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A Journey into Thought & Spirit

Vegan Creamy Red Pepper Pasta

2/25/2019

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Trying something new in the kitchen is something not many people are comfortable with. I thought I'd give it a go, while "grocery shopping" in my fridge and seeing what produce I had available. I needed to make something quick and easy and concocted this red pepper sauce. Many recipes require roasting the produce first, which would give it a different yet tasteful flavor. 
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Creamy yet "cheesy." Fresh and delicious. Brighten up your pasta with a new type of sauce. One that is easy and ready in under thirty minutes!  
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Vegan Creamy Red Pepper Pasta
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients: 
1 package of pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
5 garlic cloves
1/2 medium onion, chopped (1 cup)
2.5 red peppers
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tbsp corn starch
1.5 cups of nondairy milk
Salt, pepper + oregano to taste

Directions: 
Cook the noodles according to the package's directions. Sauté the onion, garlic and olive oil until cooked in a pan. Once cooked, combine that along with the remaining sauce ingredients into a blender. Blend until smooth. Return the mixture to a sauce pan and cook for 7-10 minutes or until tasty and thicker. Pour on top of the cooked noodles and serve warm. 

**Note if you want a roasted flavor, roast the pepper, onion and garlic in the oven, with olive oil wrapped in foil. 

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Sunspiration #109 - Maturity, Respect & Selflessness

2/24/2019

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Last night I watched a documentary about World War I, "They Shall Not Grow Old." A different era indeed, but a time when men were men as compared today the millennial man-child. 

Today, our societal shift is becoming more self-centered, self-absorbed and narcissistic. We've become less mature than our ancestors, in part because life has become "easy" to survive. Adults today have the maturity of a twelve-year old, many acting like their own "Sun-God."

Maturity comes with experience and not necessarily always dictated by one's age. Caring about people, caring about life, caring about how you impact others and/or the world is a sign of maturity. Maturity is the point where two people can agree to disagree and still respect one another. Maturity is when we appreciate and respect the small things in life. It is a time of being selfless and know there is more to life than you, your ego and your worries. 


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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Roasted Orange-Agave Rainbow Carrots + Grapes

2/20/2019

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Inspired by the budding tulips and my former recipe, Roasted Agave-Mandarin Rainbow Carrots,​ I decided to remake this sweet vegetable side dish. Forget fruit loops, "taste the real rainbow," through consuming the heartiness of colorful produce that comes directly from the earth. 
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Although winter, it is important to consume the rainbow. The light in our world increases as we inch our ways closer to the spring solstice. Light, like the rainbow, fulfills our body with much needed nutrients and energy during the last half of winter. 
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The beauty of natural food and nature should not be taken for granted. Nature itself is an artist, an array of colorful produce grown alongside diverse species of plants, flowers and trees. Life, like nature, is beautiful in its divine pattern and order.  Whatever comes your way in life, be prepared for the lessons but also be open to receiving love from the divine and energy from plants. 

​Both will nourish and fulfill you on your path and journey in life. Happy Eating! 
 
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“Life throws challenges and every challenge comes with rainbows and lights to conquer it.” 
― Amit Ray,

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Roasted Orange-Agave Carrots + Grapes
Prep Time:: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients: 
7-8 rainbow carrots, sliced
1 cup grapes
1 small navel orange, sliced
1 tbsp grapeseed oil
2 tbsp agave nectar
pinch of salt

Directions: 
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Slice carrots and mix with the grapes into a bowl. Slice the orange, and squeeze the two end pieces into the bowl. Next, mix in the agave nectar, oil and salt. Pour onto a baking sheet, layer the sliced oranges on top, and bake for 15 minutes. **If dry, add additional agave nectar and/or oil. 

Let's Connect! Be sure to check out our additional side dish recipes! 
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Roasted Figs w/ Agave, Sage + Walnut
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Roasted Agave-Mandarin Rainbow Carrots
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Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables
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Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joe

2/18/2019

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Sloppy Joes is one of the staple American foods that everybody seems to love. The mix of sweetness alongside with some savory tomato flavor, Sloppy Joes are a popular summer food. However, it can be enjoyed year round.
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I remember in college I loved the Sloppy Joes that we made at the vegan cafe called Squeakers. However, we used Dr. Oetker's Sloppy Joe mix and topped it with onion, pickles and sometimes vegan mozzarella cheese. This was one of my favorite sandwiches. Back in 2004-2007, vegans consumed too much soy-based products. Now, thanks to the sophistication of vegan cooking, vegans can enjoy a whole-food version of Sloppy Joes using lentils. 
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The only down fall to this sandwich is that it is well, sloppy. Be gentle and don't squeeze too hard as you'll end up having a mess all over your plate or table. That is the only downfall to a lentil Sloppy Joe, but the great news is for those who desire a low carbohydrate meal, this taste perfect without a bun! 

Healthy, hearty and cheap, this is a meal for anyone to afford. It may seem like a peasant meal, but sometimes the most simple foods are the most nourishing for the mind, body and soul. 
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"The philosopher Diogenes was eating bread and lentils for supper. He was seen by the philosopher Aristippus, who lived comfortably by flattering the king. Said Aristippus, "If you would learn to be subservient to the king you would not have to live on lentils." Said Diogenes, "Learn to live on lentils and you will not have to be subservient to the king."
-Anthony de Mello

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Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joe
Prep Time: 7 minutes​
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Serves 6-8
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Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup lentils, rinsed (regular brown)
1 14.5 oz can tomato sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp worchester sauce
1-2 tbsp maple syrup
1/4 tsp taco seasoning
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp salt
pepper to taste

Directions:
In a large pan or pot, cook the first four ingredients for 3-5 minutes. Add the broth and lentils, mix well. Add the remaining ingredients, mix well, and cook until the lentils are edible and the mixture thickens. 

Serve on toasted buns with your favorite toppings. Enjoy! 

Let's Connect! Enjoy our other MBSF recipes and save all Yummly recipes to your Yummly box. 
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Vegan Quinoa Tabouli
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Vegan Pumpkin + Quinoa Lentil Loaf
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Vegan Unstuffed Cabbage
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Sunspiration #108 - The Divine Timing of Soul Connections

2/17/2019

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Whether people want to believe in it or not, most people at some point in their life crave meeting their soul mate. Every spiritual guru has a different perspective on this, but what I can tell you is that in our lives we meet people with whom we have a deeper soul bond or connection to. 

Most crave this in a romantic sense, but some of these connections can be platonic especially if one person is already in a committed relationship. Soul mates teach us some of the most important lessons in life. Like a mirror, they shake things up and force us to look at our inner world in order to change. 

These connections are not to be taken lightly or to be wasted. Fear causes people to run away and hide because that is easier than looking in the mirror. The law of attraction has its merit. God works miracles and sometimes souls are separated and then reunited as each person is on his or her path of growth in life. When ready, they will meet again if it is meant to happen. And there is no accidental meeting between two souls, whether the connection is for a reason, a season or a lifetime. 


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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The Man Behind Valentine's Day

2/14/2019

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The corporate candy and confectionary companies have disconnected us to the true meaning of our holidays. Today, sweeties around America spend boat loads of cash on Hallmark cards and fancy dinners without ever questioning where Valentine's Day actually comes from. 

If you've followed me for sometime, you know I see repetitive numbers. For years, the number 214 has been a part of my daily existence. Many moons ago, a spiritual person told me that part of my mission in life is to understand various forms of love, and that I would help people in this life in love. I remember crying in my counselor's office during the dark times of my divorce telling her, "I feel like God put me through this to understand the pain and anguish of the heart and that I needed to experience divorce to understand the power of love."


So today, on 2/14, I encourage everyone to "root" to the real reasons on why Valentine's Day exists. 

Prayer to St. Valentine:

Dear Saint and glorious Martyr, who are so popular with lovers, be kind to those whom we love and to us. Teach us to love unselfishly and to find great joy in giving. Enable all true lovers to bring out the best in each other. Let them love each other in God and God in each other. Amen.

Valentine's Day was never all about love. Saint Valentine was a 3rd Century Roman Saint, who died on February 14, 269 AD.  In the early days of Christianity, Valentine was a Roman Priest who lived during the time of when Rome was under rulership from Emperor Claudius II (aka Claudius the Cruel). 

​Rome was not popular during this time and encounter many bloody campaigns. The emperor had a strong army, but found it difficult to recruit to men. He claimed that men had too strong of an attachment to their wives and children, and had no interest in fighting in war. As a result, Claudius banned marriages and engagements in Rome.  In matters of the heart polygamy was popular during this time in the Roman Empire, which conflicted the Christian teachings of marriage between one man and one woman. 

Valentine saw this as cruel and unjust, and performed marriage ceremonies in secrecy. Some also claim that he converted people into Christianity, which led to his arrest in Rome. This coupled with the secret marriages led to his arrest and eventually his death. 

Valentine was taken to the Prefect of Rome and sentenced to a beating to death with clubs, stoning and a beheading.During his time in jail, he refused to announce his devotion to Christ.  
According to the smithosonianmag.com article, The Gory Origins of Valentine’s Day, states,  "According to a late medieval legend reprinted in the “Acta,” which was accompanied by Bollandist critique about its historical value, a Roman priest named Valentinus was arrested during the reign of Emperor Gothicus and put into the custody of an aristocrat named Asterius.

​As the story goes, Asterius made the mistake of letting the preacher talk. Father Valentinus went on and on about Christ leading pagans out of the shadow of darkness and into the light of truth and salvation. Asterius made a bargain with Valentinus: If the Christian could cure Asterius’s foster-daughter of blindness, he would convert. Valentinus put his hands over the girl’s eyes and chanted:

“Lord Jesus Christ, en-lighten your handmaid, because you are God, the True Light.”

Easy as that. The child could see, according to the medieval legend. Asterius and his whole family were baptized. Unfortunately, when Emperor Gothicus heard the news, he ordered them all to be executed. But Valentinus was the only one to be beheaded."


On February 14, (supposedly) 269AD, Valentine was taken to his death. On his death date, he gave a love letter to the jailer's daughter and signed it, "From Your Valentine."

​Now there are theories out of there on the reasonings of this date. Some claim that this is the day of when birds choose their love mate (on February 14), which is why there are often times birds in the artwork of Saint Valentine's. Some claim those are love birds. The halo above the head symbolizes higher consciousness. The palm branch and red clock symbolizes martyrdom. The small book or cross represents the faith he preached.


And that is how the Hallmark holiday Valentine's Day got it's name. Behind this holiday full of chocolates, flowers and candy kisses, was a brave soul who not only believed in God and Christ, but believed in the power of love and marriage in the Christian church. He was ready to heal people, wed couples in love and give his life for his faith. That is one powerful message to never give up on love or your faith. 

Quit a man if you ask me. 

The Prayer of St. Valentine
Dear Lord, who art high in the Heavens,
Giver of Love and Passion,

And He who strings the heart’s cords,

Lead the Lovers this day, February ten plus four. The day during the month of two,

When the date is the perfect number of God
Greater two souls and two hearts. Some Loves are fleeting ,
But that which is built on you will never fail.

So guide the Lovers to know what is to be. Your truths the Lovers’ mouths should speak,
For Your truth is that which is honest to the heart.

Only this, then, should pass over the red lips of the Lovers. Your art, the Lovers simply a medium.

It is only with True Hearts that You can create a Masterpiece,
So let the Lovers remember that their Soul’s Desire
Is the one for which You light their Fire. And let it be You who creates the Art of the Lovers;

The art of two into one. Amen.

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Purple Carrot + Grape Juice

2/12/2019

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Purple is the new orange. Over the last few years, purple carrots have made a comeback. In fact, eating the rainbow has long been talked about to increase one's health and vitality. Purple carrots are packed with nutrients and vitamins to aide in the body's wellbeing and healing process. They are rich in anthocyanins, which helps prevents heart attacks, promote vision health and act as an anti-inflammatory. 

The interesting part is that purple carrots have a deep history. 
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What a winter in seattle, decided to do a photo shoot of the beauty of femininity, something I’ve wanted to capture which is four seasons of frolics with animals, flowers and great vintage dresses found at countless estate sales .❄️ #vintage #vintageclothing #vintagefashion #history #antique #seattle #pacificnorthwest #pnw #pacnw #lady #beauty #snow #flowers #flowerstagram #bird #tree #women #womensfashion #blogger #winter #winterfashion #fairytale

A post shared by Elizabeth Kovar (@erkovar) on Feb 10, 2019 at 8:32pm PST

In the 17th Century, purple carrots were deep purple, almost black, and were the main type of carrot.  Dutch farmers cross bred various types of carrots, which created the modern orange today. But, purple's comeback is not only beautiful, but healthy.

Over this past snowy weekend in Seattle, I played with the color of purple amidst the snow. A bit of a maiden, my hopes were to integrate the warmth of a woman's soul during a time of coldness. 

The color purple has a variety of effects on the mind and body, including uplifting spirits, calming the mind and nerves, enhancing the sacred, creating feelings of spirituality, increasing nurturing tendencies and sensitivity, and encouraging imagination and creativity, and a sign of royalty.

Purple is representative of “pride” in Christianity. In Mark 15:16, Roman soldiers clothed Jesus in purple before beating him and crucifying him. In this sense, they were mocking his supposed royalty. Acts 16:14 states “One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.”

Purple is the color of the crown chakra, the gateway to our higher consciousness. 

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"Purple assists those seeking the meaning of life and spiritual fulfillment by expanding our awareness and connecting us to a higher consciousness. For this reason, the colour is said to be associated with the transformation of the soul. No wonder, spiritual philosophers are attracted to it.

In the school of meaning of colours, purple creates a sense of calm for one's emotions, inspiring and enhancing psychic ability and spiritual enlightenment, while, at the same time, keeping one grounded. 

It is also related to a fantasy world, and provides an escape from the practicalities of life so as to daydream and meditate.Thus, purple supports the practice of meditation.

  
The color violet is also spiritual because it inspires unconditional and selfless love, devoid of ego, encouraging sensitivity and compassion." 

-Information found at speakingtree.in
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Purple Carrot + Grape Juice
Makes 1.5 cups

Ingredients:
2 large purple carrots
1 gala apple
1 cup grapes

Directions: 
Place ingredients into a juicer. Mix the juice with a spoon and enjoy! 

Let's connect! Discover our other juice recipes and save all MBSF recipes in your Yummly recipe box. 
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Apple Fennel Pear Juice
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Apple Pear & Beet Juice
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Sweet-n- Beet Juice
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Sunspiration #107: A Spiritual Reality on Love

2/10/2019

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Happy almost Valentine's Day. Today's sunspiration is obviously inspired by love. An interesting newsletter came into my inbox with an article titled, 'Is it Love or Fantasy?" This article stirred my brain with thoughts regarding love, fantasy and reality. 

Both men and women live in a fantasy. We are indoctrinated by Hollywood and both genders have overlays, which lives in a place of fantasy unable to see reality or people for who they are. I believe fairy tale romances exist if two people in love work at it. And that fairy tale occurs when looking deep into the soul of your partner. 

The article states, "If you find beauty and light there instead of darkness, and have an appreciation for what you have found, then the chances that you have found real love are enormously improved. If you are in love with the inner beauty you have found in the other person, and they are in love with the inner beauty they have found in you, the likelihood is that it is real love and not fantasy. If this is a shared beauty, this is the basis for a lasting love—a love that will last beyond physical life and through all eternity."

​I've lost love in my life, and I hope to inspire everyone to cherish the love they have in their life. "The light within me recognizes and acknowledges the light within you." I hope you can see the light with the love in your life. Enjoy it. Cherish it. And if it's real, never take it for granted. 


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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The Rise & Fall of Empathy

2/6/2019

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There seems to be two movements going on in the world. One movement is the one of the awakening, and the development of one's soul. The other is toward narcissism and chronic self centeredness and selfishness. 

The spiritual awakening movement usually opens the pathway for people to become empathetic and sympathetic. The rise in the "me" and "I" culture has bred mild narcissistic behaviors. It is the era where people are solely concerned about themselves, their job title and their income. On top of that, people cannot see situations or "hot topics" from both sides of the story, or through different lenses. 

Today, I notice a trend of people becoming empathetic, and on the other end of the spectrum, people displaying more signs of mild narcissism. 

So where exactly are we headed? Good question. 

“Narcissistic personality disorder is named for Narcissus, from Greek mythology, who fell in love with his own reflection. Freud used the term to describe persons who were self-absorbed, and psychoanalysts have focused on the narcissist’s need to bolster his or her self-esteem through grandiose fantasy, exaggerated ambition, exhibitionism, and feelings of entitlement.”
--Donald W. Black

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“The ‘Selfie Stick’ has to top the list for what best defines narcissism in society today.”
--Alex Morritt

If you believe in the Bible, can we "assume" that we are headed towards a more narcissistic culture

2 Timothy 3:1-7 ESV But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. ...

I believe in astrology. I always have. And I always will. Christians think I am insane, or demonic, for believing in the stars. The stars are man's guider or blue print, the same as the three wise men who followed the North Star to find the Messiah. How can God have three wise men use the stars, but not us average citizens?

In Genesis 1:14-19  it states, "
And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days and years: 15 and let them be for lights in the firmament of heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. 16 And God made the two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. 17 And God set them in the firmament of heaven to give light upon the earth, 18 and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. 19 And there was evening and there was morning, a fourth day."

We are shifting from the Age of Pisces to the Age of Aquarius. I am an Aquarius. I understand the shadow side of Aquarius. It's not good. My own shadow was nothing compared to what I've seen in other Aquarians, or with what is happening today. I've always been modest or slightly conservative in areas of life, but I empathize with the dark energy because I can understand it. Society is suffering from the shadow side of Aquarius. 

And it pretty much looks like what is going on today. Anger, mental health issues, emotional explosions, being stuck in the head, self-absorption, suicide, open relationships etc., dark side of Aqua's energy also includes artificial intelligence as well as voyeurism. 

Culturally, the Aquarius shadow energy is overtaking our people. IT TAKES A LOT OF EFFORT AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT TO STAND BACK, AND NOT REACT IMPULSIVELY OR JUST TO JUST GO WITH THE TREND.

Empathetic people are like sponges. They understand and feel people's or animal's emotions or situations. The soul is a bit more sensitive, and can be targets for narcissistic people who want to feed off their emotions.

Spiritually developed people are often empaths or empathetic in nature. It is important to recognize the signs and behaviors early so empathetic people are not taken advantage of, and they must learn when it is time to draw a line in the sand. 

“Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another and feeling with the heart of another.”
– Alfred Adler

Being empathetic does not put down other people's feelings or undermine one's life experience. It is important to help, guide or coach people in life, but refrain from judgement or "should have done" statements. I've been in so many communities where everyone preaches the truth or their way is "right." In reality, we all are student and teachers and can learn from each other. Where we learn and how we learn also affects our perceptions and perspectives. 

Today, many people are both self-absorbed and empathetic. The important aspect is to control the self-absorption and self-centeredness. Here are some ways to combat the world revolving around you. 
  • Ask people how their day is going
  • Be open to doing something that you do not plan or schedule
  • Understand relationships of any kind (work, love, friendship) requires input from both people
  • Understand that other people have problems, feelings and emotions too
  • Get a counselor or spiritual advisor to help your wounds and shadow side​  

So where exactly are we headed? That I do not know. I believe the shadow is being exposed, hopefully for purging and reevaluation. Empathy is rising in certain areas of life such as with animals, the planet and energy conservation. But too many people are suffering from mild narcissistic traits. 

I believe humanity is going through a spiritual crisis. We need to believe in and find God in our lives. But, as a human, we need to re-evaluate our psychological state. God cannot change our narcissistic behavior, but God can help us with narcissism by guiding us to the right people, places and services to help us on our life path. Some people may disagree with me, but in my opinion, life is a balance. 

A relationship with God is a relationship. Should it be one sided and continuously dump our garbage to God? I get that is what he's there for, but we must put ACTION in our lives to show God we are serious about whatever it is we want to change. 

No human will ever be perfect. We will never be 100% empathetic in every situation or area of life. We can learn to become more empathetic and understand how our actions affect other people through being hyper-aware. 

What do you think? Is society rising or falling with empathy / narcissism? 

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My Jesus Year: A Year of Breakdowns, Rebirth & Finding Home

2/4/2019

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It's February 4, 2019, and I only have three days left in my Jesus Year. And what a day to reflect while snowed in Seattle overlooking the sunset across the Puget Sound. There will only be three more sunsets until the sunrises on my 34th birthday this February 7, 2019. 

Christians say Christ died at the age of 33 and resurrected after three days. Three is a powerful number, one that signifies the trinity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Three signifies the union between the mind, the body and the spirit. 

At the age of 22, I studied yoga in India and wrote, "Finding Om: An Indian Journey of Rickshaws, Chai, Chapatis and Gurus."

At 33, I packed the same bag and hiked the Camino de Santiago Portuguese Way. 

My Jesus Year was a "baptism" to further trust in God.  

I never had a year quit like 2018. It was a year when nearly everything went wrong. Divorce, re-exploring the modern dating world, losing contracts, temporarily losing my day job and people trying to deceive me - describing this as a hard year is an understatement. 

I discovered how brutal modern society is. The lies. The deceit. The bullshitting. Millennial men nearly drove me to become a radicalized feminist. Darkness and hardship were significant pieces of my life during this time. I can't remember how many times I cried, but I also laughed a lot too. I had some great moments rock climbing and meeting new friends, but my soul cried inside for the constant anguish and pain. I knew somehow there were lessons in all of this heartache. I wasn't mad. I wasn't bitter. I needed to transmute this energy and do something for me. 

At times, I thought about running into a forest. And well....I ended up on that path. 

At times I joked, "How much worse can it get?" And well, life continued to pull the rug from underneath me. The moment I lost my day job, I bought a ticket to Porto, Portugal to walk the Camino de Santiago trail. 

I am of the utmost thankful for the hardship in 2018 as it made me grow, let go, and walk into a new chapter in my life. 

The Camino is a path of suffrage. Not only did my body ache and suffer with each footstep on top of the cobblestone. With every step forward I walked into the new me. A new chapter in life and hopefully, love. But, my love for God deepened. 

I had fear. Fear is real. Fear is a legit feeling one has toward something. At points on the camino, I had meltdowns as I was the only soul on the trail. At times I felt alone. This triggered my wound on the fear of being alone. At times I have no fear of being on my own. I have my own peace, but I have found that going through life with another human being is one of the most precious gifts in life.  

Love will always be the most powerful force on the planet. 
I've traveled a fair amount in this world. Exploring a country on two feet is such a different experience. I fell in love with Portugal and the Portuguese people more than I ever had. I walked the camino during Venus retrograde, which lasts 40 days. Jesus walked in the desert for 40 days and 40 nights and avoided Satan's temptations.

My camino was a cathartic purge, a trail that led me to a new chapter. 

The Camino de Santiago was a lifesaver. It initiated a new chapter in my book of life. A rebirth. A coming out as Christian. I found a new love with life, myself, the planet, Christ and God. 

I believe in Christ. I also believe in being conscious. There is a disconnect amongst both communities. Many conscious people hate Christians. And many Christians are not conscious and disconnected from their bodies. The camino gave me the strength and the confidence to move forward with my dreams. 

​Even if it doesn't work out like I'd hope, my soul has been called to further the spread the light from a new lens. Before the camino, I had dreams of writing a book about my experience. I've had inklings about writing another book over the last year. But this time, the title would be, "Finding Home." 

​I don't know how many times I cried in 2018, definitely over one hundred. But, not all tears are tears of sadness. Some tears were tears of happiness. Other tears were emotional due to being touched by God.

​Although most of my Jesus Year was rough, I am thankful for everything I learned because it's led me to a better place. Like a graduation, my "diploma" from divorce has led me to be wise like a serpent, and innocent like a dove. We'll see what God and life has in store for me. Que Sera Sera. 


Happy Jesus Year to you! Check out my Camino de Santiago Portuguese Way videos on Youtube!

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    Author

    Elizabeth Rae Kovar M.A. is  Author of her memoir, Finding Om and is a Fitness Trainer, Yogi, Reiki Master, Presenter and Lover of Life. To view her portfolio please visit www.elizabethkovar.com
    Follow her travels at: lemontreetravel.com

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