I found a handout from a long-ago retreat the other day, and the wisdom & humor of it caused me to slow down and reflect. I hope it will do the same for you.

"Symptoms of Inner Peace"

from Peace, Love and Healing
by Bernie S. Siegel, MD

1. Tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than from fears based on experiences from the past.
2. The ability to enjoy each moment.
3. Loss of interest in judging self.
4. Loss of interest in judging other people.
5. Loss of interest in conflict.
6. Disinterest in interpreting actions of others.
7. Loss of ability to worry.
8. Frequent episodes of appreciation.
9. Contented feeling of connectedness with others and nature.
10. Frequent attacks of smiling through the eyes of the heart.
11. Increasing susceptibility to love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.
12. Increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.

IF YOU HAVE ALL OR EVEN MOST OF THE ABOVE SYMPTOMS, YOUR CONDITION OF PEACE MAY BE SO FAR ADVANCED AS TO NOT BE TREATABLE.

Do you ask for help? Is it easy or difficult? For years & years I had no trouble asking for help with "little" things or with matters I didn't want to deal with or didn't value, but when it came to anything of real importance, the biggest, deepest, most significantthings in my life, I lived with the belief that I was supposed to be able to take care of those on my own. The result is that in those areas I pretty much stayed right where I was.

The irony of course is that I'm a "helper." Many of us service oriented folks have the hardest time asking for support for ourselves. We see it as a one way street; we're here to help others but we shouldn't ask for assistance in return. It's not that we see those we help as weak or lacking; we generally serve without judgment. Yet, we often fear that others will judge us; we're afraid to show the cracks in our armour. You know what? The cracks are visible.

One taste and Tecari was hooked (I'll admit, so was I)! We're on a raw pancake kick for breakfast these days ~ yummmmmmeeee! These are super quick and easy to put together; the most challenging part is waiting for them to be ready, about 12 hours in the dehydrator. When they're ready, serve them with your favorite toppings: fruit sauce, nuts, fresh fruit, maple syrup, whatever your heart desires.

Have fun substituting different fruit for the pears. Apple is also delish, and I can't wait to try blueberry and banana, and maybe even chocolate chip (yes, I know that's not fruit)! Now that we've got the basic sweet recipe down, we're going to start experimenting with savory versions for lunch & dinner. Keep your eyes peeled for that recipe in the coming weeks!