Abundant Energy | FOUR WAYS TO LIVE A FULLER LIFE AND BEAT FATIGUE

By Katie G.

Recently, I had the good fortune of being invited to an IVY Connect panel discussion with Dr. Holly Phillips, a contributor to CBS News and author of the new book The Exhaustion Breakthrough. I have  always been intrigued by the idea of energy in the body: where it comes from and how it affects our everyday lives. During this event, I had an a-ha moment. I realized that many of the behaviors viewed as "normal" are actually telltale signs that we need to take a step back and be honest with ourselves. For example, do you find yourself yawning uncontrollably at 3:00 pm when you're in the umpteenth meeting of the day? Do you make excuses not to exercise or socialize because you're just not feeling up to it? Are you nodding out every night on the couch at 9:00 pm? Do you just wish you had a little extra oomph? Do you feel like you're in a fog when you wake up in the morning? Are you drinking more than one cup of coffee and/or eating sugary foods to keep your energy "up?"

If the answer is yes to any one of these questions, then you, my friend, need to read on.  The secret to energy isn't found solely in sleep (although don't get me wrong, it's important), but in various lifestyle choices and patterns that you can control.

The Health Tip | LESS IS ALWAYS MORE

by Dominick H.

So you want to be a Clean Foodie? Healthy bodies are built from the inside out. That means mindful meals, fueling your body with whole foods, and oh yeah, eating less.

You Are Your Valentine | 9 STEPS HOW TO LOVE YOURSELF AND THE TRUE MEANING OF IT ALL

Many men and women alike are gearing up to express the greatest affection for their lover, their partner, their spouse, or their latest winter-time fling. We get all dolled-up. We make reservations and plans. We buy expensive gifts. We create amazing monumental experiences for our loved one that will hopefully last longer in our memory than the evening's glass of wine, or a cognac-filled chocolate: or even longer than the blissful high of that naughty bedroom behavior that may follow. We want our mate for this particular evening to truly connect to us and the moment being experienced as one of the greatest waves of bliss our lives have ever seen. And we do this because we crave a connection. We do this because we crave a united oneness with the other person. We do this because we crave to be loved, and to feel loved. I mean, let's be honest: it is such an amazing feeling to be loved, cherished and cared for. Male or female, it is one of life's greatest accomplishments to feel and experience love exchanged between ourselves and another person in a natural and pure way. I know I love that feeling.

The Power of Good Sex | THREE REASONS TO SAVE YOUR BODY FOR TRUE INTIMACY

The Joy of Sex. To feel it and experience it can be mind blowing. When the chemistry is right, sex can be truly magical. That sweet contact of skin, the exchange of fluids, the heat of passion, the alchemical seduction and the entire beauty of the sexual act can be so very powerful. I mean seriously, think about it: the sweet smell of your partner, the touch of their hair, the amazing endowment of his or her body parts. This all adds to the sexual experience. To know what your partner likes and what turns him on. To know what your partner needs and what drives her wild. And the best part of all, is knowing how far the other is willing to go and how much adventure can take place in order to enhance the sexual experience for an ultimate climax. It is a rarity that this can happen with a one-night stand or a quick fling: not never, just rare. Because in order for the chemistry between two people to ignite, there must be heat. In order to feel that fire and passion, there must be intimacy: otherwise it can be just plain old, boring sex. Many of us have had sex for the sake of having sex, just to "get our rocks off". He pulls her hair, he spanks her, he licks her, he twirls her, he deals with her properly: but maybe there is no intimate connection. She licks him, she rides him, she makes him moan, and maybe she even spanks him: but maybe there is no intimate connection here either. On the other hand, two people (or more) could come together and have great sex, and there may be a moment of intimacy that may last as long as the sex session itself. It just might end right after the climax. That is not to say that it wasn't good. It could have very well have been damn good (and much needed for that matter): but the craving may not be long lasting. 

Some cravings end after the sexual act. Some cravings last for a period of time: one month, six months, three years, ten years. Some cravings last forever. For the ones that are long lasting, there is a constant stimulation: a constant and eternally evolving fantasy that is added into the relationship that keeps the intimacy alive and well. And in this way, the sex can be exciting if your partner is worth it. Because if your partner is not worth it, you won't be willing to go through all the tests, trials and tribulations of giving birth to a more powerful, a more exciting, and a more dynamic sexual relationship. And unfortunately if your partner is not worth it, the end of the relationship will take place, or intense amounts of cheating will take place. There ends the good sex, but not forever. We can go back to having random sexual escapades with that hot guy at work or with that girl in your yoga class with the super-hot booty pants. There's no doubt about that. However, we have to be willing to save ourselves for that right partner: for the woman or man that just gets us. We have to be willing to discipline ourselves to not give away our beautiful sexual energy to any old person all the time because he or she "fits the bill". I mean I get it: sometimes you just need to be fucked properly and be done with it. However, doing it all the time can really weaken us, destroy our self-confidence, and diminish our character and well-being. But here's what we should be doing:

1. Saving Our Sexual Energy

Since time immemorial, ancient healers have always talked about the preservation of the sexual fluids and the sexual power. It is indeed possible to waste away our sexual vigor and fortitude if that energy is not directed towards one person (or persons: let's be real), and consistently. Each and every time we have sex, we mentally and physically prepare ourselves to connect with someone. Whether we are aware of it or not, our entire psyche and our entire body is attempting to connect to another person's: before the sexual act and during the sexual act. If that connection does not take place precisely, it is possible that our entire energy and sexual power can be wasted, and the orgasm rendered flavorless. So, is it important to test the waters and make sure the sex is good with your potential partner? Yes. It better be damn good. Fuck that. But, should you be using your sexual energy on random people because you're good in bed and because you're easily turned on? No. You gotta learn how to control that and discipline yourself. In all honesty, if you have to choose between multiple partners or masturbating, break out the toys and put your hands to work. Save your sexual energy for that really really good one. Otherwise, you will diminish your ability to continually have good sex. And as an end result, you will weaken your entire immune system: we don't want that.

2. Fantasizing About The Possibilities With One Person

A one person fantasy? For some of you out there, this might sound relatively boring. However, to have that one person in your life that truly gets you psychologically, spiritually, and sexually, it can make for amazingly powerful and life-changing sexual experiences. Again, not to say that this is impossible with the flings, flames, and one-night stands, but it's rare. You deserve to have amazing sex of endless possibilities with that one person you've always dreamed of. You deserve to have amazingly powerful sexual adventures with the person you are madly in love with because they are good people: and because they make you horny and always leave you craving for more. Yes. You definitely deserve that. Never do you have to settle for random poetic affairs akin to that of a Woody Allen movie. You can have it all with one person. But you have to believe and know that it is truly possible to have that undying sexual fantasy with that one person. And once your needs are filled in the bedroom, endless possibilities exists not only in the relationship itself, but also in our personal and business lives. And, that is because you are not constantly thinking about good sex, bad sex, more sex, etc. You have what you need. Gentle or rough, you are well taken care of. Imagine that. 

3. Building Our Confidence To Keep Our Partner Satiated

Let's face it. At some point or another, some of us have had insecurities about our sexual abilities. Besides if you don't doubt your sexual ability at some point, you can't learn how to be a better lover and evolve: for your mate and for yourself. Some women and men claim that they just prefer that their lover know exactly what to do in the bedroom. And while that is a sweet feeling, that gets old really quickly. It is amazing to have a lover that knows how to handle you sexually, but it is even more amazingly beautiful when you and your lover can explore, play and "walk the line" with the sexual journey together. When you are willing to learn more about sex with your mate, you are able to better satisfy them and enhance the sexual exploration. When you are able to openly communicate about sex and all of its intricate details with each other, the possibility exists to not only have a sexual partner for life, but also to have a sense of confidence when it comes to making love, fucking, and all sorts of other intimate play with your love. Sex must be communicated. Some are better at it than others: but we can only get better with practice and trying to be better everyday. It is when we decide not to practice building that sexual confidence with our lover, that we become insecure and doubtful. It is when we decide not to practice building sexual conversation with our lover, that we go on cheating and having lustful and emotional affairs. "Baby, I love this: give me more." "Baby, my body is not enjoying this: it feels awkward." A dialogue such as this--at some level--must be adopted. This is intimacy. I personally have had moments where this sort of dialogue appears in a short-term relationship or a fling, but again, it is extremely rare. It requires a deep-seated intimate chemistry, and that is oftentimes rooted in passion and heat which is in essence rooted in a foundation of ongoing seduction between two people. It takes work to attain that sort of vibration with your mate. That's why most people turn to the short-term relationship or the quick "bang me up". However, it's worth saving your body for that beautifully confident and intimate sex.  

So have your sex. Just make sure it's worth your time and energy. If it's not, save your body for that true intimacy. Heck, I would. 

Oh yea. By the way. Use protection.

Happy Trails.

the Best Practices of a Healthy Life | BECAUSE 2014 IS THE BEST YEAR OF OUR LIVES

If you are going to make some resolutions for 2014, make sure that they are actually commitments and dedicated practices. Many a time, if we don't firmly commit and connect to our New Year's resolutions, they become fleeting ideas and vague philosophies that we vainly identify with. If we don't commit to practice of these resolutions, they become part of some egocentric story that we carry on so that we can talk about it in our social circles: merely for our own pleasure. And let's be honest, that's not cool. It's not honest. And, it's definitely not real. 

This year we want to bring more honesty and truth into our everyday lives. Let us start out by committing to the resolutions that we set out to practice so that we can become more amazing for our friends, our family and our surroundings. We have to commit to being the change and the enlightenment we wish to see in this world. We have to commit our entire mind and our body to being and embodying that practice and that commitment that we wish to attain. 

Let's start with committing to our best practices. And here are the best practices of 2014:

1. Cleaner, balanced, and healthier eating habits

Find some sort of eating regimen that works for you and stick to it! There are lots of diets and health programs that are out there. Some work, some don't, and some are just plain complicated. At the end of the day, you must choose what is best for you and your daily life. Eat to feel good everyday: and without fail.

2. Cut back on all vices and addictions

Because they drain you and because they attract the wrong sort of people in your life. Period.

3. Healthier, more positive people around you 

You have to be around people that bring out the best in you at all times. These are the people that challenge you and inspire you daily. These are the people that are smarter than you: more experienced than you. These are the people that are more successful, more innovative, and even more loving and compassionate than you are. Get clear about your surroundings.

4. Daily, balanced, and healthy exercise

Not only is it good for maintaining that beautiful body you've always wanted, but daily exercise also keeps your brain strong, powerful, and filled with lots of clarity. It's not always about pushing yourself to the edge, but its about challenging yourself in a way that is uplifting, healthy and honest.

5. Make more personal time (for creativity, hobbies, relaxation, for fun, etc)

You deserve to treat yourself to some fun, uplifting activities. Yes, you should definitely work hard. But you should also balance out the stress with honest, personal time for yourself.

6. More patience with everything and everyone (Try, dammit)

Um. Yea. Practice patience. Key word: practice. People are supposed to test our patience. However, it is our job to get stronger so that we can continually rise above the challenging circumstances of our lives. And practicing patience doesn't mean torturing yourself in dealing with a circumstance that you don't like. Your practice of patience itself has to be honest: honest practice, honest result. 

7. Love your enemies, just be sure to maintain some distance

To expend energy hating or disliking someone is a complete waste of time. Love them. Have compassion for them. But move on so that you can continue to grow and expand. The End.

8. Read/Watch more quality material

Read and watch from media sources that inspire you. These media outlets should challenge your thinking, or inspire creativity, or excite you about life, or simply bring you lots of joy. Everyday we are planting seeds for tomorrow's cultivation. Be mindful, practice awareness, and choose wisely when it comes to the media. After all, you become what you take in.

9. Be nicer, and more compassionate

Because you'll go a lot further: in business, in your love life, in your personal life: and especially in your own personal development. Everyday, we mature. 

10. Be better than yesterday

Every moment is an opportunity to learn more, grow more, and expand more. Challenge yourself daily, and with self-awareness. Be more open to experience. Be receptive.

BE ABSOLUTELY BETTER THAN YESTER-YEAR | project: CLEAN FOOD's TOP TEN RESOLUTIONS

Start getting them in your mind now!! Start thinking about what you wanna bring into the new year, and what you wanna leave behind.  And of course, count on us here to help you out a tad bit!

Here's the top ten resolutions to think about for the upcoming new year. Let the abundance starting flowing into your life today!

1. Cleaner and balanced eating habits
Find some sort of eating regimen that works for you and stick to it!

2. Cut back on all vices ~ (no need to list: I know you know what they are)
Because they drain you and because they attract the wrong sort of people in your life

3. Healthier, more positive people around you 
You want to be around people that bring out the best in you in each and every moment

4. Daily, balanced, and healthy exercise
Not only is it good for the body, but also for maintaining strength, and lookin' damn good!

5. More personal time ~ (for creativity, wellness, relaxation, for fun, etc)
Because, hey, you deserve it. Work hard, and balance stress out with good, chill time

6. More patience with everything and everyone (Try, dammit)
Um.  Yea. Practice patience. Key word: practice

7. Love your enemies, just keep some distance
To expend energy hating someone is a complete waste of time. Love them, and move on. The. End.

8. Read/Watch more quality material
Nothing wrong with a little crappy media stimulation: just don't let it be the story of your life. Visit a new section of the book store

9. Be nicer, and more compassionate
Because you'll go a lot further: in business, in your love life, in your personal life.

10. Be better than yesterday
Every moment is an opportunity to learn more, and grow more. Expand your horizons. Be more open to experience. Be receptive.

...and...

BONUS - (for you New Year's resolutions junkies...)

Eat my favorite meal once a week!

Happy New Year, 2013!