Tis the season for all things pumpkin. After trying some pumpkin-orange juice at a fancy-schmancy restaurant; I knew I had to try juicing this autumnal squash at home.

Flexibility is perhaps one of the most neglected areas of one's fitness regime. For many people, stretching is nothing more than a warm-up; and for fewer still, it mayalso be a cool-down. Consequently, this is the part many tend to exclude when they are pressed for time and need to squeeze in a quick workout.

With striated, blue Kyanite in one hand and magical, colorful Labradorite in the other, I can feel my energy body aligning. I literally can. These two powerful stones have been two of my best friends over the years. I still wear Labradorite daily as one who reminds me of the magical nature of my being. You too can gain incredible insights and peel back layers of the dream by aligning with Kyanite and Labradorite cyrstals.

Kyanite

The holiday season is upon us, which means guests will be arriving any minute now. Spending quality time with our loved ones is great and all, but being an exceptional host – one who provides tons of entertainment – sure can put an overwhelming dent in the old wallet. Plus, if you’re planning on doing any gift giving, the expenses can really add up fast.

Lately I’ve been enthralled with the idea that the small things we do today can have big consequences later. Sporadically I listen to Elizabeth Gilbert’s podcast “Magic Lessons.” In one of the episodes, she speaks with a woman of Irish descent about the importance of stories and how they’re not frivolous at all.

An empanada is basically a little pie that is fried or baked. These hand-held pies are delicious and there is no limit to what you can fill them with.

Empanadas are suitable for any meal and also make awesome snacks. Let’s talk about the dough before we get onto the unlimited world of filling.

Empanada Dough

3 Cups Flour

1 Teaspoon Sea Salt

1 Large Egg

1 Egg White

1 Teaspoon Vinegar

½ Cup Very Cold Water

3 Tablespoons Shortening

Metaphysical energies are not thought constructs. They really exist, and are observable and controllable.

The problem is that they are not objectively visible, and also mostly immeasurable. They are visible only in the effects - if certain energies work through us, we adjust our environment accordingly.

Metaphysical and mystical energies are felt - not through our emotions, but through a subtle perception, to which all are capable.

The American Holistic Medical Association was founded in May, 1978, to bring together those few physicians who were open to looking at the whole person—body, mind, emotions and spirit. To some extent, this reflected the foundation emphasized by my medical school Chair of Medicine, Eugene A. Stead, Jr., whose favorite statement was “What this patient needs is a real doctor.” He never defined the meaning but demonstrated it in his teaching.  Listen to the patient!

It is the flu season and almost inevitable that you will encounter someone with the sniffles at some point. The cold weather and festivities are a recipe for immune system compromise. Both conditions force you to be inside for longer periods of time, which means you are more exposed to people with infectious diseases. How can you boost your disease-fighting mechanism to prevent getting sick and holed up in bed this season?

Virabhadrasana l / Warrior one

Benefits:

Strengthening.

Stretches the quads.

Great preparation for backbends.

Foundation & General Alignment:

Feet: The front foot is pointing towards the top of your mat. The back heel is turned in enough to get your heel down.

Weight is balanced.

Back leg is straight, emphasizes inner rotation.

Front leg is in line with second toe and over the heel. Thigh is parallel to the earth.