Lots of high vibrational events are lining up in which I am honored to be sharing wisdom and information that is life transforming for the better of people and planet. Check it out!

August 21 to 23
Huckleberry Heaven, with Laura Fox,
Anchor the Dream!
Near Portland, Oregon
Host Steven Starr writes: Let’s get together and create the next wave, along with your highest self, in the Sawtooth Berry fields. Come here expecting miracles, beyond your wildest dreams. Releasing all past sorrows, we create new joys, new worlds of bliss, peace, and gentle strength. Anchoring that dream, we begin again. Getting it right this time, we climb. Together we shall create Heaven on Earth, and walk away with the tools to keep doing it everywhere, forever, not to mention having the most joyful, amazing time of our lives. Laura’s workshop (donations lovingly received) begins Monday, August 21st, around Noon, and continues through Wednesdsay night, August 23rd. The rest of us may stay beyond, as long as we like...

WHERE: Sawtooth Berry Fields, Gifford-Pinchot National Forest, near Trout Lake, Washington, north of Hood River coming from Portland

Details: http://people.tribe.net/stephenstar
work: 425-242-2577 cell: 520-991-0736 Camping accomodations $5/night + $5/additional vehicle.

Saturday, August 26
Intro To Raw Gourmet Food Prep
1:00 p.m.
Ellwood Thompson’s Natural Market
Richmond, VA
This FRE`E discussion on how to make raw and living food dishes that taste incredible includes handouts and samples of nut milk and raw chocolate brownies. Ellwood Thompsons Natural Market, at the corner of Ellwood and Thompson streets. Please call (804) 359-7525 to register and for further information.

Friday, September 1
6:30 p.m. to 10:00
Richmond, Virginia
RAW AND LIVING FOODS POTLUCK & PARTY
Join raw chefs Laura Fox (www.rawinspirations.com) and Lynda Carter (www.aliveandraw.com) for a raw-vegan potluck and party. Required: bring a living or raw-vegan dish to share. Can be as simple as a bowl of fruit. Bring a percussion instrument if you like. Call (804) 243-9909 or (804) 863-0635, or e-mail laura@anchorthedream.com for more information and location.

Saturday, September 2
6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m
Richmond, Virginia
Live Food Gourmet Prep Class: Making Raw Food Taste Good, Enzyme Therapy Basics
Introduction to living and raw vegan food prep. Includes living foods lifestyle discussion, basic recipes, how to make raw food tasty, enzyme therapy and more. Counts for credit toward Live Food Chef Certification. $25 plus food assignment. You must call or e-mail in advance to register and receive your food assignment: radiance777@earthlink.net, (804) 243-9909, www.rawinspirations.com . .

Saturday, September 9
New York, New York
10a.m to 6p.m
Living & Raw Foods Immersion Day
8p.m to 10p.m
Live Food Gourmet Dinner Wow, this is going to be an awesome day. There is a space limit so please let us know right away if you want to attend. Counts for credit toward Live Food Chef Certification. Immersion Day & Reality Creation Playshop: $75 plus food assignment.
Raw Gourmet Dinner Only: $25
You must call or e-mail in advance to register and receive your food assignment: radiance777@earthlink.net, (804) 243-9909, www.rawinspirations.com.

(See article at end of newsletter for more details.) Saturday, September 16
10a.m to 4p.m
Richmond, Virginia
Dream It Now! An Anchor the Dream Visionary Stewardship Experience
Host: Inner Peace. In this exuberantly fun small and large group playshop with author and Vibrational Alchemist Laura Fox, you’ll co-create crystal clear visions and “blueprints” for more SUSTAINABLE living in cities, in communities, on the planet. Be a part of the change! Launch yourself into your true calling with a truly fun, refreshing collaborative day. www.anchorthedream.com (804) 243-9909 for questions.

To register, send payment to Inner Peace, 3201 Skipwith Road, Richmond VA 23294 or call (804) 726-5500 (center) (804) 350-6743 (cell). Suggested Love Offering/Donation: $35 to $75 Live Food Lunch: $10 Please R.S.V.P. by Thursday morning, September 14. .

Wednesday, September 27
6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m
Richmond, Virginia
Live Food Gourmet Prep Class: Sprouting, Fermented Foods, Juicing
Intermediate living and raw vegan food prep. Includes sprouting, juicing, making fermented foods such as kim-chi, nut and seed yogurt and vegan nut cheese, living foods lifestyle discussion, recipes, how to make raw food tasty, enzyme therapy and more. Counts for credit toward Live Food Chef Certification. $30 plus food assignment. You must call or e-mail in advance to register and receive your food assignment: radiance777@earthlink.net, (804) 243-9909, www.rawinspirations.com . .

Friday October 6 to Sunday October 8
Sedona Arizona
The Second Annual Raw Spirit Festival Join local live food chef Laura Fox and other Richmonders at the most exciting, delicious, high vibrational festival on the planet! www.rawspiritfest.com When you register, say Laura Fox sent you. .

Saturday, October 14
9:00 a.m. to Noon
Richmond, Virginia
Helping Kids Eat Healthfully: An Interactive Food Prep Playshop for Parents, Teachers and Caregivers. Includes discussion, handouts, recipes, meal plans. Join Dietary Upgrade Consultant, author and Live Food Chef Laura Fox to learn quick, easy ways to please kids and remove the “bad” stuff from their diets. REGISTRATION/INFO: 804-678-8568, e-mail nitya@justbeyoga.net or print out and mail registration form at www.justbeyoga.net. LOCATION: Just Be Yoga, 2219 West Main Street, Richmond VA 23220. $55 per person or $90 couples/two friends in advance. $60 per person or $100 for couples/two friends at the door. Pre-register by October 8 for discount. You MUST r.s.v.p. for this event. .

Friday, October 20
6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m
Richmond, Virginia
Live Food Gourmet Prep Class: Dehydrated Foods, Pastries, Breads Advanced live food prep. Focus on making crackers, breads, cakes, cookies. Living foods lifestyle discussion and more. Counts for credit toward Live Food Chef Certification. $35 plus food assignment. You must call or e-mail in advance to register and receive your food assignment: radiance777@earthlink.net, (804) 243-9909, www.rawinspirations.com .

Friday, November 10 to Sunday, November 12
Near Sedona, Arizona With Vibrational Alchemist Jahsah and Visionary Stewardess Laura Fox CosmoGenesis & the 11:11 Portal of Creation to Obtainable Sustainability Tranceformational Yoga, Tribal Trance Dance for Planetary Awakening, and Anchoring the New Dream of Earth: Visionary Stewardship for Planetary TranceFormation This is world service of the highest (and most fun) order! Come have a blast exceeding your wildest expectations for what’s possible in an earth life filled with joy, sustainable co-creation, dynamic harmony, Divine love and spiritual healing. Vegetarian – vegan – living and raw food options. Stay tuned for another download about this exceptional event, coming soon! .

Laura's Note: Click Ari's photo to find out more about him!

Ari: "If you’re thinking about going raw, start slowly, start quickly, just start! You’ll be so happy that you did."

My raw journey began in June of 2001 in an effort to get more energy and be healthier. I had tried almost every diet on the planet for the previous 6 years and wasn’t getting the results that I wanted.

Luckily my mother had a 60 year old friend who had started on the raw vegan diet in 2000 and I was able to see her radiant results after only 1 year. An example like hers is what made me dive head first into the fray and inspired me. I just started one day completely raw organic vegan and noticed some benefits after only one month.

The cravings were difficult and I ended up caving by eating some Chinese food as it was always around the house. I got so sick for about 2 weeks and that settled it for me.

I never went back again.

I started researching everything I could about the diet and attending lectures with Rhio and David Wolfe in NYC. I began adding water fasting and green drinks to my regimen. Within three months I had lost 60 pounds, and felt more energy than I’d ever felt previously. I was consuming huge amounts of avocado’s and vegetables/fruits until after about eight months when I noticed that the mucoid plaque started to release from my intestines.

Finally, I was able to start consuming far less food and was amazed at how much energy I could generate on so little sustenance.

It took about one year before all of the cravings for the cooked and processed poisons that I had previously eaten stopped. I remember dreaming of donuts and pizza, and the dreams were so vivid that I had thought upon waking that I really did eat them. It was very interesting to see how the parasites and yeast in my system were trying to survive by sending signals to the brain to feed them with junk food. Happily, I was able to resist in waking life.

My mind began to clear and my memory, eyesight, hearing, feeling, and bioelectricity all improved so much that I couldn’t believe how I had walked around in a fog for so long. After approximately 2 years I was at the highest point in my life and felt almost invincible. I was only eating 4 to 5 days a week and was getting consistently stronger both physically and mentally. I was reading incessantly (prior to this I hardly ever read anything) and working out daily. I only slept 5 hours a night and felt great. I also had begun doing lots of energy work based on the Daoist systems as taught by Mantak Chia and believed I was on the verge of floating.

Then the car accident came and I had crushed both of my feet badly enough that the doctor wanted to amputate my right foot. I had to argue with him for three days before he agreed to just do the best he could and leave the rest to me. I spent one year on my back not being able to walk at all and did what I called the tushy shuffle just to get to the bathroom. Luckily, I was able to pull my body weight around with just my arms. Needless to say the doctor didn’t do that great a job, but what can you expect from allopathic medicine... they just don’t know and aren’t taught. I consulted with the top specialists around the country (who weren’t much better than the first doctor) and three surgeries and three years later, I’m walking again with a slight limp and some limitations. Thanks to my amazing sister and the rest of my family, I was able to maintain my nourishing raw food diet the entire time and attribute much of my healing to it.

During this time I also began taking a sublingual B12 supplement and some Chinese herbs finding them to both be beneficial; so technically, I’m only 99% raw vegan these days.

5 years after beginning I am no longer the same person I once was and have learned an incredible amount about life, reality, and perseverance. I’m building my body back up and healing emotional scars. I spread the information I’ve learned to whoever chooses to listen, as I don’t like to shovel unwanted knowledge down anyone’s throat. Obviously I had support systems that kept me going which I know others don’t have the luxury of. Even then I was lectured daily about how I should start eating meat again, but at least I had support. Ultimately I’m working towards not eating at all as I believe this is possible.

If you’re thinking about going raw, start slowly, start quickly, just start! You’ll be so happy that you did. Read as much as you can. Find out about the pitfalls and why people fail.

The raw food lifestyle works. However much you add, the benefits will become ridiculously apparent. Even 50% raw is exponentially better than none. Do the best that you can and don’t beat yourself up if you fall short. Go easy on yourself because no one else will. I wish you all success and happiness on your journey and most importantly love yourself.

Thanks for reading,
Ari Ades

The controversial and nutty tasting hemp seed is one of the great superfoods available to us in this day. To avoid allowing for the possibility of germination, US imports of hemp must be hulled seeds only. Hemp is a "miracle plant," offering an exceptional nutritional value, a "green" energy with a high chlorophyll content, and a fibrous nature that allows for the creation of durable, soft, wonderful fabrics and many other products.

THC levels in the hulled seed is not very high and so you don't get high when eating it.

Nature's First Law writes: "Hemp seed is one of the plant kingdom's most concentrated, complete and balanced sources of essential amino acids (EAA's) and essential fatty acids (EFA's). Essential fatty acids are utilized by many of the body's systems to maintain proper tissue function and are also required for energy production, proper functioning of the nervous system, brain development and function, skin health and elasticity, digestive efficiency, normal cardiovascular function, hormone production, and efficient immune response. Studies have shown that GLA improves memory, and overall mental health, as well as reducing symptoms of skin ailments like eczema.

"Hemp seeds are high in essential nutrients including chlorophyll, magnesium, potassium, sulfur, phytosterols, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, calcium, fiber, histidine, iron, potassium, phosphorus, riboflavin, niacin and thiamin." J. C. Callaway from the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of Kuopio, Kuopio, Finland writes, "The seed of Cannabis sativa L. has been an important source of nutrition for thousands of years in Old World cultures. Non-drug varieties of Cannabis, commonly referred to as hemp, have not been studied extensively for their nutritional potential in recent years, nor has hempseed been utilized to any great extent by the industrial processes and food markets that have developed during the 20th century. Technically a nut, hempseed typically contains over 30% oil and about 25% protein, with considerable amounts of dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. Hempseed oil is over 80% in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and is an exceptionally rich source of the two essential fatty acids (EFAs) linoleic acid (18:2 omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (18:3 omega-3). The omega-6 to omega-3 ratio (n6/n3) in hempseed oil is normally between 2:1 and 3:1, which is considered to be optimal for human health. In addition, the biological metabolites of the two EFAs, gamma-linolenic acid (18:3 omega-6; lsquoGLArsquo) and stearidonic acid (18:4 omega-3; lsquoSDArsquo), are also present in hempseed oil. The two main proteins in hempseed are edestin and albumin. Both of these high-quality storage proteins are easily digested and contain nutritionally significant amounts of all essential amino acids. In addition, hempseed has exceptionally high levels of the amino acid arginine. Hempseed has been used to treat various disorders for thousands of years in traditional oriental medicine. Recent clinical trials have identified hempseed oil as a functional food, and animal feeding studies demonstrate the long-standing utility of hempseed as an important food resource."

The site of the Online Library of Drug Policy has this to say about products made with hemp: "Hemp comes from the plant, Cannibas Sativa; however, it is a different type of the marijuana plant. Hemp is grown in many countries; however, it is illegal to grow it in the United States. Hemp, however, is imported into the United States and is used to make many hemp products, such as in the manufacturing of cars, hemp clothing, hemp jewelry, as well as health care products. The fact is consumers love the products that made from hemp.

The fact is many companies in the United States and Europe use hemp products in the manufacturing of cars. The hemp fibers are compressed and added to another fiber, usually resin or plastic. They are then used to make dashboards and door panels in car makes, such as Ford and Mercedes Benz.

Hemp is also used to make clothing as it is durable and soft. You can find many of these hemp products in high-class boutiques across the country, as well as department stores. Hemp jewelry was very popular in the 60’s and 70’s and recently has again come to the forefront in jewelry designs.

Other things made with hemp products include personal care products. Hemp oil has been discovered to have nutritious benefits for the skin and hair and is used in many different products, from shampoos, soaps, bath gels, lipstick and moisturizers. The fact is products that are made from hemp oil are very high in demand. At one point in time, farmers were fined if they did not grow hemp and before the 1900’s, most of the paper in the world was made from the fibers of hemp. Unfortunately, this has changed due to it’s close relationship to marijuana. There are however a variety of hemp products available to the consumer and each day, they are becoming more popular with the public."

In a nutshell, or should I say a hemp seed shell, hemp is a delicious and satisfying addition to the raw food diet. One person has commented that if we could only choose one food, we should choose hemp because it is truly the richest single source of nutrition available to us.

Many of our body care products have things listed on the ingredient labels that are...slightly indecipherable. Here's a brief guide to assist you in picking out the best products with no yucky chemicals!

Good Ingredients

Annatto
Chlorophyll
Iron oxides
Ultramarines
Kaolin clays
Plant oils (apricot, hemp, jojoba, almond, sesame, sunflower, oregano, avocado, coconut)
Beta carotene
Saffron
Titanium dioxide
Bentonite
Vitamins A, C, E
Mica
Turmeric
Zinc oxide
Beeswax
Beets

Bad Ingredients

Mineral oil (see list)
DMDM hydantoin
Diazolidinyl urea
Dibutyl phthalate
Diethanolamine
Benzene
Stearates
Talc
Quaternium 15
Imidazolidinyl urea
Formaldehyde
Dyes (F,D,C)
PEG (1-100)
Phenol
Glycols
Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)
Acetaldehyde/acetamide (MEA)
Parabens (butyl, ethyl, methyl, propyl)
Propylene Glycol

*Some products are suspected carcinogens and some are xeno-estrogens (false, but act like estrogen). Others pose health risks such as contact dermatitis, endocrine imbalance, early peri-menopausal symptoms, excessive menstruation, etc.

Other Names for Mineral Oil

Petrolatum
Paraffin
Clearteck
Drakeol
Hevyteck
Filtrawhite
Frigol
Kremol
Kaydol
Albline
Nujol
Paroleine
Saxol
Adepsine
Glymol
Lignite
Carnea 21
Ervol
Gloria
Hydrocarbon oils
Peneteck
Primol
Triona B
Blandlube
Crystosol
Molol
Protopet
Bayol F
Crystol 325
Fonoline
Bayol 55
Kondremul
Neo-cultol
Parol
Penreco
Perfecta
Petrogalar
Primol 355
Primol
Tech Pet F

My friend Jacquelyn who is an amazing researcher found this information on a web site about mineral oil:

Excessive doses of mineral oil can cause eczematous dermatitis, contact dermatitis, folliculitis, oil acne and melanosis. Ingestion of mineral oil products will prevent absorption of Vitamin A. When taken for 2-3 days it can interfere with the absorption of water.

I have been studying about INFLAMMATION lately. It seems that many disease situations and chronic pains are related to this ubiquitous "experience" called inflammation.

Here are some definitions of inflammation that I have found so far. I am attempting to help us understand what is being indicated when this overarching concept of inflammation is referred to in identifying our personal health concerns. Keep in mind as you read this article that inflammation may be “hidden” from sight, for example, in the colon, causing problems that don’t at first glimpse appear to be related. Intestinal and inner organ inflammation can and most likely is caused by food substances that irritate the body.

The first definition is more basic, and the next, from medterms.com closer to the bottom of this article, is complicated but understandable if you read it carefully.

Definition No. 1
Inflammation: A response of redness, swelling, pain, and a feeling of heat in certain areas that is meant to protect tissues affected by injury or disease. There may be loss of function where there is inflammation.

The key to note in this definition is that there may be loss of function when there is inflammation. In other words, if we experience eating a food that makes our intestines swell and become "inflamed" with heat, excess water, and infection, not only do the intestines have to deal with that food substance and the infection, but it also now has to deal with the fact that the intestinal walls are swollen and waste can't pass through as easily. It's easy to see how the entire situation rebounds on itself, making things worse.

Matt Monarch, author of Raw Spirit, has some words of wisdom to help us in dealing with inflammation in various forms. He says, "No one food supplement or medication will handle anyone's medical problem ever. The body has God-given remedial capabilities to heal itself, once you leave out the cause of disease. Diet is the key. What you leave out of your diet completely is what heals you.

"Again, the key is, 'It is what you leave out of your diet completely without cheating.' There are a lot of diets out there today. I am sure that you have heard of many. Some include; The Makers Diet, macrobiotics, the zone diet, and there are many more. I am not going to knock any of these diets. I have seen these diets produce many positive results and I have seen them heal people from all sorts of degenerative diseases. There is one common denominator of why this is happening. That common denominator is that each of these diets leave certain foods COMPLETELY out; such as refined sugar, processed starches, and so on. Raw Foods is the best way to go because you leave out all the bad and only keep the good. Refined Sugar and Processed starches are the most damaging to the body and those foods should go first." Thanks, Matt, for that idea, which leads us to the help of another friend.

Richmond, Virginia acupuncturist Debi Farley has given us a list that shows which foods reduce inflammation and which ones make it worse, according to the Chinese medicine model. Even among raw foods, according to this list, there may be some foods that make inflammation worse. So when dealing with chronic pain, fatigue, rashes, burning sensations, water weight and/or infection, one approach may be to entirely eliminate these foods from your diet, at least for a while, to see if you have a positive response when they are NOT in your diet at all for a period of time. (Obviously, I am not a medical doctor nor am I a nutritionist, so please do not receive these ideas as advice. Leave that to your licensed health practitioners.)

Debi's List of Foods to be avoided because they create inflammation in the body:
- All citrus fruits and their juices – orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime, grapes
- All gluten products-wheat,oat,spelt,kamut, rye, barley, corn
- Peanuts and pistachios
- Beef, pork, cold cuts, frankfurters, sausage, eggs, and shellfish
- Nightshade vegetables: tomatoes, eggplant, red and yellow pepper, all potatoes (except yam and sweet potato)
- Soda’s, coffee, tea and other caffeinated beverages
- Cayenne, pepper, paprika
- White or brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, corn syrup, or high fructose corn syrup

Remember, the wise man lets go of something every day. This is a key to happiness in the healing process! So take heart, and just give it a try.

Of course, everyone’s body may be producing inflammation under different conditions or not at all depending on the particular circumstances and state of health of that body. We who are interested in raw and living foods seem to be experimenters living from our intuition as much as science. Trust your body wisdom.

Definition No. 2
from www.medterms.com
Inflammation: A basic way in which the body reacts to infection, irritation or other injury, the key feature being redness, warmth, swelling and pain. Inflammation is now recognized as a type of nonspecific immune response.

More information: In technical terms, the inflammatory response directs immune system components to the site of injury or infection and is manifest by increased blood supply and vascular permeability which, in technical terms, allows chemotactic peptides, neutrophils, and mononuclear cells to leave the intravascular compartment. Microorganisms are engulfed by phagocytic cells (e.g., neutrophils and macrophages) in an attempt to contain the infection in a small-tissue space. The response includes attraction of phagocytes in a chemotactic gradient of microbial products, movement of the phagocyte to the inflammatory site and contact with the organism, phagocytosis (ingestion) of the organism, development of an oxidative burst directed toward the organism, fusion of the phagosome and lysosome with degranulation of lysosomal contents, and death and degradation of the organism. When quantitative or qualitative defects in neutrophil function result in infection, the infection usually is prolonged and recurrent and responds slowly to antimicrobial agents. Staphylococci, gram-negative organisms, and fungi are the usual pathogens responsible for these infections.

History: Since antiquity (and to every medical student), the defining clinical features of inflammation have been known in Latin as rubor (redness), calor (warmth), tumor (swelling) and dolor (pain). These hallmarks of inflammation were first described by Celsus -- Aulus (Aurelius) Cornelius, a Roman physician and medical writer, who lived from about 30 B.C. to 45 A.D.

David Jubb of Jubbs Longevity in NYC explains that when there is inflammation, the blood cannot produce albumin very well. Albumin is the vehicle in which nutrition and every substance is carried from one place to another in the cellular reality of the body. Human growth hormone (HGH) production in the body is relative to albumin production. HGH is a substance responsible for cell rejuvenation and healing.

So, we can logically deduce that, if there is inflammation, there is a lack of transportation of nutrition (via albumin) and a subsequent lack of the body to be able to make repairs. This indicates that discovering the hidden inflammation in our bodies, and taking the necessary steps to reduce and eliminate it, is crucial in the healing process.

Raw and Living Foods to include in the body because they reduce inflammation: - All fruit and fruit and juices that are not citrus fruit such as apple, pear, banana, peaches, berries - Sprouted non-gluten “grains” such as: buckwheat, millet, amaranth, quinoa (these are actually seeds) - Almonds, cashews, walnuts, sesame seed (include tahini), sunflower, pumpkin and nut butters made from these seeds - Live nut milk - All vegetables that are not nightshades - Cold pressed organic olive oil, flax seed oil, safflower, sunflower, sesame, walnut, almond oils - Water and herbal teas - Cinnamon, cumin, dill garlic, ginger, oregano, parsley, rosemary, tarragon, thyme, turmeric

Matt Monarch, one of the presenters at the Raw Spirit Festival, is 100% raw vegan.

His diet consists of only raw vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and seaweeds.

He has been eating this way for six years and enjoys extraordinary good health, bountiful energy, clarity of mind and a deepened connection to nature.

Prior to going raw, Matt worked in a demanding corporate environment and ate a standard American bachelor's diet, including cooked meats, dairy, bread, greasy foods and candy. Despite this, when he went raw, his overall health was good - other than a few pimples, he was in great shape. Matt did not go raw therefore to relieve any major health issues - he simply received and whole-heartedly embraced the raw lifestyle as something that made complete sense to him. He was particularly attracted to the fact that this lifestyle offered increased longevity and freedom from degenerative disease.

Matt dove head-first into a 100% raw vegan lifestyle after reading Dr Norman Walker's classic raw food book 'Become Younger'. His initial detox and weight loss concerned family and friends, but he was fascinated with this new way of living and persisted. Matt's interest led him to thoroughly research the many different ideologies in the raw movement and delve into his own experiments. He was most impressed by the work of raw food pioneer and 50 year nutritionist Dr Fred Bisci, PhD. After meeting at a raw food festival in Oregon, Matt and Fred went on to forge a strong friendship together. They then co-created www.TheRawFoodWorld.com as a resource centre of tools to help people live free from degenerative disease. They are dedicated to sourcing and providing the best products available.

www.LivingNutritionals.com was also created as a separate venture by Matt to reach out to those beyond the raw community who are interested in nutrition but are not necessarily motivated to go raw at this stage.

After five years of eating a 100% raw food diet, Matt was inspired to write a book called Raw Spirit. He wanted to share information that he thought needed to be out there, reflecting in particular on some of the physical challenges of going raw, along with the amazing shifts he experienced on the spiritual level with this lifestyle. Raw Spirit has become one of the best-selling raw books available: people appreciate Matt's honest approach and his willingness to discuss aspects of being raw that often go unmentioned. He is committed to the raw lifestyle and passionate about spreading this message of health to others. Born and raised in California, he now travels all over the world, lecturing on raw foods and exploring the delights of fresh raw produce in different locations. He inspires audiences with his enthusiasm and simple, accessible approach to going raw in a healthy and sustainable way and is sought after as a speaker at raw gatherings.

Matt is currently the owner of three different health-promoting websites: www.LivingNutritionals.com, www.rawveganbooks.com and www.rawspirit.org. He enjoys yoga, being in the sun, spontaneous travel, challenges, open communication and DURIAN.

I have been wanting to go on a green fast for quite some time now. The time has come. I am gearing up for a fast on greens, green drinks, cucumber, celery and sea veggies.

My inner knowing knows this is what I need and want to do to take my personal health to the next level. My goal is to begin when the rest of the nuts and seeds run out of my cupboard, which will probably be this weekend, and to stick to the green fast until the next issue of Raw Inspirations is out.

Please send me your good juju and love vibes of confidence to support my raw intentions! I will trust in my body and spirit's wisdom to guide me. I will make a good report in September's issue of Raw Inspirations. Thanks! ~Laura

EQUIPMENT:
-- Food processor or big knife and cutting board
--Blender
--Dehydrator
Note: If you do not have a dehydrator but you still want to make this dish, there are two choices.
Choice 1:
The recipe is delicious without dehydrating, maybe just cut the amounts in half and make a smaller quantity. Store it in the fridge. It should last for 2-4 days.
Choice 2:
Use your oven on the lowest setting. The lowest setting on most ovens is usually 170 degrees. You will kill some enzymes but it's better than totally cooked granola if that's the choice. And you can practice making the recipe while you save for your dehydrator!

INGREDIENTS:
2 cups waluts
2 cups sunflower seeds
2 cups pumpkin seeds
1 cup flax seeds
2 cups raw agave
1 vanilla bean
1 tsp. sundried sea salt
1 tsp. cinnamon or cinnamon oil

RINSE: It's a good idea to rinse the nuts and seeds. You can spritz some hydrogen peroxide on them first, let them sit a few minutes, and then rinse them off before soaking. This will help eliminate any micotoxins that might be on them.

SOAK TOGETHER:
walnuts, sunflower, pumpkin seeds
Soak for 4-8 hours, then discard soak water

CHOP:
Chop or food process the pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and walnuts until they are the desired texture for your granola. You can certainly leave them whole if that is your preference.

SOAK SEPARATELY:
soak flax seeds in 3 cups water for at least one hour. This mixture will become gelatinous and will soak up all the water, so there is no need to think of discarding the soak water.

DEHYDRATE:
Soaked pumpkin, sunflower and walnuts ONLY (not the flax, vanilla, agave, etc.) until crisp, probably overnight, depending on your climate.

BLEND:
Blend the agave, cinnamon, vanilla and salt until the vanilla bean is ground fine. COMBINE:
Combine dried nuts with the blended agave mixture and the flax seeds.

DEHYDRATE:
Dehydrate the combined granola mixture at about 110-115 degrees until the desired level of crunchiness is achieved, probably at least over night. You may wish to place the mixture on a teflex sheet first, spreading it out as thin as possible. Then dehydrate it for about 4-6 hours and flip it onto the mesh tray to finish the dehydrating. This will keep the sticky agave mixture from dripping through the cracks of the mesh tray when you first start dehydrating.

NUT MILK: Rinse and soak any kind of nut or seed as mentioned above. Put one cup of nuts/seeds in the blender and cover with 3 cups of water. Blend until smooth. Use a straining bag to separate the milk from the pulp. A good trick is to get one at the hardware store. It's called a paint straining bag. It will cost about a dollar. Get the one gallon size. Or you can purchase one online for about $7-8 at most raw food websites. These usually have a drawstring which is nice. The paint straining bag usually works fine for me. :)

SERVE: The granola as pictured, with nut milk and maybe some fresh fruit like berries. Enjoy!

Join us for a full day of raw gourmet food prep: high energy beverages, desserts, entrees and snacks in New York city! The space is limited to 8 individuals for the Immersion Day, in which we'll also play with the best of reality creation and manifesting techniques and dramatic interactions to powerfully support all participants in the manifestation of their personal dreams.

That evening, a delicious raw gourmet meal will be ready, prepared by the participants in the Immersion Day, for an additional 12 or so folks.

Let us know a.s.a.p. if you'd like to attend either or both the Immersion Day and the dinner.
TIME: 10a.m - 6p.m
LOCATION: Manhattan (call or e-mail for direx)

IMMERSION DAY/DINNER:
$75 plus you bring a food assignment.
DINNER ONLY: $25
CONTACT LAURA: (804) 243-9909 or (718) 395-3760 to register and for details.
NYC CONTACT: Morella 646-489-6141.

Just call or e-mail Laura at (804) 243-9909 or laura@rawinspirations.com.

It may be just the beautiful experience you need to help you meet your dietary, health and wellness goals and help you learn to prepare delicious raw gourmet meals! You deserve it! Cash, check and credit card (PayPal) accepted.

Our Special Price: $200 USD

Purchase Your Raw Immersion Experience Now! Simply enter the quantity of days you want for your Experience in the quantity box. We'll handle the food costs later. | Check it out!