Our Mother Nature
Filed Under Meditation | Leave a Comment
One of the easiest ways to change one’s mental state from tense to relaxed is to visualize one’s self in a peaceful scene in nature. It might be a forest scene or an ocean beach, maybe a babbling brook or a mountain meadow. When we close our eyes, breathe from the belly, and see ourselves in such a place our muscles relax, our heartbeat slows, and we feel a sense of peace.
Why would just imagining one’s self in nature cause a significant physiological change and give us a subjective experience of peace? Perhaps it is because nature really is our mother. She is the nurturer. We speak casually of Mother Nature and we see her represented in caricature in the media, but have we ever taken this image to heart? Let’s do that for a moment.
Think about how nature created you and the many ways that nature supports you. Some might think of nature as a feminine aspect of the divine creator. Some might see her as a personification of the Great Spirit. Say the following with a thankful heart.
Mother Nature, you gave me life, and I thank you.
You formed the earth from the swirling dust of the cosmos, and I thank you.
You filled the low places with water and gave a home to the fishes, and I thank you.
You filled the seas and the land with plants that give us air to breathe and food to eat, and I thank you.
You placed animals among the plants. They are our brothers and sisters. For them I thank you.
You placed my ancestors among the animals and the plants and they lived off the land. For their lives and their dreams, I thank you.
You have given us wood for our houses, stone for our roads, fiber for our clothing. You gave us minerals to build our machines. You gave us the means to live in comfort, and with the tools you have given we have built walls that separate us from you.
I thank you for the comfort in which I live.
I thank you for the tools of civilization.
Grant that I may use them wisely.
Grant that I may live in your bounty.
Grant that I may remember that I am your child and that my life depends on you.
May I and those that come after me treasure you and care for you.
May your spirit fill me and guide my ways.
Let me move beyond all walls so that I may be one with you.
Tom Barrett
Some People Just Live It
Filed Under Law of Attraction | Leave a Comment
Have you noticed that some of the most miraculous people are the ones who have no idea about the Laws of Physics? That’s because they’re living it instead of thinking about living it.
Just about everyone knows someone who has no clue about what we talk about in this blog, and yet they live a totally blessed life. See, the Universe just wants you to be happy. The Universe doesn’t care if you knew how it all worked first.
It amazes me! I used to try to make my hubby listen to my teachers on audio and read the books I love. It took me about two years to realize that he doesn’t need them. He is already happy. He has learned much of it by osmosis, but he really didn’t need it. He does what makes him happy already.
Now I must say, this is a huge reason that women get angry at men. Culturally, men do a much better job of doing what feels best. And then women get mad at them for following their bliss—because they would like to be in bliss too.
So you want your partner to join you in your misery? His way, at least one of you is happy. I say, join the guy in doing more of what you enjoy.
Then what happens to the kids soccer? The dishes? I don’t know, but I hope you find out. Life’s a wastin’. Kids learn by your example … and you do want them to be happy, right?
Jennifer Hough
Go Against the Current
Filed Under Entrepreneurs with a Conscience | Leave a Comment
Many people become fickle, believing that if something goes wrong or does not seem right that it must be a sign from the Universe that this is not right.
Well, if every bump in the road makes you change course, then no, it is not for you. Because life will try to hinder your awakening.
When salmon swim upstream and return home, they struggle against the current, with many obstacles in their way.
You, too, must go against the current to fulfill your purpose.
— Eric Pepin, The Handbook of the Navigator
I think this statement should be posted in everyone’s home, office, and car. It’s a great reminder to keep challenging ourselves even when it seems too hard to carry forward. Push on … push on.
Think about it: what if you never challenged yourself, challenged someone or something? What if we all gave up on our passions because it was just too hard? We and the world around us would be as stagnant and lifeless as a rock. Now tell me, what kind of existence is that? That’s right—it’s just an existence.
That statement really hits home for me because it’s something I find comfort and motivation in at times when I don’t feel that I’m following the right path or that it’s too much of a struggle to get to my “destination.” It reminds me to keep going because the greatest things in life (I think) have a little bit of “challenge” attached to them in some form. I think that the struggle, just like the journey, is more important than the destination. And worth every bit of sweat.
If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. It’s the hard that makes it great.
— Tom Hanks, A League of Their Own
~Amanda~
Who’s Making Your Clothes?
Filed Under Entrepreneurs with a Conscience | Leave a Comment
At Creating Good Karma, we’re excited to bring on board some new articles of clothing and intimates that are “sweatshop-free.” Since you wear clothing so close to your heart and the rest of your body, why not feel good about the apparel you choose?
Word’s getting out about our feel-good approach! Click here to check it out.
Plus—when you order from Creating Good Karma, we donate a portion of sales to the Charity of the Month. Let us know what your favorite charity is so we can do our part to improve the world you live in!
~Amanda~
Natural Treatments for Hives
Filed Under Dr. Zoltan Rona (MD) | Leave a Comment
Hives (urticaria) is the name given to a skin eruption characterized by outbreaks of red, itchy, occasionally swollen welts on the skin associated with histamine release. They are most often treated by conventional doctors with antihistamines or corticosteroids. Hives can be the result of anxiety, viral infections, chemical exposure or hidden food allergies.
Food allergies can develop because of heredity or some specific injury to the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. This injury can be caused by non-steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), antibiotics, chemicals in food or water, steroids like the birth control pill, and other drugs.
Another possible direct cause of hives is parasitic infection. Yet another possibility is candida (yeast) infection. In many cases of hives, low stomach acidity is present as well. If stomach acidity is adequate, parasites and fungi like candida cannot get past the acid barrier of the stomach and infestation cannot take place.
If the cause of the hives is unknown, it is harmless to try some natural remedies that reduce inflammation without the deleterious side effects of antihistamines. This can be done while one is being investigated for food and chemical allergies or various infections by a health care practitioner. For most adults this means taking the following nutritional supplements on at least a temporary basis:
• Vitamin C: 1000 mg three times daily and increased daily by 1000 mg until bowel tolerance (loose bowel movements) is reached.
• Quercetin: 1000 mg three times daily. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that stabilizes the mast cell membrane, where histamine is manufactured.
• Pycnogenol: 300 mg daily until hives are gone, then 150 mg daily thereafter.
Low stomach acidity prevents a person from completely digesting foods, especially the high protein foods. As a result, partially digested foods can get absorbed into the blood, eliciting an allergic/inflammatory reaction. In essence, the food that is partially digested behaves as if it were an allergen that needs to be attacked by the immune system. Even so-called “healthy” foods can turn into allergies when hydrochloric acid is inadequate. Rashes like acne and hives can result.
Once the cause of hives has been established, treatment can be directed at the source of the problem. A health care practitioner should be consulted for testing and treatment tailored to individual needs.
Dr. Zoltan Rona
Green Eggs and Ham
Filed Under Dinner with The Lunch Belle | Leave a Comment
Quietly tucked away on picturesque tree-lined East 39th Street is Icon, the haute New American restaurant located within the W New York — The Court Hotel. Step inside to a dim oasis of grand space, chic design, and modern flare. Pending lovely weather, make sure to grab an after-meal cocktail on Icon’s gorgeous Miami-esque back terrace.
These days, more and more restaurants are jumping on the “green” bandwagon for the sake of a healthier life for ourselves and future generations. Recently, Icon began serving a “Green Brunch” on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Intrigued, I knew that I had to run, not walk, to the restaurant and check it out for myself. I invited my darling friend, Teddi, to join me and see what all the fuss was about.
We arrived at Icon promptly at 11 a.m. and were seated immediately. Teddi and I were handed both regular brunch/lunch menus and the special “Green Brunch” menus. Knowing exactly what we were going to do, we pushed the regular menus aside, and began perusing the “green” dishes. For $35 prix-fixe, you get your choice of: appetizer, entree, dessert, and homemade organic and natural flavored soda or flavored bottled water.
It was a tough decision, but I chose to start with the Heirloom Tomato Tart (extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic glaze, fleur de sel, petit greens, and nicoise olive puree). Then for my entree, I went with the Baked Spanish Eggs (chorizo, purple Peruvian potatoes, manchego, and lime). And for dessert, I chose the Icon Chipwich (chocolate chip ice cream and cookies with chocolate sauce).
There were numerous flavors of sodas and waters, but what caught my eye was the vanilla-pineapple and the natural blackberry. Being the obnoxious diner that I am, I asked if the two flavors could be combined, and our lovely waiter gladly told me that my request would not be a problem.
Icon’s “Green Brunch” is a wonderful and naturally delicious way to soothe your weekend craving for a meal that goes beyond eggs and pancakes. You can’t beat the service, atmosphere, and price—for the quality and amount of food that you get.
Naturally,
The Lunch Belle
Breath-Counting Meditation
Filed Under Meditation | Leave a Comment
“If your mind is empty, it is always ready for anything; it is open to everything. In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities; in the expert’s mind there are few.”
— Shunryu Suzuki, “Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind”“The very essence of meditation is one-pointedness and the exclusion of all other considerations, even when these considerations happen to be enticing.”
— Meher Baba, “Discourses”
Developing concentration is fundamental to meditation. Persistently practicing a concentration technique over a period of time is traditionally the way to develop meditative concentration. A simple yet effective tool for deepening concentration is the meditation technique of counting the breath.
Breath-counting gives the mind something to focus on so that when distracting thoughts arise, you have a base thought to come back to. The method is easy to understand. Perhaps not so easy to do. The goal is to do this one thing with full mindfulness. Success comes from patient repetition.
Breath-counting is so simple that after you get comfortable with it, it can be done just about any place and any time when you don’t have to be concentrating on something else—on a bus or waiting in line, for instance. It is a great way to center yourself and return to a state of mindfulness.
You may find that this meditation form helps you to manage your stress. It allows you to let go of the negative thoughts and worries that create tension. It also induces the relaxation response, which has many physical and psychological benefits.
Practice:
We suggest that you practice this technique once or twice daily for 15 to 20 minutes. Use shorter periods if you must. The key is to do it, and do it regularly, rather than to follow some arbitrary schedule.
Begin by finding a quiet place where you will not be disturbed. Dim the lights if possible. You may wish to have your eyes closed or partially closed and cast downward. Sit in a comfortable posture that will allow you to remain still for about 20 minutes. Since our intent here is not to go to sleep, we suggest sitting upright. (Hint to insomniacs: counting breaths is not unlike counting sheep. It can put you to sleep).
Bring your attention to your breath. Counting up to four, count each out breath. After the fourth exhalation begin again at one. Inhaling…exhaling “1″, inhaling…exhaling “2″, inhaling…exhaling “3,” inhaling…exhaling “4,” inhaling…exhaling “1″…
Try to keep the count, but if you lose track, start over at “1.” Give your full attention to the count. If you have stray thoughts, just let them go and return to the counting. Don’t intentionally alter your breathing pattern. Let your breath find its own pace and depth like a stream finds its course.
Once you have become comfortable with counting to four, you may want to experiment with counting your breaths up to ten. The number you use isn’t so important. The clarity of your concentration is what is important.
Tom Barrett
Living in the Present
Filed Under Law of Attraction | Leave a Comment
I went on a motorcycle trip over the weekend. I know, I know—you don’t hear me talking about my Harley much, but I decided to bring “Max” into the picture today (Max is my Harley). Last week I was working on a project (the operative word is WORKING). I was quite drawn to staying home instead of taking our three-day trip. But then a little voice said to me, “When you are in joy, all of the answers come effortlessly.” So I went, and here’s what happened…
I should know better than to even consider working instead of playing. I had been looking for a new detail-oriented assistant for the last month. I had also been looking for some miracles around a movie project that we are doing, one that is not yet bringing in money.
While I was away on the motorcycle trip, I was enjoying myself, and I let my projects go from my mind. What happened? First thing Monday morning I found a perfect assistant, and half an hour later, another perfect applicant called. Then later, I was on the line with two possible organizations for full funding for our movie project. Awesome reminders that life was meant to be fun.
All your answers lie in the present moment. How will you know if you’re not living in the present? Well, life will be hard, silly.
The Harley Meditation: Being in the present simply means fully enjoying where you are. It means remembering that the past and future matter not. Riding with 35 other screaming bikes puts me right in the present. But then so do forests, my dog, and a kiss from my hubby. Today, I thank my hubby for reminding me that there is no way to happiness—happiness is the way.
What do you need to give up WORKING at?
Funny how you can surrender and get all your answers—or work hard and get very few.
Jennifer Hough
Embracing Fat During Pregnancy and Beyond: Essential Fatty Acids
Filed Under Fitmom Wellness | Leave a Comment
Fatty acids are simply components of fats. There are three essential fatty acids (EFAs). Essential means your body needs these for proper function. The two below need to be included in your diet because your body cannot manufacture them.
• The first is alpha-linolenic acid (LNA or ALA), from the omega-3 family of fatty acids.
· Found in flax (abundantly), and in small quantities in walnuts, cold pressed canola oil, wheat germ (the part taken out when making white flour), and dark green leafy vegetables (in tiny amounts)
• Linoleic acid (LA) is the other essential fatty acid, belonging to the omega-6 family of fatty acids.
· Found abundantly in soy oil, sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, tahini, corn oil, and in most nuts.
There exist also other (non-essential) fatty acids, which your body can manufacture from the two essential ones.
• Non-essential omega-3 fatty acids include DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), which the body makes from ALA (the omega-3 essential fatty acid). You may have heard about fish oil and omega-3 fats. Oily cold-water fish and algae contains good amounts of DHA and EPA. Infants and children need DHA for proper brain growth from their diet (and breast milk can have a lot of it!), so in that sense we could classify DHA as an essential fat for children.
• Non-essential omega-6 fatty acids include AA (arachidonic acid) and GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), which your body makes from LA (the omega-6 essential fatty acid).
Does a woman need more EFAs during pregnancy/breastfeeding?
Yes. The brain is over 60% fat and very rich in both omega-3 and omega-6 EFA derivatives, so the baby needs EFAs for brain development and brain function. These are drawn from the mother’s body during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
So during pregnancy and breastfeeding, the mother gets depleted of essential fatty acids, especially the omega-3 fatty acids. Each child gets less EFAs than the previous child, depleting the mother even further, UNLESS the mother augments her diet with EFAs like flax oil, oily fish, or DHA/EPA from algae (a good vegan source).
This depletion of the mother’s EFA stores for baby’s brain building can explain why younger children have more developmental and behavioral problems than older children, especially if the children are born close together. It also can explain why women experience far more depression, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue, and more inflammatory, autoimmune, and collagen diseases than men.
Cheers,
Andrea Page
Sources
Dr. David William’s Alternatives Newsletter September 1999 issue
Udo Erasmus: Fats that Heal Fats that Kill
FAQ of Essential fats, oil processing, good fats, trans fats, etc. from Udoerasmus.com
Humans Turn omega-3 fatty acid ALA to omega-3 fatty acids EPA/DHA (Fish Oil) by Udo Erasmus
The Human Brain — Essential fatty acids
Fats for Health.com — Your source for Essential Fatty Acid Information and News
Making a Connection
Filed Under Natural Goddess | Leave a Comment
The other day a friend told me a story that blew my socks off! She was going through the check-out counter and the cashier remarked my friend must be eating “the new way.”
My friend is vegan and tends to purchase very few pre-packaged foods. That day she was buying fruits, vegetables, rice, and various other non-packaged items. When my friend asked the cashier what she meant, the cashier replied that she had only ever eaten food out of a box before. Wow, I though to myself, I can’t imagine having never eaten real food before!
So as I have gone about my normal everyday routines the past couple of weeks since hearing this story, I have noticed that much of what we do every day creates a disconnection with other people, the Earth, and our own selves. Many of us drive our cars everywhere, exercise too little, eat too little real food, and don’t make enough time to talk to each other.
Try making eye contact with a total strange some day and saying “Hi” as you pass them on the street. See what happens.
I think it is time we all brought more of a connection back into our lives and slowed everything down. So as an experiment, see how it feels to walk barefoot on real earth or grass.
Cook a whole meal from scratch using real ingredients like fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats.
Let down your guard long enough to say a few words to the cashier at your grocery store or coffee shop.
Take time to really listen to your friend or spouse when they are telling you about their day.
Set aside one day where you don’t use the TV or computer—read a book, go outside for a walk, or play a board game instead!
Do a few minutes of yoga, Thai Chi or meditation.
If we really want to make this world a better place, it will start with our own individual actions because we are all responsible for how we treat ourselves, each other, and the Earth. So, take time to find a connection. You might be surprised how good it feels to slow down and really live!
Jane Large
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