - Reward Yourself It’s important to reward yourself, as soon as you hit a milestone. Why? By rewarding yourself in the moment, your brain produces positive emotions, leading to the realization that your efforts result in a positive reward. By doing this continuously, your brain will start to link pleasure to the positive habit your developing. Even a small reward is a great motivator, rewarding yourself for wins, big and small, will make a world of difference! Rewards help to boost your energy levels too and this is backed by science. Every time you receive a reward, your body releases dopamine which creates a sense of pleasure. Your body secretes the same chemical when you are falling in love, having sex, gambling, smoking and so on. Dopamine is highly addictive; we crave for more and more dopamine. By building a reward system for yourself, you are turning your dopamine addiction to your superpower. The key thing is making sure you work for the reward so that when you get the reward, you believe you deserve it. You must additionally make sure the reward makes you happy. For example, if you get a book as a reward but you do not enjoy reading, it does not help. The goal is to get your reward, but also a dopamine hit so you will naturally want to do more for another reward. If you buy yourself things or do what you like doing whenever you like it, you are losing the opportunity to condition yourself to do better. Rewarding is an age-old mechanism of getting things done. You might think rewards sound expensive. The truth is rewarding yourself can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Don’t neglect treating yourself just because you think you can’t afford it. There are plenty of ways to reward yourself that won’t bust your budget. And because you know I have been there, here are a few solid ideas of thrifty ways you can reward yourself; dance it out, take a bath with healing crystals and essential oils, rent a movie on YouTube, forage for free foods and medicine, subscribe for a meal box (first week is always discounted and you can cancel anytime), order a London fog from a fancy coffee shop you had your eye on, take a hike, google FREE NEAR ME, buy that save for later item in your amazon shopping cart, plan a backyard bonfire and invite some friends, DIY something you liked on Pinterest or order that book from your local library. Level 4 - Stay Accountability In my Guide Book I share the Elemental Growth Protocol for holding yourself accountable to building and breaking habits by using nature to nurture the process of change. If, however you have access to a coach, accountability partner or confidant that is also into personal development then your ahead of where I was when I started my journey. It took me years before I could even communicate what I wanted, let alone finding friends to help me stay accountable. Since I tapped into the world of accountability partners, I learned a lot, became more focused and even connected with some of the most miraculous people and resources I could have imagined – two minds truly are better then one. If you have a family history of narcissism or co-dependency, you may subconsciously choose someone that will do you more harm than good, that is okay – it will play as a lesson, one that I hope you handle with grace and learn fast. When I started, I had to ask for help from a professional, coaches have great resources and in contact with experts in many fields that you can be referred to. Maybe your lucky and one of your close friends is clearly the best fit. Choosing an accountability partner is all about a clear common objective. Ideally, you will choose someone who is non-judgmental and with whom you feel comfortable to share authentically. If you hide things from your accountability partner, it defeats the purpose of having one. If your accountability partner is too validating, you might not be pushed hard enough for the change piece to work. If your accountability partner is too demanding, it can backfire and you might not feel understood or even give up altogether. I love the idea of choosing someone who is successful in the area you are working on. Working with someone with your best interests at heart and who will motivate you is important too. A peer could be good if they are as dedicated and motivated as you are. You want someone who is nonjudgmental, who understands relapse is part of the process and allows these times to be learning experiences instead of embarrassments. You want to make sure that you have a thorough, open, and honest discussion at the start, covering time of day, frequency of appointments and method for checking in. Make a plan together and make sure you both sign off on it. Accountability partners are here to help you achieve your goals and keep you on track when life gets tough. That’s why finding an accountability partner can be a challenge. Once you have found a partner, remember that this is a partnership, you are there to help each other be successful and you need to make a PACT as far as the milestones are concerned. The PACT acronym means: P-Possible, A-Action-based, C- Clear and T- Time-bound. I have had many accountability partners in my career so far. I am telling you this because different habits may require different partners. Here are some things to consider when choosing your accountability partner: Is the prospect dependable? Can you depend on them to follow through and respect you? Can you provide direct feedback? Will you have to deal with unnecessary excuses or defensiveness? Does this individual have a bigger vision about his or her life? Do they possess aspirations that you resonate with? Is this individual ready to act? Do they have a sense of commitment and are prepared to go beyond the status quo? Level 5 - Embrace Failure I struggled with co-dependency issues until recent years when I learned to honor failure as part of the process. This mindset shift allowed me to break free from the fears associated like – fear of having someone hold my failures over me, or worse me holding accountable for my own failures which often comes with a painful. I was then able to persevere beyond the failure and into excitement, consistent action and ultimacy success. Gaining control over your habits is easier said than done. Some go their whole lives without considering the fact that they can construct their own positive habits, while others never succeed in breaking their soul sucking habits past down from their elders. We are merely products of our behavior, its in our human nature to seek routines in our daily lives because they’re predictable, and predictable means safe. Its our job to experiment and find the right formula for us – its all very bio-individual which is why there end up being drama and inconsistent research. Consistency however is a piece of the puzzle that we can all have; we just have to find it. Consistency is something you have direct control over and one of the key elements to success is putting in the work over time. Staying consistent leads to more gains overtime and limits the chance of you losing what you have built so you can reach your full potential. Our total time on this planet averages 30,000 days―an alarmingly small number which is why its elemental that you value each day and make every second count. Go after what you want. Take calculated risks, aware that with every risk could come failure, but without great risk there is no reward. The hardest part of failure can be admitting to yourself that you have failed. Acceptance makes it easier to move forward; it brings completion to the life cycle so that you can be free to discover what would be next. This is why you have to refuse to play a victim and become a strategist. When you try something and it doesn't work, it can be easy to adopt a woe-is-me attitude, but its actually an opportunity to correct your strategy, examine where you went wrong and get systems in place to prevent those errors from occurring again. Get your routines in place and make them sexy. Stay focused on what it will feel like when your vision becomes reality and remember “life is school” a quote from my own mentor Dr. Dan Engle. By embracing failure, you are accepting yourself and your situation as a part of life. It is an opportunity for Elemental Growth. Failure and success often go hand-in-hand — success usually comes as a result of past failures. Embracing failure can lead to success down the road. If you are someone who is feels they have learned all of the lessons then let me also remind you that failure teaches us humility. We feel humble after losing and recognize that we are indeed human. We have a better appreciation of success having failed a few times on the way up the ladder. Level Up Even More It's been great to see so many people taking their health and lifestyle back into their own hands. The global lock down and health crisis has opened the door for transformation. This is the time for you to make a difference and its going to take every single one of us to change the way things are today. The world needs you to get your s*** together. IF YOU ARE READY, I AM HERE TO GUIDE YOU! Personal development is a lot like climbing a mountain. ⁠ It's SIMPLE, but not EASY. ⁠ You just need a roadmap, a determined mountain climber (that's YOU), and a Sherpa, that's me, your mentor. If you're willing to do the work, then I’m going to teach you the proven processes and principles you must implement in your life to get to achieve your health & happiness goals (and beyond) FAST. In fact, I personally used these exact strategies to quit my shitty habits 7 years ago, get published and launch my high impact coaching business. I promise, if you take the lessons and put in the work, you can and will create a life filled with love, success and freedom faster than you actually believed possible.⁠ If you’re ready to take the first step, message ASHLEY@ELEMENTALGROWTH.ORG so I can get you those next steps! This will be the least complicated thing about 2020. You’re going to love it!
By websitebuilder 20 Aug, 2021
If you found me and you're reading this, I'm guessing we have a lot in common. Who knew 25 years ago that coaches, not doctors, would be the ones giving patients a prescription to sustain healthy habits, as well as the ones holding you accountable to healing your body and mind naturally? After my psychedelic-awakening in 2014 I was driven to dive deeper down the rabbit hole into the world of nutrition, and in 2017 enrolled into the world's largest Nutrition School. Today I hold two masters and 3 additional certifications in nutrition, hormone health and coaching. I also spent over a decade in the hospitality, tourism industry while on my own time practicing herbology and permaculture. Yes, it was a struggle for me to clean myself up and stop eating sh*** food-like products, but it became my mission to teach others that eating at the Golden arches, paves their way to the pearly gates. The truth is my path has been full of scary obstacles, but I always believed that I am worthy of feeling my healthy best!!! My personal dream is to own a homestead that seconds as an Airbnb where I will model permaculture in the warm months and travel with my family collaborating on retreats the rest of the year. I have this consistent vision of using my Hospitality & Tourism Degree to host retreats on each of the planet's energy centers. Also, of integrating my passion for herbology (including entheogens) and permaculture by conserving land for food forests. In creating this life, I am adding beauty and life-force energy to this world - and I will settle for nothing less!!! Primitive people had energy, way more than today's society and I truly felt as an Aboriginal mother I had to tap into all our ancestors’ teachings. Food is not just calories, it is information. It talks to our DNA and tells it what to do. The most powerful tool to change your health, environment and entire world is found growing naturally outdoors. Wild food and wild environments are the key to us thriving as a species. Our gut bacteria, our cells, our blood, our being is determined by what we let in us. Our food is our body's direct link to the external world. Everyday we enjoy our meals, our snacks and everytime we digest that food becomes our body, becomes us. There are much less people on a natural food diet today then the SAD (standard American diet). There are lots of foods in a natural food store that aren't that natural too. Western medicine today is saying to people "carry on, indulge, consume, and when you get sick come see me and I will give you a magical pill or several. If it's really bad don't worry we have surgeons and other treatments that can take care of that". The reasons for this National health crisis are complex, however, a sedentary lifestyle with large portions and eating habits that exceed caloric needs, combined with the low-cost and convenience of processed foods that are high in sugar and fat are likely at the core of the problem. "PEOPLE ARE FED BY THE FOOD INDUSTRY, WHICH PAYS NO ATTENTION TO HEALTH... AND ARE TREATED BY THE HEALTH INDUSTRY, WHICH PAYS NO ATTENTION TO FOOD." ~ WENDELL BERRY Food-like products are a problem! Cancer, obesity, mental health, addiction... are all rooted in global industrial disease. The facts are that nearly 30% of the world's population are obese, even more are diagnosed with other preventable disease and yet only 3% of our healthcare dollars are spent on preventing diseases. Here are some more fun facts: 1 in 3 American adults have high blood pressure (preventable), 70% of deaths are caused by chronic conditions each year (preventable), and less than 20% of physical doctor visits include any nutrition counseling. Truth is, when you change your food, everything else changes!!! We start out with this perfect body, yet after years of overworking, forgetting to hydrate, not getting enough quality sleep, and eating foods that aren't suitable for human consumption our body can't keep up. Between the monoculture farming, fancy labels, and mixed messages the truth has been lost. The truth is that food gives us life force energy. Food is something we have to love and nurture. When we sprout seeds, nuts and beans we create life and increase nutrients up to 10x. When we plant seeds, each produces 10x more seeds, or more. The way I see it, if I'm going to build my cells and build my body like how I'm rebuilding my inner-self I want that life force energy inside each living cell. Today, our society is overwhelmed with emotional pain, opioids, alcohol and addictive food like substances. Sugar is 8 times more addictive than heroin, more addictive than gaming, social media, and Netflix too. Yet our medical advisors are diagnosing our totally normal reaction to societal pressures and sh*** food as an illness. In this, the dominating forces get you addicted to inferior substances and fear for the rest of your life. The average American takes 11 prescription drugs each year, each with its own set of side effects, while solutions are found in nature. Whole foods heal, they strengthen us from the inside out and will naturally reduce the need for medical intervention down the line. If you add toxic ingredients such as prescription drugs, alcohol, caffeine and processed sugar to a diet you'll have a recipe for an imbalanced body. An unbalanced diet can lead to poor digestion, inflammation, pain, mood swings, brain fog, inability to focus and make decisions, and low energy. Processed foods are designed to make consumers crave them. In fact, the food industry created what has been described as the “Bliss Point” the perfect combination of sugar, salt and fat that makes processed food difficult to resist. Often this combination is created mathematically to appeal to the most people. I also want to bring attention to the FAKE FADS like “low-carb” diets because our body requires fiber found in whole foods. Whole grains have been a central element of the human diet since early civilization - it's estimated in fact that humans were eating grains as far back as 105,000 years ago. If low carb diets make you fat, then Asia would be full of obese people, and if a diet high in protein really makes people fit then we would see the results of that in North America. Today, a person’s daily existence can be troubling to the point of numbness. We are anxious, depressed, lonely and addicted. The pharmaceutical industry is worth a minimum of $400 billion dollars annually because they are keeping people living a lower quality & dependent much longer than ever before in history. Most of the time Pharmaceuticals treat these symptoms, but are for many creating more problems because of the side effects and decreased efficacy after long-term use. These drugs are known to cause well over 125,000 deaths per year in the United States when taken correctly as prescribed. Soil, like our gut, has its own microbiome. This supports the health of the plants growing on Earth. This is a fractal of our consumption of highly processed foods and overuse of chemicals. Antibiotics have destroyed key microbes in the human gut, we have also carelessly damaged the soil microbiome through overuse of chemical herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers and fungicides. Heavy plowing and tillage, as well as the failure to add organic matter back into the soil it’s been harvested from is causing BIG problems both internally (our gut) and externally (our home planet). We have an abundance of free food and medicine growing all around us, yet choose to poison our herbal medicine and pluck it out of lawns. We separate the parts of a whole and patent the parts. We remove nutrients and add in chemically modified substitutes. We farm and drug animals and then consume the distress locked in their flesh. We rely on doctors to heal and governments to dictate what's right and wrong for us, even though we are all so unique. As I said above two-thirds of American adults are obese or overweight, and childhood obesity has grown into a national epidemic. The craziest stat here is that this is the first time in human history our children's life expectancy is less than their parents. It’s insane to me that North America is #28 for their life expectancy rate, yet trillions of dollars are spent treating disease. This is not so surprising when you consider the average drug label lists 70 potential adverse reactions. Overall drugs are 62,000 times more likely to kill you than nutritional supplements and 7,750 times more likely to kill you than herbal remedies. I am not a doctor, but I recommend you go to your pharmacy and get a list of all the symptoms of all your prescriptions. Then call your doctor if you have any of those side effects, because medicine should make you feel better and not worse! The answer is NOT in a pill bottle! The answer is out there growing in the garden! No matter what you are looking for you'll probably find it at the bottom of the smoothie glass - energy, stamina, focus, fat loss, digestion, beautiful skin and hair, longevity... all of these things can be achieved and even improved upon by adding more colourful whole foods and water to your day. The fastest way to get healthier is to find the healthiest person you know and spend as much time as you can with them. I know because it’s how I continue to get healthier, happier & wealthier naturally using this advice! Enrolling in The Institute for Integrative Nutrition was such a powerful experience for me that I feel obligated to let everyone know about it. In this course I learned about over 100 diets and theories that I would have never learned if I was simply researching on my own. I went from knowing a little bit to becoming just as knowledgeable as most experts, all because of the high standards that this program follows. I often get asked if I find that it was worth the price of the tuition and my response is always YES! I really enjoyed going through the program and found it very valuable. Plus, the pay structure is flexible, so anyone can afford to get the world class health coach training and business structure. I found that I was provided with just enough accountability and deadlines to stay on track while still maintaining a sense of independence and freedom to complete things on my own time. Whole foods, wild foods, that's the nutritional support, our gift from mama nature. When you upgrade your software with the right food, the food we consume gives specific instructions for our cells to grow and thrive. Scientific studies have shown that whole foods evoke a greater benefit to our bodies than consuming any one particular nutrient. That's because the whole is always greater than its parts. The more you work with plants the more you will pick up on their vibe – food, calories and medicine are all one. Most people today don’t even understand how bland their diet is, our gut needs diversity from the soil, plants and bugs – you cannot live without plants and a diverse supply of them!!! Eating whole Foods reprograms the cells in our bodies and helps us to become the beautiful people we are meant to be, it's like breastfeeding from Mother Earth. The body is a bio-computer that knows when to go to sleep, when to wake up, and when to go to the bathroom. Our body maintains the temperature of 98.6° f, repairs itself when wounded, and breaks down food into usable energy and nutrients. Our heart never misses a beat and our lungs never miss a breath. Our body is consistently processing information and monitoring our environment(s) to make necessary adjustments so we can keep balanced (homeostasis). Here are a few ways to troubleshoot and optimize your bio-computer naturally: Microbiome & Gut Health: Probiotics are your troops; prebiotics are your troops' food. We have more gut bacteria than we do cells in our body and these bacteria make up 98% of our serotonin (happy chemicals). You will experience health & happiness through a balanced gut microbiome. Kombucha is a fermented tea that aids digestion and is a probiotic, it detoxes the liver, used to prevent and treat cancer and candida yeast, also increases mental clarity, anxiety, and mood stability. There are many fermented foods too like Kimchi, which is a traditional side dish in Korea, made from napa cabbage, radishes, scallions, garlic and ginger. Fermented foods are recommended for weight loss and improve numerous symptoms, including depression, anxiety, brain fog, skin problems, hormonal issues, immune weaknesses, digestive problems, and fatigue. Plant Life: The more you work with plants the more you will pick up on their vibe - food, calories and medicine are all one. Most people today don’t even understand how bland their diet is, our gut needs diversity from the soil, plants and bugs – you cannot live without plants and a diverse supply of them!!! A mineral called iodine in seaweed helps protect your body from radioactive pollution, basically giving you Superhero Powers. When you eat more seaweed, you keep your superpowers strong. You can eat seaweed with rice, eat it in soup, eat it in smoothies, as a salt alternative, or as a salad. You can try Wakame, Arame, Hijki, Marsh Samphire, Bladderwrack, Dulse, Sea Lettuce, and Kelp. Hemp's essential nutrients make it a superfood. This once illegal plant contains 20 amino acids, including 8 essential amino acids our body can’t produce, making it a complete plant protein. Hemp also includes EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids) — more than flax or any other nut or seed oil, it’s Omega-3s and omega-6s, are in an optimal 1:3 ratio. You can read more on what makes hemp a superfood HERE. Spring and summer are wonderful times to harvest flowers. When flowers are in bloom all the plant's life force is shooting up into those flowers, following that, seeds. Echinacea is a flower used to prevent fall colds, Mullein for ear aches, St John's Wort for mood enhancing tea, and Clover to name a few. Clover is a rich source of protein (26%), and contains vitamins A, B, C, E and K and minerals calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, phosphorus and zinc. Red clover contains plant estrogens, similar to human hormone estrogen. This can help with symptoms of PMS, menopause, hot flushes and fibrocystic disease. Whole Foods / Superfoods: Turns out mother nature (Gaia, God…) provided us many hints as to what and how certain foods can be used to nourish and heal our bodies, this is known as the Doctrine of Signatures. The most remarkable part about DOS is that it has been adapted all around the world and pretty consistent from culture to culture. Today, in the midst of fad diets, misleading nutrition information, and questionable food quality, there is no better time than now to reconnect with mama nature and all the whole foods she provides us. Superfoods include, but are not limited to; Cacao (Raw Chocolate), Goji Berries, Maca, Hemp Products, Spirulina, Bee Products, Camu Berry, Sea Vegetables (kelp, dulse, nori, hijiki, bladderwrack, chlorella), Medicinal Mushrooms (Reishi, chaga, cordyceps, maitake, shiitake, lion’s mane, etc.), and Superfoods Supplements like; MSM, Digestive and Metabolic Enzymes, Mangosteen powder, Marine Phytoplankton, Activated Liquid Zeolite, Ormus, MegaHydrate, Crystal Energy, Krill Oil. We often buy young coconut for its abundance of coconut water, the coconut meat, nutrients and price point. Coconut is also nature's juice box. Bananas are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals such as potassium. Potassium is an essential mineral which maintains proper heart function and regulates your blood pressure. The high content of potassium in bananas makes it a super fruit. Mushrooms: Mushrooms mimic human skin in the way that they absorb more vitamin D when exposed to the sun. Portobello and maitake mushrooms are excellent sources of vitamin D. We need to harness mushroom power before everyone becomes chronically ill and disconnected. The Chicken of the Woods mushroom is typically known for its taste as a choice edible mushroom however it does have some medicinal benefits as well. Its taste and texture when it's cooked is just like chicken, and it has a whopping 21 Grams of Complete Protein!!! Lion’s Mane mushroom is backed by science for improving mental health, reducing chronic inflammation, boosting your immune system, increasing energy levels, fighting cancer, and balancing our nervous system. Reishi Mushrooms are awesome too, they have been used since ancient times as a tonic for longevity, and used both internally and topically. Crusade Cravings: The only part of your body that wants sugar is your taste buds and it takes two weeks to change them. If you want to thrive over survive getting off sugar is a good spot to start. When the body is craving sweets, chocolate, or alcohol, it's probably not making a mistake. Is trying to create a balance for something that's out of sync in the system. The best way to navigate your cravings is with mindfulness. Acknowledge cravings as they arrive, explore the origins of cravings with non judgmental curiosity and proceed from a place of empowerment. You can also try eating more root vegetables which are energetically grounding. This helps to balance out the spaciousness people often feel after eating other kinds of sweet foods. Adding in sweet vegetables helps to crowd out less healthy foods in the diet. The Perfect Diet: Our bodies don't know how to break down chemicals very well so eating real food from nature instead of from a box is actually the key to the perfect diet. The elephant doesn't look up the elephant diet. My greatest tip is to turn down the volume on the media and really get in tune with yourself. Any diet that doesn't touch on men or women eating differently or eating different in different seasons is missing a huge component. Our food is our body's direct link to the external world, everyday we enjoy our meals, our snacks and everytime we digest that food becomes our body, becomes us. Life force food, vibrant colorful whole Foods… This is what the body craves. I am so happy and grateful I began counting nutrients, not calories, and took the time to understand the ingredients in the foods I purchase. The vibrant colors of fruits and vegetables aren’t just visually appealing; they are also indicators of abundant protective nutrients. You’ll likely have a healthier diet if you use color as your guide in choosing fruits and vegetables. And while there’s nothing wrong with eating a lot of green vegetables, research has suggested that the wider the variety of natural colors you have on your plate or in your daily diet, the better your nutritional needs will be met. The rainbow diet is a colorful, intelligent and intuitive system for putting together your plate and living in a holistic way that brings you vitality, energy and peace of mind. Here is a quick breakdown so you know what to expect: 🍎 Reds: Provide us with powerful antioxidants 🍌 Oranges/Yellows: Protect the body from oxidative stress 🥦 Greens: Are a great source of vitamins 🍇 Blues/Purples/Blacks: Protect against carcinogens 🥥 Whites: Contain immune-stimulating properties You may also be interested in some of my books which include whole food recipes using all the colours of the rainbow. Be The Change, Is your guide to Elemental Growth through nature, love, food, and movement. This is the ONLY book available that uses nature to nurture the process of change so you can step into your HIGHEST POTENTIAL with ease. My plant-powered menu brings you over 40 NEW recipes nurture your body, mind and spirit as you change with the seasons. These 4 simple menus will turn your home cooking experience into a powerful expression of LOVE so you can build a high energy body and cruise through life with the windows down and a smile on your face. Eating well is a form of self-respect!!! Get Eco-Thrifty: Becoming a conscious shopper is quite an eye-opening journey. For example, I see plastic everywhere, everything seems to come in wrapping or containers that get thrown out. When cutting down plastic use you can label the bottom of mason jars with the exact weight of the jar when stocking up at bulk stores or mesh bags which are so small and light. I love to find ways to use my garbage and even kitchen scraps. One way I do this is by re-growing sweet potatoes, lettuce, green onion, kale and herbs in water and then potting them. To be even more eco-thrifty I freeze other scraps from onions and herbs for soup broth. Also, leftover tea leaves, coffee grounds, and water from steaming vegetables as fertilizer for my plants. You can read my top ten eco-thrifty hacks HERE . You may also be interested in my article around connecting with local farmers and other alternatives to grocery stores HERE. No one is more passionate about what I'm sharing than I am because these are the very concepts that changed my life. Our gut bacteria, our cells, our blood, our being is determined by what we let in us. We do literally become what we consume! When it comes down to it, the only knowledge that really matters is. Vegan may not be for everyone but whole-foods are for everyone. They have the information our cells need built in. Upgrade your software with the right food. Real food gives specific instructions to our cells. Given half a chance the human body will heal itself by itself. The body is programmed to be healthy when provided with the right building blocks, such as organic whole foods. At the end of the day what works is what you do, but Mama Nature does feed us information from the growth stage, through harvest and consumption, to elimination. Mama Nature is conscious and gives us the power to tap into our own consciousness. Do you know how to source / purify water? How to grow your own food? How to cook & preserve food? How to build & maintain a home? How to connect to your infinite energy, or how to love unconditionally? STOP TAKING HEALTH ADVICE FROM THE PEOPLE WHO PROFIT WHEN YOU'RE SICK because the truth is that Doctors need to prescribe gyms, meditation, and nutritional food, and it needs to be covered by insurance. I'm not bashing doctors but you have to take your health into your own hands you know your body better you know what you're feeling keep going So many people want to get happier and healthier naturally but lack direction. I talk to people waking up everyday that want to make a positive impact in this world, yet unclear about what actions to take. You are not born the day you come out of your mother's womb; you are born the day you come out of your ignorance. Your greatest awakening comes, when you are aware of your infinite nature. To know that we live inside, is the beginning of remembering all. The truth is, there are millions of people out there just like me and you that have potential to transform this world for the better, but are struggling to get happier and healthier naturally - and it's going to take every single one of us to change the way things are right now. So, if you’re ready to be the change, book your Clarity Call now!!!
By websitebuilder 20 Aug, 2021
Hey, I am Ashley. The go to integration coach across all our beautiful nations and founder of Elemental Growth. Today I am here to place a strong focus on the integration of indigenous psychedelic medicines for brain health so you can explore the plants and fungus helping us carry out our purpose on earth. My professional expertise resides in nutrition, hormone health, energy work, and 17 years experience working directly with natural foods & medicines such as magic (psilocybin) mushrooms. These ideas I am about to share with you are far out for the average person - this is an article written specifically for the people with an open mind, self-awareness and belief that they can heal themselves body, mind and spirit. In my book Be The Change: Your Guide to Elemental Growth I guide my readers through a year of transformation using the free food and medicine all around us. To keep things relevant today I am going to get a lot deeper and share my personal BIOHACKING SECRETS! Bio-hacking is all about self-improvement and human optimization. As Tony Robbins explains it “Biohacking is essentially the practice of changing our chemistry and our physiology through science and self-experimentation to energize and enhance the body”. I don’t know if Tony has experimented with psychedelics but I know they do help make the process of biohacking more impactful and enjoyable. Looking at history, humanity has used classic psychedelics such as psilocybin mushrooms as sacraments since ancient times. They were making waves throughout psychiatry and neuroscience in the 1950s to 1960s. During this time they also contributed to the emergence of the field of molecular neuroscience. Psychedelic drugs were popularized in the 1960s by researchers such as Timothy Leary, Ram Dass, Terrence McKenna and other enthusiasts. Between the 1960’s and the 1980’s a number of scientific studies were being conducted on psychedelic substances. However, due to radical activism and drug propaganda, psychedelics were made illegal in 1970. This prohibition resulted in an abrupt halt in research and went underground. Today Psychedelic research has once again become a rapidly accelerating field in science, psychology and medicine. Turns out criminalization and “this is your brain on drugs” propaganda wasn't enough to keep our species from exploring our own psyches and potential as humans. Psychedelics again prove effective at treating mental health illness such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and addiction. Their serotonergic neurotransmission opens one up to experience life fully. Neurogenesis molds one's personality which has an important impact on one's value systems, cognitive flexibility, and behaviours. These natural flora and fungi may just be our saving grace when it comes to self-regulation and mental health recovery. Psychedelic reports show us a boost in psychosocial wellbeing, cognitive enhancement, creative enhancement, reduced depression and anxiety, enhanced self-insight, mindfulness, improved mood and attitude toward life, improved habits and health behaviors, also improved social interactions and interpersonal connections. Still, treatment for depression, the most common mental illness, is dominated by pharmaceutical drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like Prozac and other SSRIs. These drugs boost levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in synapses by blocking its reabsorption by neurons. Despite the fact that SSRIs come with crazy side effects, depression is NOT a serotonin imbalance, and out of the 13% of US citizens taking SSRIs only 1 in every 5 people get the help they require from them. According to the US addiction center Antidepressant Addiction is a primary, chronic, neurobiological disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental influence. They also have crazy withdrawal symptoms such as depression, suicidal thoughts, serotonin syndrome (strom), vomiting, diarrhea, and brain zaps. Psychedelics on the other hand, work like Nootropics (noh-ə-TROP-iks). They are smart drugs and cognitive enhancers. They actually improve cognitive function, particularly executive functions, memory, creativity, or motivation, in healthy individuals. These naturally sourced substances seem to unlock the brain’s ability to remodel itself through Neuroplasticity, meaning they rewire the brain. Working with a coach or other health professional may further support new growth and connections. In Silicon Valley and perhaps elsewhere too, there is increasing experimentation with nootropic and psychedelic substances for cognitive enhancement, creativity and general well being. Some people swear by modafinil (Provigil) to keep them alert, while others are trying psilocybin mushrooms as a way to stay more engaged and creative during the day. Nootropics and psychedelics have profound effects on our cognition, sense of well being and creativity though little is known about their effects on the brain due to prohibition. What we do know is, Psychedelics decrease blood flow to the “default mode network” (DMN), an area of the brain that is activated when the mind is wandering and has no commitment. In Napoleon Hill’s book “Outwitting The Devil'' he referred to this as the “Drifter”. When taken with intention psychedelics allow you the ability to think beyond your limited set of beliefs programmed within the DMN, and find NEW solutions. As psychedelics decrease DMN activation, users expand their ability to connect seemingly unconnected pieces of information and create revolutionary new solutions. These changes enhance lateral thinking and creativity, both of which are critical for problem-solving and analytical thinking. The truth is Mental Health disorders are powerful superpowers and psychedelics give us the wisdom to “use the force for knowledge and defense”. Psychedelics have regained interest because users report beneficial effects on cognitive processes and well-being. While science mainly focuses on the central nervous system including the immune system and the neuroendocrine system, the microbiome is actually where about 95 percent of the serotonin in your body is produced. WIth mood, anxiety, and substance-use disorders being among the most prevalent psychiatric disorders in the population today I want to take some time to explain the Gut & Brain Connection. Although several pharmacological treatments are available, they are not effective for a significant proportion of patients and are associated with several adverse reactions. Therefore, new treatments must be explored. By now, it’s no secret the brain and gut are in constant communication. So far, we know serotonin is central to gut-brain signaling. In fact, 90 percent of serotonin is synthesized in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Psychedelics, including psilocybin, LSD (a.k.a. ‘acid’), and DMT are serotonergic drugs that bind to the 5-HT2A receptor. Turns out the army of microorganisms within our gut have evolved with us since the beginning of time and as such formed a symbiotic relationship with the foods we consume. The microorganisms within us outnumber our cell count within the human body by 10-times, and microorganisms collectively have 100 times the amount of genes a human has, how cool is that. Within the gut, serotonin harmonizes gut muscle movement during digestion, secretion, and processes of digestion and absorption. Serotonin also plays a role in intestinal inflammation, symptoms of IBS, and communication to the central nervous system. When there is a mental block it shows up in your gut, just as if there is a digestion issue it may fog your brain, this said there is still a lack of research on the connection between psychedelics and gut-health. In the brain, serotonin regulates mood, cognition, behavior, sleep, appetite, and temperature. The brain also has a direct effect on the stomach and intestines. In fact, a troubled gut can be the cause or the product of anxiety, stress, or depression. Proving even more that the brain and the gastrointestinal (GI) system are intimately connected. There is also a lesser known part of our body’s nervous system located in our gut. It’s called the enteric nervous system. The enteric nervous system’s network of nerves, neurons and neurotransmitters extends from the esophagus to the anus. The enteric nervous system relies on the “second brain” in our gut to be in communication with the brain in our head. This is not just an idea but fact, my favorite example starts inside our gut. We eat food from the soil (a world of bacteria that is infinite on its own), then the harvest, which contains prebiotics feeds the bacteria in our gut (probiotics), from there we are then fed – a walking body of bacteria in a world, inside an infinite universe. Probiotics are the healthy bacteria that live in your gut. Science shows that a healthy gut is essential for overall health, including brain and mood health. Gut bacteria have been discovered to possess the ability to manipulate neurotransmitter activity and are capable of producing serotonin, dopamine, acetylcholine, GABA, and more. While psychedelic experiences vary significantly depending on who you are, where in life, and which medicine you decide to work with, people interviewed for journalistic articles commonly confirm heightened clarity and confidence about their personal values and priorities, and a renewed or enhanced recognition of intrinsic meaning and value of life. People who take psychedelics with an intention of spiritual introspection often report that the drugs opened windows into deeper realms of existential experience. Psychedelics are relatively safe, with a low toxicity and risk profile; however, certain adverse experiences such as transient psychological distress and post-treatment headaches are common, and in some cases can be severe and persisting. Risks are mitigated through appropriate preparation, setting and integration support. A psychedelic experience is a lot like giving birth – you have the preparation (9 months of pregnancy), birthing experience (average 5 hours) and the integration (from breastfeeding to grand-babies, 18+ years) yet for each person, their journey is completely unique. The average mushroom “trip” is 6 hours - 40 minutes to kick in and around 5 hours to experience your individual psychedelic therapy (awakening). Every dose, every substance, every experience is different because everyday you are becoming a new version of yourself. This said many people still report the same conclusions. So far as science can tell, psychedelics aren’t considered addictive and they don’t appear to cause organ damage or neurotoxicity. They can however cause adverse experiences, such as increased heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate, headaches, and transient psychological distress, dizziness, blurred vision, weakness and tremors, in the hours they are active so the state of your mind and environment are important. For some people, negative effects persist for days or weeks. In order to prepare for a safe psychedelic experience you must consider appropriate dosage, setting, integration and support. I must also add that taking multiple doses or combining with other substances is NOT recommended. Integration is most important because without proper support you may want to pack away your psychedelic experience in the basement of your subconscious where it can come back up unexpectedly. SEVEN FACTORS THAT AFFECT A PSYCHEDELIC EXPERIENCE ✔ Preparation: Before your experience, make yourself aware of the benefits, risks and contraindications. Activities such as self-exploration, coaching, meditation, journaling, intention-setting and hylotropic breathwork can help you prepare. ✔ Type of Psychedelic: Take time to research different types of psychedelics and their effects. ✔ Dose: Understand the dose and response time of the chosen psychedelic. A psychedelic trip can last 4-8 hours, depending on the dose and your sensitivity. ✔ How to Consume: Plan how you will consume the psychoactive substance. ✔ Mindset: Your mindset, mental state, and intention affect your trip. Grounding your thoughts and mood can improve your experience of an altered state of consciousness. ✔ Setting: Choose the physical and social environment for your psychedelic experience. ✔ Integration: Integration and self-care is the key to processing psychedelic trips. It can help to talk through your experience with a guide, as well as free-writing, breathwork, solo walks in nature and mindfulness meditation. Most psychedelics mimic the effects of serotonin (the mood regulator) and 5-HT2A receptors in the prefrontal cortex. This enables the transmission of signals between nerve cells and plays a role in learning and memory. Microdoses cause cortical functions to be more fluid, leading researchers to believe that psychedelics may help certain brain areas work in increasingly flexible and expansive ways. Social media has played a vital role in the growing visibility of microdosing providing strategies for optimal results, minimized risks, and shared emotional support. Microdosing is the practice of using very small doses (usually between 10 and 20 micrograms (μg) of LSD or 100 milligrams (mg) of psilocybin) of serotonergic psychedelics with the intention to improve creativity, boost physical energy level, promote emotional balance, increase performance on problems-solving tasks and to treat anxiety, depression and addiction. A microdose does not cause perceptual sensory changes such as visual hallucinations and is not strong enough to debilitate the consumer. In research, microdoses were reported to significantly heighten alertness, creativity, and problem-solving—inducing a “flow state” that aids in lateral thinking. Before undergoing any psychedelic experience I encourage you to get your physical health in optimal condition. Include more fermented foods in your diet to support your gut health. Probiotics are the beneficial microorganisms which populate our digestive tract, and they help to digest the food we eat, facilitate absorption of nutrients and regulate our mood. Folate and other B-Vitamins are also crucial because they help in the production of dopamine. You can get your folate from a daily intake of lentils and leafy greens. Lastly I want to mention magnesium, a key nutrient for nerve and muscle function and regulating the heartbeat. Magnesium deficiency could exacerbate depression and anxiety so ensure you enjoy dark chocolate and Epsom salt baths more often. These elemental nutrition tips, along with proper hydration, sleep, and exercise will set your body up to produce all the biochemicals necessary for a psychedelic BIOHACKING experience. As I suggested, some of these ideas are “far out” even with science there to back it up. Still, as people come out of the psychedelic closet and work more freely with these naturally occurring psychedelics there becomes a remembering of how yesterdays prohibition becomes tomorrow's stocks, how the precaution of psychedelics includes the oppression of our own human ability to self regulate for human optimization, and how a temporary disruption of neural hierarchies allow us to surrender control, increasing information transfer throughout our multidimensional being. Freeing nature from the grips of control, frees our minds. When you liberate yourself, the world around you will follow - it has a ripple effect! I received my training from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition where I learned from world class experts. You may also find value in teaching from the Mckenna Academy, Dr. Dan Engle, and the Sociedelic community where I contribute each month to the psychedelic revolution happening now. For a daily dose of positivity connect with me directly on Instagram @ElementalGrowth Thank you for this opportunity, I am sending you all much love on your biohacking journey ☺
By websitebuilder 20 Aug, 2021
I can’t believe that in 2-years writing at Sociedelic I haven’t wrote about Energy Work yet, but I guess I wasn’t ready… or maybe selfishly holding back out of fear because some of what you will find in today’s article may come across “hippie dippy”. The truth is while what I am going to share is a bit occultist and “woohoo”, it’s also REAL – this stuff really works. Like Terence McKenna said, you don’t have to pussy foot around the real thing… So, just take what resonates, experiment, and release anything not working for you so you can optimize on what does work for you specifically. It’s become mainstream knowledge that everything is energy, what’s more is that the human body consists of five layers of energy. The first layer is the physical body, but there are four other energy fields surrounding that referred to collectively as a person's aura. Together, these five energy bodies, comprise the human energy field. These layers are where our mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional data is stored. Energy medicine practitioners believe that it's not enough to treat the physical body when people are ill. They can also sense an illness come on before it manifests in the body providing you time and tools to prevent the onset. It takes someone with clairvoyant ability to see the layers of your energy bodies but psychedelics like MDMA & Psilocybin can help as they open up your third-eye to visualization. The first time I saw someone aura I was working with MDMA. Energy workers train in not only sensing the energy but helping their clients move negative energy out. People with these special abilities, help their clients tap into their natural healing abilities. The Five energy bodies include: Physical, Etheric, Emotional, Mental, and Spiritual. According to ancient Eastern wisdom, these are layers of our being, sometimes known as Koshas. All yoga traditions talk about energy pathways, some call them chakras, others meridians, nadis, or channels. These pathways are an intricate system within each of us where our energy, life force, prana or chi moves. It is said that 72,000 Nadis and 114 Chakras are moving energy through our system. Energy, like water, should be moving to keep it fresh. When water is stagnant to long it grows bacteria, stiffens things up, and in the body can cause many more ills too. There are seven major chakras, each in a specific location along your spine. I have linked the first four “elemental” chakras because I have written on them before but simply put the seven major chakras are; Root Chakra (Muladhara), Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana), Solar plexus Chakra (Manipura), Heart Chakra (Anahata) , Throat Chakra (Vishuddha), Third eye Chakra (Ajna), and Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) linked to transcendence. If a chakra is low in energy, you’ll have difficulty expressing the particular qualities associated with that chakra. If a chakra is overactive, the qualities are a dominant force in the person’s life. This can affect all of your energy bodies. In general, the location of the chakra that’s out of balance may affect all parts of your being. This may include your organs, bones, joints, and tissues near that area. Or increase your risk for emotional imbalance such as increased anger, sadness, fear, or indecisiveness. You can cultivate / loose your life force energy by the way you choose to live your life. Your posture, plate, habits, mindset, activities, tribe, and attitude will allow you the opportunity to live your Highest Potential as human or lead to an imbalance. Prolonged imbalance may lead to physical disease and mental health challenges like addiction, depression or anxiety. Yoga postures are great for releasing stagnant energy, breathing encourages the flow of energy, and meditation brings clarity of mind. Intention, spelling, witchcraft, and psychedelics all enhance your natural psychic abilities. If you’re not sure where to start or just want to know more about how you can positively charge your energy, consider working with a professional in your area or online. Energy work has only recently become mainstream, with the growth in popularity of yoga and New Age philosophies in general. Chakras in particular are a complex and ancient energy system that originated in India. They were first mentioned in the Vedas, ancient sacred texts of spiritual knowledge dating from 1500 to 1000 BC. This is a deep rabbit hole to go down but worth it if you ask me. Chakras play a key role in Tibetan Buddhism, and pivotal in Tantric teachings. Without Tantra there would be no Chakras, but more importantly, without Chakras, there is no Tibetan Buddhism. Chakras store the energy of thoughts, feelings, memories, experiences, and actions. They influence and direct our present and future mindset, behavior, emotional health, and actions. These swirling wheels of energy correspond to massive nerve centers in the body. Each of the seven main chakras contains bundles of nerves and major organs as well as our psychological, emotional, and spiritual states of being. Since everything is moving, it’s essential that our seven main chakras stay open, aligned, and fluid. If there is a blockage, energy flows are restricted. Since mind, body, soul, and spirit are intimately connected, awareness of an imbalance in one area through chakra meditation will help bring the others back into balance. Each chakra holds the beliefs, emotions, and memories related to specific areas of our life. The lower chakras are related to Earthly matters such as survival, sex, and power. The top three chakras are related to higher consciousness, truth, intuition, purpose, wisdom, and your connection to the divine. Connecting them is the heart chakra, which bridges the two worlds with empathy, love, forgiveness and compassion. The chakra system offers a map that helps us see the correlation between anatomy, mindset, emotions, and energy. It integrates the mind and body connection, in an accessible and practical way. Energy work reminds us of what our holistic beings need in order to be healthy and happy. The chakra anatomy reminds us of our infinite potential and guides to get happier & healthier naturally. Our ability to heal is as natural as our ability to breathe, and through energy work you bring healing and balance back into your awareness. Here Are 11 Ways You Can Tap into Your Natural Healing Abilities: 1. Crystals / Gem Stones: these minerals, carry different energetic properties, or vibrations from the earth. Depending on what your body might need, different crystals can work in tune with the vibrations in your body. Try a crystal grid, or charging your crystals with sun / moon light. 2. Smudge: burning herbs helps rid negative energy and gives you a fresh start. Some like sage & cedar cleanse the aura. Shamans use palo santo, which means "stick of the saints." Make sure that when you smudge there is a window open so the negativity you are cleansing has an exit 3. Acupuncture / Cupping / Tapping (EFT): this is when pressure is strategically placed where there are pockets of energy to help balance the energy systems of the body. Sometimes crystals are used to help stimulate the flow of energy. Touching various acupressure points on the body in a specific pattern in order to ease stress, anxiety, depression and possibly even chronic pain. 4. Qigong / Yoga / Tai Chi: ancient energy work integrates movement, mantra, and breathwork to move life force and balance the mind and body. My personal favorite is kundalini yoga, which has changed my life. 5. Self-Care: take the time to tap into your body’s own frequencies to promote well-being. What’s makes you feel good? Microdosing, journaling, heling others, affirmations, baths with Epson salts, essential oils, DIY spa days, dancing like no one is watching… Do more of that! 6. Pranayama / Breathwork: like an active meditation, you change your breathing pattern to boost mental, physical and spiritual health. Dr. Andrew Weil teaches the 4:7:8 breath to neutralize the nervous system, and the ice man Wim Hoff is shares lots of awesome breathwork exercises too. 7. Herbal Infusions / Essential Oils: anything made from mama nature will harness her good vibes & intelligence to promote well-being. Try growing your own medicine, making your own alternatives, and infuse your creations with sun / moon energy. 8. Reiki: treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind, and spirit. Reiki promotes healing, increases relaxation, and reduces stress. Reiki has no dogma, and there’s nothing you must believe to learn and use Reiki. Reiki is guided by consciousness. As such, it can never do harm. The recipient of Reiki must simply be willing to receive it. Reiki is recognized and used by professionals in hospitals today. 9. Touch / Hugs / Massage: we are all touch deprived, even if you are in a loving relationship, you may not be touched in all the ways you need. Touch is a fundamental human need and when we are unable to touch each other in person its important to consider other ways we can touch the heart. 10. Proper Nutrition / Ayurveda Teachings: infuse your food and water with intention. Each coloured food can be matched to each chakra and provide every cell in your body unique and essential nutrients. 11. Psychedelics: psychoactive substances can induce flow states cause brain waves to shift toward alpha oscillations. Additionally, sustaining higher levels of serotonin. Psychedelics create an opportunity for our brains to make unique connections between areas that don’t usually communicate allowing you the opportunity to heal all parts of your being. At some point in our lives, most of us have likely experienced some kind of energy work or awakening of where your mental state is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, presence, involvement, and enjoyment in the process of an activity. This can be the surfer effortlessly riding a big wave, the coach gracefully guiding their group, or the yogi who whole-heartedly moves through their practice. Simply put, quality energy flow is one of the great experiences of being human. Blockages are an indicator of illness. Problems always show up in the energetic field first. Let’s say you are feeling lazy and crazy but have tons you plan to do today; energy work allows us to step back and access our chakras so that we can adjust and learn from the experience so that we can live a happy and healthy life. If your passionate about; self-healing with natural alternatives like energy work & psychedelics, then let’s connect. You can message me Ashley@elementalgrowth.org and begin your Elemental Growth journey today!
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In the midst of motherhood, I harbored a hidden connection to psychedelics, fearing societal judgment and isolation. However, the supportive community of Sociedelic provided me with the courage to break free from this fear, embracing my authentic self and sharing my transformative journey.


Through their platform, I found a safe space to contribute my insights and stories, joining a movement that dispels myths and fosters understanding around psychedelics. Sociedelic empowered me to come out of the psychedelics closet as a new mom, redefining the narrative and building a supportive community that welcomes individuals to explore their consciousness authentically and fearlessly.


If you're ready to embark on your own journey or simply curious, you can explore my first library of psychedelic stories and integration guides for psychonauts here...

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