A couple weeks ago, there was a full moon. I didn’t know that there was a full moon until someone at the White Lotus invited me to take part in their full moon celebration. I thought to myself, ‘why not.’ And so I participated in something so different than what I was used to. First of all, I come from the very traditional background of Catholicism. However, I am not a practicing Catholic any longer. I am more open to new thoughts and ideas and just embrace spirituality. Thus the reason why I was willing to participate in something not-so-average or known. In a nutshell, the event consisted of multiple prayers to the spirits…prayers that asked for the fulfillment of our goals and dreams. I thought that was pretty nice. It was done very ritualistically with burning and blowing out of candles, dropping small stones in the water, and going outside to bathe ourselves in the moonlight. Yes, it was very different indeed. But hey, as I said, I am quite open. But the one aspect that intrigued me the most was that they gave us a gift. They gave us a small polished stone. We had to charge this stone with our intentions, desires, and dreams. But that’s not all. They told us we had to bury it in the earth later on so that the earth can manifest what we want. I dug that idea. So when the celebration ended, I went back home happy I got a rock. But I knew that I had to bury it soon…so that my wishes would be fulfilled. It took me several days to figure out where exactly to bury it. I was thinking I could just bury it next to my house…but that piece of land isn’t so special to me. So I started thinking what area had a lot of significance for me. Then it hit me. Griffith Park. It had so much significance. So I journeyed out to Griffith Park one afternoon. I got off the main trail and started my upward ascent on what I consider a mountain (okay it’s a hill but a very large, rocky, steep hill). I climbed through the crevices and grabbed each nook to get to the top. As I was nearing the top, I sat down to take a breath. A long and deep breath. I looked around and saw all the park’s glory beneath me. I also saw all of Los Angeles around me. I was at the pinnacle. I was ready to bury my rock. I looked around me and a little bit further up were 2 dark trees. They looked like they were devastated by the fire. However, they still had life within them. I knew I was to bury the rock at their roots, for the trees had a resilient power to them…they were regenerative and persevering and represented manifestation as they bear life and fruit. So then I buried the stone and said a prayer. I looked out at the city once more as I felt a rush of excitement and joy overcome me. I did something for myself. I did something special.
Archive for the 'Life' Category Page 2 of 5
Yes, it sounds a little funny at first. But let me tell you a thing or two about coconuts. Now, I’m originally an islander and grew up really liking coconuts. Even when I found myself in the middle of the United States (where I lived for many, many years), I still would search for that sweet coconut juice (actually it’s just coconut water). Anyways, I always found them to be absolutely delicious but for many months I didn’t have any coconut in my diet. I just didn’t see them at my local grocery store (or just wasn’t aware of them at the time). Basically, I didn’t consume any coconut juice or meat for a long time. It wasn’t until I started eating at this vegan joint in Los Angeles (yes I finally made my way out of the middle of nowhere) where they served fresh coconut–still in the shell. And I kept ordering these coconuts which came out a bit pricey after a while. So that’s when I decided to buy my own fresh coconuts from the grocery store. Okay, it really wasn’t that much cheaper. In addition to drinking the coconut juice, I started using coconut oil to cook food. I noticed how much healthier I was from consuming the oil. It also just felt purer and not as clogging as your normal cooking oil. Then I realized how I could put the coconut oil on my skin. I have to thank my best friend Shruti for the inspiration to use coconut oil for the body (and not just cooking). I used to see her slather it on way back before I even had a clue of its wonderful properties. I decided that any lotion or moisturizer should be organic and/or natural. I mean why would you put harsh chemicals on your largest organ (skin), right? So drink, eat, and slather coconut, and your body will thank you!
Here’s what it says on my the back of my coconut oil bottle (do your own research as well!):
