Grief support group will be held once a month on the second Tuesday of each month.

Note – We may vote to take a break for the summer.

Dates:

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Time: 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

A snack with juice will be served.

To reserve your spot please call 416- 929-4878

Trinity St. Paul’s Church,

427 Bloor St. West at Spadina, Toronto

Our grief support group is designed to help support and heal the wounds of folks who may have experienced a significant loss. Remember loss not only stems from a death but also from the loss of dreams, a job, health, money, having children and many more events. Also be aware that losses happen in our life and we keep on going, and not taking time to heal the loss. So no matter how long ago was your loss, you are welcome to join us.

Grief is a natural reaction, often manifesting itself in a bewildering cluster of ordinary human emotions in response to any significant loss. Grief in our society is tends to be suppressed which can often  lead to breakdowns in physical and emotional health. This can be avoided by working with a therapist or a grief support group to help heal the losses from the past.

Grieving people need: empathy, to be with somebody who understands their pain, community support, and education that grief is a healthy response to loss.

If you know someone who is suffering from grief, please pass along information about our grief group. Thank you for helping our community heal.

What we will cover:

·         We will look at a healthy response to grief

·         Understanding the many faces of loss

·         Becoming aware of the five phases of grief

·         Steps to help cope through each phase of grief

·         How to move out of the crisis mode

This event is open to all who have had any significant loss. This could include:

·         Bankruptcy

·         Divorce and all other break ups

·         Loss of health

·         Loss of a job

·         A death of a loved one

·         Loss of dreams how we thought our life was going to evolve

·         Loss of a pet

·         And any other loss you may personally have experienced

Tuesday, May 8, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

An Introduction to the Grief Journey

We will look at the five phases of grieving. We will incorporate holistic approaches like Bach remedies, aromatherapy, acupressure, meditation and homeopathy to help cope during this difficult transitional period.

Tuesday June 12, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Identifying and Dealing with Grief Triggers

How often were you feeling fine and out of the blue, you burst into a grief explosion? This workshop will help you understand the triggers that will bring up the sense of loss. Once you begin to understand the triggers you will be able to alter the response and the behavior that often follows. Learn how to transform the triggers to a positive behavior. We will also look at the role of journaling to process uncomfortable emotions.

Triggers:

Have you ever woken up happy and motivated, only to be hit by a sudden sense of doom? A cloud hangs over your head, and you feel down, depressed, anxious, and hopeless.

When it comes to processing grief  and loss, many factors can be a trigger for you to burst into tears or blow up like a volcano.

This evening will deal with how to learn to identify triggers and diffuse them.

A trigger is something in the present that resonates with something similar from the past and it may happen faster than a nanosecond. The event in the present has the potential to bring up all of your feelings from the past. You can learn to change your response to this trigger.

We will look at  journaling to help process your feelings of loss. Journaling is a great tool to process emotions but most folks do not know how to get started. This workshop will give you all the tools to start journaling and start clearing negative events when you go home.

The evening will conclude with a guided meditation to heal loss and bring in peace.

We look forward to assisting one and all in their healing journey.

Rev. Alexandra Gellman

Here is a recap of the show by Christine Francis, the host of “Ask Your Angels Talk Show”.

Iridology, aka Iridiagnosis, is a holistic approach to examining a patient’s systemic health.  Returning guest Alex Gellman, PhD., shares valuable insights on preventative care,  maximized vitality and overall well-being.

“Scientific, holistic and spiritual, Iridology is an assessment tool,” Alex tells us.  “It reflects the condition of your kidneys, back, neck and eyes.  It tells you hereditary patterns of your genetics.  For adopted children, it can show ‘unwanted pregnancy’.  It can also display the severity of that pregnancy.  It shows significant stresses on the mother when she was pregnant.  It also tells a great deal about the parents, grandparents and great grandparents.  There is much value in that.”

“Dr. Ignatz Von Peczley, a young Hungarian doctor, discovered Iridology in 1861.  Finding an owl with a broken wing, Dr. Peczley took her home to nurse back to health.  In doing so, he noticed the disappearance of the black marking in her eye.  Quite mystified by this, he kept intricate records of all his patient’s symptoms, throughout his life.”

“Many years later Dr. Peczley went to a conference in Milan where he met Dr. Gustav. They both were following the same markings and charts.  Today we utilize the same chart, only in more detail.”

The father of modern Iridology was Bernard Jensen.  Another gentleman, Denny Ray Johnson thought ‘Iridology is great, but there’s something wrong here.  These people are too obsessed with the physical.  There is more to life than the physical world.’  Denny, believing the eye revealed emotion, spirit and mind, created a new system.”

“Looking at your eyes, you see a blueprint for your life.  You can see your chakras, feelings, emotional gifts you were born with, personality, blockages, family relationships,  and the physical state of all body organs.”

“Iridology is read like a map. Colours reflect the complexity and intensity of the problem.   White and yellow are warnings.  Green and orange; the condition is becoming more acute.  Each case is unique depending on the marking; red, brown and black being more chronic.  Markings (at different points ) shaped like diamonds, circles, dots, petals, jewels (specs on the eye) clarify a problem in a corresponding organ.”

“Denny Ray Johnson also created the “four personalities”.  We have the ‘humanitarian‘; devoting their lives to helping others. Often the humanitarian will not look after themselves.  In their quest to be there for others, they neglect themselves.  It’s not a healthy way to live.   The next category is ‘creative‘; all about creativity; very visual.  Living in the moment, creatives don’t respond well to timelines.  They’re not as analytical and detailed as they could be.  ‘Analytical‘ are all about detail, focus and realizing goals.  They have strong leadership qualities.   The last one is a ’catalyst‘.  This is a person who motivates others.  They never stop; always going.  They need to learn moderation.”

“This particular eye is a combination of all the above,” declares Alex.  “Whenever you see those big dots called ‘jewels‘, that indicates strong leadership, and genius in the person’s intellectual capacity.  They have some creativity, a little bit of catalyst and a little bit of humanitarian.  In their personality style, this person is very well rounded; analytical being the dominant peronality trait.”

“The big rust-coloured dot near the pupil shows a significant chronic problem with the uterus (for a woman) or prostrate (for a man).  The little lines at nine o’clock show the father’s nurturing qualities were poor.  Right below that, at approximately eight o’clock, we see a tiny little orange line representing the gallbladder.  The brown marking beside it is the liver.  The yellow/orange above the pupil are signs of digestive problems, system acidity, candida, and yeast infestation.”

“The enzymes in the body are not being produced; compromising digestion.  That tiny, thin line at the top edge, warns circulation is starting to close down.  There is a tremendous amount of inflamation in the body.  This person suffers from allergies; the white food groups; wheat, sugar, milk, dairy, white rice and potatoes.  Significant markings at three o’clock reveal warnings concerning the thyroid or throat in general.  Information from analysis is very indepth.”

A window to the soul, Iridology alerts us to potential illness or disease prior to clinical evidence.   Life is a journey; we are the travellers.  Tapping into hidden talents; positive strengths and even weaknesses, Iridology is an actuality tool for life’s emergency kit.  Don’t leave home without it.

I thank Christine for having me as a guest on her show and look forward to future visits. You can find Christine’s blog at: http://www.askyourangeltalkshow.blogspot.ca/

1 ½ cups kamut flour

½ cup oats

1 teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Dash of salt

¼ cup coconut oil

¼ cup hard honey

1/3 cup apple sauce

½ cup coconut

2 eggs

Preheat oven to 355 degrees and grease muffin pan with coconut oil or butter.

Mix wet ingredients, then add dry ingredients.

Pour the mixture into your greased muffin pan, filling each cup half full. Reserve some batter.

Add organic raisins, cut up organic apricots, dark chocolate chips or carob chips, and fresh organic blueberries to each cup.

Top off with reserved batter to cover treats.

Bake in oven for approximately 21 minutes.

Alex will be discussing:

Iridology – Iris Recognition for Systemic Health

Alex, an emotional iridologist who believes your eyes are the mirror to your soul, distinguishes between healthy systems and organs in the body and those that are overactive, inflamed, or distressed – by examining the eye.

Here is the link to our discussion.

http://youtu.be/mGnHFjhnTq8

ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THESE FREE CANDIDA SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS:

INTRODUCTION TO CANDIDA & THE KEY FOODS TO AVOID - Tue., February 28, 2012, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

An introduction to what Candida is and how we contract it. We will review the significant symptoms, illnesses and conditions caused by fungi in the body, and the key foods to avoid.

IRIDOLOGY WILL REVEAL WHY THE BODY GOT CANDIDA - Monday, March 26, 2012, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

This fascinating evening will feature a presentation on what the eyes reveal – “The Mirrors of the Soul”. Learn how to identify your personality type, your key physical issues and much more. Discover how emotional and physical iridology can reveal how the Candida condition developed and can be rectified. This modality has the ability to reveal the key to eliminating Candida completely through finding the emotional spiritual hole that allowed the condition to develop.

THE ROLE OF GRAINS & FRUITS – THE PANCREAS CONNECTION - Tue., April 24, 2012, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

We will discuss the role of the “alternative” grains & fruits and how they affect Candida and your health. De-mystify the myths surrounding these foods. We will also discuss the role the pancreas plays in the body and its connection to your glycemic index.

THE ROLE OF THE EMOTIONS & CANDIDA – Tue., May 29, 2012, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

The role of emotions and stress play a large role in having contracted Candida. Learn how to eliminate Candida through removing and working through emotional blocks. Discover how to release these blocks completely and thus eliminate Candida completely. This evening will also look at how to use California Flower Essences and Bach Flower remedies to help emotional and physical symptoms.

HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT BY CONQUERING CANDIDA - Tue., June 26, 2012, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Permanent weight loss eluding you? Lose a few pounds, only to gain them back the minute you eat a few carbs? Are you drinking lots of water and staying out of the summer swelter but still feeling swollen and bloated? Get the skinny on how to lose the puffiness. I’ll show you how to eliminate the yeast from your body (that aggravating condition called “Candida”) that will facilitate your weight loss and lead to an overall improvement in health.

PLEASE NOTE OUR MEETING LOCATION:

Trinity St. Paul’s United Church

427 Bloor Street West, Toronto (at Spadina)

The support group meets from 7 – 8:30 and is complimentary.

We will start with a 45 minute presentation on the topic of the evening, followed by group participation, questions and an exchange of ideas among the attendees.

The purpose of the group is to educate and offer support with healthy food ideas and recipes.

New participants always welcome!

To Register Phone: 416 – 456 – HELP (4357) or 416-929-GURU (4878)

Or email: healcandida@guruwellness.com

Are your spiritual needs being met by your current religious practices?

Do you question the relevance of certain religious observances when it comes to expressing your faith? Are you feeling “dogged by dogma”, even though you know some ancient traditions survive because they tap universal truths still relevant today?

Volunteers welcome.

During this season of so much indulgence, why not mix it up a bit with some healthy h’ors d’ouevres. Flavour and tastiness are not sacrificed in this selection of appetizer recipes, even though the calorie and fat count is much lower than the typical offerings at a cocktail party. Your friends may not thank you for considering their health and well being but with these offerings, you’ll have the satisfaction of gift giving anyway.

Guacamole, or any of the tofu dips are wonderful snacks or appetizers on a rice cake or with a potato bun or other yeast free bread. Other appetizers, like the artichoke hearts with whipped tofu dill filling, cucumber arcs with celery cream tofu filling, miniature tofu broccoli quiche, mini potatoes with garlic cream tofu filling are fancy appetizers, perfect to serve at your Christmas Open House or to take along to a friend’s. party.

ARTICHOKE HEARTS WITH WHIPPED TOFU DILL FILLING

Serves:  6               Prep. Time: 10-15 mins, Cook Time: 40-50 mins

Ingredients:

6 artichokes hearts

STUFFING

16 oz firm tofu

¼ cup celery, finely chopped

1 or 2 garlic cloves, pressed

1 bunch of dill, chopped

½ tsp of dry mustard

2 heaping Tbsp Tofu mayonnaise

Juice from 1 lemon

Cucumber, paprika and parsley for garnish

Artichokes are one of the leading liver cleansers and its helps to drink the biter water from steaming the artichokes.

The liver benefits from being cleansed with bitter foods such as artichoke, dandelion and rapini.

Instructions:

ARTICHOKES - Steam the artichokes until done. This may take up to 40 to 45 minutes depending on their size. Remove all the leaves (these may be eaten at another time with the dip). Using a sharp knife cut out the needles in the middle of the artichoke hearts. Cut the stem off to allow the artichoke heart to stand on a platter. Decorate a large flat platter with a bed of lettuce and arrange the artichoke hearts on it.

TOFU WHIPPED STUFFING - Whip the Tofu in a food processor until creamy. Add all the remaining ingredients and blend well. Spoon a little stuffing into each artichoke heart. Garnish with a twist of cucumber, paprika or a sprig of parsley.

CUCUMBER ARCS WITH CELERY CREAM TOFU FILLING

Serves: 6                       10-12 pieces,  Prep. Time:  15-20 mins

Ingredients:

3 cucumbers

3 Tbsp health mayonnaise

8 oz firm tofu

1 tsp lemon juice

½ cup celery finely chopped

3 scallions finely chopped

1 tsp Herbamare

paprika for garnish

Instructions:

Cut the cucumbers in half and then into 1½” pieces and spoon out the middles with a melon spoon or tiny spoon, making sure not to make a hole in the bottom.

Mix the mayonnaise, tofu, lemon juice, celery, scallions, and Herbamare in a food processor. Spoon the mixture into the cucumber arcs, and sprinkle with paprika.

Arrange on a nice platter decorated with a bed of lettuce, red cabbage, fresh flowers or sprigs of fresh herbs.

Presentation Tip: Parsley sprigs make a bright seasonal garnish for your platters, but parsley can also be incorporated into many dishes to take advantage of its many healthy properties. To make a refreshing and cleansing parsley tea: boil 3 teaspoons of fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dry parsley in two cups of water.  Simmer at a low heat for 20 minutes until fully steeped.

GUACAMOLE

Serves:  4-6                                     Prep. Time:  10-15 mins

Ingredients:

2 ripe avocado pitted, peeled and chopped

½ cup red onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, pressed

¼ cup olive oil

2 Tbsp lime juice

Dash of sea salt

¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro (optional)

Dash of cayenne pepper (optional for a spicier dip)

Instructions:

Mash the avocado with a potato masher to achieve a greater consistency than putting them in the blender. Add the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Serve with rice crackers or rice cakes, or alongside fresh rice and refried beans.

MARINATED VEGETABLES ON MINI SKEWERS

Serves:            4-6 ,                   Prep. Time: 15-20 mins,  Cook Time: 10-12 mins

Ingredients:

Quiche Ingredients:

Mini Quiche Pastry Shells Ingredients:

FILLING - Mix the tofu, celery, garlic, mayonnaise, lemon juice and sea salt in a food processor or blender until smooth. Fill the mini potatoes with the filling until it comes to a mound. Top each one with a small sprig of parsley. Arrange the potatoes on a tray of red and green lettuce leaves, and decorate with flowers or sprigs of fresh herbs.

MINI ZUCCHINI BOATS WITH SWEET PIMENTO TOFU FILLING

Serves:   4                     10-12 pieces     Prep. Time: 15-20 mins       Cook Time:  10-12 mins

Ingredients:

3 zucchini

3 pimiento (sweet red peppers)

2 garlic cloves finely minced

½ cup Spanish onion, chopped

1 Tbsp olive oil

16 oz firm Tofu

Paprika and parsley for garnish

Instructions: In a large pot steam the zucchini for 7 to 8 minutes. Cut the zucchini in half and then into 2″ pieces and spoon out the middles with a melon spoon or tiny spoon, making sure not to make a hole in the bottom. Sauté the red peppers, garlic, and Spanish onion in hot oil. Stir until the peppers are soft and slightly browned. Puree this sweet pimiento mixture with the two blocks of tofu in a blender or food processor. Fill the zucchini mini boats with the Sweet red pepper filling. Garnish with paprika and a sprig of parsley.

All are welcome to attend the free candida support group meetings.

PLEASE NOTE OUR MEETING LOCATION:

Trinity St. Paul’s United Church

427 Bloor Street West, Toronto

(just west of Spadina on the south corner beside Metro)

The support group meets from 7 pm – 8:30 pm and is complimentary.

We will start with a 45 minute presentation on the topic of the evening, followed by group participation, questions and an exchange of ideas among the attendees.

The purpose of the group is to educate and offer support with healthy food ideas and recipes.

New participants always welcome!

To Register Phone: 416 – 456 – HELP (4357) or 416-929-GURU (4878)

Or email: healcandida@guruwellness.com

Tuesday, November 15, 2011 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. CANCELLED due to unforeseen circumstances. Apologies, and hope to see you next month, date TBA.

THE ROLE OF GRAINS & FRUITS – THE PANCREAS CONNECTION

We will discuss the role of the “alternative” grains & fruits and how they affect Candida and your health. De-mystify the myths surrounding these foods. We will also discuss the role the pancreas plays in the body and its connection to your glycemic index.

January 2012 (dates tba) 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. – THE ROLE OF THE EMOTIONS & CANDIDA

The role of emotions and stress play a large role in having contracted Candida. Learn how to eliminate Candida through removing and working through emotional blocks. Discover how to release these blocks completely and thus eliminate Candida completely. This evening will also look at how to use California Flower Essences and Bach Flower remedies to help emotional and physical symptoms.

February 2012 (dates tba) 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. – HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT BY CONQUERING CANDIDA

Permanent weight loss eluding you? Lose a few pounds, only to gain them back the minute you eat a few carbs? Are you drinking lots of water but still feeling swollen and bloated?

Get the skinny on how to lose the puffiness. I’ll show you how to eliminate the yeast from your body (that aggravating condition called “Candida”) and you will learn how to facilitate your own weight loss and experience an overall improvement in health.

Free E-Book:

“PASSAGEWAY TO YOUR SOUL”

- AVAILABLE as AN E-BOOK OR HARD COVER

My latest book is designed to aid individuals on their healing journeys through life. Now in its 4th printing, topics covered include:

• Why do we get sick?
• How to get well
• Menu Planning and Eating Out
• Recipes to combat chronic illnesses such as candida
• Lots of inspirational ideas and information

Get your FREE E-Book by sending me an email: healcandida@guruwellness.com

SUPPORT YOUR HEALING WITH OUR GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP - Grief comes in many forms – It is about losses and life disappointments. For details go to the blog at: WWW.UOUFC.ORG

Is it natural: fresh, live, whole food? Or is it refined and man-made containing unnecessary sugar, bad fats, chemicals, hormones, antibiotics, MSG, colouring, preservatives and other undesirable additives?

• Is it natural: fresh, live, whole food? Or is it refined and man-made containing unnecessary sugar, bad fats, chemicals, hormones, antibiotics, MSG, colouring, preservatives and other undesirable additives?
• Does it offer positive nutritional value (protein, vitamins, minerals, fibre, enzymes) or is it “empty calories” that contribute little or no nutrients
• Does it cause physical stress when my body tries to process, eliminate, or in the worst case, store all the resulting toxins.

Below are three tried and true recipes using natural, easy to find ingredients that will help you on your healing journey through life.

Creamy Squash Soup with Nutmeg and Cinnamon

Serves: 6-8,  Prep. Time: 15-20 mins / Cook Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

1 large butternut squash, peeled and chopped

3 sticks of cinnamon

12 cups water

¼ tsp nutmeg

1-2 apples, peeled and chopped (optional)

Instructions: Boil the butternut squash in the water with the cinnamon sticks for 30-45 minutes.

Puree the squash with a little of the water (reserving the remaining water).

Put the pureed squash back in the pot, and add extra water as needed to produce the soup consistency of your choice.

Add the nutmeg and simmer for another 10-15 minutes. For a sweeter soup add 1 or two small apples at the beginning.

Chicken and Vegetable Casserole

Serves: 4, Prep. Time: 15 mins / Cook Time: 1 hr

Ingredients:

2 boneless chicken breasts cut into pieces

2 potatoes, chopped

1 sweet potato, chopped

2 onions, chopped

1 cup broccoli, chopped

1 cup water

1 tsp Herbamere

Dash of Sea Salt

Instructions: Place all the ingredients in a casserole, cover and cook at 350ºF for 1 hour. Serve with steamed brown rice or millet.

Crepes with Apples and Cinnamon

Serves: 4

Eating apples with your meal is like taking a digestive enzyme as the pectin in the apple helps break down your food.

Ingredients:

1 2/3 cups Oat flour (you may substitute Rice or Millet flour)

1 tsp arrowroot baking powder

1/3 cup Olive oil

1 cup apple juice

¾ cup + 3 Tbsp Rice milk

2 eggs, or 2 Tbsp flax powder and 2 Tbsp water, or egg replacer (optional)

Instructions:

Mix all of the above ingredients in a blender. Heat a skillet to a medium to high temperature. Test that the pan is ready by putting a drop of cool water on the skillet. If the water beads then the pan is hot enough.

For each crepe, pour a third to half cup of batter onto the hot skillet. Cook until you see bubbles begin to appear on the surface (3- 5 min.) and then flip them over. This recipe will make approximately 16 medium crepes.

Set the crepes aside and keep them warm in a covered dish in the oven.

APPLE AND CINNAMON FILLING

Prep. Time: 10-12 mins / Cook Time: 15-20 mins

Ingredients:

½ cup ghee ( ¼ cup olive oil for the non dairy vegetarians)

½ cup brown rice syrup

2 cups finely chopped apples

3 Tbsp cinnamon

¼ cup chopped almonds

Instructions:

Heat the oil or ghee and add the brown rice syrup. Stir until the syrup softens. Add the apples, cinnamon and chopped almonds. Cook for about 15 minutes on a medium heat or until the apples are softened.

To ASSEMBLE THE APPLE CINNAMON CREPES - Take a crepe and pour the desired amount of filling to still be able to roll the crepe or fold it in half. Place three crepes on a plate which has been dusted with cinnamon all around the edges. Serve as is or with additional maple syrup on top, or a little plain yogurt.

Good Ideas! Serve as a breakfast item brunch, dessert or use the crepes as a bread to eat with meals with yogurt or tahini spread.