~Nirvana~

What does this mean to you?

For some people, it is the ultimate path to enlightenment. A feeling so blissful that the soul feels released from all bonds that hold us captive. An experience so euphoric, that we no longer feel the need to seek the opinions, NOR the approval of others. We are simply at one with God, with all living things and do not need to be redeemed with some purification rite or ritual. We have subconsciously accepted grace and unified it with every level of our conscious being.

For lovers, this feeling encompasses a profound state of the orgasmic rapture discovered in the sacred practice of tantra~ with their Beloved One. An expression so immense, that the two lovers merge, becoming "sanctified" in their loving embrace. An experience so completely "Holy", the soul feels as if it transcends into their beloved and is removed completely from all space and time.

And for others, this profound emotion is revealed when inspirational cuisine, so magnificent, so completely and utterly exquisite in taste, texture, and aroma ~ manifests itself in blissful splender!

From the precise moment of its inception,

the chocolate truffle, in all its glory, reveals itself

and our taste buds explode in marvelous rapture

This experience is most apparent, when sharing it with a cherished friend

;-)

Still, when we, or rather IF we have ever experienced Nirvana, the sensation grasps every cell in our bodies and unites them in the most delicious, passionate oblivion of conscious awareness. Pure and simple. Either way, it's as if our soul is achieving a freedom so immense, so Supremely Divine, that we reach a whole, new level in our perspective. A change takes place. A wholesome, new being emerges from the depths of our soul. We become THAT what IT is, we have been seeking all along this miraculous journey, we call life.

Let's explore this more in depth. What if we took this feeling or rather "state" of Nirvana, and shifted this supreme level of conscious thinking and blended it into the very food that we eat? Eating with full intention and desire, savoring every bite as if it were the most exhilarating experience? What if we truly and wholeheartedly sat down, and really gave thanks to God, using our own thoughts of appreciation and words of gratitude ~ and not some pre-fabricated form of lip service ~ for the nourishment that we are receiving? What IF we brought the miracle of the very seed of our foods origin into the depths of our soul and allowed, for one brief moment in time, the taste buds of our senses to delight in the rapture of and exquisite meal? I do believe, we then will experience "Nirvana" in our cuisine. Eating will become mundane. And, over indulging will be replaced with Divine satiation.

Would you like to experience this feeling???

I have.

And, I would love to share this experience with you. But, I will also make you aware that once you have experienced this beautiful way of eating, you will somehow feel so fulfilled, so deeply satisfied that "consuming" will no longer appeal to you. So....................please, take a deep breath and move forward with the divine grace that inherently lives deep within your soul. The experience of the "Cuisine of Nirvana" awaits you, with full anticipation.

It began as a simple meal. The basic staples hand crafted with devotion and love and served with the upmost of respect and of gratitude. Ah yes...the simple meal. A while back, a dear friend of mine wanted me to read a book that turned out to be a life transforming experience of self realization for me. Aside from the Holy Bible, this one book passionately grasped my body, penetrated my mind and made my soul soar with rapturous delight and well being. A book??? YES, and not just any book...

"The Passion of Mary Magdalene" by Elizabeth Cunningham is a brilliant, literary composition of the phenomenal work of our beloved Saint Mary Magdalene and of her immense love for her Beloved~ Jesus Christ. I recall reading in this novel (and remember, a novel~ as whimsical and fun as they are to read and write, bear truth and authenticity in the body of its words) as my memory plays back in my consciousness, Mary Magdalene serving Jesus Christ an exquisite palate of flavors ...exploding with the full embodiment of Divine pleasure ~ not only a meal, not only the consumption of food ~ but of an experience in time and in space.

NATURALLY~ I just HAD to try this! I had to feel this experience. To feel the union of two Divine Lovers, uniting in cuisine. Breaking bread together in a complete, euphoric moment of time and in space. I can only imagine ..................Mary, feeding Jesus...... And, feeling the bliss that she must have felt, as she saw wholesome nourishment fortify the body of her exhausted, Beloved friend. How she must have felt to have him resting his head in her lap~once again~ and to stroke his brow with a cool, damp cloth, to quench his delirious thirst with an exquisite red wine and to delicately lick the sweet nectar from his parched and ravenous lips. To heal him with nourishment of body, of mind and of soul. I can only imagine, and somehow, after reading this book, somehow....I "remembered" it!

Even as I prepared for this meal, I felt goosebumps (I call them "Holy Spirit Chills~and have forever) throughout my body. As I got into the car and drove to the market to purchase the ingredients, I felt that even the marketplace that I bought the food, had to be pure. Luckily, we have several fabulous all-natural markets here in Los Angeles. So, I set out on my journey to purchase the ingredients that make up ...."The Cuisine of Nirvana"!!!

"Fillith thy basket with nourishment for when I return."

Figs, Olives, Cheeses, Bread ~AND~ Wine

A note on the wine. If we think back on how wine was prepared during the time when Jesus and Mary Magdalene (as we know them, then) were living, breathing, amazing healers, walking on this earth. Wine was and still is, considered to be Holy. Representing the blood of Christ, it was and still continues to be poured with great reverence and care and symbolizes the loving memory of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Production of a wine of this magnitude was taken very seriously, almost religiously, attending to the finest, molecular detail. The earths surface was not only tilled and watered, but blessed. The seeds were held as blessings were made upon them. The grapes were carefully harvested, hand picked, hand crafted and bottled in hand made, clay pots that were also, blessed.

As important in producing such a magnificent wine, so too was the storage. Cistern caverns, deep within the earth's surface, were dug using hand made tools. A special ceremony was either sung or a prayer of gratitude was said. The vintners then, one by one, carried the clay pots of wine into the cool sacred space of our beloved Mother Earth.

Wine was not mass produced. There were no solar panels. There was not a helicopter flying overhead, spraying vineyards with pesticide. Sulfites??? What in the heck were these?

It was wine. Pure and simple. Delicious and full bodied, and resembled (in Christ's opinion) the breathtaking figure of his beloved Mary Magdalene .

I have discovered such a wine. Indeed, the production of such a brilliant composition of seduction, must somehow be a miraculous expression of the two lovers taking a sip and being swept away in the rapturous breath of Nirvana.

Bill Moses, the owner and Vintner of Casa Barranca in Ojai Valley, holds this sacred "Craftsmen" heritage, in that every precious bottle is handmade in a century-old subterranean stone cistern. With solar panel as their ONLY source of power, their impact upon Mother Earth, is in complete synchronicity with their water, which flows effortlessly from their Artesian spring. The organic grapes are crafted from the French Camp vineyard in eastern Paso Robles and are united in a soulful wedded bliss with mulberries, cassis, mint and pinecone.

It is also manifested in the exact same way as it was back when Mary and Jesus broke bread together...unfined and unfiltered.

As a former Eucharistic Minister of the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, in Beverly Hills, this wine somehow tastes and feels almost "Holy", to me.

Naturally, I would recommend this wine be served with my interpretation of "The Cuisine of Nirvana".

In thinking back, in the actual re-capitulation of the journey that led up to this meal, I felt an immense sensation of gratitude and of humility and of deep appreciation in the acknowledgement of self realization. I began to really, truly and wholeheartedly feel the most profoundly abundant sensations of love and of acceptance and of non-judgement and of grace~than I have ever known in my life (or at least this lifetime). Some of my metaphysical friends would definitely call this an "out-of-body" phenominal experience, others would say it was an awareness of "NOW", and still others would tell me that it is simply my solid foundation with Christ that keeps me "grounded", BUT for me....as the "experiencer", it was as if I "re-lived" it!

It brought a whole new level of conscious awareness to me and how I view "Giving Thanks".

At this time of the year, when family and friends gather together to celebrate life and to pause and acknowledge what it is we are truly thankful for, I bring my experience of what I have just witnessed, on the level of the soul, to the table. I am quite literally bringing you, in what I have experienced, a glimpse.... of perhaps what a private and sacred meal would feel like, would look like and would taste like ~ shared by our beloved Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene.

And, just as Elizabeth Cunningham described in her very poingnant novel,

I give thanks and pay tribute and homage to our beloved, cherished heroines and hero's of yesteryear. For without them, and of their archetypal presence in our lives, we simply would "exist" and not fully live the life that we were intended to "live".

So, this Thanksgiving, this Christmas and this glorious holiday season, I am offering praise, and not merely thanks. But, praise....for the miraculous work of Jesus and of Mary Magdalene. I offer praise to their lifegiving, tireless support to humanity and to the causes that protected the animals that they loved. I praise them for standing up for what they believe in to bring peace, and for surrendering to the cause of the greatest question that we are faced with today...

"Do you want to be RIGHT??? Or, do you want to have PEACE???

I choose the later.

Let us try something new for a change! Knowing that we must BE the change that we want to see in the world, let's bring this perspective into Thanksgiving, into Christmas, and into this holiday season~ filled with spiritual celebrations, and write our own little prayer in how we are grateful for everyone and everything in our life, and how we will make a contribution to the efforts of world peace and an end to suffering ~ of all kind.

An end to suffering. "Suffering"....Let's REALLY think about it. Webster's describes it, "To feel or endure pain. To bear loss, damage and injury". And, let's check out another verb...cruelty. CRUELTY. Webster's describes this as (ready for this, SIT DOWN!) "Causing pain and suffering to others. Barbarity, brutality, inhumanity, sadism, savagery, viciousness".

We have laws which were made, to protect human beings from the horrific atrocities of indignant actions. But, and do pardon my expression, what the hell happened to the rights of animals? And, I really don't think that God told Noah to rescue every living, crawling thing so that human beings could slaughter (an interesting word for brutally killing an animal that we have placed in appalling housing conditions that truly create immense suffering) and eat them.

I did not grow up a vegetarian, and quite honestly, do not judge those that are not. I believe in total ahimsa (which means non-violence) and feel that it is with educated awareness, that we become more evolved, in consciousness. Please click on the following link for a mild glimpse into how most of the world, attains its food source.

I know...Believe me, I know. As difficult as it is to watch this, it is even more difficult to write about it. But, if we turn our backs, overt our eyes and ignore it- IT WON'T GO AWAY!
We must do something about this! Please, continue. I'm with you, not to worry. I'm holding you in the grace of my heart. I urge you...please..... continue...

When we consciously choose the nutrients to nourish our bodies, we bring into our meals an awareness of "INTER-CONNECTEDNESS", knowing that we are all connected and have a Divine Purpose, an assignment to fulfill our destiny and a blueprint for which our soul may thrive in. It is with this higher level of consciousness, that we are able to make the most wholesome and nourishing choices that are in direct alignment with Universal Peace. The peace, you see, is that you have adamantly put your foot down to how society has passively accepted inhumane actions toward anything that is out of sync with this Divine Order. There is no where in the Bible, if you truly follow the ten commandments, that says in Divine Order we must employ animals, house them in abominal conditions, deny them of their natural birthright in living an enjoyable life (and I'm referring to the basic necessities of clean air, water and grain for food~not to mention being able to select a mate and producing a precious and sacred new life) of freedom. As a matter of fact,
there are many references in the Bible that specifically state that we, as ONE humanity, must take care of and nurture ALL of God's creatures. NOT EAT THEM. The present law in the United States offers absolutely no support for animals raised in farms and that humans may decide for themselves, how they should treat them. The following link will provide us with only a minor glimpse into how 90% of American citizens celebrate the Thanksgiving meal. Perhaps, this Thanksgiving~ instead of "following" what commercialism has instilled into our consciousness, let's offer a prayer and have a different menu this year. We need not explain to friends or family, what it is we are serving, nor do we even need to explain our actions towards a greater whole. We may simply live in peace, knowing that one less animal has suffered. One less life is being subject to satisfy the revolting hunger of an over indulgent society. And most importantly, one MORE life will be grateful to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Gov. Palin declares herself "friend of all creatures" and "pardons" a turkey?

"THE GREATNESS OF A NATION AND ITS MORAL PROGRESS, CAN BE JUDGED BY THE WAY ITS ANIMALS ARE TREATED" - Mahatma Gandhi

I find, in writing this newsletter, a wide range of feelings occupy my consciousness. From peace and tranquility to disgust and anger. From acknowledgement and acceptance to determination and resolution. It's all there on the table and up to me to fully process these emotions, with grace.

I have discovered that situations, both pleasant and totally undesirable, that fall upon our path in life, serve a purpose. And, when a "circumstance" is brought to our awareness, particularly those situations where the voices of the innocent cannot be heard (children and animals) by completely "unconscious" adults, we MUST do something about it.

Over the past 6 months, my daughter and I have been working on a very important campaign. Spreading the word, and getting the message out....getting people "on board" and working as one humanity, our voice has helped. Please, if you would like to become a part of this remarkable difference, YOU WILL BECOME THE CHANGE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE IN THE WORLD!!! I look forward to holding your hand, and looking you in the eye as we witness the miracle about to unfold! Take a look!!! And, thank you Madeleine. You are an awesome expression of the global intentions of Mahatma Gandhi. Peace, non-violence, and love for all.

Time to pause for a moment, and to grasp the magnitude of what has unfolded on your journey in life. Take all the time you need. You may wish to meditate, pray, go for a walk, take a bath or visit an animal shelter. You may wish to sponsor a rescued factory farm animal (www.farmsancturay.org). Whatever path you choose, simply "BE" with it. Acknowledge all of your emotions. Embrace all of your feelings. Fully digest this information and allow God to direct your next steps.

Food, and its origins, are the very "nucleus" of our bodies. What we consume, becomes part of our cells. Since our bodies are entirely orchestrated of cellular brilliance, it seems not only wise, but crucial to our overall physical, emotional and spiritual well being.

As I mentioned earlier, having awareness with our nutrition is optimal. We are so blessed to have wholesome grains, vegetables, fruits, seeds and nuts to sustain a well balanced lifestyle. There are beautiful vegetarian cookbooks on the market today and I myself have created fabulous meals that resulted in amazing memories with family and friends.

One particular friend of mine, has written some pretty wonderful cookbooks. She is a poetic, literary genius and a brilliant example of selfless love and devotion to humanity, to the precious animals that walk this journey of life with us and she is the "GREENEST" person, I know!!! In addition to her humanitarian efforts, she is also a fabulous yoga instructor! She has several animals herself and I am the proud Godmother to her really "cool" dog~ who was the honored guest at one of my yoga sessions in Malibu, a while back!

We met, several years ago, while attending yoga teacher training together. The bond, instantaneous. Have you ever felt that you have known someone your entire life? Well, that is exactly how I felt, when I not only met her, but all of the yogi's that were training with me. Amazing experience. I felt as if I have lived in that time and space before with those exact people. Amazing experience. And, when we graduated, I gave her my yoga mat. With grace in her heart, she truly appreciated it.

I am talking about none other than Lynn Alley, who has just written another best selling cookbook on vegetarian cooking! And, Lynn has been gracious enough to share a favorite memory with us, as well as a cherished family recipe!!! Bon Appetit!!!

Thank you dear sister, Lynn! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I value your insight and wisdom and cherish our friendship greatly.

 

Ah yes, Thanksgiving..... Christmas.......the holidays....... a time to reflect. A time to pause and to give thanks of all that we have been blessed with in our lives. A time to gather with family and with friends in a circle of gratitude. I love this time of the year. Celebrating life with deep appreciation and gratitude delights our soul and connects us to our true source... our connection with God.

We access this connection with God through prayer and through meditation. It has been said that when we pray, we talk to God. And, when we meditate, God talks to us.

There is simply no greater relationship in this amazing Universe that we are so blessed to call home, than that union that we share with God. God loves it when we communicate and loves to deliver messages to us. I have received much insight and intuition through prayer, as well as in meditation. I surrender to my highest good and let God be my navigator through prayer.

Acknowledging this communication, I will share with you one of my favorite prayers. It is most fitting and will be such a blessing to you as you celebrate this holiday season. Feel free to print it out and post it in a place of visibility.

"The Parent's Prayer"

O Heavenly Father, make me a better parent.
Teach me to understand my children, to listen patiently to what they have to say and to answer all their questions kindly.
Keep me from interrupting them or contradicting them.
Make me as courteous to them as I would have them be to me.
Forbid that I should ever laugh at their mistakes or resort to shame or ridicule, when they displease me.
May I never punish them for my own selfish satisfaction or to show my power.
Let me not tempt my child to lie or steal,
And, guide me hour by hour that I may demonstrate by all that I say and do
that honesty produces happiness.
Reduce, I pray, the meanness in me. And, when I'm out of sorts,
help me, O Lord, to hold my tongue.
May I ever be mindful that my children
are children
and I should not expect of them
the judgement of adults.
Let me not rob them of the opportunity to wait on themselves
and to make decisions.
Bless me with the bigness to grant them all their reasonable requests
and the courage to deny them privileges I know will do them harm.
Make me fair and just and kind.
And, fit me, O Lord
to be loved and respected
and imitated, by my precious children.

As the Grace Newsletters are reflective of the beautiful legends of Goddesses, both in myth and in reality, I am guided in this particular newsletter to pay tribute and homage to Saint Mary Magdalene. It seems only fitting that the holiday issue of my "Grace" newsletter which exemplifies love, gratitude, compassion, authenticity, devotion, discovery and unity, be dedicated to our beloved Mary.

Best friend and disciple of Christ Jesus, she exemplified in every cell in her body, that of compassion. She was devoted to all and wholeheartedly gave of herself, in loving service. As a healer, many people came from far and wide to acquire her healing tinctures, elixirs and medicines. Her selfless love is miraculous and healing in and of itself.
If God were described as a woman, I think this incredible saint, is the reflection.

Mary Magdalene is THE goddess of unconditional love. Pure and simple. She was Jesus' first disciple and was loved deeply by all who truly knew and supported her. Even though the Gospels did not specifically title Mary Magdalene a whore or a sinner, she was somehow given a bad reputation from unconscious, over inflated, ego eccentric, borderline pathetic human beings. And she, the goddess of unconditional love, chose to detach from their false accusations and forgive them with all of the dignity and poise that she embodied. Her beautifully loving, sweet energy compelled her to walk with poise, confidence and with Divine Grace.

As I celebrate this holiday season with family and friends, cherishing their presence in my life, I will remember. I will pause and reflect and give thanks to our beloved Saint Mary Magdalene and shall forever be grateful for my Lord, Jesus Christ.

This is the essence of Nirvana. To acknowledge and to appreciate our purpose in life and live this life in complete synchronicity with peace and love for all. Namaste.

May the universe bestow abundance,
May your intentions reflect world peace
May graceful awareness overflow in consciousness
And, God's love never cease.

Happy holidays to all and to all a good night!

Love, heather