E-joy: A New Way of Emailing
Filed Under Law of Attraction | Leave a Comment
I think this idea might change the world… or at least your world – and that is how to change the world – one person’s world at a time…
We all know how mechanical emails can be… just another thing to “DO”. Most people email unconsciously, not realizing every word is an opportunity to make someone’s day or not. Remember, there is human being on the other end of these electronic communications – not a computer. I was just reminded of that when I received an email from someone who forgot I was a human being, not an email address. It wasn’t mean or anything; it was just very mechanical. So here are some thoughts on the subject that could make someone’s day:
The next time you send an email, be very conscious about who is going to receive it, how it is going to be received, and whether you are being effective at communicating compassionately. How do you want to leave the receiver feeling? Every email you send is an opportunity for you to feel good/better or be heard, and for the receiver to feel good/better/heard.
Make every salutation well thought out, like: “It was great to hear from you, Brad” or “I liked what you said, Joe” or “Thanks so much for responding, Brenda” or “I was looking forward to connecting, Shirley.”
And then you could sign off with “Have a great day” or “Looking forward to your response” or “Appreciating your thoughts in advance” or “Warmly”.
It doesn’t have to be hokey – just sincere and authentic. You don’t have to talk with someone to send them good vibes!
Jennifer Hough
P.S. I have a rule. I always call when an issue needs resolving because too much can be read into emails.
Resolving Resolutions
Filed Under Entrepreneurs with a Conscience | Leave a Comment
New Year’s resolutions were never big with me. I’ve tried sticking to them but always end up falling off the wagon by mid-February. I then looked at my list and realized they were pretty huge resolutions I was trying to achieve. No one needs that kind of pressure.
So I started breaking down the larger items into many small ones. Let’s say you (or I) wanted to lose 10 pounds. Instead of burdening yourself with losing those 10 pounds, start with eating healthier or cutting out the junk food. Let’s say you (or I) wanted to redecorate your (or my) home. Start with painting some new colors on the walls.
Starting smaller will make you feel more accomplished after the year is done and motivate you to stick with it. As it’s been said, Rome wasn’t built in a day – but I’m sure if they pressured themselves to do it that way, it would have never gotten done. So make your first resolution to go easy on yourself and be proud of the little accomplishments. They’ll eventually add up to one big resolution being crossed off your list.
~Amanda~
10 Ways to Help Prevent Breast Cancer – Part 1
Filed Under Breast Health | Leave a Comment
1. Avoid (HRT) Hormone Replacement Therapy
Synthetic HRT increases the risk of breast cancer. In 2002, a huge double-blind placebo study called “Women’s Health Initiative” sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) was stopped early because it was proven during the study that HRT causes breast cancer.
Natural bio-identical hormones, on the other hand, are safe. They are made from botanical plants such as soy and yams. These plants are pharmaceutically processed to produce natural bio-identical progesterone or estrogen derivatives; they may come in cream or oral forms.
It is not difficult to determine if one needs some form of hormone balancing; if you feel perfectly well and have no symptoms listed below, it is very unlikely that you need to do or change anything. However, a large number of peri-menopausal women who come to my clinic suffer from the following symptoms: fatigue, pre-menstrual breast tenderness, fibrocystic breast condition, short menstrual cycle (less than 28 days), anxiety, headaches, sleep disorders, low libido, depression, and PMS. Women in menopause may have some of these symptoms in addition to hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and memory problems. If some of these complaints are present in a patient, it is important to identify any hormonal deficiencies.
We can carefully monitor most hormone levels with blood tests, although they are not as reliable as saliva tests, which measure bio-available free-hormone levels, or 24-hour urine collection, which looks at what is excreted through metabolites over a 24-hour period. Once identified, single or multiple hormone deficiencies can be corrected by the use of bio-identical hormones, which have an anti-aging action by the nature of their action.
The effect of these hormones is dose specific; however, in nature more is not necessarily better . If the hormones are prescribed in too high a dosage, they can cause adverse effects. Many women hearing of the great effects of progesterone decide to self-medicate. A word of caution here needs to be made: some progesterone products on the market have very little or no effect. Compounding pharmacies have a reliable and consistent product; however, this would require a prescription from your doctor. One of the best books on the subject was published by Dr. John Lee, entitled What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast Cancer. For additional information on bio-identical hormones and breast cancer prevention you can visit www.drpettle.com.
Dr. Alex Mostovoy
What to Expect When Improving Your Diet
Filed Under Dr. Zoltan Rona (MD) | Leave a Comment
So, you’re toxic. You’ve recently indulged in a little too much chocolate, wine, beer, fried foods, coffee, cakes, and other sweets. You look and feel tired and achy all over. Perhaps you’ve put on a few more pounds than you’d like to admit.
Most of us indulge to some degree during the holiday season. Later, we desperately want to cure ourselves with a fast or perhaps a strict low-fat, low-carb diet, plus vitamins, minerals, and herbs. We make New Year’s resolutions to adopt healthier eating habits, or we may decide to take up a strenuous exercise and sauna program to get rid of toxins and fat more quickly.
The good news is that within three or four weeks of making such changes, you’ll feel better than you’ve felt in years. The bad news is that some uncomfortable symptoms will show up during the cleansing process. Whatever your New Year’s resolutions, expect them to be challenging to implement. If you know what to expect while improving your diet, however, things could be considerably easier.
Why You Feel Rotten
The major reason for symptoms may best be summarized in one word: detoxification. Food may well be the most powerful drug you will ever experience. A high intake of refined carbohydrates, for example, will eventually lead to blood sugar control problems (hypoglycemia) and numerous symptoms. To feel better, most people suffering from low blood sugar will instinctively reach for a candy bar, soft drink, or caffeinated beverage. If they decide to eliminate sugar and refined carbohydrates, their blood sugar levels will immediately plummet even further, thus causing even worse symptoms.
The other reason why detox symptoms can suddenly arise is the addiction/allergy factor. Many people are unknowingly addicted/allergic to foods such as wheat, milk, citrus, eggs, chocolate, and sugar in any concentrated form. If you suddenly stop eating these foods, you’ll experience withdrawal symptoms similar to those seen in alcoholism, cigarette addiction, or narcotic drug addiction.
Changing to a healthy diet will, in all likelihood, cause fat and some muscle cells to release their waste products into the circulation. Cells also release stored chemicals known as xenobiotics, which the body may not be fully able to detoxify in the liver, kidneys, lungs or skin. Drug flashbacks and all manner of mental and physical symptoms can present themselves. This can even occur in people who only give up sugar and refined carbohydrates without any drastic dietary changes.
In very rare, severely toxic cases, hospital admission for a nervous breakdown may be the end result of a combination of hypoglycemia, food addiction withdrawal, and release of xenobiotics. Certain people are thus poor candidates for changing their diets and can end up sicker as a result. If you think you might be one of those rare individuals, consult your doctor before making any major changes to your diet.
Common Nuisance Symptoms
The vast majority of people who improve their diets find that detox reactions are mild and temporary (four to ten days). Most symptoms are due to some combination of blood sugar problems, withdrawal reactions, food allergies, and xenobiotics. In my experience, the commonest of these nuisance symptoms are:
* Food cravings and hunger
* Headaches
* Irritability
* Dizziness
* Spaciness
* Fatigue
* Anxiety
* Depression
* Insomnia
* Gas, constipation, or diarrhea
* Frequent urination
* Flu-like illness
Reward for Persistence
I strongly encourage you to continue with your new, healthier diet. Remember, the annoying symptoms will gradually disappear. (Supplements can also help your body to detox faster and more easily; I will discuss those next week.)
Almost everyone willing to persist through minor nuisance symptoms will be rewarded. After four to ten days, you’ll notice greater vitality and a sense of higher well-being, along with improved physical appearance.
Dealing with Mental Blocks
People who are relatively new to a natural diet and supplements often feel frightened by the changes that occur in their bodies. Some decide it’s best to abandon their new diets. Others might even make the mistake of going to the local hospital emergency room, walk-in clinic or family doctor. Most likely, they’ll be advised to stop the healthy diet and go back to chocolates, chips, soft drinks and fries.
I recall one woman who consulted me several years ago to treat her menorrhagia (excessive menstrual bleeding). She was so shocked at the sudden cessation of bleeding resulting from dietary changes that she immediately came into the office to tell me she just had to stop because of “fear of what all this is doing to my body.” Another patient phoned to ask me if it was normal to feel “high” when going completely off sugar and would I advise him to stop the diet?
What these two patients were really afraid of was change of any kind from the way they were used to feeling. Overcoming these types of psychological blocks is the first step towards better health. Just about everyone has to blow through some degree of mental resistance.
If you decide to improve your diet, you will have to accept the fact that changes will occur in your body. Initially, these changes will be annoying but, with the passage of time, symptoms will lift and you’ll be on your way to high level wellness.
Dr. Zoltan Rona
What is Holistic Law?
Filed Under Holistic Law | Leave a Comment
Posted with permission from the International Alliance of Holistic Lawyers (IAHL):
Holistic law is hard to define. It often seems more a process than a particular method of practicing law. However, there seem to be some common threads among holistic lawyers, which may lead to a practical definition of holistic law. IAHL weaves these threads together and finds that many of its members are committed to “PEACELAW” as defined below:
Promote peaceful advocacy and holistic legal principles.
Encourage compassion, reconciliation, forgiveness, and healing.
Advocate the need for a humane legal process.
Contribute to peace building at all levels.
Enjoy the practice of law.
Listen intentionally and deeply in order to gain complete understanding.
Acknowledge the opportunity in conflict.
Wholly honor and respect the dignity and integrity of each individual.
For more information, visit www.iahl.org.
Receiving Food in the Spirit in Which it is Given
Filed Under Natural Cooking | Leave a Comment
I do my best to prepare food as naturally as possible. I prefer organic food; stainless steel or cast iron cookware (no non-stick for me!); wooden or bamboo cooking utensils; a gas stove (a close replication of the fire from the sun, but electric stoves can still do the job!); glass and stainless containers for leftovers; natural fiber dishtowels… these are the things I consider when stocking my kitchen and cooking for myself and those I love.
Sometimes, though, those we love want to gift us with food. In my early “natural cook” days, I turned down a lot of food that didn’t meet my standards. Over the years, I have chosen to exercise discretion and enjoy less-than-natural food once in awhile because the heart energy that went into it counts, too!
For example, I enjoyed a lovely Christmas Eve dinner at my partner’s relatives’ place this year. One of the tastiest sweet treats was a white-flour bread with candied fruit in it. Soft and squooshy. A delight that I had been looking forward to since I was introduced to that loaf last Christmas.
I may have cringed on the inside when the elderly gentleman who made this bread listed off the ingredients as we were all enjoying it at the table after dinner. Margarine is certainly not part of my repertoire, but he had kneaded and baked this bread with so much love that I believe it served me more to trust that taking in that love superceded taking in the margarine in the bread. There was no place for arrogance at that table.
It feels so good to not worry about it! Maybe it’s just due to the passing of time (”aging”) or maybe I’ve learned some lessons over the years, but I like that I have softened in a social way. And like most of us, I’ll make an extra effort to choose vibrant, healthy, natural foods to “detox” after the holidays.
Happy New Year!
Rebecca
How to Achieve Peace on Earth
Filed Under Law of Attraction | Leave a Comment
How about describing people like this:
Colour: Skin
Race: Human being
Place of origin: Planet Earth
Religious beliefs: We are one, and loved infinitely
Hmmm, I think that might solve a lot of problems.
Jennifer Hough
Presents or Presence?
Filed Under Law of Attraction | Leave a Comment
Some people just love to give because of the amazing feeling they get from seeing the person’s face, and sensing the love and appreciation. It is a gift to be able to give… and an even bigger gift to allow yourself to fully receive.
Make sure you are NOT one of those people who shrinks when given a gift (because you think you may not deserve it). Open yourself to fully and humbly receive some good loving this season, as it is a gift to the person who is giving it to you. And of course, once you receive, spread the love around!!
Presents or presence? How about both?!
Jennifer Hough
The Top Five Parasitic Infections in the U.S.
Filed Under Naturopathy | Leave a Comment
Parasites are microorganisms – not bacteria or viruses. Unfortunately, many parasitic infections are misdiagnosed as bacterial infections and treated with antibiotics. An antibiotic will not kill a parasite.
Since parasites are difficult to diagnose, it’s important that accurate testing be done. For gastrointestinal parasitic infection, the best indicator is a stool exam. The test itself is not painful or expensive, but does require a small sample of stool. Your doctor will send you home with a kit that includes everything you need; once you get the sample you will need to send the kit back for testing.
After the diagnosis is made and a prescription is given, a repeat stool test should be done to ensure that the parasite has been killed. It is important that you take the medication as directed for the entire time required, even if you are already feeling better.
Below are the top five parasites found in the United States:
Blastocytosis
Contracted by: Poor hygiene and unsanitary conditions
Symptoms: Diarrhea, stomach pain, and gas
Cryptosporidium
Contracted by: Contaminated food or water
Symptoms: Dehydration, diarrhea, stomach cramps, weight loss, fever, nausea, and vomiting
Giardia
Contracted by: Contaminated food or water that has been in contact with animal or human feces
Symptoms: Bloating, gas, diarrhea, nausea, severe cramps
Toxoplasma Gondii
Contracted by: Contact with infected cat’s litter box
Symptoms: Flu-like symptoms
Trichomonas Vaginalis
Contracted by: Genital contact
Symptoms: Foul-smelling green-yellow vaginal discharge, vaginal swelling, itching, and redness
The best way to stop a parasitic infection is through prevention:
• Always practice good handwashing before preparing and eating food.
• Drink treated water only; mountain streams and rivers might look clean but they can be harboring all kinds microorganisms that will make you very sick.
• Clean the cat litter box daily and always wash your hands afterwards.
• Don’t fertilize your vegetable garden with untreated manure.
• Wash all fruits and vegetables before eating.
• Cook your meat thoroughly.
• If you have an open cut, cover it. Your skin is your first line of defense against microorganisms. An open cut is an invitation in.
A little prevention goes a long way!
In health and wellness,
Dr. Linda Mundorff
Toxic Santa
Filed Under Mom Talk | Leave a Comment
Many of you may be offended when I tell you I have been bitten by the BAH HUM BUG attitude. The reality is I’ve grown to despise the commercialism that Santa represents. I certainly am no angel in this department and have been guilty of giving mounds of gifts.
I have always considered myself to be emotionally connected to world issues and aware of my privilege (by global standards). I was raised by a single mom on welfare and then became a carbon copy of my mom eight years ago. Since then, I’ve managed to break the cycle and turn my life around.
My partner, who was raised in a different culture, has never really fancied this idea of Santa. In fact, he has been down right opposed to it from the beginning, but went along with me, reluctantly. My oldest son’s sense of entitlement has really been an eye opener. We have certainly not indulged our kids by any means, but the fact is there is something disconcerting about trying to raise children in an overindulged culture.
In my opinion, Santa has become a symbol of our greed; we feel like we must be rewarded for our hard work, while people in other parts of the world work just as hard (if not harder) for next to nothing. And heck – don’t our children deserve to be pampered? But what about all the things they receive during the rest of the year, like birthday parties and gifts, play dates and free education? Don’t they count as well?
What finally sealed the deal for me and my new attitude was a discussion I had with a close friend of mine last year at a dinner party. My friend, whom I love dearly, defended her position on Santa by saying she worked hard for all the things she had (she just sold her company for $12 million) and deserved to indulge.
Now don’t get me wrong. My friend is a very generous person and I, too, have said the same thing in the past. But this time, it was different. Listening to my friend, I heard my own argument for the first time and realized it had little merit. Materialism is an addiction that we need to get a hold of. In the absence of materialism, many of us could be much richer. We just don’t even know it.
I’m heading to Los Angeles for the first time in eight years and will see my sister for the first time in 12 years. My first stop will be the ECO gift fair where I hope to stock up on my stainless steel water bottles and non-toxic kid stuff. I will no doubt walk down Melrose to see the sights, but containing my inner consumer won’t be much of a struggle.
My heart just isn’t in it this year and this has been a long time coming. I feel torn between the me that once was (an “I” focused North American) and the me I want to become. While I am a work in progress, I feel as if I’m not the only one coming to terms with this reality and thinking it is out of control. I really knew things were changing when even the material girl – yes, that’s right, Madonna herself – was boycotting gifts this year. What could Lourdes possibly need anyway?
Cheers,
Andrea Page
