Subtle Energy Solutions Blog

On week 3, have lost 10 pounds

2008-05-12T14:48:00.000-07:00

The start of week 3, I am feeling pretty good. I am never hungry, but I do have food cravings, interesting to be able to make that distinction. I am craving salty, I have read this could be a sign of adrenal stress or it just could be I am craving salty. I just took my blood pressure, 104/72, will take it weekly while I am here.

Lets take a look at MSG or excitotoxins, food flavorings, natural food flavors or whatever the label may read, rarely will you ever see MSG listed as it is a buzz word in the world of garbage food and cancer causing agents.

MSG derivates are as follows:
Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
Autolyzed yeast
Yeast extract
Textured proteinu
Sodium caseinate
Natural flavorings
Spices

And by now you know if you read my Vibrant Living newsletter I am an advocate of reading labels, if you can not pronounce what is on the label, put it back. Ok, so what do all these derivatives of MSG do to our healthy bodies?

Destroys brain cells
Accelerates aging…egads we don’t want that!!
Addictive…of course, keeps you wanting and buying more!
Stimulates nervous system causing; neurodegenerative disease, neurological disorders, heart attack, strokes, tumors, vision loss, migraines, seizures.

So along with craving salt, it is possible I am de-toxing from excitotoxins, I eat a pretty clean diet, but it is possible. The Optimum Health Institute prepares what is called a de-tox diet, different from raw food in that, by design it encourages the bowel and colon to cleanse. Lots of dark leafy greens, yummy sprouts, soaked lentils, fresh raw veggies of all kinds and the most delicious fermented sauerkraut. The menu is diverse, colorful, all variety of texture and beautifully presented 3 times a day. At the end of the second week I had lost 10 pounds, I can not see the loss on me, however that is what the scales says, so I’ll take it.

I am off to attend a toning class, so this is it for today. Warmer weather is heading to San Diego, I am wondering how I will do on the cleanse as it heats up. Planning on keeping you all posted, have a fabulous day.

Optimum Health Institute 3 month program

2008-05-12T14:44:00.000-07:00

I am one and a half weeks into my 3 month visit at The Optimum Health Institute and all goes pretty well. Making the decision to come for an extending work/study program was no small decision, but sometimes you get to a place in your life where life seems to be passing you by. One day fades into another and before you know the year has passed by without you in it. In a nutshell, this was 2007, maybe even 2006, not quite sure, however I know I was there, so yes, 2006 as well.
The campus is really quite lovely, well cared for, a tropical canvas suited for the San Diego area. Being from the Pacific Northwest where Evergreens, Ferns and Hostas are indigenous of the region, it is magical to walk down the street seeing orange and lemon trees growing in a front yard or a large palm tree shading a front porch. I am in a much needed change of scenery, a lot more blue sky and an opportunity to take on more healing and responsibility in my life, hurray, lets get on with it.

Dear Readers, Apr. 25, 2008

2008-04-28T15:41:00.000-07:00

I finally "took the plunge," and flew down to Optimum Health Institute in San Diego in anticipation of a 3-month stay. It was a big commitment, but I feel an extremely important one for me. My last visit to OHI in 2005 seems now to have been more of an orientation than anything else. I was exposed to a particular brand of healing modalities that would, in some circles, seem extreme. But, as I have come to realize, are important as options for anyone wishing to change their state of health and their general outlook on life.

I believe that without a spiritual approach to physical health, there can be no lasting healing. I believe this because in reality what the physical body is responding to is one's mental and spiritual experience. If egoic fears and depression dominate your thinking and if spiritual hopelessness invades your being, the body is going to suffer. This is a self-evident fact that needs no scientific validation. It's a very personal thing, but a very vital thing to acknowledge about life.

I am joyous about my quest now, and will be studying hard and working to get the most out of my stay at OHI. I'll be doing some writing, and will keep you posted on my progress. If the spirit moves you, come join me!

Until next time...

In vibrant health,

Jan (Shay) Arave
President
Subtle Energy Solutions

Vibrant Living Tip of the Week

2008-04-28T15:37:00.000-07:00

Get Smarter: 12 Hacks That Will Amp Up Your Brainpower...

Face it: Your IQ is basically hardwired. Still, there are lots of ways to get smarter--to max out your so-called functional intelligence. Think of it as a software upgrade. Wired Magazine's guide to better brainpower shows you how to boost your memory, sharpen your concentration skills, and even pop the right combination of drugs and supplements. It's a lighthearted romp through the latest known tips, tricks and tools for improving memory and cognitive abilities. Topics are...

1: Max Your Mind's Performance by Distracting Yourself.
2: Caffeinate With Care: Small Shots Do a Brain Better Than Big Blasts.
3: Feed Your Mind With Impressive Information.
4: Think Positive, and You Will Get Smarter.
5: Give Your Intellect a Boost — Just Say Yes to Doing the Right Drugs!
6: How to Juice Your IQ Score.
7: Thalamus, Cortex, Amygdala ... Pick Apart the Brain.
8: Don't Panic. It Makes You Stupid.
9: Embracing Chaos Could Bring Order to Your Memory.
10: Take on Any Map by Getting Visual.
11: Up Your Intelligence by Choosing Your Exercise Wisely.
12: Comprehension Climbs When You Slooooow Doooown.

Have fun and good luck! >>>> MORE

Body-Mind-Spirit News

2008-04-28T15:33:00.000-07:00

Gene Mapping the individual - cheaply
The cost of sequencing an individual genome is thus falling exponentially - just as the cost of hard disk space or transistors on a chip did when computing took off. Plotting the numbers on a graph suggests that by 2012 it will take a few hours and cost less than $100. A few years after that it will cost perhaps $10...
Want to Remember Everything You'll Ever Learn?
SuperMemo is based on the insight that there is an ideal moment to practice what you've learned. Practice too soon and you waste your time. Practice too late and you've forgotten the material and have to relearn it...
New study shows how exercise changes structure and function of heart
For the first time researchers are beginning to understand exactly how various forms of exercise impact the heart. Researchers have found that 90 days of vigorous athletic training produces significant changes in cardiac structure and function and that the type of change varies with the type of exercise performed...
Vitamin D deficiencies affect the brain
Researchers point out that evidence for vitamin D’s involvement in brain function includes the wide distribution of vitamin D receptors throughout the brain. They also discuss vitamin D’s ability to affect proteins in the brain known to be directly involved in learning and memory, motor control, and possibly even maternal and social behavior...
PETA wants to pay a million dollars for fake meat
The organization said it would announce plans on Monday for a $1 million prize to the “first person to come up with a method to produce commercially viable quantities of in vitro meat at competitive prices by 2012..."
Your belly fat could be making you hungrier
The extra fat we carry around our middle could be making us hungrier, so we eat more, which in turn leads to even more belly fat. Researchers found abdominal fat tissue can produce a hormone that stimulates fat cell production...
Heavily marketed kids' cereals are least healthy
Breakfast cereals for children are less healthy than cereals meant for adults, and those marketed the most aggressively to kids have the worst nutritional quality, according to a new analysis of 161 brands...
Taking Probiotics Could Prevent Allergies
Researchers found that levels of key proteins associated with tissue inflammation were 50% higher on average in the blood of probiotic-treated infants than in the blood of placebo-treated infants. Inflammation is thought to stimulate the immune system, and so reduce allergic reaction...

Plantadophilus

Color is good...

2008-04-24T12:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to the doctor for my yearly physical. My blood pressure was high, my cholesterol was high, I'd gained some weight, and I didn't feel so hot. My doctor said eating right doesn't have to be complicated and it would solve my physical problems. He said just think in colors...
Fill your plate with bright colors... greens, yellows, reds, etc.

I went right home and ate an entire bowl of...

And sure enough, I felt better immediately. I never knew eating right could be so easy.

Dear Readers, Apr. 11, 2008

2008-04-24T12:37:00.000-07:00

As it has finally warmed up here in Western Oregon, all the flowers seemed to literally POP out. All that beauty had been just waiting inside of brown, dull stems, and short green stubs the whole winter, and suddently, WHA-LA! Exquisite beauty. It is such a metaphor for our own being, and how it is so easy to see our lives in the context of winter. We know the beautiful blooms of being are within us, yet so often the blooming part escapes us. It's usually some "reason" we can't just "do it," that is held in place by some incorrect belief.

This leads me to mention Dr. Keith Ablow. I loved his TV show that was on for one season in the early afternoon, and although the show is no longer being broadcast, he has moved his enlightened form of psychotherapy to the Web at livingthetruth.com. One area of the website was particularly meaningful to me, about what he calls "shields." He says, "Shield strategies are counterproductive behaviors we engage in to distract ourselves from complicated chapters of our life stories. When you use one or more shield strategies you are needlessly running away from truths about your life experiences that, once accepted, will free you to create the life you deserve."

Some examples he gives of shields are, overeating, overspending, obsessing over a romantic relationship, constantly arguing with loved ones, obsessing over dieting, and several more. In order for these behaviors to continue there has to be some sort of justifying mechanism or denial in place.

To break the shield, the first step is, of course, realizing that it is there. Then, simply resist it. This gives you insight into the extent of the shield and valuable information on how to lower it, and then manage it. Great stuff!

Until next time...

In vibrant health,

Jan (Shay) Arave
President
Subtle Energy Solutions

Dear Readers, Mar. 28, 2008

2008-04-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

The flowers and trees are springing to life here in Western Oregon, although over the past three days there have actually been snow showers across the region (!). In fact, it's the latest snowfall in recorded history. As the local TV weatherman said last night, Nature is coping with global warming and over-compensated in the Pacific Northwest... Great skiing! Nonetheless, the hardy daffodils and tulips seem invigorated by the cool temps--lasting way longer than they did last year when it was unseasonably warm in March.

Now is the time to review those new year's resolutions with the energies of spring, and perhaps gain a bit of energy and resolve to "get 'er done!" Swimming suit season is upon us, and those pesky weight loss decisions may be starting to weigh a bit heavily (ha!) on the shoulders... or hips... or butt.. BUT, the sun is shining, the air is fresh with the heady scents of new blooms, and it's hard to NOT go outside, take that walk around the block, and breathe in the newness!

In the Vibrant Living Tips this week, I've included "8 Tips for Thinking Thin," to help the mindset. Even if your resolutions have nothing to do with weight loss, these tips with modifications are useful for any motivational deficiencies. Don't keep those goals to yourself. Speak out loud about them, journal them, and partner up with a buddy to get them done. Any progress at all gets the morale pumping, and you'll feel like a winner. Also, read Charly Emery's new article about taking the grind out of work.

Consider getting our Life Energy Pack, for an overall boost to your energy, and check out our Intelligent Elixer Gem Elixirs--particularly read about Aquamarine and Topaz--great helpers for motivation and goal attainment.

Until next time...

In vibrant health,

Jan (Shay) Arave
President
Subtle Energy Solutions

Vibrant Living Tip of the Week

2008-04-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

8 Tips for Thinking Thin...

Motivation to lose weight often hits an all-time high when the first buds of spring pop out, signaling that bathing suit season is not far behind. And while there's no getting around the need to exercise and eat healthier, long-term weight loss starts in your head. Experts say that having the right attitude can help you think yourself thin.

1. Picture Yourself Thin. Visualize your future self, six months to a year down the road, and think of how good you'll look and feel without the extra pounds.

2. Have Realistic Expectations. When doctors ask their patients how much they want to weigh, the number is often one that is realistically attainable. Identify a realistic weight range, not a single number.

3. Set Small Goals. These mini-goals should be things that will improve your lifestyle without wreaking havoc in your life.

4. Get Support. Studies show people who are connected with others, whether it's in person or online, do better than dieters who try to go it alone.

5. Create a Detailed Action Plan. Planning ahead is 80% of the battle. If you're equipped with a detailed plan, results will follow.

6. Reward Yourself. Recognize your hard work and celebrate the steps you are taking to be healthier.

7. Ditch Old Habits. Try to identify where you are engaging in behaviors that lead to weight gain and turn them around with little steps that you can easily handle without feeling deprived.

8. Keep Track. Simply knowing that you're tracking your food intake could help you resist that piece of cake! >>>>> MORE

Manifest with Motion: Taking the Grind out of Work

2008-04-01T11:07:00.000-07:00

Our resident Life Coach and Synergy Specialist, Charly Emery looks at how we often see our goals in the harsh light of how much work there is to do. Maybe our lens is skewed because of wrong thinking about what "work" actually is. That wrong thinking can make your goals seem much harder to attain than they need to be. Charly says, "There is a work element within everything we do; adjusting your perspective to optimize your relationship to work can be invaluable in helping you manifest what you desire in all areas of your life. With phrases like, 'Climbing the ladder to success,' and, 'Anything worthwhile requires hard work,' it's no wonder we assume creating any kind of positive change and success in our lives could be difficult and cumbersome." >>>> MORE

Body-Mind-Spirit News

2008-04-01T11:04:00.000-07:00

Older Americans wealthier, living longer
CHICAGO (Reuters) - Older Americans have more money and are expected to live far longer than prior generations, U.S. government researchers said on Thursday....
Learn to be kind
New research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison finds that we can acquire a greater capacity for compassion through meditation training, in much the same way as athletes or musicians train to improve their skill...
Social networking on the genome
If you've ever wanted to know just exactly how much DNA you share with your ridiculously tall brother or doppelganger best friend, you'll soon be able to find out. 23andMe, a personal genomics startup in Mountain View, CA, is about to unveil a new social-networking service that allows customers to compare their DNA....
'Diet' foods may not fool the brain
People who substitute "diet" sodas for the sugary kind might be deluding themselves. Laboratory mice, at least, show an innate preference for sugary foods – even when the rodents can't taste the treats...
US Army toyed with telepathic ray gun
A recently declassified US Army report on the biological effects of non-lethal weapons reveals outlandish plans for "ray gun" devices, which would cause artificial fevers or beam voices into people's heads...
Big Belly and Alzheimer's
It's not just about your weight. While previous research has found evidence that obesity in middle age raises the chances of developing dementia later, the new work found a separate risk from storing a lot of fat in the abdomen. Even people who weren't overweight were susceptible...
Vitamin D deficiencies in sunny climes
More than a quarter of Arizona adults tested had dangerously low blood levels of the vitamin...
SOY: Fermented or non-fermented?
Dr. Mercola cuts through the curd about the value of soy as a health food. Seems the fermented ones are and the non-fermented ones are not...

More E3 Pain Lotion Successes!

2008-04-01T11:02:00.000-07:00

Speeds up healing...

I like the product very much because it works. It works on muscle aches and sprains. I have used E-3 lotion to take away headache, just dab on the temples and the base of the skull. I even put it on cuts and burns. It helps them heal faster and takes away the pain. My girlfriend got in a car accident and she is using it on her neck and shoulders. Most of my bottles have gone to family and friends and they each love it. Linda G. (4/1/08)

Dear Readers, Mar. 7, 2008

2008-03-08T15:01:00.000-08:00

Ever look in the mirror wonder, "whose boo-tey is that anyway?" Seems as the end of winter arrives, the hibernating self begins emerging and asks, huh, guess I need to start moving, fearing the floor could crash beneath untold pressure of a single footstep...

One would think we all know better, in fact we do know better--too many choices, too little action. I continue to read the Skinny Bitch best-seller. It's a little coarse in language, but funny--very funny--writers make some great points. I suggest you simply pick up the book at your local book store, pay special attention to Chapter 9, "Have No Faith: Government Agencies Don't Give a Shit About Your Health." Well, that being said, a great chapter; and if you think for one moment your government has your best interest at heart, think again. Profit is what matters--big profit, on the backs of the American people.

Trust No One, read the label, read it again if you don't get it, and if there is a big long scary word you can't pronounce, walk away, it's just not worth it. As for those misleading labels: Healthy Choice, Wholesome, Nutritious... just read the label. The buzz words have nothing to do with what's in the flashy box. Ingredients are what matters--hydrogenated oil, artificial flavor, synethic preservatives, blahhhhhhh, it's all bad.

You are your only chance, really people, responsible consuming is the only answer. There is a limit to our natural resources--people being our greatest natural resource, with the ability to reason and act accordingly. Take action, read that label, move that body, consume less, live more, breath deep, and think. Everything we do, every thought we create affects our world. Who is in charge? You are in charge, just in case you have forgotten. Take a stand, be the messenger for change.

One more family aligning with the Vegas lifestyle signing off, no more flesh, dairy or eggs. It's just not worth it, it's inhumane, lining the pockets of big business at the expense of the people.

Until next time...

In vibrant health,

Jan (Shay) Arave
President
Subtle Energy Solutions

E-3 Pain Relief Lotion helps cat scratch...

2008-03-08T14:27:00.000-08:00

"Got a chance to try the E3 on a cat scratch on my cuticle. It was tender and swollen, as cat scratches can be. The discomfort was quickly aleviated and the cut healed in short order! I'm impressed!" -- Lynn M., Michigan

Thanks, Lynn! We've also had several reports of insect bites and skin rashes healing twice as fast, and immediate relief of itching. We love E-3!

Dear Readers, Feb. 22, 2008

2008-03-08T14:05:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Vibrant Living Subscriber, Scott Earle! He won the refer-a-friend contest for the Life Energy Super Pack! Scott has been a great supporter and consumer of our products for many years, and it is always a pleasure to hear from him. I know he's a big fan of our E-3 Pain Relief Lotion (as I hear he's quite athletic), and has referred other customers to us over the years. Thanks, Scott! Honorable mention goes to runner-up Rich Irvin, who also helped out on our subscription contest.

We're continuing the contest for March, and will be announcing the new winner on the first day of spring, March 21st. Follow the link on the graphic below, and turn others on to the Vibrant Living Newsletter!

The weather has been so great up here in Western Oregon, with sun and mild temps--a big change from January's record mountain snowfall and cold, rainy dreariness! But, knowing this micro-climate, we're probably in for one last blast from Ol' Girl Winter... Meantime, I'm cleaning up the winter's yard debris, spreading plant food and trimming everything.

Although the temporary spring-like weather helps to sweep aside the Oregon winter doldrums, I've been searching for new inspiration to get me really going on my goals for the year, and I think I found it. It's a book, oddly titled, Skinny Bitch. The book caught my eye in Costco, and the hilarious, brazen and sometimes profane way authors Kim Barnouin and Rory Freedman present their ideas is, well, inspiring! It's actually a book about vegetarianism, and some of the facts and figures they present will have you never looking at a piece of animal tissue the same ever again. Not to say I'm against anyone eating meat, it just seems like a good way for me to go right now, and this book has been a good-humored kick in the pants.

We would also like to recommend Dr. Richard Shane's Sleep Easily website to our sponsors list. Dr. Shane has some great info about how to get the best sleep of your life. Check it out! (See banner below).

Until next time...

In vibrant health,

Jan (Shay) Arave
President
Subtle Energy Solutions

More E3 Pain Lotion Successes!

2008-02-08T16:12:00.000-08:00

One of our esteemed regular clients over the years sent us this report about her experiences with the E-3 Pain Relief Lotion. Alyx is a veterinarian, and uses the lotion on her animal patients, as well as on herself. Thanks, Alyx!

Uses it on leg cramps, skin eruptions--even for the cat...
The E3 lotion has been a very solid companion. I carry it everywhere and use it whenever I feel a need to provide relief for the sensation of an oncoming flu, to relieve cramps in my legs at night which resolve almost instantaneously--something that would have taken me at least a half-hour to work out with stretching and massage, to relieve a topical burn from a hot substance on the skin, and to offer improvement for those occasional skin erruptions and blotches.

E3 has also worked exceptionally well for one of my feline companions who has an occasional bout of lesions that errupt on her face that also includes feline acne. I think it was the only thing that helped her resolve these knarly things, which were no doubt partially a detoxification.

Bottom line, I use it for just about anything that needs attention. It truly is like a miracle treatment in a bottle and I wouldn't want to be without it. -- The best, Alyx (2/8/08)

Dear Readers, Feb. 1, 2008

2008-02-04T17:12:00.000-08:00

Hello, Vibrant Reader!

We've had a good response on our monthly contest, and will be announcing the winner on Valentine's Day! You're automatically entered to win a free Life Energy Pack ($100 value) when someone you refer to us signs up for this newsletter. So, just forward those email addresses, and help us spread the word about Subtle Energy!

Although this may be old news to some of you, but I was impressed with a new fluorescent light bulb that eliminates odors, viruses, airborne bacteria, and other such home air pollution. It's called Odor-Eliminating Fluorescent Bulb from SmartHome, and it really is a great idea. Reviews about it have been rave, and I ordered a few. The technology has been well-tested and applied to all sorts of commercial applications, including hospitals, food production facilities and such. It's based on the oxidizing effect that happens with fluorescent light interacts with titanium dioxide. The titanium dioxide nanoparticles are coated on the inside of a fluorescent bulb, so when the bulb is turned on it starts oxidizing the air around it.

On a separate subject... So much has been written and promoted about the "latest breakthroughs" in treating cancer, it's truly hard to find anything really new about an approach to this stubborn disease. Maybe this is because we've all been looking at it completely wrong. I came across a great article summing up a very hopeful and inspiring hypothesis about cancer (and really any disease), written by a health professional. In the context of "everything is energy," and the body as an energy field, the conclusions reached explain everything that is puzzling about cancer. I recommend spreading this article around--especially to doctors. I just makes a lot of sense. [LINK]

Until next week...

In vibrant health,

Jan (Shay) Arave
President
Subtle Energy Solutions

Dear Readers, Jan. 25, 2008

2008-01-29T02:22:00.000-08:00

It's been clear and cold here in Western Oregon, unseasonably so on both counts... If it gets down below freezing here at night or below 40 during the day, everyone starts walking around with big overcoats, hunkered down, teeth clenched. I know, we're wimps... Especially when considering how hard the rest of the country is getting slammed this winter.

Although we may be winter wusses here, it still means a lot of time indoors, and a lot of time mulling over plans, visions, and intentions for the new year.

One big one of mine is to get the word out more about the incredible technology of Dr. Yury Kronn bottled up in our E-formulas. I'm still excited about these formulas, and I've been using them for over 10 years. Now we have the Intelligent Elixirs, the Chi Bracelets, and Computer Crystal--all super-energized using quantum physics energy principles. Truly amazing.

AND... let's not forget about Transformation ENZYMES. I've been using these products for 8 years, and have been constantly impressed with their potency, effectiveness, and the business ethics of the Transformation Company.

So... that all being said, I've decided to hold a monthly CONTEST! It's an email referral contest, actually. Some of you may have already gotten the contest email from Boyd, but for those of you who haven't, here's a great way to get a $5.00 Coupon for your next purchase. What you do is go to our Refer A Friend webpage, fill in the names and email addresses of friends who might be interested in getting a subscription to this newsletter. For every one of those people who sign up from your referral, we make one entry into the contest. So the more people who signup, the better your chances of winning. Plus, we'll send you a coupon for $5.00 off your next purchase just for referring someone.

The prize? A free Life Energy Super Pack! We're selling these online for $100 ($90/mo. on auto-ship). The person with the most signup referrals each month, gets one.

I remain committed to these unique products, as I feel they truly represent a new paradigm for creating health and wellness. I hope you agree, and will enter the new contest!

Until next week...

In vibrant health,

Jan (Shay) Arave
President
Subtle Energy Solutions

Dear Readers, Jan. 11, 2008

2008-01-12T14:54:00.000-08:00

Hello, Vibrant Reader!

Great in 2008! Sweet and simple--no more fooling around with "heaven in 2007," or getting kicks in 2006. It's a new year and a new start. I love it!

As I look over my "list," I see a few items that have carried over from last year--mainly having to do with fitness. I talked to my good friend, Kathleen, and we pledged a pact to each other to meet once a week to coach each other on our resolutions. Since she's a masseuse and works at a health club, and I'm pretty good with her for focusing her attention on her goals, we make a good match, and so far, it's been very useful.

One of the great ways to ensure success with any self-improvement goal is to seek out others for help, advice, or to buddy up with. The added attention and intention that is created by doing this is often all you need to get past mental and physical barriers.

Carrying over from last year--are two things that really worked for me, and I want to re-commit to doing: Watching my thoughts, and Forgiving. By "watching my thoughts," I don't mean preventing or judging. I mean stepping outside of my mind, and simply observing what thoughts are occurring and what happens with them. Many times, I can spot pesky negativities, or snap judgements that I wouldn't not have normally acknowledged. This is really tied to "forgiving," mainly myself. Because, rather than come down on myself with recriminations for my thoughts, if I forgive, I can then move on, because it's clear that my intention is to improve.

And, I think that applies to others, too. I mean, with maybe some pathological exceptions, most everyone would rather by happy than sad, and are actively working on getting there. So, they have that intention. How can I judge them negatively for that, just because maybe some behavior pushed an ego button?

I'm always interested to hear from you about how you're getting those New Year's Resolutions accomplished--any tips or tricks, and I'll include them in the Blog. So, let me hear from you!

Until next week...

In vibrant health,

Jan (Shay) Arave
President
Subtle Energy Solutions

Dear Readers, Dec. 28, 2007

2008-01-12T14:45:00.000-08:00

Hello, Vibrant Reader!

We celebrated a grand Christmas with family. In our tradition, it's a two-part gift opening session--one after Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve, and the other first thing Christmas morning mainly for the kids. They were up and jumpin' by 6 AM, and had to spend an eternity waking everybody up. The big hit was the Wii game from grandpa, which wasn't easy to get at retail price--apparently he's got connections...

It was such an abundant atmosphere, so full of love and joy, the vibe ushered us through with high spirits the next couple of days. I can still feel the connection of it, and am committed to feeding and spreading it in the coming new year.

I found an article on the AARP website that we have excerpted for our Vibrant Living Tips (below). One section included "worst excuses" given during a survey by the American Council on Exercise. They found that 19 percent of respondents don't exercise because they're out of shape. Duh, what?? Here are some more:

"Whenever I ride my bike in the park, some thief tries to get it away from me. And the last time I rollerbladed, I broke my arm in two places at the shoulder." —Gina Ross, 65, Chicago, Illinois

"My dog had surgery and couldn’t walk with me. And he cried if I went alone, so I had to stay home." —Jacy Wade, 52, Charlotte Hall, Maryland

"I'm trying to gain weight, so when I do start my exercise plan, it will be more of a workout." —David McDaniel, 44, Covington, Tennessee

Until 2008...

In vibrant health,

Jan (Shay) Arave
President
Subtle Energy Solutions

Dear Readers, Dec. 21, 2007

2008-01-12T14:44:00.000-08:00

Hello, Vibrant Reader!

Wow! What a whirlwind of a week! I've been putting in some hours at a local gift shop, and of course, it's all about Christmas--tiny models of Santa's village, Santas of all shapes, sizes, attitudes, and styles; reindeer galore, fancy decorative bulbs, and of course the trees--from microscopic to life size. The shop is pretty much non-stop, but the people are nice, and I especially love the singing mailman, who'll with the smallest provocation will bellow an operatic baritone version of "Deck the Halls" to the delight of customers and employees.

Despite the extra demands, we're still managing to get a tree (a little late, but we simply must do a tree), and managed to throw some twinkly lights up out front, and decorate our all-important front door with evergreen garlands. I've specialized in chocolate truffle holiday cakes for, let's see, the US Mail person, the three lovely ladies that work the post office counter, and the neighbors. I mean, if there are going to be calories, let them be chocolate!

I know it sounds a bit like a voice in the wilderness with all the running around for the holidays, BUT... I remind myself to take a moment every day (a few times), and give heartfelt thanks for all the blessings, opportunities, and love in my life. It's what it's all about--it's why we live, and how we define "a great life"!

Boyd mentioned to me today that although this is officially the first day of winter, it's really the first day of spring--as the days now become longer, and growing things begin to stir once again--the seeds of a new year of possibilities.

Until next week...

In vibrant health,

Jan (Shay) Arave
President
Subtle Energy Solutions

Dear Readers - Dec. 3, 2007

2007-12-12T11:56:00.000-08:00

Hello, Vibrant Reader!

This past week, we attended Gwynne Warner's interesting and informative feng shui workshop at a local antique gallery. It was catered lovingly with Thai food, with about 40 gentle people there for the event. With her theatrical background, Gwynne really has a way of drawing you in to what she is saying, and her obviously magnanimous personality is infectious.

Great fun was had by all. Gwynne sent all the attendees her feng shui holiday tips via email, and we have reproduced it for our newsletter. It's some great stuff, so check it out below!

One point we took home from Gwynne's information is to start using our Mouth of Chi. That is, the front door to the house! We haven't been using the front door because the garage is attached to the house, and it is simply more convenient to drive the car into the garage, and enter the house through the laundry room. Gwynne says this is bad feng shui. "Make a point," she says, "to enter your house through the front door, and enter with good intention and joyous energy. It will make a big difference. Try it for two weeks and see!" So, we are, and I like it. Before, I felt like I was kind of sneaking into the house, and the laundry room doesn't feel all that welcoming!

We're big fans of Dr. Mercola, and have been very interested lately in his coverage of insulin resistance. The body's cells can become resistant to (or stop listening to) the insulin hormone released from the pancreas. This happens over time as the result of a carbo-heavy diet, too little protein and/or too little fat. Insulin is released to create glucose for the muscles to use. When the cells of the muscles become insulin resistant, glucose can not easily get to them, and they starve. This leads to all manner of symptoms, all of which are related to what we call "aging." Check out our Vibrant Living Tip below for more info, and I highly recommend reading Mercola's article (see link).

Also, a reminder to check out our lovely Chi Necklaces by Rosemary Beam. They are a great gift idea, and really help stablize and amplify your chi!

Until next week...

In vibrant health,

Jan (Shay) Arave
President
Subtle Energy Solutions

Dear Readers, Nov. 9, 2007

2007-11-13T13:56:00.000-08:00

We've been very excited about Candice Covington's adventures in India over the past couple of weeks. Her purpose in going over there was to locate a good source for some exotic essential oils that she is going to be making into formulas. We have agreed to market those new formulas, and I think they will be a significant cut above what's out there right now. Candice has kept us up on the latest, and you are invited to read her latest message (see link below).

Back on the health front, there are two issues that have gotten some media attention lately that I would like to add my support to. One is limiting the use of cell phones. Dr. Mercola has been an outspoken advocate for this for a long time, and recently spent two days with Dr. George Carlo. Dr. Carlo was given millions in grant money from the telecommunications industry in the 90's to prove that cell phone use was safe. What he found was definite evidence to the contrary (ARTICLE).

The other issue is the often-overlooked gluten intolerance, sometimes referred to as celiac disease. It has been one of the most pervasive undiagnosed conditions, affecting millions of Americans who have been told it is something else. AlterNet has an excellent article about this and a case history of one woman who cried when she finally had an answer to her "mysterious" condition (ARTICLE).

Although it's been a bit drier than normal here in Western Oregon, autumn is definitely fully upon us. The trees have all turned their festive oranges and reds, the grass has greened back up and filled in its winter growth, and there's a fresh nip in the air that just makes you feel like taking a deep breath. As I exhale, I give thanks for all the grand blessings life bestows upon us every hour. We have only to reach out and embrace every moment.

Until next week...

In vibrant health,

Jan (Shay) Arave
President
Subtle Energy Solutions

Dear Readers, Nov. 2, 2007

2007-11-07T16:09:00.000-08:00

Hello, Vibrant Reader!

Despite busy schedules, we stil had time to have a lot of fun with Halloween this year. The little darling princess pictured right decided she wanted to pick out exactly the treat she wanted!

Just for fun, I've taken a part-time job at a local gift shop that I've always just loved. One perk is that I have access to scads of home decorations, so I went all out for Halloween with funny furry spiders, and wacky hanging bats.

Our resident aromatherapist, Candice Covington and her companion Charles, are still on her mission to India in search of exotic fragrances and gems. Candice reported, "Every nook and cranny here is filled with some thing to see, touch and taste--so it takes forever to see even one city block! Yesterday, we left at 10am and got back for dinner around 6ish, and we did not even finish the entire block at Gem Plaza! The jewelry here is mind blowing, and the stones used are just beautiful."

Stop by JustAskMissCandice.SubtleEnergySolutions.com for the full reports and pictures of Candice's and Charles' adventures.

I've created a new necklace to add to our Chi Bracelet line that includes all seven gemstones for each of the chakras. They will be available soon, so if you are interested in a great holiday gift for a loved one, please feel free to call to pre-order.

Until next week...

In vibrant health,

Jan (Shay) Arave
President
Subtle Energy Solutions

Experiences with Enzymes

2007-10-31T13:25:00.001-07:00

Here's some interesting information from Barbara about her experiences with the Transformation Enzyme formulas:

"I received my order and have been using them with every meal. This is my second order and although I can't tell if it is a placebo effect or real, when I first started taking them I felt better and decided to keep taking them. Now they are helping me lose weight in a very positive way.

"We were evacuated from our house for about 4 days because of the fires (I live in the San Diego area) and I didn't have them with me. I felt bloated and like a slug for those few days. My new shipment arrived the day we got back into the house and I started taking them immediately. Within a day the bloated feeling went away and I had a more balanced energy. I slept a lot after returning - Had to let down from all of the stress, but I didn't feel sluggish. I have been attributing the better feeling to the products."

Thanks for the feedback, Barbara!