The Subtle Healing Language of Flowers

There are medicines you can see hold in your hand and measure with a spoon. And, there are mediines that you feel. They slip past words and numbers, flowing instead into the quiet spaces inside of you - where grief rests, where joy stirs and where your nervious system remembers how to breath again.

Flower essences belong to this second kind of medicine.

They are not perfume, (often I have customers who open the bottle and smell it). They are really not even a tincture. They are the vibrational imprint of the living flower - the way it’s presence feels IN your body, captured in water, sun infused by nature and preserved so as to stabilize it for you to drink in.

If you have ever walked past a blooming tree and felt something shift in you - maybe you took a deep breath for the first time in awhile or you had a sudden memory that presented itself in your mind or you simply had an overwhelming feeling that all is right in the world for a moment then, you already know the language of flower essences.

It is a language of resonance, harmony and the way nature tunes you to her frequency.

I believe this is why flower essences meet us where other “medicines” cannot. They don’t force, they don’t demand - they invite and in that invitation, something inside of us shifts into the yes.

A Gentle Beginning: Heart of Grace

For those walking the tender road of grief - whether fresh or long lived, my flagship blend, Heart of Grace, was created as a companion. It holds the essences of mimosa, cacao and peace lily and is grounded in the crystalline structure of pink opal. Each of these elements serve as a quiet healer to the heart that is grieving.

Heart of Grace is not here to erase your grief. It is here to soften the edges, to help your nervious system release the held breath and to remind your spirit that even in sorrow, there is beauty.

This blend and it’s accompanying 5 day guide will be available for purchase in early November.

You can begin your journey of awareness with my free introductory ebook that opens the doorway to the history and the wisdom of vibrational medicine and how you can begin your own relationship with them now.

Get your Free ebook at www.divinavida.co

In the months to come, I will be sharing more stories, rituals and teachings about vibrational medicine here on the blog. Each will offer you an invitation to learn, listen and remember what your body already knows. Healing can be as simple as a flower in bloom.

Distance Energy Sessions

“When the hands are further away, the Morphogenic Field is being accessed.  This field uses extremely high frequency energy to replace and regenerate all tissues.  This is how non-local healing is accomplished.” 

The concept of distance sessions has boggled the logical aspects of our brains!  However, there is more and more scientific research and data that is showing it works but we are just beginning to embark on the details of how it works.  Much of these explanations of “how” are coming from the quantum physics including dynamic systems theory, the Field, non-local  quantum hologram, time and space, universal hologram, etc.  Consider how long people have been praying; it has now been medically proven that prayers heal.  The healing energy of our thoughts intended for an ill person can actually change the energy frequencies that are causing dis-ease.

Most BodyTalk Practitioners utilize the techniques we learn in advanced training to facilitate distance healing sessions.  These techniques enable practitioners to access the alpha state, which utilizes the brain’s ability to draw upon the intuitive powers of the mind and tune into the client’s healing priorities. Given that everything in the universe is energy and frequencies, we simply tune into the frequency of the client to facilitate the session.  Think about how your computer can wirelessly connect to the internet or how we can operate the television with a remote or the garage door opener. It’s all energy frequencies tuned into one another to send and receive information. In this case the sender and receiver are both the client and practitioner.  The client is sending their energy frequency to the practitioner that tunes in and receives the information, listens to the client’s body’s priorities to heal and then observes the connections within the body that are going to re-establish harmony. The client then receives that information and their body makes the adjustments!

Once we understand that everything in the universe is connected to everything else in the universe and it is all accessible information, distance sessions become easy to understand and facilitate. Think about a set of twins and how even though they are miles apart, they just know when something happens to their sibling.  Any close family members or friends can have this type of connection. Similarly, studies of unborn children across the world from their fathers respond on ultrasound when something happens to their fathers.  This actually revolutionized the way people viewed the importance of father’s taking care of themselves, just as much as the mothers during pregnancy. In other scientific experiments live cells have been taken from the same person and taken miles away and what happens to one sample of cells is reflected also in the other sample of cells that nothing has happened to. We are far more connected than we realize, distance and time are not limiting factors. 

Biologist Rupert Sheldrake first presented his groundbreaking scientific theory of formative causation and morphic fields to the masses in his 1981 book,  A New Science of Life.  His theory took science beyond the limited mechanistic view that we are simply made up of matter and into a paradigm shift which expanded science to include observable evidence that we are also made of organizing fields. These fields are systems that self-organize, create structure, and have patterns.  Morphic fields are not a type of mass nor an energy, but are organized by energy.  Our morphic fields are made up of parts, which are in turn parts of wholes themselves. For example, cells in tissues, tissues in organs, organs in organisms, and organisms in social groups. Each is part of a whole, and that whole is a part of another whole. At each level the morphic field supports the structure of its whole, and organizes its parts (Sheldrake, Science Set Free).

Lisa has been offering distance sessions to clients for many years.  Her sessions include individuals, couples, animals (Animal Talk), corporations, environments such as homes, workspaces, crops (Plant Talk).  Literally, a balancing session can be done on any dynamic of energy.  If you are interested in a session with her, please visit her BodyTalk Costa Rica Facebook. Email to bodytalkcostarica@outlook.com or contact via Whatsap at 506 (country code) 8348-8286 to schedule an in person or distance session.  Credit to Sherry Gilbert, CBP content of this article.

Cacao...the Magic and the Mystery

Cacao..the Magic and the Mystery

Why do we love chocolate?  Why does it make us feel so good?  This is an amazing medicinal plant with so many complexities. In all honesty, as one of my number one plant allies, I will most likely write many blogs about this amazing medicine!  I get asked all the time “what is the difference between Cacao, Cocoa and Chocolate?” So, let’s address that right away.

 Cacao is the fruit of the Cacao Tree.  The pod starts as a very tiny flower and grows into a pod. The beans grow inside the pods which grow in abundance on the Cacao Tree.  The pod houses the beans covered in “cacao honey” (third image on the right).  The honey is what ferments the bean to make it so healthy and tasty.   Cacao becomes cocoa once it is no longer in bean form so, when we make a powder out of it, it becomes cocoa.  Cacao or cocoa become chocolate when milk and sugar are added.  Many artisanal cacao bean to bar producers use the term Cacao as their bar is usually 100% cacao, made from nibs.  Of course, the less sugar and milk, the stronger the medicine, with the actual bean being the best whole food medicine.  In this blog, I will use the term cacao as that is what we call our 100% products here on our farm in Costa Rica.

So, why do we love it so much?   According to an article written by Chris Wellham, The Medical Hunter, chocolate gets right to the heart of sexual pleasure by increasing the brain’s level of serotonin, the feel-good brain chemical.  Serotonin plays a major role in positive mood, emotional health, proper sleep and balanced appetite.  Decreased serotonin is a well known factor of depression.  Women appear to be more sensitive to chocolate than men, and so this could explain why chocolate is craved during PMS and the “moon cycle”,  when our serotonin levels are often lowered.  As Chris points out, one of the most influential compounds in chocolate is PEA, phenethylamine.  This chemical, which occurs in chocolate in small quantities, stimulates the nervous system and releases endorphins.  PEA also potentiates the activity of dopamine, a neuro-chemical directly associated with sexual pleasure. 

“After water, cocoa is the single healthiest substance you can put in your mouth. It can easily replace a number of psychiatric drugs for mood, plus it produces the same chemistry in the brain that occurs when we fall in love.” - Chris Kilham, WellBella

 

The popular drug cannabis (marijuana), contains a group of compounds called cannabinoids.  Of these, THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, causes the “high” associated when the plant is consumed.  Cannabiniods are found in only two other places.  One is in the human brain, where a mind altering cannbinoid named anandamide is manufactured.  This same extraordinary chemical is also found in chocolate. 

Anandamines’ name comes from the Sanskrit word, ananda, which means bliss.  Cannabis and chocolate and the human brain all share this bliss inducing agent.  In the human brain, ananadamide binds to the same receptor sites as THC from cannabis.  Anadamide produces a feeling of euphoria or that blessed out feeling we get when we consume chocolate.

I will address the many cannabinoids and receptor sites in the body at much more depth when we chat about the medicinal power of Hemp. Considered one of the worlds “Super Foods” and “Food of the Gods,” Cacao has over 700 known compounds for healing.  A few of the healing qualities are as follows:

• Antioxidant

            • Neurotransmitter repair

•Amino Acids and micronutrients such as magnesium, iron and zinc

• Cardiovascular health

• Healthy fats

• Thermogenic aid for weight loss

The Ancient Mayans and Aztecs used Chocolate for Spiritual and Ceremonial purposes.  In its purest form, raw and 100% cacao,  is a powerful aid when one is doing their “inner work”, especially if that inner work includes heart-based healing, as Cacao is the heart opener. Strong and powerful heart opening happens when you set your intention to heal with the medicine of Cacao.  The actual medicine is due to the “theobromide” that is in each bean.  Theobroma cacao means “Food of the Gods.”

Nutritional Value of Cacao

Cacao is rich in minerals such as iron, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, copper and manganese. It is also a good source of selenium, potassium, and zinc while providing the body with carbohydrates, protein, and dietary fiber. In addition to this, the cholesterol content in it is almost negligible. It contains cacao butter, which is a mixture of monounsaturated fats like oleic acid and saturated fats, namely stearic acid and palmitic acid.

 

Antioxidant Capacity

A comparative research study has shown that cacao has higher antioxidant activity than black tea, green tea, and red wine. Antioxidants help to neutralize the oxygen-based free radicals that are present in the body. In addition to this, it is abundant in phenolic phytochemicals and possesses a high amount of flavonoids as well.

Improves Brain Health

Scientists have suggested that cacao may also have many benefits towards a healthier brain. Findings show that the neuro-protective benefits could also help with learning and memory functions, mainly because the cacao increases the flow of blood to the brain, which has the potential for curing vascular disorders.

 

Balances Cholesterol Levels

Cacao has hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic effects on both glucose and cholesterol levels, respectively. A diet containing it has also shown a reduction in triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and glucose level.  At the same time, levels of healthy HDL cholesterol increased during testing.

 

Treats Diabetes

The consumption of cacao has been shown to be effective in improving insulin resistance and glucose metabolism. This, in turn, aids in regulating sugar levels in the body.  Free radicals aggravate diabetic complications by promoting oxidative stress, leading to cell and tissue damage. The free radical scavenging activity of cacao has shown therapeutic effects in treating and preventing this sort of cellular injury

 

Relieves Bronchial Asthma

Cacao beans contain xanthine and theophylline, which aid in relaxing bronchial spasms and opening constricted bronchial tubes. This facilitates an easy flow of air and is valuable in curing various allergies, including asthma and shortness of breath.

 

Manages Obesity

A study has shown the potential benefits of cacao in preventing high-fat diet-induced obesity. Consuming 100%  cacao helps in modulating lipid metabolism and reducing the synthesis and transport of fatty acids. Cacao has shown to improve thermogenesis, the mechanism of heat production in white adipose tissues and the liver.

 

Enhances Mood

Consuming cacao has shown antidepressant-like effects on certain physiological processes. Studies have shown that cacao flavonols help to enhance mood, combat depression, and promote improved cognitive activities during persistent mental stress. The presence of the neurochemical phenylethylamine in it also helps in enhancing feelings of contentment and promoting aphrodisiac effects.

 

Improves Cardiovascular Health

Studies have shown that cacao exerts beneficial effects on cardiovascular health as well. It is rich in flavonoids namely, procyanidin, catechin, and epicatechin, which have antioxidant properties and help in protecting the cells from damage while strengthening the heart. It also aids in improving endothelial function and stimulating the beneficial HDL cholesterol. It helps in preventing the formation of fatal blood clots, which can lead to stroke or cardiac failure. Blood platelets play an important role in cardiovascular disorders. Flavonoids present in cacao possess anti-platelet aggregating effects and modulate primary hemostasis, which is the measure of time blood takes to clot. All these health effects help in preventing the proliferation of various medical conditions like atherosclerosis and thrombosis, which are some of the prime causes of more serious cardiovascular diseases.

 

Treats Constipation

Research studies have demonstrated that the consumption of cacao husk exerts therapeutic effects in treating chronic constipation and bowel function diseases. As per the study done on pediatric patients, consumption of fiber-rich cacao products resulted in faster colonic, rectal and intestinal transit times. Another study also advocated that regular consumption of cacao products have shown to encourage better bowel function by a reduction in time to have bowel movements, increase the frequency of bowel movements, and make a softer consistency of stool without inducing any other side effects like gastrointestinal discomfort or abdominal pain.

 

Prevents Cancer

Cacao has demonstrated beneficial effects in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells without effecting the growth of normal healthy cells. Studies have provided evidence regarding the chemopreventive and anti-proliferative qualities exerted by the flavonols and procyanidins present in cacao. These healing effects have proven extremely valuable in the treatment of various types of cancer, including colon cancer and prostate cancer.

 

Reduces Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Cacao has been shown to exert calming effects on people suffering from chronic fatigue. The attenuating effects of cacao are attributed to the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin, anandamide, and phenylethylamine in the brain, which exert protective effects from oxidative stress on the neuronal cells and helps in combating chronic fatigue syndrome.

 

Skin Care

Cacao has also been found to be effective in maintaining good skin health. Research findings suggest that the consumption of flavonol-rich cacao helps in decreasing the effects of UV- induced erythema and reducing skin roughness and scaling. It also aids in enhancing skin elasticity, hydration, and density. Another study confirmed that epicatechin present in cacao aids in elevating the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin, stimulating the healthy flow of blood in the dermal tissues, and contributing to endogenous photo-protection. It is used in the preparation of various skin care products.

 

Treats Neurodegenerative Disorders

The presence of major flavonols like epicatechin and catechin in cacao has shown beneficial effects in treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Research findings suggest that these phytochemicals have synergistic qualities, which aid in reducing the oxidative stress on the mind. This helps in preventing neuronal cell damage and exerts a protective effect on the cellular membrane against cytotoxicity.

 

Prevents Magnesium Deficiency Effects

Another benefit of cacao products is their role in preventing the ill effects of a magnesium deficiency in the body. An investigative research study has confirmed that the regular consumption of cacao products may prove beneficial in preventing the adverse effects caused due to a diet lacking in magnesium for an extended period of time.

Uses Of Cacao

Cacao mulch is a by-product and is produced from the discarded shells of cacao beans. Mulch is valuable in efforts to reduce weeds, regulate the temperature of the soil, prevent soil erosion, and increase the nutritive value of the soil. Roasting cacao beans releases its shells, which are further used to produce cacao mulch. Cacao mulch is rich in naturally available macro-nutrients such as potassium, phosphorous and nitrogen, all of which are valuable for plant health. Cacao beans have water retention capability which lends it to being protective of the impending fire.

Cacao – An Important Word of Caution

It has been my experience that when one consumes too many cacao beans at one sitting, the digestive system will tell you to stop as you may become nauseated.  There is also a small amount of caffeine in cacao which could affect your sleeping patterns.

Cacao, Retreats and More

Well, it has been awhile since I’ve chatted and updated. 2018 was a time of building a strong foundation here at the finca with production goals and lots and lots of planting. We have expanded the cacao planting to nearly 1200 trees, the guanabana to nearly 130 trees and our turmeric plantings to over 2000 plants.

The farm opened to tours in early 2018 and we enjoy showing off all the beauty and abundance of this magnificent and magical place. So, for cacao, we have added the recipes from the teas directly into a small vegan bar as well as or CBD oil infused chocolate bars. Our chocolate making teacher Gabrielle has entered our bars in a very prestigious competition in London and we will know in July if we win , place of show….but at least we showed up. Any accolades go strictly to Flory and her willingness to learn and create new and better ways of chocolate making. While it is in her DNA as third generation cacao farmer, she is first generation chocolate maker and we are so blessed that she loves her work!

We are now ready to open the healing home to those ready for lifestyle transformation using nature, sound, nutrition, energy work, body work and more. Please see our website for details on our retreats. We are pleased to add the gifts and talents of Adri our chef AND yoga instructor. She is a blessing to everything she touches and we are thrilled that she has said yes to Finca Divina Vida and we are certain our guests will be equally blessed by her love.

Journey to here...

What a journey it has been!  When I first arrived in Costa Rica, I believed I would be building a meditation/healing retreat center.  As these kinds of centers are abundant here, the country had a different plan for me.  First, I was to sit...do nothing..simply be... FOR EIGHT MONTHS!  While waiting for direction, I was able to connect with nature, fall in love with the birds, the plants, the monkeys and yes, even the insects...am still working on falling in love with the snakes.   Inspiration and insight finally came.

After deep reflection, connection and surrender, my passion for plant medicine came surging through my veins.  I attended a local plant medicine course here which further inspired me to the amazing medicine.  Following that inspiration, I attended a two week permaculture course and found an even deeper connection to all that is on the finca.  I found so much medicine and wisdom within the community I landed in and felt blessed to listen, trust and learn from these amazing locals.  See, I didn't land in the Costa Rican rainforest like most who end up in communities of fellow expats or, at least, neighbors that they know who speak English...oh no, I moved to a community way up in the mountains where I am the only gringa for miles!  Did I mentioned I don't speak Spanish...oh, so wishing I had learned when my brain was younger.  Fortunately for me though through total immersion, an angel for a farm manager and an amazing Spanish teacher,  progress is being made to teach an old dog a new language!!!

One of my main goals in my village is to empower the women by making available lessons in English, teaching them business skills, connecting them together with a common goal that benefits everyone...thus, the tea company.  Flory, the Operations Manager handles all aspects of business with oversight by me.  Our goal is to employ as many of the local woman to come together to learn, grow and nurture each other,  the tea company, our other products and to run the company as a community rather than simply as employees.  Much of the profit from the teas is going back into community projects such as the remodel of the church, the expansion of resources in a village with no water or phone lines.  There is always a need and we hope to be there to fill the needs that we can.

It is my great honor to be in this magical place with these magical people at this magnificent point in my life!!!  Pura Vida....Divina Vida!