Infected by the Truth Bug
Filed Under Law of Attraction | Leave a Comment
When someone speaks from their connection to the Divine (their heart), everyone can hear it—even the deepest skeptic. I call this speaking from the Highest Common Denominator.
Yesterday, I found out that this lovely man named Randy passed away. He was a university professor who was dying of cancer. His message was so profound that Oprah called him and asked him to re-give his speach to graduates on her show. Here it is.
I hope you take the time to watch the video of this man. We can mourn the loss of someone who has passed and think that perhaps the world has lost something special. Or we can take the resonance of their life, words, and actions and act like a tuning fork to spread that same vibration throughout our relationsips, projects, and interactions. Not only are they not lost, but you just expanded their life in ways that weren’t possible when they were living.
When someone oozes their Truth all over you, you can’t help but be infected. It makes you want to make the world a better place. Why not come from the Highest Common Denominator: that we are all adorable in some way, we all want to be loved, we all aspire to peace, and we all occassionally must eat a Hershey’s Kiss (either for the kiss or the chocolate—you choose).
Jennifer Hough
Liver Health and Medication
Filed Under Naturopathy | Leave a Comment
The liver is an amazing organ that participates in a variety of functions throughout the body. Some of its major activities are:
• Produces bile to break down fats.
• Stores glycogen. When blood glucose levels are below normal the liver will convert glycogen to glucose and release it into the blood stream to normalize blood sugar.
• Stores iron and some vitamins.
• Breaks down and recycles old blood cells.
• Secretes urea (a waste product from protein metabolism) into the bloodstream, where it is transported to the kidneys for elimination from the body.
• Removes harmful material from medication, alcohol, cigarettes, etc.
• Produces specific proteins that are necessary in the formation of many blood components.
Liver health
The liver is a primary organ of detoxification. During your annual physical exam, specific blood tests check your liver enzymes to determine baseline liver function. Elevations in any of these enzymes could signal the beginning of liver problems. However, some substances (such as alcoholic drinks) can result in false elevations of these enzymes.
Many substances can affect liver enzymes:
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs
• Anti-seizure drugs
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Mega-dosing of vitamins and certain herbal supplements
• Over-use of common over-the-counter drugs that contain acetaminophen (e.g., Actifed, Cepacol, Contac, Coricindin, Dayquil, Nyquil)
• Over-use of prescription drugs that contain acetaminophen (e.g., Darvocet, Hydrocodone, Lortab, Percocet, Vicodin)
Always consult a physician before taking any form of drugs (including vitamin and mineral supplements and prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal remedies). Not only can these substances potentially have an adverse effect on the liver if over-used, they can also adversely interact with other substances. Be a savvy health consumer and always read the label.
In health and wellness,
Dr. Linda Mundorff
Fear
Filed Under Meditation | Leave a Comment
“Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.”
—Frank Herbert, Dune“Fear is an emotion indispensible for survival.”
—Hanna Arendt“There is nothing to fear but fear.”
—Ludwig Boerne (1786–1837), German political writer
Fear is a part of life. It is a healthy response to immediate danger. It can activate us to deal with a threat, or it can freeze us into passivity in the face of overwhelming harm. This can be helpful or not depending on the circumstances.
In our daily lives, most of us live in fear of unnamed, unseen imaginary demons. They may be fear of failure, success, commitment, disapproval, some person or group of other people, or even fear of looking at ourselves and seeing who we really are. Often these fears get in the way of our being the person we really are, of actualizing our potential.
A first step in moving beyond fear is naming the demon. If you are ready to begin facing your fears, try the following meditation. Don’t do this if you can’t feel safe. Read through the entire meditation before beginning to make sure that this is something you want to do. It may be helpful to have a trusted friend read the instructions to you as you relax.
Practice:
Begin by sitting comfortably. Imagine that you are surrounded by a protective white light. Within this light is only love and compassion. Allow yourself to relax.
Turn your awareness to your breathing. As you feel each breath coming in and going out, allow yourself to relax. Let your breathing deepen of itself without straining. Let each out-breath complete its task of freeing the air in your lungs. Let each in-breath come on its own, unpressured, unhurried. Let your breath nourish your heart. Take your time.
If your mind wanders, just let go of the thoughts and bring your attention back to your breath. Let your breathing become the focus of your mind.
When you are feeling quite relaxed and feeling safe, allow yourself an awareness of some fear that has been a problem for you. Think of something in your life that causes you to experience fear. Give this fear a name.
What is this thing you are afraid of? Is it real or is it imaginary?
Remember that you are safe now. You are in a safe place and this fear is right now only an object of your mind.
Notice the sensations in your body and the mental images that come with your fear. Allow them to come and go. Do not grasp and hold them, but notice them, appreciate them as warnings that something is out of balance.
If the emotion becomes too strong, return your awareness to your breath and let go of the thought.
Let go of the feeling.
Surround yourself with the light of love and know that all is well at this moment.
Feel free to discontinue this exercise at any time.
If you are ready to face this fear, continue to breathe, continue to relax, but look the fear square in the face. Feel your own power in the face of this object of aversion. Know that you have power. You have an inner strength to withstand or defeat the aversion. Feel the sensations that come with these thoughts.
Know that the emotions you feel come only from a thought. You can name the thought. You can change the thought. You can transform the image of fear in your mind into something different. Perhaps something funny. Perhaps something beautiful.
Is there any way this fear could be helpful to you?
What else would have to happen for you to go beyond this fear?
Tom Barrett
Feeling Happy vs. Being Happy
Filed Under Law of Attraction | Leave a Comment
Everyone says that being happy is easier said than done. I don’t agree, though.
I think most people think that in order to be happy, that means that nothing “bad” happens to you. That is incorrect. Just because all is well and you feel happy… doesn’t necessarily mean you are being happy.
You see, someone who is innately happy would be at peace regardless of the situation. Sometimes they won’t “feel happy” but they will be at peace. Changing the circumstances to feel happy is much more difficult than finding a way to wake up to your infinite connection to Source, I think.
The difference between feeling happy and being happy is the difference between smelling home made chocolate chip cookies and eating ‘em. Trying to feel happy instead of finding peace regardless of circumstances is like putting icing on a mudpie, or like putting lipstick on a pig. Or putting a happy face on an empty gas tank so you don’t see it. You know what I mean.
Well, happiness in your SOUL means peace and joy. To find that, you have to remember who you are. It’s not about thinking good thoughts. It’s about waking up to the fact that you are a child of the same Universe that makes milky ways and galaxies, which means you are at least that loved, beautiful, and worthy. Then you won’t have to put effort into your thoughts; they’ll just default to good ones. That’s Get Out Course in a nutshell, by the way.
There is no way to happiness; happiness is the way. You can be happy, appreciative, blessed, peaceful, blessed, joyful, blessed, at peace, and then die OOOORRRRR you can worry, stress, complain, stress, worry, be frustrated and upset, and then die. Which version of life do you prefer?
There is always evidence for bad things, just like there is always evidence for good things. Where will you put your attention today? International Happiness Day is in July, but you can be happy every day!
Hey, I get down sometimes—and I’m at peace about that! That is called “being happy” because I know in the end all is well. Get it?
Jennifer Hough
How to Clean a Self-Cleaning Oven
Filed Under Clean Quick and Green | Leave a Comment
Many clients simply despise this task—and who can blame them? Cleaning the oven can seem like such a daunting task, and for the untrained super cleaner, it can be!
If you do have a self-cleaning oven, lucky you! Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning the oven:
1. Simply remove drip pans, coils, and anything inside the oven (tin foil, etc). Remove anything on the stove that you keep on the top ledge such as spices, spoon rests, etc. Also remove the drawer from underneath the stove entirely.
2. Set the stove to “self clean.” Choose 3 hours for a moderate clean and 4 hours for a heavier clean.
3. Open windows and leave! The process smells pretty bad (it literally burns everything in the oven to ashes, making the clean-up very easy). It’s key to allow the oven to cool for about 30–60 minutes after the cleaning because it gets incredibly hot.
4. Once done, wipe the insides with a damp cloth. Your oven should be spotless on the inside! You can now replace drip pans and go on with your normal cooking.
To prevent the stove from getting dirty again, place a piece of tinfoil under the burner to catch any drips. You can also sprinkle salt directly on the drip, which will prevent any hardening and will allow you to lift the drip right off once the oven has cooled.
Melissa
Plants and Pets
Filed Under Herbalist | Leave a Comment
I really enjoy sharing how the plants are there to help us—if only we would use them. Often we see our dogs and cats outside, browsing on this plant and that. I think they are drawn to the plants that give them the nourishment they need at that moment in time.
Of course, pets can make mistakes, especially if they are young and impetuous, or old and their senses aren’t working well (like when my dog, Whiner, ate poisonous mushrooms), so we have to keep the poisonous ones out of reach, especially for our indoor pets.
Plants found indoors or in bouquets that can cause harm are listed in many places on the web, particularly for cats, but here are a few that I thought were more common:
• Poinsettia
• Aloe vera
• Asparagus fern
• Baby’s breath
• Black-eyed Susan
• Geranium
• Many lilies
• Chrysanthemum
• Daffodil
• Holly
• Philodendron
• Eucalyptus
• English ivy
• Avocado
• Peach pit
If you think your pet has partaken of something he shouldn’t have, call your vet immediately. Just because a plant is from nature doesn’t mean it’s necessarily good for you or your animal friends.
Wendy
When Others Don’t Understand Your Path
Filed Under Law of Attraction | 1 Comment
I was just observing how a couple of special people in my life are not in the loop about my new-found understanding of the world. How they respond is with a little judgement and some disconnection from me. I would prefer that didn’t happen, so I decided to sit down with them and share my journey. The conversation just rocked!
Recently, I’ve had a few clients who have made major changes in their lives, and those around them were left a little shocked, confused, or thrown off a little. That can all be remedied with a little conversation I call the “here’s what happened to me chat.”
As soon as people understand where you were, the process you went through, what caused you to want to shift, and the AHA’s you had, they lose their discomfort. Don’t be upset with them because they don’t understand; it’s your job to have them understand.
But do it on a need-to-know basis. If you go around sharing with everyone, they will think you are wierd. If you don’t share your journey with those around you, they will think you are losing your mind—not gaining your heart.
So today, share a little of your journey and your new understanding of the world with someone you care about—not trying to change THEM, but helping them understand you better. They’ll just love you more.
Jennifer Hough
Laugh More, You’ll Love It! Part 2
Filed Under Health and Wellness | Leave a Comment
Picture this television scene:
A svelte, curious woman sits in a romantic restaurant with a boyish yet handsome man across from her. She looks at him with interest, reciprocation occurs, and conversation follows. A joke is said from the lady about how they happened to path crosses, and the man lets out the most obnoxious, snort-filled laugh imaginable. You can tell she is not impressed, so to be sure, she makes another joke. And of course the same annoying sound is released from him. The once-curious woman is now really un-impressed (already thinking about her pajamas and chamomile tea) and immediately loses interest in the fellow.
So the moral of that story is that once we learn to laugh daily, there are now social norms that must be followed and met or we are doomed to remain single forever. That’s comforting.
Despite societal norms, never overlook the importance of your mental health. If you prefer to stay in bed all day, or if you have negative thoughts wash over you daily, or if you think life is pretty ordinary, consider seeking help. Talk to a friend about what bogs you down. See a holistic doctor for advice on how to feel happier. Join a self-help group.
In today’s society, the norm is that a pill will fix everything. Before taking the magic pill, I propose being aware of your thoughts and your blood sugar. If your thoughts become less positive 4 or 5 hours after your last meal or if you find that you like to skip breakfast and go all day without eating, then try having a small meal every few hours.
Keeping your blood sugar on an even keel is better for our mental health than letting it drop and rise repeatedly. For more information on matters regarding mental health, visit www.camh.net or consult your doctor.
Now back to our original programming:
By the end of the Ally McBeal episode (yes that is what I was watching), she of course decides that this man she met is not the man of her dreams. She decides he can’t be the perfect man based primarily on his laugh.
By the end of the breakup, Ally says to him, “If I were your friend, I would tell you to never laugh again for the rest of your life.” Now that’s a harsh thing to say.
So do not take Ally’s advice, no matter how you laugh.
Never stop laughing.
Laugh because something is funny. Laugh because you feel the urge. And most of all, laugh because you are happy. That’s the most important thing.
Erin
Reversing Hemorroids Naturally
Filed Under Dr. Zoltan Rona (MD) | Leave a Comment
Hemorrhoids (piles) are distended or ruptured veins located within the anus (internal hemorrhoids) or just outside the anus (external hemorrhoids). At least half the North American population suffers from the problem at least once during their lifetime. Hemorrhoids are similar to varicose veins found on the legs, and they can be just as painful, itchy, and unsightly. They are caused by anything that increases pressure in the pelvic veins for prolonged periods of time.
The commonest cause of hemorrhoids is constipation. Dr. Dennis Burkitt and many other experts have noted the inverse relationship between the frequency and size of bowel movements and good health. This is most true for hemorrhoids.
Dr. Dennis found that citizens of those cultures that had larger, softer, and more frequent bowel movements were also the healthiest. Furthermore, these groups had the smallest and fewest hospitals. They ate a primarily vegetarian diet, with animal products used only as flavorings or for an occasional feast. Individuals also had a bowel movement following each meal.
Other things associated with hemorrhoids include:
• Heredity
• Pregnancy
• Prostate enlargement
• Obesity
• Straining at stool
• Diarrhea
• Improper or heavy lifting
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Standing for long periods of time
• Sitting on cold, hard surfaces
• Severe coughing
• Liver disease (cirrhosis)
• Food allergies
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Anal intercourse
Hemorrhoids may itch, bleed, tear, and cause pain. They can usually be treated naturally but severe cases may require surgery.
Diet
• From a diet standpoint, it is very important to increase fluids.
• A high-fiber, high–complex carbohydrate diet is recommended.
• Avoid animal products as much as possible.
• Avoid coffee, spicy foods, fried foods, alcohol, hot sauces, fatty foods, salty foods, sugar, and refined carbohydrates.
• Eat more cranberries, water chestnuts, buckwheat, tangerines, figs, plums, prunes, guavas, bamboo shoots, mung beans, melons, black sesame seeds, persimmons, bananas, squash, cucumbers, tofu, blueberries, blackberries, and cherries.
• Fresh juices that may be therapeutic include carrot, spinach, potato, turnip, watercress, celery, and parsley.
• Flax seed oil (1–2 tablespoons daily) creates a natural lubricating effect by softening stools.
Candida
Itchiness from hemorrhoids is usually caused by yeast or candida overgrowth and their mycotoxins. A daily supplement of a good Lactobacillus acidophilus supplement helps crowd out the fungi and eventually the itching stops.
To prevent fungal infection, avoid foods high in sugar (including fruit and fruit juice); fermented foods such as beer, wine, cheese, bread, and stored grains; grain-fed animal products (red meats, especially beef and pork, animal fats, butter, whole milk and other high-fat dairy products); nuts (especially peanuts, cashews, pistachios) and seeds; and refined foods. Avoid leftovers and tobacco products.
Eat more fish and fish oils, garlic, onions, olives, olive oil, green vegetables, herbs, tofu and other soy products, yogurt, psyllium, pectin, and milled (ground) flax seed. An increased intake of fiber significantly reduces the impact of mycotoxins.
Herbal Remedies
• Horse chestnut extract is probably the most effective herbal remedy used traditionally to treat varicose veins and hemorrhoids. The major active ingredient is believed to be aescin, which stops swelling and inflammation without any side effects. Horse chestnut extract (standardized to 50 mg of aescin) swallowed 3 or 4 times daily also prevents bleeding from hemorrhoids by decreasing capillary and vein permeability (leakiness).
• Other topical herbal remedies which may be very soothing are aloe vera and calendula.
• Herbs that may be helpful in an oral supplement form are psyllium seed husks and powder, chamomile, buckthorn, collinsonia root, and elderberry.
Nutritional Supplements
Dosages for all supplements would, of course, have to be individualized. Supervision by a naturopath or medical doctor familiar with vitamins, minerals and herbs is ideal. Supplemental nutrients that are often prescribed to help shrink hemorrhoidal tissue and promote healing are:
• Vitamin A: 10,000 mg daily
• Beta-carotene: 10,000 mg daily
• Vitamin B complex: 50 mg 3 times daily
• Vitamin C: 3000–6000 mg daily
• Vitamin E: 800 I.U. daily
• Selenium: 200 mcg daily
• Zinc chelate: 50 mg daily
• Bioflavonoids (rutin, hesperidin): 1000 mg daily
Bioflavonoids strengthen capillaries and are also one of the many nutrients that help lessen the effects of food allergies.
• Pycnogenol or grape seed extract: 300 mg daily
• Coenzyme Q10: 200 mg daily
For bleeding hemorrhoids, supplementation with vitamin K may be necessary. To get adequate amounts of vitamin K from the diet, eat more dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, alfalfa, kale, and lettuce.
Lifestyle
• Avoid cigarette smoking and sedentary behavior because both habits make hemorrhoids worse.
External Relief
• Fast-relieving topical remedies that you can experiment with are: tea tree oil, aloe vera gel, garlic oil, oregano oil, olive oil, flax seed oil and calendula cream.
• A garlic clove or raw potato can be made into a soothing rectal suppository if one is so inclined.
• Mineral (sitz) baths using epsom salts on a daily basis are also quite helpful.
• Different things will work better for given individuals.
Dr. Zoltan Rona
Redefining Happiness
Filed Under Natural Goddess | 2 Comments
Are you happy?
What is happiness, really? How do we find it? Where does it come from?
Many people ask themselves these questions and believe that the answer comes from outside sources. They’ll tell you they will be happy when this or that happens, when such-and-such a person does what they want, or once they have something. I wonder to myself if those people will continue to wait and wait, never being happy now with what they have.
By putting our happiness in the hands of outside sources, we give our own natural power away. It is only when we choose to be happy now, no matter what is going on outside us or even when it directly involves us, that the magic of ourselves and our lives emerges.
When we choose to be happy now, we take back the power that we have been giving away for so long. What seem like miracles begin to happen: relationships improve, work seems like less of a hassle, food tastes better, and we feel more alive than ever before. But it happens now, not in a day, a month or a year—happiness happens now!
It took me a long time to realize this—many years spent looking for the answer outside of myself. Even after embarking upon a spiritual journey, doing meditation daily, and creating a prosperous business (from my heart), it took me watching the movie A Peaceful Warrior to realize that I was carrying this pattern of waiting and frustration with now. And when that light bulb went on in my head and I realized I was still relying on my happiness to come from outside or the future, I made a choice right then and there to be happy now (again!).
To me being happy now did not mean giving up all my goals and dreams; it meant that I choose to be happy just where I am, knowing that the joy in the journey is always more important than the final destination. Since I made that choice, miracles have happened! And they can for you, too! Because happiness, my friends, truly is our our own daily choice—and we all deserve it!
So what type of day will you chose for yourself today?
Jane Large
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