Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Life Lessons of the Transformation Game


by Deedre Diemer, MA

The longer I’m alive on this planet the more I experience that there really is very little “new” information out there; it’s mostly recycled information from the collective unconscious being packaged differently. The messengers and manner in which the message is delivered changes over time to reach a new audience. And that’s great news!!

I started my conscious spiritual journey back in the 80’s, in California, where you couldn’t turn the corner without running into some new personal growth and development program. I experienced as many as I could!! During one particular leg of my journey, I was introduced to a beautiful, extremely powerful board game: The Transformation Game. Every thing I needed to know was revealed in that very simple, insightful game created by two extraordinary women at the Findhorn Institute in Scotland. Over the years (at least 25…yikes!) I played that game numerous times myself and have had the honor of facilitating it with others.

I’m always amazed and inspired by the insights gained and the transformation I’ve witnessed during the course of the game and afterwards as participants embark on their “next steps”. Here’s a sampling of the “truths” from the game that apply to everyday life - Enjoy!

If, our life’s purpose on this planet is to awaken through awareness then that is the KEY tool you’ll take with you when you play the Transformation Game;

Awareness Transforms Pain:
Pain happens. Eckart Tolle explains that we all have a pain body that attracts pain, drama, chaos, etc. That’s neither “good” nor “bad”, it just “is”. The simple awareness that we have a pain body that goes dormant for awhile and then gets “hungry” for some pain is enough awareness to transform the way we live our lives. In the game, when you take on pain your ability to move forward is impeded; oftentimes frozen until you gain enough “awareness tokens” to remove the pain. Then you can move freely along your path. One awareness removes one pain. Simple. Isn’t that like life? Gain the awareness of what triggered the pain, release the judgment we may have placed on ourselves about the pain, bring in forgiveness for the judgment, accept that pain sometimes happens and allow ourselves to feel, without resistance, the pain. It, too, shall pass and the ability to move forward, free of pain will return.

Life is Filled with Insights and Setbacks:
That’s just part of the journey. We encounter “obstacles” along our path, sometimes labeling them as “setbacks”. These are times when we are forced to slow down, reflect upon our part in creating the situation and from a place of neutrality determine what right action is. It’s not the setback that matters, its how we are while we’re experiencing the setback. How are we “showing up” while experiencing the perceived setback? Are we kind and gentle with ourselves or are we stubbornly attempting to work our will and control the outcome? Are we using the experiences as a learning opportunity or placing blame on others? At the same time we experience ‘setback” we also have the opportunity to experience “insights” which can transform any situation that we find ourselves in. With that insight, a perceived setback can be transformed into a healing and growth opportunity. We gain the clarity needed to discern what action, if any, is required.

Awareness is Experienced on All Levels:
We are whole, multi-dimensional human beings on this planet. As such, we experience life on many levels: namely the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual realms. We are constantly evolving on each level. One person may experience a multitude of struggles on the physical and emotional levels (health, survival, troubled relationships, etc) and yet be masterful on the mental and spiritual levels; just cruising along those paths. We are each on our own unique journey of healing, awareness and awakening. There is no competition, no race to see who finishes first as we all have our own “issues” that we have chosen to deal with this lifetime. Remember, we are here to awaken; to gain awareness and thus raise our consciousness!

We Have the Ability to Tap into Our Inner Wisdom at Any Time:
Divine guidance comes in many shapes and forms; it’s just a matter of recognizing it when it shows up. Again, it boils down to “awareness”! The Universe is always communicating with us. Are we listening? Are we open to the guidance that is readily available to us? The messages are there for us; in nature, in dreams, inspirational books, etc.: that snippet of conversation you overheard that happened to pertain to what your current challenge is; the book that opens to a page that inspires you, the song on the radio, or the meaning of encountering a certain animal that you don’t usually see. (Animal medicine is very powerful- Ted Andrews is a master) In the Transformation Game, the divine guidance comes in the form of Angel Cards; little cards that have a spiritual quality written on it. When you receive an Angel Card, you take a moment to reflect upon what that quality means to you and how it applies to the situation (your game’s playing focus); then you embrace the quality allowing it to guide you along the path.

In fact all players pick a Guardian Angel to watch over and guide them through the game. Don’t most of us believe in Guardian Angels in some form and experience a sense of Divine guidance, inspiration and protection at different times in our lives?

Miracles Do Happen:
The miraculous healing, sudden change of fortune; the unexplainable events that occur in life that can only be labeled as miracles that transform us; allowing us to reach a higher level of consciousness, understanding and awareness. Life is full of miracles; big and small.

Being of Service:
In the game, you can’t move up to the next level of consciousness until you’ve been of service. You can have all the awareness in the world, numerous angels and spiritual qualities, transformed your setbacks into insights, be free of pain; yet if you have not been of service to a fellow human being, you remain stuck on that level of awareness.

We are here to be of service to each other, our planet (Mother Earth) and all of her living creatures. We are not separate. We are one.

Blessings and Appreciation:
Life is filled with sweetness when we allow the blessings to flow. We bless ourselves and others when we appreciate the present moment. What ever we are doing, whether it’s mopping the floor, driving in traffic or hugging our loved one; if we can do the task mindfully, with an attitude of gratitude we are a blessing to the world.

You are a blessing to the world!

Remember, we are simply Divine Beings having a Human Experience on this Planet, so please be gentle with yourselves as you travel your own unique path to enlightenment.

Deedre Diemer will be facilitating the Transformation Game on Saturday, September 27th at 1pm. Call 816-931-6533 to reserve your spot - space is limited.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Safe Drinking Water

Q & A with Gwyneth


Funneling Through the Facts Regarding Safe Drinking Water

Q: I've been drinking tap water for years and recently started drinking bottled water. It's very expensive, so I've been looking into buying a filter for my kitchen sink. What is the best choice?
A: I'm glad to hear you are planning to save your health, your money and our planet. Where is "away" when you throw away all those empty bottles? Home filtered water offers higher quality water, at a fraction of the cost. You may consider a whole house filter or one for your shower as well.

Q: Why filter the whole house?
A: If you don't filter the water you bathe in, you may be subjecting yourself to chlorine, arsenic, fluoride, hexavalent chromium, lead, bacteria, viruses, nitrates, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and/or whatever particulate matter is in the water you don't want to drink. At least, get a point of use filter for the shower/tub and bathroom sink.

Q: What do I look for?
A: Compare the initial price of the unit, replacement filters, cost of use per/month. How often does the filter need to be replaced? Does the unit require electricity? Does it need to be back flushed periodically? What does it remove? How fast does it filter what quantity of water? Has it been certified?

Q: There's a lot more involved than I thought. There are so many brands I see. I thought this would be easier.
A: Check with the California Department of Health Certificate of Claims to determine credibility and performance. The certificate means the company has provided extensive laboratory test data for each contaminant removal claim. It also means the company's literature, web-site and packaging have been reviewed to contain no false or exaggerated claims. www.cdph.ca.gov/certific/device/Documents/WTD-2007Directory for listings of certified devices by company, alphabetically, by type of device and by contaminants filtered.

Q: I have also seen several water purification systems that have additional features to the filtration. Which ones really make an important difference in the quality?
A: UV light, ionization, oxygenation, distillation and or reverse osmosis are some of the features that are available. They add expense, sometimes lengthy production time or limited quantity. However, they may be worth investigating depending on the water quality issues you may be concerned with in your community water or the plumbing in your home.

Q: Distillation is as pure as water can get. That sounds like the best bet.
A: Yes and no. Distilled water is the steam that is returned to liquid form through condensation. Many people then add minerals to the water to enhance the flavor and nutritional value. It takes a long time to produce a large quantity, however many choose it for cooking and drinking point of use.

Q: Where can I find more reliable information for product comparison?
A: Several great sites: www.waterfiltercomparisons.com provides charts and good links to other sites. www.nrdc.org/water/default.asp Natural Resources Defense Council provides valuable information about tap water.


Loving Living Foods


The Ultimate in Fast Foods – fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts and sprouts.

Do you find yourself sipping on something more flavorful that's often calorie, sugar or caffeine loaded?

- Water hot or cold with a squeeze of lemon, lime, orange.

- Float a few frozen grapes or berries instead of ice.

- Crush fresh ginger through a garlic press, add to warm water (under 110 degrees) with a little honey and a squeeze of lemon.

- Dilute your favorite juice with water by half or more.

- Smash a sliver of peach, pear, mango, or papaya and stir into your water

- Float cucumber slices and a sprig of mint.

- Make sun tea in a large glass jar:

Add: 4 cups filtered water, ½ diced apple, ½ cup fresh chopped mint, ½ cup diced, unpeeled orange, 1 Tablespoon minced ginger and place in hot sun 6 hours or soak indoors for 12 hours. Refrigerate.

- 1 ½ cups water, 2T maple syrup, 2T minced ginger, frozen berries, a squeeze of lime

- Use frozen melon balls for ice cubes

- Enjoy fresh peppermint, spearmint and/or lemon balm garnish

Be creative. Enjoy good filtered water warm or cold with a touch of flavor.

Looking for more Raw Food connections: www.goneraw.com is loaded with recipes from raw foodists who like to share. www.rawfood.meetup.com/197/calendar/7021243 gets you in contact with Kansas City area raw food enthusiasts and their events.

Gwyneth Jones is a Holistic Health Pracitioner, licensed massage therapist and pilates trainer at Plaza Wellspring. Call 816-931-6533 to schedule a private appointment.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

It IS Easy Going Green!

Q & A with Gwyneth Jones - It IS Easy Going Green

As seen in KC Wellness Magazine, March 2008
(below the article are some green recipes!)




Q: I've already made some eco-friendly changes in my lifestyle. What suggestions do you have that can more me further?

A: What have you embraced so far?


Q: I have started with a water filter and bring drinking water with me every day. I also bring a canvas bag to the grocery to save bags. The CFL (compact fluorescent light) light bulbs are truly saving my electric bill, I turn down the thermostat when I'm at work and when I go to sleep. I use the recycling bin on trash day.

A: Use bio-degradable trash bags available at www.Biobagusa.com and www.returntogreen .


Q: What can I do next, something personal, that will make a difference?

A: Eat more vegetables and less meat. Each calorie of animal protein requires 78 calories of fossil fuels to produce. Irrigation associated with livestock production (including feeds) equals half of all the consumed water in the United States.


Q: I have been eating more fruits and vegetables. Thanks for the encouragement.

A: Are you buying locally grown produce?


Q: I'm not sure. I go to my local health food market for produce.

A: Check CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) www.goodnatured.net for pick up sites nearest you. You will find fresh, local greens and more all year through www.SquashBlossomKC.org or steve@squashblossomkc.org Hen House Grocery Stores and Green Acres Market support CSA.


Q: I've been buying eco friendly cleaning products at my health food store. Are there other products you will suggest?

A: Locally, we have two companies to check with their product lines.

www.foodforlife.com is creating household and personal cleaning products as well as an organic grocery, vegan café, a bakery and a wellness center. Look into www.returntogreen a Lee's Summit business with a wide variety of eco-friendly offerings as well.


Q: I wish all the boxes and packaging were bio-degradable.

A: There are some personal hygiene products company Pangea, creating bio-degradable packaging that you can plant and grow herbs. How creative is that? www.Pangeaorganics.com available at the World Market in Westport.


Q: Will you tell me about local groups or newsletters that can keep me informed?

A: KC has a new magazine, Greenability. "Living well, by living green in Kansas City" is there motto. www.greenabilitymagazine.com for subscriptions.


Q: I've noticed new fabrics for clothing lately. Are they really comfortable and affordable?

A: I bought a very soft, warm beautiful, bamboo fiber throw last month that was reasonably priced and joyfully more than I hoped for. The green movement is making available many new fabrics that are becoming more affordable. Wear organic and natural fibers, more comfortable through all our seasons. Choose to send one or more clothing items to your favorite charity for a new life, for every new item you buy. Recycle.


Q: Thanx for the suggestions. They will be interesting to investigate and add to what I already do. More to come?

A: There is always more to improve on. Stay in touch.



Loving Living Foods




I have a several of Green Drinks for you to try!

Apple –Kale-Lemon

4 apples (cored and seeded, maybe peeled)

½ lemon juice only

5 leaves of kale (remove the stems)

2 cups filtered water

Puree the apple and kale and slowly add the water

While the blender is on High.

Peach – Spinach

6 peaches

2 handsful spinach leaves

2 cups filtered water

Puree the peaches and spinach while slowly adding water

While blender is on High

Pear- Chard- Mint

4 ripe pears

5 leaves Swiss Chard

½ bunch mint leaves

2 cups filtered water

Puree first three ingredients in blender on High while slowly adding the water.

Great book: 12 Steps to Raw Foods by Victoria Boutenko.

To schedule with Gwyneth Jones, call 816-931-6533