Blog Archives

The First Step to Healing Any Problem - Forgiveness

1/31/2018

How the 1985 Movie Legend Holds the Secret to Understanding Life, Love, Innocence and Darkness

1/29/2018

Do you have an all time favorite movie?

Mine is the 1985 Fantasy Movie, Legend with Tom Cruise. I loved it as a child and I still love it today. If

During the summer 2017, I continued my spiritual search and expansion, but this time exploring Christianity. For some reason, Christianity has been the most grounding spiritual knowledge and wisdom I've ever read. It grounds me and connects me to God and the ethers that no other spiritual practice has done.

I guess I've been on this quest to discover the spiritual warfare between the light and the dark and between heaven and earth. What the hell is going on with people here on earth? They are constantly being pulled away from the light. Even those who think they're "heavenly," dance with the devil through drugs, infidelity, lying, greed and power control.

Anyways, last summer my intuition guided me to watch Legend. I headed to Fremont to one of the last remaining video stores and rented Legend. At the age of seven, I watched this movie enchanted with the unicorns and imagining I was Lily who would meet her forest man when she grew up. Now at 32, watching this I have a different set of eyes, through the lens of a researcher or scientist, that made me shout, "Holy shit, the answers to spiritual life have been here the entire time."

If you don't know anything about Legend, it's a fantasy romance movie where Princess Lily is in love with a forest man, Jack. The forest is beautiful and snows glitter, and it's basically my dream sanctuary. Anyways, the light rules the earth and the holders to that power are the last two unicorns. However, for darkness to rule the earth, they need the power of the unicorns.

Jack and Lily adore each other and Jack showed her the majestic unicorns. Blinded by innocence, Lily touches the unicorns which opens the gateway for darkness to enter.

Within the first five minutes of the movie, I began to tear. Everything made so much sense. Darkness roams the earth to lure, blind, take advantage of and steer the innocent off the path of lightness.

As seen in the clip above, Lord Darkness sends Blix to capture the unicorn horns, but Blix is confused on how. Lord Darkness says, "There is only one lure for such disgusting goodness. One bait that never fails."

Blix questions, "What be this bait? Please you teach me."

Lord Darkness replies, "Innocence. Innocence."

You have to keep reading to catch my point....

Without spoiling the movie, basically Lily gets captured and sent to Lord Darkness's kingdom. He is so enchanted by Lily, he consults Father Night on what to do. She brings something out in him that triggers his desire for her.

Father Night says, "She fascinates you because her soul is pure. To make her one of us charm her, woo her, change her spirit. Hypnotize her. Set her free and bring her to you."

So how does Lord Darkness do this? With glittery jewels and materialism of course, duh! A diamond is a girl's best friend, eh?

In the clip above, Lily roams the cave and magically, a table filled with glittering jewels appears, It lures her to the table and you can tell Lily is biting the bait.

To push her further, a "beautiful" lady dressed in darkness appears and dances around here. From here, Lily dances with the devil and once intoxicated, her spirit shifted from the light to the dark.

2 Corinthians 11:14
And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
New International Version (NIV) 14

We are always being lured and tested by darkness (probably everyday). We see this in everyday mundane things to collective global shifts.

We see this in the temptation of infidelity, experimenting with drugs to vanity and materialism. Women who are charmed by the man who has it all, materially, is blinded and lured to that man for the wrong reasons.

I've seen this in relationships where a man and woman fall in love, but then the universe tests one of them and enters an ex or someone else who maybe more exciting but doesn't serve them/their soul anymore, to tempt them from real love or their next progression in life.

I've worked long enough coaching and training people who work in the corporate world to know that corporations are the darkness masked in light. They pump their employees with a good paycheck and some cool benefits all while linking their wrists with golden handcuffs aka modern day slavery. And slavery has existed in nearly every culture since the dawn of man, but this time people are actually earning a paycheck.

Matthew 10:16
"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves."

I am so happy that women are exposing the Hollywood and Silicon Valley elite. But, remember it takes two to tango. Some women are innocent and are pushed into a bad situation but others seek out these opportunities. Why do women do this? Job Titles. Career Advancement. Financial Gains - you name it.

As seen in the movie clip above, you have to sacrifice something beautiful in order to gain power or advancement that is dirty to the soul.

Why not develop the divine feminine that is within? Grace. Beauty. Nurturing Love. Maternal Wisdom.

It's the Maya, or illusion, and we are here to develop our souls (inner world) not our earthly pleasures (outer world). Now, this doesn't mean we can't enjoy money and materialism, but I believe once we develop thyself, the rest follows. The point is that we don't have to plow through life as a tyrant or an asshole, using people, wrecking emotions, seducing bank accounts or placing the ball and chain on people.

The point is not to be fooled. There are many wolves in this world who want to slaughter the lamb.Be wise like a snake and innocent like a dove.

I won't spoil the movie's ending in case you haven't seen it, but one must question, does darkness take over, or does the light have enough power to override the dark?

Keep reaching for the light that is within you and everyone.

What do you think? Have any thoughts on this topic?

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Sunspiration #68: Facing Adversity & The Dark Side of Following Your Heart

1/28/2018

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In an age where social engineering is on the rise, we strive for perfection; living in a glass bubble of peace, love and harmony. Though good, sometimes shit hits the fan and we must be prepared for adversity and understand perseverance and a strong will overcomes hardships.

I believe that in some capacity everyone should follow their dreams.Whether its through falling in love, writing a book, backpacking Europe, or summiting a mountain, follow your dreams, but know through that experience there will be heartaches and heartbreaks. But though these experiences is where we learn, grow and discover more things about ourselves.

There is risk in every situation and sometimes we can't avoid the darker side of following our heart and dreams.

Follow your dreams my friends, even if it breaks your heart.

As always, inspired by the sun,
Elizabeth

Join Mind Body Soul Food Every Sunday for some inspiration, or Sunspiration, where we analyze quotes and sweet nothings in 150 words or less. Get inspired everyday with our Instagram account, sunspiration_everyday with inspirational quotes, motivational messages & sweet nothings.

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10 Signs You Are in Need of Soul Development

1/24/2018

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When looking for self-help, the personal development market is saturated with countless programs, books and classes. Most people opt into developing themselves in the work world, focusing on becoming a better leader, more efficient employee or a more creative designer, and often leave their soul behind.
For some, the more they give themselves into the business world the more their soul becomes lost. Why? Most people prioritize their career and “bleed” countless hours of energy into their work. This leaves the soul “high and dry” waving its hand in the corner that says, “please pick me!”

For many, the soul is the last kid chosen for a game of pickup basketball. When picked last long-term, the soul gets discouraged, fearful and weak. It no longer wants to play basketball because it gets discouraged, or only shooting one or two shots the entire game.

For those that are wrapped up in the work world and are unhappy (and needing more in life) it is your soul’s way of tapping you on the shoulder, or throwing a basketball at your head, depending on the severity. Find out if your soul is in need of some “TLC” below.

"You have to go through those mountains and valleys - because that's what life is: soul growth."
-Wayne Newton

Eat, Sleep, Work, Repeat – If the only thing you know in life is work, or you work to keep yourself busy, your soul is in dire need of a break. There are so many beautiful things in this world to keep your soul occupied other than work. This is also called a “hobby.” Nature walks, painting, yoga, writing, dancing, crafts, picnics – there is a laundry list of things you can do to fulfill your spirit.

You Can’t Sit Still – This ties along with people who work constantly. If your body and mind is restless – you need to calm down, take a breath of fresh air and do something soulful.

Your Eyes Twitch – If your eyelids twitch, it means you are stressed. Stress overtakes the body in the most negative ways. Take this as a wake up call that you need a break before issues get worse.

You Always Think Negatively – If the first words out of your mouth is a negative thought or putdown you really need to focus and trust your soul. There is much good in life that thinking the worst things all the time is a slow poison killing your mind and body.

You Watch Too Much News – Watching the news everyday is the best way to make you fear life. Try to mix up your news source or layoff the news for awhile. Good and bad things happen every minute of everyday. Many who watch too much news nest at home fearing every negative detail about life. This gives you a limited perspective about life and challenges your belief system. There is more to life than worrying about the world falling apart.

You Have Limited Belief Systems – If your mind is stuck, so are your beliefs. If you believe “there are no good men out there” or “no one will hire me” than you are in need of soul development. When you embrace your soul, your mindset changes. The same is true in the opposite manner. When you ignore your soul and let fear and negative perceptions flood your mind, the mind will follow those beliefs.

The Same Patterns Repeat – Whether it’s your behavior or the same choice in shitty partners, repeating negative patterns are a wake up call for change. Something is “stuck” subconsciously or life is trying to teach you that same lesson again and again.

You Are Depressed – My yoga guru from India said, “Depression is not a disease it’s a lack of knowledge.” What he meant was a lack of life knowledge because those (with non-clinical depression) do not see the light in life or are blinded with illusions (materialism). The best thing to do when depressed is to skip drug and alcohol use. Spend some quiet time in nature and let the environment do its work.

You Want to Hurt Yourself or Others – If you are thinking about suicide or hurting others, there is a gap between you and your soul that you need to “refill.” When you connect to your soul you overcome the anger, hatred, bitterness and revenge that you seek on the world.

You Feel Lost – Do you feel that you don’t belong? Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? If you feel lost, connect to your soul. It’s not a quick fix, but a long journey of discovering yourself and what makes you happy in life. Looking inwards ignites the light, power and passion that lives in each and every one of us.

Those who find their soul know how to maintain long-term happiness. Life is a challenge of highs and lows and not everyday will be a perfect sunny day, but when you know your soul, you are better equipped to handle life’s obstacles.

To sign off I leave you with this,

“You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul.”
-Swami Vivekananda

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Vegan Date "Caramel" Apple Crisp

1/22/2018

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Are you looking for a dessert that is sweetened only by nature?

If so, you've come to the right dessert post where artificial sugar is out and all-natural is in. And thanks to the moist and plump Mariani dates, this apple crisp is infused with love from a family-owned farm.

President's Day is soon to arrive. And for some reason, every time I think about this holiday I always think about apples, cherries, DC and George Washington.

Apples are a quintessential colonial dessert ingredient. Even Ralph Waldo Emerson described apples as "The American fruit," although they originate from the Old World. And well, nothing is more American than American pie. And instead of spending time making a pie, an apple crisp is a quick-and-easy, classic recipe. But, this crisp has a modern twist, it contains zero refined sugar!

Mariani dates are moist, plump and ready to be blended into one of my favorite recipes, date caramel. Besides fiber, most people do not realize that dates are a natural source for our electrolytes such as: magnesium, manganese, and calcium. When we obtain electrolytes naturally, there's no reason to reach for those artificial sport drinks.

Nature provides everything that we need, and plant-based recipes can be the source of that fuel. The more natural you eat, the more natural you'll feel. You'll get connected to the energy of the land and the natural rhythms of the body. Overconsumption of artificially manmade substances is "poisonous" longterm.

"Poison is in everything, and no thing is without poison. The dosage makes it either a poison or a remedy."
-Paracelus

Vegan Date "Caramel" Apple Crisp
Prep Time: 5-7 minutes
Bake Time: 25-28 minutes

Ingredients:
1 lb. sliced apples
pinch of cinnamon
____________________
1/2 cup dates
1/3 - 1/2 cup nondairy milk
1/4 tsp vanilla
____________________
1.5 cup rolled oats
1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
3 tbsp maple syrup
1/4 tsp cinnamon
option: pinch of salt

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Begin by mixing the sliced apples and cinnamon together in a bowl. Place the apples in a 9-inch round pie pan. Next, place the dates, nondairy milk and vanilla in a food processor and blend until smooth.

Pour the date caramel on top of the apples and gently mix until well covered. In a separate bowl, mix together the topping ingredients and pour on top of the apples. Bake for 25-28 minutes. Serve warm!

*Note: All opinions are my own. Mariani has provided the product but no compensation for this post.*

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Sunspiration #67: The Organic Flow of Life

1/21/2018

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The battle between the natural and the artificial world exists everyday. Societal ways trump the natural laws of life and the internet and technology overrides the natural intelligence of nature. People want things faster and quicker to satiate our instant gratification.

But for thousands of years, the natural laws guided humans on their path in life, love and humanity.

Life is like the river, a meandering stream that swerves right and left; it continues to flow in one direction, but comprised of highs and lows, with some events as chaotic as a crashing waterfall.

Patience is a virtue and although we want things now, we must accept the natural laws of life and let things unfold organically.

As always, inspired by the sun,
Elizabeth

Join Mind Body Soul Food Every Sunday for some inspiration, or Sunspiration, where we analyze quotes and sweet nothings in 150 words or less. Get inspired everyday with our Instagram account, sunspiration_everyday with inspirational quotes, motivational messages & sweet nothings.

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Mother Nature has the Answer to Everything in Life

1/20/2018

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3 Steps to Making Any Change in Life

1/15/2018

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Sunspiration #66: Our Inner War with Change

1/14/2018

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Change is inevitable. Yet we humans are creatures of habit and most find change difficult. Routine is a part of our human nature.

Years ago in my twenties, I realized one day that nothing is ever be. The planets, our atoms, the ocean, everything is in constant motion and change occurs daily. We humans have the capacity to just be through moments of meditation (or meditation in motion).

It is hard for a parent to let their child exit the nest and blossom as an adult in college and it is difficult to let go of that loved one who walked out the door, never to return. We are in a tug of war between holding on and letting go. For some people they can detach and move on with their lives in a blink of an eye, where others cling and attach to things until their death.

It's a balancing act, but know that nature is in constant change, everyday, just like the planets and us humans.

As always, inspired by the sun,
Elizabeth

Join Mind Body Soul Food Every Sunday for some inspiration, or Sunspiration, where we analyze quotes and sweet nothings in 150 words or less. Get inspired everyday with our Instagram account, sunspiration_everyday with inspirational quotes, motivational messages & sweet nothings.

Let's Connect!

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Vegan Unstuffed Cabbage

1/10/2018

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Ukrainian Christmas came and went. Every January 7th followers of the Eastern Orthodox faith gather to celebrate their own version of Christmas. My Great Grandmother, Grandmother and her siblings immigrated to the United States after World War II in 1951.

What a life they had. The stories. The memories. I couldn’t imagine experiencing that in the “real world.”

Inspired by decorative cabbage from @pikeplacepublicmarket I'll be releasing a #vegan unstuffed cabbage recipe soon □ #sunspiration #flowers #flower #flowerstagram #flowersofinstagram #flowerlovers #flowerstalking #seattle #seattlelife #pnw #pacnw #mindbodysoulfood #mindfulness #mindfulliving #beauty #inspiration #travel #nature #naturelover #soul #spiritual #spiritualgrowth #outdoorlife #outdoors #floral #beauty #inspiration #farmersmarket #urban #travel #travelblogger #traveling

A post shared by Elizabeth Kovar (@erkovar) on Dec 18, 2017 at 6:20pm PST

My Great Grandmother passed away a couple years ago just days before Ukrainian Christmas. She was the glue that kept faith, family and culture alive. Once she passed, it’s only through modernizing Old World recipes is how we keep it alive today.

I miss her dearly. We called her Baba. Her body was broken but her mind was as sharp as a door nail. She was poor and washed floors in this New World. No matter how rough life got, she knew the most important things in life were family.

She once told me that her life was not abundant in finances but abundant in love and family. I guess I understand her sense of loyalty since she never remarried or looked at another man when her husband passed in the 1960’s.

In celebration of my Ukrainian roots and the blossoming of the winter decorative cabbage. I decided to concoct a dairy-free version of stuffed cabbage, but in a “slop bucket” type of way.

Happy Ukrainian Christmas to all my Eastern Orthodox friends. My great grandmother hand stitched these clothes and traditional two table clothes were used at dinner time, one for the ancestors of the family and the other for the living members.wheat stalks are also used in the home to celebrate their ancestry. #christmas #ukrainiangirl #ukraine #ukrainian #wheat #ancestors #history #handstitch #art #holiday #europe #travel #travelblogger #history #pagan #christ #orthodox #inspiration #family #january #wanderlust

A post shared by Elizabeth Kovar (@erkovar) on Jan 7, 2018 at 7:45pm PST

As a kid, I thought stuffed cabbage was weird, but mainly it was because I didn’t like meat. Never have and probably never will. I’m so far removed from eating meat that I couldn’t envision a life of having to eat it for survival.

This is one of the simplest and most budget-friendly meals out there. It’s healthy. It’s hearty. And it’s satiating. A winter time favorite, I hope you enjoy your new year and Happy belated Ukrainian Christmas.

Vegan Unstuffed Cabbage
Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Serves: 5-6

Ingredients:
1-2 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 large onion, chopped
1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes
1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
2 cups tomato soup (1 can)
1/2 cup uncooked rice
1 12 oz. package vegan ground beef
1 bay leaf
1/8 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Directions:
Cook the garlic and onion in oil for five minutes in a stock pot. Meanwhile, prep the cabbage. Next, pour everything into the pot, except for the vegan meat. Simmer on medium-low heat. Once the rice becomes edible (depends on what type you use), add the vegan ground beef the last five minutes of cooking. Do not eat the bay leaf!

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A Journey into Thought & Spirit

The First Step to Healing Any Problem - Forgiveness

How the 1985 Movie Legend Holds the Secret to Understanding Life, Love, Innocence and Darkness

Within the first five minutes of the movie, I began to tear. Everything made so much sense. Darkness roams the earth to lure, blind, take advantage of and steer the innocent off the path of lightness.

2 Corinthians 11:14
And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
New International Version (NIV) 14

Matthew 10:16
"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves."

Sunspiration #68: Facing Adversity & The Dark Side of Following Your Heart

10 Signs You Are in Need of Soul Development

"You have to go through those mountains and valleys - because that's what life is: soul growth."
-Wayne Newton

“You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul.”
-Swami Vivekananda

Vegan Date "Caramel" Apple Crisp

"Poison is in everything, and no thing is without poison. The dosage makes it either a poison or a remedy."
-Paracelus

Sunspiration #67: The Organic Flow of Life

Mother Nature has the Answer to Everything in Life

3 Steps to Making Any Change in Life

Sunspiration #66: Our Inner War with Change

Vegan Unstuffed Cabbage

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A Journey into Thought & Spirit

Within the first five minutes of the movie, I began to tear. Everything made so much sense. Darkness roams the earth to lure, blind, take advantage of and steer the innocent off the path of lightness.

2 Corinthians 11:14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. ​New International Version (NIV) 14

Matthew 10:16 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves."

"You have to go through those mountains and valleys - because that's what life is: soul growth." -Wayne Newton

“You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul.” -Swami Vivekananda

"Poison is in everything, and no thing is without poison. The dosage makes it either a poison or a remedy." -Paracelus

Author

Categories

Archives

2 Corinthians 11:14
And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
New International Version (NIV) 14

Matthew 10:16
"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves."

"You have to go through those mountains and valleys - because that's what life is: soul growth."
-Wayne Newton

“You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul.”
-Swami Vivekananda

"Poison is in everything, and no thing is without poison. The dosage makes it either a poison or a remedy."
-Paracelus