DEVOTION.

November 13, 2014November 10, 2014 by Kali Bliss, posted in Rise Above, Thoughts, Yoga

DEVOTION: love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person, activity, or cause.

This word has been circulating throughout my day, in my thoughts, & in my head for the past few days. Devotion. What is devotion, & how is it different than desire? To be devoted is to be fully committed to you, yourself, and only what is true for you.

We think devotion is sticking to our routine, working out, eating right, & taking time to ‘work out’. No Devotion is a higher state of being. It goes beyond listening to mainstream society or doing as your do daily. Real devotion is a quality of the heart. It’s by your own inner guidance that you can transcend and choose what and who to be devoted to.

Desire is a dream, its an urge, a pulse, something that sounds, feels, and seems good. Devotion is your ability to stay committed – not to that dream that you think you desire, but to what you desire for yourself. See the difference? Devotion is full commitment to live your life as the person you ‘think’ you desire to be, and to authentically show up, even when the world may deem otherwise. We all have desire, & we think we know what we want, & we choose to create dreams & get set on what will happen. When you embrace Devotion – you know yourself is true. You do not need the desire, you can shed your limitation in thinking that is the way it will be, and you can instead live committed to You. Meaning, if you call yourself a yoga teacher, you live in light & love & treat others well & invoke Yogic principles. You don’t get on your mat, do some poses & breathing, then drive away flicking people off or cursing. You live your life devoted to your practice. Desire is the yoga teacher who thinks they need the ‘numbers’ the ‘physical’ challenge, or the ‘mask’ to perform in a space that is purely guided by your own desire, forgetting about the other in the room & what is best for them & others.

Devotion is the act of living from an authentic place that honors who you are. When you are able to remain completely devoted to yourself, you allow things to happen, and you yield yourself to the Universe and step forward into the unknown. Desire is the catalyst to devotion. We all have wishes, intentions, dreams, etc. Desire often catches the ego – when we stop being devoted. As you evolve you change, and with that, your desires change too.

Often we place our desire with ego attachment. For example, I’m doing this to make this amount of money, or I’m not helping you because I won’t get any money. Our ego overrides our desire. If you desire is more money, you need to be devoted to allowing more money. That may mean helping someone else achieve abundance themselves, or honoring someone else needing help. Our head overrides our heart all the time, or we let other people’s thoughts/egos tell us what to do, how to think, how to behave. People can help you, if they are living fully in truth and from a conscious place of connection. The others living from their own desire, without devotion to the whole, will tell you what you need to do to serve them. Thus, you help them achieve their desire, and disconnect from your own desire.

As we end this crazy year of 2014, I ask you to consider how devoted you have been to Yourself. What dreams to do wish to manifest this year? What have you achieved? And what more do you wish to accomplish before this years end?

Human nature gets busy, we forget, we get distracted, and we forget about what we committed for ourselves and our own well being. Desire is always there, and every day we are making choices to fill our desires. However, devotion is how desire is granted. Being devoted to your dreams, your wishes, your goals, is being able to truly root down and say ‘Yes’ to all you want to accomplish. In every moment, in every waking day, you set yourself up to achieve. That meaning, you show up from a place of love. You accept people when they tell you what they think you need to do, but you always check back in with you to see if that truly fits You.

If our desire is bigger than our devotion we will never achieve what our soul truly is asking us. You have desires, you manifest and create with devotion. To you, yourself, who you are, and who you wish to be. In the process, leaving fear behind, perhaps other people, and stay completely devoted to your desires.

When you are devoted you trust the process & surrender, stay aligned to what you heart desires and let your wishes fuel you forward in love & with joy. Let the journey continue, & stay devoted when you walk your unique path.

Officially Fall – Fall into Acceptance

November 4, 2014November 4, 2014 by Kali Bliss, posted in Music

Fall into Greatness & Total Acceptance.

Acceptance: the action of consenting to receive or undertake something offered.

“Allowing yourself to be YOU in your fullest & best. Take responsibility for your actions, past wounds, & remembering your truth, joy, & happiness. Letting what was be, making peace, & restoring your ability to heal & love.” [Kali]

The clocks turn back, the daylight gets shorter, and the nights longer. The weather cools, and it is finally time to put on a jacket, wrap yourself in a scarf, or slip on some Uggs. Or at least this may be true if you are in SoCal/San Diego and have experienced the hot humid Summer weather for the past many months. Transition is in the air, and change is essential as we approach these final few months of this year.

Just as the sun retreats, it is a natural time for us as humans to retreat as well. This year, 2014, has been crazy for us all, and the universe is guiding us all forward towards happiness, truth, and most of all alignment with our soul purpose. Are you allowing yourself to be steered or are you still holding on to what needs to be unleashed? Within all of us is an active calling to serve more, feel better, and learn to lead from a place of love. Time to be compassionate to other people and forces you cannot change, & to tune into you & what has shifted.

What I’ve learned this last year is the importance of rekindling kindness towards who I am. Since last Fall I have been in a state of transition, and my best blessing has been learning how to accept myself and whole heartingly love myself. In my life and especially during my childhood, I’ve experienced much darkness and grief. Happy and love were not things I was raised around or really ever knew. I suffered for many years with depression, ailments, anxiety, confusion, you name it. I’ve spent the last year taking positive steps forward to recenter and align my life in a truthful and serving manner. Three years ago I asked the question of ‘why’ and began my journey into healing and beyond that, a search for happiness. I found a community, I carved out space to learn more about Yoga and what was really happening on that mat and in the practice, and I took active steps to grow and become something better. The Universe has a mysterious way of working things out, even in the depths of despair, depression, and deep confusion. I knew there had to be a better way of living than where I was at. With my desire, came opportunity, new people, and a big new shift that transformed virtually every aspect of my being. I’ve stepped out of my darkness, and have healed old wounds, and I’ve learned to come back to who I am, and who I have always been. The darkness, the sad times, the memories of what was will always be somewhere within my memory. However, with much inner healing, I’ve accepted what was and have chosen to transcend my darkness my focusing more on myself and what I really want in this lifetime. Today I am grateful for the lessons, the opportunities that have fallen into my lap, & most importantly, grateful for my health & happiness that I have restored by releasing a lot of the rest.

We all hold grief, pain, memories, and have stories that ‘happened’. Life is meant to be happy and fulfilling, and as people we have to go through things so we can learn and come out better. As Yogis, we must transcend our darkness into light. Otherwise our past and frustrations stay with us and create blocks that keep us trapped in that darkness. As 2014 ends, and we enter the Fall season, I ask you to reflect on your own journey. What are you still holding onto? Can you consciously choose to better yourself my releasing old ways of living, stories, hurts, traumas, etc? Make peace with your past and accept yourself for who you are today – and who you see yourself being. Everything begins by serving yourself and honestly connecting with that spirit deep within.

Be kind to yourself this month & in the remainder of the year, even through Winter. The universe has put has through massive changes – whether you are conscious of it or not. Things are different. You have changed. There have been crazy weather patterns through San Diego all year, and the same is true in your internal universe. Fall & Winter are a time to cultivate acceptance and reflect on where your journey has taken you. Be gentle with yourself. Take time to Relax, retreat, and restore your own health, happiness, and lifestyle. Make it onto your mat and allow yourself to move slower. Get out of your routine and make a new habit of listening to what you truly need, and honoring it. The time change and less sunlight asks us to go inward and take time for ourselves. Let your body heal, let yourself Love You. Accept what has past. Connect with the truth within you and willingly open up to new ways these last few months by accepting yourself first, and every intention that comes after that.

Life has taught me to serve myself first. It is always the internal message that reins me in the right direction. Look within yourself, and trust your journey. Be kind to You. We are being led on new paths, being asked to let go of people, toxic relationships, and improve our lifestyle so we can smile brighter. Things come up along the way, breathe, no one said change and transition would be easy. It’s a process – accept it for what it brings. People may judge, may not think what you do is right, or convince you otherwise. Let them be. Stay true to your light and lead your way forward… Accepting the good with the bad, the ugly, and the sad. Make peace in your heart, make peace with yourself.

Om Work For You:

Write Yourself a note of kindness. Remember how good you are, who you are today, and write words that will put a smile on your face and remind you. In the darkness, we all need more light. Help yourself out by writing notes to you, and continue to look at it when things seem dark, lonely, or when you retreat in those other emotions. Accept your soul, your journey, who you are, and let the universe work out the rest. Stay happy, treat yourself well, and enjoy the change & transition.

“You are a beautiful person and light up the room.”

“I am kind to by body, I listen to my heart. I treat myself well. I love myself.”

Be your best friend in these last few months and set intention to commit to You. Speak words of kindness to you, meditate, invoke mantra, and thank people who have helped you in your own transition. With kindness we learn acceptance. By serving our mind, body, & spirit, we releasing what once was trapped and soothe the darkness by accepting change & light. Yes you can. Yes you are.

https://www.facebook.com/KalibBliss

Monday Morning Smoothie Detox

July 7, 2014July 6, 2014 by Kali Bliss, posted in Music

Enjoy this smoothie to awaken well and start your week off feeling good! No case of the Mondays, get extra Vitamin C into your body!

Orange Bliss Immunity Smoothie

Filtered Water

Coconut water

Coconut Meat (Optional if you have a raw coconut)

2 Oranges (Orange juice is optional)

Pineapple

Spinach or Kale (greens optional)

Option: add protein powder, fiber, probiotics,

Blend everything together in a VitaMix. I like to keep most of the orange peel on and blend to make the smoothie a bit more foamy. Sprinkle with Hemp seeds on top and enjoy!

Oranges: High in vitamin C which supports your immune system, especially beneficial after a holiday weekend of fun ;). Oranges have many phytonutrients that help inhibit blotclots, heal inflammation, and aid in detox. Oranges also are high in carotenoids, which improve your vision,

H20 Purify & Hydrate

July 6, 2014July 6, 2014 by Kali Bliss, posted in Food, Health, Holidays

HYDRATE:

any compound that contains water of crystallization
supply water or liquid to in order to maintain a healthy balance; “the bicyclists must be hydrated frequently”
become hydrated and combine with water

Your body is an amazing vessels that can naturally heal itself if given the opportunity. After a holiday weekend dedicated to celebration life, liberty, freedom, and more, how do you feel? Did you use the holiday to ‘let loose’ by indulging in chips, guacamole, BBQ, & many beers while being outside in the Cali sunshine? How is you body feeling today?

How do you get back on track and feel good again? You Hydrate. Drink water. Refuel your sanctuary and cleanse out the toxins you indulged in over the weekend. Our food supply has changed drastically and so many Americans load up on packaged, processed, and junk that does not satisfy our cells. I believe most of how American’s choose to live is with the ‘quick fix’ – drinking, partying, loading up on fats and animal products, consuming sugar and ingesting endless quantities to have some kind of satisfaction – whether that be a buzz, a high, a sweet taste delight, or a filing a void that people think is ‘hunger’. We load up, we eat, and we love to consume and do the ‘American’ thing of BBQing, eating, and consuming foods that internally just deteriorate our health and more importantly, inhibit your body to heal and perform optimally.

Recover from your weekend. Let yourself forgive and move forward. Make better choices now. Does that mean going to the gym every day, running five extra miles to burn those calories, or taking a torching yoga class to physically look good? Not quite. It’s funny how people believe we need to ‘work hard’ and ‘train’ in order to look good. It begins with your body, it starts with your soul and remembering that self care begins by being aware.

Hydrate. Purify your cells and internal organs with Nature’s greatest gift – Water!

Water makes up 71% of our planet and we are so blessed to have so many forms of water on the planet – lakes, rivers, oceans, streams, etc. I believe water is the most healing form of anything. How good does it feel when you jump in the Ocean? My body becomes alive and restored. The same thing happens inside your body – water cleanses and clears and helps your body upshift and heal so you can feel better. (Also why you often crave water when you wake up with a hangover). It’s a miracle elixir! Water is vital to access consciousness and liberate your cells and anything and everything that perhaps has gotten trapped inside. We need water. Our filtering systems are not the same, and much tap water is actually incredibly harmful to your health since it is full of nasty toxins, like Flouride, that actually harm your body. If you’re not yet consuming PURE water, make an effort to get the your local Water store and fill up. It’s worth the extra money and time and is critical for your health.

Water purifies because it carries the element hydrogen. Hydrogen is considered the hydrating element (h20), thus water is simply hydrogen with oxygen. Hydrogen is found throughout our body in the lymph, brain, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, muscles, and more. It helps regulate the body’s temperature by moving oxygen through your system and moistens your lungs so you can breathe and cool your system down. Isn’t that amazing? Hence why breathing, yoga, and learning to tame your breath is so critical for health and wellness. Without hydrogen, and with shallow breathing, blood cannot optimally flow through your body and remove toxins and filter out waste. Breathing is essential to live. Water is essential for your body to continue to operate. Thus hydrogen, and water, aid in the process of digestion and elimination. If you are loading up on crap without anything pure and real, your body is going to feel it and become stagnant. That’s how disease forms. After a weekend of fun in the sun and more, please give back to your body – breathe and hydrate. Bring your body back to a balanced state with filtered pure water. Maybe even try on a day of fasting and only drinking water. You may be surprised how much more your body will love you when you relax, stop eating, working hard, and give it time to heal and come back to a vibrant state. water

Signs of excess hydrogen – bloating, puffiness, swelling, puffy hands, stiff neck, low energy, usually constipated or does not eliminate daily.

Signs of hydrogen deficiency- similar to dehydration, irritated, inflammation, cramps, salty food cravings, dry or wrinkled skin, overly heated. Lack of hydrogen really messes up your internal machine and can result in affecting your brain to the point that your brain begins to shut down. This is why we need water to survive.

Often if you loose over 1% of your body weight while sweating, your body goes into dehydration mode, and if your body continues to loose water (about 9-12% of your body weight) you can die.

Best Moisture Containing & Water Based Foods:

Citrus, oranges, vegetable juices, apricots, asparagus, blackberries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, celery juice, chard, cherries, pineapples, blueberries, prunes, sauerkraut, spinach, strawberries, swiss chard, tomatoes, turnips, watermelon…

Water Tips:

Buy yourself a nice glad waterbottle & keep it with you at your desk. Continue to drink water throughout your day and create deadlines for yourself (like drink my water bottle before 11am)
Your body needs WATER, not FOOD first thing. Keep a glass of water by your bed and drink it first thing when you wake up. Continue to hydrate in the AM with lemons to get awaken your body and break your sleep fast.
Get in touch with water. Take a walk on the beach, put your feet in the ocean, or swim in the waves! Do something to immerse yourself in water. You will be surprised at the energetic shifts and the healing powers of water. The ocean and natural fresh stream water is obviously best, however a pool works to.
When you choose to drink alcohol, enjoy a cup of water in between cocktails and beers.
Flavor up your water with lemons, cucumbers, berries, etc
Drink water at room temperature. The colder the water the more energy it takes the body to use it and affects your digestion
Hydrate before and after meals. When you are eating, don’t chug water with your food.
Drink when you are thirsty, and sip even when you are not

On Happiness

June 8, 2014 by Kali Bliss, posted in Inspiration, Quotes, Rise Above, Thoughts

What is Happiness?

hap·pi·ness

noun: happiness; plural noun: happinesses; the state of being happy.

synonyms:

pleasure, contentment, satisfaction, cheerfulness, merriment, gaiety, joy, joyfulness, joviality, jollity, glee, delight, good spirits, lightheartedness, well-being, enjoyment;

This a question, I’ve pondered and constantly come back to. This new Spring season has awakened new aspects of myself and I suddenly am seeing life in a whole new perspective. I was once on quest to find my inner joy. Something deep within me was no longer satisfied going by the every day norm and doing what people ‘thought’ was best for me. i.e. – working the 9-5 job, getting promoted, designer clothes, going out to bars, binge drinking, and other somewhat ‘normal’ things other girls in their mid twenties were typically seeking. That stuff did not matter, I needed something more. I yearned to wake up feeling satisfied, to get up with excitement for my day, and wanted to make ideas happen that would help this world be a better and brighter place. After a series of unexpected events, and with what I’d like to deem a magical and crazy Spiritual Awakening, I am emerging out of what was, and allowing myself to radiant forward – in the best ways I possible can.

Life has taught me so many lessons in the past three years, and in the entirety of my life as I look back and reflect. I believe that happiness is an inside job. It’s more than just proclaiming today I am happy, because we all know there are many circumstances that happen that cause us to feel otherwise. You can read a ton of books, follow people online, even post things on Facebook that seem uplifting. That’s wonderful, and maybe you are inspiring someone in the process. The more our planet elevates in consciousness the more I witness people posting tons and tons of stuff all over social media about how to find your inner joy or some other regurgitated quote or message. Why? I’m really not sure. True, real happiness, I believe, is about finding ways to please yourself fully and live whole in who you are. It’s not doing, it’s Living. It about waking up and looking forward to whatever you have on your schedule and being eager to share your energy to the world. It’s about doing things you love and surrounding yourself with people who let you be the best you can be. And rather than seeking people, things, jobs, money, etc, it’s about dancing on your own path to self acceptance and joy.

So many of us cultivate this attitude of limitation. We want to do this, however we can’t because of this. Or we think we need a certain person, or need to do a certain thing to be happy. We say to ourselves I love doing this and I’d love to do more of this but —-. And so our world doesn’t change. I believe Happiness is found when you are able to live in complete awareness of who you are – not what your family, friends, or society tells you to be. Is it easy? Fuck no. It takes work, it means breathing past your challenges and overcoming yourself so you can serve yourself in the best ways possible. It’s more than just saying you are happy. What is that? Do you feel happy on the inside? Can you break free from your own patterns and choose to face the real thing that is holding you back from your own complete happiness? Are you willing to get into your body and feel alive and as good you can be? Can you put down the weed, beer, or glass of wine, and instead of drinking to feel something and later your state of consciousness – can you be willing to come to terms with the struggle and take conscious motion forward to freedom? The truth is too many of us are just to scared. They are held back in the fear of what if I were willing to change my life? Scared of investing in themselves, of what change may bring, of getting out of their routine, and going beyond what is comfortable or dare I say ‘normal.’ Then habits continues, routines go on for years, the same type of people come in, the same problems, and people wonder why their life is the way it is. Ha. Ha.

Walking a path of happiness and fulfillment is a path you take on your own. It looks different to everyone. Yes, you have people who support you along the way and guide you and are in your life for a reason. But Happiness is your own inner journey. It’s not about doing what this person does, or thinking your dreams will come true by reading a book and following it or reciting it. To me, Happiness is about learning to make choices that serve you. Happiness is not an act, it’s a way of living. Do the things that please you, and find satisfaction in every moment of your day. Love the life you choose for yourself. If you don’t like it, change it, or something about it. You can spend a lot of time and money searching for the perfect partnership, the job that will fulfill you, or the thing that will finally let you feel satisfied. Where is the fun in that? Why do we settle for less than we deserve? Why not choose right now to commit to yourself. To who you are on the inside. To stop thinking you need other people to awaken your inner joy, and choose to live it for yourself. As the planet changes and more and more people are seeking ways to live life well. It’s wonderful! I hope we can all learn to do the best we can to inspire one another. Happiness is more than just a mantra, activity, or necessity. True happiness is living your life with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. To be okay when things happen, knowing it needs to be that way. To allow yourself to dig into your feelings and inner wisdom and love yourself from the inside first. It’s about trusting yourself to take measures to live better, invest in yourself, and instead of seeking something outside of yourself, to seek it within.

Life happens and it teaches you to grow in yourself. Be positive and live well. Obstacles and challenges will happen. The universe throws you curve balls. It’s okay to cr happiness y about it and be upset. Sometimes, you probably won’t be in your best state. That’s truth – that’s the work. Don’t lie to yourself – accept it. To refine your where you are and to make positive changes so you can live better; not for anyone, or to have something, or gain something. Happiness is something that is locked up within us all. Some of us express it and tap into it more than others. I believe real happiness is being able to look at your reflection and see all aspects of yourself and to honestly evaluate what aspects you may need to overcome. Who cares what society thinks, and lets let go of the ‘normal’, or the idea that your have to ‘be okay and friendly and smile’ in every minute of the day. That’s bullshit. Life happens and things can hurt – but it’s in your ability to learn why where the work takes place. Reality is, we are all never okay – admit it, and own it. I tell ya it’s a whole lot better to face your fears, your emotions, and to start to ask the question – ‘why isn’t this working for me anymore?’. Happiness is an exploration of yourself. It’s about stopping the habits and the old ways we think we need to live our life. It’s not about how many facebook posts you make, or your ‘like’s and followers, or what you choose to gossip and complain about. It’s not about showing up with a smile either. Happiness is finding joy in every second of living. You do that by getting through the battle and challenges and finding self acceptance. For me, it’s laughing when things happen that don’t make sense. It’s smiling at the stranger who just cut you off in traffic, and it’s breathing in your own sense of self to feel awakened in YOU. No one needs anything. To find happiness, you do the work, you tune into your self – your body and heart – and YOU consciously choose to better yourself. You let your spirit guide you forward, and you trust the beat with in you to lead you forward… in whatever way that may be….cuz it’s different for us all. Real Journey

People inspire. Books inspire. Life causes you to become something more [if you are willing]; Life teaches. Happiness is an inner journey that promotes confidence within who you are. It may be lonely, confusing, and very surreal at times. It takes time, it’s not something we are born with innately – it’s a unique process. Only when you dare to get deeper, can you truly prosper. I went through a three year shift that taught me more about myself than I could have ever imagined. Did I plan it? No, events happened that taught me to grow fuller in myself and it took a lot of tears to overcome, and I was blessed to have teachers help me along the way. Ultimately it was my own commitment that has gotten me to where i am now. Letting go what I thought I needed or wanted, and trusting there is always more to come. I had to break free and stop doing what I did all my life, and in the process it liberated me and has helped me become fulfilled. This week I invite you to do something nice for yourself. To plan a schedule with activities that will inspire a smile on your face and to notice why it brings you fulfillment. Maybe it’s even taking an hour to be alone journey solo in what you enjoy. We all seek on the outside to feel better about ourselves. Why not harness your own happiness first then let the world be filled with it? Step into love for who you are and live your life by finding happiness in who you really are and all that you actually enjoy 😉 What is happiness to you? Can YOU OWN it and ACCEPT it and LIVE it??

Happiness & Gratitude

December 15, 2013December 15, 2013 by Kali Bliss, posted in Friendship, Holidays, Rise Above, Seasonal, Thoughts

I sat down to begin writing my Holiday cards. Who do I write to? Those who have inspired me this year. Some I may have barely chatted with. Others, may not even know my name. I made a list with those special souls who have touched my heart this year and changed me. Those people that I need to thank, not because they are ‘family’ or because I knew them in college, or because someone told me I had to give and do something for them. I chose the people who have helped me become happier this year. It’s for that, I want to express my thanks, and give this holiday season…

Does it resonate with you?

Food Allergies – What’s ‘Normal’?

November 24, 2013November 23, 2013 by Kali Bliss, posted in Food, Health

The world as we know it has changed, and is changing. Things are happening. Our food supply has evolved into a corporate marketing business. Not much is just natural. Why? I wish I knew. Educate yourself. I suffered a long time and no one could tell me why. They just told me I was crazy. Was I? It is wrong for a kid to cry because they are in pain from eating? In our society, yes. To me, no. I just knew something was not right and that the food I was ingesting did not sit well with me. It made me ill. But how was I suppose to know that was not ‘normal’? I knew all along…

I Want Crazy

October 4, 2013October 3, 2013 by Kali Bliss, posted in Music

Love This. Music for the weekend~

I’m booking myself a one way flight
I gotta see the color in your eyes
And telling myself I’m gonna be alright
Without you baby is a waste of time

Yeah, our first date, girl, the seasons changed
It got washed away in a summer rain
You can’t undo a fall like this
‘Cause love don’t know what distance is
Yeah, I know it’s crazy

But I don’t want “good” and I don’t want “good enough”
I want “can’t sleep, can’t breathe without your love”
Front porch and one more kiss, it doesn’t make sense to anybody else
Who cares if you’re all I think about,
I’ve searched the world and I know now,
It ain’t right if you ain’t lost your mind
Yeah, I don’t want easy, I want crazy
Are you with me baby? Let’s be crazy

Yeah

I wanna be scared, don’t wanna know why
Wanna feel good, don’t have to be right
The world makes all kinds of rules for love
I say you gotta let it do what it does

I don’t want just another hug and a kiss goodnight
Catchin’ up calls and a date sometimes
I love that we’re rebels, and we still believe
We’re the kind of crazy people wish that they could be, yeah

Oh, and I know we’re crazy, yeah

Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na

No, I don’t want “good” and I don’t want “good enough”
I want “can’t sleep, can’t breathe without your love”
Front porch and one more kiss, it doesn’t make sense to anybody else
Who cares if you’re all I think about,
I’ve searched the world and I know now,
It ain’t right if you ain’t lost your mind
Yeah, I don’t want easy, I want crazy

Yeah, look at us baby, tonight the midnight rules are breaking
There’s no such thing as wild enough,
And maybe we just think too much
Who needs to play it safe in love?
Let’s be crazy!

Na na na na oh na na na na oh

Who cares if we’re crazy? We gotta be crazy
I know that we’re crazy, so let’s be crazy
Yeah…

Happy National Kale Day!!

October 3, 2013 by Kali Bliss, posted in Music

Happy National Kale Day!!

I’m blessed to be named after a Goddess and one of the Healthiest Greens! Eat up & read up on why–

What will it take for us to reclaim our health? Simple shifts. That’s what all the green buzz about kale boils down to. Swap pretty much anything in your diet for kale and you’ve made a healthy choice. Kale is so nutrient-dense, delicious, and surprisingly versatile that it bumps up the nutrition in everything from smoothies and salads to pizza and popcorn. Yes, there is a miracle in kale’s crunch.

Just a simple shift, say from a potato chip to kale chip, is a step from nutritional carbage to a delicious green snack filled with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and plant-based antioxidants. Jason Mandala, a farmer and educator, made a simple shift. He started eating kale regularly and his health improved (I hear this story daily now.) His simple shift — just a little more kale — grew into something much larger and more important. This Wednesday, over 8,000 children will eat locally-grown kale chips in 17 schools in Missoula, Mont. Their collective crunch resonates with me, and I suspect with you. We can make a simple shift that is about more than kale: It is about embracing a healthier, greener, more connected lifestyle that builds community and local food culture.

Last spring a band of kale lovers formed to spread kale’s message of the health benefits, culinary versatility and to use kale to celebrate the amazing progress in America’s local food production. Today, there are 8,144 farmer’s markets in America, according to the USDA. Kale and other farm fresh, nutrient-dense whole foods are arguably more available than anytime in recent history. The shift is simple. (Did I mention also delicious?)

We called ourselves Team Kale, and we are chefs, nutritionists, doctors, farmers, food advocates, parents, health coaches, and activists. We went to work building nationalkaleday.org, which is full of recipes, resources, and our free Kale Hero Toolkit. We created a petition asking President Obama to recognize National Kale Day as an official American holiday. (After all, Mr. President, we have a National Donut Day in America, and we suspect this a great opportunity to get you points with The First Lady.)

The inaugural National Kale Day is this Wednesday, Oct. 2, and will be held the first Wednesday in October. We want you to join us.

This Wednesday, our green band of Kale Heroes and Kale Ambassador are celebrating kale around the country and the world. School cafeterias, hospitals, restaurants, and farmer’s markets will take a bow to the Queen of Greens, and you can join in as our forums will be checking in with them and streaming LIVE using the Google+ Hangout ON AIR platform.

Please join the National Kale Day by:

• Signing the National Kale Day petition on Change.org, and encouraging your network to sign.

• Tweeting and posting about National Kale Day on Google+, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest #nationalkaleday.

• Joining our day of Live Forums on all things kale! Check out the Events.

If you wonder what the heck all the kale fuss is about, it’s easy to sum up. Kale means health: a multi-colored superfood from the cruciferous family of vegetables that everyone from vegan to paleo embraces. Yes, almost all plants are a healthy choice, but when it comes to nutrient density, culinary versatility, local availability and value, nothing beats kale.

This year my life was overtaken by kale. After the publication of 50 Shades of Kale, all I talk about is kale: I’ve grown, eaten, and shared bushels, and my blood is probably green. But beyond feeling healthy and smarter (This Is You Brain on Kale), my real #kaletale is one of connection.

Team Kale came alive with a vision of communities that eat together, that feast on nutrient-dense plants, and that take pleasure in the mutual delight of eating delicious food. My co-founder Chef Jennifer Iserloh and I have felt blessed as organizations and individuals dedicated to the mission of National Kale Day reached out and our numbers grew. Last week, we helped prepare two giant kale salads at the Hoboken Shelter with a Chef Q, an inspirational man who five years ago was homeless. The week prior to we stood in the largest organic kale field in America — a sea of green possibility that swayed in the California breeze.

What SuperGreen Powers emerge when you bring together the Kale Crusader, the Joan of Arc Of Kale, Kirsten Beddard, kale legend Bo the “Eat More Kale” guy, a few kale doctors such as CEO and physician Lisa Harris, M.D. (who built a farm on the roof of her hospital) and Physician/Chef John LaPuma, M.D., plus kale farmers such as Jason Mandala, celebrity trainers who make supermodels from kale, and two women who helped create a vegetarian cafeteria in New York City?

There is spot on Team Kale for you. I hope you will join us.

In Kale We Trust,

Eat Me:

September 15, 2013September 13, 2013 by Kali Bliss, posted in Music