Write about your most epic baking or cooking fail.
By Tracy Schruder
My most epic cooking fail was the time I made pancakes from scratch. I mistakenly used baking soda instead of baking powder . My pancakes had never looked so tasty. They came off of the grill, golden brown and crispy and everyone couldn’t wait to dig into them. My plate was stacked and I admired the butter and syrup as it flowed down the sides and into the fluffy cracks and bubbles. I plunged my knife into them cutting a perfect mouth full but as soon as I put them in my mouth, I spit them out. “Gross!, What the heck! They looked so good.” I exclaimed! ‘What did I do wrong?’ I thought to myself. I headed to the kitchen to trash the unwanted masterpiece and whip up another batch when I discovered the culprit, Baking soda! Argh!
Holidays aren’t what they used to be. The remarkable women who once orchestrated big, beautiful gatherings – our grandmothers and mothers, the family matriarchs – held a special place in bringing everyone together with joy and commitment. They were the glue that held the family, celebrations, and holidays together. I think back to my mom, who for over 50 years, put together the home, the meal, the dessert, and the entertainment all on her own. There was never a need for caterers or Disc Jockeys. She learned this tradition from her mother and grandmother, and those strong women who came before her. We had profound respect for these amazing women, and we showed up for them.
Since my mom has passed away, no one has picked up the tradition. Our family no longer celebrates together in the same way, though we have our own celebrations with our individual families – and anyone from the wider family who wants to be there is always welcome, come what may. We do our best to make the best of everything, but it’s not the same. Years are flipping by, and children are growing up quickly. Because we no longer gather on holidays and special occasions, we’re no longer as familiar with each other. Children are forgetting who their aunts and uncles are and don’t know their cousins – a far cry from how we were raised.
I’m close with all my cousins, and it makes me sad that this next generation won’t know each other and feel the joys of the friendships and bonds that can be created. I basically celebrate holidays by the seat of my pants these days, with hope that we can all get together again and rekindle the traditions laid out by the matriarchs who built this family.
I’ve always been an intuitive person. Feeling other people’s emotions, physical pain, and seeing or feeling the outcome of their situations. I’ve often been called an empath, but I honestly can’t label it for myself. It’s just been something I could do or have been. For most of my childhood, I believed that everyone was like that, although maybe other people had better control of it. Now I know there is a difference.
I’ve done a lot of watching over myself and my mysterious abilities. I chose not to deny them but to learn all I could about them and use them to the best of my capabilities. So, I became a Reiki grandmaster teacher/practitioner, enabling me to teach others like me to use their abilities to their highest potential as well as soothing suffering for those who need it.
One thing I found especially interesting about the various different healing techniques out there was the tapping technique. I’m only two years into this practice, but it has worked wonders for me. My first experience with this technique was to activate my third eye. I always believed my third eye was wide open and fully functioning my whole life, but this idea was challenged when I did a third eye tapping technique.
I closed my eyes every day for seven days and tapped between my eyebrows on my third eye for 46 taps. The first three days, I would see through my mind’s eye a dark spot tapping over and over the Ajna chakra. On the fourth day, I saw black cracks like glass cracking in front of a bright orange glow. I was ecstatic! I knew something was breaking. The following days were amazing, at the least. I slept extremely well, had informative and magical dreams.
The following days, as I tapped my third eye, I would see a dark blue oval with bright blue and white ripples spanning across my forehead and out towards my temples. I had no idea my third eye was blocked, as I mentioned before. I’m so grateful for finding the tapping techniques! I’m more clear than before, am a better teacher, coach, healer, and person overall. My intuition is firing like never before, and my abilities have improved exponentially.
Tapping Techniques to Heal and Open Chakras
Daily Taps
1. Root Chakra (Muladhara): Tap gently at the base of the spine or pelvic area to ground and stabilize. Tap 65 times-front and back.
2. Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana): Tap below the navel to support creativity and emotional flow. Tap 88 times.
3. Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura): Tap above the navel for confidence and personal power. Tap 88 times.
4. Heart Chakra (Anahata): Tap center chest for love, compassion, and connection.Tap 33 times.
5. Throat Chakra (Vishuddha): Tap throat area for communication and expression. Tap 44 times.
6. Third Eye Chakra (Ajna): Tap between eyebrows (as described in my experience) for intuition and insight. Tap 46 times.
7. Crown Chakra (Sahasrara): Tap top of head for spiritual connection and enlightenment. Tap 88 times.
Special Considerations are that
Individual Experience: Effects can vary; explore techniques mindfully.
Practice Regularly: Consistency may deepen benefits.
Combine Modalities: Tapping can complement other healing practices like Reiki.
Conclusion
Embracing our innate intuitive abilities and exploring healing modalities like tapping can catalyze profound shifts in awareness and capability. For me, tapping has been a transformative tool, unlocking deeper clarity and enhancing my work as a healer. I continue to integrate these practices, witnessing their power to clear blocks and amplify connection to our inner wisdom.
Share a lesson you wish you had learned earlier in life.
By Tracy Schruder
Reflections on _The Four Agreements_ by Don Miguel Ruiz
One of the most transformative books I’ve had the pleasure of reading is _The Four Agreements_ by Don Miguel Ruiz. The lessons in this profound work reshaped my perspective on myself, my thoughts, others, the world, and life entirely. I encountered his wisdom in my mid-40s – a pivotal time that sparked deep inner shifts. I often find myself wishing I’d discovered his teachings when I was half that age.
My Journey
For much of my youth, I was absorbed by my thoughts and was extremely sensitive. I took my mind’s narratives as truth, unaware of the inner dynamics Don Miguel describes so eloquently – the interplay of The Parasite (limiting beliefs and conditioning), The Ally (inner wisdom), and The Creator (a higher aspect of self aligned with love and awareness). I hadn’t grasped the concept of inner “sides” or the profound gap of presence, that higher place of the self, the soul, and the Now.
The Toltec Wisdom
Don Miguel Ruiz’s work stems from the Toltec tradition, emphasizing awareness, transformation, and living authentically. _The Four Agreements_ outlines powerful principles for personal freedom:
1. Be impeccable with your word.
2. Don’t take anything personally.
3. Don’t make assumptions.
4. Don’t do anything with fear.
Other Works by Don Miguel Ruiz
– The Mastery of Love: Explores love, relationships, and inner peace.
– The Voice of Knowledge: Delves into distinguishing true inner wisdom from conditioned thought patterns.
– Prayers: A Communion with Our Creator: Reflective spiritual prayers.
– The Fifth Agreement: A companion to _The Four Agreements_, touching on authenticity and truth.
Domestication and The Dream of the Planet
Don Miguel speaks of domestication – the process by which societal norms, judgments, and conditioning shape our beliefs and perceptions, often leading to self-limiting patterns. We live within ‘the dream of the planet’, a collective construct influencing how we see ourselves and interact with the world. Awakening to these dynamics can liberate us from unconscious agreements and foster greater authenticity.
Transformation and Self-Knowledge
Learning these principles has led me to many wonderful places and experiences. Embracing ‘Know thyself’ – at 54 years old today – I can honestly say that I have gained profound insights into my own nature. Don Miguel’s teachings illuminated pathways to greater awareness, helping me align more with presence and inner peace.
In Conclusion
My Gratitude
I’m grateful I encountered Don Miguel Ruiz’s work when I did. His insights continue to ripple through my life, encouraging deeper self-awareness and compassionate engagement with the world.
My favourite types of food are a variety of different breads and oils. I eat bread with every meal – it’s a staple that brings me joy. I absolutely love the flavour, and it’s quite filling. One of my greatest pleasures is dipping my bread in oil; it’s a sensory experience I crave.
I make several different homemade oil, butter, and herb bread dips, experimenting with combinations that tantalize my taste buds. I bake my own bread with my bread maker – there’s something special about the aroma wafting through the kitchen. I especially love the oat and grain breads for their hearty texture and nutty flavours. However, I also make rye and pumpernickel quite often, appreciating their dense, earthy profiles.
Favourite Combinations
Garlic & Parsley Olive Oil Dip:I absolutely love homemade white bread dipped in a mix of garlic and parsley infused in olive oil – it’s a classic that never disappoints.
Herb Blends: I mix herbs with different oils such as butter, olive oil, sesame seed oil, and coconut oil, creating flavour profiles that elevate my bread experience.
Sweet Treats: I make dessert breads and oils too. Dipping banana bread in coconut oil infused with lavender and vanilla is absolutely delicious. I prefer to slightly toast my banana bread before dipping – it adds a lovely crunch and warmth to the experience.
Bread Baking Joys
Using a bread maker simplifies the process for me, but I also enjoy shaping dough by hand for a more artisanal touch. The versatility of bread – from crusty baguettes to soft sandwich loaves – means there’s always a perfect pair for my oil dips.
Exploring Flavours
I’d love to experiment more with international breads like ciabatta, focaccia, or naan, pairing them with spiced oils or flavoured butters. Do you have a favourite bread or oil combination that brings you joy?
I’ve always been an active walker/jogger. Reaching back in memory, I became aware of its stress-busting effects back when I was 13 years old and training for Grade 8 track and field events. I wasn’t a fast runner, although I always believed I could be; I rarely won any running races, but I managed to win a ribbon or two at the end of the event. I remember inspiring my classmates to get out and train, whether it was driven by competition or otherwise, and this made me feel good. I started training that year by jogging around our little village from end to end each night after school.
I had a tough year that year, and was going through a lot of changes physically and emotionally. I found that after my run, things didn’t seem so tough. I felt a stress release. The sweat seemed to drive any negative thoughts or feelings right out of my pores. I would sometimes have a good cry during my runs. Sometimes my face turned a burning red, and I could feel the large, emotion-filled tears streaming down my cheeks, cooling them ever so slightly.
I ended up making some new friends that year because of my confidence and determination. Some of the more popular kids welcomed me into the fold. I found that jogging had made me a better person – a more easygoing, relaxed version of myself – and this welcomed a space for my peers to see that I wasn’t just a stressed-out kid, as I used to be, and I was less intimidating, I guess.
Before I discovered the magic of walking, jogging, and running, I was a very emotional child. I felt everything and everyone very deeply. I had no idea how to release these emotions and accept myself and others without all the stress that accompanied it until that year.
I now walk, run, or jog on my treadmill at least five times a week for no less than 30 minutes and no more than 1 hour. I couldn’t imagine my life without it. It’s my stress-busting secret. I’m more alive, calm, and focused afterward, and am able to be present and available for others because of this process.
When I think about the world of consumerism, I am always amazed at how many people believe that a Brand* can some how enhance their status. I’m the type of person whose values and priorities diverge significantly from the dominant brand-driven consumers. I’ve never been drawn to flashy logos, trendy marketing. I have never been known as someone who follows the crowd, or feed into the latest fads. Instead, I focus on the story behind the product, the people involved in its creation, and the impact it has on the environment.
My exploration of the fashion industry has led me to some disturbing truths. The prevalence of child labor, sweatshop conditions, and human trafficking in the production of certain brands is appalling, for lack of a better word description . The exploitation of vulnerable workers, often in developing countries, is a harsh reality that many consumers seem to overlook, when buying the latest popular Brands.
Brands like Levi’s and others have an extremely complex history, marked by questionable labor practices and environmental degradation. The cotton industry, in particular, has a significant impact on the environment, from pesticide use to water pollution. The high cost of luxury brands like Gucci and Hugo Boss raises questions about the value we place on material goods.
The food industry is another area where I’ve become disillusioned with the prioritization of profits over people and the planet. Highly processed foods, stripped of nutrients and filled with additives, dominate the market. I believe that wholesome, whole products are essential for our well-being, and that food production should prioritize nutritional value and sustainability.
For me, the decision to support a brand or product hinges on its commitment to fair labor practices, sustainable production methods, and environmentally responsible policies. I look for companies that prioritize transparency, accountability, and fair compensation for their workers.
Ultimately, I don’t have favorite brands. My focus is on making informed choices that align with my values. I believe that consumers have the right to know the story behind the products they buy and to make choices that reflect their priorities. By doing so, we can create a more just and sustainable world, one purchase at a time.
In a world where branding often prioritizes image over substance, I’m committed to looking beyond the label. By choosing products that prioritize people and the planet, we can create a more conscious and compassionate consumer culture.
List the people you admire and look to for advice…
By Tracy Schruder
I have a deep appreciation for individuals whose work has profoundly impacted my life and resonated with my soul. Some of these inspiring figures include Deepak Chopra, Glenn Harrold, Traci Stein, Dr. Joe Dispenza, Melissa Crowhurst, Barbara Anne Brennan, Louise Hay, and Eckhart Tolle. Their insights and teachings have been a source of guidance and transformation for me.
To be honest, I don’t often seek advice from people in general. My current focus is on living in the present moment, witnessing the living experience, and being fully engaged with life as it unfolds. With access to the audiobooks and tracks of these brilliant minds, I draw upon their wisdom and utilize what serves me best. Their teachings have become an integral part of my journey, allowing me to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and awareness.
There was one instance, though, when I did reach out to Glenn Harrold for guidance on my book, and he graciously shared his expertise with me. His audiobooks and hypnosis tracks have been a game-changer for me, sweeping me away with their profound impact. Glenn’s work has not only improved my life but has completely transformed it. I’m grateful for his contribution to my journey.
As someone who absolutely exercises my right to vote in elections, I’ve come to realize that the process can be quite frustrating. One major drawback for me is the lengthy ballot filled with names of people I’ve never met or heard of. I firmly believe that there are too many politicians and government bureaucrats, and this results in a system that feels impersonal.
What bothers me is that we’re expected to be loyal to a party – Liberal, Conservative, NDP, etc. – but often times, I don’t entirely agree with the person’s platform running municipally, provincially, or federally. I might like someone from another party, but the system doesn’t always allow for that nuance. About 60% of the times I’ve voted, I had no idea who the people were on my ballot. I had to rely on the staff members at the voting polls to guide me, which doesn’t always feel trustworthy.
Voting is a personal and private matter, which is why we have a voter’s booth – to ensure our choices remain confidential. It’s no one’s business who I vote for, and I was shocked to receive text messages from government campaigners asking me who I was voting for. Not only is this invasive, but I also have no idea how they got my cell phone number. This kind of communication shouldn’t be allowed; it’s an overstep of boundaries.
I wish candidates would campaign more personally, maybe by calling me on my land line or knocking on my door, to secure my vote by telling me what they’ll do for my community if elected. This would make the process feel more authentic and less confusing. As it stands, I’m left questioning the effectiveness of our electoral system and wondering how we can make it better.
That which gives me direction in life is my slow, steady flow of breath and alert awareness. I’m always ready, waiting with wonderment to be a part of everything that is happening. I want to witness it. I chose to watch for signs of direction on how to proceed. I follow through with the instructions and information presented to me by the circumstances and by divine guidance, then I act accordingly.
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